A global pandemic is not quite what I ever envisioned leading with for my Editor’s Note.  Alas, here we are at Galavante, but we are healthy, strong and continuing to forge onwards, no matter what will come our way.  We make our business in travel, and our industry is one of the most materially impacted. This past few weeks have been intense, where Galavante’s fire drills have included rescheduling 1000+ person conferences, evacuating Americans out of Peru and helping clients who have been diagnosed with COVID while under our care. I’ve had the State Department, CDC, immigration of several countries, doctors, hospitals and health officials around the world on speed dial round the clock. I’ve called in favors to get me dialed in to get s—- done. I’ve also shored up resources, and continue to do so, so that the 25+ people who work with me will continue to be looked after this next few months. Our team at Galavante are warriors, and we got this.  And most importantly, we’ve got you covered.

I am going to begin this next few months by taking the most deep, delicious breath in, and I’m going to enjoy being at home. I am still on track to visit all 195 countries, where I have 40+ countries on my list this year.   Travel will begin again, but I am looking at this time as a gift.   It is a rare moment to sit back and really reflect, and focus on projects I never have enough time to do, because I am always on a plane.

I of course miss travel, but it is a luxury to be home in NYC, which is my favorite place in the world. I’m going to get back to writing for Galavante, test kitchen our recipes, work on our travel show, and learn Arabic, which has always been on my list. Feeling grateful for the check ins and for family and friends. Feeling grateful for you.  This too will pass, and it will make us all stronger, more appreciative and we’ll probably never take the ability to have dinner at a restaurant, shake hands with a new friend and give hugs to everyone we possibly can once this social distancing has run its course.  We are all in this together.