At the moment, there’s a pretty good chance that you’ve explored every inch of your house. After all, what else is there to explore? With more and more people staying inside and with the prospect of travel slipping away from us as the days go on, it’s easy to assume that those with the travel bugs are the ones who are struggling the most. However, what about the destinations that rely on tourism to keep their economy booming?

Greece

If you have ever been to Greece, you’ll know that the peak season is full to the brim with tourists who stay in local family-run hotels and eat in traditional restaurants. However, with peak season closed off due to the ongoing pandemic, it’s causing even more issues for those who rely on tourism to make their money and to keep themselves employed.

Maldives

Although the floating huts and the white sands of the Maldives are normally enjoyed by those with a bit more money in their pockets, celebrities and rich folk have taken this time to stay at home and curb their travel bug. Unfortunately, this country relies on tourists as a way of life for those who live there.

Philippines

Many people travel to the Philippines each year for the beautiful landscape and the cheap full moon parties. However, it seems as though flights to the Philippines are seeing a huge drop in numbers. This country depends on young backpackers and adventure seekers to pay their bills and keep their economy on track.

India

India is notoriously poverty-stricken, and often the pull of tourists is what brings in the big bucks for those who would otherwise earn nothing. Because serious travel restrictions are currently in place, India is not only struggling with a pandemic, but they’re also struggling with a loss of income.

Let’s just hope things will get back to normal soon enough.

The quaint Colorado town of Crested Butte, or C.B., has been witnessing a flock of winter sports enthusiasts throughout the season. Recently ranked the second ‘Snowiest Small Town in America,’ the place has attracted vacationists from across the nation for being a top-notch skiing destination. And as the snow starts melting, the vast valley gets ready for another striking natural phenomenon. After the thick blanket of snow vanishes each year, the meadow gets decked in bright shades of colors with blooming flowers.

The ‘Flowering’ Phenomenon

Nestled in the Elk Mountains, the charming town of C.B. delivers a spectacular display of colorful blooming flowers during spring and summer each year. This natural phenomenon has aptly given the town the name ‘the wildflower capital of Colorado.’ The town is surrounded by a vast valley bordering several mountain ranges like the San Juan Mountains, the Maroon Bells, etc. While these mountains give the town its best-in-class skiable plateau each winter, they also help create fertile soil when the snow melts. Add in the favorable climate, and the vast meadow comes alive with vibrant pops of color once the flowers start to thrive after winter. Lupines, glacier lilies, and numerous sunflower varieties are just a few out of the 1500 species of wildflowers that grow here.

The Best Time to Visit

Dr. David W. Inouye of the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory (RMBL) is a principal investigator at the institute and observes the blooming cycle each year. As Inouye explains, the starting of the flowering season depends upon the amount of winter snowpack. But generally, mid-June to late July is the peak flowering season in C.B. Around the second and third week of July, midseason flowers start to bloom, and the greatest abundance of blooming wildflowers can be witnessed during this time. With a mountainside covered with flowers of various colors and types, it’s a phenomenal scene indeed!