We live in England and my husband attended an international conference in his professional field in Honolulu last month. Already he was noticing how many people were absent due to visa fears and restrictions. Holding the meeting on a different continent next year won’t help because many more will fear being denied re-entry to the US. The effect this must be having on the academic scientific community is huge.
On a personal note, I wouldn’t visit the US right now on principle. Even as a white European with no obviously extreme political views, I’d feel unsafe. Borders freak me out at the best of times.
I’m pretty much only traveling to follow a band these days. In the course of that travel, I get to see little bits of a destination - depends how much money and free time I can spend. But one of the beautiful things about traveling this way is that I’m traveling with a ton of friends - even if we’re not all sharing accommodations, eating every meal together, and doing all of the same things outside the shows. There’s a real community and it feels safe(r) to travel this way, knowing I have a bunch of friends I could call on if needed. I never really even thought about that aspect, though, until I read this post. Also, several members of the band regularly speak about what’s going on in the world, including from the stage, so it’s not pure escapism (which would feel irresponsible) but there is catharsis and also encouragement to build a better world.
Sorry to hear that those weeks in May and June were such a struggle! Understandable that you were struggling, but still I’m sure it was challenging.
I’ve never been big on summer travel. When I got into my adult years, I prioritized traveling to somewhere warm when it’s cold in DC.
In the summertime, I spend a lot of time in Black, joy-filled spaces. I enjoy the roller skating, outdoor go go concerts, festivals, book events, live band karaoke, etc. I stay outside during the summer 😂. My travel this summer is for business and I’d rather be in DC for the most part.
I’m happy to hear that you’re prioritizing self-care and doing what’s best for you! Thanks for another great newsletter!
Really appreciate your vulnerability and also as a fellow summer saddie hello I feel seen 🥲 It's disappointing to hear the travel industry is burying its head in the sand but also not surprising as that seems to be what most corporations are doing (or outright giving in to this administration).
I appreciated reading your newsletter. I haven't been traveling nearly as much as usual since the acute Covid-era. My last cruise was pre-2020 and it may have been my last cruise. Although, I have a friend who, like you, works in the travel industry. She does great river cruises in Europe and it has been over a decade since I've been on one--
My family is still traveling, primarily domestically. Although, a large group of family members celebrated a birthday in Jamaica last month without incident at the U.S. airports.
My caution about traveling domestically is more around the safety of air travel. Between issues with aircraft and air traffic control more than the political climate. I would probably avoid some of the East Coast airports, Newark comes to mind immediately.
I am taking a solo driving trip to visit other relatives in the Midwest later this summer.
No travel for me either this summer. At least nothing planned. So I appreciate this post quite a lot. It completely resonates with me from the logistical issues with travel during this brutal time in the US of A to the need to find self-care rhythms to the angst about which cities are likely targets. aAAK. it sucks! BUT we can remain in community if we want to regardless of this hell ride. That's the summer plan I'm hanging onto. I think it will get me to where I want to go next.
We live in England and my husband attended an international conference in his professional field in Honolulu last month. Already he was noticing how many people were absent due to visa fears and restrictions. Holding the meeting on a different continent next year won’t help because many more will fear being denied re-entry to the US. The effect this must be having on the academic scientific community is huge.
On a personal note, I wouldn’t visit the US right now on principle. Even as a white European with no obviously extreme political views, I’d feel unsafe. Borders freak me out at the best of times.
I’m pretty much only traveling to follow a band these days. In the course of that travel, I get to see little bits of a destination - depends how much money and free time I can spend. But one of the beautiful things about traveling this way is that I’m traveling with a ton of friends - even if we’re not all sharing accommodations, eating every meal together, and doing all of the same things outside the shows. There’s a real community and it feels safe(r) to travel this way, knowing I have a bunch of friends I could call on if needed. I never really even thought about that aspect, though, until I read this post. Also, several members of the band regularly speak about what’s going on in the world, including from the stage, so it’s not pure escapism (which would feel irresponsible) but there is catharsis and also encouragement to build a better world.
Sorry to hear that those weeks in May and June were such a struggle! Understandable that you were struggling, but still I’m sure it was challenging.
I’ve never been big on summer travel. When I got into my adult years, I prioritized traveling to somewhere warm when it’s cold in DC.
In the summertime, I spend a lot of time in Black, joy-filled spaces. I enjoy the roller skating, outdoor go go concerts, festivals, book events, live band karaoke, etc. I stay outside during the summer 😂. My travel this summer is for business and I’d rather be in DC for the most part.
I’m happy to hear that you’re prioritizing self-care and doing what’s best for you! Thanks for another great newsletter!
Really appreciate your vulnerability and also as a fellow summer saddie hello I feel seen 🥲 It's disappointing to hear the travel industry is burying its head in the sand but also not surprising as that seems to be what most corporations are doing (or outright giving in to this administration).
I appreciated reading your newsletter. I haven't been traveling nearly as much as usual since the acute Covid-era. My last cruise was pre-2020 and it may have been my last cruise. Although, I have a friend who, like you, works in the travel industry. She does great river cruises in Europe and it has been over a decade since I've been on one--
My family is still traveling, primarily domestically. Although, a large group of family members celebrated a birthday in Jamaica last month without incident at the U.S. airports.
My caution about traveling domestically is more around the safety of air travel. Between issues with aircraft and air traffic control more than the political climate. I would probably avoid some of the East Coast airports, Newark comes to mind immediately.
I am taking a solo driving trip to visit other relatives in the Midwest later this summer.
No travel for me either this summer. At least nothing planned. So I appreciate this post quite a lot. It completely resonates with me from the logistical issues with travel during this brutal time in the US of A to the need to find self-care rhythms to the angst about which cities are likely targets. aAAK. it sucks! BUT we can remain in community if we want to regardless of this hell ride. That's the summer plan I'm hanging onto. I think it will get me to where I want to go next.