👋🏽 Shé:kon! Hello!
- Victoria Berry
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
An introduction to the Victoria behind "Victoria Travels Masked"
Shekóli! (Greetings, friend!). I'm so glad you're here. 😃
My name is Victoria. I care many titles, not the least of which include Haudenosaunee (colonially known as the Iroquois), Ísten (mom), graduate student, and the one that likely brought you here - COVID-conscious traveller. Yep, "still!"
I started Victoria Travels Masked because I wanted to share what COVID-conscious travel can look and feel like - thoughtful, safe, sometimes awkward, but fully of joy and always grounded in care.
The idea for this blog was sparked during my 2024 trip to Hawaii. I almost cancelled what was one of my dream destinations because I didn't think it would be feasible or comfortable to travel while taking COVID precautions. But I went (thanks, mom!). I masked up. And I had an unforgettable time. That trip reminded me that safe conscious travel isn't just possible, it's enjoyable!
What guides me?
For me, taking care of myself is also a way of taking care of my loved ones and my communities. In our teachings as Haudenosaunee, well-being isn't just about the individual - it's collective. For me to be healthy, peaceful, and live in abundance, I need my family, community and all people to be healthy, peaceful and live in abundance.
Which for me means I continue to mask and take other COVID precautions to minimize my exposure and the potential to spread COVID. This includes choices like avoiding indoor dining, picking destinations carefully, travelling early and in the off-season, bringing my own HEPA filters and planning travel in ways that keep me and the people around me safe. I do it because I care and I genuinely believe actively providing community care requires I move in ways that are COVID-conscious.
✈️ Travel = Joy + healing + Growth
Travel wasn't always a part of my life. I was raised by a mom who worked tirelessly, but we didn't have the means for "big" vacations or any vacation most years. I remember hearing classmates talk about their family trips and at the time not even being able to visualize someday being able to travel.
Now that I can travel, I carry that younger me with me - the one who couldn't even dream of taking flights and choosing nice hotels. Travel is also about showing my teenage son more of the beautiful world and people around us - letting him see what's out there and helping him believe that anything is possible. We're making new memories together and sharing them with you to help inspire and support our fellow travellers.
🗺️ Travelling in a "good" way
As Haudenosaunee, I travel in ways that respect the land and people who belong to it. I seek out Indigenous-led and co-developed experiences, support local Indigenous artisans and try to put my money towards initiatives that help build up rather than extract.
Why a blog?
Honestly, I started this blog because I felt alone. I'm the last in my personal/social, academic, and professional circles who masks or practices COVID precautions.
In my daily life, I rarely cross paths with other COVID-conscious folk and it can feel isolating. But through Instagram, I found community, including folk like you! Connecting with other COVID-conscious folk sparked hope and courage and a sense of community. This blog is a way to give back to that community and hopefully encourage others to join.
If you're here, I hope you find a little of what I've found: Inspiration, solidarity and reminders that we are not alone. Our choices to minimize our exposure and potential to spread COVID is thoughtful, kind, and wise.
We are paying attention to the real health harms of COVID and we still deserve joy.
For me, finding and sharing joy is the driver of Victoria Travels Masked.
Welcome. I'm really glad you're here. 💕