Why You Should Make Travel Plans to India Right Now

• Because just as the US needed support from the international community following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, so, too, does India.
• India's is a young democracy that deserves our support, and tourism is an important part of its economy.
• It's a huge country, and the crisis in Mumbai is on par with the destruction (by a home-grown terrorist) of the Oklahoma City federal building--a tragedy but a localized one.
• India is a safe country for visitors.  In fact, the Indian mantra is that visitors are to be treated as "gods." 
• India is one of the great destinations of the world, full of color and energy. 
• By visiting India, you send this message to terrorists: You cannot intimidate or frighten those of us who believe in democracy and freedom; your numbers are small and your message of hate only strengthens our resolve to live freely and support inclusive societies.
• The freedom to travel is a hard-won blessing that ought not be denied by those who would kill innocents in order to publicize their cause.

So if you've been thinking about visiting India--or have always wanted to go--don't let the events in Mumbai dissuade you any more than what happened on 9/11 would cause you to avoid New York City or Washington, DC.

If you need more convincing, check out my DVD shot this time last year in India.  There are two, half-hour episodes, "Delhi & Agra" and "Rajasthan."  Both destinations are in the northern part of the country and are often the places first-time visitors choose.  But the country is enormous and gorgeous--the Nov/Dec issue of National Geographic Traveler has an insert on India (called "Incredible India") that will stimulate your imagination and give you ideas about dozens of destinations. (This picture is from the Red Fort in Old Dehli.)

On a personal note, I had several friends who work for the luxury Taj Hotels company who were in the Taj Mumbai when the terrorists launched their attack.  I'm gratified that, eventually, all escaped unharmed.  However, the hotel's general manager lost his wife and two children in the fires that broke out in the hotel during the siege, and I grieve for his loss.  My heart goes out to all the families who lost loved ones in this horrific event that harmed so many and helped no one or their cause.