Category: Uncategorized

Planning and Executing Mission Travel During a Pandemic

While the world’s travelers may have been looking forward to the wake of surf on a warm and sandy beach, the COVID-19 pandemic left a wake missed trips. With lost travel came countless never-made memories and lost opportunities to experience new cultures, try new foods and see amazing sites. Globally, travelers’ plans were put on hold as the virus spread making it both more difficult and more dangerous to go to new places by air, sea and land.

Some travels did not stop, plans were simply altered or put off for later. For me, I chose to embrace what I could, combining safety precautions with a healthy dose of respecting the virus while not completely overreacting or applying cancel culture to my travel schedule.

During the pandemic throughout 2020, I travelled across the United States – from Arizona to Texas to Florida multiple times. I always felt completely safe though I always played it safe by wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands often and using sanitizer. Every part of the travel industry, from the airlines to the hotels to the car rental companies I used, did their best to care for my safety and that of my family.

While not all of my travel plans were cancelled, many were. In fact, five mission trips were postponed due to limits on International travel or high COVID rates in the destination location. I did, however, get to take two International trips in 2020, one to Mexico and one to Jamaica.

In looking back at the Jamaica mission trip, it would be an understatement to say it was logistically challenging. A big thanks to Terri Rickard with Southwestern Travel Group for helping me navigate the new challenges. For starters, Jamaica was letting tourists come to the country, but several rules were put in place due to COVID. The first was, if you are a resident of the USA, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico or Panama, you must have a negative COVID test 10 days prior to landing. And not just a negative test result, it had to be a COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test from a lab designated as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) registered or ISO-15189 certified. This was not too difficult of a task, however nine of the ten mission team members were in Mexico on an incentive trip during the required time frame. We had to find a lab that met the qualifications. Once we did this, we took our own little incentive trip and had our blood drawn. We have the results in less than 24 hours.

The next step was to apply for a Jamaican-approved travel authorization. This is more easily said than done. Using myself as the guinea pig to figure it out, it took me around 45 minutes. The online form wanted to make sure we could provide a private residence we would be staying at, the duration of the trip, the reason, it asked a few health questions, etc. Once I knew my way around the form, I had to locate all nine team members (one who was in the States still) and fill out the form with them, sending them there permission to enter the company so they could print to present to the airline during the boarding process. This process took 10 minutes after I knew what I was doing.

For the flight to Jamaica, all the usual precautions were taken such as required mask-wearing and temperature checks. Upon arrival, more temperature checks and a questionnaire about whether we had symptoms were one of several check points.

Jamaica also required quarantining. When picked up at the airport, we went straight to the location we would call home for the next eight days – Jamaican Deaf Village in Shooters Hill, Manchester Parrish. This beautiful, green 100-acre property dwells within the interior mountains of the island nation. If you must be quarantined to one location, this one would be my choice any day. While the missions team did not to see much of the country other than the two hour drive from the airport and back, nor were we able to go on an excursion to experience more of the culture, we were all ok with that. Everyone understood the purpose of the trip was service and personal and spiritual growth. This was not voluntourism, but rather a chance to do something impactful during a time when a virus was suppressing life as we all had known it to be.

Each team member came away from the trip with not only a renewed perspective for the Jamaican people and deaf culture, but also for being able to problem-solve through restrictive travel rules and engage with a people who had not seen any visitors for nine months – which is nothing compared to not hearing for a lifetime.

As I found out, people fall on two sides: those who would agree this trip (during a pandemic) was necessary… and those who would not. I don’t think traveling like we did during the pandemic was at all necessary, but I do know that delivering hope and love to an underserved people or population knows no borders and does require a certain amount of risk. I, for one, am glad all the planning and execution of pandemic travel worked in our favor and everyone remained healthy and safe. It’s an experience none of us will forget.

Author: TREY CAMPBELL, APR

Our team of travel experts would love to help you plan your next adventure. At Southwestern Travel Group, our depth of expertise, knowledge of destinations, and attention to detail saves you time, money, and headaches. As travel experts, we can handle any emergency that may arise when you’re on the road — everything from a missed flight connection to a hotel that closes unexpectedly—and we will go the extra mile. To book your next trip, contact us today at 800.222.4441 or [email protected].

