OUR 51ST WEEKLY UPDATE REGARDING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC – THIS WEEK WE TALK ABOUT FURTHER POSITIVE STATISTICS, IN ADDITION TO DISCUSSING “REVENGE TRAVEL” AND WHAT THAT MEANS. ALSO, WE WILL BE FEATURING ANOTHER ONE OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS AND FOUNDERS AND AS ALWAYS, SOME ENTERTAINING VIDEOS FOR YOU TO ENJOY.
FRIDAY, March 19
FROM CHRIS KRARAS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
“ONE’S DESTINATION IS NEVER A PLACE, BUT ACTUALLY A NEW WAY OF SEEING THINGS!”
My Dear Friends:
SPRING HAS SPRUNG! Yes, it is hard to believe that in only a few short days, we will be celebrating the first day of Spring. For the most part, across the United States, the weather has changed for the better, and it is wonderful to start hearing the birds chirping and to begin seeing the grass turn green. The year 2021 just seems so much brighter in every way, and now with the coming of the Spring Season we see the arrival of hope, happiness, exhilaration and certainly that sense of freedom that we have all been anticipating for a year now.
Over the past week, the numbers of positive Coronavirus cases have continued to decline dramatically. The up-to-date statistics from the New York Times tell us that over the last ten days, there has been an additional 16% decrease in positive cases reported regarding the Coronavirus. The numbers are down to less than 50,000 people a day testing positive across the United States, which is one-third of what it was only a month ago. This is all great news and I hope you are feeling the positive vibe.
Above I mention the term “REVENGE TRAVEL”. This is the new term being used by people all around the country, and actually all around the world. Basically, it is like thinking you are finally excited and ready to get back out there and start doing things. You are ready to take extra trips or splurge on a trip that you have been dreaming about because you haven’t been able to travel for so long. Many people are saying that they are getting their “revenge” for having been shut down for so long. They are just now getting over the feeling of being trapped. They have canceled trips. They have canceled celebrations. They have canceled family get togethers. And now it appears that this is all done with. Travelers, just like your Groups, are acting on their travel dreams now that they have had their vaccines and it is safe to travel. Let’s hope that “Revenge Travel” has struck your Group the way it has impacted people all around the country.
This has been another great week at White Star Tours, as so many more Groups are now on the road and enjoying this beautiful country of ours. Buses are coming from states throughout the Eastern part of the United States and going to destinations throughout the country. In every Travel Magazine, the Travel Experts say that “Seniors are the ones who are leading the new travel boom throughout the United States.” So, again, let the folks in your Group know that they should start getting themselves ready to enjoy life like we all did before the nightmare of Covid-19.
This Week’s Staff Profile
Ann Kraras
It is time to meet another one of our White Star Tours Staff Members and Founders. This week, I am excited for you to meet the lady that has been at my side for all of the fifty years of the existence of White Star Tours – that is my wife, Ann. From the very first days when I thought up this whole concept and when I was doing all my work behind a snack table in my living room, Ann was always at my side offering encouragement and assistance. To this day, I still count on Ann whenever I need something edited or I need some fresh, new ideas. She always has been so instrumental and enthusiastic, and it is that type of excitement that she brought to our Family that encouraged our two children, Dean and Marisa, to always want to help and get involved and become very active parts of our business. In addition, Ann always accompanies me on important trips for large groups, and her assistance and encouragement has always been invaluable. Ann and I have been blessed with 53 years of marriage and a wonderful family. I can’t thank her enough for always being at my side. God Bless You, Ann.
Once again, it is time for a little fun and entertainment. The first piece of entertainment is one that is very nostalgic, but also very much inspirational. There is a famous song written by the duo of Simon & Garfunkel called “The Sound of Silence”. This song has been ranked as one of the top ten songs of all time and I would encourage you to read the back story of how that song was written before you listen to the song as it will be even more meaningful. Enjoy this beautiful piece of inspiration by clicking here.
Also, I have heard from many of our Group Leaders that you enjoy when I include a magic act in my weekly notes to you. This week I found one that will bring a smile to your face, as it features an old-time magician performing an old-time trick, but in a very unique way. Click here to be amazed at what this man can do.
Finally, I always try to close with some humor. I enjoy the humor of a fella by the name of Jim Gaffigan. I think you will get a chance to chuckle also. Click here for some light-hearted comedy.
So, my friends, as another week comes to a close, I wish you all a beautiful weekend with your friends and your families. We look forward to so many of you finalizing all the many trips that you have booked with White Star Tours for 2021. I hope you get a chance to get outside and enjoy Spring as it arrives on Saturday, and that you have a wonderful and a healthy week. God Bless You All!
“A MAN OF ORDINARY TALENT WILL ALWAYS BE ORDINARY, WHETHER HE TRAVELS OR NOT.
BUT, A MAN OF HIGHER TALENT WILL GO TO PIECES IF HE REMAINS FOREVER IN THE SAME PLACE!”