Lately, I’ve been thinking about a Political Science professor I had during my sophomore year at the University of Arizona in Tucson. It was five years after the assassination of India’s Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, three years before India would enter into a tense missile standoff with Pakistan, and five years before the terrorist attacks on the parliament building in New Delhi. Dr. O’Neill, who not only correctly predicted that Arizona would win the NCAA tournament against Kentucky but also forecasted that India would eventually rise to the top of the global GDP rankings. Most of the class thought he was nuts, but I thought he was onto something. This was in 1997, when India ranked as the 10th largest economy in the world. At the time, with the second-largest population globally, India’s economic standing was more about quantity than quality.
Now, as I write this from the historic Imperial Hotel in New Delhi during the Holi festival, it feels fitting to reflect on how India is on the brink of becoming one of the top three global economies. I recently had the honor of exhibiting at Luxury Tribe, the exclusive invite-only luxury travel conference focused on outbound luxury travel from India. I was also privileged to speak about the rise of socially responsible travel to a room full of luxury advisors, who are clearly witnessing a paradigm shift.
In 1997, I was hopeful for India. Today, I am simply proud.
Happy Holi.
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.
D – Determination: Stay focused on our goals and aspirations.
Determination is a key factor in achieving success. It involves staying focused on our goals, pushing through challenges, and maintaining a positive mindset even when faced with obstacles. By embodying determination, individuals can overcome difficulties, learn from failures, and ultimately reach their desired outcomes.
The analogy of a rock getting thinner with the repeated fall of water highlights the transformative power of sustained effort. Just as water gradually shapes a rock through persistence, individuals can achieve their objectives by consistently working towards them. This message serves as a reminder that progress may be slow, but with determination, even seemingly impossible tasks can be accomplished over time.
Do not quit soon. Determine our goals and reap the rewards of our hard work. Say no to cutting corners with strong determination. Accomplish our goals in life is challenging.
But determination is “will power” and sense of direction to realize and reach our goals. Determination focusing on life skills throughout our journey and allow us to take on any challenges thrown towards us and move up the ladder and be at the top of our game. Never distort our determination by clinging our thoughts about our ability to reach our goal. It is not just about achieving specific goals but also about developing resilience, adaptability, and the capacity to learn from failures.
Desire, Dedication, Discipline and Determination. When combined, these four qualities create a powerful framework for personal and professional growth.
In summary, Determination is the strength that will enable us to pass the barrier of useless thoughts in order to create positive thoughts and maintaining a positive mindset can significantly impact the journey toward success.
“When progress is in short supply bring a surplus of Determination.”
Stay Tuned for Letter E
The third dispatch from East Africa is as epic as ever. For those of you who work with us in Africa, you know that our team is very deliberate in how we design safaris that stray from the conventional “rinse and repeat” itineraries. Well, this dispatch puts an exclamation point on this.
Let me start with a moment during the flight from Ol Pejeta to the Masai Mara that really stuck with me. Our amazing group was seated just behind a pair of women who were traveling independently, not part of our group. As we helped them figure out where to get off the plane, we learned that they were visiting seven more camps, averaging two nights at each. While some travelers may enjoy this type of itinerary, it’s not for everyone. I found myself wondering what it would be like to visit so many camps with a similar experience at every stop. I shuttered at the thought. A truly successful safari is built on three key components: landscape, culture, and of course wildlife. Prioritizing these elements thoughtfully is the foundation for an exceptional experience.
After an amazing stint at Ol Pejeta, we headed to the Masai Mara, specifically the Naboisho Conservancy, which boasts some of the best resident game this time of year. With my 600mm lens (my new toy as an ambitious photographer), I captured epic images of leopards, lions, and so much more, all guided by the expert tracking of Kisemei, our Maasai guide who is part of the community benefiting from the Big Five conservancy model. After three unforgettable nights there, with giraffes, zebras, and lions often just outside our camp, we thought, “What could possibly top this?” The answer? Heading into the heart of the migration in the central and southern Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest have gathered for calving season as they prepare for their northward journey over the next 7 to 9 months.
