Spring is the season of growth; one way to expand our minds and evolve as humans is to travel! This season's Tattler encourages you to dip your toe into new experiences, whether exploring under-the-radar European museums, preparing for traveling abroad as a young citizen of the world, learning the perks of traveling off-season, or even where to taste the best street food worldwide!

Happy 2024! Wishing each of you a healthy and happy new year. I began this new year surrounded by water - as guests aboard the new Explora Journeys ship. I am a self-proclaimed ‘cruise novice,’ and I went into this week with my eyes wide open and curious about this new experience.

2023 has been a year of incredible adventure trips. We have noticed a growing interest in unique and adventurous destinations. Currently, Japan and Antarctica are two of the most popular travel destinations. Each offers experiences beyond the norm and allows for the discovery of local culture and nature through memory-making excursions.

Happy Earth Month! Many of you have already experienced sustainability in travel, whether on a remote island in the Maldives or on an African Safari. Eco-luxury travel is not just a trend; the travel industry wants to ensure that these beautiful locations are still here and thriving to be enjoyed by future generations.

A story of how our team of 24 keeps on reaching for the stars on your behalf by Shawna Huffman Owen

This past spring break, we decided to visit the Maldives and Dubai. Spending quality time in unique destinations with so many shared "first-time" experiences filled my cup.

Last summer brought a heightened focus on the wonders of America, which provided endless memories and an appreciation for our amazing country. This summer, US travel continues, but many of you have also flexed your passports for the first time in a very long time. You are ready! It’s so much fun to plan these trips with you and even more fun to receive your updates during your travels. 

It’s hard to believe that it’s spring at last but when I look outside and see the trees budding, it is such a welcome sight.

A year ago, we felt stuck in time, frozen by the fear of uncertainty. Today, I think we are all encouraged to see the world stabilizing and countries reopening, albeit slowly. It really does feel like it’s time to travel again!

Happy New Year! In one way it is hard to believe that we really did it: we shut the door on 2020! My optimistic self is fueled by the belief that the vaccine rollout is underway, making the light at the end of this long tunnel shine more brightly each day despite the challenges that continue. 

I think most of us would agree that each morning when we awake, we don’t quite know what to expect from the day ahead. Maybe more of the same, maybe not. While we continued to be surrounded by so much uncertainty, I am recently encouraged by those of you who are taking advantage of the opportunities that present themselves to travel differently.