If you have young children do you think its safe to holiday in Portugal.?

Question

Because of the disappearance of Madeleine
would you want to take yr children on holiday to Portugal. If so why?

Answer 1

We spent 2 months in Portugal with our 3 small children, and we found it to be not only safe, but also, the Portuguese are extremely tolerant of children. On several occasions, our youngest who is 2, would make a fuss over something, and right away, people would come over and talk to him, try to play, etc... With that said, you can not EVER leave your child alone for even a minute!!! Not just there, but anywhere. Our world, unfortunately has become this way, and we as parents must show all those predators out there that we will not allow them to get our children! Portugal is such a lovely country, so full of history and there are so many child-friendly sites to visit.

Answer 2

In yesterday's Observer and today's Evening Standard, more realities came to light. Apparently, a large group of doctors went out together, all leaving their children behind. Although the articles did not say that other doctors left their children alone in their apartments, it implied that others did. Another fact that has now become apparent is that the window shutters were not broken, but merely open. Since the window was not broken, it would appear that it also was not locked. It has even been hinted that the door(s) were left unlocked. It would have been impossible to see the apartment from the bar (and it is a bar, not a restaurant in the traditional sense). The building, yes, but not the apartment, since the apartment is on the opposite (street) side of the building. Not only is there no line of sight, the bar is 200 yards away, not 40 or 50 yards as previously reported. A ten minute sprint, probably, but ten minutes is all it takes. The apartment is on the ground floor, directly backing on to a car park, which is directly on the public street. More than one of the eye witnesses claims that the McCanns only checked on their children once between 8 and 10pm, at around 9pm. Finally, the Portuguese papers are reporting that this was not the first time the McCanns left their children in the apartment alone when they went out. They imply this was a nightly occurrence. This may be why the police claimed that the likely perpetrator had been watching the McCanns' habitual movements throughout their holiday. It would be less likely that someone with his/her eye on the little girl would be brave enough to snatch her if they didn't notice that the parents went to the bar night after night. Some of the people who work for the resort speculate that the McCanns may even have some idea who the kidnapper is, i.e. noticed someone being overly attentative towards the child. No doubt the British police who have joined the Portuguese police will investigate the matter thoroughly and professionally, and I believe when all is said and done a lot of other revelations will come to light. I am not one of those overly-protective types, and I feel that it's fine for 8 or 9 year olds to play together with minimal supervision in daylight hours. But even then, I would make damn sure there were lifeguards at that beach, because even at 9, and in broad daylight, a child can find himself in a situation where he needs adult assistance. It is unimaginable to me, though, to leave 18-month-old twins and a 3 year old toddler alone in a holiday apartment for 5 minutes, much less 2 hours. The British press have somehow managed to convince a good proportion of the public that the second-worst part about the incident (after the disappearance of the child) is the way the police have handled the investigation. I say, "No", the next worst part is how successful career couples seem to put their needs (to de-stress and enjoy themselves on holiday) before the most fundamental need of any parent - to nurture and safeguard their own offspring.

Answer 3

We have just come back from a 2 week stay in Portugal (Praia DA Rocha) which I think is a couple of resorts away from where Maddie was. Of course it is safe! It is as safe as going anywhere in Europe We had a lovely time. Our children are grown now - 23 and 21 - but we would never have left them alone. Having said that a lot of people do and Maddie's parents Will never forgive themselves for this so I don't see the point in people going on about it. We visited Portimao, Alvor and Lagos - All really quite close to Luz but never saw any publicity whatsoever for Maddie, I hope so much she is found soon.

Answer 4

Portugal is one of the safest parts of Europe and child friendly so I would happily take a child there.

The problem in the Madeleine case lies in the media. Almost every thing is speculation, guesswork or plain lies designed to sell newspapers. Portuguese law doesn't help. By gagging people they just encourage speculation.

Surely if the police had any credible evidence that the parents were guilty of an offence surely they would not have been permitted to leave the country.

Ian M

Answer 5

Kids go missing all the time, it's only because the McCanns have embraced celebrity that Portugal is highlighted. I just returned from 2 weeks in Crete where my four year old was with me all the time. When you go to Continental Europe kids are fussed over and you get even better attention. You can sit after a meal and have a glass of wine or two and no one bothers. Their is no need to leave your kids with a babysitter or to drug them in order to relax! With much respect to the grieving parents, it would be healthier if they took a good long look at themselves and accepted their responsibility for their actions on the night and dealt with the guilt they are working hard to suppress.

Answer 6

I took my young Daughter to Portugal and it's a beautiful & perfectly safe place if you are a responsable parent-the reason that child was taken is because her parents left her unattended which is a ridiculous thing to do-it wasn't a case of location but simply bad parenting!

Answer 7

I think since the disappearance of Madeline, there is probably noplace safer than Portugal now, sadly.

Also, sadly, children go missing from everywhere.

Answer 8

if i did have children i would definitly consider taking them to Portugal! i would never leave young children in an apartment on their own to begin with anyway!

Answer 9

i do think its safe you just got to keep an eye on the kids but i do this all the time any way no matter what country I'm in

Answer 10

I wouldn't say that at all. I suppose, wherever you go you need to watch your childs safety anyway. No matter where you take them, there will always be danger lurking around every corner. =]