La Palma: A volcanic island with a thriving tourism industry

Despite the devastation caused by the recent volcanic eruption on La Palma, which affected all of the island's inhabitants, tourism provides new hope for those determined to rebuild.

Even though the recent 2021 volcanic eruption on La Palma in Spain's Canary Islands destroyed homes and businesses in minutes, residents are determined to rebuild. Tourism is one of the silver linings that they see. The lava has formed new beaches and natural sea pools on the rock, allowing vineyards to flourish, and attracting curious visitors from Spain, other parts of Europe, and the United Kingdom.

Kimberly Davis's mental health deteriorated due to a previous medical scare and prolonged isolation due to the Covid pandemic – until a friend offered her a vacation to France.

Despite being nervous and having panic attacks, Kimberly Davis, a UK resident, went from living in her flat for nearly two years to boarding a plane and flying to France. The journey itself was a huge step forward for her.

But, once there, she was able to face her fears one at a time by doing things like sitting on the beach, eating ice cream, and dining out. She began to notice that all of her senses were heightened entirely, and by the end of the experience, she had changed her approach to Covid.

"The vacation was extremely rejuvenating. It was a life-changing experience. It was crucial to my mental health, "She stated. "I'm gradually reintegrating myself into the life I'd been missing so much... So, I believe this trip has saved my life."

Mt. Everest was impenetrable to climbers for much of 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic, forcing some to reconsider its use. 

Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, the Nepalese government announced in March 2020 that expeditions to Mt Everest would be suspended for the remainder of the climbing season.