Prognostications for Travel, and WOW! – Part 1

~ 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.

Mt. Fuji will be especially beautiful framed in the glorious colors of autumn maples!
Tokyo nightlife and nightlights are incomparable!
We'll not go hungry in Japan!
We'll travel to Kyoto on Japan's famous Bullet Train
An optional bike tour on the Shimanami highway crosses the sparkling Seto Inland Sea.
Then & Now: my darling Japanese niece, Seiko!
Temple architecture
One of many scenes of traditional Japan

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!

The new Grand Egyptian Museum will be a GEM!
The museum will house the full tomb collection of King Tut
Sultan Hassan Mosque in Old Cairo
Cruising on the Nile ... magical!
The Urn Tomb, carved into the pink sandstone cliffs in Petra
The spectacular Palace Tomb
Floating in the Dead Sea is unforgettable - and fun!

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!

What a Year!

25 Comments

Kenneth Paganini February 7, 2021 at 11:40am

Marylin, like you we am optimistic. Exciting ventures, let’s keep out fingers crossed, the vaccine rolls out faster and countries open up. Be safe.
Marlyn Mandel February 7, 2021 at 11:52am

Hi Marilyn,

Hope you’re well. Excited that you’re forging ahead with dreams and ambitions of
further adventure. I’ve been very interested in going to Japan for a the past few years.
I had a plan pre-Covid. And my dream of going is still strong. Getting vax #2 in ten
days. Please keep me posted on this trip.
Sending my best to you,
Marilyn
- Marilyn February 7, 2021 at 4:40pm
  
  Hi MM! I’ll put you on our “Interest List” for Japan. Will look forward to traveling with you! (You still writing??) MM
Carl Berghoudian February 7, 2021 at 12:38pm

Hopefully everyone is doing great. I would like to see the northern lights from Canada 🇨🇦 without have to go to Northern Europe.
- Marilyn February 7, 2021 at 4:33pm
  
  Carl – we’re looking to resurrect the Northern Lights trip to the Northwest Territories. Stay tuned!
Roberta Gelt February 7, 2021 at 1:16pm

YOU GUYS float my boat!! 🙂
Have you ever gone to Antartica? Can’t imagine that covid is rampant there!
This is on my list.
Love you Marilyn and soon to love you too Gabriel!
- Marilyn February 7, 2021 at 3:54pm
  
  Hi Roberta,
  
  A few of us went to Antarctica after the Patagonia trip in Dec 2018. It’s an amazing experience. We can help you … I highly recommend the Polar Plunge! https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/325300083
  - Nora February 12, 2021 at 6:40pm
    
    Love the idea of Egypt
    - Marilyn February 13, 2021 at 6:37am
      
      Nora, we love that you love the idea of Egypt! mm
Cynthia Sawtell February 7, 2021 at 2:35pm

I’m DEFINITELY going to find myself back in Baja next winter, one way or another. My arthritic joints just love the dry climate and access to the sea.
Beyond that, my focus will return to bucket list items I haven’t yet done and will be tempered by health constraints. Still high on my list would be San Sebastian/Bilbao to Porto, with a stop in Santiago de Campostela. I’ve also never been to Quebec and would enjoy an Eastern Canada experience. Also, I’ve never been to Flemish Belgium… could be interesting, maybe combined with Luxembourg and Alcase.
And, I’d still love to do a sticky rice girls reunion in Vietnam to support Rhonda’s fund raiser for Children of Vietnam and to explore Hue and some of the south, which we didn’t do last trip.
I’ve done Japan and Egypt before, so I’m not interested in those offerings.
- Marilyn February 7, 2021 at 4:26pm
  
  “Sticky Rice” Reunion?? I’m all in for that! Let’t conspire!!
Janet Brainin Carnie February 7, 2021 at 3:13pm

Japan!!!!!
- Marilyn February 7, 2021 at 3:59pm
  
  YES!!!!!!
G Bason February 7, 2021 at 3:29pm

Very interested in Egypt and Petra, any chance of getting to continue on through the Holy Lands with this or another small group?
- Marilyn February 7, 2021 at 4:16pm
  
  Hi – thanks for asking. Yes, we expect that others would have a similar interest so we’d likely plan an optional extension.
- Marilyn February 13, 2021 at 6:43am
  
  Yes – we expect a number of folks will desire an extension to Holy Lands. Stand by! mm
Felice February 7, 2021 at 5:54pm

Hi!
I’m very excited to join Gabriel to Ethiopia and Egypt and Jordan are two countries on my bucket list; just want to make sure Aswan is part of it.
I hope the airlines just require tests instead of vaccinations, since vaccinations don’t guarantee against transmission nor do they protect from some variants – and some people cannot take a vaccine due to allergies and pregnancies.
Felice
Linda Baxter February 7, 2021 at 6:03pm

I’m up for Egypt
- Marilyn February 8, 2021 at 5:50pm
  
  Thanks Linda. We’ve added you to our Interest List! Stand by . . .
Teresa February 9, 2021 at 10:47am

You already know that Les and I are in for Japan….and of coarse the Northern Lights in Canada whenever they let us in!!
And as I’ve mentioned before…..I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!!
- Marilyn February 13, 2021 at 6:38am
  
  Yup – so noted. Can’t wait to travel with you again!! mm
Laurie Benjamin February 12, 2021 at 7:51pm

Hi,
I hope this finds you all well & happy.
I’m interested in Egypt & Jordan.
Anywhere in Europe. (On the less exotic side, Scotland, Northern Ireland & England.) and overlooked Canada-especially the North east.
Take care & May God bless.
Laurie
- Marilyn February 13, 2021 at 6:37am
  
  Thanks, Laurie! You’ve made some good destination choices … stand by for more “prognostications”! mm
Marjorie February 14, 2021 at 6:32am

The Japan trip with extension sounds wonderful. I am hopeful that international travel will be possible this year depending on vaccine availability. I am eager to start traveling again and see the world…or more of the US if international travel is not an option. Stay safe!
bryan backer February 15, 2021 at 3:30pm

could you please put me on the interest list for Egypt? thank you