What are people afraid of?
 

Everytime you turn on the news you hear how air travel is down and people are cancelling trips. Why? The answer is the War, but specifically why? I know 2 people personally who are cancelling trips they planned for if war is declared, one to Italy and another to Germany. I asked them why and neither could come up with a rational answer, only that they are cancelling if there is war. These are people who live within 20 miles of NYC. Do they think they are safer at home?<BR><BR>So here is my question to those who don't want to travel if war is decreed. What specifically are you afraid of?

I agree - I don't know what their specific fear is. Maybe a disruption in airline flights that could leave them temporarily stranded in a foreign country. That could be a concern for travelers who have left children at home or need to return on time for some reason. But I don't see what the particular danger is - I don't think a large gang of terrorists are suddenly going to awaken like zombies and start attacking travelers. It's not like the terrorists are just sitting around waiting for a war before they swing into action. They are out there now and will still be out there after the war.

Probably people prefer to be in a predictable environment in case of emergency and close to their loved ones.

Good question, Nina. I suppose that when people are scared, they irrationally tend to remain at home, in their caves.<BR><BR>As for the international travel, I can think of more tangible reasons, such as fear of the anti-Americanism that might boil out onto the streets if the bombs start dropping. There could be some very vocal protesting in Europe, actually all over the world once hostilities commence.<BR><BR>What would you say to your children when they ask you why all the people are out on the street saying that Americans are evil, burning the flag that they were taught to respect in school?

I was supposed to be on the next flight out of Hong Kong on 9/11. It was four days before we were allowed to come home.<BR><BR> Not being able to get home was a terrible feeling but even worse was not being with my family. It was a scary time and I think it is normal to want to be in our comfort zone at those times.<BR><BR>I won't stop traveling but I will stay in the U.S. for a while.

People appear to be afraid of everything, rational or not. Just check out the Europe board! People are afraid of how they will be treated in each and every country including our allies, flying, the mytery pnemonia, afraid of what to wear, what to say, what to tip!<BR>It's going to extremes. People are also cancelling their flights. My fully booked flight to the UK is now selling discounted seats. Must be a lot of people changing their travel plans.

&quot;Be Fearless&quot;<BR>-Nina Hagen

<BR>People are afraid of the unknown.

I'm afraid of George Bush, Master of the world.

I can only say that when i visited Italy and Switzerland earlier this month, I had NO PROBLEMS. If you treat others with respect for their customs and remember that you are the visitor in their country; those traveling abroad should not have any trouble. There are LOTS of Europeans who hate Saddam and know he has to go and are behind the USA, there are others that think this can be done without war....just like here, there are passionate feelings both ways. I did not experience any anti-Americanism. Maybe some that are having troubles are bringing it on themselves??....good idea to not discuss politics or religion no matter where you are.

Spiders. Regarding travel fears, again Spiders! Due to an experience in Kenya with the Hunting Spider, long story short, spiders. :) <BR><BR>Seriously though I often have to travel for work with a days notice and I really dont think about it. If its my time, its my time be it in New Orleans or Korea. However... I never thought it might just be the pilots time!

My husband and I travel to the U.S. quite often (we are Canadians-please don't hold it against us.LOL.).I love the U.S and I wouldn't vacation anywhere else.The people are friendly and I just love the whole American atomsphere.We are going to Minneapolis next week no matter what happens-in fact I feel the safest when I am in the good 'ol U.S.A.We will spend lots of $$ to boost the economy-as we did a couple of months ago in Maui. We are with you guys all the way-God Bless all the brave troops fighting for our freedom!!!

I am so scared I just booked a trip to Kansas City and Calgary. What is keeping me from traveling more is the sagging dollar and the decline in the stock market. If stocks were up, I could cash a few shares and have plenty of money to travel!!<BR><BR>The war is half way around the globe.<BR>A few terrorists might attack, but where and how is anybody's guess.

I agree with the person who said George Bush Jr. I have a lot of fear of what he's doing to this country and the pandora's box he will be opening in under 2 days. Once opened there is no going back folks, although you will long to. People found that out before.<BR>See http://quotes.prolix.nu/Authors/?Hermann_Goering.

