Embarking on a vacation is typically associated with relaxation, exploration, and the thrill of new experiences. However, what happens when your chosen destination is a place where tranquility takes a back seat to the realities of conflict? In a few days, I will take a trip representing the latter.
Back in October, I attended the New York International Travel Show, where I met with representatives from Ukraine. They spoke about the amazing powder the mountains have for skiing and beautiful landscapes, great restaurants, and friendly people. They wanted the world to know that despite the war, Ukraine will be open for business.
Since I’m always looking for eye-opening experiences and unique perspectives on the world, I followed up with the Ukraine reps the next day. We discussed partnering together on some stories. They agreed Ukraine was not a top vacation destination, but it will be again one day. There is hope that once the war ends, people will come back to visit.
We looked at the map, and they showed me where most of the fighting takes place. There is a large area where there has been little action. With Lviv and the Carpathian Mountains as a future travel destination, we narrowed it down to those locations.
Nestled in the western part of Ukraine, Lviv stands as a testament to the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural marvels. As I looked through photos of Lviv, the cobblestone streets, eclectic cafes, and cultural treasures spoke to me. I felt called to tell Lviv and Western Ukraine’s story.
Lviv‘s history is a tapestry woven with influences from various cultures and epochs. From medieval times to Habsburg rule and beyond, the city’s architecture reflects a fascinating blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. From what I’ve heard, visitors are transported back in time, with each cobblestone telling a story of the past. As I perused booklets and the internet, a plethora of architectural gems, including the iconic Rynok Square with its colorful facades, the awe-inspiring Lviv Opera House, and the medieval Latin Cathedral, beckoned me. Each building is a testament to Lviv‘s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage while embracing a modern identity.
Despite the war, the city is a thriving cultural hub, hosting festivals, art exhibitions, and performances. Lviv‘s creative spirit is palpable in its street art, galleries, and the lively atmosphere of its cafes. It’s an added war crime that Lviv, with its rich history, stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and culinary delights, is not being shared with tourists. The harmonious blend of tradition and modernity wasn’t something that I would have associated with Ukraine, but the pages of the guidebooks were too inviting to pass up.
After speaking with representatives from Rebuild Ukraine Foundation and Lviv Travel, I was set on visiting Western Ukraine. There was that one thing that caused me to pause; the war. As much as I desire to do exciting things and go the unconventional route, there are safety concerns. At first, they were minimal because not much fighting has taken place in Western Ukraine. Then, the bombing over Christmas week took place. I had many family members express their concerns. Without dismissing concerns, I admit there is the possibility of something tragic happening. I don’t believe it will, because the west is relatively safe. That being said, there is a possibility that something bad will happen while I’m there.
So, besides Lviv’s amazing architecture, wonderful mountains to snowboard, tasty food, beautiful churches, and interesting history; why am I going?
The question is simple for me to answer. I want to help. I am not rich, so I can’t send money. There isn’t much I can offer. Russia’s attack on Ukraine has broken my heart. The scenes of parents loading trains and waving goodbye to their children have stirred up my emotions. Fathers pressing their palms against windows as trains pull away are burned into my memory. I am helpless to the cause. There is one thing that I’m pretty good at and that is writing a travel story. I’ve shared my journeys from around the world. I have an international readership. That is something I have to offer.
There was one more thing that caused me to pause and it’s an ethical consideration. When I spoke with the Ukraine representatives at the travel show, I told them it would be difficult to share my travel experience to promote the great things Western Ukraine offers. I understand how it will look if I’m sharing photos on Instagram having a great time on the slopes. I know how it’s going to look as I eat in the best restaurants in Lviv, while so many others are going without food. It is an ethical dilemma.
My job in going to Western Ukraine is to tell a Ukrainian story. Don’t get me wrong, I want to enjoy my time in Ukraine, but my primary goal is to share what Ukraine offers tourists. The war will be over and I hope and pray that it will be over soon. Ukraine will need to rebuild. And tourists spending money can help those restaurants, architectural gems, care of cobblestone streets, houses of worship, cafes, and museums stay open.
Visiting Ukraine right now is an opportunity to witness resilience, connect with local communities, and gain a profound understanding of the complexities of conflict. However, it comes with significant ethical responsibilities and potential risks, making it imperative to approach the journey with respect, awareness, and be a responsible tourist.
Here are some names I’ll include in my upcoming stories:
Joshua Brandenburg from JAB Photos.
Sasha Vosk from Rebuild Ukraine Foundation
Follow my Instagram account to see up to date photos and stories of our trip.
Follow Joshua’s Instagram account for great photos.
Hear are more stories abour our time in Ukraine:
Where is God During War: A conversation with a Ukrainian Priest
15 Reasons to Visit Western Ukraine Now
Defeating Darkness with Art: Touring Park 3020
Getting Naked in Ukraine
Rebuilding Ukraine by Rebuilding Children’s Lives: My interview with the staff of SOS
Emily Resort and Spa in Lviv, Ukraine is a Luxury Paradise with Family-Friendly Activities
Visiting Ukraine During the War
Representing America in the Back of a Taxi in Ukraine
Promoting Tourism in Ukraine During the War
Visiting Ukraine During the War
Snowboarding in Ukraine
Tips for Americans Visiting Ukraine
Visiting Truskavets’ Healing Springs and Spas
Horseback Riding in the Carpathian Mountains
Visiting Kamianets-Podilkskyi: Remembering the Past and Building to a Better Future
The Show Must Go On: The Lviv Opera House is Open Despite the War
Traditional Ukrainian Drink Uzvar Recipe
Kyiv Mule Cocktail Recipe
I was hosted for this trip and I partnered with Lviv Department of Tourism and Reports. Follow the Department’s Tourism Instagram account here. For their Facebook page, click here.
I also partnered with Rebuild Ukraine Travel for this trip.
Looking for more travel stories? Peruse the list below.
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This is awesome! Can’t wait to read about your journey!
Jason, Ukraine is in a hell of a mess, and your going for tourist reasons is a counterintuitive thing that I admire. Supposedly, also, there are some hot chickie-pies there, young girls in the fullness of rosy youth’s blossoming. I used to read pick-up artist sites that said Ukrainian girls were among the finest of Europe, but were among the hardest to pick up, because they were looking for family men, not Lothario alpha-men figures. Ah well. There’s always Poland.
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