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Up in the Air Life Features Black Travel That Gets Both Lit and Luxe

Black. Travel. Excellence.

It’s a concept that has literally taken flight—courtesy of skyrocketing black-owned and operated tour company Up in the Air Life .

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A glittery diamond on an increasingly dark travel-movement landscape, UITAL’s rep for serving up consistent black excellence from Cuba to Croatia is so strong, it’s caught the attention of corporate giants like Walmart and has caused the growing Washington, D.C.-based company to triple its revenue since its first trip in 2014. This year UITAL is projected to pull in $1 million.

The reason?

UITAL clients don’t take trips—they partake in epic, culturally curated adventures, whether that’s puffing poolside cigars with the boys in Cartagena, Colombia, or bouncing to Paris for the kickoff of Beyoncé’s world tour.

For passport-sporting millennials and Gen Xers, the opportunity to view the world through a prism of opulence and peak blackness is an opportunity too delicious to pass up.

“Put a group of fly, young, upwardly mobile black folk on a yacht or a plane together and magic happens,” says founder Claire Soares, who has built her empire part time working as a software sales rep.

“UITAL tends to attract like-minded groups of people—execs for companies like Microsoft and Google along with doctors, consultants and entrepreneurs—folks who are well-traveled with high expectations,” she explains. “The networking is often just as attractive as the experiences are.”

And what “experiences” they are: Soares and her staff of 25, located from Mexico to New York (she plans to triple her part-time fun consultant crew by summer), literally scour the earth to create the most memorable adventures for their clientele.

“We have an on-staff sommelier who takes clients on food and drink jaunts through Champagne, France, and Bologna, Italy, pairing five-course meals with some of the world’s best wines and champagnes,” says Soares, the self-proclaimed “Chief Memory Maker.” “In France, we’ve rented out one of the acclaimed Moet caves and thrown black-tie dinners. In Bologna, our clients have been able to toast to the patriarch of one of the oldest vineyards in Italy, and rub elbows with the Italian wine ambassador. They also get to learn how to make pasta and sauces from scratch.”

UITAL “offers only the best,” says Soares, because often black travelers are not made to feel welcome or appreciated.

“I think in life [our] people aren’t made to feel appreciated, so we go above and beyond to make our guests’ experiences special and unique,” Soares says. “Seeing them cry at some of the surprise gifts we’ve given them, or to see us chilling out at literally some of the most luxurious places on earth—like the Copacabana Palace in Rio—brings a smile to my face.”

The travel-related glee is both shared and apparent, as evidenced by the rise of such groups as Nomadness Travel Tribe , Travel Noire and the Black Travel Movement , which have hundreds of thousands of black social media followers among them. Then there are those who regularly hop off Facebook and onto a plane, or intend to: CNN reports that intent among black travelers went from 3 percentage points in 2013 to 6 in 2014, then climbed to 19 points in 2015 and went up another 18 points in 2016, per the travel and hospitality marketing firm MMGY Global . With many professional blacks following a nationwide trend that sees 20-, 30- and even 40-somethings getting married and having children later in life , they’ve got both the time and money to spend on travel.

But UITAL’s climbing sales among this prime audience speak for themselves: Last month, the company sold out three mega yachts for Croatia in August in just a few hours—when Soares had only planned on selling one.

“Close to 100 people jumped on this opportunity from all around the world,” says the Virginia native, referencing the pricey trip but also UITAL’s convenient “pay to play” layaway plan. “It’s been our fastest-selling yachting trip to date,” she says about UITAL’s continued presence as one of the few black groups at world Yacht Week. “Word has gotten out about our high level of service. We cater to Black clientele in a way no other company is doing.”

Thirty-four-year-old D.C.-based data engineer Dartanion Williams can attest to this.

Having been on six tours hosted by UITAL or Urban Yacht Life (Soares’ spinoff company) and counting since 2014, Williams says that being down with the UITAL crew has been a life-changing experience.

“I linked up with Claire and UITAL at a time I was ready to travel but a lot of my friends were not,” he says. “That meant I walked away with a whole new group of friends! I’ve connected with people who have inspired me to get uncomfortable in my life and make bold moves, such as leave a great day job to start my own consulting practice,” he says. “This year, I am working on starting a nonprofit organization whose core focus is to help create more minority data engineers such as myself.”

