Dissolvingborders
It’s an interesting time to be a brand that makes travel bags, because it’s an interesting time for travel.

Some parts of the world are vaccinated and enjoying a return to normalcy. Others are getting smashed by third and fourth Covid waves. Others are mostly Covid free, but still locked down and implementing strict quarantines.

Is it insensitive for us to encourage travel? Irresponsible, even? Do we miss the mark if we talk about staying in your neighborhood when places like the US are itching to hop on a plane? As a brand, D_b_ has to talk a fine line.

But I don’t, so I’m going to just come right out and say it: If you’re able, willing and healthy, you should be traveling as soon as possible for as long as possible. Selfishly, it will reignite your soul and creativity, and likely be cheaper and less crowded than it will be in another six months or a year.

If selfishness isn’t your thing, consider doing it to line the pockets of people who really need it. You hear about how hard tourism hot spots have been hit by Covid, but until you see it firsthand, it’s hard to understand.

Leaving Bali last week, we got a ride to the airport from a family that we’d become close with. For the couple of months we were in Indonesia, we probably spent $300-400 with them in transportation, motorbike rentals, etc. As we rode to the airport, the matriarch of the family, Sarni, explained how she was unable to pay for the car she’d leased right before Covid, how nobody came by her store anymore, how the stress of making ends meet had taken a toll on her health. We were her only customers, and now we were leaving.

Get a vaccine. Take a test. Wear a mask. Do what you have to do for you, and for people like Sarni. The world needs it.

taylor