This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
Accept settingsHide notification onlySettingsWe may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
Privacy Policy
From Strolling to Scrolling: Reclaiming Human Connection in an Age of Digital Numbness
/in Newsroom/by susanBy Susan Mathews, Brand and Digital Content Manager, Travelers Aid International
There was a time when taking a walk allowed us to breathe and observe life unfolding in real time. Today, what was once strolling has become scrolling—our minds crowded by endless feeds of news, updates, and reactions.
The digital world has conditioned us to respond to life with quick emojis and knee-jerk reactions. Information blurs between truth and disinformation, leaving us exhausted and less connected, despite being “always on.” Conversations shrink. Empathy is reduced to shorthand.
Yet in the midst of this digital overwhelm, real connection still thrives. At Travelers Aid International, our airport staff and volunteers stand as a counterbalance to this reaction-driven culture. In bustling transit hubs, they provide something no algorithm can replicate: genuine, in-the-moment human support.
For a distressed traveler, a warm voice restores calm. For someone facing a delay or emergency, a reassuring presence makes all the difference. Our team doesn’t respond with a “like” button—they step in, listen, and offer real solutions.
The antidote to digital fatigue isn’t total disconnection, but balance—choosing moments of presence over reflexive scrolling. What if, instead of defaulting to an emoji, we picked up the phone, shared a story, or extended a hand?
Technology will only become more ingrained, but if we reintroduce presence, empathy, and engagement into our days, we can reclaim what’s slipping away: the profound act of genuinely connecting.
The Changing Hellos and Goodbyes: A Shift in Connection
/in Newsroom/by susanBy Susan Mathews, Brand and Digital Content Manager, Travelers Aid International
Greetings and goodbyes once felt ceremonial—moments to affirm presence and care. A hug, a handshake, an eager rush to the door. Today, hellos are often casual nods, and goodbyes shouted from a distance, as if they’re afterthoughts.
Perhaps this change comes from comfort, constant digital check-ins, or sheer busyness. But something is lost when we stop marking these small but powerful exchanges.
When I was young, the happiest part of my day was dropping everything to greet my parents at the door. That joyful celebration of presence feels rare now.
What if we reclaimed the intentionality of a heartfelt hello or goodbye? What if we made eye contact, paused, and truly acknowledged each other?
At Travelers Aid International, we see the impact of greetings and farewells every day. Our volunteers and staff witness poignant reunions and tearful departures. A simple “Welcome” or “Safe travels” can ease stress and carry enormous weight.
The lesson is simple: technology can connect, but it should never replace the human rituals that say, “I see you, and I’m glad you’re here.”
Travelers Aid Reagan National: Lost Child Outside Security
/in Newsroom, Volunteer Voices/by susanA boy accidentally exited the secure area without his boarding pass. Teri paged his parents, contacted the gate, and personally rushed to alert the airline. Thanks to her persistence, the boy was reunited with his father just in time to make their flight.