♦ Pushing the “Pause” Button on Your Travel Plans ♦
We may have to “pause” our travel plans for now but we definitely don’t have to pause our travel dreams! Besides that would be impossible for some of us!

Some of you may think that those of us in the travel biz have been in a state of shock and are waiting (impatiently!) and hoping for everything to “go back to normal”. Really? Well, you would be mistaken!

First of all, whatever “normal” was, it’s in the past. Remember 9/11? Remember what “normal” was prior to 9/11? A distant memory probably. That was almost 19 years ago and it changed how we travel dramatically forever. New security measures, new rules, new restrictions, new protocols.

That became the new “normal”, like it or not. And, travel recovered. Now we don’t think twice about taking off our shoes, emptying our pockets and so forth.

Now, along comes another whammy on a world scale! Coronavirus-19! A pandemic! What?! In a matter of weeks, it turned our world upside down. Travel came to a screeching halt. One minute you were starting to think about where you were going to go in 2020 or getting out your luggage and making your packing list, the next you were on lock down. The new normal? Social distancing, SIP (shelter in place), stay home, wash your hands, face masks, lock down… I don’t know about you but I thought I had stepped into an alternate universe!

The “new” normal indeed…travel will never be the same BUT we will travel again. Certainly those of us in the travel industry aren’t sitting around waiting for a return to “normal”…au contraire!

The travel and tourism industry immediately stepped up and went into action. Airlines, hotels, tour providers, everyone related to travel and tourism is responding. Requirements to wear masks and strict sanitizing practices are among the policies being implemented industry-wide. New initiatives and measures adapted and adopted, not only to ensure your safety but, to regain your confidence!

When you’re ready to travel again (and surveys show that the majority of you are ready!), we in the travel industry will be ready for you!

♦ And What About Traveling to Italy? ♦
Naturally, since Italy is my specialty (and my heart!), many of you reached out to me. And you wouldn’t be wrong if you quickly gathered that my business, along with all travel in Italy, came to a screeching halt. Literally overnight. Not to mention how shocked and heartsick those of us who love Italy felt as the virus took its terrible toll.

Clinging to hope against hope that it wasn’t as serious as first reported but, after the initial disbelief, ultimately we had to admit and acknowledge the reality of this unbelievable turn of events. All of us – including my friends and associates in Italy and my clients – came face to face with our shock and disappointment, not to mention the unthinkable short and long term consequences.

Italy went through a horrific period but with swift and severe mandates, and with a courageous and unified spirit, Italy is recovering… doing what has to be done to get through it and, ultimately, to re-emerge, stronger than ever…a rebirth, another renaissance!

Yes, our plans and dreams have been postponed and delayed but not denied.

Yes, we have to wait a little longer.

While we wait to return to Italy, Italy will be waiting for us! They are slowly, cautiously and methodically recovering and re-emerging. My close and frequent communications with my amazing friends and local destination professionals is reassuring and inspiring!

When will it be safe to travel? No one can say for sure right now.The situation is evolving and changing as I write and as you are reading this! And, of course, it depends on your comfort level. I can say that as of today, we are hopeful for fall and even more so for spring 2021 and beyond.

♦ We’re Here for YOU! ♦
One thing that is not changing is my commitment and that of my Friends of Victoria, my local destination “boots on the ground”  professionals and partners!

Not only have we been and remain in close communication throughout this fast-moving unprecedented time but we remain dedicated to you and your dream to travel to Italy.

♥ Together, we’re here to personally consult, advise, suggest, design, plan, and host your next fabulous unique, boutique, Italy vacation experience!

♥ Together we will continue to create and design new experiences and choices – to innovate, adapt, and improve!

♥ Together we will make that dream trip to Italy come true for YOU!

♥ “Andrà tutto bene!” –  Everything will be alright! ♥
Together we will all be stronger and la dolce vita will be sweeter than ever!

♦ Read More About:

Victoria: Your Italy Trip & Tour Designer

Victoria’s Friends

2021 Tours to the Italian Riviera & Lake Como and Puglia
Travel in 2021: In light of the current circumstances and restrictions we have pushed the pause button on 2020 tours BUT stay tuned for updated tour dates for 2021!

♦ Recent Posts:

Italy Waits for Us…

While We Wait to Return to Italy…

What I Miss About Italy
Reminiscing about some of the many fabulous people, places and experiences I’ve met and seen along the way.

Please stay in touch!

And if you would like to chat about that future dream trip to Italy, let’s schedule a time!