Future of Travel by Mediaplanet_USA

DECEMBER 2018 | MODERNWELLNESSGUIDE.COM |

An Independent Supplement by Mediaplanet to USA Today

Future of Travel

Samantha Brown, star of “Places to Love” and avid traveler, talks about her trips abroad

LEARN how MSC Cruises is giving their passengers the ultimate cultural experience

DISCOVER three simple tips for enhancing LGBTQ travel through community connections

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Dallas March 30-31

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Learn how luxury resorts are working to protect the environments around them. Page 5

in this issue

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Read about the latest trends and hottest destinations in the cruise industry. Page 6

Chef Marcela Valladolid talks about her experiences traveling with her family. Page 10

You Can’t Return a Bad Vacation Don’t be fooled by bad advice. The best way to get good travel tips is by talking to real people who you know and trust.

t can happen to anyone: You go off on vacation only to find it’s not what you expected. Perhaps you found a great deal online for a beach-side island resort in June only to find out it’s the rainy season. Or maybe you booked a local tour from a tour operator’s website only to find you know more than the guide. That can’t-miss restaurant with the rave reviews? It’s in a nasty part of town with tons of open tables. It’s today’s biggest travel issue — ever ything looks fantastic online and has great reviews. It’s not until you get there that you find out the truth. According to the World Trade Organization, tourism is the largest commercial service industry

tips is by talking to people who you actually know. Start with your friends and colleagues. Ask them where they have travelled to and what kind of experience they had. Most importantly, ask them what is the best vacation they’ve ever had and why.

on earth, and with it, the largest opportunity to get scammed or be misinformed. The worst part is that you can’t return a bad vaction. Buyer beware Travelers must search for reputable, trusted sources to ensure t h ey g e t w h a t t h ey e x p e c t . R e s e a r c h i n g yo u r t r i p d o e s not have to be an exhaustive process if you take into account the source of information and rely only on trusted providers. U n f o r t u n a te l y, t r i p rev i ew s on websites cannot always be trusted. Research suggests that up to one-third of all reviews are paid for. Travel begins and ends with a story, and the best way to get good, solid vacation and destination

John Golicz, CEO, Travel & Adventure Show

Trusted sources Travel trade show are another great place to find real information. At Travel & Adventure Shows, an afternoon strolling the show floor will allow you access to over a thousand trusted travel experts who are from the destination — and in some cases, actually provide your tour. They are there to answer your questions: where to go, what to see, where to eat and when to go.

Can’t get to a show? Try a reputable guide book. Rick Steves, Frommer Guides, Moon Travel Guides and Lonely Planet all are trusted sources. Great travel agents can help you cut through the clutter, but it helps if you go to them with specific trips or tours in mind. Don’t settle — make the agent work to put together an itinerary that works for you. Many reputable travel firms offer fantastic information on their websites. Again, ask real people who you know and trust for their advice to help you find the best firms to work with. We go on vacations to see the world, escape our everyday life and meet new people. Start your next vacation by talking to a trusted source — a live person. n

Publisher Chelsea Maizel Business Developer Joelle Hernandez Managing Director Luciana Olson Designers Chris Espino, Tiffany Pryor, Lee Miller Copy Editor Juliana Burkhart Director of Sales Shannon Ruggiero Director of Business Development Jourdan Snyder Director of Product Faye Godfrey Lead Editor Mina Fanous Production Manager Josh Rosman Production & Social Media Coordinator Bria Mastroianni Cover Photo Samantha Brown Media All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise credited. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today. KEEP YOUR FEED FRESH. FOLLOW US @MEDIAPLANETUSA

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Loyalty programs come in many different varieties, and choosing one will depend on your interests, destinations and frequency of travel. Our expert, Wee Kee Ng, vice president of corporate loyalty and partner marketing for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, offers insight to inform your decision next time you sign up for a loyalty program. What should guests look for when choosing a loyalty program?

