Like most people, I have a checklist when it comes to picking a travel destination. Where to stay, what to do and what to eat (of course) are my more fun, frivolous boxes that need to be checked. A bit more on the serious side, I check if said destination is accepting of myself and my travel companions as a foreigner/female/person of color or member of the LGBTQ community. Most importantly, I check if said country/city is safe.
In years past, I think most travelers defined safety based on political unrest and foreign diseases. Now with the ever looming threat of a terrorist attack, things seem more risky. With the unpredictability of today’s world, the last box can be a difficult one to check off with confidence.
Knowing the safety of a destination adds necessary peace of mind. Yes, I know, nowhere is perfect. However in today’s world, there’s no longer a fear of pickpocket or fraud, but the violence associated with being different, and worst, of terrorism. It’s something we are reminded of when you turn on the news and “out of nowhere” see lives completely devastated by such horrific and senseless violence.
In Aix, where it was business as usual.
I will admit I have put off a few trips due to my travel fears, namely Paris. I always dreamed of going to Paris, but fear gets the better of me and I just keep putting it off. Is the risk worth it? I have a hard time deciding that.
When I saw that France would be a stop on our cruise, I was so happy. I couldn’t wait to explore a new city, Marseille, as well as visit one that I had already come to love, Aix-en-Provence. When I studied abroad, Aix was one of my favorite cities to explore and I was excited to be able to share this place that I loved so much with my family.
Two weeks before we were to leave, the Bastille Day attacks occurred in Nice. As I sat glued to the TV, I became sick and sad that a city and a country that I loved so much had been subject to such horror. I then became nervous and fearful as I remembered our trip itinerary and wondered if getting off the ship in France was a good idea. What if something happened? I started to make myself crazy with all the “what-if” possibilities.
In talking to a friend who travels quite often throughout Europe, I mentioned my fear. We agreed that yes, while I wasn’t going to a war zone, the fear I had was a real fear to have, since these attacks are so unpredictable. But further into the discussion my friend made a point that stuck with me:
“What if nothing happens, though? Then you will have missed out on the beauty of France. The people, the shopping and most important to you, the food. It’s a risk, yes, but isn’t that the world we live in today?”
My friend was right. And the more their words sank in, the more I reasoned with myself. I live and work in New York City, a city that’s been attacked. A city that is prepared 24/7 for the absolute worst. Yet, this doesn’t stop me or my fellow New Yorkers from living our lives. It doesn’t stop tourists from visiting in droves. We remain vigilant, we remain prepared and we carry on, business as usual.
And this is what I observed the French have done as well.
By the time we docked in France, whatever I was feeling had disappeared. We stopped first in Aix and it was just as beautiful as I had remembered it. Bustling, lively, relaxed. I was only sad because we didn’t have more time. Later in the day we ventured to Marseille and it was incredible learning about this beautiful city on the sea. While strolling through the city center, I spotted a number of soldiers with heavy machinery patrolling the streets. But I never at anytime felt unsafe or on edge. Because seeing officers in tactical gear is not an uncommon sight to see in NYC. Actually, not seeing them concerns me.
Business as usual.
This fear is not without merit. It is a very real concern to have, especially in today’s world. While I don’t think I am ready to travel any and everywhere just yet, this trip to France was a crucial step in easing my fears.
It may sound grim but the reality is that anything can happen anywhere. It could happen at home or it could happen abroad. I may not be ready to travel to any and everywhere just yet, but I’m also not ready for fear to cause me to miss out on life and the places I’ve dreamed of traveling to.
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