02/09/2024
Please stay with me here. I recently replied to a post that a person was going to visit Alaska. They made sure to announce that they knew it was a "Red" state to stave off community comments for spending money in a right-leaning state. There's a lot wrong here. I live in South Dakota. It doesn't get any more red than that. My tax dollars go to the state with which I do not agree on all the policies. I vote but belong to no party.
Thank God I never gave much thought to the political leanings or governmental philosophies when it comes to travel. I've been to a communist nation, socialist nation, democratic nation, kingdoms, and more.
Do I put that first when deciding where to go? Only if it has to do with a record of imprisonment or worse when it comes to the LGBTQIA community. If it is clearly foolhardy and downright dangerous, I don't do it.
If I chose my places to visit based on whether or not it is aligned with my personal philosophies, I would go nowhere, understand nothing when it comes to cultures of the world, and limit myself (here's where we get to the heart of it) not on my beliefs so much as the beliefs of the clans I belong to.
I no longer give a s**t about what many other people think I should do, what I should support, or how I should express myself. This is a short life, a large country with beautiful land that knows whatever is going on now will most surely change, die, or be taken over.
Please don't limit yourself based on what other people think. Visit as many places as you can. When you are there, abide by the laws, show respect, and don't go to shock people. This backward thinking is wrong. It's like Florida, and how the tourism industry there is suffering from the typical crowds because of Desantis and what he has attracted, endorsed and promoted in the state.
On the flip side, small businesses that rely on that typical crowd are now suffering. Here's a travel secret*********** Respectful Cultural exchange of ideas is a way to create peace, understanding, and a more open mind.
I may be the only LGBT-owned and operated tour business in all of South Dakota, but I don't care. I am just me, and I encourage you to visit. Your presence helps my business and works to ease tensions that all of us would like to see gone. Rachel Covello thank you for your insight into visiting Florida. I invite you to visit South Dakota and will provide you a full series of tours. Bring the ladies and get ready for the outdoors!
