A total solar eclipse was seen on August 21, 2017 above Madras, Oregon. It swept across a narrow portion of the contiguous United States from Lincoln Beach, Oregon to Charleston, South Carolina. A partial solar eclipse was visible across the entire North American continent along with parts of South America, Africa, and Europe. Photo Credit: NASA/Aubrey Gemignan
If you’ve been following the news, you know that the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse is happening on Monday, April 8.
This celestial wonder has garnered “eclipse fever” as a must-see event. Its Path of Totality is going across parts of Mexico, the Continental U.S. and Canada. There are stores on just about every aspect, from schools having early dismissals on April 8 to places holding events for observing it. There are even those making a trip out of seeing it, heading to locations mapped along its Path of Totality.
I’m heading up to Rochester to see the Solar Eclipse and to see more of this region in New York State. I visited this city for work in 2022.
Are you going to view the eclipse as well? Let me know if you are, or not, in the comments section below.
Days Inn by Wyndham is holding a Solar Eclipse-related contest involving you and a friend! Photo courtesy of Days Inn by Wyndham
The 2024 Solar Eclipse has become not only an astronomical anticipation but also a cool tourism promotion. The eclipse is to happen on April 8, with its path to be visible within parts of Mexico and Canada and certain states across the continental U.S. They include Texas, Indiana, New York, Ohio and Maine.
My work inbox has been receiving a lot of Solar Eclipse related pitches and this one involves a cool contest for you and a buddy.
Days Inn by Wyndham is seeking two adventurous BFFs to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to capture the 2024 total solar eclipse from a private helicopter—and receive $10,000 cash.
The hotel brand is said to have more than 260 Days Inn properties in the path of totality from Niagara Falls to San Antonio. A PR pitch on the contest said that the “chosen Sun & Moon duo will experience a best-seat-in-the-house, 360-degree view of the peak total solar eclipse from a helicopter and share their experience on social media.”
Days Inn by Wyndham has a number of properties along the path of the 2024 Solar Eclipse. Photo courtesy of Days Inn by Wyndham
In return, as fully described in this pitch, they’ll receive:
$10,000 cash payday ($5,000 per Sun-tern).
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch a total solar eclipse from a private helicopter.
Paid hotel room for two guests.
Photography course with an expert.
Travel stipend to cover airfare, ground transportation and meals.
Wyndham Rewards® Diamond level membership.
A suitcase full of Days Inn swag.
A glowing recommendation from a Days Inn by Wyndham executive upon successful completion of the internship.
Here’s how to enter. You have to be a duo to do so.
Applicant pairs can visit DaysInn.com/suntern by March 5, 2024; the portal closes on this date. Here, they have to submit the following criteria: a 200-word written entry, an original sun-filled photo, and photo of their duo. Submissions are open now through March 5, 2024. One entry per pair is permitted.
Are you going to be watching the Solar Eclipse? Making a trip out of it? Let me know in the comments below.
I fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Egypt through booking a trip with G Adventures.
2023 has been a rocky year for many people I know, and December hasn’t been easy for those employed in media either. I hit some bumps but I also reached some peaks.
Over the course of this year, my workload was fairly steady. I was still able to write for publications that I have contributing to for a few years now. I had some projects end, due to their completion, but new leads came about.
With travel, I was fortunate to visit some new destinations this year and return to places that I had visited previously. Most of these trips resulted from tourism board invites but one was to fulfill a childhood dream that I saved and paid for via installments through a tour company.
Where I Traveled
I drove across Oregon this summer. This photo was taken at Ecola State Park.
Let’s start from the beginning, in January 2023. I attended IMM NYC, a travel conference that I try to attend every year. Not only does this conference bring together all sides of the travel marketing and media industry but it also gives me a chance to catch up with friends and colleagues.
I will be at IMM NYC 2024.
I returned to New Orleans, where I stayed at and wrote about The Eliza Jane hotel. I also went back to Seattle, where I penned about its diverse food scene for Livability, and Helsinki, where I’m still pitching about this cool Finnish city. (Read my post about arriving in Helsinki in March 2020, right as the global pandemic emerged).
