The Greater Good
By Hank Schrader, USMA ’71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert
I never thought I would never say this, but it is now true—travel just seems trivial right now.
Don’t get me wrong—I still believe travel is important and remember the words of a client just a couple of days ago, “I just live for my travel opportunities” (so do we) but it just is on the back burner right now. I doubt our zeal for travel will ever die and we hope it is the same for you.
At some point it will come back, but for now, the Greater Good requires all of us to pause our travel plans.
“The Greater Good Requires You to Pause Your Travel Plans Right Now”
Our business presently has shifted from helping people reach their dream destination to protecting their best interests as vendors cancel trips and governments restrict travel and their bookings are postponed or cancelled. However, even with this uncertainty, some have booked trips with us for later in 2020 and into 2021.
Our travel industry is facing a difficult time but so is the entire world. We are all being called upon to sacrifice for the Greater Good.
I hope for the Greater Good, folks will do as we do, by doing the right thing when no one is looking. Take responsibility and show some personal discipline.
There are many things in this life we can control, but other times we face uncertainty. This is especially true when we are faced with a coronavirus (the correct term is COVID-19) disease that is spreading quickly throughout in the world.
We will always face problems in life but there are usually solutions and those who deal decisively, using facts, almost always arrive at the best possible outcome for their predicament.
So, this week, I’d like to write about the Greater Good.
We All Will be Impacted
For the Greater Good, we are now facing restrictions on our lifestyles.
Wow, how a month has changed us.
The Greater Good requires us to be responsible, make some personal sacrifices, and to think about others instead of worrying about ourselves.
Along with our immediate clients, I can’t help but thinking about our key vendors, other agents and most of all, the folks who serve us on our trips, clean our rooms or staterooms and guide us to see and experience wonderful places.
I have read in one source (US Private Sector Job Quality Index) an estimate that 35 million low wage US jobs (defined as under $800 a week) are at risk short term. Particularly hard hit are the food and beverage sector, hotels, airlines, travel and attractions. Yes, most folks in our industry are suffering.
Simply put, the folks who can least afford it, are at the greatest risk.
We wish them all well, hope they can survive these trying times and they have our love and support.
May we all be strong in this difficult time!
We Are Your Travel Solution in these Trying Times
I want to clearly state right now, we are and will continue to be the source of reliable information and transparency.
Decisions about travel right now are difficult. Plans are upended, and there is an emotional toll of facing the right course of action—do you go if that is even an option, do you postpone or just outright cancel?
I want to make one point clear—we understand your frustration and potential loss and we have your back—you can count on us!
These are unprecedented times in the travel industry. Sadly, some businesses will not survive.
Let me assure you, we will remain in business to serve you. We are resilient and can weather this storm both financially and emotionally.
You Can Trust Us
We will all be faced with difficult decisions. We will help guide you through this unusual time. We will clearly explain your options, if you are already booked, provide updates as vendor policies change and, if we don’t know, tell you.
The situation is very fluid, and uncertain but not impossible to navigate.
We will never take advantage of this situation, especially if one vendor option might be more favorable to us—we will present all options clearly and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each only as it pertains to your best interests.
Your Safety is Our Primary Concern
Again, let me be crystal clear here—there is nothing more important than your safety and health when traveling. I would not consider any vacation that puts you in a high risk situation is worth taking, regardless of high important it might be to you or any others.
Remember, just because you don’t have any symptoms, or are sick, you could still be a carrier.
The Greater Good requires us to make the world and you as safe as we can.
Steps You Should Take Now
1. Please follow public health protocols. Try to limit touching your face, wash your hands thoroughly and social distance. We need to stem transmission of this virus and protect ourselves and others.
2. Sanitize. I live with a great lady who teaches me daily about how to limit my impact on others. Thanks Anne!
3. Comply with government restrictions as best you can. Take some personal responsibility for the Greater Good.
4. Try to help others. Reach out to those who might need your help. Try to support a struggling restaurant by ordering take-out food and leave a tip. Donate to a cause that might help others, like a food bank. Help the less unfortunate if you can.
5. Be responsible on Social Media. Enough said.
6. Give us a call, a text, or send an e-mail. Let us know what is happening in your world. We are here for you.
We will be Here When This Passes
To say the least this is going to shake the travel industry to its core. What once was a fun, exciting vacation plan, has now become a challenge for most folks concerning travel.
Trust me, this too will pass. It is just a question of when. Medical folks at some point will come up with methods to deal with this problem, travel suppliers will strengthen their preventative measures and the travel industry will improve to provide you better, safer trips.
My Final Thoughts
We are here for your needs. We like to think of ourselves as your good friends, ready to help, because that is what real friends do for others.
We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise experts, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations. As you can see, our full service agency can get you to almost anywhere you desire to travel and provide you a great experience and vacation.
When you are spending your hard earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience.
Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!
HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 48+ years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:
AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent
