International Travel Update From My XO Adventures
Dear valued guests,
We extend our warmest greetings to you and hope you are all in good health and spirits. We are writing to inform you about temporarily suspending our international tour packages, such as Havana Heartbeat, Costa Rica Exotica, Xpedition Ecuador, South African Splendor, and Incan Roads. We understand that many of you were eagerly looking forward to exploring these destinations with us, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
We extend our warmest greetings to you and hope you are all in good health and spirits. We are writing to inform you about temporarily suspending our international tour packages, such as Havana Heartbeat, Costa Rica Exotica, Xpedition Ecuador, South African Splendor, and Incan Roads. We understand that many of you were eagerly looking forward to exploring these destinations with us, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
However, we are excited to announce that we will soon launch a new brand focusing on providing you with authentic and culturally enriching experiences. Our new offerings will always have a cultural focus, be in a small group setting, and provide you with genuinely intimate and authentic experiences. We firmly believe that traveling should be a transformative experience that enriches your soul, and we are committed to providing you with just that.
Why Are We Pausing International Travel?
Like many other tour operators, My XO Adventures experienced a dramatic shift in focus due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and other political actions. One example is former President Donald Trump designating Cuba as a "Sponsor of Terror." While we believe this act is absurd, we do have to comply with the laws and regulations of the United States. The Biden Administration promised warmer relations with Cuba but has done nothing to improve the situation. We hope this changes in the near future.
After long thought and careful consideration, we decided it was in our best interest. Our heart and soul are dedicated to building the best private tours in the Black Hills and Badlands, focusing on Native American Culture. In addition, our insurance partners do not have an appetite to cover domestic and international travel packages. This left us with a choice. We discontinue tours of the Black Hills and Badlands or pause international travel for the time being. We chose South Dakota and the Black Hills.
As much as we love South Dakota, we are eager to restart international travel, although it will be under a new company and brand name. This will happen within the next year, and we'll announce it to those enrolled in our newsletter and email broadcast program. You can sign up for our news letter by contacting us directly.
What about Domestic Travel Throughout the United States?
We have thoroughly enjoyed our past trips to Yellowstone, Utah, Colorado, Florida, and more. Because we are a boutique tour operator, we must carefully evaluate our decisions. Our choice is to position ourselves solidly in the South Dakota market, open a new brand offering international travel, and discontinue interstate travel entirely. Visit our webpage on Mt Rushmore to Yellowstone for helpful information.
You might be wondering why, and I'll tell you. The United States Department of Transportation and the National Park Service set extremely high bars for tour operators to meet before taking on this responsibility. This means very high insurance rates, regulation, recertification, and much more.
Like many small businesses, it's tough to compete with the high cost of insurance required. Inspections, local and federal filings, and fees are part of the process. I promised myself that I would no longer offer a tour unless I honestly enjoyed offering, selling, and conducting it. I can't say that increased regulation has made this type of travel a breeze. It has not. Most domestic interstate travel is performed by large bus companies hauling 50 people from place to place. The thought of this is frankly nauseating.
As long as gas prices, insurance, regulation, and inspections remain a considerable burden, I won't do it. Profitable or not, the current environment is not friendly to small businesses. This is the direction our country has set. It is to squeeze out the smaller businesses to provide corporate America more of what they want. Control, money, and favors. It's sad but true.
What's The Good News?
The good news is you can count on My XO Adventures' core beliefs. We've stated them here. We do only what we love and enjoy. If we love it, so will you. This means you can count on us to remain tried and true. That will never change. Regardless of the multiple obstacles we've faced, theres a firm hand on the wheel, and we're excited about the company's direction.
Rest assured, you'll see new offerings soon. If you've been on an international trip with us in the past, then you know it's extraordinary. That's what we'll continue to do, albeit under a different entity. It has the same philosophy, a different name, and more extraordinary adventures.
What Will The New Company Be Called?
Our lips are sealed, but if you've been paying attention to our posts on social media, you may already know. Soon enough, we'll announce the name and bring back the excitement for international touring.
Which Tours Will You Be Offering First?
We intend to bring back Xpedition Ecuador, Havana Heartbeat (As long as Cuba is no longer designated a State Sponsor of Terror), South African Splendor and Virgin Voyages Mayan Sol and Irresistible Med. New tours will be announced along with these, and we can't wait to tell you about them!
In the meantime, come and see us in the Black Hills of South Dakota. All of its splendor and wide open spaces keep us occupied and satiate our adventurous spirit. Until then, travel on and keep your ears to the ground. It's coming.
XOXO,
Daniel Milks
Daniel Milks