I also sailed with Viking again, this time through France on a cruise from Lyon to Avignon. And it was nice to have gone back to Canada. I traveled to Vancouver for the Travel Classics conference, which is another travel media event, and then I later came back to our neighbor to the north to see Calgary and Edmonton.
I got to go back to Helsinki in 2023, two years ago having to leave the city early.
New places this year were many, and I’m very fortunate to have gone to them through work. They included Minot, Fargo and Grand Forks in North Dakota; Anchorage, Alaska; Baltimore; Traverse City, Michigan; Wichita, Kansas; the Lake George area of New York State; and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
I also did an extensive road trip in Oregon. Outside of the US, I visited Aruba and got to experience different facets of this island.
I have some pitches that I’m waiting back on and hopefully will do so in the new year. Eds and outlets: if these destinations are in your scope of coverage, please reach out.
What I Wrote
Taking in the beauty of the North Coastal Trail from Anchorage, Alaska.
Along with the clips listed, I landed new projects with books. I researched and wrote a chapter for a travel guidebook coming out in April.
Right now, I’m updating some chapters for an NYC guidebook publishing next fall. The start of 2024 will be about me venturing around some of the city’s neighborhoods.
I also got more into copywriting, by working two different agency projects. One involved all things about New York State and, the other, visa entry requirements. I got to also write again for Smithsonian Magazine and VinePair.
My 2024 Goals
I was surprised by what I could see and do in Traverse City, Michigan.
I’m looking to take some courses to further my writing and improve my video and photo taking. I’d also like to do more with copywriting. I have two assignments due in January but I’m open to taking on new projects going forward.
I do have some US travel planned in the spring, and I’m saving and planning for a trip to Scotland this summer. I’ve been waffling on getting my NYC tour guide license, as I’ve been bad about studying for my test. So my aim is to finally get it done.
Black Friday sales have been starting early this year, so much that you might want to grab them as soon as you can. And don’t forget about Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday sales, too.
Here’s a list of various Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales I’ve found via email pitches or online.
FLTO Travel
Tour Companies
Gate1Travel‘s Black Friday sale now through November 24 has promo codes to save percentages on booking trips at certain cost levels. For example, if you spend $1,000, then you can apply the promo code, “BLCKFD100,” to save $100. The deal is valid only on new bookings created November 21 – 24, 2023; one reservation per person. Book online only on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23.
G Adventures has a Cyber Sale with savings of up to 30 percent off various trips. Various discounts will apply to 445 trips on sale, to destinations across Asia, the Americas, Africa, New Zealand and Australia, Antarctica and Europe.
Context Travel is offering 15 percent off all their experiences, including private and small group tours.
On Black Friday, EF Go Ahead Tours will offer select discounts of up to 20 percent and lightning deals of up to $1,000 off per traveler. The company, which had a month-long sale, will also have deals on Cyber Monday.
For The Love of Travel (FTLO Travel) is currently offering up to $200 off all of their 2024 itineraries from now until November 30. FTLO Travel curates group trips around the world and caters specifically to solo travelers between 25 and 39.
CIE Tours is offering savings of up to $600 this Black Friday on more than 20 guided vacations to Ireland, Britain, Iceland, and Italy. Booking is now through November 25, 2003 for all 2024 departures with no blackout dates. During Cyber Week, save up to 15 percent per couple for travel starting from June 1 through August 31, 2024. Book online November 26 through December 2, 2023.
Hurtigruten Norway
Cruises
Quark Expeditions is offering up to half off select Antarctic 23/24 voyages via their Black Friday Sale, which ends November 27.
Oceania Cruises‘ Best-Ever Black Friday Sale has savings of up to $5,400 per stateroom on more than 100 global voyages in 2024. It’s valid on bookings made between now and December 5, 2023.
Norwegian Cruises’ Black Friday sale is promoting 50 percent off all their cruises, with free unlimited open bar and airfare plus $250 free with CruiseFirst.
