Pulse - July 2021 - 22

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
On the Road Again
I
Elizabeth Goldstone
am so excited! I am heading out in a few
weeks to celebrate my birthday in the desert.
Although it is not an exotic destination
needing an airplane, it is a trip away from home,
which I haven't had for over a year! It will be my
first time in a hotel, and I am anxious to see how
everything operates, and enjoy the amenities.
For about six months, it seems like most people I
know have been either taking staycations or have gone
somewhere close that has finally opened to the public.
Although there are still guidelines in place, again, it is
great to get out of our homes, where we have been held
hostage in since March of last year.
I realize everyone is in the same boat, and we have all
been chomping at the bit to go somewhere, everywhere!
Now that meetings and conventions are gearing up, I
am sure there will be a huge exodus of people to these
meetings. I know that anything you want to do, you will
have to book way in advance, and expect for prices to be
much higher than before the pandemic. This includes airfare,
hotels, and even restaurants have raised their prices.
If you are driving anywhere, gas has also gone up, so all
aspects of travel will require a large investment. Everyone
is trying to make up for the lost revenue from Covid,
and so we are required to pay to play. It's ironic, as I feel
like I was able to save more money, not doing all of these
things, but it's time to support the economy, and enjoy
life again!! Da da da da ta da - Charge it!
It's exciting that amusement parks have opened, albeit
to smaller crowds, but to enough people that I feel like
at least someone I know has ventured to Knotts Berry
Farm or Disneyland. Many have also gone to the San
Diego Zoo or the Wild Animal Park. I have to say we
are so spoiled, in that there are so many places we can
go nearby just to get away. That is not even including
the mountains, beaches, and other wilderness areas. I am
excited to go to a baseball game, as I really missed seeing
sporting events, and hope to even maybe catch football
in the fall.
Later this summer, I will take my first airplane
trip to Colorado to go to a friend's wedding. I know
many people that flew before vaccinations and before
the world really started to open, and flights were very
empty. It's not the same now, as airlines are packing
people in like sardines again, but at least masks are
required, while there is still a risk. Even Air B&Bs and
VRBOs are in high demand, as I was looking at that
option for my trip. There is very little inventory, as
22
everyone is making their reservations early and booking
multiple venues.
I may be going to Las Vegas for the Western Vet Conference
in September, although it is at an odd time, so I
hope it can get a good attendance. This was the last trip I
took, right before Covid started. It's amazing how everything
was operating as normal and the panic had not
yet set in with everyone. But now, Las Vegas is almost
back to normal with most hotels opening right and left.
I heard that shows are not in full swing yet, but hopefully
they will be and we will be able to enjoy concerts
and comedy shows again. Little by little, it seems like
our world is becoming more normal. This means we can
make plans to travel locally, nationally and internationally.
I know that cruise ships have started to sail, and that
is one vacation that I would like to enjoy. You just need
to book way in advance, as they are one of the most
desired ways to travel.
Yes, I am excited to be on the road again, not just for
vacation, but for work as well. More and more clinics
are opening, and hopefully more will this summer. But
in the meantime, I will be awaiting my mini vacation
weekend, and every other opportunity to get out and
travel, whether it be for work or pleasure. Hope you all
can get out on the road again too!
Elizabeth Goldstone
Merck Animal Health * 949-379-0201
Elizabeth.goldstone@merck.com
JULY 2021
PULSE
Pulse - July 2021

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