Cancel trip to Japan?
Mar 19th, 2011, 08:33 AM
#82
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Mara the thread was shorter yesterday when I posted the link on this forum. I am sorry I didn't want to get your hopes up, I just wanted to let you know a refund was a possibility, at least at that time. Shame on AA for changing that.
The situation is bad enough, thousands of lives lost, many people forced to move to shelters, extensive damage, and all the airines can do is capitalize on the situation. (AFAIK, none of the airlines have had special fares for those wanting to leave Japan, some airlines do not have any rebooking/refund policies for customers holding tickets to Japan, etc).
HT, great point about looting, I too was discussing the subject recently and inspite of somepeople having lost everything there is no looting, can't say the same would be the case had the earthquake and tsunami happened elsewhere. Japan is a haven, I can travel there without fear of pickpockets, scams, touts, food poisioning, etc. I hope things improve for the Japanese people, they have always been wonderful hosts when I've visited their country.
The situation is bad enough, thousands of lives lost, many people forced to move to shelters, extensive damage, and all the airines can do is capitalize on the situation. (AFAIK, none of the airlines have had special fares for those wanting to leave Japan, some airlines do not have any rebooking/refund policies for customers holding tickets to Japan, etc).
HT, great point about looting, I too was discussing the subject recently and inspite of somepeople having lost everything there is no looting, can't say the same would be the case had the earthquake and tsunami happened elsewhere. Japan is a haven, I can travel there without fear of pickpockets, scams, touts, food poisioning, etc. I hope things improve for the Japanese people, they have always been wonderful hosts when I've visited their country.
Mar 19th, 2011, 08:33 AM
#83
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Mara the thread was shorter yesterday when I posted the link on this forum. I am sorry I didn't want to get your hopes up, I just wanted to let you know a refund was a possibility, at least at that time. Shame on AA for changing that.
The situation is bad enough, thousands of lives lost, many people forced to move to shelters, extensive damage, and all the airines can do is capitalize on the situation. (AFAIK, none of the airlines have had special fares for those wanting to leave Japan, some airlines do not have any rebooking/refund policies for customers holding tickets to Japan, etc).
HT, great point about looting, I too was discussing the subject recently and inspite of somepeople having lost everything there is no looting, can't say the same would be the case had the earthquake and tsunami happened elsewhere. Japan is a haven, I can travel there without fear of pickpockets, scams, touts, food poisioning, etc. I hope things improve for the Japanese people, they have always been wonderful hosts when I've visited their country.
The situation is bad enough, thousands of lives lost, many people forced to move to shelters, extensive damage, and all the airines can do is capitalize on the situation. (AFAIK, none of the airlines have had special fares for those wanting to leave Japan, some airlines do not have any rebooking/refund policies for customers holding tickets to Japan, etc).
HT, great point about looting, I too was discussing the subject recently and inspite of somepeople having lost everything there is no looting, can't say the same would be the case had the earthquake and tsunami happened elsewhere. Japan is a haven, I can travel there without fear of pickpockets, scams, touts, food poisioning, etc. I hope things improve for the Japanese people, they have always been wonderful hosts when I've visited their country.
Mar 19th, 2011, 08:53 AM
#84
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RJames - I called AA last night after I found some other link on their own website and I was told I can get a refund to my cc.
However, I am still planning to go as of this moment.
I live near the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn NY and it just crawls with tourists. A few minutes ago I was crossing the street and saw an Asian guy with orange dyed hair. I started a conversation and turns out he is visiting here from Tokyo. In my broken Japanese I told him when and where I was going and he seemed to think it was fine - not that I am relying on some guy I met in the street ;-) but it was nice to get an ordinary Japanese person's viewpoint....
A little OT but some phone companies - mine is one - are giving free calls to Japan.....
However, I am still planning to go as of this moment.
I live near the Brooklyn Bridge in Brooklyn NY and it just crawls with tourists. A few minutes ago I was crossing the street and saw an Asian guy with orange dyed hair. I started a conversation and turns out he is visiting here from Tokyo. In my broken Japanese I told him when and where I was going and he seemed to think it was fine - not that I am relying on some guy I met in the street ;-) but it was nice to get an ordinary Japanese person's viewpoint....
A little OT but some phone companies - mine is one - are giving free calls to Japan.....