Hurtigruten Norway is offering up to 50 percent off on almost all sailings with the Original Coastal Express, and North Cape Express, for travel during January 1 and April 31, 2024. Travel between May 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, has discounts of up to 35 percent off, including the Svalbard Express. Booking window is now through November 30.
From now through December 5, travelers who book a cruise on Celebrity Cruises can get 75 percent off a second guest as well as up to $300 in onboard credit for nearly all itineraries through April 30, 2026. The Black Friday sale includes sailings on Celebrity Ascent, set to make her debut in December 2023 with her maiden voyage from Fort Lauderdale.
Airlines/Booking Sites/Travel Guides
American Airlines
Priceline’s holiday savings became available in three waves now through Cyber Monday.
Their Black Friday dealsinclude 30 percent or more at over 10,000 hotels across 80-plus countries. They include a $100 resort credit with select Mexico and Caribbean hotel bookings, 20 percent or more off top ski destinations and 60 percent or more off select Las Vegas Hotel Express Deals. Priceline’s Cyber Monday Flash Deals will be available to the first 500 customers.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority’s Cyber Sale rewards early bookings through December 1, 2023, with savings up to 40 percent off on accommodations or free night staysat a range of hotels and resorts.
Expedia members can get 30 percent or more on select hotels when they book by November 29, 2023 and travel by the end of 2024 (conditions vary).
Campspot, an outdoor adventure and camping booking platform, is having Black Friday through Cyber Monday discounts of up to half off bookings for certain campgrounds. The platform is also having Black Friday exclusive discounts of up to 25 percent off.
Lonely Planet is offering 30 percent off their titles, with the code “EARLY30.”
MedJet will offer Cyber Monday pricing online only on November 27, on individual and family members for Medjet Assist and Medjet Horizon. Discounts apply only to new regular annual memberships, and exclude Short-term and Diamond memberships (ages 75+).
Priceline is having a big Black Friday hotel sale, with savings of 30 percent or more at over 10,000 hotels across 80-plus countries. Also, save 10 percent on any hotel, rental car, or flight deal with the code, “BFCM10” and 10 percent off Priceline Experiences with the code, “EXPERIENCES10.”
Hotels
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
IHG Hotels & Resorts’ Cyber Sale encourages members to use the IHG One Rewards mobile app to get 20 percent off global bookings, to saving up to 40 percent off at more than 40 participating all-inclusive Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, and several other incredible offers.
The promotional rate is valid only for bookings made from now through November 28 in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Latin America and Caribbean and across other regions.
Bookings must be made at least three days in advance of your check-in date. Reservations are final and require full prepayment for the entire stay at time of booking. Payment is non-refundable. For more details, follow @IHGOneRewards on Facebook and Instagram.
Graduate Hotels’ Cyber Monday deal offers 50 percent off stays at all properties from November 27, 2023 through March 31, 2024. Book between November 27 and December 1, 2023.
Virgin Hotels is offering guests 30 percent off through 2024 with booked stays now through December 31, 2023. Additionally, five percent of proceeds from direct bookings made on Giving Tuesday will be donated to Feed America.
Margaritaville is offering discounts at various properties plus with Margaritaville at Sea.
The latter is offering a two-night getaway for two to The Bahamas starting at $89. Sail aboard the Margaritaville at Sea Paradise, and receive 30 percent percent off of Specialty Dining, Beverage Packages, Shore Excursions, and Signature Packages. Valid on sailings through 2024; book now through November 26, 2023.
The Margaritaville Resort Times Square will have 30 percent off standard rooms and up to 50 percent off suites and premium or deluxe rooms, with a stay for two or more nights. Available for stays through November 30, 2024, but book by December 2, 2023.
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort is offering stay savings of up to 20 percent of bookings between now through November 28 for stays by June 30, 2024.
Margaritaville Beach House Key West has rates up to 35 percent off select room types on stays through September 2024. Book between November 24-28, 2023, for stays beginning November 24.
