If anyone is interested, the NY Times (see link below) is taking a survey on how travelers are feeling about upcoming trips for an article they are writing. I responded with the following:
Am planning a trip to Italy late spring and growing a bit concerned. Although, lately it seems that nearly ALL of my once-a-year Italy vacations are riddled with anxiety! Last year – it was the situation at Newark Airport that had me in a tizzy. Back in 2021 or 2022? my concern was how would I manage wearing a mask for an entire 8 hour flight and also praying I would pass my Covid test to get back into the country.
And now we have a war, long security lines, TSA agents not getting paid and I'm even contemplating what happens if my flight is cancelled because of a fuel shortage. A few of my lodging choices were booked as non-refundable (what an idiotic move)! Also, I usually travel by train in Italy. This year however, I have chosen somewhat remote locations NOT on a train route – therefore I rented a car. God knows what I'll be paying for gas or if I will even be able to find any.
Lastly, if the S** really hits the fan, I hope it happens while lying on an Adriatic beach drinking a spritz so I will die happy. I do keep reminding myself that all of my previous travel worries didn’t come to fruition in any meaningful way.*
How Do You Feel About Traveling Right Now? We Want to Know.
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/12/travel/2026-travel-plans-iran-war-shutdown.html