Why We Need Christmas - and Travel - More Than Ever

I had planned on sending you a joyful holiday greeting, along with festive videos from World's Greatest Cruises' Christmas market river cruise on the Viking Sigyn on the Rhine, and other inspiring news, like what I felt was a Christmas miracle: the re-birth of Notre Dame de Paris, one of Europe's most joyous cathedrals. 
 

When the horrifying news broke late Friday of the tragic, fatal car attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, I considered canceling this newsletter.
 

Upon reflection, instead, I'm doubling down. 
 

My belief has always been that travel, like the holidays, brings people and the world closer together, fosters goodwill, celebrates joy and inspires the best in us all. 

I remain firmly convinced that is true. And we need these qualities more than ever. 

I pray we do not let evil doings or troubling times hold us back from living our best lives, including the joy of visiting celebratory events like Christmas markets and the wonder of time spent with our families, communities and experiencing new people and places. 

So I wish you the very best of the holiday season, and all the blessings of travel, now and in the coming year. 
 

With my very best wishes and prayers for peace and joy in the New Year,