We spent hours on my favorite hidden road in the southern Serengeti, with only the sounds of a million wildebeest, thousands of zebras, impalas, and even witnessing a live birth! The day was topped off with an incredible leopard sighting, though the real highlight was staying at a newly rebuilt, women-run camp in Tanzania, one of the very few in Africa. From the camp manager to our guide Leivian, every aspect of the camp was run by women, and it was nothing short of amazing. The fact that I knew the camp manager from her previous role made this experience even more special.
As we mentioned before, of course, we also had a few incredible game drives. The group that arrived in East Africa as one version of themselves left as completely transformed individuals. That’s what a safari is all about. That’s #bigfivin.
Enjoy the video and part III of our East Africa dispatch!
This dispatch highlights our journey across the equator and northward, and I must begin by saying that this has been much more than just a safari. This year’s adventure started in Nairobi before heading to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the home of the last two Northern White Rhinos in existence. I had a specific reason for making this trip this year.
This was the area I frequented as a child, long before the conservancy existed, riding shotgun in my father’s Mitsubishi Sapporo—a car that I believe sparked my passion for automobiles. When the conservancy was established, I remember returning several more times, this time with the first driver guide hired by Big Five, John Kimani. To me and many others, John was a hero, not just because of his infectious laugh, but because he could drive anything with four wheels anywhere it seemed impossible. It all began with taking one of our old microbuses through the muddy trails of Ol Pejeta, back before 4WDs were available, and managing to make it through even with two flat tires that had to be changed. But the achievement that truly earned him a place in my personal hall of fame was when he drove a beat-up Toyota Corolla across a semi-dry lake in central Kenya.
What unfolded during this visit was entirely unplanned. It began with the camp manager at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp. It’s rare to meet someone and, within the first few minutes, realize that you’d crossed paths decades ago and immediately pick up right where you left off. Sushil, the camp manager, has since become a highly regarded photographer, with his work showcased in numerous public forums. As we caught up on family and life, we discovered that our shared passion for authentic safaris and conservation had brought us back together. It felt like reconnecting with an old childhood friend.
One of my favorite experiences during this trip was taking a group of incredible advisors and clients to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, one of the few truly community-run sanctuaries in Africa, and one of the most successful examples of elephant conservation through the local Samburu communities. It’s a shining example of the conservancy model that Big Five has championed from the start. Now, I know there’s a popular orphanage in Nairobi, and anyone who has traveled with me or knows me understands how I feel about it, especially after the founder, whom I admired as a teenager, passed away a few years ago. When it comes to conservation, though, another revelation occurred that I truly believe was my father’s influence at work. While visiting the holding area of the last two Northern White Rhinos, our guide Zacharia began talking about his career, which spans over 20 years. As I began to connect the dates and events with him, it hit me. When the center first opened, I was here with my father, visiting with Zacharia’s father who was our guide! How do you even plan something like that?
Oh, and of course, we also had some incredible game drives. Stay tuned for the next dispatch and enjoy this one!
Every year around Big Five’s anniversary which is today, February 12, I head off to East Africa. Fifty-two years ago today, Big Five was started by pioneers, including my father, with nothing but dreams and the little money they had. It’s especially meaningful this year, as it’s my first trip back to Kenya since my father passed away in 2024. As I do every year, I’m returning with a few wonderful travel advisors and their clients.
We’ll begin in Nairobi before heading out on safari, so stay tuned for some incredible adventures ahead. And yes, we might just spot a few animals along the way. What makes this safari particularly special is that I’ll be visiting some deeply significant places in my family’s history, including the hotel where my parents first met in Nairobi, and the Norfolk Hotel, where my father worked at the front desk before founding Big Five. I always laugh when I see the pool at the Norfolk because it’s where I learned to swim. I love sharing that story with the Fairmont team, jokingly reminding them every year that I was there long before they were, and thanking them for my freestyle swimming skills.
Dinner in Nairobi at my favorite street food spot is also a must. It’s a tradition I enjoy, hosting friends and colleagues for a night of delicious fusion food—combining local Kenyan and Indian dishes. There’s no better way to showcase culture than through food. Another highlight of Nairobi is visiting my childhood friends, especially one who has been in my life since we were 3 years old. I often say the team on the ground is like family to me, and in East Africa, that feels even more literal—some of these people even changed my diapers!
Stay tuned for more in this multipart dispatch.
The Next Letter
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.
