Both Bob and Avocet are correct. When I did the Holyland trip in 2012, visit to Holocaust Museum was an included trip, but was listed as an 'optional' as not everyone would want to visit. There were quite a few people who opted out. I am glad I went as I agree with what Avocet has said "You can read about the atrocities but you cannot even begin to imagine the real horror of what went on until you are told by someone who was caught up in it all and see things for yourself".

Regards

Jaya

Hi Rose,

It does seem strange but if there is anything more to it, I will make sure you are contacted straight away.

There are currently 8 travelers booked on this trip which is really good for this time of year.

Kind Regards,

Mildred

Thanks Mildred, is that 8 for the November trip (mine) or the September one (as I asked about above)? I'm only asking about September in case there's any chance of the November one not going ahead through lack of numbers.

Best wishes and thank you for all your help always so cheerfully given,

Rose

Good Morning Rose,

Yes that is 8 for the November trip. The September departure has been rested but we are feeling very positive about the November date.

Kind Regards,

Mildred

My daughter went to the Killing Fields several years ago. Had not heard of Khmer Rouge or Pol Pot as this was before she was born. She did not like the underground tunnels in Vietnam as she is claustrophobic, shot an AK47 and learnt so much.

I have rarely stayed away from a days outing with JY as I want to sample everything, I may never get a chance to go that way again. I have so many places to see on my To Do list.

Jan

I agree with your son.  I went to Vietnam and Cambodia with JY in 2008 and we visited both S21 and the Killing Fields.

The whole experience is VERY distressing.  You can read about the atrocities but you cannot even begin to imagine the real horror of what went on until you are told by someone who was caught up in it all and see things for yourself, and, as your son has said, it is something everyone ought to see, however distressing it is, as that is the only way you can really understand what happened there.

For me personally I am glad I went to both S21 and the Killing Fields, but I can fully appreciate it might be too distressing for some, and as it is built into the itinerary some may want to opt out, by highlighting it as OPTIONAL (if I am understanding it correctly) it is a good way of making it clear you can do so.

The more experienced of us will know that within reason you are never made to do anything other than move on to the next location, but any first timers may not be fully aware of that and feel they have to go along with everyone else, although on this occasion I would think a good TM will fully explain the situation.

Have a great holiday

Avocet

When I went with JY to Poland , the concentration camp visit was worded in a similar way. For me I booked that tour to visit the camps, but many people had not most went to C & A clothes store for the day..

Cindy

It could be that they have phrased it that way deliberately, as there could be quite a number of travellers who might not be keen to do this excursion, so it's a way of emphasizing that people shouldn't feel under any pressure to do it, as it could be upsetting for some people?  Just a guess!  When in Phnom Penh I visited Section 21 - the genocide museum - and although I did find it upsetting, I'm glad I visited it to understand the atrocities that were committed during the Khmer Rouge period.

All the best,

Bob

It does seem strange but if there is anything more to it, I will make sure you are contacted straight away.

There are currently 8 travelers booked on this trip which is really good for this time of year.

Kind Regards,

Mildred

I am so sorry for the delayed response.

I have just spoken to our overseas team and they have informed me that there are no optional excursions on this trip. They must have worded it wrong- they meant to say that a visit to the Killing Fields IS included but it is optional so you don't have to go if you don't want to. There are no additional costs.

I hope this helps. Apologies again for the delayed response.

Kind Regards,

Mildred