Start Traveling Again

It's time to start traveling again folks. Everyone has been hunkered down in their homes fretting about getting anthrax from their mail, but going ahead and grabbing it anyway. Now instead of potentially exposing yourselves to all that potential anthrax, don't you think it's time to take advantage of some of those amazing travel deals out there? There are thousands of incredible airfare deals out there; all over the world the prices of air travel have dropped. Hotel rates are down, and those souvenir shops are practically giving their goods away.

Afraid to go to the Middle East? Well, if you are truly brave, you can consider this to be the best possible time to go see the pyramids of Giza near Cairo. Right now you might actually find yourself alone in the King's Chamber of Khufu's last haunt. Normally the only way to experience something that rare would be to break the law (by entering the pyramid after hours). Been there and done that? Well how about visiting Syria? Often named when listing nations known to associate with terrorists, Syria is often left off of the list of places to go. But within the capital city, the chances of becoming the victim of a terrorist act is very very low. The capital city is Damascus, and it may very well be the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth. Think you might find something to take pictures of there? Of course you will - lots of things. Probably the only place you want to avoid in the Middle East is Israel and the Palestinian Authority - because many of their citizens are busy trying to wipe each other (and thus themselves) off the face of the earth.

North Asia is still a pretty safe place to visit, now that Om Shin Rykyo is back to pushing brochures instead of spraying nerve gas. In the relatively safer nation of South Korea, there are no terrorists, but winter is alive and well, so unless you really do want a white Christmas, it's a country better visited in the spring or summer. China, being such a large country has several climates to choose from. If you do go, stay to the east and south, that should keep you away from the cold, and should keep you away from any terrorists that may be lurking about (yes, even Red China has trouble with these goons). Taiwan and Hong Kong are completely safe, and for winter, the weather is very acceptable.

Southern Asia is quite a different story however. Thailand and Vietnam are okay to visit, as are Singapore, Brunei and Bali (not the rest of Indonesia, just Bali), but that's about it. Most other nations in south Asia have individuals with connections to Al Qaida, or have individuals who want to have connections with Al Qaida. But even at that, Malaysia is quite safe, but the Philippines is certainly not. In the case of countries such as India and Sri Lanka, political climates have created problems which when manifested are terrorist-like, if the aren't actually terroristic in nature.

Europe is very popular right now, as it always is. There doesn't seem to be any more risk of terrorism than usual in Europe. London, Paris and Rome are the most popular destinations, but, still not as popular as they were this time last year. Right now, everyone in the European tourism industry will be very happy to see you. To reward your bravery they are offering lower prices and shorter lines at all of the attractions. And don't forget, this may be your last chance to pick up some currencies that next January will be history.

So it looks like there is literally a whole world out there waiting for you to come and visit. The entire travel industry wants you to see whats over the next hill. Tickets are cheap, rooms are cheap and souvenirs are cheap - now don't you go and be cheap to - start traveling already!

--- 1rez Acting Editor