Not even a pandemic can stop me from discovering the one-of-a-kind experiences you’ve come to expect from the journeys I plan. Sadly, I wasn’t in Las Vegas this year for my annual catch-up with friends old and new showing me the latest the world has to offer. But I did participate in the first ever virtual Virtuoso Travel Week 2020, soaking up all the new creative ways my partners have devised to put the world at your fingertips while keeping you safe in a socially distanced world.
I missed the cocktail parties. I missed the annual Largay Big Night Out in Las Vegas. And I missed catching up with friends. But I didn’t miss what matters most for you, my valued clients. Travel Week 2020 delivered on crucial information regarding the future of travel in the short and long terms.
Virtual Virtuoso Travel Week 2020
We must never forget that human contact and seeing the world through the eyes of people who are different from us build a sense of global community. This helps us understand each other and unite in the face of challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. Meeting strangers and turning them into friends as they welcome you into their home can build empathy. It’s harder to do than before, but it’s also more important now. Fortunately, the same partners who have helped advisors create life-changing journeys for decades have been hard at work finding a way.
National borders won’t be closed forever. Many of our favourite destinations are changing how their tourism industries will operate going forward. Not only will there be tours specially planned for smaller groups and social distancing in the short term, destinations are taking the opportunity to reimagine a more sustainable future.
A Conscious Comeback
The “Under One Sky” sustainability forum detailed the conscious comeback the travel industry will make across the globe, especially in places that had a pre-pandemic problem of over-tourism and now face the equally devastating danger of under-tourism. Economies that depend heavily on visitors have lost jobs at steep rates. To ensure the long-term viability of their economies, these countries will reimagine tourism to protect income and the resources that make them world-renowned.
One such place is the Seychelles islands in the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles have banned cruise ships until 2022, but will still allow the 62-passenger Crystal Esprit yacht to visit. There’s such a vast difference between it and the typical cruise ship! Speaking of the typical cruise, it’s a thing of the past. Virtuoso partners are revamping their operations, with lines set to announce new onboard protocols in the fall that will make their ships the safest places to be at sea. Still operating thanks to the small size of its ships is UnCruise Adventures, which has expanded its Pacific Northwest cruise season into October to deliver great experiences stateside.
Travel: New and Improved
Even as we haven’t been able to travel to many of our favourite spots the last several months, travel is still evolving. Things will be different when we next venture out. Really, that’s one of the best things about travel: You never step in the same river twice. Even if it’s a place you’ve been dozens of times, there’s always something new to discover.
In the world of expeditions, Lindblad has a host of exciting itineraries in Asia and Oceania. These include a Pacific crossing from Anchorage to Tokyo, and expeditions to Taiwan, Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia’s Kimberley Islands.
Related: Exploring Arctic Svalbard With Lindblad Expeditions
Closer to home, Natural Habitat Adventures, which has amazing national park tours, has introduced a “Make It Private” option. This allows guests to book a private version of any of their regularly scheduled departures. North of the border, Nova Scotia — likened to a mix of Alaska and Scotland — is a hot adventure destination. In warmer climes, Albany on 600 oceanside acres in the Bahamas offers the perfect combination of seclusion and amenities. The private Necker Island provides a respite from other people and replaces them with lemurs to feed and flamingos to gawk at. Bermuda reopened to visitors in July. They’ll debut a new airport terminal in December, just in time for festive season.
Holiday Travel
Speaking of the holidays, why not head south of the border? Mexico’s Grand Velas properties – in the Riviera Maya (with a focus on families), Los Cabos (with a culinary focus) and Riviera Nayarit (with a wellness focus) – are great places to spend the holidays. Also in the Nayarit area, One&Only Mandarina opens Nov. 1 and is sure to give Grand Velas a run for its money.
And then, there’s Italy. It’s routinely the most popular destination for Americans, and hotels such as the Casa Angelina in Praiano along the Amalfi Coast, plus the new Il Sereno and Mandarin Oriental properties on the shores of Lake Como will keep it that way.
How To Social Distance While Travelling
Several German cities plan to have Christmas markets with social distancing procedures in place. Some great places to naturally socially distance are the Portuguese islands of Madeira and the Azores, which offer unique climates and cultures. Next time you visit Ireland, skip the crowded urbanity of Dublin. Instead, head straight to country houses such as Adare Manor where you can enjoy the fresh air. There will also be the option for self-drive itineraries with set hotels and tours. You can have the best of both worlds, exploring on your own but knowing you’ll lay your head in a safe and quality accommodation without missing anything along the way.
Related: How to Social Distance While Travelling
The day is coming when the world is open to us once again. As always, I will be your trusted source on the latest life-changing exclusive experiences.