Mar 19th, 2011, 09:40 AM
#85
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I am still on the fence. I keep waiting for some definitive information about the nuclear issue, any kind of change or improvement which will help me decide and so far it has not been forthcoming.
HT, thanks for your thoughts on this. I could not agree with you more, and if we do go, it will be for all the wonderful reasons you mentioned.
HT, thanks for your thoughts on this. I could not agree with you more, and if we do go, it will be for all the wonderful reasons you mentioned.
Mar 19th, 2011, 10:34 AM
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HT- I hope you don't mind, but I re-posted your thoughts on travel to Japan on my blog's Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/wired2theworld
It's been difficult to answer our friend's claims that we are either crazy or selfish to continue to consider going on our trip and I thought your words so eloquently expressed how we felt about going to Japan right now. Thank you.
It's been difficult to answer our friend's claims that we are either crazy or selfish to continue to consider going on our trip and I thought your words so eloquently expressed how we felt about going to Japan right now. Thank you.
Mar 19th, 2011, 10:37 AM
#87
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HT and others on this forum- you helped me with my plans to travel in few a weeks to Yokohama, Hakone and Kamakura.
I agree HT that it would be an important step towards recovery for Japan to maintain their visitors industry to the parts of the country which were not directly affected.
It's true that every area is affected directly or indirectly with rolling outages, supplies, altered train schedules, etc.
It's true the mood may be somber.
My plan is to ask the owners of the establishments we are visiting whether they recommend we come. If they says yes, I have full confidence that we should go.
Kim Japan, do you think this sounds reasonable ?
I agree HT that it would be an important step towards recovery for Japan to maintain their visitors industry to the parts of the country which were not directly affected.
It's true that every area is affected directly or indirectly with rolling outages, supplies, altered train schedules, etc.
It's true the mood may be somber.
My plan is to ask the owners of the establishments we are visiting whether they recommend we come. If they says yes, I have full confidence that we should go.
Kim Japan, do you think this sounds reasonable ?
Mar 19th, 2011, 10:51 AM
#88
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kristina, here are some typical street photos taken yesterday by a foreigner living in Tokyo. He has posted other snapshots at night showing establishments still open but have cut back on lighting, and stores shelves still well stocked with goods, although rice, bread, and toilet paper sell out quickly every morning (due to hoarding). I thought these photos give a more real view than the news coverage which often is too sensationalized.
http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/260...vacuation.html
http://www.dannychoo.com/post/en/260...vacuation.html
Mar 19th, 2011, 11:51 AM
#90
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http://donotstuck.blogspot.com/
Okoshi2002 - I guess you know there are some issues with travel in the greater Tokyo area - above link seems to be a good listing that's frequently updated....of course there is more info if you can read the Japanese websites....
Plus Japan-guide does more general updates:
http://www.japan-guide.com/news/0018.html
Okoshi2002 - I guess you know there are some issues with travel in the greater Tokyo area - above link seems to be a good listing that's frequently updated....of course there is more info if you can read the Japanese websites....
Plus Japan-guide does more general updates:
http://www.japan-guide.com/news/0018.html
Mar 19th, 2011, 03:47 PM
#91
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Thanks HT!
We were feeling a little "guilty" I guess but do see your point. We will now be altering our June trip to include the southern island of Kyushu instead of our planned time up in Tohoku. We watch and pray for a safe outcome for all the people of Japan.
We were feeling a little "guilty" I guess but do see your point. We will now be altering our June trip to include the southern island of Kyushu instead of our planned time up in Tohoku. We watch and pray for a safe outcome for all the people of Japan.
Mar 19th, 2011, 07:59 PM
#92
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I've been following this thread--as have so many, I'm sure--but I don't know/remember when different posters have trips planned. I also think HT's perspective is to be commended--and would have agreed wholeheartedly until this evening. We just came back from dinner at our favorite Japanese restaurant in Manhattan and a long conversation with one of the owners. She usually spends half the year in Japan,half here; her brother who lives in the south of Japan, has advised her not to plan on coming for at least a couple of weeks until it's clearer how things settle out. Apparently the aftershocks are starting to affect areas south of Tokyo and are "moving south". I've seen/heard nothing about this in the news here, but she watches the Japanese network and is in regular touch with her family in Japan.
The other owner just left for Tokyo but will be returning Tuesday, and will be able to confirm more immediately what makes sense for travel plans.
The other owner just left for Tokyo but will be returning Tuesday, and will be able to confirm more immediately what makes sense for travel plans.
