War in Ukraine and your travel plans

I wouldn't got to Ukraine, Russia or Belarus now. Personally, I wouldn't worry at this point about the others you list, but I concede that something could happen to change my attitude.

Following a trip to Bulgaria years ago, we crossed into Romania to catch a flight to Vienna. I wasn’t enamored with Bucharest, but we were just there for part of the day, before heading to the airport. My husband has long said we should give more of the country a visit, but that hasn’t ever been worked into our plans. I would certainly postpone any trip to Romania now.

My guess is that the Russian invasion will affect tourism to neighboring countries for some time, and that’s a real shame, but I believe it’s understandable. I’ve just read that the Russian ruble is now at a super-low exchange rate. Aside from worries about danger, and being totally opportunistic, that might make a St. Petersburg trip much more affordable in the future. Or will the admission price for the Hermitage skyrocket, offsetting any savings?

If I were planning a trip to that part of Europe in the near future, I wouldn't be too concerned about travel in Poland or Hungary. I doubt there will be any problems there. I have no desire to go any further east than that. I haven't seen Budapest or Krakow yet, so those are both on my list.

Worried enough to cancel leisure travel to Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Rumania, and Baltics? Or even St Petersburg or Moscow?

Hopefully (tourist) travel to russia will soon be banned, if it hasn't been done yet

I loved my visit to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Sadly, I would not go there now or recommend anyone else do so either -- they are the front-line states that the Russians could easily decide to roll over (though that could be the spark that sets off WWIII).

In his "Airing of Grievances" speech yesterday (where he claimed Ukraine had no right to exist as a country), Putin has said that he wants to restore the old USSR. The next step in that project is to carve out a land bridge from occupied Ukraine to Kaliningrad, taking a bite out of Poland and/or Lithuania, leaving the Baltic states effectively an island cut off from the rest of mainland EU. I would worry if planning to visit any of these countries, and I'm pretty adventurous. I'm sure tourism to any of the nations bordering Russia will drop precipitously for years going forward.

This thread will probably disappear in about 12 hours.

Sigh.

A friend recently asked me if I was concerned, as I'm scheduled for a Best of Turkey tour March 28 to April 9. I was like nooo, I wasn't worried till you brought it up! Turkey is separated by the entire Black Sea from the possible conflict, right? Ugh...!

There's this thing people forget about called NATO. It includes these countries:

Albania, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States.

If Russia attacks any of them, all the rest are required to come to their aid. If that should happen,, I wouldn't be too concerned about your trip to Europe as it would probably be classified as WW III. Russia does not have that good of a military to take on NATO.

If Russia does move into any more countries it would probably be south into the "stans."

I have a trip planned to Estonia and Finland in May. I'm still planning on going.

What Frank and Joe32 said (although sadly unlike Frank, I do not have a trip planned to Estonia and Finland for May).

As someone living two miles from the Danube, I am zero concerned about the river, Prague or Budapest.

It looks as though the west has no option but to let Ukraine fall. It will bolster the surrounding NATO countries.

I am not planning a trip to these parts, but the current situation wouldn’t stop me going (obviously not to Russia or the Ukraine).

Stock markets have plummeted, so you may not have as much income or assets to fund any trip and oil prices have surged, so fuel supplements may be introduced on flights.

We were in Turkey during the Syrian war. If I didn't hear it on the news, I wouldn't have known that refugees or a war was taking place on the Eastern border as in Istanbul and western Turkey everything was normal.

So while I wouldn't go to Russia or the Ukraine anytime soon-central Europe will be fine.

Jennifer's comments about the stock market and fuel costs is points out very real effects of the actions of Russia. I'm very glad that we are taking the RS tour to Greece in March because as time goes on these effects will compound. Covid was likely to change travel forever, and the war in Ukraine will have effects for a long time to come.

We have a Baltic cruise scheduled for August. We're still looking forward to it, but haven't made any additional reservations yet.

It might be better to go to the countries you mention sooner rather than later. I could see Putin starting WWIII by attacking Poland and/or the Baltics in the future, but probably not right now.

I am not concerned. Of course if Putin decides to target NATO countries we're going to have much bigger problems than canceled trips to Europe.

I think central Europe is fine but, you might encounter effects of the Ukraine crisis in Poland. There are many NATO country troops stationed there and they're expecting a refugee crisis of possibly a million people.

I don’t think the expansion of military operations beyond Ukraine is a reasonable concern. I don’t think Russia has that capability. Hopefully this is the beginning of the end for Putin.

Of course Poland will be affected, it's already affected by an influx of American troops. My family lives there and they are frightened by what's happening - my grandparents lived through WWII when Poland was invaded and later when martial law was imposed after the Soviets came in. There are more than 5,000 American troops on the eastern border to help process people who are expected to flee Ukraine over the border. This will shake all of Europe. Will it affect someone's vacation in Budapest? Not directly, but it's naive to think that this is not a big deal and life will go on as normal anywhere in Europe. Psychologically, this is much bigger than maybe some people realize since they're so far from the conflict. When you're a tourist, you're in a bubble except when your movements get seemingly arbitrarily restricted (as in airlines cutting flights into certain areas, more visible security apparatus on the streets, etc)

As far as travel to Russia, it's easy to imagine that it will become much more difficult as Russia can simply restrict tourism through the (tourist) Visa process. The US, in turn, can erect reciprocal barriers, and travel will be severly curtailed if not stopped between the two countries. There was no easy, Visa-free travel to Russia even before this attack.

