Jean Valjean

We also thought about it for a while, but finally decided that we ARE going to Cancun during October... (ok, not Europe, but hey, its travelling )

Lee

All of these postings were great to read. I respect everyones opinions. You have to do what is right for you...and that differs from person to person. I am in the same position as alot of you....my husband doesnt want to go to Greece in a week...I still do. <BR>Our dream trip may be a bit subdued, but life does go on and I believe that all of the people that were lost in last weeks tragedy would want us to all continue to live our lives to the fullest. <BR>The best of luck to all of you. Just be truly happy with the decisions you make. No regrets.

John G

If I were stuck in Florence, I would hole up at the Savoy Hotel with a case of Bollinger Grande Anee 1990 and take my fax and phone off the hook. Then I would fill my tub up with lavanda bagnoschiuma from Officina Profumo Santa Maria Novella and listen to Le Nozze di Figaro until I blacked out. Ciao, John G

Pamela

I think it depends on how much you want to put your family and loved ones through at this time worrying about you. <BR>It has only been a week since the disaster, who knows what is the next step in their plans for us? <BR>Someone is making the plans right now and we arent even aware of how or who. <BR> <BR>What is the rush to travel for pleasure? I am afraid we are all a little obsessed with pleasure travel, as if that is the most important thing. <BR> <BR>If it is going to leave my LOVED ones in a state of turmoil like some LOVED ones in NYC are right now, I won't go now.

JB

And she says this on a travel board. Dang right we're obsessed with pleasure travel! And to be honest, I'm guessing my family probably worried about me BEFORE this all happened. <BR>And certainly I won't sit at home wondering what "they" have planned, since I'll probably end up dying by tripping over my own shoelace and falling into the street while I'm looking the wrong way in London. Or in front of my own house. Each is as equally plausible. So should I not go to professional baseball games since "they" might next plan to bomb the stadium? Or if maybe I just type all my indignations in CAPITALS I will be safe from THEM? Is that IT? Just a little self-JUSTIFICATION? And I do have a son. And I will teach him to go out into the world to be strong and brave and to be in control of his own destiny and not be a hostage of anybody. Not even somebody I type in CAPITALS. Because to me, that is what life is about. Love, live, laugh...make the most of it, because tomorrow you may not be able to. Don't sit at home in the closet counting all of the days that you have left to MAYBE laugh, 'cuz chances are THEY will bomb your closet! <BR> <BR>Okay, that said, kudos to all the regulars on this board because I have made 3 whole posts today and I feel like I've been on this thing all day! (Said son is sick with the flu so I've been home with him today.) How DO you all do it?

Linda McIlwain

Hi Meg <BR>My husband and I are planning to go to Rome, Venice, and Florence 10-6 to 10-28. I am very reluctant to go now and want to postpone until next year but my husband thinks we should go and take advantage of possibly reduced crowds. We are yet to make hotel reservations for Venice an Florence because I am so undecided. <BR>United Airlines told us we would have to pay $75 to reinstate our miles but we keep our tickets and rebook for next year with no extra charge. <BR>

Lara

Bridget--I hear you...I am also getting married on October 6th, and WILL be flying out for our honeymoon on the 7th. We are flying to paris and then going to rome by train, then working our way back to paris. Here's my thoughts: even though I respect anyone's decision to stay home, I refuse to start this exciting, new stage of my life with my new husband being scared. Plus...even though the initial shock is still stinging, what makes everyone so sure that it will be so much better in the next year? The more I learn, the more I realize that our nation does not seem to be acting rashly, nor do we expect to have anyting resolved anytime soon. Nor do we know exactly who/when/how we will attack. In my opinion, I don't think it will be like anything we've seen before. It could be that things could be worse later, and then everyone will say "Oh, I'll go NEXT year.....and then NEXT year." This whole situation is not going to go away next month , or next year, or even longer....who knows? <BR> <BR>That said, it is my opinion that we should not alter our plans, or we may never get to have a honeymoon, or our 1st trip to Europe. It seems to me that right now, the world (with exception to a few nations) has opened their arms to americans like they never have before, and I actually think it may be a great time to travel. Yes, we are taking the chance that "something" will happen while we are there and could get stuck. But I can't think of a better place to be stuck: on my honeymoon in paris and Italy. <BR>&lt;sigh&gt; <BR> <BR>Oh how I wish that these terrible events would just disappear... <BR> <BR>God Bless, everyone. And may we continue on so that our way of life remains standing! <BR> <BR>Boy, did I ramble, or what??? <BR>

Pamela

JB, what gives you the idea that your son has control of his destiny when it comes to terrorists? <BR>I have a right to my opinion as well as you do to yours. Go ahead and travel, I don't even know you or anything about your life. Don't take these threads personally.

Susan

Bridget and Lara (the future honeymooners), I hope you both go on your trips. Jean (the one who says the world should stop if we're at war), should we also stop celebrating the birth of a baby, stop falling in love, stop planting flowers in our garden, stop taking pleasure in frolicking children? Life must go on. People will get married, have children, get sick, get well, have fears, have hopes and have fun. That doesn't diminish the sacrifices of our fellow man. If we let all the joys of life be suffocated in that black cloud over the New York skyline then we are all lost. Hope is the antidote to fear.

