Looking to the Future of Travel
Spring 2021 Newsletter
A year after the world came to a halt because of COVID 19, I feel as if the last 12 months have changed us. It isn’t only the human and economic losses, stillness, or seclusion the virus created. More of us are aware of the racial injustices our neighbors face and are demanding change.
The new administration in the US is focused on a rapid and holistic response to the virus, the environment, the economy, and social issues. We have a deeper understanding and appreciation for our community and the importance of human connection. We are slowly starting to return to a way of life that allows for greater in-person interactions, time out of our homes, and a sense that COVID’s domination of our lives will diminish.
The thought of traveling again is becoming a reality for some. We’re considering how, where and when we venture out as safely as possible while simultaneously ensuring the well-being of those we hope to visit. More of us are grappling with hard questions that go far beyond "Where should I go for my next vacation?" Given that COVID 19 is a global pandemic, what are the societal benefits vs costs of traveling when very few countries have any current access to vaccines? How can I ensure that my travel will support in positive ways the communities I would like to visit? What travel choices should I make to do my part to address our climate emergency?
Fueled initially by participation in the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s Sustainable Tourism Training Program last April, I’ve devoted lots of time to thinking and connecting with travel leaders and businesses worldwide about the future of travel. My Chilean colleague, Latin American sustainable tourism leader Jorge Moller, and I have also spent hours and hours reflecting on our many years of tourism experiences and the pandemic’s impact, leading us to develop the Human Encounters Travel Framework. Anchored by deep, meaningful human connections, we believe that post-pandemic tourism has the potential to create beneficial and lasting impacts for host communities, travelers, the travel industry, and our planet.
I am excited to continue contributing to meaningful change in the tourism industry in this incredibly unique time. I invite you to visit my recently updated website Travel with Ann Experiential to learn more about Human Encounters, my new direction, and how you can be a part of reimagining travel.
Meaningful Travel Experiences from Home
The pandemic has been a lightning rod for innovative technology change across almost every industry, including travel. A number of exciting virtual initiatives continue to emerge, allowing one to visit communities and support local businesses far or near from the comfort of one’s own living room. For some for whom in-person travel may never be an option, virtual adventures offer a new way to venture out and build bridges around the world. I've done travel experiences recently with each of the businesses below and encourage you to explore their creative offerings.
Local Purse: I first fell in love with Local Purse when I heard co-founder, Lola Akinmade Åkerström, share her vision during a travel webinar last October. Local Purse is a cultural and live shopping experience. Facilitated by local guides, participants visit markets and local enterprises to hear directly from artisans about the rich culture, traditions and evolution of their products. See an item that you’d like to have? The Local Purse technology enables you to make your purchase and also tip your guide right then and there.
Join me this Saturday, March 27 for a Local Purse "Costa Rican Artisan Coffee Experience", run in partnership with my good friends from Local Keeps and also Wikol Travel. We'll meet on a farm to learn about coffee, its role in Costa Rican culture and uses in creative artisan-made products also offered for sale during the tour.
Mejdi Tours: In the absence of in-person tours, Mejdi offers currently 360 degree Virtual Tours and Virtual Experiences, including cultural culinary adventures. Each small class (10 max) includes a box of local ingredients and a traditional recipe shipped in advance. Middle Eastern, Asian, or Latin American chefs/hosts guide your meal preparation while conversing with participants about the cultural significance and personal stories associated with each delicious dish.
Chicago Detours In the early months of the pandemic, founder Amanda Scotese pivoted her company’s in-person historical and cultural tours to meet the growing demand for creative participatory virtual experiences. Full of engaging visuals, often lesser-known details of Chicago’s history, and plenty of fun interaction, these events are great for learning more about a community, hosting a party or organizational team building.
Traveling the U.S. Civil Rights Trail
In June 2019, my husband and I spent several days on the Civil Rights Trail in Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma, Alabama, as well as Atlanta, Georgia. The trip offered us an invaluable lens into Black Americans’ fight, past and present, for freedom and equality. Our days were physically, intellectually and emotionally full, but we knew that we had barely scratched the surface.
That’s why I was thrilled recently to purchase Moon U.S. Civil Rights Trail: A Traveler’s Guide to the People, Places and Events that Made the Movement, a new book by award-winning journalist and author, Deborah D. Douglas. It is full of historical and cultural context, a diverse array of itineraries including eight states and Washington, D.C. and recommendations of Black-owned tours, restaurants and shops. Whether thinking about a long weekend or a week, a first or return visit, this book is a perfect planning tool for organizing and making the most of your travel experience.
Join Me in Supporting Tomorrow’s Air
I recently subscribed to Tomorrow’s Air, the world’s first collective of travelers, travel service providers, and travel brands focused on carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere to clean and preserve our air for future generations.
“As a long-time traveler and travel leader, I’ve realized that this is a time in my life for reflection on what I’ve learned and to do more in my own way to help address our climate emergency. Sharing big ideas is one thing, but pairing them with practical action like Tomorrow’s Air makes all the difference. I was motivated to join to learn more about and contribute to carbon removal and help share with my community. It’s easy, practical, and affordable.”
Visit the Tomorrow’s Air website to learn more about their innovative approach to mobilize collective action to fight climate change. Better yet, step up and join me in supporting this important fight!