Part 3…Solo travel…Safety equipment (for couples and groups, too)…

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A pretty scene in the gardens at the Maui Tropical Plantation.
With considerable information regarding safety equipment and precautions for solo travelers, we’ve decided to extend this topic, including travel precautions and procedures, one more day for Part 4. Today, we’re touching on safety equipment for solo travelers (also applies to couples and groups). Please check back tomorrow for the final post in this series.

When you’re out exploring the world, safety is paramount. Here’s a curated list of essential safety equipment for travelers, covering a range of scenarios from urban adventures to off-the-beaten-path journeys:

1. Personal Safety

  • Travel Locks: A TSA-approved padlock for luggage and a portable door lock for added security in hotel rooms or rentals.
  • Money Belt or Anti-Theft Bag: Keeps your valuables secure with RFID-blocking and slash-resistant materials.
  • Personal Alarm: Compact and easy to use, a loud alarm can draw attention in emergencies.
  • Whistle: A simple, lightweight tool for alerting others if you’re in danger.

2. Navigation and Communication

  • Power Bank: A high-capacity portable charger ensures your phone stays powered for maps and emergency calls.
  • Multi-Band Travel Phone: This phone is compatible with local networks worldwide and equipped with emergency contact apps.
  • Offline Maps App: Preloaded maps help you navigate when connectivity is limited.

3. Health and Emergency Preparedness

  • First Aid Kit: Compact kits include bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, and pain relief. Consider travel-specific options for alleviating altitude sickness or diarrhea.
  • Water Purification System: A portable filter or purification tablets for trips to remote areas.
  • Travel Insurance Details: Keep digital and hard copies of your policy, including emergency assistance numbers.

4. Environmental Safety

  • Travel Flashlight or Headlamp: For poorly lit streets or power outages. A rechargeable option is eco-friendly.
  • Portable Fire Blanket: Useful in hostels or rentals with questionable fire safety.
  • Compact Weather Gear: Windproof, waterproof layers, and thermal blankets for extreme conditions.

5. Specialized Gear for Remote Travel

  • Satellite Phone or Locater Beacon: These are essential for off-grid adventures. Devices like Garmin inReach provide two-way communication and SOS.
  • Multi-Tool: A lightweight, versatile tool with knives, scissors, and screwdrivers for quick fixes.
  • Bug Repellent and Mosquito Net: Crucial for tropical or subtropical destinations.

6. Digital Safety

  • VPN Subscription: Protects your data on public Wi-Fi networks.
  • Backup Drive or Cloud Storage: Safeguard copies of your travel documents and photos.

Pro Tips

  • Do a Safety Check: Research your destination for common risks and prepare accordingly.
  • Learn Basic First Aid: It’s invaluable for yourself and others in emergencies.
  • Blend In: Avoid drawing attention with flashy gear or visible maps; looking like a local is safer.

Are you gearing up to head into the wilds of Africa? Let us know, and we can tailor some recommendations! With only 103 days remaining until we return to Africa, we are considering the precautions we will again make as we have in the past.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 20, 2014:

We picked up this star-shaped pod, taken from the ground, from the Autograph Tree at the Maui Tropical Plantation Maui. For more photos, please click here.

Part 2…Solo travel…Added costs…

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A vendor cutting a coconut for me in Maui. I prefer the meat over the milk.

With such a lengthy post today on potentially added costs for single travel/supplement, we decided to extend this post topic to three parts. Tomorrow, we’ll cover precautions for single travelers, whether domestic or international. Please check back for Part 3, keeping in mind that many of these precautions also apply to couples and groups of travelers.

Singles often face additional charges while traveling, primarily due to the price of travel accommodations and packages. Here’s a breakdown of expected extra costs that solo travelers might encounter:

1. Single Supplement Fees

  • Hotels and Cruises: Most accommodations are priced based on double occupancy, meaning a solo traveler might have to pay nearly the same rate as two people. This “single supplement” can add 25-100% to a room or cruise cabin cost.
  • Tours and Group Trips: This fee is often included in group tours to offset the cost of an unused spot in shared accommodations.

2. Limited Options for Shared Rooms

  • Many budget-conscious travelers save money by sharing rooms with friends or family. Solo travelers usually don’t have this option, making private rooms the only choice—and often the pricier one.

3. Transportation Costs

  • Car Rentals: Splitting the cost of a rental car or gas with travel companions is not an option for solo travelers, leading to higher per-person expenses.
  • Ride-sharing: Similar to car rentals, taxis and ride-shares aren’t shared, so the total cost falls on one person.
  • Group Discounts: Many transportation options, like train passes or guided tours, offer discounts only for groups.

4. Meal Costs

  • Dining solo can sometimes feel more expensive, as set menu deals or shared dishes aren’t as feasible. Additionally, some regions’ minimum restaurant charges or tipping standards can disproportionately affect singles.

5. Custom Itineraries

  • Solo travelers might opt for private tours, guides, or custom itineraries for convenience or safety, which often come at a premium compared to group tours.

6. Limited Package Deals

  • Vacation packages frequently cater to couples or families, bundling their prices to reflect double or group occupancy. Finding solo-specific packages can be a challenge.

7. Specialty Travel Insurance

  • Travel insurance doesn’t necessarily cost more for singles, but policies may be tailored to individuals rather than families, sometimes lacking the discounts available to groups.

Tips to Minimize Extra Charges

  • Seek Single-Friendly Deals: Some companies specialize in solo travel and waive single supplements. Examples include Solo Traveler World or companies like Intrepid Travel.
  • Book Shared Accommodations: Hostels, shared Airbnb stays, or co-living spaces can provide affordable alternatives.
  • Look for Off-Peak Deals: Traveling during less popular seasons might help avoid extra fees.
  • Join Travel Communities: Partnering with other solo travelers to share costs, such as through forums or Facebook groups, can help.

While these extra costs can feel like a penalty for wanting to explore the world solo, with strategic planning, they can often be reduced—or avoided entirely!

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 19, 2014:

“Another boring day in Paradise.” Ha! No boredom here! For more photos, please click here.

Part 1…Solo travel…

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A classic car hanging from the ceiling at the former Hard Rock Cafe in Lahaina, Maui since destroyed by the horrific fires in August 2023.

After all these years of posts, we have yet to write about solo travel. As more readers write about the sad loss of a spouse or interest in traveling the world as a “solo traveler,” we felt it was time to raise this as a topic for our site.

While cruising, we’ve often met many solo travelers who enjoy participating in various activities geared toward singles. On occasion, these single events result in meeting another passenger, whether the same sex or not, which results in spending the remainder of the cruise together either as a couple or friends.

Some of these relationships last beyond the duration of the cruise. In contrast, others fade away due to distance from their respective homes and the cost and inconvenience of getting together in the future. Whether or not the passengers connect in pairs or groups of three or more, the experience can leave a pleasant memory of a special time.

Many times, we’d dine with small groups of passengers who’d met at singles events, and they seemed to know one another forever, let alone for a few days. How quickly they learned about one another and developed a commonality of traveling solo with the sense of bravery of venturing out on their own, especially after a period that may have been filled with grief and sorrow after losing a mate.

Many singles didn’t lose a spouse or recently ended a relationship and may have been single for a long time. Some passengers cruise hoping to ” meet someone” more easily than through singles apps, which are constantly becoming more complex and dangerous in some cases.

Today, we’re sharing information about traveling solo and, if you do so, what that can mean for you. We’ll share additional costs and precautions to exercise as solo travelers tomorrow.

The Joy of Solo Worldwide Travel

Embarking on a solo journey worldwide is an act of courage, curiosity, and self-discovery. It’s a leap into the unknown, where the only constant is yourself and your will to embrace what lies ahead. For anyone considering it, the joy of solo travel isn’t just in the places you’ll go—it’s in the person you’ll become.

