Quote of the Month
“Travel makes you realize that no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn.” - Nyssa P. Chopra, The Cultureur
It’s February. A month when love is top of mind. It’s fitting that it’s also Black History Month - a time when the spotlight shifts to focus on Black people across the diaspora and their contributions to society.
This is a good thing.
Just like with any other celebratory month, it offers a chance to stop, reflect, champion and support people whose experiences might be different than your own. This month falls on the heels of yet another tragic loss of life. The grotesque attack on Tyre Nichols showcased the worst of humanity.
One of the reasons I believe in travel is because it offers the chance to do the opposite. Through travel, this mother raising two Black sons, has encountered people in places around the world that believe - as we do - that humanity requires seeing each other as human beings who are equally worthy of love and respect. Our hearts are with Tyre’s loved ones and the Black people around the world who are re-traumatized by this heinous attack. There is a gofundme for his family and should you feel a need to demonstrate your love - not just for Tyre but for a world that stamps out this kind of inhumanity - a donation might be the way to do it. Even better? Work with your community leaders to effect real change, so that we can all feel as safe in the world as Tyre should have been.
Celebrating Black History Month
February is Black History Month. It’s a time for us to celebrate Black achievement and the perfect opportunity to educate ourselves (possibly via travel)! Here are three easy ways you can make sure you and your family are on the path to learning more this month.
LISTEN: A few years ago, I spoke with some of the Black Historical Interpreters at Colonial Williamsburg for National Geographic. It was eye-opening. If you are in the area, consider scheduling a visit that allows you to hear from these unique voices. Black History Month offerings.
READ: If you’re interested in learning about racism and unconscious bias, consider Emmanuel Acho’s book, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man. This book is written in a conversational style, while offering you answers to questions you may have been too uncomfortable to ask. If you’re looking to diversify your kids’ reading materials, check out this selection.
VISIT: Looking for places to travel to visit this month that can help you tap into the meaning behind Black History Month? We’ve got you covered. Head over to the GTM blog for ideas.
February news you can use!
Valentine’s Day is coming up and Galentine’s day is gaining in popularity, but men who'd rather spend time with some Bros and Brews, should check this out.
Parents looking for a bit of lunchtime fun in Tofino (especially on Valentine’s Day) might want to travel to Tofino where the “Nooner Shaggin’ Wagon” at Hotel Zed is offering a different Valentine’s Day suggestion.
Love and Pride combine in Ft. Lauderdale at the inaugural Pride of the Americas Festival hosted by ‘80s icon Boy George!
It’s Oscar Time! Ish and I loved the Oscar-nominated movie, The Banshees of Inisherin. I’m hoping to check out some of the filming locations on an upcoming trip to Ireland.
Any White Lotus fans out there? If you’ve fantasized about the hotels since watching Seasons 1 and 2, read this article for tips.
If you are Canadian, you likely have strong feelings - one way or the other - about Poutine. If they lean towards the LOVE IT side, consider celebrating during La Poutine Week (February 1 to 14)!
Stay Tuned…
Recent travels have taken us to Phoenix, Arizona and out to the British Virgin Islands. Check out our Instagram page for some highlights.
If you enjoyed this newsletter, don’t forget to share it on social media or forward it to a friend!
And we’d love to hear from you too. Message us on the social media platform of your choice and let us know what travel question we can answer for you!
Instagram: @byheathergd
Facebook: Heather Greenwood Davis
Twitter: @ByHeatherGD
TikTok: @byheathergd
LinkedIn: Heather Greenwood Davis
Website: www.heathergreenwooddavis.com
Blog: GlobetrottingMama