In addition to tangible benefits such as points and amenities, recognition and personalization are important. When you stay at Shangri-La, we do our best to ensure each member receives the high level of service that Shangri-La is known for, and a unique and personal experience. A loyalty program should offer value outside your hotel stay, so finding a loyalty program that compliments your lifestyle is advantageous. This is one of the reasons we have strategic alliances with Singapore Airlines and Taj Hotels, amongst others. There are so many options on the market. How do you recommend someone go about choosing the best loyalty program for their needs?

Different loyalty programs often offer similar benefits, so we encourage guests to ask themselves important questions: What can I do with the points I earn? Does the program partner with airlines I use? Do I agree with the brand values? Many guests are a member of more than one loyalty program out of practicality, as each program may not exist in every city the guest travels to. What makes Shangri-La’s loyalty program stand out?

Our focus is on our members. We have worked hard over the last year to relaunch our mobile app and our website, keeping the member’s journey in mind so we can make everything simpler and more enjoyable. For example, Diamond members can use our app to tell us if they prefer red wine, white wine, coke or diet coke as their welcome amenity. Your choice may differ depending on your trip, and it’s easily updated on the app. There are many examples of this within our Golden Circle benefits program. What do you see for the future of loyalty programs?

Loyalty programs must progress with the times and continue their focus on putting members at the center of everything they do. There have been many discussions around how loyalty programs can use blockchain and cryptocurrencies, but we have yet to see if members would be interested in this. The most important thing we must do is keep the desires of our members at the core of our decisions.

5 Reasons to Book Your Next Vacation With a Tour Operator Let a professional handle the details so you can reclaim your vacation and your peace of mind while traveling. The phrase “I need a vacation from my vacation” is all too familiar. The planning and on-the-ground logistics can feel like another job, so why not let someone else do it for you? Here are just some of the benefits the members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) offer to help travelers reclaim their vacations. 1. Peace of mind Knowing your vacation was planned by professionals immediately puts your mind at ease. Without worrying about directions, transfers, where to eat and other details, you’re free to connect with travel companions and with the people in the destination. USTOA tour-operator members take care of the logistics before and during your trip, while also serving as an on-the-ground resource for questions and to troubleshoot as needed. 2. Insider access While tourism hot spots are a must for some, USTOA members believe in traveling deeper. From dinner with a local family in Peru, to special access to temples in Thailand or a private after-hours tour of the Vatican, traveling with a tour operator and a local guide allows travelers to experience a destination in ways they would not have if they had tried to book on their own. It’s an opportunity to live like a local, even if it’s only for a few days. 3. Variety Don’t let the word “tour” fool you. With thousands of itineraries, our members offer a wide variety of group, individual and independent travel opportunities ranging from active adventures to relaxing river cruises and beach vacations for friends, honeymooners, families and solo travelers.

PHOTO: NICHOLAS SWANSON

Expert Advice on Choosing a Hotel Loyalty Program

4. Bucket-list experiences Whether it’s visiting Times Square, river-cruising along the Douro in Portugal or a seeing wildlife in Antarctica, tour operators can help make bucket-list travel dreams a reality in all seven continents. 5. Unparalleled protection Travelers who book with tour-operator members of USTOA are protected by the organization’s Travelers Assistance Program, which stipulates that in the case of a USTOA-member bankruptcy or insolvency, tour payments are protected up to $1 million. The safety and security of travelers is a top priority for USTOA members, especially when the unexpected happens. Whether it’s Mother

Nature flexing her muscles or political uncertainty, you can travel with confidence when you have a tour operator as your safety net. 6. Value Lastly, the buying power of tour operators — whether you’re traveling in a group or on an individual trip — ensures favorable value-forthe-dollar prices. Ready for a true vacation? From a family get-away to one of the US National Parks to fulfilling a bucket-list dream safari in Africa and everything in between, a USTOA tour operator can help put together your dream vacation. n Terry Dale, President and CEO, United States Tour Operators Association

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Eco-Resorts Provide Earth-Friendly Relaxation in Luxury Destinations For tourists, preserving the environment while visiting distant lands is becoming increasingly important. Some luxury resorts are attracting visitors with their dedication to green initiatives.

