Oh, sure, you can’t afford a trip around the world. But maybe your teddy bear can! That’s what Unagi Travel, a Japanese company, is betting on. For the past three years, this travel agency has taken the stuffed animals of its clients on tours of Europe, Japan and the United States.
Provided that your stuffed friend is under half a pound, it can go around Tokyo for $45 or tour the best hot springs of Japan for $55. Each travel package includes shipping back to the client as well as a souvenir photograph.
Perhaps you think that it’s ridiculous. But for some disabled people, it’s the only way to travel. CNN reports:
According to the Japan News, one woman became reclusive after it became difficult for her to walk due to illness.
That changed after she saw the photos of her stuffed animal on one of Azuma’s tours. She worked to rehabilitate her legs and visited a neighboring prefecture for the first time in several years.
“Seeing my stuffed animal traveling encouraged me," said the woman. "I began to think that I should do what I can do, instead of lamenting over things that I can't.”
-via Marginal Revolution
I'm not trying to be negative, it would be cool to send something of mine around the world, especially if I cannot go for some reason, but is there some way to validate besides pictures that my stuffed animal actually went to those places?