We are scheduled to be on the RS Best of Eastern Europe tour in June and unless RS alters it are planning to go as I don't think our trip will be affected at this time. The people of Ukraine, and the affect Russia's aggression will have on countries like Poland, are weighing heavily on my mind and I fear greatly for them.

I can't believe that the Russian Grand Prix hasn't been cancelled yet.

I just looked at Rick Steves list of tours. He has removed the tour that includes Russia.

I have a trip to Poland scheduled in March, I'm open to canceling it after what I saw today (Ukraine has the second largest military in Europe). If Ukraine can stop the Russians in their tracks that's another story, if not what's next on Putin's hitlist to restoring the Tsardom? Perhaps securing a land bridge between Kaliningrad and Belarus and cutting off the Baltics? The man obviously operates in another reality.

Agnes, we were watching footage this morning of the long, long lines of traffic headed out of Kyiv. From what I read, other bordering countries are reported to be joining Poland in readying shelters for fleeing Ukrainians. I would imagine that very large numbers of refugees would impact those countries in all sorts of ways, including COVID impact if vaccination numbers are low?

The dead-stop traffic lines worry me; sitting ducks, if you know what I mean?

Ukraine's president says Russian forces are attempting to seize control of Chernobyl nuclear power plant

“Russian occupation forces are trying to seize the Chernobyl [Nuclear
Power Plant]. Our defenders are sacrificing their lives so that the
tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated,” Zelensky tweeted.

Oy. Very worrisome news to have fighting going on there. The containment of the disaster (still full of nuclear waste and highly radioactive) could easily be breached.

Agnes, we were watching footage this morning of the long, long lines of traffic headed out of Kyiv. From what I read, other bordering countries are reported to be joining Poland in readying shelters for fleeing Ukrainians.

Just saw footage on TV of the first wave of refugees entering Poland. FYI, Ukraine's population is over 40 million.

I am currently planning an independent trip to Turkey and the Caucasus for September/October. I think I will hold off booking anything until we see what happens. It wouldn't surprise me if this war escalates, and I don't think I want to be traveling in any of the former Soviet republics if that happens.

I had a trip planned for Poland and western Ukraine this Spring but had cancelled it earlier for unrelated issues. As Agnes said, even if the fighting stays across the border, a war impacts neighboring countries severely, and I wouldn't want to a "crisis tourist" in the way of local problems.

Hard to believe there'd be a major war, in Europe, in the 21st century. People in the west thought we were past that point in western civilization. As mentioned, an attack on a NATO country means the US is at war too, so we will be more impacted than just inconveniencing our vacation plans. Maybe we'll decide that we can't sacrifice Ukraine for the sake of appeasement and peace in our time.

I am very glad--indeed, they have been my top favorite trips and places I would or already have returned to--that I have been able to visit Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Hungary. The Baltics especially seem to be a territory that could be in Putin's plans, so wouldn't plan a trip there just now, though I am hoping for Budapest later this year.

Interesting comments by all. I'm not too worried about the Vienna and such portion of my trip.

I guess there are two types of worry. Being caught up in armed conflict, or, being caught up in the surrounding morass like sanctions, refugees, or military preparedness.

I'll just keep a wary eye.

Champions League Final will likely be moved from St Petersburg so wherever they move it too ... there go your hotels!

Russian Gran Prix in Sochi is still scheduled for September. At least one driver says he won't go, but it will be interesting to watch what the teams do.

I agree with Frank - if it spreads to a NATO country there will be bigger issues than worrying about holiday plans.

I'm currently looking at buying some euros for my upcoming Balkans trip in Sept - - the Eur has weakened quite a lot in the last day or 2. We are planning on Hungary, Serbia, N Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia

Well, you won't need a lot of euros for those countries--just in Slovenia and Montenegro, right?

Lissie,

Were you planning to use Euro in all those countries? Some of them still use their own currency.....

• Hungary uses Forint
• Serbia uses Dinar
• Macedonia uses Denar
• Albania uses Lek
• Montenegro uses Euro
• Croatia uses Kuna
• Slovenia uses Euro

Countries which still use their own currency will probably still accept Euro although the exchange rate may not always be favourable.

I would imagine that very large numbers of refugees would impact those countries in all sorts of ways, including COVID impact if vaccination numbers are low?
The dead-stop traffic lines worry me; sitting ducks, if you know what I mean?

Polish media are reporting that all border crossings are open and most Ukrainians crossing into Poland do not even ask for a refugee status. Ukraine has visa free access to Schengen like US, Canada, UK, etc. Many already have families already settled in Poland. I do not know if you are aware how big Ukrainian immigration in Poland has been in recent years. Poland is being portrayed as anti-immigrant but immigration into Poland has been massive. It's sort of invisible, though, as there is practically no language barrier or hostilty despite turbulent relationship in the past. Some speak Polish so well that only Polish native speakers can detect gramaticall errors and slight Ukrainian/Russian accent. If you imagine that this might turn another Middle East refugee crisis, it most likely will not. Most countries in the CE region suffer from lack of workers. Poland alone can easily incorporate 700k, and those who decide to leave Ukraine are not going to stop in Poland but move on further west. Germany is an even bigger job market. EU countries have been enticing Ukrainian workers for years now.

