Disney’s New Genie and Genie+ Service

Make your theme park visit easier and more fun by harnessing the power of Disney’s new digital itinerary services built right into the My Disney Experience app.

You’ve Never Had a Friend Like This!

Ever wish you had a Disney friend along with you in the parks? A digital friend who could show you the best ways to enjoy popular attractions? Or see beloved Characters? Or even find fan-favorite foods? Well, here’s a way that wish can come true!

Introducing Disney Genie service and Disney Genie+ service, conveniently built into the My Disney Experience app. It’s like having a genie in the palm of your hand.Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, tap into them both to enjoy a whole new host of features that help you get the most out of your visit to Walt Disney World Resort.

You Have the Fun While Disney Genie Service Does the Work

Our complimentary Disney Genie service creates your best Disney day inspired by your party’s top interests. Upon launching Disney Genie service in the app, you’ll have the opportunity to share what you’d like to do in a few easy steps. You can plan specific attractions, foodie experiences and entertainment, and special interests like Disney princesses, villains, Pixar, Star Wars, thrill rides and more.Disney Genie service will then grant you a personalized itinerary that seamlessly and smartly maps out your special day—with updates that continue from morning to night. And, Disney Genie can even remind you when you’re eligible to book dining reservations and activities within our Enchanting Extras Collection.

When you let Disney Genie service be your guide, you’ll have quicker access to up-to-date park information, so you can be more spontaneous and have more fun—in the moment and on the go.

Be sure to download the latest version of the My Disney Experience app, so you can take advantage of all of these features:

Tailored Recommendations – You’ll receive attraction and dining recommendations inspired in part by what you told Disney Genie service you’re most interested in doing. It even displays a good time to go to an experience and an idea of the forecasted wait. Need to swap a recommendation out? No problem. Like many popular navigation apps, Disney Genie will continue to offer new suggestions throughout the day, so you can make the most of your time during your visit.
A Personalized Daily Itinerary – Your “My Day” tab is where you’ll find Disney Genie recommendations and any plans you’ve made, including dining reservations, Disney Resort hotel reservations and activity bookings. You’ll also be able to virtually chat with a Cast Member who can help answer any questions that arise.
A Custom Tip Board – This new feature will let you see estimated wait times for your top attractions, entertainment and dining. You’ll also be able to order food, make dining reservations, check into a restaurant, request to join an available virtual queue (currently at Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure), and even book arrival times for our new Lightning Lane entrance at select experiences if you’ve purchased Disney Genie+ service.

Disney has essentially replaced their complimentary FastPass+ program with their new paid Genie+ Lightening Lane program.

Take Your Day to the Next Level with Disney Genie+

In addition to getting all of the great features that come with upgrading to the complimentary version of Disney Genie service, purchasing Disney Genie+ service will offer even more convenience and flexibility, for $15 per ticket per day. It’s the very best way to get the absolute most out of your visit—so you can spend more time enjoying the magic with family and friends.

Enjoy the Magic You Want with Less Wait – Save time waiting in line by purchasing Disney Genie+ service! This new service at more than 40 attractions and experiences throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks lets you select the next available arrival window for the new Lightning Lane entrances. You can make one selection at a time throughout the day—from classics like Haunted Mansion and thrill rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to newer favorites like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (experiences subject to limited availability). With Disney Genie+, you can select Lightning Lane arrival windows across multiple theme parks for those who have the Park Hopper option.

Beginning at 7:00 AM on the day of your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to secure your first arrival time.

Plus, you’ll also enjoy these additional features:

Disney PhotoPass Lenses – Access special Disney PhotoPass Lenses for your mobile device, allowing you to explore magical new augmented reality effects.
Audio Tales – Discover the parks in cool new ways through fascinating fun facts and behind-the-scenes insights you can listen to during your visit.

Starting October 19th, you’ll be able to add Disney Genie+ service to your vacation package before your visit.

Guests are responsible for determining whether options and recommendations are appropriate for their party and for consulting all experience restrictions and advisories, including height requirements, health and safety advisories and accessibility guidelines.

Q What is the difference between Disney Genie service and Disney Genie+ service?