C – Courage: Conquer our fears and pursue our dreams
In the beginning there is no big difference between the coward and the courageous person. Both have fear. The difference is, the coward listens to his fears and follows them. The courageous person puts them aside and goes ahead. The fears are there, he knows them, but the courageous person goes into the unknown in spite of all the fears. Courage does not mean fearlessness, but going into the unknown in spite of all the fears. When we go into the uncharted sea, like Columbus did, there is fear, immense fear, because one never knows what is going to happen and we are leaving the shore of safety. We were perfectly okay, in a way; only one thing was missing – adventure. Going into the unknown gives us a thrill. The heart starts pulsating; again, we are alive, fully alive. Every fiber of our being is alive because we have accepted the challenge of the unknown.
To accept the challenge of the unknown is courage. The fears are there, but if we go on accepting the challenge again and again, slowly, slowly those fears disappear. The joy that the unknown brings, the great ecstasy that starts happening with the unknown, makes us strong enough, gives us a certain integrity, makes our intelligence sharp. We start feeling that life is not just a boredom. Life is an adventure. Slowly, slowly fears disappear and we go on seeking and searching for new adventures.
Courage is risking the known for the unknown, the familiar for the unfamiliar, the comfortable for the uncomfortable difficult pilgrimage to some unknown destination. One never knows whether one will be able to make it or not. Courage is the ability to confront and overcome fear, difficulty, or challenges.
Courage involves facing our fears, whether they are physical, emotional, or psychological. It means not allowing fear to hold us back from pursuing our goals and aspirations.
Courage is the inner strength and determination that helps us overcome these challenges. It’s the quality that keeps you going when faced with adversity.
Courage empowers us to step out of our comfort zone, try new things, and explore uncharted territory, which can lead to personal and professional growth.
In summary, “C – Courage” serves as a reminder that in order to achieve our dreams and live a fulfilling life, we must embrace and cultivate the inner strength to conquer our fears and take action. Courage is a powerful motivator that can lead us toward personal growth, success, and a life rich in experiences.
“Sometimes courage means holding on. Sometimes courage means letting go.”
Stay tune for letter D
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.
Closing out the year of 2024, is our final dispatch, Part II of our time in Egypt. In the prior dispatch, we showcased the hot air balloon, the sights of the pyramids, and the beginnings of Upper Egypt at Luxor. This time we go even further. What made this journey back to Egypt so special was that it was more emotional than any in the past. It was my first visit back, without my father, to a place I have been going to since I was a teenager. Egypt was the second destination Big Five started, having been there 40 of our 51 years. The fact that my second-father Gamal lives in Cairo with my second-mother and my chosen sisters meant even more. We finally were able to reflect on my father’s life together, as a family. And in true fashion, this part of the journey pushed the envelope even further.
This part of the dispatch started normally as we headed overland from Luxor to Aswan as we do every year. I wasn’t sure what we were in store for as the first part of the drive, which is normally quick, took longer due to the main road being closed as a new pass was being built. Once we cleared Edfu, we hit the highway to Aswan. It was somewhere between Edfu and Kom Ombo that an epiphany happened, an idea for a new tour, that has never been done before in Egypt. I cannot talk about it yet, so stay tuned.
In Kom Ombo, there was a slight chuckle as one of the vendors outside the temple thought I was Egyptian and decided to try his Arabic. Now, I had a few words in my vocabulary my mother and aunt taught me, since they are natives of Sudan. Yet, those words didn’t come out the way I had envisioned, my cover was blown! Next thing you know the vendor and I are laughing as he is rattling off Bollywood actors asking if I know. I had to channel my inner Adam Sandler at certain names and wag my finger, saying, “Not an Indian!” The drive was well worth it as we got to my favorite hotel in Egypt, the Old Cataract. Seeing all the familiar faces was great and even keeping my etiquette in form coming face to face with a certain royal family who was also in residence made the stay all worthwhile.
It was after we got back to Cairo that I told the group, the day before our last day, this was where Egypt stopped, and Big Five began. Boy is that an understatement! Heading out to Dashur, where I love visiting since it is so quiet and serene compared to the famous pyramid complex, we started #bigfivin. Oh, did we ever! First came a local breakfast in a local community no foreigner knows about, dishes that included my favorite cheese, all being served. It brought back memories of the food I had when visiting my family in Sudan as a child, making me homesick for the food my mother still makes today.