Covid is almost non issue in Poland. They are keeping some restrictions but I really don't know why they bother since most have been ignored since the very beginning anyway.

Do I feel threatened living in Poland? No. I do not see why tourists should be concerned at this stage.

In case you are wondering, Kyiv is pronounced, approximately, “Kreeve.”

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cE1f6GUvG5Y

Thanks Tom, that’s really helpful. I like knowing correct pronunciations. I’ve been saying Keeve. Who knew it’s actually Kreeve.

We are on the RS Best of Poland tour this May and unless he cancels, we will go. We added 4 days at the end of our tour, which ends in Krakow, to travel to Lviv in Ukraine. When the situation with Russia began to ramp up a couple of weeks ago we decided to forego Lviv and stay in Krakow doing day trips. It was a difficult decision to make but I am now glad that we did it.
My heart goes out to the people of Ukraine.

Just a few months ago I was planning my kids’ first international travel and I was telling them how much I would love to fly into Moscow and go to St Petersburg, then Tallinn, Riga, Minsk and Kyiv.

I was waxing poetic on how the cathedrals of Russia and the rest of Eastern Europe are as magical (often more!) than the ones in the West… How when I was born it was the USSR and far from a hot destination. I blabbed about how surprised I am that, in modern times, that people don’t seem to realize how beautiful and open the East is now and people in the US have been slow to see Estonia or Latvia, etc, as stunning, cultured destinations.

I wouldn’t consider traveling to any of those places right now. I hope this will pass quickly. I hope so much.

I’m not overly concerned about going to Italy or France but my anxiety does increase the further east I think of traveling. I doubt my anxiety is in direct correlation with actual threat, but that’s how my brain is processing.

My dad visited most of the cities listed above in the late 80s. He was stunned, with the media depiction in the US, the KGB out in force on the ground, and massive stencils of the hammer and sickle everywhere, at the beauty of the cities and the warmth of the people.

He took donations from the US with him and, seeing him pack milk powder and toothpaste, I sent my best plush stuffed animal in his suitcase. (I was 6.) The children he gave it to refused to accept it without sending the only one they owned back to me. It was one of those things you’d get from a claw machine. I named it Riga and I’ve gotten rid of all my childhood things except that little blue bear and my first doll.

I am thinking of those children today, and their children. I hope that my children live in a world where visiting each other over these borders isn’t a scary prospect.

lisa: I don't believe the Rick Steves Poland tour covers these, maybe a day trip from Krakow.

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1054/

Actually, Tom_MN, she's not making an "r" sound. It's more like "kay" but softened/slurred - it's hard to explain without you actually hearing me - something between "kay" and "key". So "kay-eve" with the emphasis on the 1st syllable is the closest I can think of. If you go to Google Translate and type in Kyiv, you get a good clear pronunciation.

The way Ukrainians in Ukraine speak is so melodious, we diaspora born Ukrainians are missing that. When we were in Ukraine people knew right away we weren't locals from the way we spoke.

But definitely "Kyiv" not "Kiev" and "Ukraine" not "the Ukraine"

Khrystia: I was thinking kreeve with a French R was pretty close to the sound in the video, at least of the sounds I know. I see the Y is being used to signify a vowel sound not in English.

Google translate sounds more kye-oo when toggled for Ukrainian, simply Keev when toggled for English.

An email just came in from Royal Caribbean saying that they still plan on going to The Baltics this Spring and Summer. But they may have to change the itinerary--including not visiting St. Petersburg. Our reservations are for the end of May, 2022.

If we decide not to take the cruise, we can get a credit on another RCCL cruise--to be used within a year. If they do change the itinerary, we may have the option to flat cancel the cruise and get a full refund.

Other cruise lines announced today that they were not going into St. Petersburg anytime soon.

We're flying into and out of London Heathrow. Chances are we'll never get a European cruise as inexpensively as the one we have planned. But when it comes to travel, we always have a Plan B. Nevertheless, we'll have a great time no matter where we go.

My son’s close friend is Ukranian, born and raised in Kyiv, and living here in SF now. He also has 3 other good friends who are Ukranian, live in Kyiv, whom he has visited. I sent him this YouTube video of the pronunciation and he said they all say it’s pronounced Keeve… 🤔

This one has a three syllable Kay-ee-oo so I am just going back to kee-ev

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/25/world/europe/kyiv-pronunciation.html

Now that we have all been practicing our sounds and helpful attempts at pronouncing let’s keep this original thread going. I do agree it’s very important to work on language skills!
Sadly this war in Ukraine is ongoing….several horrible days now! My heart breaks for them!
I struggle with planning my upcoming May cruise to Adriatic/Med trip. Waiting yet for cruise line to book our airfare. Not for concern for my well-being…but of what is yet to come? Just so tough on all these countries after enduring Covid for 2 yrs! Oh my! Trying to remain hopeful and praying for peaceful resolve!!

You are correct all2alb, this is not the time to be making light of pronunuciation. I withdraw my comments.

