Local travel agencies say the ongoing threat of war with Iraq and potential terrorist attacks are not discouraging students from traveling for spring break.

Jeannie Streit, travel manager of AAA Travel, 226S. 3rd St., said the agency has not encountered any cancellations or change of flights due to terrorist attacks or the potential of war.

She said AAA Travel and airline companies inform travelers of how to be prepared for anything when traveling abroad.

Streit said they advise people to know the phone number of the local U.S embassy in the country they will be traveling to. Travelers should be aware of the surroundings and have trip identification, she said.

Travelers should also have their identification, credit cards and money in separate locations, Streit said.

Streit said it is also wise for travelers to have long distance and emergency numbers with them at all times.

“If you are approached and think you will be a victim of crime, don’t try to be a hero,” Streit said.

Jessica Nolin, sophomore in horticulture, is traveling to Cancun, Mexico, for spring break.

Nolin said she is going with three friends and is not very worried about terrorist attacks.

“It’s time to get away from school, relax, and have fun with my friends,” she said.

Judy Cooper, travel consultant for Travel and Transport, 213 Duff Ave., said they have not had any cancellations of flights for spring break due to fears of terrorist attacks or war.

“All flights to warm destinations are booked up,” she said.

Cooper said they’ve had many inquiries about policies for terrorist attacks.

“Some airlines have a flexible policy in place that allows people to change airline tickets without penalties,” she said.

Cooper said they received notification from about half of the airlines out of Des Moines that had this policy in effect.

“Family destinations are closer to home this year, not many are leaving the country,” she said.

Katie Burpee, freshman in liberal arts and sciences, is traveling to South Padre, Texas and San Antonio, Texas for spring break.

Burpee is going with six friends on the trip.

“I’m a little worried going to a place that’s highly concentrated,” Burpee said.

“I’ve heard [the invasion on Iraq] may be March 17, but I’ll just wait and see.”

The worries aren’t stopping her plans to have some fun, however.

“I’m looking forward to nice weather, laying on the beach, and relaxing,” Burpee said.