TRAVEL: THE SURGE

      We know travel is more than just a luxury, and the associated benefits enrich our lives. Many people worldwide stepped in to 2024 with a plan to travel and, worldwide, we, too, experience this surge in long lines at airports, cancellations, wait times in lines for transport and new travel rules. Whatever the news, blogs, morning news shows, and commercials say, the message is clear:  Travel! And we, in turn, listen, now traveling more than in past years. So, what is the fuel that is rocketing tourists around the globe?

    There is a growing emphasis on experiential travel. Just going to a destination is not enough. We must do something fantastic and memorable! Take for instance the renewed interest in Egypt. Going through the ruins of ancient Egypt and climbing into a tomb is certainly a memorable experience and one that will remain with you always. This is especially true when traveling with family and friends, which makes an entire life experience shared with others all the sweeter. Some other examples that come to mind are African Safaris. Picture yourself seeing a herd of elephants meandering, a lioness with her cubs under the shade of a tree or having a rhinoceros chase your jeep, or my favorite, having your picture taken at Victoria Falls with a vivid rainbow and the waterfall as the backdrop for that selfie! Another popular experience is the expeditions to Antarctica. Can you picture yourself in extreme cold weather gear, on a motorized expedition boat taking you to land? Then you suddenly see seals, penguins, and other wildlife. It is a good piece of conversation and wonderful photos. Even the fussiest among us love a wonderful culinary experience where you learn how to make something extraordinary and while engaging in the process, begin to think about a future dinner party with some of your new recipes to share with friends.

    Technological advancement is a significant factor. Innovations in more efficient, eco-friendly aircraft and transportation with non-fossil fuel such as Liquid Nitrogen Gas (LNG), make travel more attractive and sustainable. Sustainability is a new word associated with travel. Fully aware of climate change, everyone is more conscious about the impact on the planet. This shift now has focus on sustainable accommodations, and carbon offset.

  Lastly, the move to remote work during the pandemic has now softened the line between work and time off. Professionals combine work and leisure seamlessly. This trend is encouraged by way of hotel designs, resorts with shared workspaces near the pool, and the cruise industry with meeting rooms. Professional obligations now coupled with remote destinations allow for the “workcation”. Professionals find this balance extremely rewarding resulting in less turnover in the workplace.

Those explored reasons contribute to the travel surge and in the travel outlook, there is no sign of a slowdown soon.

Dear Friends, enjoy a most wonderful August. I am on a cruise to explore more of England, Scotland and Wales with a wonderful group who have felt the surge and took hold of the opportunity.