A Disney Genie is a complimentary digital service within the My Disney Experience app that can help you create your best Disney day. It will generate a personalized itinerary inspired by the things you tell us you want to do, offer tips for spending less time waiting in line, and also provide other helpful recommendations throughout the day.
Disney Genie+ service is an add-on option offered for purchase that lets you select arrival windows for our new Lightning Lane entrance at select experiences throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks. Selections can be made one at a time, throughout the day. The service also includes access to interactive Disney PhotoPass Lenses and audio tales, featuring fascinating facts and behind-the-scenes insights about the parks.

Q How and when can I purchase Disney Genie+ service?

A Starting October 19, Disney Genie+ service will be available to purchase before you arrive as an add-on to a ticket or vacation package. It will also be available as a single-day purchase through the My Disney Experience app. If you have an existing package, call your travel advisor to add Genie+ to your vacation package.

Q How can I access Disney Genie service?

A Disney Genie is a complimentary digital service within the My Disney Experience app that can help you plan your best Disney day. In order to take advantage of Disney Genie service and its features, be sure to download the app from the app store or upgrade to the latest version of the app if you already have it on your mobile device.

Q What kind of planning can I do with Disney Genie service before my visit?

A You can begin selecting your favorite things to do and mapping out your days prior to your visit. Any Lightning Lane attraction selections—either as part of Disney Genie+ service or as an individual purchase—can be made on the day of your visit to maximize flexibility up until your arrival.

Q When will I be able to add Disney Genie+ service to my vacation package or tickets?

A Disney Genie+ service will launch October 19 at Walt Disney World Resort. If you already have an existing package and would like to add Disney Genie+ service, please call your travel advisor.

Q Do I need to purchase Disney Genie+ service to book a Lightning Lane arrival time?

A There are 2 ways to select times to arrive at Lightning Lane entrances, purchase Disney Genie+ service or purchase entrance to an individual experience. Each option offers a different set of experiences to choose from.

Option #1: Through Disney Genie+ Service
This new service lets you select the next available arrival window for the Lightning Lane entrances, one at a time, throughout regular park hours. More than 40 attractions and entertainment experiences across the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks are included in the service—from classics like Haunted Mansion to thrill rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad to newer favorites like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (all experiences are subject to limited availability). Lightning Lane selections can even be made across multiple theme parks with the Park Hopper option. You’ll be able to make your first selection at 7:00 AM on the day of your visit. This service also includes access to interactive Disney PhotoPass Lenses and audio tales. It costs $15 per ticket per day.

Option #2: By Making an Individual Lightning Lane Entrance Purchase
Lightning Lane entry as an “á la carte” purchase will be offered at our most popular attractions not included in the over 40 Genie+ selections. This option can be purchased by all Guests—with or without the purchase of Disney Genie+ service—and lets you choose a time to arrive at the Lightning Lane entry at up to 2 attractions each day (purchased one at a time). Guests of a Disney Resort hotel can make their first purchase starting at 7:00 AM on the day of their visit. All other Guests can make their first purchase at the regular time the park opens. Pricing and availability will vary by date, attraction and park. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for current prices and attraction availability.

Here are the attractions currently available with the Genie+ and individual Lightning Lane purchase:

Get Ready to Unleash the Magic of Disney Genie Service!

Be sure to reach out today with any questions and to get started planning your magical Disney vacation!

You Only Have 18 Summers. Don’t wait to travel with your kids!

Posted by VacationDesign

“One day…we’re going to take the kids to Hawaii!”; “We really want to travel over to Europe, but we’re waiting until the kids are older”; “We really want to go out West and see the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, but our summers are just too busy”. Do any of those statements sound familiar to you? The average American family doesn’t think they spend enough time together (guilty). Between school, work, sports, and extracurricular activities it’s no surprise that we are all feeling disconnected and burned out. The best way to reconnect with your loved ones is to get away. No distractions and no excuses: just you and your kids (or Grandkids) spending “quality time”, enjoying each other’s company and maybe even experiencing an unfamiliar culture together. “Next Year, maybe” turns into the year after that… and so forth… until you “blink” and you’re sitting at their high school graduation wondering what the heck happened!

Travel is proven to be a wonderful learning tool for children. Seeing how people live in other countries can open their minds and hearts and expand their imagination exponentially. Here are a few things that travel can provide for your family:

1. It can create lasting relationships… both between your own family members and people you meet while on the road. These folks that you run into along the way give you a glimpse of what life is like outside your regular circle of friends and can give you a fresh perspective on how other cultures live. A client told of one dinner in Lausanne, Switzerland when a spiked-hair, and heavily tattooed Aussie spent some time joking with her daughter and playing with her kids’ meal toy. At home, she would probably have been scared to death of him!

