Originally Posted by obscure2k
You know, it just might be the perfect vacation. No guarantees in life, but I remember travelling to VCE post 9/11 when no-one else was travelling. I had the glorious city pretty much to myself. You could get lucky, Notam. Pay your money, take your chances, look for some good hotel rates. For sure, you will eat very well. Got for it ^
You're comparing Venice after 9/11 to New Orleans after a Cat 4 hurricane?
Venice and New Orleans are both at the mercy of sea water, but that's as far as the comparison goes in this case.
Venice had no crowds because people were afraid to travel anywhere. While some people may postpone travel to New Orleans the bigger issue is how long it will take to restore electricity and clean water (hopefully not long). As a tourist, you don't want crowds; however, you really can't do without basic services. Having said that, I like mcrt's suggestion, although many times charities don't have the resources to accept individual in-kind donations during natural disasters.
As others have said, only time will tell. Fortunately, New Orleans was spared a direct hit and the Katrina was downgraded to a Cat 4 in time.