One our way to Patagonia, my friend and I had a full day to Explore Buenos Aires. With such a big city, and only a few hours, it was hard to narrow down what we wanted to do. I am really interested in street art and local food, while my friend is into history and culture. The only thing we knew, was that we wanted to take a Tango class!
I reached out to one of my preferred partners, Argentina Activa, and had the perfect trip proposal within 24hours!
Since we both arrived into Buenos Aires in the morning, we decided to have the guide meet us at the airport. Claudia was on time, with a big smile, and easy to find in the airport. She helped us carry our bags, and we walked curbside to meet our driver. We had a large SUV available for just the two of us. First stop was our hotel to drop off bags with the bellhop and to let them know we had made it to the city. From there, we started exploring the city.
Claudia combined a street art and foodie tour into one, and added components from a historical city tour as well. We alternated between exploring a neighborhood on foot, and driving other parts to avoid crowds. For the food tour portion we stopped at a local food hall to enjoy some of the best empenadas in the city, we got gelato, had a local microbrew, and some veggies to stay healthy…
We finished our tour close to the hotel around 4PM and opted to walk back. Our room was ready for check in and after a quick shower, we checked in with the cruise line desk for our charter flight in the morning.
Our second half of the day, was a private tango class, followed by dinner and a tango show. Argentina Activa had arranged a private driver to take us to Faena Hotel, to meet the Rojo Tango Show dancers. We were the only 2 people in the theater and had 1:1 instructors for our 1 hour long class. In that short amount of time we managed to learn enough to go from never having tangoed before, to being able to dance a full song! It was so much fun!
After the dance class, we stayed in the same venue to enjoy a delicious 3 course dinner, and A LOT of Argentinian wine… Since we were there for the class, we got the VIP table in the venue with prime views. As we were enjoying our desert, the tango show started. A live orchestra entered the room, and was soon followed by the performers. A mix of dancers and vocalists entertained us for about 2 hours. It was spectacular – and having just completed the dance class we had a much deeper appreciation of the performances. The show ended around midnight, our driver was waiting for us outside, and delivered us safely to our hotel.
It was an incredible experience and truly combined all our interests and much more. Argentina Activa was fantastic and having the convenience of the drivers was worth every penny.
** Please note that all photos are authors own, except where credited. As travel industry professional, I make a big investment in first hand experiences. I spend a lot of time to keep up with accreditation and stay up to date on current developments in the travel industry. This means attending conferences, seminars, site inspections fam trip and group trips. I have been able to have some of the experiences shown and described at a reduced cost or combed by the hotel, tour operator, cruise line or supplier. The feedback supplied is based on my personal experience, and based on my personal preferences, likes and dislikes. This first hand experience allows me to better serve you and match the experiences you are looking for. It also allows me to create travel tips for you, based on experiences I have and things I wish I knew before. Travel Supplier partners referenced in blog posts are part of Signature Travel Networks Preferred Portfolio or can be booked via a preferred supplier partner (at least at time of post creation). **
I just returned from Quark Expedition’s inaugural Patagonia voyage on board the Ultramarine. We spend most of the voyage in uncharted waters, completely off the beaten path away from other ships and travelers. There were 164 of us on board, along with 36 expedition guides, 2 helicopter pilots, and the standard staff on board. The entire ship was vibrating with excitement as we departed Ushuaia to embark on this epic adventure. I am excited to tell you a bit more about the ship:
The Ultramarine is a purpose build Artic vessel. She usually operates in the Arctic or Antarctica, holds a max of 199 guests, and is outfitted with all the toys you’d want for a proper expedition.
The zodiacs fit a max of 12 people on it, though we never loaded more than 8-10 at a time, extra wide paddle boards provide extra stability, sea kayaks, and blow up sea kayaks are available to support various levels of kayaking experience. The two twin engine helicopters on board are used for complimentary heli-sightseeing, as well as heli-landings for those lucky enough to secure a spot early on. Each excursion is usually about 90 minutes long, though some days we did a hike immediately followed by a 90min zodiac excursion before returning to the ship.
Zodiac excursions are complimentary throughout the voyage, and one 15-minute heli-sightseeing is included for all passengers. The heli-sightseeing is usually a 6-hour operation overall, so that all guests can enjoy this experience on the same day. The paddle excursions are a one-time excursion by kayak or paddle board and run $300 per person. We did the kayak paddle excursion and it was fantastic! The kayaking program is $999 per person and operated 1-2 times a day, every day, for those that want to go paddle all the time. The heli-landings are 90 min programs at $395 per person, were you get off site via helicopter, enjoy a hike or activity there, and then the flight back. The heli-landings usually sell out 11 month prior to sailing, so you have to plan ahead!