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Life begins, when you get Up in the Air !

Claire soares is the mastermind behind the flagship international travel company, up in the air life ..

Claire Soares is the mastermind behind the flagship international travel company, Up in the Air Life.  Claire loves to work her magic to secure substantial deals while creating a business of impact. Soares makes success look easy. And, she hopes to help you do the same.

Claire Soares is a strategic leader, influential cultural innovator, and successful entrepreneur. As a former Sales Executive, Claire’s professional background coupled with her personal business acumen makes her the woman to know when learning more about securing deals and building businesses. Claire speaks to groups throughout the country about venture development, impactful brands, and breaking away from the Black box many African Americans are stuffed in from childhood upbringings to career choices.

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My philosophy, do. be. live.

I believe in DOING what you love, BEING who you are, and LIVING life out loud.  I live each moment to the fullest and create my best memories with no regrets! If that means I’m jet-lagged from a 7-day excursion to Thailand…wheels up! If that means I’m working the hours when others are sleeping, I’ll take that chance. Are you living the life you want to live? Are you doing what it takes? Are you being who you really are inside? Are you living life to the fullest?

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Breaking away is the answer to living life in hd .

Pre-Order your copy of Breaking Away: The Story of Going Against the Grain.

Founder of Up in the Air Life, Claire Soares, shares her success story of how she achieved the dreams of her parents, but realized she wasn’t living for herself. She taps into the way she is shattering limiting stereotypes placed on African Americans seeking to live beyond the ordinary. She unveils how she transformed her life from ordinary to extraordinary.

In My Dreams, I fly !

Up in the Air: Meet the Man Who Flies Around the World for Free

By Ben Wofford

Ben Wofford

T he boarding procedure has barely started at Chicago O’Hare, and Ben Schlappig has already taken over the first-class cabin. Inside Cathay Pacific Flight 807 bound for Hong Kong, he’s passing out a couple of hundred dollars’ worth of designer chocolates to a small swarm of giggling flight attendants. The six suites in this leather-bound playpen of faux mahogany and fresh-cut flowers comprise the inner sanctum of commercial flight that few ever witness. They’re mostly empty now, save for two men in their twenties who seem even giddier than the flight attendants. The two stand to greet him. “This is so cool!” exclaims one, and soon Schlappig is ordering champagne for everyone.

This sort of thing happens to Schlappig nearly everywhere he goes. On this trip, his fans will witness Schlappig’s latest mission: a weekend jaunt that will slingshoot him across East Asia — Hong Kong, Jakarta, Tokyo — and back to New York, in 69 hours. He’ll rarely leave the airports, and when he does he’ll rest his head only in luxury hotels. With wide ears, Buddy Holly glasses and a shock of strawberry-blond hair, Schlappig resembles Ralphie from A Christmas Story if he’d grown up to become a J. Crew model. Back beyond the curtain in business class, a dozen jowly faces cast a stony gaze on the crescendos of laughter and spilled champagne — another spoiled trust-fund kid, they’ve judged, living off his parents’ largesse. But Schlappig has a job. This is his job.

Schlappig, 25, is one of the biggest stars among an elite group of obsessive flyers whose mission is to outwit the airlines. They’re self-styled competitors with a singular objective: fly for free, as much as they can, without getting caught. In the past 20 years, the Internet has drawn together this strange band of savants with an odd mix of skills: the digital talent of a code writer, a lawyer’s love affair with fine print, and a passion for airline bureaucracy. It’s a whirring hive mind of IT whizzes, stats majors, aviation nerds and everyone else you knew who skipped the prom.

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Schlappig owes his small slice of fame to his blog “One Mile at a Time,” a diary of a young man living the life of the world’s most implausible airline ad. Posting as often as six times a day, he metes out meticulous counsel on the art of travel hacking — known in this world as the Hobby. It’s not simply how-to tips that draw his fans, it’s the vicarious thrill of Schlappig’s nonstop-luxury life — one recent flight with a personal shower and butler service, or the time Schlappig was chauffeured across a tarmac in a Porsche. But his fans aren’t just travel readers — they’re gamers, and Schlappig is teaching them how to win.