Carrying on from there was the experience I mentioned earlier that I can only talk about but cannot show footage. As part of our commitment to supporting local archaeologists who don’t get the TV time and fame they deserve, we visited the virtually unknown Black Pyramid of Amenemhat III, which dates back to the late Middle Kingdom, around 2000 BC. Not since 1983, had any non-researcher set foot into the maze under the mud-thatch pyramid, which looks like no other pyramid. It was here that my father started talking to me. I am pretty sure he heard me say “holy %$#t “as we entered the maze. This was a vision I told him about two years ago that we were fulfilling; opening a new chapter in how Egypt is visited and where those who do the real work are seen and heard.
The end of the day was complete with a visit like no other. We visited a women’s cooperative that has been on our radar that helps support women from difficult home-life situations. The work being done here is inspirational as this community does all the embroidery work on the Pashmina scarfs we give our Big Five guests. I can’t wait to show you what develops here.
Walking back to the bus, my limbs went weak, the adrenalin finally left my body. It was here, that I finally missed my father, and took a moment to myself.
What ya think Dad?
Many of you often talk about how fast things change when I see you. Well one year later, I am back in Egypt for my annual visit and you are all absolutely right. From new roads, to new discoveries, change is everywhere.
As I start with the first dispatch, let’s jump right in with the most anticipated museum opening in the word, the GEM. Is it open finally? In a word, yes. While still in soft opening, the entire second floor and the main halls are open to see, and the exhibits are jaw dropping. As of this writing, King Tut’s mask has not been moved, however the area in the GEM is closed, though it was open a year ago. This can only lead me to assume that the moving is imminent.
Shifting to the pyramids, the new chamber in the inside is worth a private visit at sunrise, though the normal visit is a must. However, the GEM should definitely be done on the same day as the pyramids, and nothing more. Fitting in anything else on this day would compromise what you see at the GEM and beyond. The one thing to remember above all else when it comes to Egypt, 6000 years of history deserve the slow approach because sensory overload is very real.
Flying to Luxor, the changes in town are noticeable, as is the newly refurbished Relais and Chateau property in Luxor, that most don’t even know about. The renovations and commitment to sustainability there under the new GM are noticeable and represent a direction Egypt must go in, to preserve it’s natural resources.
That brings me to the hot air balloon. While that experience remains magical, the new discoveries are everywhere and you can see where the work is done. It’s one of the reasons Big Five made the commitment it did to local archaeologists earlier in the year (you can read about it here). One recent discovery, from very recently in the hills around Luxor causes us to rethink the hierarchy of burials. It seems these newly found tombs, which were not royal tombs, were also found with jewels, something that was never believed to be the case.
Stay tuned for Part II of our dispatch, and in the mean time, better start rewriting the history books.
One of my favorite weeks in December has been epic, once again, in lovely Cannes France. That’s right, time for ILTM, a show we have been exhibiting at for years. With a combination of conversations with amazing partners that seem to build further into relationships each year, and the city’s beauty lit up for the holidays, what’s not to love? Even the weather is cooperating.
As is the case every year, there are some memorable moments. This year, there was a story of the “missing” salad restaurant I normally visit every year. The establishment was renamed, and we walked past it, at minimum, 3 times before realizing it was closed. While looking for a replacement, we stumbled upon an Indian restaurant offering home cooking with a French twist.
Then there is the moment that likely should have ended with me in the hospital. Have you ever called someone by name looking at the back of their head, only to realize it wasn’t that person? Well I bear-hugged someone thinking it was the infamous David Kolner, only to realize, it wasn’t. The look of death followed as my life flashed before my eyes. Thanks, David! Well despite that, the week has been amazing.
This year the order is a bit different. Normally, I have an adventure in one of my favorite places in Africa before coming to Cannes.
This time around we are doing it in reverse, so stay tuned for my dispatch coming next week.
For those of you who travel like I do know the airport boarding process all too well. It feels like zones 1 through 1500 board first, and by the time you finally get on, the overhead bins are already full, let us not forget about the person greeting you who always has a smile, but the only thing missing, I think, is the high five! Well after that, there is also the famous final boarding call, where your luggage will be removed in the next 5.6 milliseconds if you’re not at the gate yet. I’m never part of that final call, yet it still gives me anxiety.
