 | Trish DeDamos
is Owner and Travel Counselor at Just 4U Travel. She has operated Just 4U Travel in Wichita since 1991. Originally from Northeastern Wisconsin and graduating from The University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1986, Trish is a certified specialist for many states and resorts; including Hawaii, Nevada, and Florida. Resort certification includes Sandals (CSS), Beaches, Super Clubs, Outrigger Resorts in Hawaii, Disney Resorts and Theme Parks. Trish is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), frequently visiting cruise ships for inspection of major cruise lines like Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean. Trish believes service is the number one reason her clients return and send their family and friends to Just 4U Travel year after year. You may visit the web at www.just4utravel.com or contact Trish by phone @ (316) 729-8589. |
Travel
2003-08-01 11:02:00
Is it safe to travel abroad?
: My husband and I would like to travel abroad, but are afraid to because of recent events. What are the risks of traveling while the threat of terrorism is still so high? Are some countries safer than others?
Trish DeDamos
Question: My husband and I would like to travel abroad, but are afraid to because of recent events. What are the risks of traveling while the threat of terrorism is still so high? Are some countries safer than others? Answer: I understand your concern, and I have heard this before. I can't help but feel you are being misled by the media hype about travel safety. Personally my family and I have traveled on a dozen trips within the last two years. We are still safe and sound. My teenage children have even flown by themselves to visit their grandmother. The "threat of terrorism" is no higher than it was three years ago; it is just in the forefront of the news. In fact, I read in a recent report there were only 199 terrorist attacks reported worldwide in 2002. This is the lowest number of incidences in 30 years. The average American has a greater chance of being killed in a car accident or having a heart attack, than being seriously hurt while traveling. With the increased security in the last two years, for the most part, it is even safer to travel today than it was three years ago. In 2002, not one American tourist was killed while traveling aboard a U.S. airline carrier, in the U.S. or in a foreign country. I suggest you call a travel consultant. They will be able to do the research to suggest hotels and tour guides that will be American-friendly. Travel consultants are very aware of safety issues and there are many destinations to choose from. I know of many people who really love to travel, and are still doing just that. You can certainly protect yourself with a few extra precautions. Trip and travel protection is available to protect your vacation investment. This type of protection covers things like terrorism, cancellation fees due to illness, bankruptcy of travel companies and even lost or stolen luggage. Trip protection companies also provide you with 24-hour emergency help. Check with the U.S. State Department for warnings for U.S. travelers at http://www.travel.state.gov/. There are only 4 or 5 warnings worldwide on the web site currently. There are many counties that you can travel to that love Americans. Most are familiar with and speak English well so you will feel comfortable. Countries like Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Australia, England, and Scotland to name a few. There are only a few countries you should be very careful of, such as Philippines, Iraq, and Iran. There are other things you can do to insure a safe trip:
