[Donna_F]

Thank you, I didn't even think about that. So much to consider for a rookie sailor like me...!

That is sort of not a sailing thing, more a paying attention to world events thing. Wherever you decide to go you might first check the State Department Travel Alert site. You can then make a better decision on going or not. Some are OK with the risk, others not. I've also heard about conflict from the news media and sailors cruising/living in those same areas say the media has blown it out of proportion. Local knowledge is also a good source of information.

Good luck, have fun and stay safe.