The suites on board are comfortably appointed and are divided into 9 different categories:
Explorer Suites are perfect for 2 adults, or 2 adults with a teenager. The bathroom is on the smaller side, but has a wonderful walk-in rain shower, and heated floors. The cabin features either 1 queen, or 2-3 twin beds, as well as a couch, coffee table, and an oversize window. There is a flat-screen TV that streams the recaps, briefings, and evening talks. There is also a small desk style area. Plugs in the abin are outfitted with USB plugs, and European plugs – other nationalities will need to bring an adapter/converter with them. The bathroom has able storage space! There is a hair dryer in the bathroom. The closets are huge! With two women traveling together, we only managed to fill half the closets and we still had hangers left over – this never happens! The window cannot be opened. Pro tip: turn on the heated bathroom floor to dry your gloves, hats, and other clothing that got wet during the last excursion.
Of course there are accessible explorer suites available. They are a tad larger than the Terrace Suites, to allow for easy movement of wheel chairs if needed. The bathroom has an open floor plan, with an accessible shower of course. handle bars are installed throughout, and the cabins have the same oversized window as the Explorer Suites.
The Solo Panorama Suites are fantastic. These cabins are purpose built for solo travelers. They have the same size bathroom than the Explorer Suites, and feature a huge floor to ceiling window.
The Owner’s Suite has a great location and offer more square footage, as well as a larger bathroom. The bathroom has the walk-in shower, but also a bathtub!
Terrace Suites have double windows, as well as the larger bathroom with the tub and separate shower. The balcony is a nice size and is outfitted with 2 chairs.
The Ultra Suite is perfect for a family of three. The couch can be converted into a sleeper sofa, and there is a door between the living room and bedroom allowing you to turn this suite into a 2 bedroom unit. There is a full bathroom connected to the master bedroom, and a powder room connected to the living room. Perfect for families!
The Balcony Suite is laid out the same as the Terrace Suites, but the balconies are even larger.
The Deluxe Balcony Suites are my personal favorites on board. They offer more square footage in the cabin, as well as a larger balcony. For travelers that like to spend more time in the cabin, or like to work out privately in their cabin, the added floor space is a big bonus.
The Penthouses are located on deck 7, mid-ship. These cabins are even bigger and are the most popular category on board. They are right next to the Panorama lounge and offer stunning views. The mid-ship heli-deck is right above these cabins. While helicopter operations are usually involving either all passengers the same day, or are done while others are our on zodiacs this is not a huge concerns, but there can be times when it’s a tad noisier.
Public Areas on the ship include the Panorama Lounge, the library, Tundra Spa, the Gym, the Studio, the Ambassador Theater, The Reception, The Polar boutique, The Medical Clinic, and of course the ready rooms. There are also 2 bars (open for select hours only), located in the Panorama Lounge and the Ambassador Theater.
Each evening, the passengers and expedition guides get together in the Ambassador Theateron deck 5 for the daily recap and briefing of intentions for the following day. There’s ample seating for everyone, and the big screen presentation, is mirrored to multiple flat screen lining the theater walls, so every seat has prime viewing.
The Panorama Lounge on deck 7 is the main congregation area during the day. Guests can enjoy a coffee, hot chocolate, or cocktail, while playing games, looking for dolphins and whales, interact with the expedition team and compare pictures. The library is located in the back corner of the lounge.
The Reception is the main meeting area for the paddle and kayaking excursions. this is also where the communal computers are housed so guests can upload images and videos they recorded each day to be included in the voyage recap.
The Polar Boutique offers souvenirs from the voyage, children’s books, but also a small selection of expedition gear like thermal base layers, waterproof pants, gloves, hats, binoculars etc…
The Spa is fantastic! There are 2 treatment rooms for a variety of massages, a large dry sauna, a steam room, and relaxation area. I got a 30minute hot stone massage and was in haven!
The Gym is outfitted with various workout equipment to choose from. I liked the stationary bikes. It was a good way to be moving while editing pictures on my phone and checking emails.
