Yahnny Adolfo San Luis
March 12, 2021
 

For some kids, a mother’s stare is a sure-fire way to shut down misbehavior. My mother had a stare that could freeze an ocean. When my hyperactive energy drove her nuts there was no need for words, just her stare and I was like an ice sculpture frozen in time. I laugh at this now because I have not toned down much, obviously.

A few weeks ago, my partner Erik and I took a walk on Bråviken, a fjard in Östergötland, Sweden. It was our first time since the start of winter. He was in a playful state which lifted my weary spirits. I admit that winter can be difficult with its mix of long nights and frigid temperatures. Fortunately, the playful child in me comes to the rescue and laughs at seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the face. Unfortunately, SAD and the effect that the pandemic has had on many people cannot be diminished nor ignored particularly for women who are naturally compassionate and have the tendency to overwork themselves physically and emotionally to the point of inducing stress-related illnesses. I have a lot to say about my mom because of this. She was 46 years old when she received her first diagnosis of cancer. I was a hyper little girl, and she was just too exhausted to handle my bursts of energy after 16-hour shifts at the hospital. My mother was a great nurse who took care of everyone including our immediate and extended families – a true matriarch.

For Women’s History Month, I would like to call attention to all the women who have taken care of us. Regardless of profession or station in life, women will sacrifice their own well-being for others in need. How can we honor this act of emotional generosity in our daily lives? Thoughtfulness. This is the one thing that is immensely understated in value. Thoughtfulness is love, compassion, and gratitude wrapped in a beautiful package.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency that nearly decimated the tourism industry overnight. Yahnny Bly & Co. was not immune. Unfortunately, many have been in the same boat and this winter was our tsunami. But it is time to steer into calmer waters with a new agenda and a renewed spirit. I believe that international travel will gradually recover as domestic travel continues to thrive.

By the looks of things, we are probably going to have a precautionary year before 2022 can be up to speed with newly implemented changes such as COVID-passports or vaccine-passports. What does this mean for you?

Here are 3 tips for journeying in 2021 and beyond COVID-19:

1. Planning is challenging but that is part of the fun! Yahnny Bly & Co. is now focusing on bespoke travel with flexible cancellation and rebooking policies. The dates on the site are there to help you plan around the best seasons, but they are not set in stone. This is the beauty about bespoke. You control most of the details as we cater the itinerary according to your budget and timeline. Booking a consultation is the first step of the journey and should not be rushed. Take time to dream. Write them down in a journal. Start a Pinterest account to curate inspiration boards. Read books filled with adventure. Talk with friends and family about travel ideas.
    
2. Be kind to others and to ourselves as the planet heals. Domestic travel is the best way to support local businesses that have been gravely affected. Venture into the great outdoors – be responsible and care for it as well. In Sweden, Allemansrätten, “everyman’s right” or “right to roam,” is the general public's right to access certain public or privately owned land, lakes, and rivers for recreation and exercise. Choose tours that implement sustainable protocols. Hire local guides who know how to circumnavigate the crowds that may have increased at popular sites where you intend to visit. They also have the inside scoop with proprietors and have years of local knowledge that cannot be found anywhere online. In the end, travel builds relationships.
    
3. Learn a new skill, adopt a new healthy habit, or work towards a goal that was far-fetched in the past. I now have more time in one place rather than traveling for work. So, training for my first 100km ultra marathon in October feels like a good way to push forward with a revitalized outlook. Take short walks. Connect with family and friends. Play with your children. Set down your phone. Listen to singing birds. Reconnect with yourself.

The season is changing, and I am excited to see new and familiar faces with us exploring our home territory of Sweden. I have learned that trying something close to home usually quells the butterflies that prevent first-time adventure seekers from venturing out. For 2021, we will have plenty of opportunities to paddle, hike, bike, and run. These activities are just the tip of the iceberg!