Freedom to Choose

Solo travel offers unparalleled freedom. You wake up daily with the world at your feet, deciding where to go, what to do, and how long to stay. There are no compromises or negotiations. Want to hike a mountain at sunrise? Go for it. Do you prefer to linger in a café, watching the world pass by? The choice is yours. This freedom allows you to tune into your desires, learning what truly brings you joy without the influence of others.

Connection in Unexpected Places

When you’re on your own, the world can open up. Strangers become friends over shared meals, random conversations, or chance encounters on a train. Without the buffer of a companion, you’re more approachable, open, and likely to connect with locals and fellow travelers. These connections often lead to memorable moments—a guided tour of a hidden gem, an invitation to a family dinner, or simply a story that sticks with you forever.

Learning to Trust Yourself

Traveling solo forces you to rely on your instincts and problem-solving skills. Navigating foreign cities, tackling language barriers, and dealing with unexpected hiccups build a sense of resilience. You learn to trust yourself in ways that extend far beyond the trip. There’s a deep satisfaction in figuring things out independently, proving you’re capable, adaptable, and resourceful.

A Front-Row Seat to Self-Discovery

Solo travel strips away distractions, allowing you to delve deep into who you are. It’s not just about discovering new countries; it’s about finding yourself. Without the familiar framework of your everyday life, you see your strengths and vulnerabilities with newfound clarity. You have time to think, reflect, and grow in ways that the comfort of routine rarely allows.

Embracing the Unknown

Traveling alone makes you more comfortable with uncertainty. Plans change, flights get delayed, and sometimes, you take a wrong turn. But in these moments of unpredictability, you find hidden treasures—a breathtaking view you hadn’t planned for, a quirky little shop, or a festival you didn’t know existed. The joy of solo travel lies in the unexpected, teaching you that not knowing is part of the adventure.

Cultivating Gratitude

Every moment, from sipping a hot chai in a bustling market in India to watching the aurora borealis dance across the Arctic sky, feels more vivid when you’re alone. Without distractions, you can immerse yourself fully in the present. These moments of awe remind you how vast and beautiful the world is and how lucky you are to experience it.

Challenges as Opportunities

Solo travel isn’t always easy. There will be times when you feel lonely or unsure. But these challenges are opportunities in disguise. They teach you resilience, resourcefulness, and how to find joy in your own company. The pride in overcoming obstacles is one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey.

Writing Your Own Story

When you travel alone, you become the author of your story. Every decision, every path taken, is entirely yours. This empowerment is transformative. You return not just with photos and souvenirs but with a sense of ownership over your life, knowing that you can shape it however you choose.

Solo worldwide travel isn’t just about seeing the world; it’s about experiencing it profoundly and authentically, with no one else’s preferences or judgments clouding the view. It’s about savoring the richness of life, embracing your individuality, and discovering the boundless joy of standing on your own two feet in a world full of wonder.

So pack your bags, take a deep breath, and enter the unknown. The joy of solo travel awaits.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 18, 2014:

Tom got a kick from this old Ford “Woody” displayed at the Maui Tropical Plantation. For more photos, please click here..

Addition to yesterday’s post…

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Bananas are grown commercially throughout Hawaii and were once used as food for travelers, in sacred gardens, and as gifts.

Yesterday’s post described the annoyance of correcting errors made by companies we deal with. One we failed to mention was a payment we’d made to a credit card company for $6000  at the beginning of November. A few days after our bank sent the payment via BillPay, I logged into the credit card account to ensure the payment was posted as I always do.

Most credit card companies send a message stating they have received the payment, but I always check to ensure the correct amount has been posted based on the amount I entered in BillPay. To my shock, the credit card showed a credit of two $6000 entries.

Immediately, I checked our bank account to see if two $6000 payments had been sent to the credit card company, but that wasn’t the case. Then, I called the credit card company, and they agreed that an error had been made and would correct it promptly. A few days later, I checked again, and only one $6000 payment was posted.

No, resolving this didn’t take long, but it required several steps and a degree of focus that could have been better spent elsewhere. In any case, this is a perfect example of checking and rechecking.

