In Reply to: Questioning travel in March posted by ScaredinIndiana on Saturday, 28. January 2006 at 23:37 Bali Time:
We have travelled to Bali 14 times. The last 2 years we have spent 3-4 weeks there in Dec-Jan. We have 2 children 15yo & 13yo. Our friends and family could not believe that we could go there when it is unsafe (they have not been to Bali). Each year on the day of our departure flight our government (Aust.) has renewed travel alerts. Dec 14, 2004-2005 - mid Dec, bombings and 2005-2006. Our children and us were well informed about the 'potential risks' and we had a fantastic time. Our families back in Australia endured a lengthy "3-4 weeks waiting until we arrived home safely".
Each January when we return home, we start the countdown 'til the next trip. After the Oct. 2004 bombing, we had a lengthy family discussion and after about a week of looking at 'pros' and 'cons' we made a united decision to continue to travel to Bali Dec. 2005. Then, the next hurdle, on the 23.11.04 with the collapse of Air Paradise, we had to find another $4000 to rebook tickets to travel on 12.12.04. Anyway we paid an extra $4000 and had 6 days less, in Bali due to flights constraints, than our original trip. When we arrived back in Australia we had had the WORST ever CHRISTMAS ROAD TOLL with over 66 Aussies dead. (What is our government doing about stopping this carnage?) We were glad our car was parked in our garage and we were in Bali.
I can't remember our government warning against travelling to USA after current terrorist threats, or London after the July Bombing, or Spain after their bombing. There are kidnappings all over the world be we are not advised to stay away from those countries. Live for to day, take care, and have a great time. I could not of imagined staying at home and wondering what I could be doing in Bali. Our kids had a ball as well. Only you can make the right decision for you.