Participants in Visit Finland’s “Masterclass of Happiness” will stay at the Kuru Resort.
Hi all. Yes, it’s been awfully quiet on here but I wanted to share with you this cool contest from Visit Finland.
Visit Finland, the country’s tourism board, is putting on a contest involving a “Masterclass of Happiness,” which coincides with Finland’s continuous stance as being the world’s happiest country by the World Happiness Report. Apparently, Finland has been awarded this title for five consecutive years!
I’m super late on posting this contest but the deadline for applying for a slot for the “Masterclass of Happiness” is Sunday, April 2, 2023. I’m sorry; I had a lot going on in March.
While staying at Kuru Resort, participants will work with expert coaches.
Here’s more about the contest. The offering will consist of a four-day masterclass, which will be held at the luxe Kuru Resort, in the Finnish Lakeland region of Finland, in June 2023. Ten chosen participants from around the world will arrive in Finland on June 11 and depart on June 16.
The masterclass will be entirely free of charge for the chosen participants. They will be advised by coaches of the Masterclass that are leading experts in their various fields. They will help guide the participants towards a balanced way of life that promotes happiness the Finnish way.
Also, Visit Finland will also cover the participants’ travel expenses to and from Finland.
Airbnb is booking a recreated stay at Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment. Credit: Tara Rice
Fans of “Sex And The City” might have already heard of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — the chance to book an Airbnb stay in a recreated version of Carrie Bradshaw’s New York City brownstone.
And the listed price is far lower than the city’s apartment rental prices!
The Airbnb booking is in timing with “And Just Like That…,” the upcoming HBO series on the next chapter in the lives of Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte York Goldenblatt (Christine Davis) and Miranda Hobbs (Cynthia Nixon).
Carrie’s fictional apartment will be available for two, one-night stays for up to two guests on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 12 and 13, 2021 for only $23 a night.
This “SATC” inspired stay will be available for two guests. Credit: Kate Glicksberg
“Sex And The City” fans interested in reliving the original series can request to book these stays beginning Monday, Nov. 8, at noon ET at airbnb.com/sexandthecity. Bring along your “Mr. Big,” Aidan, Steve or Harry or your bestie with you as your plus one.
This special Airbnb rental’s low price tag reflects the 23 years since Sarah Jessica Parker made her debut as the show’s famous advice columnist and fashionista with a hefty shoe collection. In fact, the lucky guests will get a virtual greeting at check-in from Carrie. I mean, SJP, herself.
Sarah Jessica Parker will say hi to the guests in a pre-recorded video. Credit: Tara Rice
They will also get:
The opportunity to descend the steps of her brownstone and stroll the streets of Manhattan (splash from a city bus not included);
Cosmopolitans for a toast;
An onsite but socially-distanced concierge for the duration of your stay;
The chance to admire and play dress-up in Carrie’s iconic closet, complete with her favorite looks (like the Patricia Field tutu she wears in the show’s opening credits), designers, and of course, shoes!
However, those who request to book this stay must currently live in the United States and are on their own for getting to New York City. Plus there are taxes and fees. You know NYC can get costly.
Play dress up while staying at this Airbnb in NYC. Credit: Kate Glicksberg
While in the city, guests have to adhere to New York City and New York State guidelines in relation to the current pandemic. So bring extra masks and your vaccination card or a saved photo copy if you’re wanting to have a night out on the town. Note: if you’re not vaccinated, please read up here beforehand on how that could impact your trip plans.
Airbnb is also closely monitoring New York City infection rates and government policies, and will offer the booking guest a $1,000 USD Airbnb travel credit if it becomes necessary to cancel the stays.
Airbnb is renting out the house featured in “Scream.” Credit: Helynn Ospina
Instead of watching a scary movie, or telling a mystery caller over the phone that you are about to, celebrate Halloween by booking a stay in the house made famous in SCREAM.
