Precious Caroll
Over the last 18 months, Argentina has quickly become one of Big Five’s most popular destinations and remains one of the destinations that was highlighted in our annual trending destinations video. There is so much to talk about in Argentina from adventure to history. However, I want to focus on something that I think offers the best glimpse into the living past of Argentina – graffiti. This art form has, for years, become a sanctioned form of expression in many cities from Cape Town to Medellin. It delivers powerful messages which have varying different degrees of impact based on your interpretation.
Argentina’s graffiti scene is a vibrant and dynamic form of artistic expression that has flourished in cities like Buenos Aires. The capital city, in particular, has become renowned for its extensive and impressive street art, which covers walls, buildings, and even entire neighborhoods. This art form is not merely tolerated but actively celebrated, with many property owners granting permission for artists to adorn their walls. This has fostered a unique environment where street art thrives, attracting both local and international artists who contribute to the city’s ever-evolving urban landscape.
The origins of Argentina’s graffiti can be traced back to the country’s turbulent political past, particularly during the military dictatorship of the 1970s and 80s. During this period, street art served as a powerful tool for dissent and social commentary, allowing artists to express their resistance and critique of the oppressive regime. This legacy of activism and social consciousness continues to permeate the graffiti scene today, with many murals addressing contemporary issues such as inequality, human rights, and environmental concerns. The result is a rich tapestry of artistic expression that reflects the country’s history, culture, and ongoing social struggles. The political nature of Argentine graffiti is also evident in the frequent depiction of political figures and symbols. These works often serve to commemorate historical events, honor those who fought for social justice, and keep alive their memory.
You literally learn something new each time you see it, and I love hearing our guides share their insight after completing the experience with clients. Even after leading clients through the streets of Palermo hundreds of times, our guides always find a new piece of art or uncover a fresh perspective in their interpretation. It’s pretty amazing.
Enjoy this week’s video
We started off the year sharing my father’s work, an alphabet he was working on at the time of his passing. At the end of 2024, we found his complete work and are releasing each letter throughout the year. This week, we share the next letter.
B – Balance: Find harmony in every aspect of our life.
This word that encourages individuals to seek symmetry and manage their various responsibilities and priorities effectively. Life Domains: Life can be divided into several domains or areas, including work, family, relationships, health, personal growth, and leisure. Achieving Balance means giving adequate attention and time to each of these domains, ensuring that none dominates our life to the detriment of others.
Time Management: Balancing our life often involves effective time management. We need to allocate time for work, quality time with family and friends, self-care, and leisure activities. Prioritizing our tasks and setting boundaries can help us allocate our time more effectively. Work–Life Balance: This aspect emphasizes the importance of not letting work consume our entire life. It means finding the right balance between our professional and personal life, avoiding overworking, and taking regular breaks to recharge.
Physical and Mental: Health balance also pertains to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and managing stress. Neglecting our physical or mental health can disrupt overall equilibrium. Balance doesn’t mean stagnation. It includes room for personal growth and development. Allocate time for learning, self-improvement, and pursuing our passions and interests. It means finding equilibrium between giving and receiving everywhere.
Flexibility: While striving for Balance, it’s essential to recognize that life is dynamic, and priorities can shift. Being adaptable and open to change allows us to adjust our Balance as circumstances evolve. Regular self-assessment and reflection can help us identify areas where our life may be out of Balance. This self-awareness enables us to make necessary adjustments.
In summary, Balance encourages individuals to lead well-rounded lives. Achieving Balance is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness, time management, and the willingness to adapt to life’s changing demands and circumstances.
Stay tuned for letter C
Throughout the year, we consistently monitor trending destinations and track buying behavior, which often changes over a 12-month period. In fact, we start identifying which destinations will be popular a full year in advance. While it’s common for others to observe current travel trends, I find it especially rewarding to review the reports from our advisors on the destinations they’re highlighting as hot spots. We also take pride in forecasting where guests will be traveling in the upcoming year, offering a valuable roadmap to our advisor partners on emerging trends.
Here are a few countries that jumped out on the list:
Brazil is climbing to the top of our list, and we welcome it with open arms. Political upheaval in certain destinations is a common issue, and Brazil is no different in that regard. Combined with the ongoing uncertainty over the potential reimplementation of the visa rule later this year, some might argue Brazil still has challenges to overcome. However, Brazil has been trending upward for some time and continues to rise on our list of top destinations. There is a growing interest in exploring beyond Rio, and with our favorite guides now back on a full schedule, Brazil is ready to welcome guests eager to experience its more remote regions.
