The bombings in Madrid and London and ongoing articles in the press all raise some important issues about travel safety in today’s world, and specifically about Spain.

The bottom line question: Is Spain safe?  The answer depends on who you ask. But from a local resident who is closely involved with travel and with local life: Spain is as safe as anywhere in the western world these days:  quite safe but not 110% safe.

It looks like the world will have to get used to the idea that total safety no longer exists, at least for the foreseeable future.  While that is a scary idea, everyone should remember that staying safely at home does not necessarily decrease the risk factor, as shown by some of the victims in September 2001 and most of the victims in Madrid. 

Is travel safe in today's world? Perhaps travel is less safe than before the September 2001 attacks, but perhaps that is more an increased perception of risk than a true increase in risk: not even in the past has there been a true zero risk for anything, not even in your own home or your home city or town.

In response to that increase risk, percieved or real, in today's world travelers will have to upgrade their level of alertness, following the usual suggestions of blending in as much as possible, moving away from uncomfortable situations and avoiding huge masses of people.

Doing this without spoiling the whole experience of travel is tricky: many travelers will have to deal with an increased level of anxiety while away from home, when unfamiliar surroundings may set off warning bells before there is any real danger.  At those times, being in a small group of people accompanied by someone who knows the local culture can be a real advantage.

But while admitting that new level of perceived risk, let's not forget that travel is wonderful, a tool for forging understanding and respect between people.  Experiencing other cultures and getting to know different people can help erradicate fear, hate and misunderstanding.

Travel broadens our outlooks.    And ultimately, maybe travel can help promote world peace.