Supposed to leave Saturday evening for Ireland. Looking forward to going, but trip will certainly be bittersweet now.

We were supposed to leave this afternoon for Rome (from Boston), but have been re-scheduled for Sept 22. We are still going.

We are scheduled for a November 1 flight to Venice; if fact the travel agent notified me Sept 11 that she had booked our flights on Monday. We are still planning to go. I am determined not to be held hostage by fear. I'm sure I'll be a wreck on the flight but I won't live the rest of my life worrying about being a victim.

Despite the horrific events, I am still planning to fly from SFO - Newark - Munich for my much anticipated European excursion (and unfortuately, risking the return flight 3 weeks later from Newark-SFO). However, I won't be toasting my stein of bier at Oktoberfest with gaiety -- more of in sorrow for the tragedies.

My husband and I are planning to go to France next weekend. WE are to arrive in Paris on our one year wedding anniversary. He is French and I have never met his sisters! He has not seen them in 10 years.WE had weedings in both France & US last summer and so could not attend each others ceremonies. I am so looking forward to meeting them, but we are nervous. We plan to get to the airport way ahead of time and I will not be one one bit incovenience by the extra security, no curbside check in, etc. I would be more upset if it was business as usual. So we are going...

Elaine, <BR>In the summer I asked for info about Florence and Venice and you emailed me your files. It was so helpful. I will be thinking about you as you travel to Italy. Have a wonderful trip. <BR>Ciao, <BR>Lanie

I'm still going on my first trip to Europe on October 2nd. Life is a constant series of risks and this is just another one. <BR>

I'm scheduled to leave for Ireland in just over four weeks. At this time I'm still planning on going, but I'm keeping a close eye on the political situation. I'm fully prepared to cancel if need be--but terrorists haven't kept me out of the skies yet. However like everyone else, I'm having a hard time being excited about this trip....

I was supposed to leave on Sept. 12 to CDG for a 4 week / 4 country vacation. Since the airlines canceled my flight, I was given a full refund for my ticket. Also the majority of prepurchased airline and theater tickets were fully refunded. I have only one airlines (Buzz) to deal with that refuses to refund my $$, but thankfully my credit card company says they will dispute the charges due to recent events. <BR> <BR>While I am disappointed about canceling my long awaited vacation, I know that Europe and my friends there will always be there for me to visit in the near future when things are less tense. <BR> <BR>For those of you that will be traveling on to Europe, I sincerely hope that you experience a wonderful time and have a safe return home.

I am scheduled to fly to Vienna October 11th and then was supposed to get to Sofia, Bulgaria from there, either plane or train and then from Bulgaria to the Greek Islands and flying back to the states from Athens. I'm not so concerned about flying as I am about being targeted as americans and what military action will be taken. Still haven't decided what to do yet. I guess it depends on what countries people are going to.

Plan to travel to Turkey, Oct. 5th. Have very mixed feelings. Anyone else going to Turkey in the near future???

I'm scheduled to fly from Atlanta to CDG on Wed and if the planes are flying, I am going!! This may be my last chance for a while and I have a bunch of francs from my last trip that are burning a whole in my pocket. I'll do my part to keep the airlines flying. Safe journies to all who go. Peg

My wife and I are scheduled to leave for our 2 week Honeymoon in Greece, Sunday night at 9pm. I have seen several people debating trips that are weeks away. How would you feel about traveling so soon over seas? What if war breaks out in the next week?

We are going to Paris from LA in early october and, like all you, have been debating whether or not to go. I have read over the State Dept.'s take on this and they do not advise against overseas travel at this time - they advise taking precautions. I am concerned about how the dollar will fare in Europe though. <BR>I echo the sentiment of most of you - if we cancel our trip, the terrorists have won. Save travels, everyone.

Thanks for all the input everyone. I'm feeling a bit more confident, after reading your resolve to go.

I was scheduled to fly to Shannon, Ireland on 9/21/01. Have cancelled; hopefully this is only postponed. I hate it, but don't think I can leave my co-workers, in good conscience, under these circumstances. As a nervous flyer anyway, I'm not sure I'll feel any more relaxed later on...would rather "get back on the horse" right away. I pray that all of us have safe flights. My thoughts and prayers go out to those feeling pain around the world.

