was just beginning to make final plans for a family trip to Tuscany in June, and now my husband doesn't want to travel! He's just uncertain as to what the world situation will be next year, so doesn't want to plan anything... If I wait, I suppose it will be too late to book anything... <BR>Don't need advice, just wanted to vent to you all. I feel the opposite of him--we should continue our lives normally and that the chances of anything happening during our vacation would be minimal (barring a world war or something of course). Don't suggest going without him because I wouldn't do that..this was supposed to be possibly our last vacation that our kids would want to take with us. They're 18 and 21.. <BR>Maybe I'll just plan a trip cross-country since I have all this money saved anyway!

Cindy, <BR> <BR>There are no guarantees that your cross country trip will be any safer. Life is a participation sport with no guarantee for even tomorrow. <BR> <BR>You or he could "bail out" tomorrow afternoon with something as wierd as a bee sting, if you're allergic. <BR> <BR>So get on with it...tell the hubby to get up and go for it. <BR> <BR>My advice, for what it's worth. <BR> <BR>PS Just got back from France on Sunday morning. Did what I always do when flying. Get on the plane, get my seat, say a little prayer and forget about it. <BR> <BR>OF

Dear "old fashioned" <BR>(Funny--with that name I thought you were going to tell me to "stand by my man" <BR>Anyway, I agree totally with you, but somehow I would feel very paranoid if I DO manage to convince him to go. What if something did happen when we went? How would I feel then? I know that's kind of irrational thinking. Maybe I'll just check out the cancellation policies of the hotels, etc., and go ahead with my plans and cancel a month before if I need to! <BR>

I know how you feel, Cindy. Only, I am sad 'cause the joy for my upcoming trip <BR>to Paris is gone. I just can't put all those hurting people out of my mind. <BR> <BR>I look forward to the day when all my travel books lure me, when searching for my favorite opera is a delight, when my painting resumes. <BR> <BR>I could have cried today when I saw they raised the death toll to over 6,400. It just doesn't seem to end. <BR> <BR>I am going to go to my beautiful Paris. <BR>I just know it won't be the same. <BR> <BR>Cindy, I hope your trip becomes a reality and is a happy one for you. <BR> <BR>Blessings, <BR>Gigi

Dear Cindy, <BR>We took our children ages 19 and 22 last July, 2001, to Italy to all the touristy cities: Rome, Milan, Florence, Siena, Venice, etc., and had not booked anything until March. Maybe you could still do the research and be ready at a later date to book. A friend and her husband booked her entire July trip at the beginning of June. I still think you have time to make your decision later in the year. Sincerely Jan

Cindy, go with your husband's judgment. <BR>If you think enough of him that you wouldn't travel without him, give him this one. I would bet your children will still travel with you next year. Each year we rent a villa in Italy or France and let our children bring a friend and they always want to come!