Two Travel Programs to Consider Before Your Next Trip

Take advantage of travel safety training to prepare for your trip abroad. Learn how to best navigate international emergencies, protect your health and wellness, and much more.

 

 

 

 

 

If your trip abroad goes wrong will you know what to do?
In the event of civil unrest, accidents, or a natural disaster, do you have an evacuation plan to get home safely? If your son or daughter experiences assault, serious injury, illness, or theft while studying abroad, will they know where to go and how to get help on their own? Every country has different laws and procedures, and your insurance might not cover you when you need it most.

Benefits of Enrolling

Protect yourself and the ones you love with “THE PREMIER TRAVEL SAFETY COURSE”
Avoid risks and enjoy worry-free global adventures with a trip-specific customized Emergency Action Plan.
Traveling the World offers experiences and education no classroom can provide. Preparing wisely can be lifesaving. 

Enroll today in The Travel Heroes Safety Certification Course crafted by Depart Smart, the nation’s leading experts in travel safety on a mission to teach travelers how to stay safe abroad. Course Registrations, Sponsorships, and Donations help fund their life-saving work – Depart Smart is a 501(c)3 non profit organization.

 

 

 

 

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a FREE service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.           

Benefits of Enrolling

Receive important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel plans.
Help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency.
Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

Register Your Trip with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate Today, with STEP.

Our team of travel experts would love to help you plan your next adventure. At Southwestern Travel Group, our depth of expertise, knowledge of destinations, and attention to detail saves you time, money, and headaches. As travel experts, we can handle any emergency that may arise when you’re on the road — everything from a missed flight connection to a hotel that closes unexpectedly — and we will go the extra mile. To book your next trip, contact us today at 800.222.4441 or [email protected].

 

Best Places to Visit in the U.S. Once Travel Restrictions are Lifted

We all know these are troubling times. However, the spirit of travel is alive and well, and we do see the light at the end of the tunnel getting brighter. At Southwestern Travel Group (SWTG), we believe in travel. We are dreaming of a time when we can travel again, and we wanted to share with you some of the best and practical places to visit in our exquisite country when travel restrictions are lifted.

1.  Go on a roadtrip to the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and North Carolina. You will not regret taking a walk on the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the United States and seeing the breath-taking views of the Smoky Mountains. But be warned. This bridge stretches 680 feet across a valley and is suspended 140 feet above the ground, calling all adventurous travelers.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Take a ride on the Alaskan Railroad to adventure into the Last Frontier. This experience is sure to leave you wanting more. From day trips to custom weeklong adventures, you are sure to observe Alaskan brown and black bears as well as icebergs. You will also end one day with a delicious salmon and prime rib dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. There is so much to see in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. Don’t be surprised by the herds of buffalo, wild mustangs, and burros, or by the world’s largest collection of reptiles at the Reptile Gardens. Families can choose from six amusement parks in the state, witness the unearthing of prehistoric mammoths, and visit dinosaur exhibits. If you’re a fan of old western movies, you might even want to add in the experience of an Old West shootout or make reservations for a cowboy supper and music show.

 

 

 

4. If you are looking for fresh air, fun, and inspiration, then Boulder, Colorado, should be on your list of places to visit. It is full of outdoor splendor. From the dramatic sandstone slabs of the Flatirons to the snow-capped peaks that travel far and wide, it’s easy to see why this place is certain to grab your attention.

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Find your perfect beach in the Outer Banks, North Carolina. With over 100 miles of pristine shoreline, you are sure to find your perfect beach spot. Don’t worry, golf lovers—they have you covered. Northeast NC is an ideal and serene golfing retreat. After a day at the beach or golf course, be sure to visit the charming local shops and grab a bite to eat at one of the many incredible seafood restaurants.

 

 

 

 

 

6. If you’re a Netflix fanatic, then we’re certain you’ve heard of the Lake of the Ozarks. This is Missouri’s most popular lake destination. It features 1,100 miles of shoreline. Did you know that is more shoreline than the coast of California? You can take your pick from one of the public beaches, enjoy a fishing getaway, or just have some fun out on the water.