Well, when it comes to holiday space, we’re at that final boarding call too. Now, you’re likely asking why we’re even mentioning this. Here’s a trend we’re seeing that’s worth sharing: we track buyer behavior monthly, with data dating back 16 years. Over a 12-month period, this behavior shifts 9 times, making projections part art, not all science. This year, something peculiar has been happening, which we anticipated as a possibility a year ago. While long-term bookings are up, last-minute requests for the festive season have started as expected. For obvious reasons, there was a slight pause in plans for this season, which is understandable. That pause now seems to be over, so we wanted to share a video showcasing where we’re finding 11th-hour availability. Destinations range from parts of Peru to Egypt to Kenya to Sri Lanka to Guatemala.
One of the many amazing things I’ve seen our team do is their ability not only to find availability when it seems impossible but to make even the most last-minute reservations come to life. They find the proverbial needle in the haystack while ensuring that quality and product integrity remain our primary focus, as always.
Enjoy the video, and remember—34 days left until the festive period. This is your final boarding call…
After a long wait, the moment is finally here! We’re thrilled to announce a major milestone in Egypt. The Grand Egyptian Museum’s main artifact galleries and exhibit halls finally opened to the public in a soft opening on Wednesday, October 16th. You may have seen the news on the main page of the Wall Street Journal, or across social media. Now, we all know that The GEM has been gradually opening over the last few years, with different sections becoming accessible one by one. Each year during my visit, I feel a sense of pride in seeing those new areas, in many cases, often being among the first to experience them and for the record, I’m currently up to three hours in tracking how much time it takes to fully explore the GEM.
Just as we did when the GEM first opened, Nour from our Egypt team visited the site for an “On-Site” to explore all the newly completed halls on the now-open second floor firsthand. The Tut exhibit is also open, though the artifacts from the Egyptian Museum have not been moved yet. We anticipate that happening soon. As we did last time, Nour provided a live commentary of her experience.
That transcript is below:
11:04am – About to Enter
11:09am – Welcome to this amazing world wonder
11:16am – About to start the tour. GEM, not just a museum but also a cultural hub divided into two sections.
11:25am – Division of the Museum – Cultural and educational hub. Celebrates Egyptian culture in all its form. Even the commercial area is 100% Egyptian. Gonna send you more the tour is super detailed
11:30am – Those black pillars have the word Egypt on it in every single language in the world
11:35am – One of the kings that had many stories about Egypt. This 11m statues was all about symbolizing eternity in perfection. Showing the perfect shape. Using granite shows that economy during his period Was great.
11:43am – Where the sun hits, on his birthday and date of him having the throne, Leads to the main galleries and King Tut area
11:56am – 12 halls shows development in society, kingship and beliefs
12:00pm – Best part of this museum, you see the actual tools
12:04pm – Beginning of hierarchy on the society. Pre dynastic so no king.
12:26pm – Realism symbol of art in the Middle Kingdom. Wanted to project realism not idealism. To ensure proper identification
12:27pm – Fun fact, no chickens in Middle Kingdom, only geese and ducks.
12:31pm – The most powerful evolution that happened in the Middle Kingdom in writing
12:35pm – All natural colors. This is why they don’t dissolve or change easily. Now I’m entering the oldest beauty salon in the world!
12:42pm – This is all on the second floor after you finish the staircase the left. It’s incredible! 12 halls!
12:45pm – The museum is complete, there is construction outside in a separate building behind the museum.
12:52pm – This phase is a soft opening. This and the grand opening is for the 12 halls in the main building. The king tut artifacts are being planned to be moved over in time for the grand opening which is not formally scheduled yet.
12:54pm – The Children’s Museum is also open
1:08pm – The period showing the main cachets are not from the old museum. They are from an area called Abu Sir… one of the most magnificent pieces in the museum. As important as the Rosetta Stone!
1:18pm – There will be another building for the solar boats. A completely separate building inside the museum. By the way the museum is super busy
1:20pm – The Children’s Museum is for kids aged 6 – 12. It takes 45 mins and is very interactive. It is half way inside the staircase
All I can say is wow! Nour took photos and video of her visit so we could document all the new areas of the GEM that are opening.
