20 years is a very long time. 20 years pass in an instant. I feel both emotions as I commemorate the 20th anniversary of my purchase of Hanns Ebensten Travel (later HE Travel), and as we gleefully put the year 2020 into the rearview mirror.
USA
Thanksgiving Promise 2020
The American holiday of Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to reflect on a challenging year and to share gratitude. When travel came to a standstill back in March, none of us knew what to expect. However, we at HE Travel are very grateful for the support and encouragement we received from our clients and our travel partners around the world. This has made it possible to look ahead to offering memorable travel experiences in 2021 and beyond.
The Triumph of Election Integrity
Now that American’s Election Day is behind us, I would like to share some insights about the process. As I mentioned in last month’s newsletter, I am spending a couple of months working full time (including 16.5 hours on Election Day!) for the Election Division of the Salt Lake County Clerk’s office. This has been a fascinating year to have an inside look at the process that determines our national, state, and local leadership.
Phil’s Notes – October 2020 – Voting
Vote! This is the bedrock of a democracy. The outcome of the upcoming American election, as well as other elections around the world, will help determine when we can again feel confident exploring new corners of the world.
An election is an odd amalgamation of the micro and the macro. Each individual vote is a minute contribution to the whole, but together these votes determine who will lead us into the future.
Clients Traveling During COVID-19
In August, we launched our first tour since March 2020. Our clients traveling during the pandemic had a wonderful time away from the world down in the bottom of the Grand Canyon. After almost 5 months of all tours being rescheduling for 2021, it was a very bittersweet moment to be able to actually run a 2020 tour! I’ve missed our tours and I’ve missed seeing the amazing memories that our groups share. It was a joy that I was able to be present to make sure expectations of dealing with Covid-19 were met.
Labor Day 2020 Reflections on Travel in a Time of COVID-19
As we pass Labor Day, it is a good time to take stock of the last six months and look ahead to 2021. In spring 2020, we at HE Travel postponed several spring tours to the fall. However, COVID rates remain too high both where our travelers are from, and in the destinations we visit. Therefore, we have postponed most 2020 tours until 2021.