Up in the Air: Meet the Man Who Flies Around the World for Free , Page 1 of 12

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How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

I 've always considered myself a fiercely independent traveler. I've navigated more than 50 countries on my own, and while I have sometimes booked short excursions, usually for a day, it had never occurred to me to book a group tour. That changed when I decided to take two of my children on a family tour with Intrepid Travel . 

I had planned on spending our winter break in the Middle East but changed my mind at the last minute due to safety concerns . Because of the abrupt change, I knew I wouldn't have time to plan an itinerary, book hotels and arrange transportation before our departure date. However, I didn’t want to let that stop me from having an adventure. I'm glad I took a chance on a group tour because it changed the way I travel. Here's how.

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The trip planning was stress-free

I spent a little time comparing tour companies but quickly honed in on Intrepid. The company offers a variety of itineraries for families at different price points, and a few of my friends had been on its tours and had a good experience. I also liked that Intrepid offers specialized tours for different types of travelers, including family tours . 

At first I planned on an "original" style family tour but upgraded to a "comfort" tour, which included more activities and meals along with upgraded accommodations. Although it cost more, the company's 10-day Morocco Family Holiday tour was still within my budget and looked like a good value. 

BEFORE YOU GO: The 5 most important questions to ask yourself before booking a tour  

Once I committed to a tour, my planning was essentially done. That was a huge relief. I normally spend hours searching for hotels , figuring out some must-do activities in every location along with some off-the-beaten-track attractions, researching transportation options, and gathering restaurant recommendations. Although I often find it's fun, it’s also time-consuming and can become draining for trips that involve several stops.

Even though a group tour was not exactly what I would have planned on my own, Intrepid's Morocco itinerary was fairly close. I thought giving up some control was well worth the trade-off of not having to do all the planning on my own. Because Intrepid uses local teams based at its tour destinations to plan trips, I also hoped having a local involved would bring me to places I never would have found on my own. 

SAVE MONEY: Kids stay free at these 10 all-inclusive family resorts

Instead of reading hotel reviews and booking entry tickets, I spent the weeks leading up to my family vacation learning more about Moroccan culture. I knew this would enrich my experience more than figuring out all of the details for a trip abroad to run smoothly. I'm usually a mix of excited and stressed in the week or two leading up to a big trip. This time I was mostly excited, and my stress was at a minimum. 

Though I won’t stick exclusively to group tours in the future, this trip taught me to not sweat the small stuff so much. I don’t need to spend so much time finding the perfect hotel or restaurant to have a great trip.

Group trips are fantastic for solo travelers and parents traveling on their own

Before I had a family, I often traveled on my own. Though I enjoyed solo travel , it was lonely at times, even more so when I stopped staying at youth hostels and lost access to the fantastic communities they provide. Now I frequently travel with my two younger children. They are fantastic travel companions, but on longer trips I sometimes find myself longing for adult interaction or an extra pair of hands. Additionally, even though my kids usually get along well, they sometimes get sick of each other in the absence of any other playmates. 

TRAVEL WITH TEENS: 10 best vacation ideas for families with teenagers

On my Intrepid trip, I had other adults to talk to throughout the day. That was a refreshing change from my usual experience of going a week or more without speaking to another adult for more than five minutes, usually for transactional matters like checking into a hotel. My kids also quickly made friends with the other children on the trip. Not surprisingly, all of the families on the trip had similar interests and an adventurous spirit. My children and I were the only Americans in the group, and it was interesting learning more about life in New Zealand, Canada and Australia from the other families.

The parents in the group quickly started leaning on one another for support. One mom, also traveling alone with her children, asked me to take one of her daughters on an outing so she could get some one-on-one time with her other child. I asked a different mom to keep an eye on my son while I packed our things for the next day. It was nice not feeling as if I was on my own. 

UNIQUE TRIPS: Hate bus tours? These 7 unique guided tours were made for you

This "it takes a village" spirit is something I want to bring with me in my future travels. Although it’s not possible to replicate the experience of traveling with other families, it is possible to seek out connections away from home. For example, on a recent trip, my son wanted to play soccer with local children who lived near our hotel. Instead of rushing him away so we could squeeze in another activity, I let him play. He wound up meeting up with the other kids every night we were there, sharing candy and communicating with an app. The nights playing soccer were a highlight of that trip for him and something I probably would not have let him do before my experience with a group tour.  

