TRAVEL NEWS & UPDATES Volume 142
04 Dec 2020
Oh, the places we want to go!!!
Dear fellow traveller,

With many countries opening their borders and promising news of a vaccine roll-out, the long-awaited time to get back out there is inching closer and closer.

The latest good news is that our national airlines have stepped up. Air Canada has teamed up with a drugstore chain to make it easy for travellers to obtain a pre-departure Covid-19 PCR test, with results typically available within 24-48 hours.

Westjet is sponsoring a health care study, investigating a rapid-testing method for passengers departing from Canadian airports.

Insider tip: Most of my favourite small lodges in Africa and South America are nearing capacity for next year. And since many airlines are providing complimentary Covid & quarantine insurance, I encourage you to start thinking about your travel plans for the latter part on 2021 and even into 2022.

I am so ready to go travelling again! How about you?
Re·Inspired to Travel

We’ve spent months at a slower pace, staying safe and dreaming of the moment when we could once again board a plane, set sail, or even hear a conductor say, “All aboard!”

This time of reflection has taught me to take a step back, slow down, and appreciate what truly matters in life. And, if you’re like me, travel has certainly made the cut!

There’s something utterly magical about the transformation travel can create. Even the anticipation of a trip 12 months away can transport you.
Travel is about more than simply arriving in a new destination, ready for a much-deserved vacation. It’s about returning home with new experiences and fresh perspectives.

As Anthony Bourdain once said, “Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world, you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life – and travel – leaves a mark on you.”
It is time for new marks to be made. It is time to re·unite with travel. 

It's always a pleasure hearing from you, so do get in touch...
I made another video for you...
This is a 6 minute compilation of the pictures I took during my Grizzly Bear Safari in September.

So, pour yourself a Root Beer Moonshine* and enjoy!
Huge thanks to Stan & Keltie Masters of Back To Nature Photography for the valuable lessons and hands-on tips, showing me how to get the best shots.

*Root Beer Moonshine Recipe - by Chef Gary,
who created the most gob-smacking, delicious meals at our wilderness lodge:

Mix 750 ml vodka with
  • 500 ml Everclear (or similar 190 proof grain alcohol)
  • 3 cups brown sugar
  • 6 Tbsp root beer extract
  • 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
Close the container and let it sit for 6 weeks.

Oops - I guess you'll have to watch my video again, once your Moonshine is ready :)
Never dip your Toe into the same River twice...
...the person has changed, and the river has changed.

Interview with Josh Reimer, Grizzly Bear Guide & Conservationist:

In September I took a group of 5 wildlife enthusiasts on a Grizzly Bear Photo Safari to the Chilcotin region of British Columbia.

We had just returned to the lodge from another rewarding day on the river, watching Grizzly moms teaching survival skills to their cubs, when I sat down with head guide, Josh Reimer and asked him a few questions.

For 17 years Josh has been sharing his piece of wilderness with curious guests like us. His love and respect for the bears and the other fauna was palpable and infectious.
"Every day you can experience something special because the river always changes. Every day I appreciate that I am able to be here. It is a privilege, not a right."is when he said: "Being in the wilderness allows you let that go of your troubles, to go inside and then really think within yourself, and to live within that moment and to even extend that moment."

I'll leave you to read the entire conversation here, but what struck a chord was when he said: "Being in the wilderness allows you let that go of your troubles, to go inside, and to live within that moment."
Re·thinking Travel

Over the past several weeks I attended three more travel trade shows, inspiring me to re·think the future of travel, re·connect with industry colleagues and re·fresh my confidence to get out there again.

I was impressed by the variety of unique experiences, the booking flexibility and the streamlined health procedures established by even the most remote lodges. They are ready for you, when you are!
Talk about being ready and prepared! Check out this heath & safety video from the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town.
Most interesting to me was to learn about the lost art of tracking wildlife on foot, presented by the founder of a tracking school in South Africa. I had no idea what it takes to interpret a spoor, which often leads to finding that elusive leopard hiding in the bush!

I was excited to learn that they offer immersive wildlife courses in East and South Africa, ranging from 5 to 365 days and focusing on tracking skills, wilderness photography, birding - even learning to be a qualified safari guide.

One can also take some courses online... now wouldn't that be a wonderful gift for the nature enthusiast in your family?

May the magic of the holidays sneak into your home this season, and may you find joy and peace, even in this topsy-turvy year.

Yours in Travel,

Christine Boecker
TRΛVELBOECKER ΛDVENTURES
Tel: 604.338.9211
Toll-free: 1.877.739.3653