ore and more tourists are saying they want to reduce their ecological impact on the earth when they go on vacation. A recent study by Booking.com says that 87 percent of global travelers say they want to travel sustainably, while 39 percent confirm they often or always manage to do so. The movement by luxury eco-resorts working to provide earth-friendly vacations goes back more than 15 years, with efforts to save endangered animals, reduce waste and educate visitors being part of a multi-pronged effort to make vaca-

tioning an environmental boon, not a bust. A greener footprint Many resorts, even ones located in big cities, have placed a focus on reducing waste. A hotel in Brooklyn offers in-room water dispensers while another in London offers plantbased alternatives to plastic. In the Maldives, one resort was given a Green Hotelier award for its initiatives to conserve energy and water and reduce waste, as well as communicate these efforts to guests and the community

at large. The property has a water-filtration system that led to the elimination of 1.09 million plastic bottles last year. Protecting wildlife Preserving endangered species is also a priority, especially for resorts in destinations where exotic creatures are often a lure for tourists. In Cepu, one resort has released endangered hawksbill turtles and tropical fish into its marine sanctuary, which has 160 species of fish, clams and coral. Giant clams rescued from poachers were moved to the sanc-

tuary, and living coral has been placed in snorkeling areas. In Oman, one resort has a dedicated turtle ranger to oversee endangered green turtle hatchings, ensure nests are sheltered and raise awareness through educational programs. Another in the Maldives has a reef-care project where over 300 pieces of coral have been restored since 2010. While resorts may not be seen at the forefront of environmental conversation, savvy travelers know that these vacation getaways have been making an important difference. n Liane Bonin Starr

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How is the cruise line industry working to provide their passengers with a truly international cultural experience? We travel to experience new cultures, meet new people and expand our horizons. As a company with European roots, MSC Cruises makes every effort to create an international atmosphere with local flavor from around the world. You can taste it in our internationally inspired cuisine crafted by world-class chefs, including Chef Roy Yamaguchi on MSC Seaside and Spanish chef Ramón Freixa on MSC Seaview. It can be heard in our locally inspired onboard entertainment, like the authentic Cuban band on our Miami-Cuba cruises on MSC Armonia. Or it can be experienced in our on-shore immersive excursions, like the Grand Tour of Rome available on MSC Meraviglia. MSC Cruises attracts a wide variety of people from different backgrounds, cultures and regions of the world, offering guests the unique opportunity to meet and interact with people of all nationalities and creeds.

If you’re thinking about hiring a local guide on your next vacation, the experts at Tours by Locals have compiled 10 tips to ensure the time you spend together is truly memorable — for all the right reasons. 1. Customize the experience Talk to your guide ahead of time and share your interests, likes and dislikes — it will help them customize the perfect tour for you. 2. Be prepared for poor weather and don’t let it get you down Bad weather is a great time to have a private guide, especially as a small group. Your guide can alter your schedule at a moment’s notice and will have all sorts of ideas for making the most of your time in their city, even with rain. 3. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and dress appropriately Bring options for clothing, keeping in mind the weather, your activity level and respect for local customs. Your guide can advise you

on suitable clothing in advance of your tour. 4. Be open-minded and respect the local culture Embrace the new and unfamiliar things you will encounter in your travels. Travelers who spend their t i m e i n j u d g m e n t o f d i f f e re n t customs and behaviors end up complaining about their trip rather than enjoying it. 5. Try something new Whether it’s a new food, drink or activity, challenge yourself to do one small thing on your tour that you’ve never done before. 6. Take the time to research where you’re going Let your guide know if there’s a particular place you want to see that might not be on everyone’s radar. Consider reading a book by a local author that’s set in the location you’re traveling to. It will help inspire you to see the places in the book. 7. Ask questions and get the conversation flowing Your guide has lots of knowledge to share, and it’s often more enjoyable and natural to learn through a conversation rather than in a one-way lecture format.

Booking a tour of your travel destination is a great way to see the area through the eyes of a local.

