The travel mentality is a beautiful, opportunity opening way to walk through life. It’s also a perspective that I struggle to maintain when not traveling. What do I mean? I’m talking about the natural curiosity that comes from stepping into a place for the first time, having the luxury of time to follow your curiosity wherever it leads, to engage in conversation with strangers, to really see your surroundings instead of tuning them out on the way from point A to point B. The travel mentality is a beautiful metaphor for life: we may have a destination in mind, but if we leave ourselves open to the unknown along that journey, we may discover a more enriching path that we may not have even considered or known existed before setting out.
In the last year, I’ve tried to start saying “yes” to as many things as I can. I’ve found that even-though it’s easy to stay in the comfort of my home after a long day of work, I hardly ever regret trying something new, and my friendships and experiences are richer for it.
It’s something I continually remind myself of, to choose action over inaction.
An example from the road: whenever I arrive in a new city I try to take a free walking tour. Besides usually being informative and a good way to get my bearings in a new place, I find that they are also a prime for meeting other travelers and creating opportunities to say “yes” to. When I arrived in Stockholm, I settled into my hostel and got info and times for the walking tours. On the walking tour I met a fellow traveler, Malika. We struck up a conversation and as the tour was ending she told me about a self-guided tour of the art in the Stockholm metro stations, and asked if I would like to join.
I said I didn’t even know about the art in the metro, and “yes, I’d love to join." It was a wonderful afternoon in which we visited a dozen or so metro stations with an interesting range of decor ranging from retro video games to anatomical diagrams in tile.
Just one example of an experience I’m grateful for that I only had because I said “yes.” What’s something you’re glad you said “yes” to recently?
For more photos from Stockholm and elsewhere in my travels, check out my Instagram @AvivGoesEast
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A Fear for Travelers Escaping the Gulf: Are Flights Safe?
As tensions rise across the Persian Gulf region, thousands of travelers are increasingly asking a troubling question: are flights leaving the Gulf still safe? Airlines, aviation authorities, and governments have all moved to reassure passengers, but recent geopolitical developments have heightened anxieties among those attempting to leave the region or pass through its busy airspace. The Gulf has long been one of the most important aviation crossroads in the world. Major hubs such as Dubai International Airport, Hamad International Airport, and King Khalid International Airport connect Europe, Asia, and Africa through a dense network of international flights. Every day, hundreds of aircraft pass through regional airspace carrying business travelers, tourists, migrant workers, and cargo. However, the recent escalation of military tensions involving Iran and its regional rivals has raised concerns about aviation safety. Missile launches, drone activity, and military operations in nearby areas have made some passengers uneasy about flying through the region. Several governments have issued travel advisories urging airlines to review flight paths and exercise caution when operating near potential conflict zones. Despite these concerns, aviation experts stress that commercial aviation remains one of the most heavily monitored and regulated industries in the world. Airspace safety is continuously assessed by international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization, as well as national aviation authorities that issue warnings and restrictions when necessary. In recent weeks, some airlines have slightly adjusted flight routes to avoid certain areas where military activity has increased. These adjustments can involve flying at different altitudes or diverting aircraft around particular air corridors. While such changes may add extra travel time, they are designed to maintain maximum safety for passengers and crew. Airlines based in the Gulf—including Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways—have emphasized that they are closely monitoring developments in coordination with aviation authorities. Company representatives say flight routes are reviewed constantly using real-time intelligence and airspace risk assessments. Aviation safety experts note that modern aircraft are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems that allow them to avoid restricted zones quickly. Additionally, pilots receive constant updates from air traffic controllers and global aviation monitoring networks. If conditions change during a flight, routes can be altered immediately. Still, the psychological impact of regional instability should not be underestimated. Travelers waiting at airports across the Gulf have described a sense of uncertainty, particularly those leaving areas closer to potential conflict zones. Social media images showing crowded departure halls and long lines at ticket counters reflect a growing urgency among some residents and visitors hoping to leave the region temporarily. For many passengers, the fear is rooted in memories of past aviation incidents linked to geopolitical conflict. Experts point to tragedies in previous decades where civilian aircraft were caught in dangerous airspace. These events led to stricter international regulations and more sophisticated monitoring systems designed to prevent similar situations. Governments across the region have also sought to reassure travelers. Officials stress that airports remain secure and that aviation authorities are working closely with international partners to maintain safe air routes. Security checks and surveillance at major airports have been increased, and contingency plans are in place should the situation worsen. Meanwhile, airlines continue to operate the majority of scheduled flights without interruption. Aviation analysts note that completely shutting down Gulf airspace would have enormous global economic consequences, given the region’s role as a central hub for long-distance travel and cargo transport. Ultimately, experts say the key factor is constant monitoring and rapid response to emerging risks. Aviation authorities around the world maintain detailed systems for assessing conflict zones, allowing airlines to adjust operations long before flights approach dangerous areas. For now, flights across the Gulf continue to operate under heightened awareness but with robust safety protocols in place. While regional tensions have understandably created anxiety among travelers, industry professionals insist that the global aviation system is designed precisely to manage such risks. For passengers boarding planes in the Gulf today, the journey may carry a heightened sense of uncertainty. Yet according to aviation experts and regulators, the safety measures protecting commercial flights remain among the most comprehensive of any form of transportation in the world. ✈️
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