In the time that has followed since the tragic events of September 11, we have seen numerous changes happening to us all.
These changes began with shock, disbelief and anguish and so overwhelmed us, that they made all work related issues seem trivial and personal relationship seem especially dear.
And believe me, this hits very close to home with a wife who works in the cruise industry in the United States.
Those of us in the travel business began to see numerous cancellations of long planned holidays and vacations, mostly from fear and misunderstanding of security, schedule changes even with the combined will and effort of the cruise industry attempting to keep passengers traveling and enjoying the process.
Should you take a vacation? Should you travel? I think we North Americans pride ourselves on our freedom to travel and enrich our lives by interacting with cultures from all over. To cocoon and avoid travel allows those who seek to destroy our freedoms the power to bring us to our knees.
I believe that America will not stop travelling, it is in our blood. The key is to increase your knowledge of travel related issues and to understand how the process has changed. What follows is a synopsis of the changes you can expect to see for the near and distant future.
What can I expect at the airport? There are stricter security measures on airport employees, merchants, airline employees, and vendors that service the airports?and also on travelers. Expect the line that you are standing in to take longer than before. Plan for longer time at the airport to park, check-in, and get to departing gate. You may also experience some inconveniences and delays - please be patient.
There will be thorough searches of all airports and airplanes before passengers are allowed to enter the aircraft. You will be required to limit carry on baggage and to possess government issued photo identification, and as always, I strongly urge you to obtain a passport as the most important piece of identification. You may also notice additional uniformed law enforcement officers and canine teams patrolling airports - all to guarantee your safety.
What changes will you see regarding your cruise experience? Embark and Disembark may take longer due to additional security measures. Strict enforcement of required identification and nationality/travel papers. Boarding will be denied without presenting proper documents. Your documents must be original - no copies will be allowed.
Here are the Top Ten Cruise Traveler Tips
1. Purchase trip/vacation interruption insurance. Check with your travel agent as to the coverage benefits and limitations.
2. Review your cruise documents in advance for important guidelines and travel tips. Again check with knowledgeable cruise agents to ensure you are well prepared.
3. Prior to leaving home, call the airline - or check their website for flight arrival and departure information
4. Be at the airport early - 2 hours or more unless local circumstances dictate allowing a longer time. Security screenings will take additional time.
5. Minimize carry-on luggage OR be prepared to have them searched and suspicious items confiscated (nail files, scissors/clippers etc.) Please make sure luggage is clearly tagged with the complete color bag-tags provided with your documents.
6. Make sure necessary medical items are with you rather than in checked luggage.
7. Make sure you have your passport and other identification on your person - not in checked baggage. 8. Lower the stress level of "getting to the ship on-time" by arranging a pre-cruise land package. Consider coming in a day early - especially when flying a long distance to the cruise.
9. Expect delays and longer lines than usual - and be pleasantly surprised if they are not that bad.
10. Be patient - once on board your cruise, you will have the fantastic time cruising is noted for.
To be very practical consider that if you look at the damage on September 11, the total number of deaths on the airlines is 288 including crew and militants. I will guarantee you that since September 11 more than 288 people have lost their lives on America's highways. It is estimated that greater than 34,000 will lose their lives traveling on the road and if you average that per day, 93 people daily will not make it to their destination via car. Flying is still the safest form of traveling.
This writer believes we have an obligation to continue the business of life, to live freely and to travel when and where we want within the constraints of common sense. To do other would suggest the terrorists have won.
Rest assured the cruise lines have made major changes in itineraries to place their ships in the safest and most enjoyable voyages possible. The Middle East itineraries may be eliminated for the duration but there are fantastic values on hundreds of other itineraries.
If you are concerned, sit down with a cruise expert and discuss your situation face to face to learn why cruising remains a safe, and enjoyable vacation and why now is the time to make your plans.
The good news today is that more people than are enjoying the hassle free way of cruising than ever before - securely!
Talk to your agent about price protection, deposits, penalties or lack of for cancellation and all the little details that will help assure a vacation like none other on earth. See you on board!
Sid Kaplan Cruise Vacations Guide
Family Travel information Recommended Products
Thomson Holidays Price Blitz Thomson
holidays offers access to great value holidays, direct from the UK's No1
supplier of air inclusive package holidays. With the widest range of
holidays available, all linked to the most punctual charter airline, your
users are bound to find the perfect holiday. More satisfied holidaymakers
come back to Thomson than any other holiday company - why choose anybody
else?
Save £'s with Thomson Holidays
Online travel agents
Thomas Cook offer flights, sun
holidays, faraway holidays to exotic destinations, late deals, city
breaks, UK breaks, snow holidays, hotel booking and foreign
exchange.
Thomas Cook Deal
Opodo is a new online travel service
that addresses the real needs of today’s traveller.RomanceShoppingArt and
CultureOffering an unbiased and competitively priced online
travel service for world travel, Opodo have access to
flights from over 400 airlines, as well as an extensive
range of worldwide hotel properties and car rental
companies, as well as Opodo travel insurance.
lastminute encourages spontaneous, romantic and sometimes adventurous
behaviour by offering people the chance to live their dreams at unbeatable prices
easyCar a leading car
rental broker we are able to select from the best car rental companies
around the world, both international and regional, with a wide range of
quality vehicles. easyCar – the low cost, online car hire specialist. It
currently provides car rental in over 60 countries including the UK,
Ireland, the USA, Canada, Spain, Switzerland, France, Portugal, Italy,
Greece, Cyprus, South Africa, Germany, Jersey, Guernsey and Australia.
Expedia sell everything for
Travel. Find special deals
on airfares, accommodation, holidays, car hire, insurance as well as in-depth
travel information and world guides at Expedia.
OutdoorGear UK offering a wide range of equipment for campers,
walkers and outdoor lovers with very competitive prices.
Over 50,000 Real Package Holiday Reviews of
airtours cosmos first choice jmc my travel mytravel portland direct
skytours thomas cook thomson tui unijet and more from Holidays Uncovered
- Real truths and reports about package holidays from holidays
uncovered. Holiday uncovered. Guide and Guides
Winter Family Vacation Ideas News
Architect Michelle Kaufmann sees green - MarketWatch
Architect Michelle Kaufmann sees green MarketWatch - 4 hours ago Here she shares some of her ideas behind the Smart Home and sustainable, innovative, high-quality building. MarketWatch: In listening to your recollection ...
What2Watch: Generation Kill Ends As The War Is Just Beginning - Film.com
What2Watch: Generation Kill Ends As The War Is Just Beginning Film.com, WA - 3 hours ago Dear Prudence (Hallmark, Saturday 9 PM): Jane Seymour stars as a Martha Stewart type who goes on vacation at a Wyoming lodge and promptly becomes involved ...
Trip Tips and Deals Washington Post, United States - Aug 18, 2008 Now for today's question: With the new school year looming, many families are squeezing in one last beach vacation. But what happens if your whole family...
Guest Commentary The Daily Planet, CO - Aug 24, 2008 When looking at the 2007/2008 winter season, Swiss tourism was similar to Telluride’s tourism results in terms of weather. They had an excellent ski season ...
How long does it take to unplug work? - Globe and Mail
How long does it take to unplug work? Globe and Mail, Canada - Aug 9, 2008 The employer gives three weeks vacation then another five days in the form of half days off before long weekends and winter holidays. ...
