I consider myself fairly brave when it comes to travel. Since I was first able to venture out on my own, I’ve had no qualms about hopping on a plane and jetting off to explore a new city. But in recent weeks, my fearlessness has dwindled. Each breaking news story that delivers devastating details about yet another tragedy puts me on edge and makes me more guarded and apprehensive about venturing to destinations I wouldn’t have thought twice about visiting before.

I plan to travel to Brazil next month, Barcelona in September and I was considering traveling to Turkey sometime in the next year. But recent events in Paris, Belgium, Orlando, Nice, Turkey, Germany as well as the incidents taking place right here in the States have given me pause. A part of me wonders if I should just stay home where it’s “safe.”

As I’ve grappled with these thoughts and fears over the past few weeks, I was reminded of what a woman I met on a recent flight to New York told me. She mentioned that Turkey was her favorite vacation destination. When I asked if she worried about traveling there given the instability in the region she smiled and said, “You’re never truly safe anywhere. You could get killed crossing the street in front of your house. I have no reservations about traveling to that area. As long as you keep a low profile and respect the culture, there’s no reason not to go.”

As traveler and as a human being I recognize that I have a choice to make. I can allow these recent events to fundamentally change how I view and interact with the world. I can let my fear of what might happen cripple me and prevent me from doing what I love. Or I can choose not to allow the evil acts of a few dictate how I’m going to live my life.

I will have to adapt to this new normal. I can be smart, cautious and avoid unnecessary risks without isolating myself from the world. I believe too strongly in the importance of travel and experiencing other cultures to let hate, divisiveness and fear prevail. I’m powerless to stop horrible things from happening, but I can choose to continue to see the beauty and all the good that still exists in this world.

As I grapple with my own fears, sadness and worry caused by these tragedies, I am acutely aware that my changed reality pales in comparison to those who have been directly impacted by these terrible events. My thoughts and prayers go out to those families and I hope for more peace, tolerance and understanding.

Have recent events changed your views on travel? How are you coping with these scary times? Share your comments below?

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