Travel talk: A hassle-free holiday after overcoming fear of flying

My 10-year-old son and I recently returned from a month's holiday in Himachal Pradesh, an Indian state on the Pakistan border.

We were booked to leave on September 14, flying through Singapore to Delhi with Singapore Airlines. I certainly lost sleep over the decision to go on this holiday after the World Trade Center terrorist attack but went with intuition and thought it would be fine to travel.

We had a brilliant holiday and didn't feel nervous. The airport security has never been better and I was amazed to receive my son's eight Game Boy batteries (confiscated in Delhi) at Auckland Airport on our return. Not so much luck with the nail scissors confiscated in Singapore, however.

Most of the Indians I spoke with were shocked by the attack, but were sceptical about the US snuggling up to Pakistan after ignoring Pakistan-backed terrorist attacks in Kashmir. This sort of blatant disregard has given America a bad reputation worldwide.

On our last day in Delhi we visited a tomb that pre-dates the Taj Mahal, and which was built by a Hindu raj for his Afghan Muslim general, in honour of his bravery.

Apart from the tomb, there was a mosque also built by the raj. It made me realise the crisis has happened because of greed and intolerance as opposed to helping others and accepting their faiths.

Aside from all that, due to heightened security and an opportunity to be open to many and varied points of view, and with the stunning beauty of the Kulu Valley in autumn, we had a most enriching holiday.

Roi Macgregor

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We flew back to New Zealand from Europe [two weeks ago], a place we had been before September 11.

Little has changed, especially if one keeps away from the media blanket coverage on TV, BBC radio and in newspapers.

Airport security was tighter, but no problem - basically a lot more passport checking - police were in evidence at border crossing-points "terrorist spotting" - but, again, no problem.

Spanish and French cities were crowded with tourists, the Indian summer keeping everyone happy. Cafes and restaurants were full. Hotel accommodation was the only thing in short supply as Europe got on with living.

Our plane was full - there was no evidence of an end-of-the-world scenario. So, don't let fear - fear of terrorists, fear of flying or fear of dying - stop you from living.

If you enjoy travel, get out there and do it - it's safer than you think.

Heather Forsyth

* We welcome your letters along with travel-related questions and tips. Send them to travel@nzherald.co.nz or write to: Travel editor, New Zealand Herald, PO Box 32, Auckland.