LET’S ALL TAKE A BEAT …

As I asked the hubby several weeks ago, “what happens to our Middle East travel if there’s a war”?  At the time, while the prospect may have been on the minds of many, there was nothing to do.  Fortunately we’re both pragmatic when it comes to travel — i.e., potential disruptions can’t totally be avoided.  We’ll deal with it if and when it actually happens.

While the events in these past days have portended to pose actual disruptions, I firmly believe it is premature to act.  And I’m saying that with a departure date of April 17 taking us through the Abu Dhabi airport en route to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait prior to a chunk of time in Africa.

I recently booked a large group of friends on an Egyptian Nile tour and on to Turkey.  Nearly everyone is flying Emirates through Dubai.  But their departure isn’t until late June.  I have advised them that the only thing to do as of now is be mindful prior to their full tour payment due at the end of March.  I will certainly review options with Kensington Tours — the excellent company with whom the group is booked for the Egypt portion.

The following link was sent to me by a friend and longtime reader (with appreciation).  It will certainly be passed along to the group and may help calm some nerves.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-airports-operational-plans-support-passengers-iran-attack-flight-suspension

There’s also multiple sources reporting that emergency visas are being issued on the spot for disrupted travelers.

Have I entertained a Plan B for me and the hubby?  I have zero concerns regarding our time in Africa (South Africa, Botswana, Rwanda and Kenya).  I did some research in terms of where we might go first if the Middle East countries are a no-go.  By the way, that would mean the State Department issues a Level 4 threat.  If you’re not familiar with the levels, see below.

The good news for us is that the flights and hotels are all refundable.  If we must change, there’s little likelihood of again scoring the long-haul flights with miles as those go quickly.  I booked last year as soon as they became available (70k miles per person one way to Saudi Arabia in business class plus $45 in fees).  Oh, well … stay tuned for more.