I am also thinking about the regular ordinary people in Russia.
In the end, they and their innocent children will suffer too, just because their "leader" wants more more more..
They too, as well as all the Eastern countries nearby, have suffered enough over the years.
I would love to visit Russia and Estonia; but I fear it will never happen now. :(

There is actually a lot of support among the people in Russia for this action. They been well-prepped by their media and one-party rulers, and there is a long history of belief in Ukraine and Russia belonging together as one people. Depending on which side you're on, people believe the origin of Russian identity began in Ukraine, or vice versa.

Here's a good book to read for anyone interested in the background:

"Borderland: A Journey Through the History of Ukraine"
by Anna Reid

I’m not overly concerned about going to Italy or France

Oh I'm definitely boycotting Italy right now after their refusal to back sanctions against Russia unless they were allowed to comtinue trading in luxury goods. Absolutely despicable actions from the Italian government and I say it with a heavy heart as Rome is my favourite place on Earth and to even contemplate not visiting during these times is almost incomprehensible to me.

I'm sure the average Italian doesn't share the sentiments of their government but unfortunately foreign travellers and investors are listened to more than the native populace.

I do not take lightly what is happening. I do, however, think it’s respectful for Americans to pronounce Kyiv correctly. It’s the least we can do. My son’s 3 good friends in Kyiv have been on the streets building barricades and fighting by throwing molotov cocktails at the advancing Russian Army. One of his friends sent us a video of himself and others fighting throughout the night last night. My son has spent time in Kyiv with his friends and loves the city, the country, and the people who were so friendly and welcoming. My heart has been breaking, and i’ve been crying, since the Invasion started.

@JC
I was referring to safety of travelers and posted before I'd read news of the sanctions or lack thereof, from Italy.

I just read that Italy, along with the US, France, Germany, the UK and Canada, just expelled selected Russian banks from SWIFT. So that’s good.

I really cant imagine the unprovoked Russian invasion of Ukraine will have any impact on you visiting neighboring NATO countries.

One positive aspect is that Eastern Europe is a popular tourist destination for Russians ... well .... the sanctions just took care of that. So it may be a good time to visit.

But if you are nervous, That's understandable, so take the money you have saved and donate it to the cause. The organization that I have been contributing to for the last six years is United Help Ukraine. Like them a lot.

Thank you James, excellent suggestion. I just donated to United Help Ukraine. I also posted on my FB page asking my friends to donate to them as well.

Like I said earlier, our RCCL cruise to the Baltics is up in the air right now. Other cruise lines are cancelling going into St. Petersburg, so I would look for RCCL to follow suit.

If we get a refund on the cruise, Plan B may be to visit James E's Budapest and perhaps drive down to Slovenia. We're flying into and out of London Heathrow (LGW.)

Right now, I wouldn't hesitate to visit Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. I'd pass on the others, however. Note: I think it's 260 miles from Budapest to Kiev so I might not go to the eastern side of Hungary.

In such times, travelers have just got to be variable on their itineraries. Some of the best trips we've been on were in times of world strife (wars). We were once the only Americans in Munich's Hofbrauhaus on a Saturday night--which was unheard of.

Italy: can any of you enlighten me on the "refusal to back sanctions against Russia unless they were allowed to continue trading in luxury goods" issue mentioned above? I can't seem to find anything on it, and this 2/26 article from "Wanted in Rome" contains this statement:

https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/ukraine-italy-backs-eu-bid-to-cut-russia-off-from-swift.html

"In response to speculation in international media that Rome was seeking exemptions, Palazzo Chigi tweeted on Friday night: "Italy has made no requests for carve-outs on sanctions. Italy's position is fully aligned with the rest of the EU."

Related source: https://twitter.com/Palazzo_Chigi

Was it the possibility of "carve-out sanctions" that was being referenced in the posts above?

David, the border with Ukraine is about 200 miles from Budapest; Kyiv is about 600 miles.

Interesting that from East to West, Ukraine is about the same distance as Texas east to west. Huge country.

London Heathrow (LGW)

LGW is London Gatwick

I think about my Ukrainian ancestry. My family came from Odessa & Korets. Yesterday I donated in their honor and to those affected now. Thank you to everyone who have generously donated.

su·per·cil·i·ous
/ˌso͞opərˈsilēəs/
adjective
behaving or looking as though one thinks one is superior to others.
"a supercilious lady's maid"

Seriously???

Tom_MN - thanks so much for your link to some day trips from Krakow. We are just now putting together plans for our 4 days post tour so the timing is perfect.

Aimee, I agree about NATO being attacked with the caveat that the Russian leadership seems to be so ...... that who knows anymore. But the idea of going to Budapest (and Eastern Europe in general) in a few weeks is still within my level of tolerance. A week ago I was pricing out a summer cruise down the Dnieper River from Kyiv to Odesa to Istanbul and Romania. That is a tad beyond my comfort level now.

That is a tad beyond my comfort level now.

If (and I hope that is a big IF) that lunatic decides to attack a NATO country like Estonia or Latvia or Lithuania, I'm afraid going anywhere in the world would be beyond anyone's comfort level.

Which is why we must stop him in Ukraine.

Aimee, the word is he isn't what he use to be. I am very nervous He might not attack NATO, but all it would take is one missile falling on the wrong side of a line. Of course today he said basically, supplying arms to Ukraine could be taken as an act of war against Russia.