Tying in with the 25th anniversary of Wes Craven’s modern horror classic, and the upcoming SCREAM 5 release in January 2022, Airbnb is scheduling bookings for three single-night stays at this Northern California estate featured in the 1996 film.
Available on October 27, 29 and 31, 2021, this thrilling home will welcome up to four people, for a shockingly low price of only $5 a night. Plus taxes and fees, if you dare. And, you have to be a U.S. resident to book.
If you’re feeling a little nervous, don’t worry. Your virtual host will be Dwight “Dewey” Riley, the beloved small-town sheriff. In a video, actor David Arquette, who portrays Dewey in the series, will offer to share his tips on surviving the night via an online greeting at check-in.
David Arquette will greet the lucky guests via a pre-recorded video. Credit: Helynn Ospina
The fortunate, or maybe misfortunate, guests will also get acquainted with decor elements correlating with SCREAM. They can settle in and watch a SCREAM movie marathon of all the current four films on VHS tapes. They can also explore this home in all its entirety and in correlation with the franchise’s first film. Guests will come across knife marks on the doors to the garage, where Dewey’s sister, Tatum, (played by Rose McGowan) met a tragic ending.
There’s also the famous “brick phone” with a dedicated phone line to Ghostface, the film’s gruesome protagonist. Heads up though, he might call the house.
Other guest surprises tied to this nineties piece of pop culture include a pack of nineties snack favorites.
Superfans can request to book this stay beginning Tuesday, October 12, at 1 p.m. EDT at airbnb.com/halloween.
On Thursday, October 28, 2021, SCREAM (2022) executive producer and scary movie expert Kevin Williamson will host an online experience that will give guests a chance to learn behind-the-scenes secrets of the SCREAM franchise, including the cast, characters, plot twists and more.
Booking for this online experience also opens on October 12, at 1 p.m. EDT, and is bookable by visiting airbnb.com/SecretsofSCREAM.
Intrepid Travel is giving away a trip for two to Antarctica onboard their new ship. Credit: Intrepid Travel
My eyes did a double take when I got this email about Intrepid Travel‘s latest giveaway – a trip for two to Antarctica.
To celebrate the inaugural season of its new polar expedition ship, Intrepid Travel has launched a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Antarctica for one lucky winner and guest. The trip’s value is roughly $25,000.
I’m hopefully going to visit Antarctica next year, but with another tour company. If my plans weren’t already in place, and my payment plan now under way, I’d jump on putting in my entry for this Intrepid Travel trip giveaway.
Oh well. But you might have an amazing opportunity ahead of you. Yes, you.
The lucky winner and guest of Intrepid Travel’s Antarctica giveaway will go onboard the Ocean Endeavour.
This bucket list trip to Antarctica giveaway will bring the winner and their plus one onboard the Ocean Endeavour. This ship comes equipped with creature comforts including a gym, spa, library, heated saltwater pool, and jacuzzi. And if you’re worried about crowding onboard, don’t. The ship’s passenger to crew ratio will be eight to one.
Plus, along with seeing this continent, you’ll learn a lot about Antarctica. The ship’s passengers will be joined by guides knowledgeable in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history and have access to Citizen Science programs and active pursuits including kayaking and snowshoeing.
The winner and guest will join one of Intrepid’s Best of Antarctica voyages during the 2021-2022 season, an 11-day trip that will explore ice-filled bays and channels, take in majestic scenery and spot wildlife. They also have to book their trip by September 30, 2021 and depart for their voyage by December 29, 2021.
To enter, fill out this online form now through August 23, 2021 by 10 a.m. ET.
And now, read the fine print below (but still take a chance and sign up, okay?).
Terms and Conditions: Open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. Limit one (1) entry per person, per email account. One (1) Grand-Prize winner will receive a trip to Antarctica which includes: (a) A booking for the prize winner and a guest (2 people total) on Intrepid Travel’s Best of Antarctica trip, dependent on availability (details are outlined here. ) (ARV: $25,000 USD) (“Intrepid Tour”). Airfare is excluded.