There are 2 restaurants on board, the Bistro on deck 7 is set up buffet style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Self service coffee machine is accessible 24/7, along with a selection of cookies. The Balena Restaurant on deck 5 is the more traditional dining room. Breakfast is a la carte, or buffet style. Lunch is buffet style, with a live cooking station. Dinner is a la carte. Table sizes vary from 2-10 guests, no reservations needed. Just come and sit where you like. My favorite feature at Balena, is the dinner preview table. Each night a table would be set up with every entre already prepared and plated. Guests could read the menu and then walk over to the preview table to get a visual of the meal they are about to order. There is no need to be shy. We would repeatedly order multiple entres to try and always had 3 different wines at the table to pair the various meals properly 🙂 Pro Tip:Alcoholic beverages were not included on my voyage, so we had the sommelier top off our wine at the end of dinner for a roady… 😉 (**all alcoholic drinks on board will be complimentary starting this upcoming Antarctica 24/25 season)
There are 2 ready-roomslocated on deck 2. This is where you keep your boots (on loan for the duration of the cruise), as well as your life jacket, and any other outdoor gear you don’t want to have in your cabin. The open lockers are numbered and accessible 24/7. The passengers get divided into 4 groups, and you are called by group to the ready-room to embark on your excursion. This way there are no lines to wait in, and there is always ample space in the ready-rooms to get dressed in your waterproofs and boots.
The Ultramarine has a stable docking platform that’s lowered aft, and is your access to the zodiacs. You access it from the ready rooms. There are 7 steps with a railing to climb down (and up) to get to the platform. Once you reach the platform, you’ll have to step down (and up) into the zodiacs. There is a step stool provided, and of course there is ample staff to assist. We had multiple passengers that were relying on walking sticks to get around, and none had problems getting into and out of the zodiacs! The zodiac landings are usually wet landings, so waterproofs are required for all zodiac outings. Upon return to the ship, all guests boots are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected so guests don’t track seeds, fungus or disease to various islands.
For more about our Patagonia experience, please look for my blog post on Patagonia.
Read all about our pre-cruise extension in Buenos Aires.
For a recommended packing list for this trip, please look for my packing list blog post.
** Please note that all photos are authors own, except where credited. As travel industry professional, I make a big investment in first hand experiences. I spend a lot of time to keep up with accreditation and stay up to date on current developments in the travel industry. This means attending conferences, seminars, site inspections fam trip and group trips. I have been able to have some of the experiences shown and described at a reduced cost or combed by the hotel, tour operator, cruise line or supplier. The feedback supplied is based on my personal experience, and based on my personal preferences, likes and dislikes. This first hand experience allows me to better serve you and match the experiences you are looking for. It also allows me to create travel tips for you, based on experiences I have and things I wish I knew before. Travel Supplier partners referenced in blog posts are part of Signature Travel Networks Preferred Portfolio or can be booked via a preferred supplier partner (at least at time of post creation). **
I am lucky enough to be visiting Patagonia right now on board Quark Expeditions. Our days are filled with kayaking, hiking, zodiac cruising – lots of food, but also spa time and the occasional visit to the gym.
To help you better prepare for an adventure like this, please feel free to reference my personal packing list:
7x socks – wool socks
14x undies
2x bras
2x swim suits
2x neck gaiters, to cover face on zodiac
1x kayaking gloves
1x pj
1 x shorts- for gym
2x tank tops
1x jeans
2x long leggings
3x short leggings under pants – thermal leggings are best
1x snow pants (water resistant)
1x waterproof pants (waterproof is not the same as water resistant! Get at least 15,000mm waterproof for these cold waters)
1x hat- wool beanie is great
2x gloves (soft and waterproof)
2x tshirt
5x long sleeve shirt – at least 1 should be thermal
3x sweater
1x hoodie jacket
1x scarf
1x flip flop/sneakers/hiking boots/slippers
1x winter parka/rain jacket – we got issued a waterproof parka on board
Cold medicine, motion sickness meds, meds
Toiletries
Plane snacks
Computer
Chargers
Binoculars
Glasses strap – for zodiac
Glasses and sunglasses
Travel Umbrella
Waterproof backpack – make sure it’s waterproof for these cold weather destinations. It snowed on us multiple times during zodiac rides and everything got very wet…
I hope you’ll find this helpful when packing for your next Patagonia or Expedition Cruise Adventure! 😁
Daniela Harrison is a Travel Advisor and Director of Marketing at Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff, AZ. For questions, please reach out via 928-556-0853 or Daniela@avenuesoftheworld.com.** Please note that all photos are authors own, except where credited. As travel industry professional, I make a big investment in first hand experiences. I spend a lot of time to keep up with accreditation and stay up to date on current developments in the travel industry. This means attending conferences, seminars, site inspections fam trip and group trips. I have been able to have some of the experiences shown and described at a reduced cost or combed by the hotel, tour operator, cruise line or supplier. The feedback supplied is based on my personal experience, and based on my personal preferences, likes and dislikes. This first hand experience allows me to better serve you and match the experiences you are looking for. It also allows me to create travel tips for you, based on experiences I have and things I wish I knew before. Travel Supplier partners referenced in blog posts are part of Signature Travel Networks Preferred Portfolio or can be booked via a preferred supplier partner (at least at time of post creation). **
To keep everyone relaxed and happy, there are a few things you can do before you depart on your epic family adventure. (Important Disclosures) To give you some piece of mind, prepare your children for different cultures and plan ahead for unforeseeable circumstances.