Enjoy her video and see you at the GEM!
Each year when we share our Peru dispatches, the sequel always focuses on the more remote parts of Peru. However, there is a certain order to this, and when done right, it tells the perfect story. After all, these dispatches are not as much trip reports as much as they are well-articulated stories. They are told from areas of a country few have explored or are bypassed when driving from one point to another. The thing about storytelling is it is an art, and it doesn’t have to go in order, and this dispatch is no different. We start with the last and end with the first.
Red mangroves release 10 times as much oxygen as trees, yet they are the most overlooked. We get so caught up in planting trees, which is a great thing, that we forget about mangroves, not planting but replanting. You see whenever the tide changes or there is an imbalance in water levels or conditions, mangrove seedlings, also known as propagules, usually get washed away as their roots are not yet mature enough to withstand the current. Propagules usually wash up along the water’s edge, in what is usually brackish water. Replanting these seedlings is a huge first step towards carbon neutrality.
Now in the very north of Peru, lies an unknown nature reserve, managed by the local communities, right near the border with Ecuador, Manglares de Tumbes Mangroves. The location of this untouched nature, and the involvement of the local community, represents a best practice example. This is only topped by the population of flamingo species bright pink in nature, that are unique only to this region. Anyone wanting to see the Peru most locals don’t know and have access to the mouth of the Pacific Ocean while looking at the Ecuadorian border crossing should take the three-hour drive from Mancora to Tumbes.
Before the visit to the mangroves was Mancora itself. While at Machu Picchu, the second day of our adventure, I told everyone that Mancora would feel like a different country and boy was that an understatement. From the coastal communities to the culinary experience, it was clear that this was no longer about the traditional history. This was living history, told through food, and passed down through the generations. The highlight of a stay here, aside from the amazing accommodations, were the fishing communities, their methods of raft building, and, of course, the humpback whales. If you time your visit, whale sharks make an appearance too.
As you watch this week’s video and see the whale elevating out of the water, or the dolphin skimming the surface, just imagine for a second, what it was like in the early days when Mancora was established in 1908. The tourists you see are more local than foreign, yet their smiles greet you, eager for you to love Mancora, and tell your friends about it.
This is Peru, the real Peru. Enjoy the video.
I’m back in Peru leading another amazing group of partners on an educational. As we do every year, we focus on showcasing Peru beyond Machu Picchu, away from the tourist track. Peru has so much to offer, yet 95% of the visitors to this amazing country don’t see very far beyond the famous sights. Well, as the saying goes, if you’re not immersing, you’re not #bigfivin (ok I made that up, humor me).
As much as we love seeing Machu Picchu, we get it out of the way on day two, simply because there is a whole other side to Peru that pre-dates the Incas. Additionally, there is a level of nature around that history that is often overlooked. In Peru’s case, the Cusco region’s economy is over 90% derived from tourism, while the remote parts of Peru hardly exceed 5%. Our goal is to help even that playing field by incorporating the Community Conscious Travel Guidelines the WTTC adopted as Big Five is a proud regional member of the World Travel Tourism Council.
Part One of our dispatch focuses on the Cusco and Sacred Valley some don’t see, including a hike to see condors at 12,000 feet; glamping in fully energy-independent eco domes; testing our adrenalin scaling a via ferrata; and an authentic food tour in markets-only frequented by the locals.
Enjoy this dispatch video and wait until you see what part two has in store… I’ll give you a hint, we are less than 700 miles away from the Galapagos archipelago.
I remember being at a luxury summit, the same one where I met Nelson Mandela’s chef. On day 3 of that summit, I was like a child in a candy store. I spent the morning learning about supersonic aviation with members who later started a company called Boom Aviation. While that was exciting, the afternoon instilled beliefs in me that remain unshakable. I met the chief marketing officer for one of my favorite auto manufacturers. Talking about their legendary record at LeMans (if you don’t know what that is, stop reading and go watch Ford vs Ferrari with Matt Damon and Christian Bale right now), the topic turned to the saying, “what would you be willing to do.”
