Remember looking forward to vacations?
Let's be honest: 2020 hasn't been the rip-roaring time I thought it would be... But I'm looking ahead to all the positives of travel in 2021.
Hello Adventurers!
I am writing to you from beautiful Galway, Ireland, where we will be calling home until at least March 2021. My husband is a Galwegian, so it’s lovely to be back in his hometown.
I started a monthly newsletter to keep you in the loop on all things travel during COVID-19 and beyond. My goal is to bring positivity to your day, give you hope for the future of travel (along with some tips), and let you know what For The Story Vacations is up to.
So get comfortable, (preferably with a lovely cup of tea) and let’s get to it!
WHERE TO BEGIN…..
As most of you know, my husband and I have been living out of our suitcases since November 2016. Each month we move to a new city to find the best gems it has to offer…
That is until COVID-19 hit.
Back in early March, we were due to spend 3 nights in London before flying to Miami… buuuut our flights were canceled 8 hours prior to departure. And so, we decided it was best to ground ourselves until we could figure out the next steps.
Crazily enough, 3 nights turned into 3 MONTHS… Yep!
Keith took a few photos over March, April, and May to document what it was like. I spent 10-14 hours on the phone every day (no exaggeration) because everything was in chaos. Many airlines and businesses even shut off their phones or sent out automated emails.
It is by far the craziest experience I have had since starting For The Story Vacations.
I got in the routine of working double-time:
A full day on BOTH European and US timezones so I could get as much done as possible. In the end, as you can see above, I became one with the couch.
I’d go to sleep with my laptop open and wake up in the morning just to start again. (Thank goodness that part of the pandemic is over!)
As mad and hilarious as it sounds (in hindsight), I “dinged” the game buzzer above whenever I got dozey and needed a loud noise to get my brain active again.
I couldn’t wind down knowing so many peoples’ adventures were being canceled.
Refunds were taking from 60-120 working business days, too. But thankfully I got full or nearly full refunds, vouchers, or change-of-date for every one of my 126 of clients.
I am beyond thankful for each and every one of you who has shown such kindness, patience, and positivity during this entire process. It has allowed me to sleep at night (starting in June!) and not lose all my hair.
So, thank you! :)
During lockdown in London, Zoom kept me sane. It helped getting to see my mom ( Surgical Nurse) and family. I am thankful for technology!
TRAVEL TIME
When we decided it was time to leave London, we weren’t sure what it would be like to travel. I applaud and thank all the airlines, front-line workers, and airport employees who ensured we all were safe.
We had 75 people on a 350-person plane to Boston, Massachusetts.
Traveling through Heathrow Airport was almost apocalyptic. Completely empty.
I have to say, I felt much safer in the airport and on the plane than in the grocery store.
Going through US customs was a breeze during COVID-19!
Upon our arrival to Boston, we set our sights on one of my favorite places in the world: Onset, MA.
It’s a sleepy little town at the entrance of the Cape that gave us sunshine, the opportunity to plant a garden, and— most importantly— 3 months with my 95 year-old grandma, Shirley. (Don’t worry, we quarantined before seeing her!)
It’s hard to believe this lady is 95, right!? AND, she still drives! :)
At the end of our summer, we decided it was best to head back to the Emerald Isle where I can continue to explore for my clients on a daily basis (and work on my Irish citizenship at the same time).
RIDING OUT THIS STORM…
I have to be honest, this year has been incredibly tough for me and my business. And I know I’m not alone. As a one-woman show, I invest so much of myself into every adventure and client I work with.
Back in the spring, I was overly optimistic that autumn would bring a sense of normalcy, and I rescheduled 46 adventures to September and October. Unfortunately, the world has yet to return to “normal”, so I’ve now pushed those adventures to spring/summer 2021.
That said, I still feel optimistic about the future of travel and I think you should too. I know, I know: a bold statement!
The entire world is working together to find a solution to COVID-19. I think there will be a much better handle on how to travel safely around the globe in the coming year, even if COVID-19 is not entirely sorted.
And on this positive note, I will end.
The next one will be filled with fun tips about travel, trips I recommend taking for summer 2021, and more of my adventures around Ireland.
In these crazy times, we all need something to look forward to. So, if you or anyone you know wants an adventure to be excited about—even if it’s in 2021 or 2022— please don’t hesitate to reach out.
As you know, word of mouth is massive for my business (and it does not go unnoticed).
Until then, I’ll be basking in the famous Irish sunshine…
Go raibh mile maith agat!
Rachael
P.S.: That means “A thousand thank you’s” in Irish!
Glad to know what's going on with you and Keith . . . i was a bit unsure . . . and i have today down as Shirley's 95th birthday . . . so that's exciting . . . and i was looking for what Leslie said today and found what you said! I actually remember the very young Shirley ('inside Shirley' . . . 'outside Shirley' was the dog . . . she always loved my designations for the two of them . . . i was about 7 years old when she came on the scene . . . ) - sending love . . . and all good wishes for a boom in business as soon as this wretched plague leaves the scene . . . your 'Big Cousin,' b
This was awesomeness!! I loved the pics (specially the one of your grandma ❤️) and the humor. Can't wait to take one of your adventures someday. 😘