Beruwala Travel Forum

Hi there

I am really into the idea of visiting Sri Lanka as it looks so amazing but I am wondering if it is safe for me to travel alone with my 7 year old daughter. Although we would be hotel based I like getting out and about when I'm away (what's the point if you dont??) and would be using public transport/taxis etc.
Any thoughts gratefully recieved!!

Srilanka is one place I would avoid , would suggest visit India . A lot is on in Srilanka with the LTTE stuff so beware.

Hiya Louisa

As Rajeev says, India is a fascinating country and there has been increased terrorist activity in Sri Lanka this year (although its been quieter in the last few weeks) but tourists are not and never have been a target in Sri Lanka and if you avoid the north and east of the Island you should have a wonderful and safe holiday. I returned after a month of touring Sri Lanka by public transport in July, I had a great time and am planning my next trip in December. My friends daughter also recently spent a month in Sri Lanka as part of a school trip, she also had a great time and has fallen in love with the Island. These are just examples of many thousands of tourists who have hassle free holidays Sri Lanka.

There are precautions in every county on earth (including the UK) that women travellers should take like good planning, allowing plenty of time for your journey, not travelling at night and stuff but that is just common sense anywhere. I think it was Marco Polo who described Sri Lanka as The finest island of its size in all the world and I agree, it is different and sometimes hard work but there is nowhere better for the independent traveller.

Read through some of the tips on VT members Sri Lanka pages and if you have any more questions come back and we will do our best to give you an honest answer.

Regards

Mark

Hiya Mark

Thanks very much for your info - much appreciated!

Louisa

Hi there

Thanks for your thoughts

Louisa

Hi Louisa

I would 100% endorse what Mark has said here, you and your daughter will be just fine, i have been to Sri Lanka many times, just like Mark, and i have never felt in any danger at all.
Please DO IGNORE what the other person has said, he is obvioulsy living in a different world, maybe cloud cuckoo land?

Depending on where you will be staying, i can let you have the contact details of a very decent man who can act as a driver / guide for you if you want travel and see more of this fab country.

Regards
Dave

Thanks David - very reassuring as I have read many of your postings and so can tell you are well placed to give me advice. Thanks for the offer of help - at the moment am just thinking about travels for next year!! We went to Cuba a few months ago so my finances cant stretch to anything else this year - but my feet are getting itchy!!

Will keep reading the forum as I am pretty sure SL will be my next destination - and to think I only went abroad for the first time 3 years ago- I only wish I had started years ago!

Best wishes
Louisa

Hi Louisa

I also went to Cuba last year (Neices wedding), and loved it there too, actually Cuba and Sri Lanka are quite a lot alike in many respects, so i think that you will love it there too, and flying time is about the same too.
We went to Cayo Coco, well thats how i think its spelt, lovely, but a little too isolated for me, so if i go back, then would go to Varadeo i think.
There is another site you may like to try for ideas on Sri Lanka, and that is as follows:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293961-Sri_Lanka-Vacations.html

There is likely to be a much wider range of topics there, as more people seem to use it, my id on there, is Travellerguy, so keep an eye open for me there too.

Regards
Dave

Hi Dave

We went to Guardalavaca - the other end from Varadero - very lush, beautiful countryside, fantastic beaches, and not as remote as the Cayo's. The only regret I have is that we didn't manage to go to Havana - I guess that means we'll have to go back one day!!

Thanks for the info!!

best regards
Louisa

Sri Lanka is not Cuba.
Sri Lanka is not India.

If your daughter likes sunshine, swimming pools, and fresh fruit, then I think that your daughter would like Sri Lanka.