This year, we'd expected to receive our highest number of bookings ever from the other side of the pond. It seemed like the word has finally spread to our American fitfam, a better way to explore the world, one burpee at the time.
Unfortunately, Covid has decided to put our fitness adventures plans to a halt. Travel restrictions severely impacted plans, leaving us wondering when will be the next time we can sunbathe in a blissful location, mingling with the rest of the world.
Now, with the U.S presidential election out of the way, we’re holding hope of better times ahead. A breakthrough in a Covid vaccine, recently announced means there is signs of light at the end of the tunnel and one sure goal for 2021: more travelling!
We asked our American Helios trainers, how did they cope with not being able to travel this year? And where is their first place they plan to visit post-Covid? Helios OG Anthony Crouchelli, alongside our yogi, British ex-pat, Katie Cella and Washington D.C based, Amelia McNamara all shared their thoughts and plans for the future once the borders open.
Anthony Crouchelli @anthonycrouchelli
Covid had a significant impact on all my traveling this year, as I was supposed to teach on three different continents throughout 2020. I was fortunate enough to start my year off in Morocco with Helios this past February, which was nothing short of incredible.
As Covid began to hit, I quickly pivoted and found myself traveling by car to the Hamptons to lead workouts, as well as continue my Sweat to Connect series with a new perspective on what the future of fitness and travel looked like this year. Traveling this year through Covid was most certainly challenging, but I am grateful to have stayed healthy, safe, and work throughout this time.
Where is the first trip you’re planning to go, once the borders are open?
Mykonos, Bali, Bahamas — wherever I can get to first to be with my Helios family and community! Helios has always been a blissful experience, and especially in these difficult times, I could not image a better community to reunite with as I begin traveling as they create such a positive, welcoming atmosphere!
Amelia McNamara @amelia_r_mcnamara
As some might know, I was planning on co-leading the Mykonos retreat this past May. I was so very excited, I have never been to Mykonos and was really looking forward to meeting the Helios team and all the participants in person. Plus, who wouldn’t want to train in the beautiful Mykonos!
Alas, then Covid hit. After this trip was canceled, I was in hopes of assisting in the Bahamas retreat in October, but again, Covid! Although I was extremely disappointed and saddened with the news (my family and friends in the States will tell you I was talking about these epic retreats all the time!), I also have found a new sense of gratitude in this time for the things I have been able to do.
Covid has changed my perspective (as I’m sure it has for many of us), on what is truly important. It’s also renewed my purpose and realization of why I am even in this profession as a coach and trainer.
Through this time, Ive been able to connect with clients, family and friends in more special ways than before. Ive also found a new gratitude for my health and movement. Likewise, it’s so pleasant to think about what life will be like once we can travel, explore, and engage with each other again.
In the new year, I hope I can learn to practice gratitude in ways I have not before. I don’t want this time to have gone by without "shaking me up” to change in the ways I need to.
I will continue to show up for those around me, myself and my community. I know things will get better. I see that when we make the choice we can become more united with kindness and empathy, as well as look out for our fellow brother/sister.
We just have to be willing to get uncomfortable, try the hard thing and be an example for others. Its going to get better! Stay safe everyone!
Katie Cella @thebritishyogagirl
When they said we needed to close the studio for 2 weeks due to Covid, I saw it as an opportunity to do a studio makeover, revamp the schedule and work on online tutorials. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that would have been the last time I had students inside my beautiful studio, let alone go into a lockdown for the next 4 months (and more!)
I was getting ready to promote my first Helios Retreat in the BAHAMAS (!!) in October, and was shocked when we started talking about cancelling the trip due to the borders being closed.
I miss teaching in person, I miss the energy in a studio, but one thing is for sure - as soon as those borders open up again I will be joining the badass Helios team and we will bring you an epic adventure! Just think of all of that pent up energy us yoga teachers and trainers need to unravel!
Stay tuned, you won’t want to miss this!
The world is finally turning a page from a dark chapter. The new year has all the potential to become a year of meaningful and purposeful experiences. Meeting people and becoming part of a community has never been so valuable to our lives. A retreat sounds like the perfect remedy to a new way of experiencing travelling. Time to pick a paradise, get passport ready and set on a wellness journey of a lifetime.
If you ever need any help, we're here to ensure the best trip for you.