Helsinki’s Uunisaari Island was one of the places I saw before having to rush back to the States in March 2020.
March 11, 2020 is listed as the date when the impact of Covid-19 pandemic was recognized in the United States and lockdowns and closures took effect. On the next day, March 12, I had to leave the happiest country in the world — 26 hours after getting there.
Here’s what happened. Originally this entry was to be published as an article in a digital outlet, but the story was nixed. I decided to share it here.
In early March of last year, I was set to go to Finland on a five-day work trip to see why it was chosen as the happiness country in the world by The World Happiness Report in 2018, 2019, and 2020. As a travel writer, sent on assignment, I was to find out what seemingly made Finland’s people feel great while going about their daily lives. And maybe I could apply a tip or two to myself.
In the midst of this happiness, at this time, the global threat of COVID-19 grew. Europe had become the epicenter of the epidemic with more reported cases, and the World Health Organization characterized this coronavirus as a pandemic. In the U.S., the CDC reported cases of related illnesses were climbing; in the second week of March, the number was over 2,000 and would still be rising.
Hotel St. George’s Wintergarden lounge bar and restaurant, where I stayed briefly in Helsinki.
Day One
The growing impact would come back to hit our trip starting with our arrival on March 11 after taking an overnight flight there the day before. Initially, we were set to take part in a new but now cancelled campaign. We were to attend a “Happiness School,” where its planned focus was to show visitors like myself how to reconnect with nature and embrace Finnish habits, language and ways.
During four previously planned school days, I was to be taught about this Finnish sense of happiness through cuisine, physical outdoor activity, craftmaking and other objectives.
To be mindful of the health concerns caused by the outbreak, the Happiness School concept was postponed. Our trip was still on, but instead we’d be focusing on exploring why Finland is such a happy place.
Another writer from the States and I arrived in Helsinki on the morning of March 11, a day before the announcement of Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell testing positive for coronavirus.
We checked into Hotel St. George, a stylish luxury and wellness-focused property within a 19th-century building in the city center, next to Helsinki’s Old Church Park. At the time, other guests were staying there as well. I saw them hanging out within its Wintergarten lounge bar and restaurant or dining in Restaurant Andrea or grabbing a pastry or something else to go from its St. George Bakery & Bar.
Our media group ate dinner at Finnjävel, a Finnish restaurant.
We had an entire afternoon to explore Helsinki on our own before our scheduled dinner at Finnjävel, a restaurant exploring Finland’s northern food culture. The experimental menu consisted of traditional Finnish foods — from dairy to root vegetables, rye and wild berries, to meats and fish — across its regions that are commonly eaten. But this night, they were revisioned for us with a chef’s twist. We tasted Finnish spinach pancakes, rye bread, a crispy pork belly paired with boiled potatoes, and Pannukakku, an oven-baked pancake presented to us as a dessert.
The next day’s schedule was packed with activity. Our guided walking tour was to take us to the Amos Rex Art Museum, Kamppi Chapel, also known as “the Chapel of Silence,” and Oodi Central Library, among other attractions.
We’d also experience Finnish sauna culture — a bathing ritual noted for its cleansing and calming properties — at Uusi Sauna. Then we’d head to the southwest coast to the city of Turku the following day.
At Uunisaari, I learned I had to head back to my hotel and get to the airport fast.
I explored the hotel and the neighborhood, stopping at a Burger King that unbeknownst to me had a sauna inside of it. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I purchased my food order directly from workers with cash. No one seemed concerned about standing in close proximity; no masks were worn.
Since we were to see a lot in Helsinki on the following day, I figured it would be best to take it easy on my first day. I assumed wrong.
Something Is Up
In the early Thursday morning hours, my jetlag had me catching texts from my sister sent late on Wednesday night. President Trump had just declared all transatlantic air travel to the United States from Europe suspended for 30 days, effective Friday, March 13.
“Figure out how to get home if you’re not leaving sooner,” she wrote.
I was set to fly home on Sunday, March 15. I googled the specifics to learn more.
