Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25233
1> SCARED TO FLY? While flying is still the safest way to travel over long distances and airport security efforts are in the works, four hijacked planes and the November American Airlines crash have given many the impression that the friendly skies aren't so friendly anymore. 2> PERFORMANCE ANXIETY. If you're too nervous to enjoy your trip, stay home! According to Editor-at- Large Robert Young Pelton, "Today, the basic travel decision comes down to this: If you don't understand terrorism and if you're asking yourself 'Is it safe?' maybe you shouldn't be going." 3> IS YOUR BACKPACK A TARGET FOR HATE? Anti-American sentiment is nothing new-there's a reason some American travelers pin Canadian flags to their packs. Since 9/11, the US State Department has warned of "strong anti-American sentiment and retaliatory actions against US citizens and interests throughout the world." You could be a moving target of Osama's ruling to "kill the Americans and their allies- civilians and military." 4> DON'T LIKE AIRPORT COFFEE? If subsequent terrorist action shuts down airports, or something else devas- tating happens in the USA, you might not want to be far from family and friends in lengthy airport delays. 5> HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS. President Bush has called for a pilgrimage to Disneyland. Even if theme parks aren't your thing, patriotism might win out over wanderlust. Visit Alaska, Hawaii or America's national parks and keep you and your travel- ing dollars in the US economy. 1> THE FURTHER AWAY YOU ARE, THE SAFER YOU MAY BE. Time Warner says "home is the place to be," but maybe it's safer to be on the road. Concerned about biological and other terrorist threats? Are you a resident of NYC or Washington, DC? Work for a major media company, governmental organization or investment bank? Maybe it's time to take a long sabbatical somewhere far away. 2> YOUR ALMIGHTY DOLLARS. Go further on less. With planes half full , seats are cheap. 3> THE ROAD IS YOUR OWN. With most travelers staying home these days, you're likely to find solitude on beaches, in the mountains and on the general traveler trail the world over. 4> FREE YOURSELF OF MEDIA. Being home is conducive to watching CNN obsessively. Being media-free is the best anti-anxiety drug out there these days-and traveling makes it easier. 5> SPREAD LOVE AND GLOBAL PEACE. Cultural misunderstanding starts many conflicts. If making friends is on the top of your travel agenda, get out there now and communicate in a way the globe has never seen before. Being an ambassador to peace is a small way you can contribute. 36