 

 

 

 

7. Welcome to Red Rock Country, Sedona, Arizona. Hiking and biking the 400+ miles of trails in Sedona is one of the first things to cross off your to do list when you arrive. Enjoy a Sunday brunch with mimosas at one of the many fine restaurants, take a pottery class, go fishing in the Oak Creek Canyon, or sunbathe at Slide Rock State Park. A day at the local shops, restaurants, and cafés won’t disappoint.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, Massachusetts, offer some of the most beautiful scenery in the U.S. These two island landscapes in New England are picturesque destinations awaiting your arrival. Both can only be reached by boat or air, and only a few shoals and about 30 miles separate the two islands. From the flat lands and cobblestone streets of Nantucket to the high cliffs and rolling hills of Martha’s Vineyard, these beautiful islands are calling you home.

 

 

 

 

 

9. Nature beckons you to Shenandoah National Park, Virginia. The land is bursting with cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, fields of wildflowers, and quiet wooded hollows—and all just a short 75 miles from the bustle of Washington, D.C. Don’t forget to look up from your phone so you don’t miss sighting the deer and beautiful black bear that call this haven home, and then listen quietly for the songbirds. Shenandoah National Park is sure to fill your soul with wonder.

 

 

 

 

 

10.   Nature’s splendor will inspire your soul in the Adirondack Mountains, New York. This beautiful part of our world features the backdrop of mountains, lakes, verdant valleys, and steep cliffs, and it spans more than six million acres. What makes this area so special is the uniqueness of its 12 regional destinations. While visiting, you can spend the afternoon canoeing in the Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake regions or find the perfect hiking trails of the High Peaks Wilderness in the Lake Placid Region. Others may choose to map out a bicycle ride between wineries on the Adirondack Coast or dive to sunken shipwrecks in the Adirondack Seaway near the Canadian Border. It’s an open invitation for all visitors to explore the outdoors and discover one-of-a-kind recreation opportunities.

 

 

 

 

We would love to help you plan your next adventure. At Southwestern Travel Group, our depth of expertise, knowledge of destinations, and attention to detail saves you time, money, and headaches. As travel experts, we can handle any emergency that may arise when you’re on the road — everything from a missed flight connection to a hotel that closes unexpectedly—and we will go the extra mile. To book your next trip, contact us today at 800.222.4441 or [email protected].

We are anxiously awaiting the day when travel will return. When the time is right to travel again, we are here for you.

As featured in the Southwestern Family of Companies June Newsletter. Visit www.southwestern.com for more information and company updates!

Our team of travel experts would love to help you plan your next adventure. At Southwestern Travel Group, our depth of expertise, knowledge of destinations, and attention to detail saves you time, money, and headaches. As travel experts, we can handle any emergency that may arise when you’re on the road — everything from a missed flight connection to a hotel that closes unexpectedly—and we will go the extra mile. To book your next trip, contact us today at 800.222.4441 or [email protected].

Virtual Experiences to Satiate Your Travel Appetite!

At Southwestern Travel Group, we are avid supporters of travel, but we know it’s important to do our part and halt nonessential travel for the time being so that we can return to normalcy as quickly as possible.

However, just because travel may be limited, discovering incredible experiences from across the world doesn’t have to be. You mean we can travel without travelling? The answer is YES!

Here are 7 free ways to travel the globe without leaving your sofa.

Discover a Museum

Iconic museums from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to the Van Gohn Museum in Amsterdam are available through Google Arts & Culture, a platform that allows you to take digital tours of some of the world’s most famous museums. Some museums, such as the Louvre in Paris, offer free virtual tours directly on their websites.

Explore Historic Sites

Historic sites, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Great Pyramid of Giza, are also available to tour through Google Arts & Culture. Want to see one of the seven wonders of the ancient world? Why not climb Machu Picchu?

Take a Culture Packed Cooking Class

London’s famous Borough Market is also offering online cooking classes. Just join the market’s new Facebook group or follow it on Instagram to see what vendors are cooking up. You can also go the GetYourGuide’s Youtube channel and Learn to Make Italian Ravioli with Chef Francesco or Take a Kid’s Pizza-Making Class.

