Connie

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm feeling a little fainthearted about traveling right now. We were supposed to take a trip to CR in November, but I'm concerned about being in another country with the current climate. What if there are more hijackings. What will happen if we retaliate? This thing is definitely not over yet. I have two small kids and the risk doesn't seem worth it right now. We haven't cancelled yet, but are inches from doing it. I'd like to get feedback from others. Thanks!

Sarah

We have a trip to CR scheduled for late October. We also have two children and are certainly concerned about the situation. We are going to hold out and see what happens. If we were going to Europe like we had originally planned I would be more inclined to go ahead and cancel, but somehow Central America doesn't bother me quite as much...yet! Good Luck

Monica

Connie, as a mother, I think you need to do what you need to do. I feel bad that this has you so upset, but you know you have many more years for a vacation. Our children are grown and we are leaving for Mexico in October, if there are flights. I am not afraid of hijackers-I believe in my heart that flying is still one of the safest means of transportation. I know that you will do what you think is best for you and your family. God Bless America!

Karen

I agree. I wonder how safe it is to fly on a holiday. We don't leave until February, so I'll wait a while to see what will happen. At first when the terrorist thing all came about, I was ready to cancel. But now I have a different attitude. I believe in God and I believe there is a plan for all of us. Even though I don't understand why this terrorism thing happened, the same as why do people get ill and die, or murdered, etc.?? However, time will tell what will happen. Holidays are important for people and especially now. This event has been terribly stressful on all of us!! I feel like I could use a vacation now! But we all our wondering what is going to happen in our world! There are a lot of what if..... situations in life and if we lived with this notion all of the time, that is not healthy, either. I honestly don't know what the answer is. But I don't know if I would be leaving next week for a holiday anywhere. I do think our airplanes and airports will be the most safest places than before all of these tragic events!! All the best to you with this decision.

rodraad

Cancelled my trip lost 3400 (who cares?) <BR> <BR>We are at war (safety first)

mexicodan

Travel as usual for me to Mexico in October-November. Heading down to the PV-Manzanillo area to finish writing a Tepic to Manzanillo Travel Log for www.emilebymile.com. Just be prepared and patient to deal with long lines! <BR> <BR>Good Traveling! <BR> <BR>adios! <BR>mexicodan

pjr

Five of us are going to Costa Rica in October. At this time we are still going, unless there is a state department warning before then. I was afraid to fly before 9/11, and I will still be afraid to fly in the future. <BR> <BR>p.s. Jose, what country are you from? I want to make sure I don't spend any of my American dollars there!!!

Martha

Connie, <BR> <BR>My husband and I have also a CR trip planned in mid October. I feel concerned about leaving the USA and not being able to get back for some reason. We also have to teen girls that we are not taking with us and don't know if we want to put that kind of stress or burden on them. My husband does not want to cancel because this what the terrorist wanted for all us.. is to live in fear and alter our way of life. We will take it a day at a time and pray. <BR> <BR>Martha

Holly

Hi Connie, <BR>We had a trip planned to Mexico for late November, which I have cancelled. The airlines and the hotel were very accommodating and understanding. We have two small children too (who would be at home with grandparents) and I just worry about not being able to get home according to schedule. My neighbors got stuck in Tahiti this past week, and it really ruined the trip of a lifetime for them. I have a huge sense of relief that I don't have to worry about leaving in the next few months - there is always later for wonderful trips that we can really enjoy and relax to the fullest!!! I don't think my husband really even wanted to go to Mexico, so canceling was fine with him!!! Good luck, God bless and if you go, have a wonderful time. Holly <BR>

keith

I'll be travelling as usual to Mexico after Thanksgiving. Consider, where IS safe--tall buildings, large crowds? Costa Rica sounds pretty good to me, and I'll bet Americans are going to be getting a lot of sympathy wherever we go in the non-muslim world. Think of it as an adventure. Don't knuckle under.

ab

I am travelling Sept 22 to CR. Initially I had some concerns, but my flight pattern does not lead to anywhere that would seem a likely target. Rather, I feel somewhat safer leaving Boston. Costa Rica historically has been mostly non-political and I would definitley not feel unsafe if for some reason I was stuck there. I've spoken with other travelers who have been there as well to determine the general climate and attitudes of the people and feel reassured from their experiences. Check your travel insurance, whether thru your credit card or purchased, for information on how to handle departures in the event of an emergency, keep your passppport and the embassy number handy - no need to be unprepared anyway, and have a good time. <BR> <BR>However, having said this, you do have children and that seems a greater imperative. Perhaps they could come with you. <BR> <BR>good luck.