Not Europe, but I have plans (and tickets) to go to Morocco in mid-November. I'm certainly not canceling yet, but I can certainly foresee events that might occasion my need to do so, given the country. <BR> <BR>So, do I pay for all the expensive shots I need in order to go there, or not? They cost about $90 apiece, and according to my doctor and the CDC, I need about 5 of them. Seriously, this is not my greatest concern, but it does figure into the equation. <BR> <BR>I've been to Morocco before and understand that they are essentially an ally of America, don't harbor terrorist cells, etc. But you look at a map and see that they border Algeria and think, well, am I crazy? And what will have transpired by November? <BR> <BR>Don't expect anyone to have answers, just would appreciate your thoughts. <BR> <BR>

St. Cirq -- <BR> <BR>These 5 vaccinations you must have, how long will they keep you immune from whatever they are for? For example, if it's a vaccine for small pox or rubella, you only need it once in your lifetime. Maybe Rex is a better source for that answer. Also, aren't these vaccines covered by your health insurance plan? Just trying to save you some money here. <BR> <BR>Now, regarding your trip. This is such a personal decision. If your heart isn't into traveling right now, then postpone the trip because you won't enjoy it. But, all things being equal, if I were in your shoes, I would go, but I'd consistently check with the State Department's website. Be aware of your surroundings, and make sure you have the telephone number for the American Embassy in Morocco. <BR> <BR>My great grandparents and many great aunts and uncles perished in concentration camps during WWII. My grandparents and Dad escaped the Nazis and entered the US through Ellis Island in 1936. My grandparents for their remaining years on earth lived in NYC afflicted with survivors syndrome, and always worried that they would have to seek refuge in another country. It was a miserable way to live in the US, a country known for its freedom. All they did was exist; the only glimmers of joy they experienced was having 6 grandchildren. <BR> <BR>I don't know if any of this rambling is helping you at all. But, if it makes any difference I am still going to Prague in November, and will visit the Terezin, where my great grandparents died. Somehow, this brings me some peace now. <BR> <BR>Leslie

Anyone traveling anywhere in this time of national crisis is taking a risk of being stranded or being at risk for terrorist acts. This situation is far from over. If you are going overseas, you really do need to pay attention to the State Dept website apprising you of the risks. Folks, this is a different situation from the world pre September 11, 2001. <BR> <BR>Insofar as I am concerned, I wouldn't do any traveling that wasn't absolutely necessary for awhile--at least by air. What that means is that I will be looking to do a home exchange this year in some location where I could drive, perhaps in Canada. There are plenty of places I have not been closer to home, so why not? <BR> <BR>Part of the problem for me is that I do not think I would enjoy myself far away from home with a national crisis going on. I would be consumed with the need for news and really could not take the type of vacation I enjoy when I go abroad. I remember being abroad during Watergate and I really regret not having gone through the US experience. <BR> <BR>As they used to say during World War II every time someone complained about an inconvenience, "Don't you know there's a war on?"

We are Australian and feel overwhelming sorrow at what has happened in New York.We are leaving Sydney for UK on October 2nd and we are having 2 weeks in Egypt on the way. Friends and family are trying to talk us out of going, but we think that not going would just hand the terrorists another success. We were in Europe when the war in Kosovo was on and had to amend our plans several times, so the most important thing is to be flexible.

Interesting. I'd be interested in hearing about your trip to Europe, Lauren. I real was the danger around. What kind of plans did you have to change.

Sorry, that message was to Susan.

My husband and I have decided to postpone our October trip to France. We have been planning the trip for a year and were so looking foward to it; but I feel like I want to be close to home now. I worry about something happening that would prevent me from getting home plus I am just not in the frame of mind now to enjoy myself. I wish I didn't feel this way as I would love to be able to say, in person, to the people abroad how much we appreciate their heartfelt responses to our tragedy here in the U.S. Also, right now, with our economy looking like it could go into the toilet, I think I should be spending my money here at home, so will probably just get in the convertible and drive to the coast for a few days when vacation time comes.

