 I woke up one morning and saw the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The earth is covered in rubble. Terrifying waves arise from the bowels of the ocean. There is potential danger from a nuclear reactor. Within hours, I heard from people who were canceling their trips to Japan, even trips that are due to begin in three or four months, because they were terrified of being caught in an earthquake.
The situation in Libya is horrible and heartbreaking. A psychopathic tyrant clings to power and turns his formidable arsenal on his own people. I get contacted almost every day by people asking if they should cancel their trips to Turkey, or to Israel. They are frightened of being caught in a protest and clampdown situation.
Morocco? A couple who had reserved a luxury wedding anniversary trip to a riad in Marrakech just canceled. Tunisia? Even though the revolution ended in January, and it is quiet on the ground, travelers are afraid because Tunisia is in North Africa and, it is assumed, trouble is contagious.
New Zealand? It is too scary because of the earthquake in Christchurch on the south island. I got emails from people who cancelled a trip to Auckland, which is on the north island, because they felt it was too close for comfort.
Egypt? They'll be getting their act together sometime soon.
Italy? They've cozied up to Libya for years and they could be flooded with terrified refugees.
England? A British company is accused of arming Gaddafi and helping him murder his own people. So maybe there will be angry reprisals against England.
South America could be safe but......what about Venezuela and its lambasting of America. Bolivia? Too dicey.
Mexico-out of the question for many. The drug cartels have committed heinous murders, and innocents have been caught in the crossfire.
Guatemala? The drug wars from Mexico are spreading there.
Africa? Is it worse to die from horrible tropical diseases or be vaccinated against them?
Beautiful Bali was plagued by terrorism.
Honduras seems unstable.
India has religious strife.
How about a nice, safe trip to Wisconsin? Not if you belong to a union.
New York City. Hmmm. It's been a while since they have caught a mad terrorist, but you never know.
California? There were tsunami warnings this morning.
I think you get the picture. If you make your travel decisions based on fear, you may not travel farther than your hometown. And do not forget that there is plenty of crime where you live.
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