In the article titled “Tripped Up: Worried About Safety on a Nile Cruise?” by Seth Kugel, the author addresses the concerns of a Jewish couple who had booked a dream trip to Egypt and Jordan but were worried about their safety due to the ongoing war in Gaza. The couple expressed their fears about traveling to the region, especially as American Jewish tourists. The article explores the delicate balance between personal risk assessment and the travel industry’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their guests. It also discusses the difficulties travelers face when their risk assessment differs from their chosen travel company.
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Tripped Up: Worried About Safety on a Nile Cruise?
Background Information
Joseph and Antonia, an older Jewish couple from Oakland, California, had booked a Nile cruise with Viking, which included visits to Cairo, Jerusalem, and Petra in Jordan. However, due to the ongoing war in Gaza and concerns about safety in the Middle East, they were hesitant to embark on their long-awaited trip. Viking had already canceled their excursion to Jerusalem and rebooked their flights, but the couple still had concerns about the safety of Egypt and Jordan, especially as Jewish tourists. With a significant amount of money still held by Viking, they sought assistance and resolution.
Travel Concerns in the Middle East
The couple’s concerns about travel safety in the Middle East are not uncommon. Many travelers assess risk based on personal experiences, news reports, and emotions. In recent weeks, online discussion boards have been filled with worried consumers expressing similar fears. However, it is important to note that fears about safety while traveling are not exclusive to the Middle East; natural disasters and other emergencies have also led to travel disruptions worldwide. The question arises: should tour operators refund travelers’ money based solely on concerns about their safety?
The Response from Viking
In an effort to address Joseph and Antonia’s concerns, Seth Kugel, the author of the article, reached out to Viking on their behalf. Viking responded by providing the couple with a credit of $29,435 towards a future cruise, valid for up to 12 months. Whether this timely response was a coincidence or a result of Seth Kugel’s intervention remains unknown, as Viking did not respond to his initial email or subsequent requests for comment. However, the credit offered by Viking represents a change in their initial stance, which was centered on prioritizing the safety of their guests and crew.
Assessing the Safety of Egypt and Jordan
While Joseph and Antonia believe that Egypt and Jordan are currently unsafe, the assessment of danger is not as clear-cut for tour operators or government entities. While the U.S. State Department issued a general “Worldwide Caution” notice about potential terrorist attacks and violent actions, it is not specific to the Middle East or any particular destination. The U.S. embassy in Cairo also provided a “Demonstration Alert” regarding potential protests, but it does not mean that the entire country is dangerous.
Furthermore, the fact that Egypt shares a border with Israel does not necessarily imply danger throughout the country. Sudan, Egypt’s southern neighbor, has been at war for six months, yet Egyptian tourism has not been significantly affected. The State Department’s danger assessment assigns levels from 1 to 4, with Egypt currently at Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) and Jordan at Level 2, similar to countries like France and Peru. Tour companies like Intrepid Travel have not canceled or modified their Egypt and Jordan trips based on ground staff feedback.
The Dilemma for Travelers and Tour Operators
The differing assessments of safety between travelers and tour operators present a dilemma for both parties. While travel insurance often excludes coverage for geopolitical events, a “cancel for any reason” policy could provide coverage for disruptions. However, these policies tend to be more expensive. Travelers are thus left with the difficult choice of proceeding with their trip despite fears or losing the money they have already paid. On the other hand, tour operators have already expended those funds on various suppliers and cannot easily refund the money they no longer have.
Options for Travelers
Fortunately for travelers, some tour operators, including Intrepid Travel, have internal policies that allow for changes or cancellations based on safety concerns. While these policies may not be publicly announced, travelers can call the company directly to inquire about alternative options, such as changing travel dates or receiving future credits. Persistence and polite communication with customer service representatives may eventually lead to a satisfactory resolution. It is crucial for travelers to take the initiative and explore these possibilities before seeking other avenues.
Tips for Handling Travel Refunds
If travelers find themselves in a situation where they are unable to reach a resolution through direct communication with the tour operator, there are other actions they can take. Posting online reviews and registering formal complaints through reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and Elliott Advocacy can sometimes bring about a response from the tour operator. Additionally, reaching out to the consumer protection office of the state attorney general can be beneficial. Travelers can also contact their credit card company to request a chargeback, although this process may require extensive back-and-forth communication and could take several months.
Other Resources for Seeking Assistance
In addition to the aforementioned options, there are other resources available to travelers who encounter issues with tour operators. The author, Seth Kugel, welcomes travel-related complaints at trippedup@nytimes.com and may be able to offer guidance or assistance. Social media platforms can also be effective tools for bringing attention to unresolved travel issues. Finally, signing up for newsletters and following reputable travel sources on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook can provide travelers with expert tips and inspiration for future trips.
Conclusion
Navigating travel concerns, especially when it comes to safety, can be challenging for both travelers and tour operators. While fear and apprehension are natural responses to uncertain situations, it is important to consider multiple perspectives and sources of information when assessing risk. Communicating directly with tour operators, exploring alternative options, and seeking assistance from reputable organizations and individuals are key steps in finding a resolution. Ultimately, each traveler must make an informed decision based on their own comfort level and risk assessment.