When we order groceries to be delivered each week, I carefully review the bill against the products we receive. I seldom find errors, but I have, on a few occasions, required me to contact the store through Amazon, in this case, Whole Foods. Amazon is excellent at crediting errors, but this becomes questionable now when they report that “shifty” people are taking advantage of their process. This could ruin it for all Amazon shoppers.

As Target shoppers know, they have tightened their return policy over the years when, previously, anyone could return an item, even if it was used, without a receipt. Here is their policy below:

“Target’s return policy allows customers to return most new, unopened items for free within 90 days of purchase:
  • Target-owned brands: Customers have up to a year to return these items.
  • Target Circle™ Card or Target Circle 360™ members: Customers have 30 days to return items.
  • Return methods: Customers can return items at a Target store, use the Drive Up option, or mail the item back:
    • In-store: Bring the item and return the barcode to Guest Service.
    • Drive Up: Start the return in the Target app, and a team member will process the return in the parking lot.
    • By mail: Print a prepaid return mailing label from the order details. “

Based on our lifestyle, I rarely return anything. I tend to re-purchase items I’ve used in the past, avoiding the necessity of returns. If I try something new, I only do so when we are in a location where we have easy access to return-mailing the product and a reliable mail service.

In South Africa, sending anything by the postal service isn’t possible. Thus, returning an item would require sending it through FedEx, DHL, or UPS, which is very costly. When we stock up on supplies before heading to South Africa, we check to ensure everything is in order with the items. This will be coming up soon.

While we’re in Nevada for 2½ months, we’ll stock up on anything we may need since a few items we use regularly are available in the country. We’ve often tried using alternatives, but they have been disappointing. Most food items are available in larger supermarkets or have acceptable alternatives. We adjust our recipes accordingly.

That’s it for today, folks. In a few hours, we’ll watch the Minnesota Vikings football game. We won’t be cooking today since we’ve ordered takeaway food, which will arrive at dinnertime.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 17, 2014:

Kaahumanu Church is a building in Maui on the US National Register of Historic Buildings. For more photos, please click here.

Spending time fixing errors on various accounts…Making choices to suit our personal desires…

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A sandy path to a beach in Maui.

It’s hard to believe how much time I spend each month fixing errors on credit cards, health insurance bills, purchases, and other financial activities. As a detail-oriented individual, I carefully check every bill or statement we receive, and if I find something wrong, I call immediately to resolve the issue.

It’s either a computer-generated issue or, at other times, a result of human error. Yes, occasionally, it can be my error or assumption that something is wrong when it isn’t. But my rationale is that in the long run, correcting my mistakes and humbly apologizing for my errors is better than ignoring those that aren’t mine.

Whether it’s an extra charge on a bank account, an unknown charge on a credit card, or a medical bill stating I need to pay when my health insurance covers the fees, these issues must all be addressed. If I bothered to keep track of every error correction, it could add up to hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each year.

Another time-consuming issue is ordering a product that doesn’t arrive on time, is billed twice, or receiving a package in someone else’s name. This happens several times a year. Based on the fact that everything I buy is online. I’d go to Target or a pharmacy for many items in my old life. I don’t do that now, especially when traveling outside the US. There are no Target stores or well-stocked pharmacies, like Walgreens or CVS, in many countries.

When we prepare to travel to Africa, for example, I stock up on certain items I know I won’t be able to purchase there, such as my favorite cosmetic items. Yes, I use cosmetic items and always have and always will. That’s just me, and I doubt I will change anytime soon.

Once, a reader wrote to me suggesting I stop using cosmetics, have a short hairdo, and stop polishing my toes and doing my nails. Go “au natural,” she wrote. That may be fine for many, but not for me. Every morning, I shower and dress like I’m getting ready to go out.

That’s just me; I am sure many can relate while others cannot. I appreciate everyone’s viewpoint based on their personal choices. But it makes us unique when we can choose what suits us as individuals.

Regarding the reader’s comment above, I thanked her for taking the time to write, but I explained what I’ve described here today. We each have the right to choose what makes us feel our best. For the same reason, I eat healthy and make every effort to exercise to maintain health and fitness to the best of my ability.