The 30-day travel ban had involved 26 countries belonging to the Schengen border-free travel area such as Finland. However, it still permitted U.S. citizens back into the U.S. As much as I wanted to take that gamble, and wait out my Sunday departure to experience the full trip, I envisioned a competitive race to fly home before the Friday close to midnight deadline.
I waited to hear from Halla Joonas, our Visit Finland contact, on what to do. Halla would change our flights to Friday, March 13, which would have us missing the second leg of the trip but would at least give us another day in Helsinki.
On rainy and cold day two, being Thursday, March 12, we headed to the island of Uunisaari in southern Helsinki, to the restaurant and sauna of the same name. Warming up inside this building, I spotted urgent texts from Halla.
One of the buildings in Helsinki I saw on our way back to the hotel.
“PLEASE CALL BACK ASAP”
“Just got news and you would need to be on [the] 12:40 flight today”
“They might not be able to fly on Friday is what they are saying now from Finnair, please call back”
We called back, and it was clear. The other American journalist on the trip and I had to leave. It was about 10:30 in the morning at that point, and my 26-hour visit finished up with a hurried tram ride back to our hotel. I kept my eye on the tram windows to take in my last images of Helsinki on this route. At our stop, we said goodbye to two other journalists from Spain who could continue on the trip.
With a stealth-like check of my hotel room, I returned to the lobby with my bags. Taru Itälinna, who coordinates publicity for My Helsinki and was taking us around town on this day, checked us in for our Finnair flights by navigating through a Finnish language process on our phones.
Back To The Airport
Taru joined us on the cab ride to the airport and helped me check in my suitcase at the counter right as the cutoff point took effect. With her being there, and explaining to the counter employee what happened in Finnish, my bag made it through to JFK okay.
Taru was my voice of calm. I think if I was there on my own, I’d be a nervous wreck.
At the airport, our endless walk to our gate went from security, a DUTY free shop, passport control and a long winding route to our gate. Our flight to JFK was fairly full; gate agents asked us if we had been to China before boarding. Hand sanitizer was present.
Nothing out of the ordinary occurred on the flight home, except for passengers wiping down tray tables and seat belt buckles. Once we landed at JFK, I expected questioning or something more at U.S. customs. When I was at my passport control, an officer asked me how I was feeling and if I had visited China. His questioning was standard, but he had me get my bags searched after I told him I had brought back some Finnish berry smoothie powders with me.
My gate at Helsinki airport
When I got home, I went into lockdown and only stepped out being masked up for big shopping outings and needs such as an outdoor walk.
Following Up
Two weeks later, on March 24, 2020, I emailed Halla to thank him again and see how things were going in Helsinki. Three days after I sent my message, Finland’s Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced restrictions imposed on domestic travel in and out of the Uusimaa region, an area in Southern Finland where Helsinki is located, to further prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Halla’s reply sounded hopeful. “The situation is still relatively good,” he wrote back then. People seemed calm, he said. Restaurants were selling only take-out food and drink; even alcohol, which was forbidden normally. They, bars and cafes were reported to be closed until May 31, 2020. Cultural venues, sports centers and municipalities such as day care services for the elderly were shut down as well.
Yet, Halla told me that keeping a social distance can be done easily, since Helsinki has many public outdoor spaces. As of this recap writing, the Finnish Government is extending the restrictions on entry into Finland until March 18, 2021. Restaurants are open but their stance may change.
Back home, I lost my day job a few months later but thankfully I had some other means to make it financially through last year. Like everyone else, I Zoomed with others. And like others, I lost someone partly to COVID-19 and knew others who also lost their relatives and loved ones to the pandemic or had become ill and recovered. Now, I support travel locally as I’m able to do so, from giving financially when I could to organizations helping with restaurant relief, to food banks and then later some to those involved with social change.
And as of the end of April 2021, I am now vaccinated. Stay safe and be well.
2020 shook up not only our ability to travel but also our daily living; in many cases, our economic means. While this year had some personal and professional setbacks for me, I am overall grateful that for the most part I had good experiences and made lasting memories.
