“Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt: The countries Australians travel to despite warnings.” So says the headline of a recent story on the popular website news.com.au.
And it’s true, of Australians and other travellers, that we sometimes go to places despite warnings from ogovernments, travel agents or other expert advisers.
But what do you do if the pyramids of Giza, or the Hagia Sophia and other attractions of Istanbul, are on your bucket list?
You can hold out and go to “safe” destinations — but exactly where are they, considering France, Belgium and Germany have also been recently hit by terror attacks?
Or you can take a “calculated” risk. And that calculation is totally a personal one.
It would be reckless of me to tell you that any destination is safe. I am morally obliged to tell you that you should pay attention to official travel warnings.
But who am I to stomp on your dreams? We all have places we want to visit. I have been lucky enough to have been to many of mine, and I have been wise — or perhaps cowardly — enough not to visit some places I’ve felt uncomfortable about.
All I can say is: do your research; know what you’re getting yourself into; understand your personal circumstances and obligations.
But also know that life is inherently dangerous, and that fatal accidents can, and do, happen in your own home, your street or your neighbourhood.
As with all things in life, travel involves making informed choices.