2. You can learn another language… There is something very exciting about being able to throw around a few words in French, knowing how to say hello and thank you in Portuguese, or ordering off of a menu written totally in Italian…and hoping you don’t end up with something inedible! And… knowing that if you do accidentally order goat’s testicles, that your whole family will still be laughing about it 20 years from now!

3. It gives you and your kids perspective… Meeting folks from other cultures will teach you that the way you look at the world (maybe through the distorted lens of our mass media) is not the way everybody does – and that you could be dead wrong about some things! We have had many meaningful conversations about why Europe is so far ahead of the U.S. in its transportation infrastructure, why people of Native Hawaiian descent still protest becoming a part of the US, and why so few French and Italian teenagers feel the deep temptation to drink alcohol to excess like ours do here in America. One client was fascinated that about 80% of the locals they met in Italy said… ”AAAhhhhh, Asheville?” when he told them he was from North Carolina. Who knew?

Are you reading this and thinking “Boy…I’ve always wanted to see the Colosseum with my kids”? If you want to do it now, you’ve probably always wanted to. You’ve imagined it, daydreamed about it, envisioned it. Guess what? Now’s the time to DO IT! I have several vacations on my desk right now for folks just like you, who are ready to finally take their 16- and 21- year-olds to Europe before they leave the nest… or who are celebrating a high school graduation with a trip to Hawaii – the destination chosen by their son. Remember… you only have 18 summers!

Book a call with me today to chat about your hopes and dreams!

Turn your red-eye into some shut-eye

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Sleeping well on a plane has developed into a certain kind of art — and into a healthy business — with savvy travelers constantly scoping out new ways to make long flights more conducive to actual rest. Here are a few that really seem to have some payoff.

Splurge on a better seat. Sure, not everyone can afford a premium seat in first or business class, where you can take advantage of fully- or almost-fully-reclining seats and loads of leg room. But for long-distance flights, it can still be worth it to spend the extra money on an exit-row seat, a bulkhead seat, or a window seat. Flying on off-peak days, like a Tuesday evening, will also increase the likelihood that the flight will be less crowded and quieter.

Do the best you can with flight times and direct flights. While crossing many time zones always poses its own sleep challenges, do your best to pick a flight time and schedule that will sync up most naturally with your sleeping and waking times. Leaving in the evening will work better than trying to get REM at three in the afternoon.

Know your cues. Which side of the bed do you sleep on at home? Book on that side of the plane. Do you usually have a cup of tea before bed? Bring a few packets of your favorite herbal. And grab your own small travel blanket and comfy slippers while you’re at it (the airline pillow or blanket can be used for extra cushioning or lumbar support if you like). Spritz your pillow with a mild lavender essential oil. The more familiar things you can do, the more your brain will recognize the cues that it’s time for rest.

Sweet darkness, sweet silence. On most trans-oceanic flights, you’ll see the blue glow of nearly every seatback screen flickering, no matter the time. We know that the type of light emitted by screens is proven to disrupt sleep. For any rest at all — let alone good rest — keep your screen off. Bring an eye mask or cap to block out as much light as possible. Use earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to create the quietest environment you can.

Buckle up over the blanket. When the plane hits turbulence, flight attendants are required to make sure people are safely buckled in. If they can’t see that your seat belt is fastened, they have to disturb you to check. Make it easy for them and for you — simply click the buckle over the blanket.

Rather than paying more for less in the airport, do some quick research before you leave to find the best travel pillow for you. There are dozens to choose from, and they range widely in price, portability, and visual quirkiness. Check out reviews like this one from Travel + Leisure — and note how the reviewer coordinates the best pillows with each type of sleeper. Chances are, there’s a pillow out there that will support your head and neck and give you the rest you need.

What are your best tips for getting good sleep on an airplane? I’d love to hear them. And if you’re ready to plan your next (well-rested) journey, I’m here to help! You can reach me today by clicking here.

Enjoying Europe Through the Back Door

Posted by VacationDesign

My top 10 tips for avoiding the crowds on your European vacation

For those of us who love solitude, contemplation and escape, avoiding the crowds is an essential part of enjoying our travels. Of course, there’s some irony in being a traveler who complains about all the other tourists cluttering up the landscape, because of course, we’re all contributing to the crowd!

