As I have often said traveling in this day and age can be a challenging experience. The world can be a dangerous place. Having said that, it seems that there is still a great desire by our clients to explore the world. World circumstances be “damned” it’s not stopping us.
So it was with great pleasure that I recently designed a trip for some very good friends to visit London, Paris and Amsterdam, three great cities of Europe. I don’t think it is necessary to remind everyone of some of the recent incidents that have happened in London and Paris and at train between Amsterdam and Paris. These events were not going to stop these folks from traveling.
In fact, right before they departed I got a call from these folks asking me about precautions they might take during their European adventure. Well, of course, the “don’t leave your brain at home” suggestions came to mind. If you see something, say something. Be aware of your surroundings. If you want to be really careful, avoid public transportation and avoid, or at the very least, don’t linger in crowded markets and tourist areas.
It turns out that these folks were in London this past June 2nd thru the 5th. And if you remember there was an unfortunate attack on the London Bridge Saturday night June 3rd. That day our clients had a full day tour of London that ended around 7:00 pm at the London Bridge.
Hungry for dinner the couple contemplated where to have dinner. There were some great restaurants right in the London Bridge area. But the area was active and busy and crowded. Remembering what I had advised about precautions they decided to head back to the more quiet area near their hotel and eat dinner away from the London Bridge. They finished dinner about 9:30 pm a half mile or so from the London Bridge. The attack on the Bridge was at about 10:00 pm.
It’s very nice to know my advice was headed. Some of you may remember the late 80’s early 90’s TV show Hill Street Blues. At the end of roll call the shift sergeant always said, and it applies to travel……….”Let’s be safe out there”.