But I'm still off to Budapest in 3 weeks!

Always a mistake to assume that all people everywhere share the same reasoning, values, and goals that we have. He's already made the implicit threat of using tactical nuclear weapons and Russia has no policy against "first-use". They see Ukraine as an integral part of Russia, not an invasion of a foreign country, therefore any foreign support is interference in their business . And sadly, too many folks in the US support Putin.

They see Ukraine as an integral part of Russia,

More propaganda and excuse than reality.

Times are hard to plan travel right now. Feel sorry for many of you that have trips soon and are watching the news and wondering and feeling conflicted. And just when Covid is finally giving us a green light!! Oh my!!?
Amazingly tragic what Ukraine is enduring!! I am restraining myself with my analysis of this demented leader. Just hope and pray soon he is stopped…. however that may happen.
Too soon yet to cancel our trips…unless they are cancelled for us. Hang on to hope, give to charity and pray for peace!

The wild card is if the EU lets Ukraine join, might free up more substantial military support from Europe, like EU peacekeepers in western Ukraine to maintain a humanitarian corridor.

Carlos, I hope the EU does admit them, that would be an answer to prayers.
I wonder how long a speeded-up process would take to do that.

This war may be another after-effect of Covid-if Covid is what made a certain world leader into a mental case. We probably had better travel while we still can.

Thanks for that good info Aimee.

Between the war, rising fuel costs, and inflation, this is turning out to be a tough summer to plan travel. We are thinking about postponing.

Carlos, I hope the EU does admit them, that would be an answer to
prayers. I wonder how long a speeded-up process would take to do
that.

You're not the only one who wonders. Joining the EU is a process that takes many years, sometimes decades. But I at least hope Ukraine will be given candidate status soon.

...all it would take is one missile falling on the wrong side of a
line

That has me on edge as well. And who knows, if the tanking Russian economy causes the oligarchs to exert significant pressure on Putin to call off the dogs, I worry that he could resort to extreme measures instead? A valid concern or outside of the realm of possibilities, you think?

Crickets on the question for the posters saying earlier they were boycotting Italy; will assume those posters have since changed course.

Yes…was also wondering still about an Italy response after that concern was first posted?

These next two days/nights are hyper critical for Ukraine as Russian convoy snakes into Kyiv and other cities! Larger bombs being used. So hard for all to watch this escalation! Putin’s frustration, anger and obvious pent up paranoia to let loose. As awful as this is…I hear all your concerns with his nuclear threats.
Almost has a familiar memory how it seemed the pandemic would likely never affect us. Felt so distant. Feeling reminded of our fragile broken world we live. War and disease. Hope and giving aid and rescue for refugees and the injured. Praying!

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, today said that Ukraine "belongs in our European family" but said there was "still a long path ahead" to full membership.

I wonder if Ukraine could temporarily "cede" western Ukraine back to Poland, which was part of Poland pre-WWII, in order to create a safe zone under Polish protection. That would really piss off Putin huh?

All true. Hands kinda tied. But I think advisors to our NATO leaders are walking a very fine line with Putin’s distorted thinking processes. I am hearing how they don’t want him to feel “too backed into a corner” and then feeling there’s no way out. That’s when his nuclear weapons loom as a last resort for him. My psych background is seeing how that strategy needs to be carefully used with him. He has however not left much hope for a window in that….but again he does not think like a healthy person. Oh if only those around him had some sensible influence!! Another” if only” moment!? We all fear to wrap our heads around anything nuclear! History is being made by this Ukrainian stand!

all2alb I'm thinking the same. A wounded animal backed into a corner is very dangerous.

I think the EU has let Ukraine in for candidate status but I wouldn't be surprised if it takes longer. I'm sure they are all aware Ukraine could fall to Russia. Then the EU would have a Russian backed state in it. Interesting times. Myself I think they are taking the right approach to cut off much of the money coming into Russia. If the oligarchy feels threatened, then it's pretty obvious that Putin would be reigned in.

After a week of devastating attacks on Ukraine…what are your thoughts now on travel? It feels selfish to to plan with the same joy and excitement I was having. It appears that Russia is bent on denomination no matter what they have do to kill, destroy or decimate. Radom bombings? And now the many nuclear concerns. No sign they will relent. Utter madness! But what a heart and soul this Ukraine is showing the world! Some hope for ways to move refugee through a corridor.
Hanging on to my travel plans. Just not the same.

And now the many nuclear concerns...

I'm going to re-watch Dr. Strangelove this weekend, it helps me cope. But it seems the list of "nuclear concerns" is expanding...

The latest news is that the Russians are currently attacking the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. The plant is on fire, while reports say the Russians are deliberately shooting at all six reactors, raising worries of "another Chernobyl." That's not going to make me sleep any easier tonight. It does seem that things are getting worse and all the "experts" say that trend is only going to continue. Ugh.

Update: The Russians have apparently withdrawn, the fighting around the nuclear complex has ended for now, the fire has been put out. Some reports say the reactors are being shut down as a precaution (over concerns that they could melt down if cooling systems all went offline).