The best-known places are always going to draw lots of people, and usually with good reason. So how can we see the sights without feeling like we’re stuck in a herd of camera-toting sheep? I take great pride in carefully scheduling a great travel plan…designed to minimize crowds and time in line and maximize your enjoyment. Here are our top ten tips for avoiding the worst of the vacation crowds:

1. Hire a local guide

My very first suggestion is to hire a private guide, if your budget will allow. A guide knows when the busiest places will have lulls in the crowds, and exactly where to go to soak in a city’s ambiance without being joined by thousands of others with the same idea. I have several well-vetted private guides all over Europe that I use frequently for my clients. You will get so much more out of sights when you see them with a local guide who can make the history come to life. Your tour guide really DOES know it all!

2. Skip the line!

Did you know you could do this? A major benefit of working with a travel advisor who specializes in Europe (like yours truly) is that we often have the ability to help you skip right past a 2-hour long line-up and whisk you inside the attraction you’d rather not wait to see. Some of the most important spots with “skip the line” privileges are the Louvre and Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Vatican and Colosseum in Rome and the Accademia (to meet Michelangelo’s amazing David) in Florence.

3. Take advantage of jet lag

What does that mean? Imagine you managed to stay up until 8pm after an overnight trans-Atlantic flight. Now it’s 5am the next day and you’re wide awake. Get out of bed and go for a wander through near-empty streets as the city quietly stirs. Enjoy a coffee alongside locals on their way to work. Early morning can be a magical time to explore the streets of Europe.

4. Travel off-peak

Have you ever been to Paris in August? The locals have fled the city for their summer vacation, leaving the tourists to take it by storm. A lot of stores, cafes and restaurants are closed. Consider traveling in your destination’s shoulder season (May and September-October) – and avoid school holidays like the plague! If you are worried about taking your children out of school, get over it! A family trip to Europe will contribute so much more to their future than a “Perfect Attendance” award in 6th grade.

5. Do your research and plan museum visits accordingly

Many museums have “free” days once a month; these are always going to be busy days, and best to avoid. Some major attractions (e.g. London’s Tate Modern) stay open late one or two nights a week; visiting the gallery during these extended hours tends to offer a quieter experience.

6. Investigate “alternative” destinations

Everyone talks about the big ticket destinations – Rome, Paris, London, Prague – but there’s much magic to be found in Europe’s smaller cities. For instance, if you’re looking to experience Dutch culture, Leiden or Haarlem are beautiful and less crowded alternatives to Amsterdam. I can suggest some great alternatives to the hustle-bustle where you will get the true “feel” of the destination you are visiting.

7. Benefit from local insight

Talk to the locals to learn about what’s popular with people who live in the city, rather than what’s popular with people who visit it. A good way to incorporate this wisdom into your trip-planning is to work with an experienced travel advisor. Many of our partners actually live in the destination you are visiting and can give us some great “insider” tips.

8. Choose attractions off the beaten path

Of course you want to see the icons, and I know how to do that without the crowds. Perhaps the icons don’t interest you. Just because it’s there, doesn’t mean you have to visit it. You won’t get a failing grade for skipping the supposed “must-sees”. You can visit London without going to Buckingham Palace. You can experience Italy without snapping a photo of yourself holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There’s much more to a city than its icons, so let the icons draw the crowds, while you ferret out more unique ways to spend your time.

9. Stay in locally owned smaller hotels that are centrally located

Choosing a smaller hotel in a more residential neighborhood with easy access to the places you want to visit is a nice way to escape the crowds at the end of the day. You didn’t travel all the way to Europe to stay in a Holiday Inn or Best Western, did you? Plus, the owners and staff are super helpful in suggesting some little-known jewels for dining and sightseeing.

10. Be aware of cruise ship dockings

If you’re staying in a port-city, find out when the cruise ships dock – then hightail it out of there! And if you’re one of the people debarking from the ship, see tip #1… then hightail it out of there with your private guide! Today’s megaships can dump 3000 people off in Monaco… all at the same time and all heading for the same sights.

Let me help you plan carefully!

Do you have any tips to add? I would love to see them in the comments below! Reach out to me to help you plan an amazing and unique Europe vacation. You can connect with me here.

