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… When the Going Gets Tough, Keep Traveling
by Alan E. Lewis
Entry: May 2011
A natural disaster such as an earthquake seems so capricious—often appearing to strike from nowhere at some unsuspecting corner of the world. Aside from grieving for the innocent victims left in its wake, one rarely knows how to properly respond to a tragedy in a distant land. But good people so often rally together and try to help as best they can.
A New Day Dawns in Egypt
by Alan E. Lewis
Entry: April 2011
Every journey is premised on a blend of the expected and the unexpected: balancing our desire to experience places we’ve dreamed of against the knowledge that the world always keeps turning, sometimes yielding tumult as it does. That was true this winter, as events unfolded in Egypt—sparked by the popular uprising that began on January 25. For all of us at OAT/Grand Circle, witnessing that turmoil raised mixed emotions. We hoped that our dear friends there would benefit from the changes that were occurring, but we also worried for their well-being during the transition.
When there’s trouble, OAT & Grand Circle are always there for our travelers
by Alan E. Lewis
Entry: September 2010
I like how Theodore Roosevelt was a man of action. “In any moment of decision,” he once said, “the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and worst thing you can do is nothing.” That quote really resonates with me because tough decisions have to be made every day in the travel business. And none are tougher—or more important—than those that must be made in times of world crises.
By its very nature, the travel industry is vulnerable to unfolding events around the world—everything from natural disasters and illness outbreaks to local transportation strikes and outright civil wars. And when things happen, tough decisions have to be made.