This is good news if it’s true.
According to this piece in the Travel Section of the Chicago Trib, it appears that not only are Americans traveling a great deal these days, but they are getting more adventuresome, heading to places where only the very rich or the grungiest backpackers were wont to go. Statistics from U.S. airlines show that 2005 was likely one of the most traveled years on record for Americans, and while most off that travel was domestic and/or Canada or Mexico, many more Americans are heading to places like Africa than before. This is a very good thing for we Americans who don’t get to see the world much despite the fact we play such a big role in it.
The writer called numerous tour operators and asked about their bookings. Places like Abercrombie & Kent, a tour company that caters to “experienced, upscale travelers” (and quite wealthy ones…I always imagine J. Peterman (thanks, Willy!) the guy from Seinfeld…Elaine’s white-haired boss…leading these tours)…said that last year they sent 65 percent more clients to Africa than in 2004. To where, you ask? Egypt and Kenya and also, if you can believe it, Ethiopia.