A Changing Landscape

I am writing this column mid-quarantine, sequestered in my home office, trying to brainstorm what to write about. I’ve got a bad case of writer’s block at the moment, but for good reason. Despite having excellent travel content in this issue of Live|Play|AAA (more on that in a bit), it seems odd to not acknowledge what has transpired in the first half of 2020.

News flash: 2020 has been extremely difficult. First, we’ve been dealing with the health, safety and economic challenges created by COVID-19, a pandemic unlike anything we’ve experienced in the U.S. since 1918. Then, we witnessed the tragic death of George Floyd, which elevated the issue of racial equity, equality and injustice to a national and global scale. Both have unfolded during a major election year, which has fanned the flames of opinion around health care and racial issues. Like you, I’ve felt a range of emotions from anger to anxiety to frustration over the past six months. Despite these challenges, I’m confident we can use these experiences to heal, grow and prosper as a community.

As I mentioned, this issue of Live|Play|AAA features excellent travel content to inspire and inform. In one of our feature articles, Raya Garrison covers the science of jet lag and what can be done to manage it. If you’re a frequent international flyer or just an occasional traveler, you can pick up some tips and tricks to deal with jet lag on your next trip. In our cover story, writers Joe Maloney and Renata Faeth showcase the wonders of Greece, while AAA Travel Advisors share their expert advice for traveling in the country. Finally, Katie Ballalatak covers Nashville, a city steeped in music and southern charm in our domestic travel column.

Just as the world is changing around us, so has AAA Minneapolis experienced changes of our own. One of these changes includes not publishing the September/October print issue of Live|Play|AAA. We look forward to returning to your mailbox in November 2020! In the meantime, Live|Play|AAA content will still be available at AAA.com/LivePlayAAA and via our Live|Play|AAA monthly email newsletter.

Be well,

Jesse Simon
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Managing Editor, Live|Play|AAA