Travelers stay optimistic despite problems overseas

There is growing fear and anxiety for international travelers after the Bastille Day terrorist attack in France and an attempted military coup in Turkey.

“Yes, things can happen, but things also happen in the United States and in Europe. It’s kind of becoming the world we live in, whether I’m in Turkey, or whether I’m in Santa Cruz,” said Santa Cruz resident Casey Mangan.

Mangan just returned from Turkey, where he spent two years in an educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. State Department.

“Every month or so, there’s been a big bombing and an attack, either by an in-country group or the Islamic state,” he said.

The U.S. government has issued a European travel alert due to recent terrorist attacks. There is an additional warning for anyone going to Turkey.

“Cruise lines last year, which were stopping in Turkey, after re-occurring bombings they stopped going to Turkey,” said Kristi Beck, a travel agent with Santa Cruz Travel.

Beck said problems overseas haven’t stopped people from traveling.

“At this point with our area, our clients, we haven’t seen people decide to change their plans or cancel their plans out of fear,” said Beck.

Mangan agrees. He said despite terror attacks in Turkey and the unstable government, he won’t let fear take over.

“I feel like if we are afraid to travel and to live our lives and do whatever, then the bad guys, I guess, kind of win. They want us to be afraid,” said Mangan.