This study explored the influence of the ‘proximity’ (defined as an attack on homeland soil) of a
terrorist attack upon the perceptions of international travel risk. Opportunity samples of US
(n=39) and UK (n=59) citizens responded to a questionnaire that sought their opinions on
international travel risk and the perceived safety of a set of vacation destinations. The study
found that while ‘proximity’ to a terrorist attack may increase the general negative perceptions of
the safety of international travel, when purpose of travel is for a vacation the influence of
‘proximity’ weakens. International vacation travel may therefore be particularly susceptible to
the influences of a terrorist attack, wherever the attack occurs. Differences in perceptions of
three vacation destinations (France, Spain and UK) between the US and UK respondents indicate
that variables other than proximity to attacks influence perceptions of the safety of vacation
destinations. Past experience of a destination and media coverage of the aftermath of terrorist
acts may better explain some of the recorded differences surrounding the three vacation
destinations.