In a changed world, now what?

[Times photo: Dirk Shadd] TAMPA: Dottie Russell of Silver Spring, Md., heads for her gate at the nearly empty Airside F of Tampa International Airport on Tuesday. “It doesn’t look like there are a whole lot of people waiting,” she said. “I may have the whole airplane to myself.”

Today's Travel section focuses on decisions confronting us all. Although future issues will reflect the new realities, we also plan to publish articles that help you decide how, when and where to travel.

Readers split on how attacks will affect their plans
Last week we asked readers to tell us if the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11 had changed their travel plans. About 485 of you responded, by e-mail, letter or by voting in the St. Petersburg Times' online poll at the Web site, www.sptimes.com.

Industry has crisis procedures in place
There are a number of signs travelers should look for when determining a company's readiness in the face of sudden danger.

Get updates and help online
As travelers struggle to cope with a drastically altered landscape in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, travel Web sites are scrambling to reflect a constantly changing status quo.

After attacks, Louisiana drops ad campaign
The state had been planning to spend millions in hopes of luring more tourists, but now, one official says, "All bets are off."

Reduced business travel may become norm
BOSTON -- From tiny software companies to Fortune 500 giants, American businesses are reducing corporate travel in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorism.

Britain prepares for worse tourism figures
The No. 1 destination for Americans leaving North America is the United Kingdom -- more than 4-million visited the U.K. in the 12 months ended last February. That translated into an estimated $3.6-billion. But that was before the foot-and-mouth epidemic virtually shut down tourism to the countryside during the spring and summer, costing an estimated $2-billion in revenue. So the Sept. 11 attacks not only horrified the British but created more concern for their tourism industry.

Manhattan is open for tourists
NEW YORK -- Even as New York City continues its physical and emotional recovery from the terrorist attack, it wants the world's vacationers to know that it is still ready to welcome them. The city marketing group charged with that job, NYC & Co., has taken steps to help visitors do what Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani has asked them to do: Come to New York and spend money.

National parks increase security
For the most part, the nation's park system is up and running. There have been only a few closings, with the bulk in New York City, including the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Federal Hall, due to a water tower that collapsed on the roof.

Orlando theme parks adjust to threat
That theme parks -- packed with crowds and symbolism -- might be high on terrorist target lists did not escape notice Sept. 11.

Las Vegas already security conscious
At Las Vegas casinos, travelers should not notice many security changes -- mostly because security has long been tight.

Travel agents should take vacation
WASHINGTON -- During the quiet that settled over his Washington office after the terrorist attacks, Mike Greenwald of Personalized Travel by American Express found his thoughts repeatedly turning to Leslie Whittington, her husband, Charles Falkenberg, and their daughters, Zoe and Dana.