Travel to Libya

[Malandro]

Has anyone traveled to Libya in recent times? Is it a viable holiday destination? What are the prices like and is it possible to go independently or failing that can anyone recommend a travel company?

[CheekyChops]

I don't fancy it after reading what the Foreign Office advise! See here!

[squarebear]

I can't see why anyone would want to holiday in a warzone.

[Malandro]

Libya is not a warzone - but thanks for your answer

[puzzled54]

Think some of the 'adventure holiday ' companies have trips to Libya - try exploreworldwide or exodus.

[KARL]

Libya is little known to most Europeans and even less well understood. I lived and worked there for several years some time back and can tell you truthfully that Libyans behaved better toward me than my English employers and superiors. The country is largely desert but has Roman ruins that are (or at least were) among the very best around. The desert itself is something quite special and a very impressive experience. I understand that their government has allowed limited tourism but I have no knowledge of how well organised such tours are. During my time there there were severe shortages of everything down to toilet paper but I understand that is a thing of the past. If you do go there I think it will certainly prove memorable.

[KARL]

I have just noticed the links that come up to the right of this thread: www.simoontravel.com; Telegraph.co.uk/Travel/Libya; Expedia.co.uk/Tripoli_Libya_ There will no doubt be others.

[squarebear]

I certainly think it will be memorable!

There is a general threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

You should take sensible precautions for your personal safety and avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. You should follow news reports and be alert to developments in Libya and the Middle East that might trigger public disturbances.

[JonnoGenie]

I've heard it is fantatistic, best Roman ruins in the world.

Going there is no wilder than going to Indochina 20 years ago.

Go for it!

[Marg0]

what do u look like? That is probably the most important question.

I have quite dark hair and tan easily. My mum is blonde. I pointed this out to her when she asked if she could come visit (I probably go work there pretty soon). The less you can be identified by strangers as a westerner, the better. There is NO way I would go there on holiday. Far far too big a risk.

[KARL]

It is worth remembering that FO advice is framed to err on the "cautious" side anywhere that commercial interests don't object to an alarmist note. If British companies (especially large ones) have large numbers of British employees in the country concerned then the FO is unlikely to sound concerned because that would mean the same companies would have to pay big money to get people to stay or else ship them out (I have personal experience of this sort of thing and we all felt the cynicism). Once a country becomes a pariah no holds are barred. Does the FO issue advice on travelling to Britain where the official risk index for a terrorist attack (somewhere in the country) is, what is it....high or some such thing ? I know people who shudder at the thought of travelling out from their country - they make their choice, you make yours and I make mine.

[Marg0]

to a point, yep. The foreign office also has part of the responsibility to get you out when the sh!t hits the fan, the more they can control this by giving out warnings, the better. They can also be sued if they say it's safe when they knew it clearly wasn't. Some scheming involved, but I doubt it's the guiding force.