Observing African-American History Month

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We have come, somehow, to the end of February, and with it, the end of African-American History Month.

When he officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, President Gerald Ford declared the need to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

The “father of black history”, author, journalist, and historian Carter G. Woodson, fought for a national recognition of black stories and perspectives. Woodson believed deeply that equality was only possible by way of acknowledgement and understanding of a race’s history. He dedicated his life to the study of African-American historical research.

I’ve tried to take some time this month to learn more about African-American achievers I’ve been inspired by. Far from a writer, I would likely do them injustice trying to sum up their lives and accomplishments. So I’ll leave it to the pros whose stories fascinated me, linked within.

We seem to have made great strides in terms of equality, evidenced by recalling the history of the treatment and segregation of African-Americans in our nation. But for this history, you wouldn’t think any progress has been made. There is much work still to be done.

Thank you for taking the time to enjoy these heroes with me.

Staying Wise, Staying Calm, And Looking Ahead

Posted by VacationDesign

For any person who loves to travel, who loves the freedom of being able to go almost anywhere, who sees the world as a beautiful place to be explored — this is likely a time of some discomfort and uncertainty.

It is, of course, good to be wise. It’s smart to listen to experts and make necessary preparations.

Many of us are having to adjust our businesses, our budgets, our schedules — and for many of us, that might include huge changes to vacations, weddings, honeymoons, reunions, and other getaways we’ve been looking forward to for months.

I want to say: I’m sincerely sorry for the upheavals. I’m feeling them, too.

And I also want to say: there is hope, and there is so much great stuff to look forward to.

There will be a time when this uncertainty will be resolved and the fear will lift.

While we’re doing our part to keep ourselves and our communities healthy — practicing social distancing, being conscientious about washing our hands, staying home, not touching our faces — we can also experience the excitement and joy of making future plans.

Four quick things to know about travel in the coming months:

Many airlines are waiving change fees on all tickets booked for future travel.
Amazing destinations are offering refundable packages, special offers, and extra freebies to those who book now.
This is a smart time to buy inexpensive trip insurance so you have the option to cancel and get your money back if things change before you depart.
It’s not too early to start dreaming, planning, and booking for 2021 trips!

Right now, it is a season of stillness, of staying close, of appreciating all that we have right in our own homes. It’s in our best interests to accept this temporary shift. We have a unique opportunity to be of service to one another in ways we maybe haven’t imagined before.

And just imagine how incredible it will feel, when the time is right, to stretch our wings, set off across oceans and mountains and miles, and make the whole wide world our home again.

I am sending all my best wishes for health, healing, happiness, and hope for you and your loved ones in the coming weeks and months! If you have any questions about your travel plans, please don’t hesitate to reach out here.

Sincerely,

Jenny

Why You Shouldn’t Let Coronavirus Stop You From Traveling

Posted by VacationDesign

Travelers are wise to take the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak seriously, but there are a handful of facts to consider before canceling any travel plans or ruling out travel entirely.

For one, the World Health Organization (WHO)—the world’s authority on public health—continues to advise against any travel or trade restrictions to countries experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks.

Today’s 24/7 news cycle may make it seem like you’re taking a risk simply by leaving your house, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. For now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is discouraging nonessential travel to only a few countries: China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. The U.S. State Department has also issued Level 4 (do not travel) travel advisories for China and Iran and Level 3 (reconsider travel) advisories for South Korea and Italy for the time being.

Keep in mind that 95 percent of all coronavirus cases are in China, with a majority limited to Wuhan in the Hubei Province where the outbreak originated. Further, of the documented cases, over half have recovered, and of those currently infected, 86 percent are mild cases.

As has been the case since the outbreak began late last year, travelers are still more likely to be impacted by the common flu, which has affected approximately one billion people worldwide compared to fewer than 120,000 cases of coronavirus.

If the thought of flying amid the outbreak has you spooked, remember that the virus isn’t airborne and is only transmitted by droplets that live on surfaces for short periods. The WHO doesn’t consider airplane cabins any more conducive to spreading the coronavirus. Plus, cruise lines and airlines have already put procedures in place to prevent the spread of illness on flights and sailings.

At home or away, travelers can always protect themselves by implementing some common-sense practices such as washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and avoiding contact with their eyes, nose and mouth.

