I woke to the Aussie morning news channels full of the shocking story of the Malaysian Airlines flight that was shot down in the Ukraine in what would have been after midnight in our time zone.  I was shocked by the news that 295 innocent people have been killed and horrified be the images that were now being broadcast of the wreckage. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families and also with Malaysian Airlines whom I think was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.  The shooting down of this passenger plane should be treated as a war crime and the criminals brought to justice.

Although everyone is saddened by this tragedy, there are always elements that make it hit closer to home.  There are the Australian passports just like the ones my husband and I carry.  People just like us who just wanted an overseas adventure.  Since Malaysian Airlines joined OneWorld, it’s been a popular award for Aussies traveling to Europe and Asia.

Lonely Planet Bali guidebook found in wreckage of MH 17

But what really got me was the Lonely Planet guidebook found in the wreckage.  Lonely Planets have been my travel Bibles since the early 80’s and on numerous occasions, I boarded flights with such a book in my carry on to read on the plane and brush up on my destination.

Last night, people who were just like me said goodbye to their loved ones and boarded a flight that was supposed to be their adventure of a lifetime.  To see new cultures, party on the beach, make new friends and have new experiences.  But their dreams will never be fulfilled.  They will never come home to their loved ones with tons of photos and silly souvenirs.

I don’t mean people should panic and cancel their trips but rather focus on what’s important.  It’s not about the movies on the IFE, the way your steak is cooked and how often the flight attendants smile at you.  At the end of the day, what’s important is that you get to your destination safely and return home to those you love.

RIP victims of the war criminal attack on MH 17.