Travelling Minions: Looking back at 2021

Looking back at 2021, the beginning of the year held a lot of hope that by this time life would return to normal. Hope that travel would resume and we could start salvaging lost travel plans. For a good three quarters of the year the trend looked promising. However, over the past month a new Covid Variant (Omicron) is discovered and countries are once again taking measures to contain the spread. So re-reading the “year in review” for 2020, there’s a lot of similarities in the tone and outlook as I write this year’s review.

For the first half of the year, things seemed hopeful as vaccines were discovered and the process of administering them began. By summer, many are fully vaccinated, making the prospect of travel a possibility again. While I did end up travelling this year (some local, domestic and even international trips). 2021 will be known as the year of travel flexibility. Hinging on new developments with the virus, this was a year of changes, cancellations, postponements and (to be perfectly honest) a fair bit of anxiety.

With that being said  these are my travel memories and thoughts of 2021.

Whistler, Canada

In August of 2021, things were looking really good in Canada. So Gimpy, Lebron, Antetokounmpo and I spent a few nights in Whistler. This is a world class mountain resort that is only a few hours drive from home. So like past years, while not a total “staycation” it did give us an opportunity to get away. As this isn’t a first visit for any of us, this trip was very relaxing. We ate a lot of great food and did a small hike (a walk really). To fill the time we strolled through the village or stayed at our airBNB to watch some trashy TV! Overall being able to get away and enjoy the company of friends after over a year of pandemic was really good for all of us to experience.

The Maritimes (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island in Canada)

Back in 2019, one of my goals for 2020 was to ride the Trans Siberian/Mongolian Railway with my dad. Obviously with the pandemic, this plan got “derailed”. With the case numbers for Covid looking better in the fall, replacing that trip had been a priority. This came in the form of a trip to the East Coast of Canada, known as the Maritime provinces.

Along with my mom we spent two weeks exploring the provinces of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. There’s a lot of reasons why this trip is special. When I was younger, my parents and the sister did a similar trip and because of school I wasn’t able to go. So in some ways this was a bit of revenge on the Sister! In addition, with the isolation that comes with the pandemic, spending time with my parents is more valuable than ever. The fact that all three provinces has amazing natural beauty and good food and seafood is already great. Being able to spend this special time with my parents and make some memories that will last a lifetime makes it even better. I am in the process of blogging about that here.

The Flight to Nowhere (Emirates First Class)

In my 2020 wrap up, one of the things that I was excited for was a series of flights in Emirates First Class. While the original plan was to go in September. I ended up postponing the flight to December of 2021. After a lot of changes and cancellations I eventually whittled down the trip to simply the flight out to Dubai, for the purposes to fly on this plane. A trip that lasted less than 72 hours. Even though the trip purpose might raise an eyebrow to a few, I am extremely glad I went.

The experience is so over the top! It’s one of those once in a life time things and I will remember it for the rest of my life. I mean how many people can say they showered at 30 thousand feet? I’m sure it’s ruined me for all flights moving forward, but I’m ok with that. I will be blogging about this trip in the near future, the struggles I had with planning, changing and adapting this trip in the very dynamic world we live in now.

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2022

Sibling Trip to Vietnam

One of the trips that I had looked forward to this year was the return of the “Sibling Trip”. However, with the Pandemic, we felt it was wise to cancel this trip and postpone it for this year when the situation is a bit more stable. I’ve copy and pasted exactly what I wrote last year because, well, it all still applies:

There is hope that our “Sibling trips” will return. The Sister and I are starting to plan a trip that will see us spend a few weeks in Vietnam. Then hop over to Singapore for a few days. While the Sister and I haven’t done a big trip in some time, we’re both excited for this one. Being unable to travel, wanting to spend time together, and exploring new places makes this trip an eagerly anticipated one. I have never visited Vietnam but have heard so many amazing stories about the culture and food that sometimes I get a little hungry researching it.

Future Travel

Beyond this hopeful trip, I actually don’t have anything planned for 2022.

On the one hand, I feel like I’m at a point where the big bucket list items are checked off. So keeping my calendar open allows me tag along on any trips my friends or family embark on this year. On the other hand, this year has taught me that the world can change in an instant. And to be perfectly honest, it can be quite stressful making last minute trip changes. In past travels, disruptions were never a cause for alarm. But, being denied boarding, barred entry to a country or worse, quarantining are real concerns now. Navigating these things will be part of trip planning in the future and something we’ll need to get used to.

After over a year away from travel, “getting back on the horse” is something we all have to do. If my trips in 2021 are any indication, preparation is probably more important than ever. Yes, there will be anxiety and fear before embarking on a trip. But the fact that all of my trips went smoothly reinforces that “getting back out there” is an important first step. (Responsibly of course). Not letting this pandemic take the joy out of travel is a battle we all have to fight, and I look forward facing off against it in the new year.

I look back and as is the case in all my trips, I am forever grateful for the opportunity to travel, especially during these times. With that, I look forward to whatever new travel opportunities will present itself in 2022! Happy New Year!