Open for Optimism

Most of us remain self-isolating at home for our own safety and the safety of our communities. Travel is at a standstill. As of this week, every cruise ship in the world is at anchor, and one airline has even announced it is temporarily canceling all flights between the US and Canada. 

These are historically difficult times that will shape a generation. It’s requiring us all to learn new rhythms of living, learning, staying well, staying in touch, and staying positive.  

All our extra screen time might have been expected, but other new trends were less predictable. 

Apparently, in addition to cooking at home, we are buying up yeast and flour and doing a lot more baking. Virtual cocktail parties have become a thing. We are planning windowbox and backyard gardens we never tried before. We are emptying animal shelters by giving homes to helpless creatures. We are dusting off sewing machines and sharing patterns for homemade face masks to protect ourselves and others.

From every corner, we are hearing stories of selfless heroism and tremendous dedication and social responsibility and generosity that uplifts our hearts. 

And we see light at the end of the tunnel. Some communities stricken by COVID-19 are reporting positive news for the first time in long, difficult weeks. People are beginning to plan our path forward.

In travel, so are we. We may not travel tomorrow, or next week, but we will travel again. 

IATA, the International Air Transport Association, has just released the results of a survey of travelers and found that 

We know some people had booked travel for this spring and are still working through the re-booking process. 

But we also know travelers who are eagerly anticipating booking brand new adventures and who are looking for ideas. 

And still others who may not yet be ready to think about actually traveling, but who still love to escape into stories of distant shores and life-changing experiences in new destinations. 

So while we are still all armchair travelers, we’ll continue to share our favorite stories and amazing opportunities to experience the world. 

We’ll continue to be open for optimism in travel.