Even if you were to come down with the coronavirus in your travels, you should know that there is only a 2 percent fatality rate and that 2 percent almost always has a pre-existing condition, according to research compiled by award-winning airline consolidator Centrav. For perspective, previous outbreaks of SARS and MERS had mortality rates of 10 percent and 34 percent, respectively.

If knowing all of this and traveling amid the latest outbreak still scares you, consider working with a travel advisor who can save you time, money and stress while keeping you informed and up to date on the latest travel advisories and restrictions.

REAL ID Compliance Requirements One Year Away

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airport

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a reminder for all travelers that REAL ID requirement and enforcement will begin October 1, 2020.

By this time next year, airline passengers will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, a valid passport or U.S. military ID to go through airport security and board a plane within the country.

Travelers who do not present an acceptable form of identification will not be permitted to enter the Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.

Example of REAL ID Compliant Driver’s License

DHS officials revealed that all 50 states and six territories are now REAL ID compliant.

“This is an important step in enhancing commercial aviation security and we urge travelers to ensure they have compliant documents,” DHS Acting Secretary Kevin K. McAleenan said in a statement. “DHS is committed to working with states as they continue their efforts to issue REAL IDs to Americans.”

The DHS has been working since April to increase public attention on the upcoming deadline by displaying signs at airports, verbally advising travelers and co-hosting REAL ID events around the country.

Despite the efforts, a survey commissioned by the U.S. Travel Association revealed that 72 percent of Americans either do not have a REAL ID license or are unsure if they do. The study also found that 57 percent of respondents did not know about the October 2020 deadline.

While DHS officials have made strides informing the traveling public, there is still work left to accomplish.

Visit https://www.tsa.gov/real-id for more information.

WTTC and Tourism Industry CEOs Call for Sector to Be Climate Neutral by 2050

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sustain globe forest

The World Travel & Tourism Council, along with 50 CEOs, heads of state, ministers and industry leaders are calling for climate-neutrality by 2050.

The call to action is the result of the first-ever Climate and Environment Action Forum, which is taking place this week in New York City.

The event also resulted in the announcement of an action plan called 0SCARS that is designed to encourage members (leaders from airports, airlines, hotels, tourism boards, travel, technology, and cruise companies) to adopt and accelerate sustainability programs and to share best practices.

The 0SCARS framework includes the following, according to a statement from WTTC:

— 0 [Zero] – WTTC has an ambition for the travel and tourism sector to be climate neutral by 2050. WTTC said it intends to work with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change [UNFCCC], to establish a framework for decarbonization of the global travel and tourism sector.

— S [Support] – Support the travel and tourism sector in developing ambitious climate strategies, such as setting science-based targets, and in reducing the impact of current activities, products and services by continuously using resources in more efficient ways.

WTTC said it will also work to support energy efficiency measures, renewable energy, and waste reduction, both within companies [throughout the value chain] and with governments to develop incentives to invest in nature-based solutions.

— C [Change] – Develop or share research and evidence for how travel and tourism companies can reduce actual emissions and invest in emission reduction schemes in projects through UNFCCC or equivalent recognized mechanisms.

— A [Act] – WTTC and its members will identify and implement new sustainability strategies and innovative business models as well as seek to align sustainable development efforts with the UN SDGs.

The plan also calls for a commitment to prioritize sustainability by setting ambitious, time-bound sustainability targets, as well as collaborating and sharing data and best practices to improve sustainability.

It also suggests engaging consumers in efforts to make travel more sustainable.

WTTC said it intends to produce an annual report of action that will articulate and show demonstrable movement towards Climate Friendly Travel and progress towards sustainability commitments.

— R [Recognition] – Through the sustainable WTTC travel and tourism partners, WTTC will invite all companies, large and small, to sign up for the program so that they can be recognized for their commitments and progress towards sector sustainability.

— S [Share] –WTTC will launch a Sustainable Travel & Tourism Hub, which will be designed to fuel research, drive best practice sharing, and foster collaboration with key partners including the UNFCCC and UNEP and other experts to find climate solutions that are applicable across the sector.

World Travel & Tourism Council President & Chief Executive Officer, Gloria Guevara, said the new program is the culmination of nearly two years of work, building on a partnership with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to accelerate towards climate neutrality for a sector that has climate and environment action as its top priority.

