Never before has a New Year been more anticipated as everyone wants to put 2020 in the rear-view mirror. HAVE FAITH and never forget how to dream!
By Anne Heintz
Editor's Note:
Our Reader Survey found an overwhelming majority of you are likely to travel in '21.
Dear Explorers,
I hope that you are all staying well. We are interested in hearing how you spent your holidays as well as your thoughts and hopes for the new year!
I’m sure this holiday was a bit rough for those of you who are “sitting on the sidelines,” and staying home. Fear not. There really are a lot of new and positive things on the horizon.
There are daily updates on the roll-out of the vaccine which appears to be progressing nicely. I should also mention that many airlines are offering COVID testing. American Airlines has taken this one step further by providing at home COVID-19 testing prior to travel to domestic cities that have quarantine restrictions.
Check the full blog for additional details. Perseverance and creativity are the name of the game for one and all!
As part of our ‘Rubber Meets the Road” series, we did a two-day staycation in Baltimore. A full report on the three properties visited will be in a future TravelAnne edition.
What I want to convey more than anything else is that it was the perfect “recharge” during a time when one can be easily overwhelmed with depressing news. Of course having 55 degree sunny weather and a room with a view of the harbor didn’t hurt! We spent much of our time walking and exploring. Throw in tea at The Ivy, rooftop birthday dinner at Bygone at the Four Seasons and a private lunch at Sagamore Pendry’s rec Pier Chop House to round things out!
If you are a hotel experience connoisseur then staycations even in your own city are still possible. Supporting local businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector is a must if they are to keep their doors open! We have all needed to be a bit more creative in how we live right now without completely stopping life as we formerly knew it.
Don’t want to be in the public areas of the hotel? Take a suite or a number of connecting rooms. You can dine “ensuite” and they will produce a lavish multi course meal. They can curate to a theme if given enough notice. Want decorations for a birthday or anniversary? Can do! Hotels are still offering New Year’s Eve packages too.
To take this one step further, many hotel chains have launched their own “work from hotel” packages that include some nice value adds. Hyatt for one, includes things like free laundry service, pool cabanas, round of golf, and kids programs depending on the property.
I leave you with this holiday hijinx….the iconic FAO Schwarz in New York city offered a one night’s stay on December 21st to one lucky local family of four. They had the run of the 20,000 square foot store, a full tour with a toy soldier, music lesson, time to build a bear and remote-controlled car, magic lesson and a meal with instore accommodation sponsored by AirBNB.
My point is this: You don’t have to take an “I can’t go anywhere attitude.” There are creative options that conform to safety protocols… and this is just one example.
Five-star hotels have the time (and desire) to create unique experiences that follow guidelines that can keep you safe! They’re open to any idea.
We’ve repeatedly said on this blog that more people are traveling than you realize. My clients who are in that category are simply being careful, quiet and creative! On the other hand, there are many people that just need a break, but don’t know where to start.
The answer is simple: Before you get out of the house… you need to think outside of the box! Together we can build the kind of travel experience that keeps you safe and sane at the same time. It just takes a bit of creativity.
How creative can you get?
**Anne Heintz is an independent travel advisor based in Washington, D.C. who always has her bag packed. She loves the fact that the journey creates memories and connections for her clients. She is affiliated with World-Wide Travel Associates in DC and Tzell Travel in NYC. She is co-founder and namesake of TravelAnne.com. Anne can be reached at Anne@TravelAnne.com or call her at 202 470 3791.
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