This week myXOadventures.com became part of PROJECT HOPE TRAVEL, and I became a Board Member as well. The membership is comprised of Ministers of Tourism, Representatives to the United Nations, Business Development Firms and people like me. 

The idea is how to re-start the tourism business in a responsible way, because it won't be the same. It will be the "New Next". Although the local Tourism authorities as well as businesses have been reluctant or handicapped to unify the travel business, that is exactly what is called for and something we intend and will be a part of. We're in this together almost makes our eyes roll now but it's true. We are. What's next? It's not virtual travel, I'm sure of that, but what will I need to do to make sure my guests are happy, safe and satisfied in the new world. It starts at home with me. In personal ways, in ways of business, in thoughtfulness of travel. 

Tomorrow afternoon I step into Vannah White (Our Tour Van) and I head in a northerly direction. Once I reach North Carolina I'll be met with a big question mark. I'll have to think about my next move. It could be north, south or west, but I honestly don't know. I may just stay put for a while until I decide. I won't stay put for long though. There'll be a whisper in the wind and I'll be listening for it. 

Enough on the trip, its going to unfold the way it does, and when I come back I plan on starting with local and regional tourism. The rest will come later. If you want to follow the Adventure please like our facebook page. www.facebook.com/myxoadventures and make sure to sign up for notifications of when we go live. I'll also continue to broadcast the Travel Club Meetings through ZOOM so no matter where you are, you can join each Thursday at 7PM. There are multiple groups, but if you'd like to join my Sarasota Meetup and directly participate you can. Here is the link: https://www.meetup.com/myXOadventures-Sarasota/

Finally,, I'll be doing this in the most responsible way possible. I have masks, disinfectant, will be using dispersed camping methods along the way and so on. I do already hear those that may have objections, and for you I ask in advance simply for your support despite your feelings. As a matter of fact, thats all I ask from anyone. Be a supporter, a follower, a cheerleader and any messages of encouragement will go a long, long way. Here's to the journey....

Daniel 
​XOXO

Life is what happens when you're planning something else, and we had BIG plans for 2020! You know all the cliches though:

* When life gives you lemons make lemonade.
*When you're afraid of butter, use cream - my favorite ~ Julia Child

Well, for many of us it's a lot like this 11 second clip from the 2011 film "Your Highness", but even when it seems this way there's always an answer. Personally aside from coming to a virtual standstill in travel, I find the emotional aspect of this the most difficult to deal with. When you have options, you have a choice, but when those options are taken away, its another story altogether. I've gathered a few bits of information for this unforeseen fuckening we are experiencing right now. One of my favorites is from Astronaut Mike Kelly, who has great ideas for us right now but went through an extraordinary time in space. A great article from the New York Times providing advice on isolation, rules that I have been violating every day.

I'll say what you know already.... After this is over the world will have changed, in every way. Travel is no exception and from the moment we returned from Cuba, I began to think about how to save my own hide so I went about doing that, initially forgetting that letting go, and acts of service are a big part of doing just that. If anything I've learned over the last year is that I am not in control of it all, nor do I want to be. 

While I've readjusted my thinking and began to find ways to give back, the cloud began to lift. Moments of giving turned into emotional highs, and gratefulness for the life I do have. These acts of selflessness kept me in the moment of now, and had real benefits to my emotional and physical well being. I'll just say it... I was getting something out of giving! Now how you do it is up to you, but it is the right thing to do and it's achievable right from home. One is Team Rubicon , and I'm waiting to hear back on, but provides emergency disaster relief in the field and from home. You don't have to be Rambo to join. Another is the United Nations online Volunteering Program, Organizations and volunteers working together for peace and development. 

Lastly, stay In contact with your neighbors somehow and find out if they need anything. Remember, you can help others way quicker than any government response. Of course, everything comes with a risk, and the whole objective is striking that balance between emotional and physical well-being, as well as ways to help. In all of this your health is first priority, so please if nothing else follow the CDC guidelines and listen to scientific proof, not political rhetoric. 

          Join Our Travel Club Discussion           Virtual Visits to Your National Parks                      Foods Even Josh Can Make 

In the meantime, if you're willing to help us out so we can better understand how you would like to travel once the all-clear is given, we'd really appreciate it. The SURVEY is about 99 seconds in length!

Enjoy these free books while traveling the world, or being quarantined indoors.