I like spring. It is not my favorite season, summer is. Nonetheless, I like springtime if only for the simple reason that after being cooped up indoors for most of winter I can now spring into action and enjoy more of the outdoors. I can shed the heavy dull colors of winter for something lighter, brighter and cheerier. The last vestiges of winter linger in the chilly air and the occasional snow flurry, but old man winter must eventually give in to higher temperatures as the mercury rises and as the sun’s rays get stronger every day.
Spring – Forsythia (Traveltinerary)
I need sunshine. It is a part of my DNA. I love temperatures in the high 70s and 80s. Whenever I see the blooming forsythia plant it tells me that spring is here and warmer weather too. The yellow petals seem to appear overnight. Whenever I feel down and out, the perennial’s rich vibrant color helps to cheer me up the same way the sun’s rays does in its mellow yellow radiance. The first sightings of the bush against the sparsely foliage landscape, bright and bold, is like the sun shining through patches of cloudy skies. Aah, I know. A pampered vacation in the tropics is what I really need to scatter remnant winter blues. This spiel about sunshine and individual care, segues succinctly to a destination where customer care is second nature.
Recently, Barbados, my homeland, was awarded the distinction of being the number one destination for tourist gratification. A survey of 70,000 travelers rated the tiny island paradise best in customer service in the world. Headlines like “Barbados Tops Charts with “Rihanna Effect,” Plans Bigger 2018”, “Barbados Named World’s Top Travel Spot for Customer Satisfaction”, and “The Most Satisfying destination in the World” speaks of what draws these tourists to the shores of ‘Bimshire’ repeatedly. While celebrity attractions and exquisite establishments may have bearings in contributing to such a prestigious honor, I believe it is more than just branding and smart marketing strategies. It is its people.
“Friend to all, satellite of none.” – Sir Errol Walton Barrow
Over the years, many slogans and advertisements have gone into wooing visitors to Barbados. However, in my opinion, if I had to speak for every Barbadian, it would be to say, “Bajans embody tourism as part of their culture.” Years ago, one of the many successful slogans – “Tourism is our business” served a dual purpose: 1. attracting vacationers; 2. teaching nationals the art of keen customer service skills. That slogan resonated with every Bajan across all walks of life back then. To me, it is one of the most impactful slogans to have served the country’s tourist industry.
Growing up as a kid on the rock, I recall we were taught to be proud ambassadors, and how to handle foreigners to our island. Exceptional service was made the number one priority which now pays sweet returns. We knew we had no major economic wealth or competitive edge in the natural resources department. All we have are our people.
“We loyal sons and daughters all
Do hereby make it known
These fields and hills beyond recall
Are now our very own
We write our names on history’s page
With expectations great
Strict guardians of our heritage
Firm craftsmen of our fate”
– Irvine Burgie (Chorus to Barbados National Anthem)
Today, I am excited at seeing forsythias which tells me warmer days are ahead. I get even more excited recommending destinations where, besides the sand, sea and sun, apropos customer service gives holidaymakers the pleasure they seek and an enjoyable breather from a long harsh winter. Is Barbados on your bucket list? If not, it would be worth your while to add it now. If international travel is not possible currently, contemplate road-tripping to where heats are already above 60 degrees. If that is still not a possibility, don’t despair, you will not have too long to wait for higher temps and to enjoy all that is in your own backyard. Wherever you choose to travel, be sure to enjoy springtime before it becomes a thing of the past.
Blog community, do your travel plans include a warm destination? I can help you plan a bespoke itinerary for the tropics. Select follow, click like and comment in the box below. It means so much to me to read your thoughts and suggestions. You may also follow me on Twitter @traveltinerary, LinkedIn, Google+, or share my post on any of your social media platforms. It’s been real the whole time 😊. Thanks for reading.
More times,
Itinerary Planner
Travel Itineraries 