StCirq, you have a house in France, two children in private school (the tuition for which you post all over the internet), you go to France once a year for an extended trip and you claim to be, quite frankly, loaded. <BR> <BR>In this time of national emergency, you worry about spending $90 on shots for a trip to Morocco? I cannot fathom this. What is the point? To let us know, once again, that you are loaded and can go to Morocco. <BR> <BR>If you think you are going, get the shots. If you don't know, get the shots. If you are not going, don't get the shots. I really don't think you have to worry about the 90 smackeroos.

We are still planning on going to the Algarve on Oct. 6- but are staying "flexible" in case last-minute cancellation becomes necessary. It will be with sadness for all who are coping with loss, and I intend to travel with cheerful patience and a pleasant attitude towards all, despite delays and/or unpleasant behavior on the part of others - how very petty such things are compared to what thousands and thousands of Americans are going through! (incidentally, for all of those who suffered injuries in the attacks - my prayers and best wishes are with you now and will be with you in the time to come, as you deal with recovery)

We also postponed our trip to Greece next Saturday. Having witnessed the most horrific event of my life here in NYC, I feel it's important to be at home with families and friends. It's hard to enjoy vacation while things are happening in the U.S.. I agree with Fran that I'd rather spend money here in the US rather than overseas. <BR>

It is positively appalling that someone who lives so near the Pentagon, yet whose family was spared, would worry over $450 or so worth of shots. You know, StCirq, you could donate that money to the American Red Cross or UFA, Widows and Children's Fund <BR>Uniformed Firefighters Association in New York City. You could transfer your children to public schools and contribute the savings in tuition to the familys who will never recover their losses from this tragedy. That you are concerned only with your personal safety and upcoming pleasures is horrible. <BR>

Personally, I would not go abroad now for a trip that was not obligatory. First of all, at this time of national emergency, I would not feel comfortable being out of the country. Moreover, if you do across the Atlantic, bring sacks of cash in case you get stranded on the other side of the Atlantic. And, if you do get stuck, you will have been forewarned (unlike the people who got stuck last week). <BR> <BR>If you are somewhere within reasonable driving distance, you will probably have other alternative transportation in case of an airport shut down. <BR> <BR>Now, I don't have any trips planned in the near future but this may be a year when I take my vacation closer to home. We shall see. <BR> <BR>You know, folks, there is no guarantee this is all over.

Way to go Lauren. Fuel the flames of panic. Not necessary, thank you! We know that you are not concerened with any of your trips for the future, as you just returned. Tell me what will happen to the airlines if we all cancel now? We appreciate your concern and advice, but I for one, will continue to travel.

Pardon me, "Margaret" (or whoever you are)? We should continue to travel as though the events of September 11th never occurred? <BR> <BR>I am not fanning the flames of panic. I am being practical, and, if you get stuck overseas without enough money, you will be the one who is panicked. <BR> <BR>Personally, as I have said, I feel overseas vacations right now are unwise--and even the FBI or CIA cannot say whether there will be more attacks. I will not put my life--or finances--at risk because the airlines are suffering. The airlines are suffering? We are all suffering. <BR> <BR>If you want to travel, travel, but know it well: This is war. In war we do have to put up with inconveniences. One of those inconveniences may be to not go overseas. In the circumstances--with over 5,000 people dead in New York alone--changing my vacation plans (or even not taking one) is not a great inconvenience at all. And, if you get stuck, don't come back to this board complaining about it. <BR> <BR>And another thing: When the hostilities actually commence--and they will--the tensions will increase in Europe and may result in more airport shutdowns. Have you thought how much inconvenience it would be for the US Embassies to have to track down all the Americans all over the world? <BR> <BR>Or, are you just thinking of your own personal convenience.

At the moment I am not terribly fond of those who have decided to take away my freedom to roam as I wish. I resent that they may have been successful in scaring others. Exercise your freedom.

You know...I kind of have to agree with Lauren. We have a trip to Rome planed for early November...& while we still have some time before our departure, I question whether or not we should even go. The truth of the matter is that we ARE at war...we don't know what is going to happen...we don't even know who the enemy is or where the enemy is & which countries will be affected. So how can we rest assured that we'll be safe on any trip. Is that just a false sense of security??? <BR> <BR>My husband feels that we shouldn't let the terrorists get the better of us & that we should do as we planned...but I feel that we can always take our trip later. We have two small kids (3 & 1 yrs) and what if something happened & we couldn't get back...for a long time! It is a matter of being practical & using common sense...emotions aside. I still don't know what to do but I am thinking about it all as we all should be doing.