Go on a Ride at Disney

The magic isn’t over just because the Disney parks are closed. Head over to Virtual Disney World’s Youtube channel and enjoy!

Take a Safari Ride

With Africam and Expore.org, many large South African game reserves like Sabi Sands, Balule Nature Reserve and Kruger National Park are streaming live footage of key wildlife sites. Tune in at sunrise and sunset (South African time) for the best viewings.

safariLive is also offering live streaming at sunset and sunrise of the world’s most famous parks in Kenya and South Africa.

Attend a Concert

All concerts and films in the Berlin Philharmonic’s Digital Concert Hall are now available for free at their website. You can also watch the latest performances at NYU’s Abu Dhabi Arts Center program.

Discover the Beauty of the Outdoors

Both meditative and mind-blowing, the magnificent national parks of Canada and the United States offer travelers breathtaking views while simultaneously protecting natural heritage. Check out Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Atlantic Canada’s second largest national park is a starkly beautiful expanse of craggy, mist-shrouded mountains, wind-swept highlands and landlocked fjords on the eastern coast of Newfoundland. Why not explore the Grand Canyon National Park – see the South Rim here and the North Rim here.

Do you have virtual tours or performances to inspire our travelers? Share it with us so we can share it with them!

Our team of travel experts would love to help you plan your next adventure. At Southwestern Travel Group, our depth of expertise, knowledge of destinations, and attention to detail saves you time, money, and headaches. As travel experts, we can handle any emergency that may arise when you’re on the road — everything from a missed flight connection to a hotel that closes unexpectedly—and we will go the extra mile. To book your next trip, contact us today at 800.222.4441 or [email protected].

A Safe Return to Travel: Student Edition

We understand that planning student travel is not a priority right now.

We also know students will travel again, and as proud members of Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA), we are here for you when that planning begins. In light of the ongoing pandemic, we are fully committed to providing continued safe guidance, expertise and travel assistance for you when you begin to reschedule travel plans affected by Coronavirus.

SYTA RESOURCES: PROMOTING SAFE TRAVEL
The SOCIAL IMPACT of Travel on Students
COVID-19: Educator Resource Guide for Student Group Travel
Leaders in Travel Address COVID-19

Are you familiar with S.T.E.P? The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

 

 

 

 

We at Southwestern Travel Group are staying up-to-date with vendor’s continually changing, policies and guidelines. When the time comes to travel again, we will continue to make safety our number one priority. As we work towards a safe return to travel, many of our vendors are introducing the following procedures:

Increased frequency of cleaning disinfecting public spaces
Posted guidelines to help keep travelers safe
Sanitizing stations
Limiting occupancy

Note from our partners in Orlando, FL: “We continue to monitor the Coronavirus situation closely and focus on the well-being of our guests and team members.  We are watching all updates from local and international health authorities and taking all precautions. We encourage our guests to do the same.”

BE SURE TO check out this month’s issue of SYTA’s Teach & Travel publication for travel pointers, emerging destinations and how we, as partners of SYTA, are promoting safe travel. The spirit of travel is alive and we, at Southwestern Travel Group, will always BELIEVE IN TRAVEL. Fuel your travel spirit, planning your next visit to one of these emerging destinations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, make sure to take advantage of the VIRTUAL SIGHTS! Check out ways to experience attractions from across the country, from the comfort of your home as we #ROAMFROMHOME

We will travel again. When that time comes, we are HERE FOR YOU.

Our team of travel experts would love to help you plan your next adventure. At Southwestern Travel Group, our depth of expertise, knowledge of destinations, and attention to detail saves you time, money, and headaches. As travel experts, we can handle any emergency that may arise when you’re on the road — everything from a missed flight connection to a hotel that closes unexpectedly—and we will go the extra mile. To book your next trip, contact us today at 800.222.4441 or [email protected].

3 Reasons You Should Consider Mission Travel

Maybe you have thought about mission travel before, but haven’t gone yet. Maybe you have been before and would like to go again. Either way, your friends at Southwestern Travel have put together three compelling reasons why you should consider it.

The great thing about mission trips are that they offer a wide variety of challenge and growth – spiritually, emotionally and many times, physically.

