Dark Days

Winter has arrived, media opps, and more

A few snaps from our evening celebrating Sint Maarten.

On November 11, the Netherlands celebrated Sint Maarten, a tradition that’s also popular in Belgium, Germany, and parts of France. It honors a bishop named Martinus who was born in AD 316 and, as legend has it, used his sword to cut his cloak in half during the dead of winter so that he could giving one piece to a beggar to stay warm.

In countries like the Netherlands, children honor Sint Maarten’s memory by making paper lanterns and going door to door singing songs about him in exchange for candy. The tradition also marks the autumnal period and the beginning of winter, with the lanterns offering symbolic beacons of light during darkening days.

But the changing of the seasons isn’t not the only reason the days have been dark around here lately.

To put it bluntly, I was absolutely gutted and heartbroken from the results of the U.S. election. Since then, I’ve mostly come to terms with the reality. But I still am struggling mightily with certain aspects, including the fact that the person America elected to its highest position of power contradicts every single value and moral I’ve ever been taught in life.

To treat others with respect, even if they think, look, or worship differently than you. To not lie, cheat, or steal. To obey and uphold the rule of law. To not be a bully. To respect and honor veterans and military service members. To be gracious in victory and defeat. To set a good example for others. To not mock people for things they can’t help, like physical disabilities. To keep your hands to yourself. To be a good leader. To educate yourself on issues you don’t understand. To take care of Mother Nature. To own up to your mistakes. To take your responsibilities seriously. To not be vengeful.

I could go on and on. But I’ll stop there and just say that although I’m extremely worried about the future of my beloved country — and especially for certain groups of people like women — I’ll keep looking toward the light to stay sane and hopeful. For me, that means taking inspiration from the journalists, activists, volunteers, healthcare workers, and so many more individuals who are fighting the good fight to keep democracy alive in ways big and small, often behind the scenes.

We’re in for a rough ride, no doubt. But here’s hoping we can emerge from it intact — if not stronger.

Media Opps

As always for these source requests, please send me an email [blanebachelorATgmailDOTcom] with the subject line: PITCH instead of just responding to this message, which means it will mostly likely get lost in the shuffle.

For Afar, I’m looking to speak to US-based travel advisors on the best places to travel with your family in 2025. Think: places that have great playgrounds, museums, outdoor spaces, amusement parks, etc., as well as fun stuff for the adults. If this is you, or your source, please send me an email with 2-3 sentences about the destination, and why it’s particularly good for families now. Bonus points if you can tie it into a travel trend or new hotel, initiative, etc.

Deadline: Tuesday midday (Amsterdam time) Nov. 26

For CNN, I’m looking to speak to relocation and/or tax experts about which countries are best for retirement for U.S. citizens. I need people with specific expertise around this subject who can speak directly to regulations, tax law, etc. with authority.

Deadline: Weds., Nov. 27

Some Fun News

I never win awards (like, really, ever). But several of the publications I contribute to regularly won big in the 2023/24 Lowell Thomas Awards (as part of the Society of American Travel Writers’ foundation, and the most prestigious awards in the industry). Among them: National Geographic’s Great Outdoors USA guidebook, to which I contributed several chapters; Afar; and Fodor’s. Congrats to all the winners!

Recently Published Stories

I was thrilled to make my debut in The Points Guy, in its Best Places to Travel in 2025. My writeup on Amsterdam is about midway through.

And That’s a Wrap

I recently had a birthday, which marks a year that I’ve been writing this newsletter. Thanks so much for reading, sharing, and commenting. And on a note of gratitude, Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are and however you celebrate.

Cheers,

Blane