I appreciated a slower pace

I have serious FOMO and often pack too much into my days when I travel. When I first reviewed the itinerary, I noted right away that it had downtime and even an entire free afternoon built into the trip. Though I know many people enjoy that balance, I was worried I would feel bored and come away feeling as if I had traveled halfway around the world and missed seeing all there is to do. 

TRIP REVIEW: Adventures by Disney’s Peru tour is a riveting family adventure

The reality is it’s impossible to do everything. Trying is exhausting and impossible. There is always something left on the to-do list at the end of the trip. It was refreshing to go into a trip not trying to see an entire country in two weeks and being OK with that from the outset. 

Though there were a couple of other things I would have liked to have squeezed in, I was very happy with the balance of activities and downtime. Other than all-inclusive family vacations and trips to family resorts , I normally don’t schedule time to just relax while I am traveling. It was really nice to have time to read and play UNO with my kids. I also liked that Intrepid had a couple of optional activities for those of us who didn’t want quite as much downtime as others. 

MONEY MATTERS: How much should you tip on a guided tour? All your gratuity questions answered  

I do still feel pressure to see and do everything when I travel, but going on a group trip helped me see the value in traveling at a slower pace. Some of my favorite moments from my Intrepid trip happened during scheduled downtime; they gave me and my children time to just enjoy being with one another without the pressures of work and school. It’s a lesson I’ve tried to carry with me as I’ve planned future trips. 

Learning from a local is invaluable 

One reason I chose Intrepid is the company uses all local guides, and most tours use the same guide throughout the trip. It may sound obvious that learning from locals is the best way to get to know a country, but I had underestimated just how valuable traveling with a local guide would be. 

TOUR REVIEW: Adventures by Disney’s South Africa tour is a lesson in culture, history, and beauty  

I learned much about Moroccan culture through our tour guide, who was always willing to answer questions about his life and traditions. He even brought us to his family home to meet his parents and niece, which was a very special experience. Aside from being able to share the history of everywhere we visited, I also liked that our guide warned us about scams to watch out for, shared the tipping culture and gave advice on bargaining. He was also helpful when it came to practical matters like finding an ATM.  

For future trips, I will be more open to taking guided tours with local guides, even if it’s just for a few hours. I will also make it a point to try to talk to more locals, as long as I can do so without bothering them too much. 

Even though it wasn’t what I had originally planned, not only did I have a great experience on my trip with Intrepid, it has also forever changed the way I plan to travel.

How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from TourScoop:

• 9 best travel companies that specialize in women-only tours
• 8 best senior travel tour companies
• 4 great tour companies with independent tours

The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How a group tour changed my whole approach to travel

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Delhi-San Francisco flight delay: A-I apologises, offers $350 voucher

On friday, aviation regulator dgca issued a show cause notice to air india for some flight delays and failure to take due care of the passengers.

Passengers waiting at Delhi airport after their Air India flight AI183 was delayed for several hours. (Source/X)

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Air india express: 85 flights cancelled; air india to support on 20 routes, over 100 air india express flights cancelled as cabin crew calls in sick, air india's mumbai-san francisco flight takes off after inordinate delay, ai code now on air india express's flights, vistara later: campbell wilson, ombudsman for aviation sector is a good idea: air india ceo campbell wilson, iifl samasta finance to raise up to rs 1,000 crore via secured bonds, boeing counts down again for its 1st astronaut launch test flight for nasa, maruti suzuki india sees 2% drop in sales to 174,551 units in may, m&m may wholesales surge 17% to 71,682 units, exports increase 2%, indigo flight lands in 'full emergency' after bomb threat; all exit safely.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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First Published: Jun 01 2024 | 8:37 PM IST

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Torbay Airshow: Road closures, line-up and all you need to know

The English Riviera Airshow will showcase some of the UK’s most iconic aircraft and there will be a special opening night ahead of the weekend-long event

• 11:42, 30 MAY 2024
• Updated 11:47, 30 MAY 2024

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A spectacular airshow happening Devon this weekend is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors. The English Riviera Airshow - also known as Torbay Airshow, will unfold across Paignton seafront on Saturday June 1 and Sunday June 2 June.