Here are our top three reasons you should consider going on a mission trip this year:

You don’t need to be qualified… God calls the available, not always the capable. You don’t have to be experienced, know a specific trade or attend seminary. You just have to be you. Mission trips put to use a wide variety of skills. If you have a positive attitude, an open mind and spirit, can communicate and are willing to love others – then you have what it takes!

The missions experience is dual-focused. This means there are two groups that benefit: the community and individuals who you are there to serve, and perhaps more importantly, you! The first one is obvious, but you will get out of the trip way more than you give. That leads us to the third reason…

It can be the beginning of a long-term investment… in yourself. Your eyes will be opened to things you are not used to seeing and you will meet people different from those you are not used to being around. During the service in the day, you will meet people who make an impact on you, and you on them. You may work side-by-side or serve with someone who comes from a different culture and speaks a different language, but has the same heart. You hear stories and see situations that quite simply… change you. During the devotion at night, you will delve into a spiritual audit of yourself through dissecting the day, where you are in life and the plans God has for you. The long-term investment is really a life time investment in yourself through your faith and the experiences the mission offers.

These are only three of the many reasons how Mission Travel can change lives. When you are open to these new experiences, you become open to many more things in your life – especially the things required of you to grow your faith. What your eyes see… your soul remembers and your spirit surrenders.

Here are a couple of testimonies from some past Southwestern Travel Mission’s team members:

“I had a phenomenal experience on mission to Nicaragua. I’ve been hesitant to go on short-term missions because the nature of those experiences can sometimes be self-serving. However, this experience resulted in the deepening of my faith. I feel like I grew the most through the deep devotionals we had at the end of the days with our team. Independent of where you are with your faith, you will grow,”

– Walton Simmons of Johns Creek, GA.

“When I thought about attending a ‘missions experience,’ what I expected was to share my time, labor, effort, and the little knowledge I knew about God to people in need. Little did I know the people I traveled with and the people I met in Ecuador would be serving me more than I did them. This was not only a mission trip, but a mission make-over for my heart and life,”

– Kate Cameron, Gladwin, MI.

Each person has their own unique reasons for attending a mission trip. We’ve found the anticipated experience pales in comparison to the actual experience that takes place. Keep in mind, it always takes a leap of faith to increase your faith.

Our team of travel experts would love to help you plan your next adventure. At Southwestern Travel Group, our depth of expertise, knowledge of destinations, and attention to detail saves you time, money, and headaches. As travel experts, we can handle any emergency that may arise when you’re on the road — everything from a missed flight connection to a hotel that closes unexpectedly—and we will go the extra mile. To book your next trip, contact us today at 800.222.4441 or [email protected].

Team Spotlight: Terri Rickard

Problem Solver. This innate quality is arguably what led Terri Rickard to start her company, Southwestern Travel Group, founded in 2016.

However, the seeds of Southwestern Travel Group were initially planted back in 2012, when Terri was working as Henry Bedford’s Executive Assistant. She took on a major project to create an internally-managed travel program for the (then) 16 operating divisions of Southwestern Family of Companies, managing over $5 million in annual travel spend. In just a few years of collecting travel data, conducting industry research, and perfecting the vendor contract negotiation process, Terri was able to achieve a savings of over $500,000.

Team Spotlight: Emily Weber

Emily Weber has been traveling from a very young age. Growing up in a military family, she had experienced 11 moves by the age of 13 – including a brief time living in Okinawa, Japan!

“I think it stuck, because I can’t seem to stay in just one place, one role or one anything. Change and growth are good things.”

Because of this natural desire for change, Emily believes in constantly evolving, which is part of the reason she loves working in the ever-changing industry of travel.

Team Spotlight: Irina Tuluca

Originally born and raised in Romania, Irina Tuluca’s passion for travel and serving others hits close to home. Her Romanian roots helped shape her initial passion for travel. Irina feels fortunate to have a family that loved and encouraged travel, allowing her to go on several cross-country road trips growing up.

Team Spotlight: Sarah Ellis

The travel bug sparked for Sarah Ellis at a young age. After moving multiple times growing up and traveling a lot with her family, Sarah gained a natural sense of curiosity and independence. She has an innate passion for travel and feels inspired to see as much of the world as she can.