In one section of the NYTs we read about the intense warming in huge sections of the Pacific Ocean that drive the weather extremes that make the news almost every evening. In this section we read about the offer to buy almost flippant travel packages on a whim of interest which looking at travel overall, dumps significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. Where do we draw the line? When does the health of the planet trump ever rising levels of fossil fuel consumption?
3
What does the fate of the environment mean next to the opportunity for personal growth provided by travel?
Not entirely dissimilar: I know people who drive 25 miles in from the suburbs to buy environmentally-friendly and locally-grown products at the local food coop.
Not entirely dissimilar: I know people who drive 25 miles in from the suburbs to buy environmentally-friendly and locally-grown products at the local food coop.
3
In their SUVs
You do realize that the greenhouse gases emitted from all forms of transportation (planes, automobiles, trucks, etc.) is a mere fraction of the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by animals raised in agriculture? I think advocating an animal-free diet is better for society than chiding people for traveling.
At a tour company that I used to work at, we would have 'Mystery Trip' contests from time to time. You could sign up and be in the running to win a trip for two to any destination in the world that we traveled to. Like those companies mentioned here, we also helped our clients to fully prepare for their trip, with packing lists and any necessary inoculations.
The day of departure, I went on a local radio show in San Francisco with the winners in studio and announced live where they were going. There was literally a car to the airport waiting downstairs on the street, then off they went! Seeing the excitement on their faces is still one of the highlights of my career.
The day of departure, I went on a local radio show in San Francisco with the winners in studio and announced live where they were going. There was literally a car to the airport waiting downstairs on the street, then off they went! Seeing the excitement on their faces is still one of the highlights of my career.
1
We did a version of this a couple of years ago to great advantage. Apple Vacations had a "Square Deal" special to Punta Cana - we didn't know the specific resort until flight departure. Having never been to the DR, and wanting to get out of the frigid cold - we were not picky as to which resort we stayed in. Note that I had chosen the highest category, searched which resorts were in that category, and assessed that the options would be good. We were very pleased with our week on the beach and would do it again.
It's difficult to believe that "surprise travel offerings are unlikely to spark a sweeping trend" as that just sounds like the travel industry marketing-speak. Of course, "if you make it sound exciting" there will inevitably be a portion of customers who crave an adventure, photo op, or just what's next to do. It's in the airline and hotel industry's favor to book people wherever they have excess capacity, and sounds like another wretched travel-reality program in the works! Nearly all reputable travel advisors strongly recommended good planning and confirming all locations and accommodations, not leaving anything to chance, especially when heading abroad. For new experiences on vacation, turn to a good local concierge for your adventures.
4
Interesting - in this NY Times OP-ED from August (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/18/opinion/what-your-vacation-says-about-..., Arthur Brooks says that "vacation planning tends to bring happiness" and "people actually derive most of the happiness from their vacations in the planning phase."
My experience tells me the same, and though I love gambling, having a surprise destination and much of the planning out of my control seems like a recipe for an unpleasant vacation.
My experience tells me the same, and though I love gambling, having a surprise destination and much of the planning out of my control seems like a recipe for an unpleasant vacation.
4
I run Magical Mystery Tours and LOVE seeing mystery trips get more attention! I'm so glad Stephanie mentioned how the anticipation of a trip boosts happiness. The anticipation of the mystery destination is a whole different kind of anticipation. There's not that many controlled, good surprises once you're past the whole kid-on-Christmas-morning stage! I just got back from my mystery honeymoon on the French Riviera and the guessing process in the months leading up to the trip was amazing.
2
This is an interesting story. It sounds like the Brits are applying more thought to the idea than the others who are using the idea as a cute gimmick. Nextpedition probably failed because American Express's business model didn't allow them to invest the time a concept like this requires in order to be effective.
The story's closing line sadly misses the point of the idea and thus reveals how much of a focus latching on to a destination still is for people - even those writing a story about an idea whose premise is not knowing the destination!
Of course you can spin the globe to let fate decide where you go but the point is to not know where you're going. Based on my understanding of how this works it sounds like the most interesting, self-exploring or developing part of the idea lies first in the lead up to the trip and then on arrival when you find out where you are.
The story's closing line sadly misses the point of the idea and thus reveals how much of a focus latching on to a destination still is for people - even those writing a story about an idea whose premise is not knowing the destination!
Of course you can spin the globe to let fate decide where you go but the point is to not know where you're going. Based on my understanding of how this works it sounds like the most interesting, self-exploring or developing part of the idea lies first in the lead up to the trip and then on arrival when you find out where you are.
Brown + Hudson are experts in their field. If I wanted an unforgettable, authentic experience in a location I was entirely unfamiliar with they'd be my first choice. The concept of "surprise" travel is an intriguing one. Again if I were to entrust anyone to planning such a trip if would be Philippe Brown & his team of professionals.
1