Pandemic Travel: Do You Have What It Takes?

World vacation travel may forever be changed.  The pandemic is showing no signs of slowing down, I have not posted a blog since October and yet my days are full as a travel advisor!  That might be the best indicator of all that you are as determined as I am to continue to experience the cultures and natural beauty of our planet.  The situation is challenging, to be sure, and yet we adapt and forge ahead.

Whether you are in camp global warming or not means little to me (although personally I am extremely concerned for future generations).  There are some who think air travel is irresponsible, but there are also ways to offset your carbon footprint.  I strongly believe in responsible travel; supporting local communities as you explore, packing out what you bring in along with adding a few of the items that others have carelessly littered, and visiting lesser-known natural habitats and parks to help avoid congestion.  Are you like me?

I know many of my partner travel companies have philosophies that match my own and yours.  To name just a few I give big kudos to:  Virgin Voyages, the brand-new adults-only cruise line (follow me in a couple of weeks on Facebook, Bobbie Rae Murphy, as I am a sailor with a small group embarking February 4th!).  G Adventures, the company I used for a small group hiking the Inca Trail a couple of years ago), and Intrepid Travel also are top of mind.  Do you have one to share with me, too?  I love hearing about your experiences!

Here’s what I know.  There are travel agents who have thrown in the towel, but there are many more travel ADVISORS who are worth their weight in gold right now!  We have spent hours and days cancelling and re-planning travel for many of our clients, most often for no compensation.  What other industry do you know does that?  I, for one, am committed to creating the most amazing experiences for my loyal clients.  When the pandemic caused our carefully curated plans to change, we rolled with it and re-scheduled because it can be life-changing to experience another part of the world.

To see how others live in foreign countries and continents is a lesson in tolerance, understanding, and empathy.  To visit other cultures and countries can really open your eyes to the fact that we here in America live a privileged life.   To hike through a National Park gives us a bigger appreciation of flora and fauna, and (hopefully) it also encourages us to give a few of our hard-earned dollars towards the preservation of the lands, waters and species that are struggling to adapt.

And so, my friends, you see that I am a strong advocate of sustainable world travel.  Travel advisors are a necessity these days during the world pandemic.  Find a good one and be loyal.  New requirements are written and are changing daily all around the world, and advice from someone in the trenches is more valuable than ever.  We as humans must also adapt, right?

Follow me on Facebook and Linked In, Bobbie Rae Murphy and Active Travel Pro. Thanks!

Peace, Bobbie