And for the first time in the airshow’s history, there will also be a special opening night on the Friday (May 31) before the main event, which is open to all.

Some of the UK’s most iconic aircraft will take to the skies including the RAF Red Arrows, the RAF Typhoon and so much more. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has been billed to perform but the tragic death of a pilot has resulted in planes being grounded and it's not clear whether it will still feature despite still being promoted on the flight schedule.

The Event Village on Paignton Green will be filled with live music, exciting entertainment and a wide range of food and drink stalls throughout the whole weekend.

The two-day extravaganza is free to attend and will feature word-class aerial displays and fantastic on-the-ground entertainment. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Torbay coastline, this year's event promises to be bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever before.

There are a number of ways to get to the airshow. If you’re travelling by bus, there will be services operating around Paignton on both days of the Airshow from across Torbay and further into Devon. Service 12 provides a direct service from Newton Abbot , Torquay and Brixham to Paignton. The open top double-decker buses will also serve Paignton throughout the day on Service 122. Full details are available by visiting www.stagecoachbus.com.

If you’re travelling by train, the closest train station to the Airshow Village is Paignton which is just a six-minute walk away from the Event Village. The station is served by GWR, CrossCountry Trains and Dartmouth Steam Railway. Services from Exeter St Davids and Newton Abbot to Paignton station run approximately every half hour.

If you’d prefer to travel by car then please be aware that the only way to guarantee a parking space is to pre-book your car parking online ahead of the event. Tickets cost £30 for our Premium Parking and £20 for our Parking Zone 1. All parking includes an Official Programme and Limited Edition 2024 English Riviera Airshow badge. Car parking can be booked through the English Riviera Airshow website here.

Motorists are advised that no on-the-day payment facility will be available in Victoria, Colin Road, Roundham and a section of Quaywest car park and therefore they should use alternative nearby car parks. For alternative nearby public car parks, visit the website.

Road closures

Anyone travelling by car to the event should be aware that road closures and safety and traffic management measures will be in place from 11am until 7pm on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June.

These measures limit vehicular access around Paignton seafront, Preston seafront and the surrounding residential areas. Affected roads along with diversion routes will be clearly advertised.

Disabled car parking is located in Victoria Car Park, Garfield Road, Paignton, TQ4 6AU. The car park is just a five-minute walk from the Event Village along pavements and roadways. The disabled spaces are allocated on the day and we advise early arrival and parking ahead of crowds arriving.

You can also travel to the Airshow via ferry (visit www.torbay.gov.uk/ferry for more information), by bike (cycle parking standards are available) or by coach (the drop-off point is adjacent to the Paignton Club and parking can be booked through the Airshow website for £100 per day).

Saturday 1 June:

Flying Times: 2:00pm – 3:45pm & 4:30pm – 6:00pm

• RAF Red Arrows
• RAF Typhoon
• D-Day Memorial Display (Dakota, P-51 Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire)
• Royal Navy Black Cats (Solo)
• Jet Provost T5
• OV10 Bronco
• Westland Wasp
• Hawker Fury

RAF Red Arrows Closing the show Saturday

Sunday 2 June:

Flying Times: 1:00pm – 2:30pm & 3:15- 4:30pm

• Westland Sea King

RAF Typhoon Closing the show Sunday

Both days of the airshow will feature an array of on-the-ground entertainment to keep airshow fans and families entertained in between aerial displays. Music will fill the air as the event showcases incredible acts and local bands playing into the night on both Saturday and Sunday. This includes 10-piece-band Joey the Lips who will be headlining at 9:15pm on Saturday night.

Some of the many attractions in the Event Village include the static spitfire, community football provided by McDonald’s and Saints South West, Children’s Week tent full of activities and an Artisan tent of local craft stalls. The Event Village on Paignton Green will be open from 10 am on both days. It will be packed with rides, carnival stalls, local and national traders and a wide variety of food and drink stalls. You can also see stands from visiting RAF, Navy, and Army crews in the Armed Forces Village.