There’s no magic formula that works for everyone. The wonder of humanity is our unique demeanor, presentation, and viewpoints on many topics. We don’t all have to agree. Those factors, alone or combined, attract us to other people, enabling us to connect, learn more, and enhance relationships with those we know and love and those we have yet to know.

We are interested in meeting new people as we travel the world who exude warmth, a heartfelt smile, and an inviting demeanor, regardless of their style or personal taste. That’s the true magic of it all.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 16, 2014:

We found this massive short-trunk Monkey Pod tree in the village of Wailuku in Maui. For more photos, please click here.

Which is better?…

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We took a leisurely walk on this boardwalk in Maui.

This morning, while I struggled on the elliptical, I wondered if it would be easier and better for me to use the treadmill or, at least, to alternate between the two, which I will begin tomorrow. Many seniors and younger people using either of these valuable machines often add an exercise bike to round out their workouts.

It’s been great to use these machines, often available in hotels, on cruises, and in some vacation rental condos and apartments. When we arrive at the condo in Lake Las Vegas, the fitness center has both, plus several other pieces of equipment I will use. At this hotel, the options are limited to elliptical, treadmill, and bike without any other resistance training machines, although there are hand weights, which I have been using.

Choosing between an elliptical and a treadmill depends on your fitness goals, joint health, and personal preference. Each has distinct advantages. Here are some points to consider if you have the option to use either of these

Treadmill

  • Intensity & Calorie Burn: Treadmills generally offer a more intense workout, especially if you run or incorporate incline training. This intensity often leads to higher calorie burn.
  • Natural Motion: Running or walking on a treadmill closely mimics real-life movement, which can benefit training or building running endurance.
  • Impact on Joints: Running on a treadmill is easier on the joints than running on hard surfaces but still has more impact than an elliptical.

Ideal for: People looking to boost cardio endurance, improve running ability, or burn more calories in a shorter time.

Elliptical

  • Low Impact: Ellipticals are great for joint health since they provide a low-impact workout. The smooth gliding motion reduces strain on knees, hips, and ankles, which can be beneficial if you’re prone to joint pain or recovering from an injury.
  • Upper and Lower Body Workout: Many ellipticals have handles, allowing you to engage your arms and chest, providing a more full-body workout.
  • Easier on the Heart Rate: Some people find that the elliptical provides an intense cardio workout without spiking the heart rate as quickly as running, making it a bit easier to maintain longer, steady sessions.

Ideal for: People looking for a full-body workout that’s gentle on the joints or those rehabbing an injury.

Which is Better?

The treadmill may be more effective if your primary goal is calorie burn and running endurance. However, the elliptical is an excellent choice for focusing on lower-impact, joint-friendly cardio that still targets multiple muscle groups. Many people alternate between the two for variety and balanced benefits.

Travel requires a degree of fitness, as many venues and tours require walking and, at times, hiking. It’s essential to check the difficulty level of every tour you may choose to ensure your fitness level is commensurate with the advised level of difficulty.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 15, 2014:

A trimmed Milo tree. Thespesia populnea. Milo is easy to grow and care for, although it can be considered messy since it drops numerous leaves and dry seed capsules year-round. This is an excellent tree for coastal properties battling wind and salt spray. For more photos, please click here.

We’re back…We’re booked!…

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Notice the tree trimmer in this photo in Maui. It was fun to watch him shimmy up the tall tree.

We are thrilled to have booked our flights to South Africa for March 1, 2025, 107 days from today. We’ll arrive on March 3, pick up the rental car in Nelspruit, and begin the 75-minute drive on the crazy N4 highway to Marloth Park. We will most likely arrive by 3:00 pm. Fortunately, we’ll arrive in Nelspruit at 12:50 pm, with ample time to drive on the dangerous highway before dark.

A wave of pure joy washed over me when we booked our fights. It’s really happening! We left Marloth Park in April 2023, almost two years ago. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed, but in many ways, it’s dragged on and on, especially spending so much time in hotels.

