Why do you travel?
I travel to learn new cultures, consider new customs, see how people live their lives, connect with locals, try new foods and activities, challenge myself physically and mentally, to relax, and to be an ambassador.
Where should you go?
Wherever you want! Global tourism is flourishing. But, consider going to a less-loved destination. Sustainability and environmental care are travel trends for 2019.
This year I began reading an eye-opening book entitled, Factfulness, by Hans Rowling. He presents “Ten Reasons We’re Wrong About the World — and Why Things Are Better Than You Think.” He gives us a world view based on facts, and it turns out that the world is in a much better state than we might think.
I bring this up here because our perceptions can keep us from traveling. If you study the facts, you should feel more comfortable exploring the world.
What do these countries have in common?
United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Germany, Canada, The Bahamas, France, New Zealand, The United Kingdom.
The United States of America (in January) was on the “Do Not Travel” list of these countries.
Astounding!
While being on this list may be politically motivated, as an American it is hard to believe that our country could possibly be on such a list. However, if you watch or listen to the news on any given day, we hear about dramatic events because that type of communication sells.
Less-Loved Destinations
Overrun with tourists, the popularity of some destinations actually hurt the locals. Consider Venice, Italy. Day-trippers do not contribute to the economy. With the city’s population decreasing and tourists increasing, drastic measures to reduce the number of visitors include fines for sitting in a particular area. If you do go, eat in the cafés, shop in the local shops outside of St. Mark’s Square. We stayed in a flat on Giudecca Island, a quick vaporetto ride across the channel and lived like locals.
Other options are Umbria instead of Tuscany, Italy. They are neighbors and enjoy the same landscape. Matera, Italy, in the arch of the boot, offers history like no other place in the world. The oldest inhabitant from 7,000 BC was discovered here. Instead of Iceland, go to the Farro Islands. The terrain and Northern Lights are just as breathtaking. Airfare wars on flights to Tahiti with the new airline make this a good alternative.
Want to get outdoors? The United States has 58 national parks. They are affordable, convenient, are a tremendous educational opportunity where you can learn about a broad mix of ecosystems, disconnect from technology, relax, exercise, breathe fresh air. These travel trends are right in our backyards.
At-Risk Destinations
Machu Picchu, Peru
Temples of Angkor, Cambodia
Wadi Rum, Jordan
Fjords of Norway
Amsterdam
Barcelona
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
The Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii
Komodo National Park, Indonesia
New Caledonia Lagoon, French Oceania
Belize Barrier Reef
Venice, Italy
Amazon, Brazil
Bristol Bay, Alaska
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Stonehenge, England
Vohibola Forest, Madagascar
Salt Flats of Bolivia
Florida Everglades
Istanbul
Lake Titicaca, Peru-Bolivia border
Mount Everest
Prague, Czech Republic
Taj Mahal, India
Glacier National Park, Montana
Hufi Glacier, Glarus Alps, Switzerland
Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland
Mount Kilimanjaro’s glaciers, Tanzania
Quelccaya Glacier, Peru
Shiretoko, Japan
Vatnajökull, Iceland
Cartagena, Colombia
Charleston, South Carolina
Maldives
NASA Kennedy Space Center, Florida
New York City
Tangier Island, Virginia
Final note
Authentic experiences result from respect for local communities and the environment and leave a positive impact on them and us.
Sources: LA Travel and Adventure Show, Travel Trends for 2019 discovered at the San Diego Travel and Adventure Show, Airbnb, Factfulness by Hans Rosling