10 Tips to Make Your Next Tour Unforgettable

What are some of the most popular destinations you have seen trending in cruises? As a global cruise line, MSC Cruises keeps a close eye on international travel trends — where people are going, from where, when and why. Recently, we’ve seen the Mediterranean take off as one of our most popular cruise destinations for North American travelers, with ports in Marseille, Barcelona, Mallorca, Naples, Mykonos and Santorini to name a few. These are familiar seas for MSC Cruises, whose deep Mediterranean roots are evident in each of its ships and on each of its sailings. This heritage is something that our guests notice as soon as they step on board. This is evidenced by our international clientele, elegant décor, authentic cuisines and elevated onboard entertainment. Our guests are also interested in unique destinations and experiences, and we’ve been working to develop itineraries that bring travelers to some of the most beautiful, exclusive destinations in the world. Recently, we launched the Sir Bani Yas Island beach oasis on our Abu Dhabi and Dubai itineraries. Next year, we will debut Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in the Bahamas — a private island destination that will be a flourishing marine reserve with uninterrupted 360-degree ocean views.

Rick Sasso, chairman of MSC Cruises USA, has a lot to tell us about the way cruise lines are expanding travelers’ perspectives on international destinations.

Cruise Lines Take Guests to New Horizons

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8. Ask your guide to take photos of your group Don’t forget to take a photo with your guide, too, to help you remember the person who showed you around for an amazing day on your vacation. 9. Explore with your guide on foot, by bike or by public transit Instead of exclusively using a car and driver to get around a city, consider walking or taking local transportation if you are able. Driving from place to place can leave you cut off from the things going on around you. Walking or cycling is slower and allows you to feel more a part of your surroundings. 10. Ask your guide for recommendations Benefit from your guide’s knowledge of their city and region during your time there. Ask for recommendations for great neighborhood restaurants, shops and entertainment. If you’re going to be at a destination for a few days, we recommend booking your tour near the beginning of your stay so you can use your guide’s tips for the rest of your time there. n Sara Cooke, Director of Communications, Tours by Locals

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The Changing Face of Cruise Vacations Families want more from their vacation, and cruise lines are responding with cultural immersion, education and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

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he cruise line industr y is booming; in 2018 a record-breaking number of new ships were built, and the number of travelers has risen steadily. This robust growth is driven by an industry that is aggressive about understanding what its customers want — and working hard to give it to them. Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor of Cruise Critic, notes one particular development. “We’re seeing cruise lines react in a really positive way to the desire from passengers to feel connected to the places they visit,” she says. “Cruise lines are creating smaller-group shore

excursions, spending more time in ports, and curating special experiences ashore.” The importance of immersion “Cruises are an excellent opportunity to experience firsts,” points out Roberto Fusaro, president of MSC Cruises USA. “For instance, cruises are known for offering a variety of cuisines. This is a great way to try a food you’ve always been curious about but perhaps a bit hesitant to order. The same is true for activities, from cooking classes to dance lessons to arts and crafts. On the entertainment side, this is a perfect opportunity for adults and children to experience a range of types of shows that they may not have known they had interest in, risk-free.” This focus on new cultures is driven directly by customer demand. “MSC Cruises’ guests

tend to seek multi-cultural experiences and opportunities for learning during their vacations,” Fusaro notes. Family focus Rainer Jenss, president and founder of the Family Travel Association, confirms this trend. “Parents find it very important for their children to understand different cultures,” he says. “Cruises provide families with a great way to explore and meet people from around the world, and most cruises go to several ports of call on a single itinerary, so the kids and their parents get exposed to multiple cultures, languages, cuisines and countries — all on one trip.” Jenss also notes that families don’t even have to leave a ship to experience different cultures and points of view. “First, there’s

the ship’s crew, which usually represents dozens of different cultures and nationalities. Then, of course, there are fellow passengers. And for kids, meeting children from other parts of the country or the world is particularly fascinating and often leads to life-long friendships. MSC Cruises in particular has a wide variety of passengers on its ships for passengers to engage with.” Fusaro passionately agrees. “With travelers from 70 markets worldwide, MSC guests have the unique opportunity to meet, interact and become friends with people from around the world.” Myth-busting Fusaro is also eager to do some cruising myth-busting. “Cruising isn’t the same as it was 15 or 20 years ago. The ships today have a full range of entertainment

options for all ages, so there is no dull moment. Another myth is the quality of the dining options. Cruises today are actually ideal for foodies and on MSC ships we feature cuisines from world-class chefs such as Roy Yamaguchi.” McDaniel encourages families seeking these types of experiences to consider cruises. “There really is a cruise for everyone,” she says, “but it’s not as easy as just snagging a rock-bottom price. Do your research, narrow down your options, then compare prices and find the best fit for you.” If you and your family want your vacation to be culturally educational and rewarding, a cruise vacation offers a global classroom (as well as fine dining, endless entertainment and plenty of adventure). n Jeff Somers