Once we arrive in Nevada, it will be easier in many ways since we’ll be able to spend time outdoors, walking in the Village to restaurants and shops. Sure, we could stand outdoors or sit on the one available bench, but now it has become cold and windy, and it’s not appealing.

I continue to walk and exercise daily. My cardiovascular health is slowly improving, but my legs still struggle to walk any distance. This may be my fate, but I will continue to force myself to walk daily, hoping to improve. It’s how it is, and I won’t let it keep us from continuing our travels.

For the flights listed below, we checked prices for several days, and the cost listed below is the best we could find, considering that we won’t have that one long 17-hour flight over the ocean, which is always difficult. We prefer that we land in London about halfway through, although the flight from Cape Town is longer than the usual one hour from Johannesburg to Nelspruit.

However, the overall travel time of 28½ hours is tolerable compared to some even more expensive flights, which took almost 40 hours from start to finish, let alone the driving time from Nelspruit to Marloth Park.

Here’s our flight, which we booked at Expedia on our website here

Las Vegas, Nevada, to Nelspruit, South Africa

10:20 pm

  • Departs Sat, Mar 1
  • Las Vegas, NV, United States (LAS-Harry Reid Intl.)
  • Terminal 3

4:15 pm

  • Arrives Sun, Mar 2
  • London, England, UK (LHR-Heathrow)
  • Terminal 3
9h 55m duration
Virgin Atlantic 156
Economy / Coach (M)
Layover: 1h 40m

5:55 pm

  • Departs Sun, Mar 2
  • London, England, UK (LHR-Heathrow)
  • Terminal 3

7:30 am

  • Arrives Mon, Mar 3
  • Cape Town, South Africa (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)
11h 35m duration
Virgin Atlantic 478
Economy / Coach (M)
Layover: 2h 55m

10:25 am

  • Departs Mon, Mar 3
  • Cape Town, South Africa (CPT-Cape Town Intl.)

12:50 pm

  • Arrives Mon, Mar 3
  • Nelspruit, South Africa (MQP-Kruger Mpumalanga Intl.)
2h 25m duration
Airlink 663
Economy / Coach (E)

Total duration: 1 day, 4h, 30m (28½ h)

Total cost for two passengers: $2555.20

The days can’t come soon enough, but we’re committed to making the best of our remaining month in Cleveland (we leave one month from today!), and of course, we’ll enjoy the 2½ months we’ll spend in Lake Las Vegas. We’re both cheerful and hopeful for the future. Nothing is more beneficial for joyful longevity than planning exciting events for the future.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 14, 2014:

Calla lilies are always so beautiful, with their yellow and red coloration. For more photos, please click here.

Travel stats 2024, after the pandemic…Is it a benefit or deterrent for travelers?…

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Exquisite mountains and hills surround Maui’s landscape.

It’s interesting but vital for us to know travel statistics as we plan future international travel. No, we aren’t going to spend all of our time in Africa, although there are still many countries on the continent we’d like to explore, and we will in the next several years.

Let me add here that all future travels, dreams, and hopes are subject to good health and our physical ability to carry on. Subsequently, now that we’re free to travel again, I won’t keep mentioning this reality since our readers know this is always a prerequisite for international or domestic travel.

Why is awareness of travel stats vital for travelers?

  • The volume of travelers directly impacts the cost of travel, but this can be important in two ways: 1. High volume can lower prices based on profits and the capacity of travel venues. 2. Low volume can increase prices when venues attempt to recover losses during quiet periods, but prices may also be lowered via promotions and reductions as an incentive for increased volume.
  • Projecting travel delays, crowded venues, and price increases can reduce the enjoyment of a vacation or holiday. Knowing what to expect helps manage these expectations.
  • Knowing stats ahead of travel dates can aid in promoting research as to ways to minimize stress and expectations.
  • Stats awareness can inspire early booking of all travel, including ancillary trips and tours, to avoid disappointment.
  • If necessary, evaluate the importance of refundable venues due to your personal circumstances.

