~ Marilyn Murphy

In my previous blog, which looked back at 2020, I promised my next post would include prognostications about the future of travel.

Before I proceed, a few caveats:

1 – There’s a saying that, “Murphy was an optimist.” That I am, for which I make no apologies!

2 – I don’t know anything for sure. I’m no expert in such matters!

3 – Things change.

So, with those disclaimers in place – here goes with a few predictions from the “creative queen”:

WHEN WILL INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL BE SAFE?

• I predict that international travel – for Americans who have been vaccinated – will rebound in late summer, 2021 at the earliest. Some hardy souls will venture out earlier than that. But not in great numbers till late summer. 
• Certain destinations have done an excellent job of containing the virus with strict lockdown measures — like New Zealand and Australia – and are therefore compelling because of the perceived safety. However, such countries will be very careful about throwing open their doors to visitors. Especially to Americans, given our poor track record of containment. 

HOW WILL TRAVEL BE DIFFERENT?

• We expect that countries will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination (possibly a vaccination passport) in the same way that some countries require proof of Yellow Fever or other vaccinations. Airlines will verify upon check-in. 
• Temperature checks will be routine. Masks and social distancing are here to stay for the foreseeable future … perhaps with a bit more leniency. 
• We expect prices for flights, accommodation, etc. to be stable – probably frozen at 2020 levels in most places. Suppliers would love to recoup their losses, but price gouging would be unwise and severe discounting would be short-sighted. Terms and conditions relating to COVID-related cancellations will necessarily be flexible. (Obviously, we will negotiate for the best possible rates and terms from our credible, trusted suppliers.)
• There’s much pent-up demand, and savvy travelers like our WOW alumni won’t hesitate to commit. Once we open registration, we expect our small-group journeys to fill up quickly.

WOW! journeys are different. We’re selective about our travelers, who must agree to the WOW! Vows. We’re picky about our suppliers – we use only the best, most creative partners. And we avoid the ordinary. But we have some predictions for travel in general . . .

• “Tourists” (as opposed to travelers) will seek out the perceived safety of all-inclusive resorts.
• Many travelers who were comfortable booking independent arrangements online will choose to book with a real, live professional travel advisor who will offer reassurance and assistance if necessary. The old question, “Who ya gonna call?” is more relevant than ever. 
• Crowded cities and “tourist traps” will be less popular. 
• Domestic travel – especially driving vacations – will mean crowded highways and National Parks, especially in the short term.
• Cruises on mega-ships will be significantly discounted to entice passengers who are otherwise hesitant to travel en masse. (not our style….)

SO, WHERE WE GONNA GO?

Like many of you, we’re ready and raring to go almost anywhere! Neither Gabriel or I have been on an airplane for 11 months! That’s a record!

At first it was almost painful to think about travel … it was “forbidden fruit.” But now, with vaccinations underway and (hopefully) the worst of this pandemic behind us (remember: I’m an optimist!) – we’ve started plotting and scheming and dreaming. We realize, however, that if we get too excited, too soon, we risk disappointing you … and that’s the last thing we want to do! 

So, in this blog and the ones that follow over the next few weeks, I’ll lay out some of the places and experiences that we’re excited about developing for our WOW! Travel Club for 2021, ’22 and beyond. We hope you’ll be excited, too. Please, please – let us know what you think!

JAPAN:

I would have been finalizing the last bits of detail on this wonderful journey which was scheduled for early April. It’s postponed until – hopefully – early November of 2021. Fingers crossed – this will be our first WOW journey after the COVID shutdown.

Fall in Japan is one of the most spectacular sights in the world. In fact, the beauty of the changing leaves has been memorialized by the Japanese tradition of momijigari, which originated in the Heian period (794-1195AD). Momijigari means ‘red leaf hunting.’ Among Buddhists, the experience is a reminder that life is fleeting. Ain’t that the truth!

Our 8-night itinerary will begin in Tokyo for a few nights to catch the highlights of this frenetic city. We’ll spend a night in Fuji – giving us a better opportunity to see this elusive, sacred mountain which is often shrouded in clouds. We’ll see Fuji at sunset AND sunrise – AND with autumn leaves! Then it’s on to Kyoto – via Bullet Train. We’ll spend one of our nights in a traditional ryokan, in a tatami room with futon bedding. Osaka is the last stop on the main itinerary, but I recommend you plan to extend for four more nights to see Western Japan, including Shikoku Island, and Hiroshima.

Lots of folks who had originally registered for this trip are still under deposit … so this journey is certain to be a sell-out.

EGYPT & JORDAN:

Gabriel planned to lead this WOW trip in October, and was finalizing details of the journey when COVID slammed the door. We’re now forecasting early December … (again, fingers crossed!)

Be prepared to be transported to a land that time forgot! You’ll explore the historic gems of one of history’s most compelling civilizations. The Pyramids of Giza in Egypt are the only one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to survive into the modern era. Everything else has vanished or crumbled or been destroyed by man or nature. Ancient history can get overwhelming if it’s nothing but dates and obscure facts, but – naturally – we’ll have one of the country’s best guides with our group to make it interesting!

When completed, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) just outside Cairo on the Giza Plateau (and next door to the Pyramids) will not only be the new crown jewel of Egypt, but it will also be one of the world’s largest, most modern and most renowned museums. At the end of 2020, construction was 94.5% complete, so the mid-2021 opening date is set in stone (pun intended!).

While the entire museum will be impressive, the largest attraction will be the exhibit dedicated to King Tut. Designed as an immersive experience, you’ll step into his life to experience how he dressed, ate, and ruled.

The world’s longest river will accommodate us as we cruise the River Nile on a luxury river ship.

Continuing to Jordan, we’ll take in Petra, the “Rose Red City” that appears as if it emerged straight from the rock.  Admire the ethereal landscape of the desert city of Wadi Rum, the “Valley of the Moon.” And float in the Dead Sea!

More to come!

Tune in next week to learn about some more destinations we’re considering for 2022 and beyond. Now that I’m (sort of) retired, I plan to lead at least three WOW journeys per year. And Gabriel will lead a couple more – so there will be more travel offerings than in the past. Dust off your passport!

We really, really want to know what you think! Please comment below (or send me an email: marilyn@wowtravelclub.com) with your questions, ideas, suggestions, desires, bucket list – we want to know what floats your boat!