Transitions Abroad Magazine July/August 2003 Vol. XXVII, NO. 1

As many of you know, the July/August issue kicks off the new volume year (the 27th) for Transitions Abroad. In this issue—the Overseas Travel Planner—we select the year’s best books, organizations, resources, and travel programs for independent travelers of all ages and interests.

With the many tragedies that afflicted our world throughout the spring—the invasion of Iraq, ongoing terrorist attacks, and the spread of SARS—a fresh start is sorely needed.

Whether we are for or against the U.S. actions in Iraq, now we can only hope and speak out for the Iraqis to build their own nation, with their own government, in their own interests. In the best case, the continuing loss of life, suffering, and destruction will be followed by a new age of peace and security.

While speaking with subscribers during the past months, I heard too many say, though understandably, "My next trip will be to Latin America or Europe." But it will be regrettable if we confine ourselves to learning only about the western side of the world. This issue of Transitions Abroad features many an enticing European and Latin American adventure for the year ahead; however, I would like nothing more than to see our articles increasingly reflect travel farther afield. Let us venture toward the possibility that before many more volume-years have passed we’ll be interacting with Iraqis, Israelis, and Palestinians in their homes and they in ours.

Until this time comes, one positive step we can take is to continue to build on what many Transitions Abroad travelers have been doing since the magazine’s inception in 1977, engaging in community-organized tourism. As Ron Mader explains in our resource section for Community Travel this type of responsible and mindful travel is where the health of our world’s future lies; it supports people who open their doors and share firsthand with visitors what is special about their land and culture.

For the September/October issue our major focus will be work and volunteering abroad. If you are planning a trip before then, please visit our website, www.transitionsabroad.com, to find the information you need on work, study, living, and immersion travel abroad.

—Sherry Schwarz