t home recuperating from surgery these
past several weeks, I've watched more television than usual. I've
seen enough reports about the prospects for war and imminent acts
of terrorism to scare Rambo.
I have no choice about staying home or traveling -- I'm off the
travel circuit for at least a few more weeks until the doctors say
I can fly again. But for people who have the choice right now, it's
a tough call.
I'm among those who believe in going about my life regardless of
whatever else is going on in the world, but the decision about
where and when to go never has been more problematic.
The different ways of reacting to fear are reflected in the way
people are responding to the government's appeals for
preparedness.
The reactions vary by region of the country. Here in the greater
New York area, close to Ground Zero, people are more likely to be
apprehensive.
Duct tape was sold out in our local supermarkets in New Jersey,
and people were stocking up on bottled water and canned food.
But for every shopper who stocks up on these items, there are
those who go about their business determined not to let the
warnings change their lives.
For travel professionals, there is little doubt we are in one of
the most difficult periods the industry has faced.
The depressed economy and the fears of war and terrorism are at
best inhibiting travel and at worst causing declines in many
sectors.
Travel agencies are confronted with the challenge of doing
business while striving to be responsible in their advice to the
public.
It is no easy matter for a travel agent to answer the question:
"Do you think it is safe to travel right now?" or "Do you think it
is safe to travel to this place?"
Agents are no more able to answer those questions than anyone
else, and any attempt to provide definitive answers carries
potential legal liability.
In the end, the customer must make the decision and, if there
are issues of potential risk in the prospective trip, the agent is
well-served to have the customer sign a waiver absolving the agency
of liability.
These kinds of concerns divert both the agents' and the
consumers' attention from what should be the pleasant tasks of
arranging business and leisure travel.
But there is no escaping the reality that we are confronted with
unprecedented fears, not just of going to war abroad but of being
attacked again at home.
All we can do is take it a day at a time and pray for better
days.