According to CNN this morning, the Russians now are now occupying that power plant and the staff are doing their work at gunpoint (the latter was just stated on a CNN TV show). Radiation levels appear to be normal.
https://www.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-03-04-22/h_1f73598a8edc48dcd10cea81c3c37be5

Unfortunately I fear Putin has several more dirty tricks up his sleeve. Russian military doctrine appears to be more tolerant of mass casualties, on both sides of the conflict.

Respect to all the foreign volunteers now pouring in to Ukraine to fight Putin, reminds me of the international brigades that came to my home country of Spain to fight Franco during our Civil War.

No Pasarán!

My thoughts exactly, Carlos.

Most Americans have never heard of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade -- American volunteers who went to Spain to fight fascism during the Spanish civil war, part of the International Brigades from over 50 nations. It's a fascinating, inspiring story.

Here's a short YouTube video ("Why We Fought, Why We Fight") on the Lincoln Brigade with some background info and personal stories provided by those working to preserve the memories of those who went to fight. Well worth a look.

There's also a wonderful 1984 documentary film about the Lincoln Brigade, called "The Good Fight: The Abraham Lincoln Brigade in the Spanish Civil War", worth seeking out and watching if you ever feel completely depressed about humanity (I see it's available on Amazon, to my amazement).

I had the honor of meeting with, and spending a whole day with, Bill Bailey, a veteran of the Lincoln Brigade (and the "star" of that documentary film referenced above). He was quite a character: a heroic, inspiring figure, still full of piss and vinegar, humor and passion, even at nearly 80 years old when I met him. He was still fighting the good fight in ways that he could, even then. When I heard Zelensky call for international volunteers, of course I immediately thought of him.

The Spanish civil war was many things; some have described it as a "dry run" for the impending fascist aggression soon to come in WWII. Lets hope that the tragedy now unfolding in Ukraine is not a similar prequel for an even bigger set of tragedies to come. As Mark Twain said, "History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme."

No Pasarán - Por Cierto!

David, lets practice: Slava Ukraini! Heroiam slava!

Yes, thank you David for the info on the Abraham Lincoln Brigade! They are quite famous in Spain, but are hardly known in the USA, very sad.

The Abraham Lincoln Brigade was the first fully integrated military unit made up of both Black and White Americans. Something that would take more than a decade later back in the United States.

Back to original post…have any of you been re-thinking their travel plans to Europe?? Many of us have reservations this spring and summer on tours, cruises, independent etc. etc. As this tragic war goes on and on now….and as Ukraine suffers and fights on….? More concern l hear now…. is cyber attacks and what that could look like. This can change everything in an instant.

Thank you Aimee! I appreciate your input and hearing of your May travels. I will be landing in Athens on the 13th. Nice to hear what others are thinking and planning. I do agree cyber is and has proved a consistent threat anytime…anywhere!

If your travel concerns nations bordering Russia, then that would
require some different thinking possibly. I am not concerned about two
nights in Helsinki for myself.

And I have 3 weeks in Hungary starting on 23 March. I think Budapest to the border with Ukraine is about 250 miles.

There is more than being exposed to battle. Refugee crisis is growing, And of course, the sanctions such as airlines will cause short term rescheduling (maybe only on a small scale).

Then of course there is the traveling alone versus traveling with another person. And responsibilities to family or others back home. Do you want to travel with a stressed out spouse? Traveling alone, I can always take more risk.

My trip is still on. But not as certain as it was when I first posted. But I'll probably carry a few more Sawbucks with me than originally planned.

On the migrant issue. There are no long convoys of homeless on the highways. Europe is stepping up quickly by opening homes and financing situations. So the migrant "impact" should be negligible.

As for members of your party being nervous. They have a right to be if that is what they feel. I would try and help them understand the geography and the politics, but if they are nervous, then that's their right and you do need to take that into consideration.

On a selfish note, I am quite sad I never got to Ukraine to meet the people and see the beauty of the country before it is being shelled into oblivion.

OF course there are no 400 mile long lines of refugees. But depending on proximity to any conflict there is always stress on resources and infrastructure. To just say "read a map" is a bit of oversimplification.

Assuming any conflict stays within Ukraine, decisions are more simple. If you start to consider other countries getting drawn in, the picture is more complicated. Travel to Prague, pretty certain. Travel to Warsaw, less certain. Travel to Riga, less certain. And so on.

There is a lot of ground between Chicken Little and Alfred E Neuman.

The refugee issues in adjacent countries continues to escalate. With a week scheduled in Budapest and hundreds of thousands now headed there from Hungarian border, many new concerns arise. Is there any current feedback before embarking on this city as base before a Danube river cruise?

60 Minutes:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-refugees-poland-russia-60-minutes-2022-03-06/

That was the greeting of Przemysl, Poland—a town with a thousand years
of history. It's had many masters, including Russia. But today,
Przemysl is eight miles from Ukraine's border--the first stop on the
flight to freedom.

Wojciech Bakun: They are in safe place, that's the main thing.

Wojciech Bakun is the mayor.

Scott Pelley: Do you know how many refugees have come to your town at
this point?

Wojciech Bakun: I think it's about 70-80 thousand, maybe, maybe more.

Scott Pelley: How many citizens do you have in this city?

Wojciech Bakun: Sixty thousand, so we have nearly double, nearly
double our city.

It would not be surprising if the war spread to other parts of Europe.

If Poland/NATO gives fighter jets to Ukraine, and one of those jets shoots down a Russian plane, then the situation will escalate beyond Ukraine.