What would you be willing to do for their supercar? What would you give to be a test driver for their brand? That is what they asked and the most common answer – “my left arm,” not quite sure I would go that far, however if you know what I know about this car, you would perhaps contemplate it. While the room was fawning over the brand, I started paying attention to the original thought. What would I give?
What do I believe in beyond a moral compass, that I would give my left arm for, my right arm for? Beyond the strong commitment to social responsibility, there is something else unshakable in me that I would be willing to fight for to my last breath. Two hours later, it dawned on me that our product advancement leads by 2 years, at a minimum, over where the market is. Leaning forward when everyone else is hanging back, pushing for new product, even in a place where the word ingenuity is unwelcomed. That is what I would be willing to give my left arm for, and my right arm.
We were all forced to reinvent ourselves several times over the last decade, especially during the pandemic. Would it be strange to say that I enjoyed it? If you don’t believe me, you should ask the amazing people I work with. This is the primary reason my colleague Gisela is in Chile right now, before the start of a conference. It’s the reason I am on my way to the north of Peru again; why my colleagues in Egypt were in the GEM today for the soft opening; why Susie was in the interior of Colombia; why Tatiana was in Jordan; and why I was in the southern part of Bwindi Forest earlier in the year.
This week, we share a video on Gisela’s visit to a relatively unknown ecological refuge in northern Patagonia. It is the gateway for Big Five, and where we begin to lean forward in Chile. Yes there is much to be done, however the excitement of leaning forward starts here.
Enjoy the video
Ordinarily, the travel season over the year-end holidays starts on a Friday or Saturday, occurring around the 3rd week of December. This year is no different and it seems the last-minute planners are on the rise. I was always taught to quantify any statement you make using numbers. So here goes… we have 77 days left before the festive travel season starts, and it’s going by quickly.
Since quantifying is like a hobby for me, let me go further. We track the behavior of our travelers’ buying habits looking for a trend in last-minute travel vs planning further out. Now you likely already see a trend with your clients, however when you track this the way we do, what jumps out is how many times the buying habits change. Approximately 9 times in 12 months. Even more so in a year when there is an event such as an election. That means the team at Big Five has gotten good at adapting to your travelers who want to leave next year vs right now. From planning an excursion to Guatemala with only a few weeks’ notice to planning a safari 14 months from now, our specialists know how to move mountains.
This year we are gearing up to move many more due to the last-minute festive requests which have started to increase; and in many cases, though not all, we are finding space. Right around this time, space booked earlier in the year becomes available again. Due to Big Five’s excellent relationships, we usually get first access. Whether that means Tanzania, Egypt, Peru, or Uruguay, we are finding those pockets of space. From private villas in Jose Ignacio, to the boutique hotels in the Sacred Valley, to lesser-known safari camps in the Serengeti, to private dahabiyas in Egypt, the impossible is possible at times.
Enjoy the video, and speaking to the procrastinator in all of us… 77 days and counting.
Not all tourism is overtourism. I remember saying this to my friend David back in August during a board meeting, and it clearly resonated, as he repeated it during a general session speech that was right on point. The conversation was born from countless articles I read about protests due to overtourism and non-stop coverage that positioned all foreign visitors as villains due to bad actors who don’t respect the privilege and responsibility that is part of international exploration.
I began to wonder if early red flags could be possible; warning signs that the tourism balance was about to tilt out of equilibrium if adjustments were not made. These triggers exist in the private sector including many in our businesses. These are numbers that jump off the page to you when they don’t look right and tell you exactly which lever to pull to bring things back in order. This data all existed; it just wasn’t tracked consistently by every country. That is what I had always believed, and now I am convinced.
Shortly after, I had conversations with ProColombia, the Colombia Tourism Board, as they had one of the best market Intelligence departments. It was a chance to help them collate the data correctly and create triggers that every country could learn from. Countless meetings and discussions later, we had our information, and clear metrics, that can help a country truly judge how the tourism machine is performing, with key indicators at the ready other than the number of visitors entering the country.
This week’s video is my presentation to the World Travel Tourism Council, showcasing the notion that better data does exist, that overtourism can be prevented with warning signs evident long before it becomes a problem. I must admit, Colombia was misspelled in the first slide, so we weren’t off to the best start… however it gave us the opportunity to enforce something special about Colombia.
The only U in Colombia is YOU. Enjoy the video!
