Dear Traveller,

As we approach the end of 2020, we look back with a sigh at the year of travel that was not – then turn our focus to dreams of future travel.

Like you, those of us at The Travel Corporation have been watching closely for signs of progress on vaccines against Covid-19, even as we implement the innovations for traveller safety and wellbeing described by Gavin Tollman in October’s blog posting. While each of us will need to decide exactly when we are ready to journey onwards, one thing is clear – we will travel again. Difficult and frustrating as this year has been, it has not diminished our desire to travel. If anything, this time of limited movement and isolation has increased our desire for the freedom to explore distant destinations and rediscover the world.

For this month’s blog post, we thought it fitting to look forward, wondering what might be different when we do travel again. The challenges we face in life transform us, leading to learning and growth, and that is especially true with challenges of the magnitude of those we have been through this year, which have had such an impact on all of us.

Dear Traveller,

As we approach the end of 2020, we look back with a sigh at the year of travel that was not – then turn our focus to dreams of future travel.

Like you, those of us at The Travel Corporation have been watching closely for signs of progress on vaccines against Covid-19, even as we implement the innovations for traveller safety and wellbeing described by Gavin Tollman in October’s blog posting. While each of us will need to decide exactly when we are ready to journey onwards, one thing is clear – we will travel again. Difficult and frustrating as this year has been, it has not diminished our desire to travel. If anything, this time of limited movement and isolation has increased our desire for the freedom to explore distant destinations and rediscover the world.

For this month’s blog post, we thought it fitting to look forward, wondering what might be different when we do travel again. The challenges we face in life transform us, leading to learning and growth, and that is especially true with challenges of the magnitude of those we have been through this year, which have had such an impact on all of us.

When we travel again…
We shall go forth
with renewed gratitude
for the amazing gift that travel can be –
and the awe that comes from
finding ourselves at home
in places we have never been.

When we travel again…
We will see the world through new eyes
and deepened appreciation
for this truly magnificent planet we all share.
Not only will we take in the sights,
but we will hear the sounds. Breathe in the smells.
And savour the tastes – all waiting to be experienced.

When we travel again…
We will do so with renewed joy and purpose –
Joy as we create memories that last a lifetime,
and purpose that comes from knowing our travels
play a crucial role in the recovery
of communities we visit
around the world.

When we travel again…
We will venture forth with open hearts,
letting ourselves be guided
by wonder and curiosity
ready to connect to those we meet along the way -
our hosts, our guides, and our fellow travellers,
joined together in a journey of discovery.

When we travel again…
We will make travel matter more than ever before.
Knowing that how we travel
is just as important as where,
As we explore this wild and precious planet we call home,
Meet people around the globe who welcome us into their homes.
And discover magnificent wild creatures whose homes we visit.

When we travel again…
We will journey to places both near and far with those we love –
our partners, our parents,
our children, and grandchildren
and dear friends, some we’ve known for years –
and others we have yet to meet,
making memories all over the world.

When the time is right,
We shall go forth again.
Until then, we shall do what we have always done –
and dream of distant shores.
For while something deep inside us sleeps,
We know the sleeper will awaken –
When we travel again.