"The wisest are the most annoyed at the loss of time." ― Dante Alighieri
This weekend I dreamt I was back for a third sailing on AmaVida cruising Portugal's Douro Valley with AmaWaterways - one of the most beautiful journeys I've ever experienced. In my dream, I was with my grandmother, uncle, and father. In great detail I dreamed of our excursions, including ones I'd custom-designed before in real life like a special guided visit of the gardens at Quinta da Aveleda and walking through the marvelous town of Amarante, while I shared with them its storied history. I don't think it's a coincidence these three members of my family were on that literal dream trip with me; they're family members who've stayed in close contact with me throughout the last year.
While I feel immeasurable gratitude for our health and well-being above all, I also feel robbed of so much time I would've spent with my family both in visits to see them and in our postponed travels together. Then... this week a beloved family member passed away from a mysterious, sudden illness when a few weeks ago he was fine. Buddhist writer Jack Kornfield gave one of the wisest reasons to make future travel plans now. He wrote, "The trouble is, you think you have time." Every day that goes by is another you can't buy back, another opportunity lost to make 24 hours of lifelong memories.
Need some more practical reasons to book your future travels now? Beginning May 1, airlines like Delta are reverting to their normal cancellation polices. Some of the most flexible terms and conditions ever offered will come to an end as demand and ability to travel increase with more and more Americans becoming fully vaccinated. I can attest to the fact that after you pass your two week mark from your last dose, the desire to broaden one's scope of activities grows exponentially each day. One of my favorite tour operators is still running AN AMAZING offer where you can change your mind for ANY REASON right up to seven days before departure and receive 100% future travel credit (airfare too!) for other dates or even another destination where they operate - over 100 countries! They just extended that offer for bookings made by May 31, but maybe they won't extend it beyond that date.
There are so many reasons to book now and travel later! How good will it feel to have sand in your toes, stroll those boulevards, see those masterpieces, and rediscover the wonders of the world anew? I'm here to help guide you through this new landscape of what it means to travel again. Remember, when you work with Nine Muses Travel, you have the support of me AND my whole travel posse built on years of relationships up to top executives of the travel companies involved in your itinerary. Can you say the same if you DIY it? No way.
I know you want to get away and you have questions about how to do it. Please know I'm here for you. This is my job: caring for your travels wherever, whenever, and however you most want to experience and be inspired by the world outside your front door again. The only thing I can't offer you is more time.
Contact Nine Muses Travel to learn more about me and what I can do for you!
I design journeys that inspire by highlighting local arts and culture, history, and cuisine for intellectually curious clients longing to feel deeply inspired by exciting destinations, culinary delights, and authentic cultural experiences on a life-changing, joyful journey of discovery.
Danielle Dybiec
Founder & President