Tips to be safe during travels

Advocatecare,

So sorry to hear your dad's in the hospital, hopefully he will be better soon...

Thanks for sharing that funny article ;-)

Hope your dad gets well soon.

Someone needs to own up about that first one, that Ford Focus with the dodgy looking blokes inside has been following me around for days. Is it one the people here?

I love this one:

"Only carry around the kinds of fanny packs, cameras, and guidebooks locals would use"

You don't want to stand out as a tourist.

This gave me a good belly laugh! Thanks for posting. And I hope your Dad continues to improve!

So if I max out my credit cards, I'm actually protecting myself? Awesome! ;)

This was great. I think it was after 9/11 that we switched from "Bon Voyage!" to "Safe travels...." accompanied by a worried/concerned look. Nice to see the Onion poking fun. I liked, "Bury your valuables deep within your backpack to ensure you hold up every line and immediately identify yourself as a tourist." I think that people actually practice in NYC. :)

Pam

Funny! I shared it with the rest of my family, too as I am sure it will be "useful" advice. We are leaving for Italy Thursday :) My favorite? The "maxing out credit cards". That sounds like good advice to me! advocate care, I also am hoping for continued improvement for your Dad.

Thank you all for your kind words concerning my dad getting better. Unfortunately the news we got today was not good. Tomorrow we will see an oncologist and see what the plan might be. Still not sure if I should go or stay. My mom says my dad would never want me to cancel and that seeing pictures and messages from us and his grandkids will help him more than me staying here. He will likely be in the hospital for at least half of our trip, if not more, so I know they will keep him safe. But my heart is very torn right now. We have to be on the road by 6am this Friday to get to the airport. I'll talk to him tomorrow and let him know I will do whatever he wants me to do. Sorry to put a damper on the thread but I appreciate that you shared your well-wishes and wanted to say thank you.

Jacque

Ok, one more update to lift this back up (at least for me!), my daughter just got home from the first day of the music clinic to prepare for Europe (3 days to learn all their pieces) and she made FIRST CHAIR in clarinet AND my nephew made FIRST CHAIR in French Horn!!!

That was some very special music to my ears and my dad will be so proud of them!!!

All the best to you and your family.
Whatever you decide will be the right choice for you and yours.
I know that all of us who have followed your "journey" this far are sending you our very best wishes.

Congratulations on the first chairs!!!! As a former high school musician, I know what that means! And prayers for your dad. I'd try to arrange a computer for him in the hospital and load Skype on it, then load Skype on your phone or a computer you're taking. Then you and his grandkids can Skype with him - everyday if you want. I'd also try to video and send him the videos (keep them fairly short)- so he can see them. Teach him or your mom, or someone else who will be there (if they don't already know how), how to use Skype, email, etc. That way he can enjoy your trip ASAP and you can check on him and maybe feel (almost) like you are visiting. For heaven's sake, do not skip the trip. He'd feel responsible and you don't want that and you'd possibly feel resentful (not on purpose, but subconsciously). you know he'll be getting good care.

By the way, I loved the article. So funny!!!!!

so funny))) thanks for good mood)

I am so sorry your Dad is sick so close to your trip. I hope you decide to go after all your planning.

First chair is awesome! Your family is very talented and your Dad must be proud.

I had the same thing happen to me several years ago. When my dad heard that I was thinking of canceling, he was insistent that I go. I ended up finally getting a cell phone that I could use on the trip and called home every other day. I also had purchased trip insurance that would cover an earlier return. You're probably too late for that, but it might be worth asking about it.

And, my dad lived another 5 years! I hope that at least the same for you if not many more.

Pam

Thanks for the laugh. It's refreshing to read something with a lighthearted look at security while travelling instead of all the doom and gloom one hears and reads.

About the situation with your dad -- I was in the same situation a number of years ago when my mom was ill. Of course, you'll need to decide for yourself, but I would advise you to go and plan to keep in touch via Skype, email, or whatever. Your dad is sure to enjoy seeing photos of your trip, and you will be able to relax, knowing from your close contact that he is being well cared for in your absence.

Jacque,

Prayers going your way...