Here’s my recap of 2020.
My first trip of 2020 was to the Don CeSar Hotel.
Starting 2020 on the road
January had me already going on my first trip to St. Petersburg and Clearwater, Florida. I stayed at the Don CeSar, a grand hotel that is noted for its bright pink paint color. Its place along the beach was also nice and I spent some time wandering along the sand.
Abu Dhabi is the second Emirati that I’ve visited.
Visiting Abu Dhabi
I’ve been to the United Arab Emirates before — first to Dubai in 2019 — but I returned to this destination in February to see Abu Dhabi, which is its capital. Traveling with Visit Abu Dhabi and Etihad Airways, I stayed at St. Regis Abu Dhabi along Corniche, a beach area, and at the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, a lux oasis near the Rub’ Al Khali.
Other highlights ranged from visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an outpost of the famous Parisian museum; to sipping on a 24K gold cappuccino at Emirates Palace; to visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which was built and named for Abu Dhabi’s founder. See more here.
Celebrating Mardi Gras in Lake Charles
It was fun to head to this city in Southwest Louisiana that also puts on Mardi Gras parades and events in February. Compared to NOLA’s, I think Lake Charles’ version still offers a good time but is more chill. I got to throw beads to crowds in a family-friend parade, see a Mardi Gras pageant featuring local Krewes chapters and try locally-made boudin and rum.
The beautiful Cox Bay at Pacific Sands Beach Resort
Visiting Tofino and Vancouver
I’ve been to Canada a few times and got to see Vancouver and Tofino, also in February. Tofino is a small district on Vancouver Island that is known for its beaches and forest areas and has a community living here year-round. I tried my hand at surfing and dined at places such as Tofino Brewing Company, Chocolate Tofino, and SHELTER Restaurant. Our group stayed at Pacific Beach Sands Resort, a lovely property along Cox Bay.
I quickly explored Helsinki before having to head back home.
Rushing Home from Finland
March 2020 was when the coronavirus pandemic really began to change everything in travel. At that time, I was on a work trip to Finland, where I arrived in Helsinki two days before President Trump implemented travel restrictions to the U.S. from certain Schengen Area countries (Finland, being among them.) I got there on a Wednesday with the ban to kick in on Friday. On Thursday, we were told by Visit Finland officials that they were concerned about myself and another American on the trip being able to make it home okay. Also on that day, they rebooked our return flights to JFK for that afternoon, so we had to rush back to the hotel to get our bags and go to the airport ASAP.
But I also learned a lot this year. Here’s some of it.
The holiday tree at the New York Stock Exchange
More Of An Appreciation For New York City
New York City got hit hard with the pandemic, with hospitals being inundated with cases, tourism locations having to shut down and restaurants still trying to stay afloat. I stayed at home much from March through June, only venturing out for fresh air walks or essential grocery shopping. I started going beyond that by heading to local parks and often very empty museums and getting takeout from nearby eateries.
The subway and buses are getting busy again, so I’m staying as careful as I can while using them. I have to admit that I’m nervous riding them as cars and seats are filling up. Most riders wear masks, but there a few that don’t.
However, I did venture out in December around Manhattan to see holiday trees and decorations and headed to restaurants that I’ve always wanted to dine at and to get to-go orders.
Pico Do Carvão in The Azores
Branching Out In My Writing
I got scared a lot with keeping work steady this year, as I was laid off from my tourism side job and most outlets had to change their formats. I tried a lot of new fields of writing and thankfully was able to score assignments in new publications, including Reader’s Digest, Smithsonian Magazine and Zagat. Due to my layoff and being able to self-quarantine alone, I accepted a special press trip to Portugal in October to see how its tourism and hospitality sector was adjusting to the pandemic and implementing Covid-19 health and safety precautions. You can read more about my experience here.
These days, and going into 2021, I’m going to be staying local. But that’s fine for me. We’ll see what happens.
She Is Going Places 