Torbay Council will also be is holding its next Residents Engagement Event at the event village on Paignton Green. The engagement events allow the council to listen to residents and provide information on future plans or respond to local concerns. These events also provide the opportunity for people to feedback local insight to improve council services. The focus for this event will be local sea defence and regeneration schemes, as well as any other issues people wish to discuss. People should look out for the Torbay Council gazebo at the event village, where councillors and officers will be on hand both days from 10am to 4pm.

Further information on the flying programme, Event Village, pre-booking Airshow car parking tickets and reserved seating, road closures, parking restrictions, disabled access and getting to the event can be found here .

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FedEx and Pyxera Global launch Circular Supply Chain Coalition to upcycle rare earth minerals

The group wants to mine used electronics for valuable metals to reduce waste and grow jobs.

By Elsa Wenzel

May 24, 2024

Lithium-ion batteries from spent smartphones. Credit: Shutterstock/Konektus Photo

FedEx, Pyxera Global and several other companies launched the Circular Supply Chain Coalition on May 22 to boost the U.S. supply of critical minerals for new tech hardware by "mining" discarded consumer electronics.

Electronic goods all need rare earth elements. Batteries need lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and graphite to function. Aluminum and copper are required for chips and circuits. This is as true for wind turbines and electric vehicles as it is for phones and laptops. Global demand for critical minerals could quadruple by 2040, and prices are expected to rise .

Yet mining for these ingredients is underdeveloped in the U.S., which imports 80 percent of its supply. China dominates the market, processing up to 90 percent of rare earth elements worldwide.

The Department of Energy and the International Energy Agency have recommended sourcing critical minerals from used consumer products, sometimes called "urban mining." Americans throw away 8 million tons of electronics every year, about 46 pounds per person, according to the U.N.’s 2024 Global E-waste Monitor .

The CSCC wants to bring together logistics companies and community enterprises to tap into this "distributed" supply . 

Local hubs to recycle e-waste

Unlike global manufacturing and distribution, recycling and upcycling happen locally, through municipal waste systems, entrepreneurs or local Goodwill sites, according to Brandon Tidwell, FedEx principal of global citizenship and sustainability. The CSCC’s vision thus includes a network of small businesses and nonprofits processing e-waste.  

The coalition’s founding partners hope to establish logistics hubs in Phoenix, Atlanta and Cleveland where electronics will be recycled, creating "green jobs" for underserved communities.

"We want to scale and transform and prioritize reuse, and remanufacturing, around critical mineral value chains, period, and develop a business case for that," said John Holm, senior vice president of partnership development at Pyxera Global in Washington, D.C.

"In a fully implemented … project model, you would have small businesses in one city that process the e-waste, [that] will be networked together," Holm said. "They will sell the recovered materials to a large clean energy technology manufacturer through a forward procurement financial mechanism called the circular services agreement," he said.

Pilot program in Tennessee

To test the concept, Memphis-based FedEx, with Pyxera Global and Metabolic of Amsterdam, ran a five-month pilot program in Lebanon, Tennessee, that ended in March. It’s a template of what the coalition hopes to grow in other cities.

The program invited consumers to mail in their used laptops and tablets with a free FedEx shipping label. The Electronics Reuse and Recycling Alliance (TERRA) , a Nashville-based IT scrap management company, collected the items and wiped their hard drives.

This is about leveraging your company’s sustainability goals toward the goals community members have.

Some devices went to Electronics Recycling Solutions (ERS) , a local organization that trains people with disabilities to refurbish or recycle the gear. Unsalvageable equipment went to the American Battery Technology Company in Reno, Nevada, which recovers metals for EV batteries.

FedEx’s case for sustainable logistics

Another pilot involved collecting marine plastic waste in Alaska for building materials. The pilots didn’t directly support FedEx’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2040, which includes electrifying its fleet.

"For most of our customers, we are their Scope 3 emissions, so they’re often looking to us to say, what are you doing to help?" Tidwell said.

"The circular logistics work is, what role do logistics companies play? And [are] there things that we can do to work with our different customers to potentially recycle or upcycle materials or reuse materials along the way?"

Coalition partner list

Other core partners involved in the launch of the coalition are Metabolic, the Sustain Our Future Foundation and Circular Consulting. Partners include consultancy WSP, FirstMile, the Virginia Commonwealth University Supply Chain Lab and the WBCSD Circular Electronics Partnership .

