Fortune favours the brave

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Q. It this the time to book a holiday
A.� Ah, well, now that depends on how brave you feel.
Probably the FBI and their international colleagues won't go on record guaranteeing your safety - but you'll probably find that very few companies will turn you away if you apply for holiday travel insurance.

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Q. So has the market ever been hit like this before
A.� Yes. The Gulf War set the travel industry reeling. Some air carriers were offering the trade flights to OZ for as little as �175 and now you could get to the Caribbean for about the same cost.

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Q. How bad is the market
A.� Bearing in mind that the travel industry tends to make small margins on multiple packages, the fact that the number of flights out of Britain is down at least 20 per cent - and holidays (including the UK) are down 40 per cent� - this will make a huge difference.
And the desperate incentives offered in a bid to force a� recovery mean that discounts on holidays for next summer are likely to be huge.

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Q. How does this affect me
A.� Expansion has been axed, jobs are being cut by the thousands, staff after working longer hours for less pay. Some companies have halted all future investment. But if you are not in the travel industry, this does not affect you. You still get paid the same money and you still get a holiday allowance and you still need a break.
If you feel the risk is worth taking - and who knows if any more terrorist action is on the cards - you'll have a holiday.

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Q. But where
A.� Staying in the UK is not a bad idea if you are nervous. In Britain (which means you don't even have to fly) there are reduced prices on all kinds of breaks, especially for the up-market packages like golf holidays, country house hotels and castle visits. These are normally sold to visiting Americans - but there are no visiting Americans for the foreseeable future.
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Q. What about abroad
A.� This is a bit like those magazine competitions that say "Using your own skill and judgement'"
You have to make your own decision about the risk to passenger flights. But if you want to go, this is the time. You can decide that fortune favours the brave - or think that the next tragedy has your name on it.
But if you go aborad, you'll find that European holidays have seen price cuts of up to 70 per cent. Even� 'bargain' holidays have seen �300 a week cut from the cost, and you can fly to Ireland for �20.
The people of New York, according to newspaper reports, want tourists to come so they can show the world that they are overcoming the tragedy and rooms are on offer in quality hotels for �40 a night.

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Q. I am not an old duffer, but it is true that cruise ships are offering unprecedented value
A.� Yes. Cruise ships are for Americans and Americans are not going on holiday. Expect up to 60 per cent off.

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Q. So if I book a holiday or haggle on the price, should I feel guilty
A.� Frankly no. The travel industry wants you to make a booking, and they will take your money with great relief.

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