The current situation, day to day, in Ukraine, is of real concern, but appears be the elephant in the room here on the Forum!
@Wanderingfriend and
@Camino Chrissy your concerns are not unique!
The war in Ukraine and its consequences concern the majority of
US travelers are also impacting their travel plans to Europe, according to a recent survey by
MMGY Travel Intelligence.
MMGY Travel Intelligence, MMGY Global’s research and insights division, surveyed hundreds of US travelers planning to visit Europe about the war to understand its impact on traveler sentiment and behavior.
According to the survey’s main findings:
– 62 percent of US travelers cite concerns about the war in Ukraine spreading to nearby countries as a factor impacting plans to travel to Europe,
which is twice the number (31 percent) who cite Covid-19 health and safety concerns as a factor
– 47 percent of travelers want to wait and see how the situation in Ukraine evolves before making plans to visit Europe this year
– 50 percent of respondents are concerned about possible delays and cancellations of flights, trains and cruises, as well as the potential for border closures.
I am flying to Madrid on April 24th as of now! In preparation I have:
Registered with the state department this year regarding my travel plans
In the USA this is called The Smart Traveler EnrollmentProgram (free)
step.state.gov
Been Flexible in my planning
Can change flights without extra cost. Used flight miles
All accommodation reservations can be canceled up to a week before without cost.
I have decided to carry more cash than I normally do Just in case there is any problem with the banking system while abroad? In addition, I will carry additional credit cards from different financial institutions.
I will stay in touch wth loved ones more frequently and follow world news daily.
Actually, I pray by the time we fly on April 24th, there is a ceasefire.