Extra security was immediately put on for the remainder of the cruise. In each port we often had that country's military helicopters flying over the ship, and shore excursions were tendered ashore with armed guards from the ship. We eventually made it home, flying through Frankfort Germany, Washington D.C., and then on to Dallas. Because of the added airport security, we missed our direct flight home so the retuning trip took an extra 12 hours. Thank goodness I had my medications with me (as we always tell you to do on this website), and snacks in my carry-on.
Has 9/11 stopped us from traveling? No! Both of us have since made countless domestic air trips (the first within one month of arriving back in the States) and a cruise from San Francisco to Mexico. We are now planning another cruise in the Mediterranean. We are concerned, yes, but we won't let the horrible acts of the terrorists keep us home. We take reasonable precautions, but we believe that the staff of every airplane, train, and cruise ship will be doing their trained best to keep us safe.
Travel is often stressful, especially to those of us with diabetes. In diabetics, the body may react as though it were under attack, and release stored energy, i.e. fat and glucose from the cells, so that it can escape from the perceived danger. This can make blood glucose control even harder. In addition to that, you may experience shortness of breath, headaches, indigestion, diarrhea, irritability, tightness of muscles, tiredness, insomnia, overeating, alcohol abuse, difficulty concentrating, drug abuse, and moodiness. Other maladaptive reactions include marital tensions, procrastination, abusive behavior, decreased sexual drive, and aggressiveness. Studies show that diabetics with unresolved anxiety are as debilitated as people who have heart disease-a good reason to understand both what causes you stress and how to control it.
Expect delays; today they are normal. Here's a few tips we use to make a trip with less stress.
The best way to cope is to gain some sense of control over the stresses you are going to face. First, make a list of things, events, and people who you know can present a problem. Everyone likes good surprises, but few of us like bad ones, so try to prepare yourself not to fall for the same disappointments and hurts every trip.
Traveling by Plane
If you are traveling by air, make sure you are aware of the security measures that will be taken so you will know what to expect, how to pack, and what documentation you will need in order to carry your medications, insulin, syringes, etc. aboard. These vary from airline to airline and are listed on the airlines internet site or can be obtained from your travel agent.
Keep calm and don't make any remarks or crack jokes that might cause the airline or the airport security to suspect your motives to get underway or refuse any form of repetitive searches and screenings of you or your carry-ons. This is also true once in the air. You might find yourself left behind or, already in the air, sitting in a secured seat until the next stop and then deplaned. We've been on a plane several times only to have all passengers requested to deplane, take all personal property with them, and go through security again. Another time, a passenger made a fuss about the third prescreening on that flight. When the plane finally left, he was still arguing with the security guards. In our newspaper upon return, my husband saw that he was ultimately arrested.
Another time as we were lined up to have our boarding pass stamped prior to boarding, we were told for everyone to sit down as the pilot had asked security to again make a sweep through the cabin. Most airlines ask that you remove your shoes when going through security and many are now asking you to leave cell phones, digital cameras, etc. with them to be specially passed through security. One caution, don't try to fly with undeveloped film as you may arrive home without any pictures. Put them in a purse, briefcase, or carry-on. All of this is done for our safety. Arrive in plenty of time prior to your flight to pass through security. If in doubt, ask the airline for their rules. I've also seen ticketed passengers arrive at the gate only to be told that their seat was given to another person as they failed to answer their page-on the lines that I usually fly, paging is done at least 30 minutes prior to boarding. Be sure to allow for possible delays in traffic. This is all for your security and that of your fellow passengers and the flight crew. Make sure you know the rules and abide by them. It only takes common sense, a phone call to the airline or going online for a few minutes.
Going by Car
When traveling by car, understand that "Murphy's Law" applies to this kind of travel also. It's a fact that things do happen. Hopefully the trip will be devoid of delaying accidents, but think ahead about the condition of your car, making sure the brakes, tires, heater, battery, and windshield wipers are all in working order before you leave. If you're going to an area where there will be snow, be sure you car is equipped with snow tires or carry chains. Practice putting the chains on before you leave to be sure you know now to do the job AND that the chains properly fit the tires. Have the car serviced, making sure all belts and hoses are checked and replaced as needed. Carry a flashlight or two and have accident flares in your car.
Plan to stop every 2 hours to stretch your legs. If children are along, make sure they have plenty of quiet activities to keep their attention. Nothing's more stressful that having a child ask every few minutes "when are we going to get there?" Make sure you and your children always wear seatbelts. Our rule which works is that the motor can't be turned on if anyone doesn't have their seatbelt on. Try it-it works. Also make sure that small children are in proper car seats that have been approved for use in a car. Bring along their pillow, a small blanket, and a favorite toy or stuffed friend for naps.
While on the road, tune in a radio station every hour on the hour so that you can hear of any tourist activities and any extra cautions where you are headed. If the kids object to interrupting their music, remember that you are the adult and owner of the car. Don't yell at the kids; tell them you're just listening for a weather report for possible rain and they will have their station back shortly. Or, let them take their own source of music with headphones so you can listen to what you want.
By train and bus:
Since the tragedies in Spain and the Middle East, security, while already tight, is even tighter. Expect delays in boarding and while aboard. Call your train or bus company or go online for their regulations and follow them to the letter.
By Cruise Ship:
Again expect delays, x-rays taken of your luggage, and that you and your carry-ons will undergo that line's security measures. Know that once aboard, the cruise line will be taking all precautions. The ship will have been swept prior to embarking of anyone for possible bombs. All groceries and liquor taken onboard will be passed through their security measures. In ports, tightened security measures will be taken (listen for the ship's announcements) and only passengers with their boat-issued photo identification cards will be allowed within a certain distance of the ship. The security guards on our last cruise were armed and told to shoot anyone without proper identification trying to get near the ship. If you forget your card, appeal to the port representative, but don't be surprised if your passport will be kept by the ship (on some international cruises) to be returned only on return to the U.S., in order for the ship to clear customs).
Don't Lose Your Sense of Humor. Sometimes so many things will go wrong that your sense of humor is your only escape from stress. Yes, I know that you're not likely used to these problems; but if you follow our suggestions, you and your family can remember for years to come the wonderful time you had, and "Do you remember when..." The goal here is to take more control of the situation and know that you have done this to protect your feelings, and therefore, your health.
Another very important aspect of controlling stress is to continue to take good physical care of yourself before you leave and while on the trip. This means to continue exercising, eating properly, and relaxing when you're tired. Burning the candle at both ends does no one any good. Lastly, learn how to ask for help. Find others to lend an ear, help with chores, and best of all, to enjoy the excursion with you.
Remember, vacations are for making fond memories, so think ahead about how you will spend time with those important to you. This is a social time, not just a time to feel angry that you can't get to a destination at the scheduled time, or that you can't eat everything in sight. Change your memories from food to people. A wise person once said, "Never love anything that can't love you back." It works.
Want to just stay at home because of the travel changes since 9/11? That's your choice, of course, but you might meet up with either of us in your travels as we'll be doing as much as we have the time or money for. As Roy Rodgers use to sing, "Happy trails to you...."
FTG