"This is about leveraging your company’s sustainability goals toward the goals community members have," said Yinka Bode-George, founder and CEO of the Sustain Our Future Foundation in Washington, D.C. ”It is possible to leverage both of these things at the same time."

The coalition is seeking new partners and several major tech companies have expressed interest, according to the CSCC. 

"It's really an opportunity for us to engage companies who may be dabbling at the edges of this, but don't really know where that space needs to be," Tidwell said.

View the discussion thread.

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Elsa Wenzel

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The South Africa Beaches & Bubbles Experience

The south african beaches & bubbles experience.

Winelands + Western Cape Beach Coast

Let’s face it – we need a break!  This trip is straight off the press and one for the books when it comes to Relaxation and Rejuvenation.  On this 7-day journey, we will explore the home of Pinotage and the Western Cape Coast of South Africa. 

You will leave this trip feeling refreshed.  This trip includes the option to extend your trip to Cape Town with a pre-built itinerary fit for royalty.

Join us on our 7-day luxury adventure in South Africa and experience the country’s relaxing vibes and natural beauties on a deeper level than any documentary you’ve seen. You can’t call yourself woke until you have experienced our ancestral home for yourself.

• 2024 Dates: Pick your dates!
• Trip Length: 7 Days, 6 Nights
• Activity Level: Low
• Luxury Level: 5 Stars
• Arrive Into: CPT
• Depart From: CPT

Love the trip but not the dates?

Go now or later with private trip planning —, here's your trip at a glance..

WHERE YOU'LL GO

We'll be exploring the Western Cape and the Winelands in South Africa. This is definitely an off-the-beaten-track trip full of relaxation with time for journaling, reflections, and quite frankly what we all need after the last year.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

We will be on an epic road trip and staying 3 nights on the beach and 3 nights at a Wine Vineyard and spa. You will be getting lots of rest and time with your new friends. Each day is filled with some activity and free time.

WHERE YOU'LL STAY

Luxury accommodations all the way are included on this adventure through South Africa. While at the Beach Lodge everything is included. At the Wine Spa Hotel, there will be ample wine and spa facilities to indulge in.

Explore the day-by-day itinerary.

THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU, IF:

• You need a break
• You love relaxing on the high-life
• You're a sucker for beaches and bubbles

THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU, IF:

• You want to be on tours all day
• You don't appreciate the sound of waves
• You don't like to be still

Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa!

Arrive in Cape Town (CPT), where you’ll join the group for a VIP transfer to the Wine Country in the Stellenbosch region. South Africa is known for its wine region, and you’ll head to the place where Pinotage was born, enjoying the scenic ride through the Winelands.

On our first night, we’ll enjoy a wine tasting on our Welcome Dinner with a hand-selected menu by the chef. It’ll be a night your tastebuds will remember forever. Cheers to the days ahead!

After a healing night sleeping in the beautiful hotel rooms, you’ll wake up for a sumptuous breakfast at the hotel before blood-pumping activities. We’ll start the day with a walking Bo Kaap Tour followed by a Cooking Class, where you’ll learn to prepare a delicious meal.

Later, you’ll be delighted on a Sunset Wine Tasting and Cellar Tour guided by one of the Estate’s expert Wine Advisors, offering the opportunity to tour the working wine cellar and explore the rich history of Lanzerac Wine Estate.

You’ll get free time to relax in bed or join the facilities before we gather together to dine at a 3-course dinner together with fantastic wine right from their cellar.

Today is your time to rest and unwind. You deserve it! Whether you’re up to join an electric bike tour to immerse in the beauty of the Motherland or enjoy the entire day in a rejuvenation mood in the Spa, you’ll dive into a level of leisure you’ll hardly get somewhere else.

We are adding $200 in credits to your name for you to treat yourself to a decadent day of signature treatments at the Spa. Relax the senses and let the harmony and tranquillity of this majestic valley gently restore body and mind.

Sit back, reflect, sip some bubbly, and enjoy your free day in the Winelands before we head to the coast for more Champagne poppin’.

After our last lavish breakfast in the Winelands, we’ll head to the Western Cape beach area in Lekkerwater, a secluded paradise in the Motherland where we’ll indulge our senses for the next 4 days.

