Welcome to the first issue of Explorer for 2019, and my first time this far forward in the magazine. I’m no newbie here, though. I’ve worked on Explorer since its inception in 2013, and on every issue since.
And at this point, I’ve done it all — from assigning and editing articles to covering stories that had me driving solo through Namibia on my first visit to Africa, following an Olympian up a remote Alaskan glacier and trekking the Everest Base Camp route immediately after Nepal’s 2015 earthquake.
But what makes me most qualified for this gig is that I find managing Explorer through every stage of the editorial process to be a thrilling journey, as well.
As a result, you’ll be relieved to know you’ll find the same magazine that you already love. It will still feature transportive content about active and cultural experiences, as well as narratives that bring you along to must-visit adventure lodges, expedition ships and destinations rich with natural wonders. Most importantly, Explorer will still benefit from the guidance of Kenneth Shapiro, our editor-in-chief and my greatest mentor.
Over the years, we’ve made a subtle shift in our editorial focus. We began with explaining what adventure travel is and why it should matter to advisors. Now, we frankly discuss challenges such as overtourism and climate change, as well as the many ways that travel can be a conduit of understanding between cultures and a means of transformation for the traveler. It’s always our goal to inspire you — not just to create the best trips for your clients, but also to gently nudge them to make more sustainable choices and fulfill their travel dreams. Sometimes — such as in the case for solo travel — this involves encouraging clients to step outside their comfort zones.
This is especially true for women, who are often dissuaded from venturing out alone. But times are changing: British Airways’ recent Global Solo Travel Study finds that while women from the U.S. had the least experience traveling alone (only 17 percent versus 63 percent for Italian women), 62 percent of U.S. women are planning a solo getaway in the next few years.
Solo female travelers, especially first-timers, can benefit from hearing from those who have sat with their fears but traveled anyway (for that, check out our cover story, “All the Single Ladies,” on page 14).
Share your own stories with clients and be sure to remind them that even when they’re traveling solo, by booking with you, they’re never alone.