Mar 20th, 2011, 04:46 AM
#93
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My husband's company cancelled his upcoming May trip to Tokyo. He visits about once every two years on business and the advice was to wait until things have stabilized and the availability of consumables has increased for the citizens of Japan before venturing there. At that time, Japan will welcome visitors again. Right now is just not the time.
He was sent this link this morning:
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/20/in..._lnk1%7C206726
If even 10% of this report is accurate, it is compelling in its portrayal of a country in great crisis that is widespread, far-reaching, and immediate.
Prayers to all who are affected.
He was sent this link this morning:
http://www.aolnews.com/2011/03/20/in..._lnk1%7C206726
If even 10% of this report is accurate, it is compelling in its portrayal of a country in great crisis that is widespread, far-reaching, and immediate.
Prayers to all who are affected.
Mar 20th, 2011, 05:47 PM
#94
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Our relatives have asked us NOT to come. They feel it is a difficult time to be in Japan and puts a burden on them as far as finding food (the shelves are often bare), transportation (many of the local lines are not running), electricity (my mother in law is without power 4-6 hours per day) and not wanting to be enjoying a vacation when so many are suffering. In addition, there are still aftershocks. Our trip was for April 17. So after much haggling on the phone, I did manage to get the supervisor at American Airlines to give us a TOTAL refund--Which I would like to say here how much I gratefully appreciate that.
Mar 21st, 2011, 03:49 PM
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I would only ask people to be practical. I know several posters are recommending trips to Japan on this forum as well as the japan-guide forum. I just cannot come to terms with visiting Japan and having a frolicking time while the country is mourning. And it doesn't matter whether you are visiting Western or Southern Japan. Cancel your trip (if it's a non-essential trip) so you do not strain the resources that the Japanese residents need.
If you really want to help Japan recover, donate your money to American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/). If you have already donated money, then donate the amount that you were planning on spending in Japan on your vacation. You can always make your Japan trip when things get to normal out there. This way, you will be helping the country twice over!
I wish for the safety and quick recovery of Japan and its residents.
If you really want to help Japan recover, donate your money to American Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/). If you have already donated money, then donate the amount that you were planning on spending in Japan on your vacation. You can always make your Japan trip when things get to normal out there. This way, you will be helping the country twice over!
I wish for the safety and quick recovery of Japan and its residents.
Mar 21st, 2011, 04:27 PM
#96
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Wow Dukkar, I sure wish I could donate $5k to Japan, but I gotta admit....I can't afford that kind of donation....
As I mentioned, I live in NY and lived here on 9/11 and we really had no problem at all with tourists coming to NY while we were in a state of shock. We were resentful of the ghoulish tragedy mongers, but by no means at all, did we feel resentment towards those who had travel plans here and were eating out and living their lives. It helped bring us back to normal.
As I mentioned, I live in NY and lived here on 9/11 and we really had no problem at all with tourists coming to NY while we were in a state of shock. We were resentful of the ghoulish tragedy mongers, but by no means at all, did we feel resentment towards those who had travel plans here and were eating out and living their lives. It helped bring us back to normal.
Mar 21st, 2011, 05:00 PM
#97
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I'm still waiting to see how things change there because my trip is not until next month. I won't be going if the situation at the nuclear power plant deteriorates.
It's an entirely <i>personal</i> decision and I certainly don't think less of anyone who chooses to go or not go.
However, I cannot see how my staying in a hotel room for which I've already paid, and eating out at restaurants which are suffering from a drop in business, is putting a strain on resources. People are canceling their trips in droves. What is going to happen to all the people who live in unaffected areas and depend on tourism for their livelihood?
I'm not going to gawk at the tsunami aftermath, take food out of the mouths of children, or beds from the elderly. I'm going to be a tourist. Perhaps my trip won't be "frolicking" but I will certainly appreciate every moment of it and I seriously doubt the residents of Tokyo and Kyoto will resent my presence there.
It's an entirely <i>personal</i> decision and I certainly don't think less of anyone who chooses to go or not go.
However, I cannot see how my staying in a hotel room for which I've already paid, and eating out at restaurants which are suffering from a drop in business, is putting a strain on resources. People are canceling their trips in droves. What is going to happen to all the people who live in unaffected areas and depend on tourism for their livelihood?
