When the pandemic forced the world to pause, I made a To Do list: clean the closets, organize the family photos, straighten the attic. Sure, there were client bookings to cancel and hours spent on hold with airlines and tour operators, but once my To Do list was done and everyone’s travel plans were cancelled, then what?
Not being one to dawdle unless a juicy TLC show is on, I dove into learning everything travel-related I could get my hands on. Want to know the best time to visit Zimbabwe, where the best spots are to view the Northern Lights, what makes Croatia such a diverse country? I have notes on all of it! My travel files would impress a discriminating FBI agent. As if that weren’t enough, I even spent countless hours becoming an Abercrombie & Kent Africa specialist, because there’s nowhere in the world I’d rather vacation than in Africa, and I love sending clients there to experience it for themselves.
During the height of the crisis, my agency Travel Edge asked us where we wanted to travel once the world opened up. Naturally, I said, “One way or another, I am going to Africa.” It didn’t matter that the world was shut down; I was determined to make this happen.
And happen it did! I was offered a spot on a familiarization trip to Namibia, a diverse wonderland in southern Africa that is emerging as a top travel destination! Without hesitating, I seized the opportunity. With three fellow travel advisors and the most incredible private guide ever, I spent two spectacular weeks in Namibia, a country chocked full of intrigue, fascination, uniqueness, and other-worldliness. Add incredible accommodations and delectable food to the mix, and it’s an uber-wonderful destination! Exhibit A: Surrounded by the world’s tallest sand dunes we stayed at a tented camp with a view to die for! We had porridge with whiskey and honey for breakfast, and gin and tonics each night for sundowners. I slept outdoors in a sumptuous bed right under the stars! The Milky Way gleamed bright and the Southern Cross was vivid right over my head! The people of Namibia are friendly beyond belief, and around every corner we saw and learned something new. It is the perfect travel destination, offering beauty, vastness, wildlife, primitive culture, diversity, star-gazing and desert-adapted animals that are found nowhere else on earth. It is an absolutely magical country.
Now that the world is finally opening for travel, it is prime time to visit Africa! The number of travelers is minimal, there is wildlife galore, pricing and availability at outstanding properties are great, and you will have the unique opportunity to feel like you have the continent to yourself. Last but not least, it is safe to travel to Africa. All the safety protocols are in place. You can’t find a better destination for social distancing.
If Africa calls, I hope you heed the enticing roar. Your visit there will be life-altering in the best possible way. I will never pass up an opportunity to go to Africa, and I hope you won’t either! If you even have an ounce of desire to go, please reach out. I promise, you will thank me!
Travelista Alli 