Nomadic Matt's Tuesday Travel Update

Hey {NAME}, With my antibodies gone (I got retested) and the jury still out on long-term immunity, I've decided to stay in New England instead of going back to Texas. Texas' cases are rising too fast for me (plus it's very hot there and almost everything is closed). I'd rather stay here where things are a bit more under control. So, I am in Maine (I took a COVID test last weekend to comply with their restrictions)!! I'm starting in Portland before joining my friends for some hiking in Acadia National Park. After that, I'm just floating with the wind and taking it day by day. After Maine, I plan to head to Vermont, then to upstate New York, before heading back to Boston to reassess the situation and figure out my next move. With everything still in flux, it's hard to plan more than a couple of weeks out. My general plan is to just visit a lot of national parks, hike, stay away from people as much as possible, read the stack of books I bought, and see where the day takes me. Despite growing up in Boston, I never really explored New England so if you have any tips for Maine, Vermont, or upstate NY, please send them my way! UPCOMING VIRTUAL TRAVEL EVENTS We're still hosting a ton of awesome, inspiring, and informative virtual events to keep you entertained and engaged during the pandemic! Here are the events happening this week: - [Visiting Bhutan: What It's Like & What You Need to Know]( (TODAY) - [Celebrate FLYTE's Five Year Anniversary]( (7/22) - [Freelance Travel Writing in the Age of Coronavirus]( (7/23) - [What's Your Traveler Footprint? Unpacking Your Racialized Baggage]( (7/28) You can see our full list of over a dozen upcoming events (including some virtual happy hours) by [clicking here](. COMMUNITY UPDATES 1. FLYTE is turning 5 years old!!!!  FLYTE (The Foundation for Learning and Youth Travel Education) raises money to help high school students take educational overseas trips. Thanks to your donations, we’ve sent over 70 students abroad! [Come celebrate this important milestone with us!]( You can meet the board as well as some of the students you helped send abroad. It's gonna be a fun virtual party! 2. This week on Patreon, [I'll be posting a story about my life playing poker in Amsterdam]( and how the guys I met taught me a lot about trusting strangers. If you want to access exclusive posts, videos, and monthly calls, [come join our Patreon!]( You also get things like free guides, signed copies of my books, 1-on-1 calls, and tons of other awesome perks. With the travel industry still collapsing, your support helps us continue to create content while getting exclusive content, swag, and other perks! 3. REMINDER: [I just updated my book on travel hacking]( with new tips, tactics, and strategies to help you earn points and miles for free travel. It's a big update. Check it out! :) 4. If you're looking to get your travel questions answered or just want to hang with other members of the community, [come chat on our forum]( and share your tips, get advice, and connect with travelers from around the world. COOL STUFF AROUND THE WEB 1. [Before the virus, Asia's ecosystems were buckling under overtourism. When the tourists return, it has to be different]( - A good article on overtourism in Southeast Asia and what can be done to make things better when travel resumes. 2. [Rick Steve's Quarantine Suggestions]( - A funny video from travel expert Rick Steves on life during the lockdown. 3. [Coronavirus is Crushing Tourism — and Cutting Off a Lifeline for Wildlife]( - A sobering look at how the tourism decline in Africa is jeopardizing endangered wildlife. 4. [Does Travel Really Lead to Empathy?]( - Research shows travel changes our brains. But does it make us more empathetic? NEW & UPDATED POSTS [The Nomadic Network: A Community Update & More Events]( The Nomadic Network is our in-person travel community dedicated to connecting travelers from all around the globe. Here's an update on our upcoming virtual events, news on our forums, new blog posts, and more! [UPDATED: Coronavirus & Travel: What You Need to Know (Plus Resources)]( I updated our comprehensive guide to travel during the Coronavirus with new resources, border updates, and my own thoughts on how to travel safe during the pandemic. QUOTE OF THE WEEK "Travel doesn’t become adventure until you leave yourself behind" – Marty Rubin *** As always, if you have any questions, just let me know and I'll be happy to help. Sincerely, Nomadic Matt P.S. - If you'd like to help us survive these difficult times while getting exclusive content, [please check out our Patreon](. You'll get stories not shared on the regular blog, input on the content we create, travel photos, live Q&As, free guides, courses, and more! Sent to: {EMAIL} [Unsubscribe]( Nomadic Matt Inc., 207 E. 9th St. , Georgetown, Texas 78626, United States