Well, this has nothing to do with your opinions of double G and his politics. What's done is done. I'm just curious about what those who are cancelling trips or holding off are afraid off.<BR><BR>I guess I can see not being away from immediate family, in which case I say, take them! Now's the time to take advantage of those low fares!<BR><BR>As far as what I will tell my children if they witness any anti Americanism? Easy, they are getting a first hand history lesson and I don't think it would damage them to know that everyone doesn't love the USA, or what is going on in the world and why people feel the way they do.

You should never let anyone stop you from doing what you want to do, let alone a terrorist. Its what they want, so dont give in to it.

There is a lot of irrationalism but there is also a lot of prudence in why travel slows down.<BR><BR>One thing, the US Gov't is the #1 employer in the U.S. still, no? So there are many people who cannot leave the country at this time. I have several friends in this situation. They must be available for work every day during wartime. These are civillians. It would be likely then that their spouses and children will be hanging at home too.<BR><BR>This may sound extreme but, with 250,000 troops in the gulf area who have parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brother, sisters, cousins... a lot of people might feel it inappropriate to be sunning in the south of France when the phone call comes in that a body bag is on it's way. I'm not a parent, but I don't think I would not be vacationing if my child was fighting in a war. I have several friends and a few colleagues from work who are reservists who are over there now.<BR><BR>I know you are addressing people who just won't travel and can't explain why (and that's just irrational fear), but the overall emptiness of airplanes and hotels, has something to do with the fact that people actually have to fight in this war, a lot of people, and when you factor their families into this, a significant amount of Americans have more important things to do than vacation.

I think a couple of things are making people afraid: First, fear of the unknown and fear of no control over the situation. Secondly, the news media is making everyone crazy and paranoid. Turn off your tv and get on with your life. Likewise, if you can't handle your fear and anxiety seek professional help.

I can tell you what some of my concerns are regarding a family trip to Hawaii we are supposed to be leaving on this Sat. First of all, if it were only my husband and myself I don't think I'd be as concerned, but we are traveling with my two children and there's this nagging voice in my head wondering if I'm putting them in unnecessary danger, just for a vacation. If I had to specify what I'm actually afraid of, I would say that being on 4 different planes over the next week is the biggest one. I fly when I need to, but I've never liked it. I like it less since 9/11. There is also the possible threat to Pearl Harbor, which I heard talk of after the last big alert we had. <BR>That said, I'm fairly sure we will still be going to Hawaii this Sat. I just wish I could feel more comfortable with the situation.<BR>I know it's ridiculous, worrying about a vacation, when there are families with sons and daughters about to be engaged in a war, but it's still my situation to deal with right now.<BR><BR>

I think also that some people just don't feel right about being on a vacation when our country is at war.

So sitting home and being a martyr is going to do wonders for the travel industry and the US economy overall. Great news to add to an already bleak economic forecast.<BR><BR>I can understand if you have relatives who are actually in the armed forces, but what about the rest of you? Do you really think you are doing anyone any favors by staying home?

I agree with nina. If people cower in their homes afraid, it is going to devastate the economy. Not to mention, put a lot of people who depend on tourist dollars out of work. I saw a terrorism expert on CNN the other day and he said the risks are still relatively low. You can't protect yourself from life or cower in fear. Life is for living. Live each day to the fullest. Why worry about things which you have no control over?

Nina, are you trying to provoke an argument here? People being martyrs and sitting home ruining the economy? the economy has been in ruins for well over a year and was not forced into its decline due to lack of overseas travel. If you truly are interested, I am not traveling overseas until things calm down for several reasons--first, with this shaky economy I may not get a paycheck for the next several weeks. second, a vacation is supposed to be relaxing. If I have to spend hours or even days on the phone and in airports trying to rearrange flights home from Europe due to war related delays, that does not make for a happy camper. Third, maybe I can be of more use to my country HERE during a war than sunning myself on the riviera. Just my 1.5 cents.

Ellen, chill out will ya? There are plenty of people who are canceling US travel plans also. Nina wasn't only referring to European travel. If people are not traveling because of money that is one thing but if people are not traveling because they are afraid that is entirely different and as the poster above said will put a lot more people out of work.<BR><BR>As for me, I am taking my family to Florida as usual for spring break. I am not afraid one iota because I walk with the Lord and he is in charge, not me.

