TRAVELING DURING A PANDEMIC TRAVEL WRITER: AMANDA STORM
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I am writing this from the airport in Antigua - that beautiful island in the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean. My daughter sent me a photo from her dorm room window in the Midwest showing snow on the ground along with a joyous text, the first day of classes had been postponed. Friends are posting photos of cats and dogs by the fire, hot cups of cocoa, or new soup recipes.
employers of women globally? During my drive earlier this week, Radley Baptiste, my driver, informed me that 80% of Antigua and Barbuda’s economy is supported by tourism. I asked if there were small business loan programs or unemployment options for the citizens. “No,” he replied. “We are a small country with no one looking out for us. So now it is ‘scratch’ to make ends meet.”
Here I am, getting ready to leave behind the 365 beautiful beaches, the famed “black pineapple,” the sound of the surf, and 80 degree weather. At this moment, I feel foolish; It is a moment I have not yet experienced in my travels during this pandemic, but the thought of finding my mittens and car scraper makes me reconsider.
Baptiste’s situation is not unique, my colleagues in Mexico, the Caribbean, Italy, and Ireland report similar circumstances. Of course, the larger countries can provide some aid to their citizens.
As a travel agency owner and it is important to me to learn first hand what is happening in the destinations where I send guests, so I have traveled twice during this “COVID mess.”
Traveling is always a personal decision. It comes down to what you want to see and do. What memories do you want to capture? What culture do you hope to explore?
While the pandemic is affecting businesses here, the direct impact on other countries is astonishing. Did you know that 1 in 10 jobs have direct ties to tourism? The tourism industry is one of the largest
Recently, when I have traveled, the majority of people in airports and on planes are following the rules and wearing masks. You will see social distancing while waiting in lines to board, go
Often, I get the question, is it safe to travel now? Should I travel? Where can I visit?
