Twin Statues – Luxor, Egypt 2008
The morning of September 11, 2001, is well ingrained in my memory.
Within a few days of the attack, I called Adventure Center and verified my October trip was still scheduled, which meant I had to decide whether or not to head for the Middle East.
My parents definitely did not want me to go.
My brother, on the other hand, took the opposing view.
Deep down, I knew fear alone was not a reason to cancel my plans, however, the 24/7 media coverage of death and destruction was effective at swaying me.
And then there was a sign, in the form of Delta canceling their service to Cairo.
Suddenly, I would be due a full refund on my airfare, which made giving up my $200 tour deposit seem inconsequential.
Life seemed to sway me away from international travel, thereafter, as it wasn't until several years later in 2005 that I would dust off my passport and board a flight to Costa Rica.
If it weren't for that complete lack of travel in my early 20's, I might not have decided to make up for it with a big trip around the world in my early 30's.
And it was on that RTW trip that I made sure to visit Egypt – Cairo, the Pyramids, Luxor, and Aswan – complete with Nile River cruise and several felucca rides to make up for 2001.
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
Dave
Tuesday 15th of September 2009
Hey Brian - good point about the not knowing what was coming next. My Dad had mentioned a few days ago how he really thought the cities of the US would end up like the Middle East. Glad that hasn't been the case.
Dave
Monday 14th of September 2009
Hey Brian - good point about the not knowing what was coming next. My Dad had mentioned a few days ago how he really thought the cities of the US would end up like the Middle East. Glad that hasn't been the case.
brian
Saturday 12th of September 2009
I cant blame anyone for not traveling immediately after 9/11. We had no idea of knowing if there were going to be more attacks, or when or where.
I traveled to London 6 months later and I chose a seat specifically on the aisle because I wanted to be to jump on and mix it up with anyone who threatened the plane. I think everyone flying for the first time after 9/11 was VERY conscious of where they sat and who was on board with them.
michaelapotter
Friday 11th of September 2009
I try not to let fear get to me too much when traveling because I am so inspired by it. And the events of 9-11 and those who responded to it inspired me even more and made me realize I needed to continue to follow my dream.
And today is no better day then to reflect on that. Here are some people who inspired me at that time: http://wanderlustprod.com/wordpress/reflecting-...
Dave
Wednesday 9th of September 2009
Wow, that is quite a situation to be in. Thanks for sharing.
The more I travel, the less I try to let fear guide my decision-making. I think I taught myself a big lesson (and a few others too) when I 1) visited Colombia, and 2) decided to live there for 6 months in the former murder capital of the world!