CJ

I have a business trip to Paris November 9th. I bought tickets for my husband, 1 year old daughter, and our nanny, and I was getting so excited -- before the attacks, of course. We have not made our final decision, but I think we are going to cancel. My daughter's wellbeing is essentially in my hands, and she leads a relatively risk-free life --playing in her room, going to the park, etc. I don't feel right about exposing her to the risks of flying, risks in a big, foreign city like Paris, etc. I also don't want to take a trip without her since I am still nursing, and she is so young. I believe we will be in a full scale war by early November, and as others have said, I don't think I could enjoy myself while our troops are suffering. If we go anywhere in the next year, we are considering locations in the U.S., like Hawaii, to invest in our own country. <BR> <BR>As for the honeymooners, the decision is of course up to you, but I would go if I were you. If you put it off, you may never go -- and this should be a memorable time of your lives. My reasons for leaning towards cancelling really stem from the fact that I am now a mother.

CJ

Forgot to add that I am also concerned about the fact that it is likely that there are still many terrorist cells in our country, and that once the war is underway, there will be further retaliations. Even though the next plan may not involve hijacking, it may involve blowing up an airport, for example. Bin Laden allegedly had two separate plans in place to blow up the American Embassy in Paris, and LAX. I feel safer during these trying times in my office, or at home on the couch, hugging my little daughter.

sad

My husband and I have a trip scheduled to depart with a major tour group Sept. 30. I want to defy terrorists... I want to fly the flag... am not afraid to fly or travel. BUT... although we live in an unaffected part of Manhattan, I can't get my head around leaving town on a pleasure trip when 5000 souls are still downtown in the rubble. Called the tour group today. Position is: either you go.. or forfeit the entire price of the trip. No offers of rescheduling etc. I understand that a situation like this could cause major business losses.... but stilll....

Linda

I sympathize - I am leaving for Paris on Mon. for ten days. My friend cannot bring herself to travel. I think the world is as safe now as it will be in Oct, Nov, etc/ I cannot let this attack paralize me with fear - tho it took me until last night to feel really happy about going again. I think you have to look at your anxiety level and go with your instinct - why go if you will be afarid of everything? why not go if you may be able to get away from the tv and the newspaper for a while - it will be good for your soul - the Europeans are embracing Americans in their sorrow. Dont let the terrorists paralyze you.

sad

yes... we agree on so many things. But at such a time shouldn't corporate policy be more flexible. So far, all my personal stories are of those who escaped....but being a Manhattanite for 40 years... well... Guess I'll just have to kiss $8000 bucks goodbye. Small potatoes when one concentrates on the carnage.

Gigi

Dear Sad, <BR>I feel so sorry for you. I feel just as you, right now. I don't want to go on my trip either. And you, so close to it all. I shall think of you, and hope your healing can start. <BR>Blessings, <BR>Gigi

Sally

My husband,I, and another couple were to leave for a three week vacation in Italy on Sept. 26. We would have still gone, but the other couple (the wife especially) we concerned about getting stranded in a foreign country, and was concerned because of ther children here at home. We did dot try to change their minds as each has to make their own choice based on what is right for them. <BR> We could have gone without them, but these are best friends since childhood and the trip for us would not have been the same. We will do this trip in the future. <BR> As for now, my husband and I are going to take three weeks and drive from Cleveland to California..we are calling it our "See America trip". Hope it will give us a chance to reflect and be glad we live in America!

Janine

I have and continue to agonise over this decision. I am scheduled to fly in two weeks time. At this point, it seems 90% likely that I will not travel now - for all the reasons that people have already given. I do not believe we have seen the end of this conflict by a long way, and I just don't see how I could enjoy my trip when there is so much turmoil going on in the world. <BR>It is difficult to put all my arrangements aside, but I will still go at some time next year when things settle down. Although I realise there will never be a guarantee of being completely safe. For all of you who do go ahead with their plans now, I wish you safe travels.

Carolyn Vigil

Dear Jean, <BR> America is a free country. Comparing our recent tragic events to other less fortunate countries in constant warfare with each other is a harse statement. <BR> We all have stood up and fought for our freedom and shared it with many foreigners. <BR> Unfortunately, terrorist do not practice global peace and expect all to fear and succumb to their evil behavior. <BR> I may not be around when my vacation date is rescheduled for next Spring. <BR> Therefore, our trip to Ireland will continue as planned. <BR> Being a truama ICU nurse makes me appreciate my own life, everyday. <BR> My only regret is that I don't want to be so far from my family. <BR> They say to go and enjoy our lives and freedom that our country has worked hard to earn and keep. <BR> God bless America <BR>

Mary

It's been really helpful to read everyone's thoughts on what to do. We are leaving next week for Italy--after much agonizing on my part about continuing on (mainly due to my fear of flying). All of our grown children think we should. We will often think of the good people who perished. As I often think of my parents who have passed away. Our vacation will not be as lighthearted as before. But the cathedrals and the great art and the beauty of the world will perhaps be even more meaningful to us. Life is short and there is much that is good and beautiful and worthwhile in the world. <BR>God Bless America--and good people everywhere.