Human Connection & Dreams
Sunset stop in Namibia
Photo courtesy of Jono Wilson
This Time Last Year
November for us usually a frantic flurry of finalizing December travel plans. Just one year ago we had people departing for destinations in Africa, South America and Asia – and even further afield to New Zealand and Australia. Now with continued travel restrictions, we are yearning for something to look forward to – whether it be family reunions or simple hugs with friends. One thing is for sure, we will never take travel - or hugs - for granted again!
As travellers and travel planners we have all had time to consider what is important to us, who is important to us, and how we will cherish travel and the planet moving forward.
Sunset at Raas Devigarh, Rajasthan, India
Photo courtesy of Rass Devigarth
Future Trip Plans
When vaccines become available, travel would have been on hold for a year and demand for space will be premium – the second half of 2021 and 2022 will have to accommodate all those who love to travel but have been unable to. There will be a frantic rush to get itineraries in place. If there is a trip which you put on hold or want to do, now is the time to put some thought into it. Booking and cancellations terms have never been better, with most hotels and lodges allowing cancellation with no penalty up to a few weeks before departure. In addition, deposits have also been substantially reduced. What better way to get through the dreariness of winter and self isolation than to plan and get excited about a trip?
The Places We Cannot Wait To Get Back To
A few places we love and cannot wait to share with travellers again:
Giving Thanks to Champions
Whilst we have suffered through various lockdowns, restrictions, fears and frustrations, it is nothing compared to our partners around the globe. Yet they have somehow managed to continue commitments they made to communities, people and conservation - whilst all revenue streams vanished. They have kept dreams alive so we can venture out and share them in the future and we thank them for this. We know them all personally and we are humbled by their efforts – as well as their kindness, hospitality and steadfastness. We look forward to bringing tourism revenue back to support them in their work.
Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley of the Inca, Peru, Photo courtesy of Hotel Sol y Luna
The Sol y Luna Association, started by Petit and Franz Miribel, is committed to improving the lives of children and families in the Sacred Valley of the Inca. The Hotel profits give hope, education and support to children and communities.
https://www.hotelsolyluna.com/
http://asociacionsolyluna.com/
Misool Foundation, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Photo courtesy of Misool Foundation
The private island of Misool in Raja Ampat, Indonesia, safeguards one of the most pristine reef systems left on earth — one of only a handful of places in the universe where biodiversity is improving rather than declining. Tourism revenue empowers and enables local communities to protect their 300,000-acre Marine Reserve from all extractive practices - no fishing, no collecting turtle eggs, no reef bombing, no netting, and no shark finning and provides much needed employment.
ABOUTAsia Schools, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Photo courtesy of ABOUTAsia Schools
Founded by Brit Andy Booth after a stint at Oxford and a financial career in London, ABOUTAsia Travel has funded 110 + schools and supports over 50,000 children in Siem Reap Province – most recently with much needed hospitality scholarships; school supplies and funding local libraries and learning centres. 100% of profits are plowed back into their philanthropic projects.
https://www.aboutasiaschools.org/
Industry Bounce Back
Belinda and I participated in a virtual conference this month that normally would have seen us gather in Morocco in-person. Though in-person meetings can never be replaced, we both felt such pride and hope for our industry after dozens of Zoom chats with our colleagues. Our partners have established rigorous safety protocols; private experiences and accommodations have multiplied; and everyone is keen to get away from the repetitive and anxious COVID routine.
So let’s get back to dreams and plans whilst we hunker down for the final push to get COVID sidelined. We look forward to chatting to you.
Happy Thanksgiving to our American friends and stay safe everyone.
Best regards from all of us at Askari Travel.
Muriel