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PHOTOS: MARCELA VALLADOLID

Marcela Valladolid’s Advice for International Travel With Your Family

Marcela Valladolid, chef and host of “Mexican Made Easy,” shares her tips for ways the entire family can enjoy a cultural experience abroad. What are some of your favorite destinations? Do you try to make cultural and emotional connections when traveling? Mexico will always be my number-one response. I would have to travel for 100 years to truly experience every region and see every beautiful sight. Oaxaca and Guanajuato are my favorites. This year, I am headed to San Miguel to spend Thanksgiving with my family. I absolutely try to make cultural connections. My fiancé Phillip spent time in Italy while growing up. He tells stories of how his mother would drop him off at parks where children were playing and pick him up at sunset. He became an incredible soccer player, picked up the language and culture and gained a love of travel and experience. Now I want that for our children. I was very fortunate to travel in my youth and teenage years, but

I focused more on tourist destinations. I did learn a lot, but now it’s more about renting an apartment or home versus a hotel, getting inside scoops from locals on where to eat and drink and seeking the experiences that will truly allow me and my family to gain insight into a new culture. What are some lessons you have learned along the way in your travels? The only way to grow and learn is to make an effort to make connections with people. I am in my 40s, and I am just now beginning to be more open and less shy about engaging in conversations with complete strangers. I find myself asking people about their children, their motivation, their life story, their dreams and their food. If asked, I’ll happily share mine. I’ve realized that the people who

inspire me the most also happen to be those who are well-traveled. It is impossible to experience the world and make connections and then come back with a grim and nationalist view of life. Hate is just fear of the unknown — and travel is the best remedy for that. What are some ways you try to truly immerse yourself in a different culture? What advice do you have for those looking to do the same? I ask questions. I talk to people. I try the food. I think the best tip is to be willing to put yourself in the position of a student again. The less I know about an experience going into it, the better. Sometimes we spend too much time and energy trying to become experts. Forget that. Wring your brain of all knowledge and allow yourself to be taught and guided. We’re so afraid to

ask questions sometimes, and that truly blocks us from learning. Most people will happily and proudly tell you about their culture, food and traditions. When traveling with your family, how do you make sure everyone is getting a taste of a new cultural experience? What advice do you have for those traveling with young children? In that case, we will do a little bit of research — otherwise you might end up at an American fast-food chain for dinner. It helps to eat dinners earlier so we don’t get into that crazy time in the evening where the kids get tired and cranky. We look for restaurants that have outdoor space for the kids to run around, and check the menus in advance to make sure they will have something the kids will eat. n

MEDIAPLANET | 9

3 Simple Tips for Enhancing LGBTQ Travel Through Community Connections For the LGBTQ community, travel is an opportunity to unite with others and meet individuals who share your interests.

or those of us who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ), travel is not only a way to experience new cultures and destinations, but also provides an opportunity to connect with our community. Some might take this for granted, but for LGBTQ people living in more remote or conservative areas, it’s not always possible to be out and share experiences with like-minded people. There are more than 70 countries in the world where same-sex relationships are still criminalized, creating additional safety concerns for LGBTQ people when traveling abroad. These three tips make it easy to immerse yourself in the local community while on the road.

experience. June is officially recognized as Pride Month, and while these events are scattered throughout the year, the majority are held in June and July.

