When 2010 started, I had just a few tours on my calendar and a handful of speaking gigs scheduled. As the year unfolded, however, unexpected opportunities came my way and the calendar quickly filled up.
Some of these experiences were unanticipated and in some ways beyond my wildest dreams.
I visited Papua New Guinea in August and now have a Papua New Guinea tour scheduled in 2011. If you had asked me in January whether I might travel to PNG in 2010, I would have laughed. This dream destination seemed way too far off. Yet somehow the stars aligned to make this a reality.
Just a few weeks ago, I attended the the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in Oslo. I sheepishly admit that Norway had never been on my short list, let alone a long list, but I was thoroughly taken by this beautiful nation in the winter. And attending the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony? Well, if Norway was off my radar, you can imagine that this precious event never entered my dreams. Ever. But it will likely remain as one of my life’s highlights.
In the opposite direction… Jon and I traveled to Kauai twice; once for a culinary press trip and the 2nd time to research for a WaL culinary tour. Both trips opened up a lifestyle and way of thinking for us that we are trying to incorporate in our daily lives in Seattle – namely a stronger appreciation for locally grown food and a more relaxed lifestyle. We’re still trying to conjure up more Seattle sunshine π
The year ended with Passports with Purpose raising nearly $60,000 to build a village in Southern India. I’m humbled by the community of sponsors, bloggers, product donors and contributors who helped us make this effort such a success. Thank you (and sniffle sniffle).
Despite the dreams-come-true nature of these trips, what stands out most during 2010, were the friendships that were forged along the way.
Spending a good part of the year on Passports with Purpose, I became closer to Pam from Nerds Eye View, Debbie from DeliciousBaby, Michelle from WanderMom and Meg from Paynor PR. All of these women bring special talents to the table that made PwP such a successful fundraiser. It’s been said that familiarity breeds contempt, but the more I get to know these women, the more I truly respect and appreciate their many talents.
Whether I’m right about this or not, who knows, but I pride myself on having built a business that attracts some pretty remarkable women. I enjoyed getting to know the dozens of participants (mostly women, some men) who joined a WaL tour this year. During tours to Vietnam & Cambodia, Bhutan, and NE India & Bhutan, strong friendships were formed. In 2010, Jon and I hosted more than a few of these people in our home when they’ve come to visit wonderful Seattle. It’s a part of the business I could never have anticipated – the close friendships that have developed. I dare say that this might very well be the most rewarding aspect of what I do.
Joining a group tour is a risk ’cause ya never know who you’re going to end up with. But the overwhelming consensus with WaL is that we must be doing something right by bringing together so many open-minded, travel-savvy, warm people.
Also during the year, I attended the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City, twice. I got to meet in-person many people whom I had only known online: Tim Leffel from Perceptive Travel, Kara Williams from The Vacation Gals, and some fantastic reps for manufacturers – people who I adore in the industry (Boo, Ingrid, Julie(s), Michelle, Kara and more…).
I was able to to travel on two press trips (Kauai and Norway) and met some very talented colleagues in the world of travel writing. Some are salty old reporters trying to find their way in the world of technology while others are savvy technologists who’ve built up huge followings on Facebook and Twitter. No matter where your talents lie, I’ve enjoyed meeting you all and count you as new, dear friends.
In June, I headed off to NYC for the Travel Blog Exchange. This meeting of the travel minds was way too brief and a bit overwhelming, but I did have a chance to put faces to names and avatars – meeting some of most fun and interesting travel bloggers (Wil from Spot Cool Stuff and Aime from Ciao Bambino, among many others) and webmasters on the planet. I’m really looking forward to this year’s event in June which is just up the road from me in Vancouver. And I hope to put more faces to email addresses and meet the close friends I’ve made through email, Facebook and Twitter (people like Jessie and Ed from Wandering Educators).
I had a full schedule of speaking gigs this year that gave me the chance to meet the growing number of Wanderlusters out there. I was in Orlando, Denver, Boulder, the Bay Area (twice), Portland and numerous locations in Seattle. I love getting together with you all, hearing your questions and, hopefully, providing a little can of kick-ass to get you started on your next trip. in addition to some of my colleagues for whom I have tremendous respect: No Vacation Required’s Caanan and Kent and Jennifer from The Vacation Gals.
WaL could not grow the way it has without the amazing support from my assistant, Angela, our new guide, Joslin, the WanderBloggers who contribute valuable, interesting and insightful posts, and the handful of interns who help with behind-the-scenes work and have often provided invaluable input on social networking!
Finally, while I consider all my travels vacation-like, Jon and I did take a few days for some time off to visit a dear family friend in Dallas. We attended a Christmas party hosted by one of Dallas’ most elite law firms (think: the TV show Dallas) and had a drink with some of small-town Texas’ characters (think: King of the Hill). Both experiences were equally Texas – big-sized and memorable.
If I’ve missed you somewhere above, apologies. Please know that I’m grateful to all those whom I’ve met, exchanged emails, shook hands, shared a hug, spent hours over coffee with talking travel or if I simply saw you smile and nod your head in the audience when you’ve connected with something I’ve said. You’re sure to have touched my life in some way and I hope that I’ve touched yours.
Having reflected on all the unexpected encounters and opportunities that came my way in 2010, when I think about 2011, the possibilities are exciting. This is what I do know:
* I leave for South India in January to lead a group of women through this warm and culture-filled region.
* I’ll be speaking at the New York Times Travel Show in February.
* In August, I’ll be leading a small group of people on a co-ed tour through Papua New Guinea for the 50th anniversary of the Mt. Hagen Festival.
* I’ll be back to Bhutan in October leading a group of trekkers to the Laya region.
But it’s what I don’t know that has me on the edge of my seat. What charity will Passports with Purpose support in 2011? What dream destination might make its way into my consciousness and boarding passes into my pocket? What new friendships will be made? Will I finally make my way to Burma? Japan? Fiji?
And what about you? What are your travel hopes and dreams for 2011?
Travel Well,
Lauren says
Love it – I appreciate you Beth! You helped me make this year an extraordinary one.
Lola says
What an amazing year for you Beth!
Here’s to a more amazing 2011
Angela (Travel with a Purpose) says
Thanks for the shout-out, Beth! I too am thankful for all the growth and opportunity I’ve experienced via Wanderlust & Lipstick. And what a great year for connecting with amazing travelers and travel enthusiasts in the WaL community.
My travel hopes and dreams for 2011 include (but are not limited to): Nepal, Bhutan, a return to Kauai, possibly Ecuador and Italy in the spring.
Cheers to the new year!
Camels & Chocolate says
Sounds like you had a great year!
My New Year’s “resolutions” always are restricted to where I want to go that year…for 2011, I’m thinking Palau, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Greenland! Of course, in this industry, who ever knows where I’ll end up…that’s the fun part of it!
Sophie says
Glad you enjoyed your stay up here, Beth π
All the best for 2011,
Sophie
Judith Kitzes says
Sounds like a great year. I’ll be heading to the North Island of New Zealand in April, for an in-depth exlore there. And probably to Melbrourne Australia in November. And also planning travel experiences for a lot of clients – from cruises to adventure, to relaxing on a quiet beach. I love my job.
Kara says
I look forward to following your adventures in 2011!
The NVR Guys says
Right back at you Beth! We feel very fortunate to have met you. Hopefully, 2011 will be filled with even more strange coincidences and we will find ourselves β once again β traveling to the same tropical location and the same time. What do you say, Hawaii in the spring? =)
Beth says
Indeed, somewhere warm and sunny, pretty please!