I am traveling to Paris for the first time in Feb. for my 50th bday,which is quite a celebration after surviving cancer.My husband and I will be departing from NYC.Both of my daughters will meet us there,one leaving from Boston and one from LAX.After last week's cancelations I am becoming concerned about safety.What's your opinions about safety>Should I reconsider?

I don't mean to sound rude, but in the past week alone there have been quite a number of these posts and all have received long comments. There is no reason to turn this forum into a continuous debate about political issues and their effects on travel, which sadly is what these questions always turn into.

Go to the search function, enter "terrorism" or "travel safety" and you will have tons of reading to do.

You could stay home, and you could be one of the 6.5 million people in the U.S. who will be involved in car accidents in the coming year (if the past record is anything to go by). You could be one of the more than 3 million of those accident victims who will be injured or one of the 40,000 or so who will be killed.

Speaking for myself only, I wouldn't even THINK about cancelling a trip to Europe.

Well, now I need to apologize. I did just what I suggested and find that I don't get the threads I was talking about. Maybe because most end up being removed by the censors because of their turning into political discussions.

In that case I'll say what many others have said. You are more likely to be killed driving to the airport than you are in a terrorized plane. Efforts are being made to protect passengers and planes from acts of terrorism. Go, enjoy yourself and have a good time.

How do youu know you are safe a local shopping mall? The airplane idea has been worked to death and that is where the US officials are watching the most.
If you were a terrorist would you not pick a less watched target?

If you want a safer place, go to Munich. I can tell you from personal experience that the German Grenzpolizei is very professional and very thorough. Those men and women check everything, with up to date equipment.

1234

I see you mention you are a cancer survivor. Your own body's cells tried to terrorize you, but you met the threat bravely and triumphed.

Enjoy your trip, you've earned it.

I would not change my plans because delaying or cancelling is just what any terrorist would want you to do. Things are certainly safer than they used to be..perhaps not perfect, but, I think, better.

Enjoy your trip.

Dear 1234,
The only thing you need to reconsider, is reconsider taking this trip. You just blow things out of proportion (as people usually do). You have already overcome the greatest terrorism ever - now just go and celebrate Paris, you'll love it in February.

The question comes up frequently (and often becomes fodder for political namecalling) and it's an understandable fear. But ultimately not a reasonable one.

I think it's a bit glib to tell this woman that she should stay home and see if she becomes a traffic fatality.

1234, Congratulations on surviving cancer. You beat the odds. You're already braver than most of us.

Hi 1234

One more voice encouraging you to go ahead with your trip. You are safer on an airplane than you are at home.

Go..enjoy your trip!! Just take the normal precautions for travel.

Have a wonderful trip...
a bientot

1234-
When the war in Iraq started, several people posted here with the same concerns that you have.

I was supposed to go to London this past Feb. with 2 family members. Both of them totally freaked out- they were so scared to travel. They thought we would be targeted on the streets, and I don't know what else. I wanted to go, but I was out voted.

If you asked both of my family members who voted to cancel our trip if they regreted doing so, you woluld get a resounding yes. We have since rebooked our trip- we leave in about 2 weeks.

Don't cancel your trip- you will most likely regret it.

This is now a fact of life and these people will be with us until we die. The fight is now on to get rid of them and it will be a long fight. Go to Europe. Don't let them win. There will be another threat and another and another. You just have to live your life. They will win if we all hole up in our homes.

You may find this to be an interesting and helpful way to look at it:

http://forums.delphiforums.com/PBPro...es?msg=3827.19 (note: you can view it by entering as a guest, not necessary to register)

Go & celebrate LIFE!! If you were able to pull through & survive your illness, you should not let a bunch of terrorist whack jobs ruin the rest of your life. You obviously have courage, optimism & determination, so don't think twice. Just go. Also, the holidays are a prime time to try to scare travelers. By February, things will be calmer. In fact, I am thinking about a quick trip to Europe then, myself. Have fun!!

Just like everyone else on this board, I say, "Go and enjoy". I went to Europe a month after 9/11 and had a great time. It's a good thing you came here with that question because I don't think anyone here would tell you to stay home. More than likely they would want to hop in your suitcase.
I read an excellent book this year called, "The Gift of Fear", although the author does not deal that much with the subject of terrorism, reading it may alleviate some of your fears.
Blessings on your trip and your health.

Not as much as mad cow disease

I think this may be one of the best times to go since the airlines are increasing their scrutiny and security presence on transatlantic flights.

I absolutely agree with others who've said that you have survived one of the worst things life can bring. Now go enjoy one of the best-- Paris!

Have a wonderful time!~

Thanks to all of you who posted wonderful supportive messages in response to my concerns.It really is helpful to hear so many of you feel confident in the decision to continue the joy of travel and life!I have printed the responses and will carry them with me.Happy ,Healthy New Year to all!

Good Luck & Good Health to you in 2004!