Hi there,<BR><BR>I read many posts (if not all) saying &quot;Should we go on vacation outside the US?&quot;, but the contrary is really valid here in Europe!<BR><BR>People are re-considering travel to the US.<BR><BR>I'm part of the team organizing our yearly International Sales Conference, and this year it is planned at our headquarter in Wisconsin. Well we were asked to check if we could be reimbursed of hotel and airline costs if it were to be canceled. Some people have voiced concerns about flying US carrier!<BR><BR>Also, privately, I'm currently organizing my honeymoon in California and the South-West next October. Well, everybody in the family is trying to convince us to change plan! Personnaly, I don't see why a war in the persic gulf could endanger my stay in Yosemite!<BR><BR>Now, I do believe there's a slight chance of terrorist attacks on planes, but not big enough to keep me home!

Well said Ellen<BR>We have trips planned for April, June, and July and will take them because they are paid for. I am not afraid or fearful, but traveling when my country is at war is just not as much fun. The joy and excitement is not there and the priority of travel falls to a low on my list of what's important.

Barthox,<BR><BR>Good point. Slightly similar, my company does business in Israel and we used to joke somewhat about those required to travel to Israel not being too happy about it. I know Jewish families who go back and forth and people tell them they're crazy. Since things got worse we've elliminated travel to Israel all together so it's not an issue, but I can understand Europeans being apprehentious to travel to the U.S. at this time. While I'm not deterred, I bet most Americans would shy away from travel to another country &quot;at war&quot;. Price of war...

<BR>Well, I am pretty sure that most of us aren't traveling to Yemen or Saudi Arabia, that sort of place. <BR>But once you are out of the USA, you are automatically in a little more danger than at home.<BR> Three people were shot, two killed in oil fields, working in Yemen. If one goes out of the country, there is always the slightest risk that someone will harm you for being American.<BR>While there are plenty of people content to just call names and bash Americans, there might be some who would go farther when the opportunity presents itself. <BR>So while I do not urge anyone to stay home, I would definitely think about where I am going and how safe is it.<BR> This is of course, my humble opinion.

I agree with Ellen, Cher and cd. Irrational fear is just that, and if your plans are already made, bought and paid for, you should by all means go. However, war has a way of sucking the joy out of things like vacations, and I, for one, would feel wrong disporting myself in, say, Orlando or Cannes, while others are fighting and dying. I'm not judging anyone else--it's a free country.

DUH! You would be stupid to travel to the Mideast right now! Did you know that travel to Mexico is also dangerous? The Canadian equivalent of our state department strongly urged caution to their citizens traveling to Mexico, Costa Rico and a bunch of other countries right here in our own hemisphere. They are robbing and killing tourists in broad daylight in Mexican cities and putting drugs in people's drinks and either raping women or robbing tourists. No where in this world is 100% safe. Interesting, too the Canadian government warns of high crime rates right here in the USA in places like South Beach, New York etc. and Florida in general...

I agree that there is a difference between cancelling plans that have already been made, and deciding not to make immediate travel plans in the first place. <BR>I for one am keeping all my travel plans intact, and even making more plans for later this year and next year. I just don't feel that there's any reason to postpone, and I'm not afraid. <BR>However, I can understand not wanting to be stranded away from home in the event of some sort of attack. Or taking a trip to such a remote spot that you may have trouble getting up to date info (if needed) on what's happening at home.

Uh, Myrna--based on your last post *duh*, I don't believe I am the one who needs to 'chill out'. As for chilling, the atmosphere is cold enough right now thank you very much. I am devastated by another war and have absolutely lost the desire to travel anywhere to go sightseeing. I want to be home, listening to updates, hanging with my family, and hoping and praying that my home town of NYC is spared anymore grief. I am afraid everytime I walk past a major landmark here in the city. But I still live here and I still walk around. Spending thousands of dollars to be stressed out somewhere else is just not worth it at the moment. Maybe in 6 months we will have reason to celebrate. For now, the airlines are on their own. Sorry if that sounds cold, but that is the way it goes.