1. Travel with pride Pride events have sprung up in destinations of all sizes. Some of the largest in the world are held in Sao Paulo, Madrid, New York, San Francisco and Sydney. However, if you’re interested in visiting an off-the-beaten-path place like Jasper, Canada, or Sofia, Bulgaria, Pride can provide a rainbow ticket into the local community. These smaller events often deliver a more personal, authentic

3. Join an LGBTQ tour Booking a trip with an LGBTQ tour operator is a great way to meet new people and travel safely around the world — even if the country you’re visiting has anti-gay laws. Experienced operators have vetted itineraries that ensure a welcoming experience and incorporate local LGBTQ guides and businesses that would be hard for an independent traveler to find on their own. ■

2. Attend an LGBTQ festival Planning a trip around an LGBTQ event or festival expands your options beyond Pride season and allows you to combine your personal interests with a local experience. Whether your passion is art, music, film, sports or gastronomy, there is an LGBTQ festival or event to match. It’s also a good opportunity to unite with people who share common interests within the LGBTQ community, whether at a transgender party in the United States, a lesbian festival in Spain or a leather event in Germany.

John Tanzella, President and CEO, International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association

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4 Ways Technology Is Making Flying Easier Airline travel can be stressful, but new technologies offer the possibility of making your flights less complicated and more enjoyable.

1. Biometric technology A rapid and seamless journey through the airport terminal could soon be a reality thanks to biometric technology. Under the International Air Transport Association’s “One ID” concept, a match is made between a unique biometric characteristic — such as facial recognition — and a passenger’s passport. This would allow passengers to proceed with ease through the terminal checkpoints without having to present travel documents on multiple occasions. 2. Baggage tracking In 2018, an international resolution came into effect that will help pave the way for real-time tracking of baggage, similar to how you might track a parcel. Over the next few years, the introduction of RFID bag tags will further improve baggage tracking and reduce lost and misplaced baggage. 3. Artificial intelligence AI is already being embraced by the industry to improve the passenger experience. Airlines and airports can use chat-bots with AI technology to communicate with passengers. AI may also allow access to a personal travel assistant on your mobile device that is able to predict your travel choices and create a personal experience for you. 4. New retailing Shopping for flights using a travel agent or online travel site can leave you wondering what the differences are between different airlines. A new data standard for communications will transform the way you shop for airline products and services. The not-too-distant future could also provide us with virtual reality to easily compare aircraft seats and other airline offerings. This will improve transparency and allow you to personalize your journey. Nick Careen, Senior Vice President for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security, International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Around the World With Samantha Brown Recently we caught up with jet-setter and Travel Channel host Samantha Brown for a few pro-tips from someone who knows her way around the world. You have been to so many places. How do you make sure to truly capture and take in all the different places you travel to? I go for a walk. It’s the most important thing I do in any and every destination. I don’t have an agenda; I let spontaneity be a part of every trip. Relax — if you try to be as productive when you travel as you are when you work, you won’t have a good time. How do you immerse yourself in a different culture? Do you try all the cuisine? Do you make a

point to interact with the locals and learn from them? I rarely spend time in tourism centers. I go to the neighborhoods where people live. I sit in their cafes and interact with them as a part of everyday life. What are your top 5 favorite destinations you have traveled to?

• • • • •

Siem Reap, Cambodia Lafayette, Louisiana Grenada, Nicaragua Bozeman, Montana Big Sur, California

What places do you recommend for those traveling with kids? I love going to cities with kids. Chicago in particular is great because you

PHOTO: SAMANTHA BROWN MEDIA

Over the last few years, the travel experience has become more efficient thanks to the power of new technologies. But we are only scratching the surface of the potential to make air travel simpler. Here are a few emerging concepts and technologies that will continue to transform the passenger journey.

have access to so many diverse cultures. There’s also a beach and a great pier with an amusement park. Road trips are old school, but they are such a great way to spend special time with your kids. We especially loved taking our kids on a road trip down the California coast, beginning in Monterey with their world-class aquarium. We drove through Big Sur, stopping to walk through redwood forests, see the elephant seals and collect driftwood on the beach. What advice do you have for those looking to travel abroad for the first time? Do it. If it helps, go somewhere where something is familiar to you. England, Scotland and Ireland are wonderful places where you can enjoy the feeling of being abroad, but with the comfort of a common language, there’s not much culture shock. ■

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