I'm not going to gawk at the tsunami aftermath, take food out of the mouths of children, or beds from the elderly. I'm going to be a tourist. Perhaps my trip won't be "frolicking" but I will certainly appreciate every moment of it and I seriously doubt the residents of Tokyo and Kyoto will resent my presence there.
Mar 21st, 2011, 06:13 PM
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I am just now joining the discussion although I have been following it from time to time. Kristina, I agree with you. I really do think that as long as we are sympathetic and respectful, there is nothing wrong with visiting and helping their economy by leaving our tourist money there.
My husband and I are supposed to go on Apr 7, 5 nights in Tokyo, then 5 nights in Kyoto. We have been seriously discussing postponing our long awaited trip to next April, but have yet to make the final decision. On one hand there seems to be improvement to the situation at the nuclear plants and signs that things are stabilizing and will slowly get back to normal enough for us outsiders not to know the difference (this is our first trip to Japan). On the other hand, how can we think of going when we see in the news that foreign goverments are sending special charter planes to evacuate their citizens. It would be silly of us to go to the very place that everyone else is trying to evacute. My husband still thinks that a lot can change (improve) in two weeks, especially with such industrious and determined people such as Japanese, but I am not so sure any more. I even tried to look into booking another trip some place else in the world, but just did not have the heart for it. If we don't go to Japan, we'll probably just shorten our vacation time and drive up to somewhere local for a few days just to relax.
BTW, if there is a silver lining in this tragedy, it's that I (along with everyone else I talk to) have developed a whole new level of respect and admiration for the japanese people - they are a true inspiration for the rest of the (sometimes self-absorbed) world! If anything, it makes me even more determined to want to visit this wondelful land as soon as possible.
My husband and I are supposed to go on Apr 7, 5 nights in Tokyo, then 5 nights in Kyoto. We have been seriously discussing postponing our long awaited trip to next April, but have yet to make the final decision. On one hand there seems to be improvement to the situation at the nuclear plants and signs that things are stabilizing and will slowly get back to normal enough for us outsiders not to know the difference (this is our first trip to Japan). On the other hand, how can we think of going when we see in the news that foreign goverments are sending special charter planes to evacuate their citizens. It would be silly of us to go to the very place that everyone else is trying to evacute. My husband still thinks that a lot can change (improve) in two weeks, especially with such industrious and determined people such as Japanese, but I am not so sure any more. I even tried to look into booking another trip some place else in the world, but just did not have the heart for it. If we don't go to Japan, we'll probably just shorten our vacation time and drive up to somewhere local for a few days just to relax.
BTW, if there is a silver lining in this tragedy, it's that I (along with everyone else I talk to) have developed a whole new level of respect and admiration for the japanese people - they are a true inspiration for the rest of the (sometimes self-absorbed) world! If anything, it makes me even more determined to want to visit this wondelful land as soon as possible.
Mar 21st, 2011, 06:29 PM
#99
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I spoke to my friend in Kyoto yesterday and she said life is normal there and sees no reason why I shouldn't visit. My friend in Hyogo prefecture is taking weekend day trips as usual and posted pictures of a little town's festival on her blog.
The rest of my trip is in Kyushu and from some reports I read online all is fine there.
I live in NYC and after 9/11 life did not stop for the living.
Of course, the area where the earthquake and tsunami hit the hardest may never get back to normal....and families and friends of the deceased and missing will never be the same either.
The rest of my trip is in Kyushu and from some reports I read online all is fine there.
I live in NYC and after 9/11 life did not stop for the living.
Of course, the area where the earthquake and tsunami hit the hardest may never get back to normal....and families and friends of the deceased and missing will never be the same either.
Mar 21st, 2011, 08:47 PM
#100
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No problem Kristina and thanks.
Mara, how apropos, and you will be there during the cherry blossoms which will have a special meaning this year. It will be a year when everyone remembers the fragility of the sakura and its true meaning....
Every time I am there during the Sakura I always hear Ken Watanabe's voice in my mind as I stare mesmerized at the blossoms.......<i>The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life</i>
Hoping this will be a special trip for you all.
Aloha!
Mara, how apropos, and you will be there during the cherry blossoms which will have a special meaning this year. It will be a year when everyone remembers the fragility of the sakura and its true meaning....
Every time I am there during the Sakura I always hear Ken Watanabe's voice in my mind as I stare mesmerized at the blossoms.......<i>The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life</i>
Hoping this will be a special trip for you all.
Aloha!