Ellen, I'm not trying to start an arguement, I'm looking for valid reasons that people have for not traveling. I think having relatives who are fighting is a valid reason, and fear of separation from non adult children is also valid. To me, being of more use to your country by staying home (HOW???) is not. Do you anticipate being called upon during your 1 or 2 week vacation by the government to make some sort of significant contirbution to the war effort? Forgive me, but that reason sounds really off the wall.<BR><BR>My mother in law can't give me a valid reason for cancelling her trip to Italy. She went to boarding school there for 20 years, speaks fluent Italian and despite the fact that she was born in the US, is more Italian than American. She has friends there and a home there, yet she is afraid of getting &quot;stranded&quot;. All her children are adults. Go figure, because I can't. I just think that if people try to think about what their fear is, they'll realize it's irrational.

I just finalized vacation plans for June. Got a great airfare price. I don't know if it is because of war fears or airline bankruptcy fears.<BR><BR>My parents who lived through WWII are making plans for their vacation.<BR><BR>Maybe it's because we live in North Carolina? I don't think the terrorists will target my hometown, but I could be wrong. And I don't think the war will last until June (Desert Storm didn't last that long).<BR><BR>I wouldn't want to be stranded during my vacation, but I would handle the situation as best as possible. At least I would like to think that. I have had car breakdowns on roadtrips but I still take car trips.

Nina, for me, as long as I have my husband and children with me I feel safe. I'm not worried about flying on planes, but I do think that those many people who had some fear about flying before are having a hard time with it now. This impending war is terribly depressing and I feel absolutely horrible for the people of Iraq and our armed forces who are pawns caught up in a crazy man's greed, but by cancelling my vacation plans I am only affecting my own little family which desperately needs to spend some quality time together without CNN. I'm not advocating vacation for everyone, but we must remember to take care of ourselves and those around us and not let all the bad news on television ruin our lives. Children especially need to be assured they are safe and that their little worlds won't be affected by this war. I can't think of a better place to put my family's worries at ease than sitting on a beach in Hawaii building sandcastles together. A family vacation together has always been the best remedy for stress and difficult times for us.

nina-so you have appointed yourself the authority on 'valid' reasons for someone cancelling or not taking a vacation during wartime. A little bit pushy, don't you think? If someone doesn't want to get stranded for whatever the reason, it is valid to THEM. If someone feels they could be more useful supporting businesses in their city (mine happens to be NY), during hard times, that is valid to THEM. If it sounds off the wall to you, tough. Your mother-in-law not wanting to be stranded somewhere away from familiar surroundings is valid to HER. I hope she stands up to your inquisition and authority and does what is best for her.

Spike your post made me smile when you mentioned the very thing I've been thinking about for the past 1/2 hour or so...ever since I finished my workout. WHATEVER YOU ALL DO, TURN OFF CNN!! Get outside. Go for a walk. Hopefully some of you are seeing signs of spring. Enjoy life!<BR><BR>Good grief...I spent the past hour in the hotel's health club while CNN was on. I wasn't in the least fearful (we have an upcoming trip) when I went in, but after listening to their hype for the next hour, I was practically looking over my shoulder when I left. As I watched from my perch on the treadmill, cars pulled up the front drive and the occasional driver abandoned his vehicle in the circle just outside the front door to the lobby, dashing in on a quick errand. I began wondering if parking shouldn't be banned there now that we're in an Orange Alert level! :&lt; &quot;Oh now there's a long black van parked out there there...duck! :&gt;&quot; I swear, that station is mind poison, but then if you are charged with reporting news 24 hrs a day, what are you going to do but look at it from every conceivable angle, including inside out, chewed it up and spit it back out again. We need to take care not to get caught up in it though, to keep things in perspective! A terrorist has succeeded in his mission if he causes us to over-react simply out of fear of what he MIGHT do.

Olive, <BR><BR>The news is crazy for the war. Since you are a bit east of me you got the president's speech later in your evening. For us it was 5:00. After the speech ABC went to &quot;All Sadaam All the Time&quot; Or All Iraq, whatever. It was obvious that they had been preparing for this for some time so they could be the first to go wall to wall with the news. Short answer is to turn off the TV. Kids are already afaid and the schools think it's their duty to expose them to more of it. Ugh.

There is a simple answer, in times of uncertainty and potential turmoil, most people like to be in their own home. There is a comfort that comes with the familiarity of surroundings.<BR><BR><BR>

After reading through this post, truth to tell, I'm a little afraid of nina!