“As the leaders within the travel and tourism industry, we have the power to drive real change,” said Guevara. “The WTTC has the opportunity to convene the industry so we can move faster, contribute, and address the significant environmental and sustainability challenges facing our world. ”

From a consumer standpoint, 0SCARS aims to help travelers recognize, with a simple and visible stamp in the form of a turtle, the suppliers with sustainable practices.

Within a year, the WTTC hopes to establish this identifier and with the involvement of experts, members, UNFCCC, and UNEP intends to create future higher levels, based on performance.

“Climate change is outpacing us, outpacing our collective ability to get a handle on it, and could soon outpace global business and have a devastating impact on the global economy itself,” said Patricia Espinosa, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary.

“The WTTC’s Sustainability Action Plan is a “timely and important initiative” and a welcomed opportunity to work together to identify ways to achieve climate neutrality in the sector by 2050.”

Source: WTTC and Tourism Industry CEOs Call for Sector to Be Climate Neutral by 2050

Voluntourism: Take a Trip, Make a Difference

Posted by VacationDesign

The famous playwright Henry Miller said, “One’s destination is never a place, but rather a new way of looking at things.”

Those who travel know this well. The places we visit — whether it’s a state park near home or a safari in an exotic locale — have the power to change us in many ways, both simple and profound. We learn about ourselves and others, about being able to deal with uncertainty, about gratitude, about being in the moment and appreciating the world and extraordinary people around us.

What if your next trip could not only change you, but change the world for the better? Have you considered taking a service-centered vacation?

As our world rapidly shrinks due to connectivity and easy access to information, we are becoming more aware of life outside of our small, comparatively privileged bubbles. More and more people are asking how they can make a difference.

Also known as “voluntourism”, service-based trips offer the opportunity to spend your vacation time, skills, and dollars with those who need them most. They’re also great opportunities for kids (and adults!) to learn empathy and gain a perspective on today’s most pressing issues like global poverty, the environmental impact of climate change, the well-being of children, and conservation of animals and the natural world.

Here are a few tips to get you started and help you make the most of any volunteer vacation.

Go with heart, but plan with your head. Like any kind of travel, voluntourism is vulnerable to scams and fraud. I can provide you with names of reputable and responsible companies. Make sure you know what to pack, which vaccinations are required, which fees might apply, and what challenges (if any) might be present in the area or the work you’re about to engage in.

Look for opportunities that encourage relationship. It can be easy and somewhat tempting to pop in someplace, make an appearance, and then leave. Your feel-good emotions are triggered, and you don’t have to commit much of yourself to a place or a project. But that shortchanges both you and the recipients of your good intentions.

The website www.govoluntourism.org puts it like this: “A balanced engagement alternating between voluntary service and tourism activities allows for a reciprocal relationship with communities. The economic impact of tourism is blended with the social impact of volunteering: recipients become servers and servers become recipients.”

Know yourself. If you’ve never been exposed to extreme poverty or the pressing plight of some of the globe’s endangered species, be aware that trips like these can be extremely emotionally demanding. Talk to people, research, ask questions, and be prepared for what you might see and experience.

Especially where kids are involved, always opt for good training and a true time commitment. There are many people who have a deep heart for the suffering of children worldwide, and they want to do something to lift spirits and support good work. Again, look for reputable companies that understand the complex issues associated with working with children and other vulnerable populations. For example, breezing into town and spending an afternoon at an orphanage and then leaving the next day can be very distressing for kids who are already dealing with the pain of leaving and loss. A good volunteer organization will tell you exactly what is required of you to have the greatest positive impact on others’ lives — and you can decide if it’s a commitment you want to make.

Take time to rest and process. When your engagement is over, take at least few days before leaving to get to know the community you’re visiting better (many organizations will build this into your trip), to rest, and to write or talk about your experience with others. Many people are surprised by how life-changing these trips can be — in the best possible ways! — and it can take a while to integrate that new perspective into your everyday life.

Stay in touch. Even if you never visit that particular location again, it’s a good idea and can bring your experience full-circle if you stay connected to the organization you volunteered with. Sign up for newsletter updates; share photos you took; write a note or email a few times a year.

Looking for some more ideas? Check out books like this one, or check out this list to see more trusted organizations. The world is a big place — but you can make a big difference!

As always, I’m thrilled to be in a business that helps connect people with the best places and the best parts of themselves. If you’re ready to plan your next adventure, you can reach me simply by clicking here.