Vita <BR>The plans we had to change were to do with the Danube River. We had planned to travel the entire length but we were warned not to go any further than Budapest as the bridges had been damaged further along (near Belgrade) but we enjoyed the river in Germany and then did a cruise from Passau to Budapest and back with many very interesting stops along the way. We also changed our plans to cross the Adriatic by ferry and flew instead.

Margaret: <BR>Hate to tell you but none of us are even guaranteed tomorrow. Doesn't matter where you are.,

For those of you with contingency plans in case you get stranded (and lots of money to cover added expenses, if necessary)--and not a care in the world about what happened on September 11, 2001--please resume your normal global wanderings without a thought. What the hell, thousands died in New York and we are looking at a war of uncertain duration, we might as well just ignore the situation and have a bottle of fine wine in Paris. <BR> <BR>Perhaps all you ostriches ought to remove your heads from their holes in the ground and listen to the news.

I am not one to normally get overly angry, for those of you who know me, but to Sammy and others, I will say this (and may speak for others): I have had it with the self-righteous people who feel this way. What in the hell would you have us do? Does life not go on, regardless? Can we never be happy again? Do we walk around paralyzed and not doing anything but crying? Believe me, I have done this for the past week, and I won't live the rest of my life this way. If I had planned a trip for last week, I would have postponed it, but in a month I want to travel. If you don't want to do anything but watch tv and cry forever, then go ahead. I am not trying to be mean here, but we all make our own choices. I consider myself a very sensitive, caring person, and my heart has bled severely this week and will continue to do so for the people who are yet to die. If you don't believe this about me or others, I no longer care what you think. I owe it to myself and my family to go on and make the best of life I can. We all just got another reminder this week of how quickly it can end. Now, having said that, I feel better. You can come back with any response you want, but you won't get one from me.

Thanks, Dan....you summed it up quite nicely! In fact, I've printed out your response for future reference when people grill me left and right on why I still want to go.

I can see things one way (staying at home) as well as the other way (continue with my trip plans). I've planned my November Italy trip for at least 6-8 months now and hopefully I can make a good decision in a month and that is to go to Italy. I feel that I need to continue my life as best as possible and not let these terrorists "win." If we don't move on to our normal ways of life, then they've won. Yes, it might be dangerous, yes, maybe we should take extra money, and yes, we need to accept the fact that we’ve chosen to take the risk. I’m at risk right now working at Fort Detrick. I am at risk driving my car home. I hope that in the next 1.5 months I can have my life back and feel the same excitement about going on this trip as I did before 11 September 2001.

Well, it seems to me that a great deal of this depends upon how your quickly you process events etc. I know that had we a trip planned last week, even if we could have gone I wouldn't have. This week, though I'd be scared out of my wits I would. <BR>Next month.. or in March... unless something happens to prevent me from going I will go (will most likely purchase trip insurance for the first time ever though). <BR>But just as an example...Tuesday and Wednesday, I was angry of people who were walking around as though nothing had happened... frankly I wanted to slap there smiling faces..(I didn't of course ;)). By Thursday and Friday I was downright exhausted and depressed... laughing, kind of annoyed me but I didn't get angry anymore. <BR>On Sunday... my husband did the most inane thing and we both broke out in sort of desperate, but honest laughter. <BR>I went out and bought a frothy romance novel to take my mind off everything. <BR>That was MY timeline..that is NOT Dan's timeline, or Joe Blows timeline... or anyone elses. <BR>We all should be understanding of all the formerly simple choices we had that now are much MUCH more difficult. <BR>I certainly don't fault anyone for not going, nor for going. <BR>It's so personal.. the way people react to grief and fear... given our diversity as a species there certainly is no Right way or wrong way to do handle any of these things.

We leave Oct. 6 from SF to Italy. We are still going as long as they airplane will take us! I've planned this for a long time, and although I feel for those in NYC and Washington DC, putting my life on hold will not help the situation, it only means the horrible people who are responsible for this are getting what they want. <BR> <BR>I'm not afraid to fly, especially now with the new security they are imposing. If I have to get to the airport 3 hours early, fine by me.