I've been quoted in another well-known travel magazine this week. This time, the cover article of Travelage West, with an article about "What COVID-19 Can Teach the Travel Industry About Sustainability and Climate Change."

As the article starts (See TravelAge ): 

Groups of bears, bobcats and coyotes shoot the breeze near cabins in a seldom silent Yosemite National Park. Residents of Jalandhar, India, are overcome with awe upon seeing the Himalayas from their homes for the first time in decades. An extraordinary number of endangered leatherback sea turtle nests are found on Thailand’s long stretches of sand, which usually swarm with tourists. Los Angeles — where a thick smog is known to cloak the downtown skyline — is now home to some of the cleanest air of any major city. 

These are the few of the headlines grabbing the attention of once-frequent travelers confined to their homes. Scientific data has highlighted additional good news: March saw a 30% decrease in average nitrogen dioxide levels over the northeastern U.S., according to NASA. Meanwhile, Paris-based inter-governmental organization International Energy Agency reports that the world’s carbon dioxide emissions are predicted to plunge 8% this year

The need for a paradigm shift seems clear. We cannot let this momentary blip (in terms of the history of the world) and the short term benefits Mother Earth is reaping be our solution to sustainability and climate change.

As an industry, travel can take steps to become more sustainable. And we can indeed focus on travel being a force for good in the world.

We know that "Travelers Will Go Local and Natural" as the world of travel starts to return. Domestic travel (restricted first, and then more openly) will be the first to return. So, what part of your country can you visit soon?  For those within driving distance, I'd suggest the Shangri La Toronto (see below) for a first outing. But if you're in Calgary or St. Louis or Orlando, we can certainly work together to find a wonderful Virtuoso hotel close to you.

We do know too that "Tourism Is Still Needed on a Global Scale "

Join me online Tuesday at 5 pm for a Travel Tuesday zoom call - if you could take only ONE more trip.

This week - we'll be talking about Springtime in Paris.

Join us if you can!

Join me online Thursday, May 28th at 10 am est for a mug up. This week, we'll do another Travel Trivia game. We had great fun last week, and had a good time guessing answers (or is that showing off our travel knowledge.)

(By the way, if you don't know, a Mug Up is Newfoundland phrase. It means: "a cup or mug of tea and a snack taken between any of the main meals, esp in a pause from work" )

I know you're still dreamin' of travel.

Since you might have a bit more time than usual, why don't we schedule a complimentary call to talk about your travel dreams?

Use my online scheduling system to choose a convenient time for your call with LUSH LIFE TRAVEL