Prepare for Change: Travel More In 2005
Create Lasting Memories with Global Experiences
The Signal - Business Section, December, 2004
Change is inevitable. One thing you can count on for certain is that nothing stays the same forever, including our lives, the environment and favorite destinations.
A startling reminder of this is the recent tsunami in South East Asia that wrecked havoc on a popular beach resort in Phuket. This single event permanently altered the landscape of the island, and the lives of the people who were there.
Last I checked, there is no crystal ball to predict the future, so it’s best to realize that anything can happen. Because of this, we should seize the opportunity to experience the world, visit our favorite places and create lasting memories before things change. In other words, travel.
It’s so easy to delay our overdue vacation to paradise when there are projects, deadlines, kids and real life to deal with. But while we are busy accomplishing our to-do lists, favorite vacation spots are quickly becoming outdated memories. Remember the happening hotel you stayed at 10 years ago? Well, it’s long gone and a mega-resort has been built in its place.
The Hawaiian Islands are a classic example of a resort destination that is maturing to meet the demands of increased tourism, population growth and development. Phuket, like Hawaii to Americans, is a popular honeymoon and island resort destination for Europeans and Australians seeking rest, relaxation and sunshine. It was still fairly undeveloped and rural. Then everything changed.
This is the unknown force of Mother Nature at work. We never really know what will come next, so why not travel more while we’re waiting. Go climb a mountain, sail the Mediterranean, safari in Africa, visit the Grand Canyon, whatever it is you’ve wanted to do. Time is precious, use it wisely. See the world.
Unlike the natural drama that swept over South East Asia in minutes, much change is in the hands of modern man and occurs over time. Yet industrialization continues everywhere. The secret is to visit the small and special places before they grow up or become too Americanized featuring brand names like Starbucks, McDonalds and Staples.
Costa Rica and China are prime examples. South America is an exotic destination with a wide range of opportunities especially in Cost Rica. Home to the rainforest and the beach, unique native plants and animals, local culture and a host of soft-adventures for all ages and experience levels, Costa Rica is a tourist hot spot. Upscale resorts are cropping up everywhere. The time to visit is now.
China is also changing daily, becoming more main stream and accommodating to residents and visitors alike. As we postpone our vacations to explore this exciting mainland, new cities are being built. Literally, the next decade will deliver a newborn China with a contemporary landscape and all the modern conveniences of home. Again, make your memories happen sooner rather than later.
So as we look ahead into the uncertain forecast of 2005, feel confident that one thing we can count on is change. With that knowledge, decide to travel more and experience the world. Because it’s only a matter of time before Starbucks comes to your favorite resort.
Commentary provided by Eric Maryanov, president and founder of All-Travel.com, the Los Angeles-based travel management company with an office in Valencia. He can be reached at 661.775.7511..
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