The Russian/Putin attadk on Ukranian nucleaer plants is puting Ukraine and regions downwind at risk. Remember Chernobyl. The Russian invaders have taken Chernobyl and a second Ukranian nuclear plant and are advancing toward a third. Let's hope that the prevailing winds continue to blow towards mother Russia.

Last thing I'll add is we shouldn't expect that Putin is a rational actor.

And here is a link for multiple choices for contributions to Ukraine https://media-exp1.licdn.com/dms/image/C4D22AQFNOyotK3iedw/feedshare-shrink_1280/0/1646663013104?e=1649894400&v=beta&t=RtY3l9VtIFW4w9ehiMAmhOtaR0M3l7OC1-unVHiZyEM

It would not be surprising if the war spread to other parts of Europe.

Apart from Moldova and maybe Georgia I would. The war is not going as planned for Putin and I can't see him attacking the EU or Nato.

The Russian/Putin attadk on Ukranian nucleaer plants is puting Ukraine
and regions downwind at risk. Remember Chernobyl.

It is of course a horrible decision to attack nuclear plants (as well as a war crime) but we won't see anything like Chornobyl. The remaining reactors in Ukraine a of a very different type from the one that exploded in 1986.

If Poland/NATO gives fighter jets to Ukraine, and one of those jets shoots down a Russian plane, then the situation will escalate beyond Ukraine.

Ukraine wants the MIGs that Poland has, so the Ukranians can fly them. It's not NATO pilots or Western planes that they are asking for.

As for the actual topic, the affect on travel plans is going to come from fuel costs. It will not be much longer before airlines will add a fuel surcharge. Domestic travel will be affected by the sticker shock of the cost of gas doubling by the end of the month.

The cost of travel is what will be a more significant determinant on travel plans than the bullets flying in Ukraine.

Info today from Prague: This won't affect tourists directly but does provide some insight into the way things are changing. My husband arrived in Prague today to attend a large all-Europe meeting that also attracts many participants and speakers outside of Europe. A few hours after he arrived, the meeting abruptly became all-virtual because the government needs to use the convention center to process refugees. Clearly, the meeting organizers should have seen this coming and cancelled the meeting before everyone had left home. My husband wasn't able to get a not outrageously priced flight home until tomorrow.

EDITED: My husband was actually in NY when the meeting was cancelled. However, one of the other executives in his company had already gotten as far as Amsterdam.

That is helpful to hear, Cala. My husband and almost 4-year old son and I have a week in Prague planned at the end of April. I am paying attention to the overall regional safety, obviously, and am also very aware that the city's infrastructure might understandably be geared more toward this crisis than accommodating tourists.

Well, then visit Hungary (you know I would say that). In the beginning Keleti was pretty crowded with refugees, but now it appears they are processing them in Debrecen. So far "refugee camps" seem to be the exception as so many are opening up their homes. My son in Germany has taken in two families (you understand family means mother and children 90% of the time).

Rather than see it as an inconvenience, why not see it as an opportunity to take a different sort of vacation; one where you give back?

Presdent Zelenskyy's television comedy, Servant of the People is available on Netflix (only first season of three).

Plot -
Filmed by a student when launching a profane rant about corruption in Ukraine, who uploads the footage to YouTube, Vasyl Petrovych Goloborodko (Volodymyr Zelenskyy), an absent-minded high-school history teacher who lives with his parents, turns into an Internet sensation overnight. Goloborodko's students launch a crowdfunding campaign for his candidacy in Ukraine's presidential race against his wishes, eventually propelling their flabbergasted teacher to political victory as the new President of Ukraine. While in office, Vasyl is confused at his newfound responsibilities, but gradually eases into his presidential duties and decides to weed out corruption in his government.

Going234, I watched it years ago. It was hilarious. Maybe more so because not a lot of PC going on. (but its only for those that can read)

Thank you for your post, Cala.
Interesting, specific, recent experience.
Very helpful.

Just curious about people wanting to change plans about travel to
Central Europe. Any worry this will spread to neighboring countries?
Worried enough to cancel leisure travel to Hungary, Slovakia, Poland,
Rumania, and Baltics? Or even St Petersburg or Moscow?

We are booked for Budapest, Prague, and Danube River cruise. Yes, I am
thinking I need to think seriously about taking the trip.

Nothing wrong with that. I haven’t been over since this began (I arrive in Budapest next week). I do have some investments related to the tourism industry in Budapest and I have business associates and a number of friends there. So, I keep in touch almost daily.

As far as the impact on tourism there was a situation with a lot of refugees at the train station but as of a few days ago that was somehow resolved. I think the refugees are being processed closer to the border.

While there are literally hundreds of thousands in the country its not as if they have no home and are camping on the sidewalks or loitering on street corners. I’ve been told their presence is “noticeable” but not disruptive (except to the heart).

I asked if there were any closings or large venues turned over to the issue and none that my friends there are aware of.

Okay, so from a functional holiday point of view. No negative impact. That is just Budapest, but I don’t know why the other countries you are visiting would be significantly different.

Then the other part of your question. Is there threat of the war spreading?