Evelyn

I was always afraid of flying, it seems every year we hear of planes crashing. I started taking sleeping pills, thinking if something happened, well I would be asleep as least. But you know something, I'm still afraid to fly but I'm coming to America/Cancun in December, on my honeymoon, determined more than ever. My husband is suprised since I am the "world's most paranoid traveller". I just won't allow terrorists to run my life. <BR>My thoughts are with all of you during this horrible period. Stay strong. <BR>

Robbie Felix

Here in Costa Rica there has been an incredible outpouring of support for the US. Today the local police and various other groups are having a parade in front of the US embassy in a show of solidarity with the states. We had a prayer and candle vigil here in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica the day after the terrorist events and it was attended by people from at least ten countries , including many Costa Ricans. We Americans living in Costa Rica have been amazed at the outpouring of support. We are all getting calls, emails and notices of prayer chains, etc. All Costa Ricans openly express their support, often openly weeping. <BR>One of my employees expressed remorse that he could not sign up for the US military to help defend democracy... <BR>There is no lack of support for the US here, although this is a neutral country with no standing military. <BR>We have had no cancellations so far, although other hotels are reporting that they are having some. <BR>Seems like so far most people are either undecided or still coming. <BR>Our prayers and thoughts are with all of those suffering from this tragic series of events. <BR>No matter what you choose to do, we understand... <BR>Robbie Felix <BR>[email protected]

Jean Valjean

We thought about it for a little while, but then decided that "life goes on". <BR> <BR>We ARE going to Cancun in October!

Connie

Well, we cancelled. Thank you all for your advice and comments. After reading everything, I seriously considered keeping our travel plans. I agree with you that the airlines are safe, Costa Rica is probably safer than the US, and everyone sympathizes with Americans right now. However, my husband felt very strongly about staying here for the children. We don't want to be out of the country and away from them if something else happens and we can't get back. I applaud all of you who are still traveling. Take your much needed vacations, and don't give in to those monsters. We'll reschedule when things calm down. I've waited ten years for this trip, I think I can wait a little longer.

Willie

We got plans to go to CR on the 25th of Sept. No qualms about going. Full speed ahead. Hey, if anyone is going to be going at or around the same time, email me.

Lan Sluder

Brave words and admirable sentiments on the part of many. <BR> <BR>But the reality is that Americans are cancelling their travel plans right and left. Some airlines and travel agents report cancellation rates of 30 to 60%. <BR> <BR>People are afraid, not just of what might happen on a particular flight but of being stuck should the U.S. launch retalitory strikes. <BR> <BR>It's a lot like the stock market -- polls showed Americans were eager to be "patriotic" and buy stocks, but since the markets have reopened sellers have far outnumbered buyers, and the markets are down some 10%. <BR> <BR>I fear that hotel and tour operators in all of Central and South America are in for some lean times, at least in the immediate future. <BR> <BR>--Lan Sluder

Escritora

I don't think of myself as especially brave. But I live in New York City, so I certainly no longer think of home as a safe haven from the dangers of the rest of the world. And clearly I'm not alone: the Mexico City-JFK leg of my flight home from Oaxaca next month still has only 8 available seats in coach--the same number it's had for the past two weeks. <BR> <BR>They already took a shot at me here. They can take a shot at me in, enroute to, or enroute home from Mexico. But they'll have to catch me first!

Laura

I'll get married in october 6th and we'll to Cancún for our honeymoon. <BR>I'm not afraid of flying to Cancún. I think these terrorists don't choose places like this, they prefer crowded places like big cities (unfortunatelly). <BR>Maybe I'll meet Jean Valjean there? <BR>Anyway, have a wonderful trip... <BR>Laura

Jean Valjean

Laura! <BR> <BR>It depends... I'll be there from October 13th (lucky, lucky) to 20th. When will you be there? <BR> <BR>BTW, has anyone stayed at the JW Marriott? Any comments?