Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Overcome Fear
Fear has always been a barrier to travel. And, after 9/11, the US became even
more fearful...and more isolated. Of course, there are serious risks that deserve
our careful attention. But it's all too easy to mistake fear for actual danger.
Franklin D. Roosevelt's assertion that we have nothing to fear but fear itself
feels just as relevant today as when he i rst said it in 1933.
I'm hardly a fearless traveler. I can think of many times I've been afraid
before a trip. Years ago, I heard that in Egypt, the beggars were relentless,
there were no maps, and it was so hot that car tires melted to the streets. For
three years, I had plane tickets to India but bailed out, i nding other places
closer to my comfort zone. Before l ying to Iran to i lm a public television
show, I was uneasy. But in each case, when I i nally went to these countries,
I realized my fears were unfounded.
History is rife with examples of leaders who manipulate fear to distract,
mislead, and undermine the will of the very people who entrusted them with
power. Our own recent history is no exception. If you want to sell weapons
to Colombia, exaggerate the threat of drug lords. If you want to build a
wall between the US and Mexico, trump up the fear of illegal immigrants.
If you want to create an expensive
missile-defense system, terrify people
with predictions of nuclear holocaust.
My travels have taught me to have a
healthy skepticism toward those who
peddle fear. And in so many cases,
I've learned that the l ipside of fear
is understanding.
As travelers and as citizens, we
react not to the risk of terrorism but to
the perceived risk of terrorism—which
we generally seem to exaggerate. For travelers, the actual risk is minuscule.
Here are the facts: Year after year, about 12 million Americans go to Europe,
and not one is killed by terrorists. In 2004, there was a horrii c bombing in
Madrid—no Americans killed. In 2005, there was a despicable bombing in
London's subway and bus system—no Americans killed. In 2008, there was
a terrible bombing in Istanbul—no Americans killed. h is isn't a guarantee.
Tomorrow an American could be beheaded by a terrorist in Madrid. But,
tragic as that might be, it wouldn't change the fact that it is safe to travel.