Global tourism in 2024 has seen a resurgence, marking a nearly complete recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry’s bounce-back has led to international tourist arrivals reaching approximately 1.53 billion, slightly above 2019. This represents a 2% growth, driven by rising global travel demand, increased air connectivity, and the resurgence of critical markets like China and other parts of Asia. The sector’s rapid recovery has underscored the resilience of global tourism and its importance in the broader economic landscape.

Growth and Regional Performance

The recovery has been uneven across regions, though the general trajectory is positive. The Middle East has led the charge, with international arrivals surpassing 2019 levels by an impressive 26%. This growth is partly due to efforts by countries like Saudi Arabia to diversify their economies and promote themselves as tourism hubs. Saudi Arabia alone reported a nearly 100% increase in arrivals from pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating the appeal of its new tourism offerings. Europe, the Americas, and Africa are also experiencing solid recoveries, with arrivals in each region close to pre-pandemic figures. Europe reached 99% of 2019 arrivals, benefiting from high intra-regional travel.

Africa saw a 7% increase over 2019 figures, and the Americas nearly matched pre-pandemic levels with a 97% recovery rate. However, Asia and the Pacific continue to lag slightly behind, with arrivals reaching around 82% of pre-pandemic levels, partially due to travel restrictions in some recently lifted countries.

Economic Impact and Revenue

Tourism’s economic impact in 2024 is substantial, with global tourism revenue expected to reach $9.4 billion by year’s end. This revenue is propelled by increased spending per tourist, with international visitor spending expected to approach or exceed the levels seen in 2019. A key driver of this spending has been the growth of domestic and international tourism, particularly in Asia and the Middle East. For instance, Middle Eastern countries like Qatar and the UAE have reported significant increases in tourism receipts as they attract tourists from nearby and distant regions.​

Also, tourism’s overall contribution to global GDP is projected to hit $11.1 trillion in 2024, representing a full recovery and an all-time high for the industry. This recovery reflects an increase in tourist numbers and the sector’s infrastructure, connectivity, and travel services expansion. With this recovery, the tourism industry is expected to contribute approximately 3% of global GDP, a significant achievement given the challenges of the past few years.

Leading Destinations and Trends

Tourism’s rebound has been especially pronounced in certain countries, with France, Spain, and the United States continuing to dominate as top tourist destinations. France remains the world’s most visited country, with an estimated 100 million international arrivals in 2023, and Spain follows closely behind. In terms of receipts, however, the United States leads due to high per-visitor spending. Destinations in the Middle East and Asia are also increasingly attracting tourists, largely thanks to their strategic investments in tourism infrastructure and hospitality services.​

Travel trends in 2024 reflect changing preferences, with travelers seeking more sustainable, experience-oriented vacations. Many destinations, especially in Europe, are prioritizing eco-friendly tourism options and working to balance visitor influx with conservation efforts. This shift aligns with a growing awareness among tourists about the environmental impact of travel, spurred by the pandemic and global climate concerns.

Future Outlook

The outlook for global tourism in the coming years is promising, with projections suggesting continued growth. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts further increases in international arrivals and tourism GDP contributions, driven by improved air connectivity, enhanced visa policies, and robust travel demand from Asian markets. In particular, destinations in Asia are expected to grow as restrictions continue to ease and major travel hubs like China re-establish connections with the world.

With robust infrastructure improvements and destination management strategies, the global tourism sector is poised for a record-breaking year in revenue and visitor numbers. These advancements will likely enable the industry to adapt to travelers’ dynamic needs while ensuring a balance between growth and sustainability.

In summary, 2024 has been a pivotal year for tourism, marking a near-complete recovery and setting new standards for resilience and adaptability. The industry thrives with regional growth led by the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and the economic impact surpasses pre-pandemic levels. However, as tourism expands, stakeholders increasingly focus on sustainable practices, ensuring the sector’s growth aligns with global environmental and financial goals.

After 12 years of mostly world travel, we’ve made a point to examine travel trends and statistics to ensure we have a well-rounded and enjoyable experience at each location.

Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 12, 2014:

Although the hills block the sun setting, these beautiful skies in Maui give us a peek at what lurks behind the mountains. For more photos, please click here.

A terrifying thought about a medical emergency and rescue at sea…See our photos…

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We posted this photo on June 10, 2015, while we were cruising on Royal Caribbean Legend of the Seas. A passenger also had to be evacuated, but in the basket, when rough seas prevented the helicopter from landing on the ship’s helipad. The patient was wrapped in an exterior covering the basket, and paramedics held onto the passenger. Scary. See that post here.

The Medevac team prepared to land while we were on a Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas cruise in Australia in 2016. Medical personnel were ready to act to save a passenger. See the post here.

Nothing is more frightening for a cruise passenger than becoming so ill that they must be evacuated to the nearest hospital. Often, these hospitals are sub-par and can’t handle the case, requiring additional cstly transport. With good emergency evacuation insurance, a passenger can be taken to a hospital in a larger city that is more well-staffed and equipped to handle such emergencies.

It’s imperative to check with one’s travel insurance to familiarize yourself with the process in case of such an event.

That’s why being in reasonably good health when embarking on a cruise is so important. Still, as seniors and sometimes younger passengers, medical emergencies arise out of the blue, requiring immediate care. Passengers must acknowledge that medical care on ships is marginal at best.

Medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, may be on board. Still, they are not equipped to perform surgery to treat many medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes. In most cases, they can treat flu, colds, and shipborne illnesses, but if a patient develops serious complications, they must be evacuated.

Some ships have helipads, but others do not. Weather conditions play a massive role in determining whether a helicopter can load on a helipad. Emergency personnel are cautious in protecting and handling ill passengers to the best of their ability and based on available equipment.

All of this is better handled when the passenger has emergency evacuation insurance. If not, attempting to secure funds from various sources the passengers may have available becomes a nightmare. The cost can be prohibitive.

From Cruise Industry News at this link, today’s story;

“Medical Emergency Causes Three-Day Delay for Royal Caribbean Ship

November 11, 2024

A medical emergency onboard the Explorer of the Seas is causing a three-day delay in the ship’s arrival at PortMiami.

Currently offering a 12-night trans-Atlantic crossing, the ship was initially scheduled to arrive in Florida on Nov. 14, 2024.

According to a statement sent to guests onboard, the Explorer of the Seas will now dock in Miami on November 17, 2024.

“Our medical staff determined that one of our guests needed urgent medical attention, and as a result, we are making our way to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria,” the company said.

After visiting the Azores on Nov. 7, the ship was scheduled to remain at sea before arriving in Miami next week.

Following the medical emergency, the Explorer changed course, docking at the Spanish port on Saturday.

As part of its new itinerary, the vessel is now expected to cruise for another week before arriving in the United States on November 17.

“This situation is evolving,” Royal Caribbean added in its statement, noting that additional details for the arrival in Miami are still being finalized.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused, and we appreciate your patience and understanding. We know we’d do the same for you or a loved one with a medical emergency,” the company said.

Royal Caribbean offers guests onboard a complimentary voucher for a 60-minute internet package and phone assistance in making necessary arrangements.

“We know you may need to communicate with family, friends, or airlines/hotels to start planning your return home,” the company added.

Passengers who booked flights via Royal Caribbean’s Air2Sea Team will have their return flights automatically adjusted to reflect the new arrival in Miami.

Guests with independent travel arrangements are asked to contact their air carrier directly. The company said it will cover any air change fees of up to $200 for domestic travel and $400 for international travel, per person.

Royal Caribbean also offers guests discounted rates for those who extend beverage and internet packages for the additional three days of the cruise.”

We can only imagine the fear a passenger and family member (s) would feel being airlifted to the nearest medical facility. Understanding the process in advance can significantly reduce anxiety and apprehension.

Be prepared. Be well.

Photo from ten years ago today, November 11, 2014:

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The lava flow on the Big Island in Hawaii in 2014 broke out again, and its first house was taken the day before this photo was taken. For more photos, please click here.