He is a madman. Who knows? Conventional wisdom says it won’t. But again, he is a madman. The Ukraine border may be a 3.5 hour drive from Budapest but the war is quite a bit further for the time being at least. As you go upriver the border gets yet further away.

If I hear any changes I’ll add it here; and as I said, I will see it first hand next week.

Good Information in last few posts. Seems the number of refugees is at 3 Million. A huge number. But there are still 37 million people still in Ukraine.

James, do your contacts have a feeling on number of "refugee relief" scams going on? Sadly, low-life people will seek to gain from misfortune of others and I envision them preying on tourists who have some misgivings about vacationing during a war.

Budapest is not representative of the refugee flows. The situation is totally different in Warsaw where my family lives. Just look at the numbers (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-60555472). Hungary's flow is miniscule compared to Poland. Let's not generalize across countries since the impact is very location and city-specific. Imagine if you lived in Warsaw where train after train is bringing in new people day-in-day-out and you're the mayor trying to figure out how in the world you'll house all these people - and it's only the third week of the war and no lapse in the numbers of people leaving west. Obviously, Poland won't be able to accommodate everyone and they'll be moved elsewhere. Airbnb is not enough to save the day; nor can private homes absorb this kind of flow - its speed is totally unprecedented. And, yes, all sorts of facilities are being repurposed to temporarily house many people in several countries, not just Poland.

As to how it will impact tourists - I'm sure it will impact the transport systems, short-term lodging, and the mood of the trip. The most impacted will be locals, school systems, and social services - all things that tourists don't directly interface with (locals excepted).

GoWest, no, but we have all seen them. Its sort of beautiful the good stuff though. I have gotten photos from the border where people are just driving up with food and clothing, and taking people home with them. Friends tell me the problem at the train station was half the refugees and half the hundreds that showed up to help them. There is still a lot of good in the world.

On the other hand, my son is limited by some local ordinance to keeping his guests to 8 weeks. He just going to risk the fine if necessary.

If anyone has a home, write this on a board and go to where they are arriving

Ми маємо житло, якщо вам потрібно. Це однокімнатні апартаменти, які надаються безкоштовно.

So far not planned for this summer, ie, only France , but then who knows?

When I will do my Hungary trip, aside from spending a full week in Budapest (naturally), other places are also on the agenda , among them, eg, Lake Balaton (Plattensee), and Debrecen too.

Why write it on a board? There are dozens of websites for hosting refugees. It's a bit easier to figure out that way. I'm hosting a family of 3 for 6 weeks (got here 10 days ago) and will probably do it again after because we have the space and the need is so great.

Anyway as far as tourism goes, I think its somewhat irresponsible to travel to places where hotel rooms are needed for refugees, i.e. border areas in Poland. The rest of Europe? You're fine. it's not like the people living in Europe can choose to just cancel our lives because Putin is a madman. Donate money, if you have the budget you could even try to rent a flat in an impacted city for a month and connect with refugees to house them there. There are too many old clothes being sent to the border when what people really need is housing.

Sarah, I get what you are saying. Basically, I think traveling is fine. The big thing is I don't want to be in anybody's way. That would include not using up needed beds.

I'm not averse to travel to other places, as tourism is a big part of economies. Spending American dollars is good.

Hi everyone! Just joined this forum! We're planning to fly to Prague in mid-June, and then meander by car through Cesky Krumlov, Vienna and Bratislava before ending up in Budapest, where we'll eventually catch the AmaMagna for a Gems of Eastern Europe cruise, with the Brasov/Bucharest add-on. We JUST paid our balance for the cruise and airfare, so -- armed with nothing more than travel insurance -- we're going. Yes, we're keeping an eye on the news, but we're also hoping/assuming that things may have resolved by the summer. We're figuring that the Danube is far enough from the conflict and the refugee fall-out that it will be safe.

We are booked for Budapest, Prague, and Danube River cruise

As I sit in Budapest, I can say that if you were here with me and never listened to the new you would ask, what war? I dont know why Prague would be any different. My son has spent some time in Romania in the past few weeks and returns next week and reports the same there. Our beautiful Spring weather last week turned bitter cold and wet this week, but otherwise a good trip. Forecast is for more nice weather next week.

Things are looking up now that the Ukrainians have kicked the Ruskies back across the Dnipro river.

In Krakow Poland now, only negative is that its snowing, in April no less!

Carlos, snowing here this morning. Let up now. Turned into a beautiful but frigid day. I have 8 more days here then I have to return to reality. The war still has a lot to play out. Kyiv is safer now, Odesa less safe now. But yes, I am rejoicing with every victory. I revived the thread on donating to Ukraine after what I saw happened in Bucha today. In 2016 when I first became aware of the war, I began connecting to Ukrainians on LinkedIn so I could get news. Now I have so many connections the reports just pile in. LinkedIn tried to stop the practice for a while and finally gave up. But its a good way of keeping track of any place you are interested in even in peace time.

James, please leave the pleasant weather behind!

The only hint of war I saw in Poland so far was a large military convoy transporting old soviet weaponry, including Katyusha rocket launchers, on the highway going east to Ukraine.

Absolutely heartbreaking the news from Bucha, I thought we left that kind of barbarism behind in WWII, looks like the Russians are up to their old behavior.

GoWest, an absolutely beautiful, but cold, day. Last week was almost short sleeve weather and I think it is coming back next week.