Argentina has been a constant favorite for Big Five over the years. While there was uncertainty following the significant leadership change and concerns over a shortage of USD in the country, things are now shifting. With an Open Skies agreement pending and the privatization of the flag carrier, Argentina is on the verge of a change that will enhance guest experiences. Beyond the iconic Tango and Iguazu Falls, Argentina is unlocking new, exciting destinations—such as Salta and more flexible parts of Patagonia, which offer a contrast to the all-inclusive lodges found in neighboring countries. We’ve noticed a strong upward trend in travel to Argentina this year, which seems to be even more pronounced than in years past.
After a streak of record years, Egypt, like many destinations, was impacted by the geopolitical events in the region, though not as severely as Jordan. However, around the middle of 2024, we noticed that Egypt was making a strong comeback. One pleasant surprise was the rise in families traveling together, especially those with teenage children. It turns out Egypt remains the perfect “last hurrah” for families before their children head off to college. Our commitment, announced in early 2024, to collaborate with local archaeologists on uncovering new and recent discoveries has also driven interest. Egypt remains too important on bucket lists to be overlooked. I witnessed firsthand how busy Egypt was becoming when I visited in December 2024. In fact, I’m now officially part of the trend of traveling with teenagers to Egypt, as I’ll be taking my wife and children there this March, as this is my last spring break with my son.
South Africa has always been a staple on our list, but this year we’re seeing Kenya rise right alongside it. Traditionally, these two destinations have been featured in separate safaris or as part of a larger grand safari. However, over the last few years, there has been normalization of flights between South Africa, Victoria Falls, and Kenya so a new approach to safari travel has emerged. The traditional safari routes have never been our focus, and this combination of South Africa and Kenya is now a noticeable growing trend. It’s quickly becoming a staple. Additionally, the frequency of other connecting flights—such as between Namibia and Botswana or Tanzania and Rwanda—has made it easier and more flexible to combine African safaris in exciting new ways.
Colombia was saved for last for a reason. We started offering Colombia in 2006, long before anyone was truly taking it seriously. In 2012, we identified Colombia as an emerging destination, and I distinctly remember the skepticism—often laughed out of more rooms than I could count. Well, it turns out that this trend is no longer so small. Colombia is now our fastest-growing destination, and this growth now extends beyond Bogotá and Cartagena, reaching the more remote regions of the country. It seems those predictions from 2012 weren’t so off the mark after all…
Enjoy the video, and here’s to a great 2025 together.
Happy new year to all of you.
Normally, posts like this highlight accomplishments from the prior year, and while there were many, there is a far more important accomplishment that I’d like to share. The letter A. Now before you think I am recreating Sesame Street, let me explain.
One of the last things my father worked on before his passing last March was an alphabet of emotional intelligence. At the time of his passing, we had only found A through H. Over the course of the remainder of 2024, we found his entire alphabet. Initially, I wasn’t really looking at this too closely. However, throughout 2024, the top comment received by all was that they would miss my father’s notes and words of wisdom. That brought me back to his alphabet and it brought me back to my father.
As 2025 unfolds, we will release Mahen’s alphabet of emotional Intelligence, in honor of his memory and to keep his traditions alive.
Today we start with A, which was sent out in January 2024.
A – Acceptance: Embrace life’s changes with an open heart.
Acceptance is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and well-being. It involves acknowledging and welcoming the various changes and transitions that life brings, whether they are positive or challenging.
Here are some more details about the concept of acceptance:
Understanding Change: Change is an inevitable part of life. It can take many forms, including changes in relationships, career, health, or personal circumstances. Acceptance starts with recognizing that change is a natural and unavoidable part of the human experience.
Embracing Impermanence: Nothing in life is permanent. Embracing Acceptance means understanding that circumstances, people, and even our own feelings and thoughts are in a constant state of mix. By accepting impermanence, we can find greater peace and resilience in the face of change.
Letting Go of Resistance: Resistance to change often leads to stress, anxiety, and suffering. Acceptance involves letting go of resistance and the desire to control every aspect of our lives. Instead, it encourages us to flow with life’s currents and adapt to new situations.
Cultivating Resilience: Acceptance is closely linked to resilience. When we accept change, we become better equipped to deal with adversity and bounce back from setbacks.
Flexibility, resilience allows us to navigate life’s challenges with grace and determination.
Self-Compassion: Being kind and compassionate toward yourself is an essential aspect of Acceptance. It’s important to recognize that it’s okay to have mixed feelings about change and to treat yourself with gentleness during times of transition. Acceptance can be challenging, especially when dealing with major life changes or loss. Seeking support from friends, family, can provide a valuable space to process your feelings.
Embracing change and practicing acceptance can lead to personal growth and transformation. It allows you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and others.