Every room of the luxury accommodations is ocean-facing for you to wake up every day to the most incredible views of the ocean and the colors fading over De Hoop Marine Protected Area, which we’ll have the time to explore later.

The Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is located in a nature reserve, the perfect way to indulge in paradise with no one around and have a great time to pause and relax. We’ll enjoy a sunset evening together, have time to get to know each other, and reflect on the days we’ve had.

Beach time! Today we’ll explore the coast searching for octopuses and other sea animals on the shore, and if you are up for an adventure in the mountains, an optional hike to boost ourselves with more exercise as we nurture our minds.

During the sunset, we’ll enjoy the jacuzzi on the beachfront, having a glass of bubbly soaking in the vibes.

Wake up to your last full day in paradise. Sleep in, order breakfast in bed, and enjoy your morning as you please. We’ll gather on the beach at noon to enjoy our last lunch together in this beautiful destination.

This place is really for reflecting and relaxing after everything that happened last year. Appreciate watching the water hitting the rocks, immersing in the beach jacuzzi, or enjoying walking around breathing the fresh air. This time is yours to relish.

If you haven’t got enough of the Cape Coast and the Mother City, extend your trip with a pre-built itinerary fit for royalty. But if you are ready to go home, your Up in the Air Life private driver sadly whisks you away to the airport to fly home or onward to your next adventure.

No matter where you travel, our standards are the same.

You can always expect to:, connect with amazing people..

We provide the opportunity to make friendships with people who share your worldview and won't ask why you wear a bonnet to sleep.

Experience attentive and authentic hospitality.

Not only is the staff of Up in the Air Life dedicated to making sure your trip is flawlessly executed, but we are also intentional about choosing locales and vendors who celebrate Black travelers

Be pampered with only the best.

There is no need to take a break from your baller lifestyle when you travel with us. Our lodging, excursions, and dining are pure luxury.

Feel safe and secure.

Our experienced American guides and well-maintained local relationships mean that you will have peace of mind when you travel with us.

Say "goodbye" to FOMO.

Our trips are anything but basic. While we make sure you see well-known main attractions, we also develop itineraries that will give you unique stories to share with your friends back home.

HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

The South African Beaches and Bubbles Experience

What is included:

Our trips get you close to that Beyoncé-on-a-boat lifestyle. Let us handle your travel style glow-up.

• Up In The Air Life On-site Tour Leader
• A Bon Voyage Group Video Call to review your trip live with the Up in the Air Life Team
• Concierge Support before your trip to assist you in Upgrading Your Room and Booking Optional Tours
• Concierge Support before your trip to book your spa appointments
• Concierge Support before your trip to book your restaurant reservations
• Up in the Air Life Private Concierge Chat during your trip for dining/spa reservations and more
• 3-nights accommodation at a luxury hotel in Stellenbosch
• 3-nights accommodation at a luxury hotel in the Western Cape
• A celebratory Bubbly Toast to kick off our trip
• Daily Breakfast at the Hotel
• Welcome Multi-Course Dinner paired with wine
• All meals, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages in the Western Cape hotel
• Sunset wine tasting and cellar tour guided by one of the Estate’s expert Wine Advisors
• $200 in credits to use towards any of the spa’s signature treatments
• Beach Hike and Octopus Hunting Tour by the ocean
• Private ocean-side lunch
• Bo Kaap Tour with Cooking Class
• Transportation to all hosted activities
• VIP meet + greet and private airport transfers
• Personalized hand-selected gifts in your Swag bag

What is not included:

We take care of all the details on your itinerary once you land. If you want to further personalize your experience, go off!

• Round-trip airfare to and from the destination
• Travel Medical Insurance Insurance (Please note this is required to attend the trip.)
• Room Upgrades are available for purchase after booking
• Optional tours are available for purchase after booking
• Tips for Tour Leader, Guides and Drivers
• Passport or Visa Processing Fees
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the time of travel with at least 2 free visa pages.
• Expenses for vaccines that may be required

Can you envision yourself on this trip?

Download "The Beaches & Bubbles" trip brochure and keep it handy as you continue to explore, or take the plunge and book now .

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Contact Info

[email protected]

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