I feel these youths, for the most part, saw an opportunity to rebel and take advantage of others so they jumped on it. That's not to say that they don't have some legitimate worries and complaints, especially concerning the recent austerity measures, but that in no way justifies destroying other people's property. I think they could have gotten their point across using more peaceful measures and been more likely to garner public sympathy.

Frankly, I wouldn't give a second thought to staying home. If the 9/11 hijackers and the 7/7 bombers can't keep me home, then certainly not some unruly youths. Something like this can happen in any city in any part of the world, so one just needs to stay alert, as they always should when travelling.

So to answer the question, "Should You Still Travel to London (or England?)"

Abso-bloody-lutely!

Listen, this type of event can happen anywhere in the United States, as well as anywhere else in the world. (Did you hear about the flash mobs in Philadelphia? Look it up.)

If you travel to England, just behave as you always should when visiting another city or country: keep your head up, stay alert and walk with a purpose.

If you spot trouble, don't be a dodo head and walk toward it. Turn around and walk away, quickly.

If these measures still don't make you feel confident, just be sure to stay in high traffic, high tourist areas like Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and Westminster. These are more likely to be well policed than quiet side streets.

Make sure you have some, if not all of the following numbers with you and use them if you find yourself in an emergency situation.

UK Police/Emergency: 999
American Embassy in London: 0207 499 9000
Operator Assistance: 100

(Of course, make sure you have a phone that works in the UK and know how to dial numbers there.)

If my advice still leaves you feeling unsettled, read what the American Embassy in London has to say.

The good news is that things seem to have settled down and hopefully the troubles have come to an end. Fingers crossed.

Final thoughts on this subject:

I lived in England in the late eighties when the Irish Republican Army was planting car bombs in London and blowing up rubbish bins in railway stations.

Still, I traveled there.

London is, in my opinion, the greatest city in the world but more likely for you, it will be near the top of your list of best places you have ever visited.

Don't let anyone take that experience away from you.

Happy travels,
Melissa

Melissa is an American with an insatiable appetite for all things British and currently studying European and British history as an undergraduate. She's also the mum of a Briton which makes her as pleased as Punch. She used to live in Great Britain and although she left years ago, Great Britain has never left her. Read more on her blog Smitten by Britain, the world's first blog for Britophiles.