Purchasing travel insurance for you and your entire family when you start booking your vacation, will cover your entire clan from the time you leave your home, until you return. Flat tire on the way to the airport made you miss your flight – you’re covered! You arrive on time, but your luggage doesn’t – you’re covered! You get sick in destination and need to see a doctor – you’re covered! Just to name a few reasons why you should consider buying it.
Important things to know about insurance: Not all plans are the same! Coverages vary widely and there are important purchase timelines to consider. Discuss your needs with your travel advisor to see which option is the best fit for you and your family.
When planning your trip, include the entire family. Have the kids pick some of the activities, research hotels and be part of the planning process. Especially when traveling with small children, allow enough free time for meltdowns, activity breaks, to recover from jet lag… I am happy to help you plan out daily activities, utilizing private guides, adding special VIP access after-hours, fun surprises like painting classes with a local artist, treasure hunts and so much more.
Choose hotels that are happy to welcome all ages. Have you seen your five year olds face when you get to a hotel that has kid size slippers, robes and special treats waiting in the room? Special kids’ menus, age friendly activities and programs, and public areas that allow kids to be themselves not only put them at ease – but allow parents to relax and enjoy as well.
All-inclusive beach resorts are very popular with smaller kids. The kids clubs keep them entertained and happy and offer age appropriate activities for them. Parents can enjoy some one on one time and know their little ones are well taken care of. All-inclusives’ also mean your pre-teens don’t have to constantly ask you to sign receipts for juice or soda, or go to the shop to get a snack. They can indulge (within limits of course) and be empowered to make their own decisions. Cruises are ideal for large families or groups of friends traveling together.
If it’s the first time flying with the kids, take the time to explain to them what it will be like. Talk about airplane noise, crowds, sitting still for a long time, pressure build up in their ears… Think back to your first time flying and all the things that were exciting but a bit scary. Let them ask questions, pack wholesome snacks, and make sure everyone is well rested and stretched before your long haul flight. Having access to an airport lounge will be very beneficial if traveling with kids. Free food, a secure area to move around in, clean facilities, air condition and a less busy environment are worth any extra money it might cost!
There is still space left for summer vacation. Wave Season offers with the cruise lines are mostly valid until the end of March. Save the date for our upcoming Travel Night here in Flagstaff on April 30. Our office will be hosting a special evening with African Travel, Insight Vacations, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, U by Uniworld, Breandan Vacations and Trafalgar Tours. We will have some great booking specials available and highlight some brand new family geared itineraries for the summer and winter. Reach out to Avenues of the World Travel to get on the attendee list.
Regardless where you’re heading, everyone’s safety and comfort is the number one concern. I am happy to answer any questions and discuss your concerns for different destinations and travel styles. Let me take the stress and anxiety out of planning, so you can lean back worry free and make memories with your loved ones.
** Please note that all photos are authors own, except where credited. As travel industry professional, I make a big investment in first hand experiences. I spend a lot of time to keep up with accreditation and stay up to date on current developments in the travel industry. This means attending conferences, seminars, site inspections fam trip and group trips. I have been able to have some of the experiences shown and described at a reduced cost or combed by the hotel, tour operator, cruise line or supplier. The feedback supplied is based on my personal experience, and based on my personal preferences, likes and dislikes. This first hand experience allows me to better serve you and match the experiences you are looking for. It also allows me to create travel tips for you, based on experiences I have and things I wish I knew before. Travel Supplier partners referenced in blog posts are part of Signature Travel Networks Preferred Portfolio or can be booked via a preferred supplier partner (at least at time of post creation). **
But we can also find it lounging on a beach; while exploring the native culture Down Under; when skiing the French Alps; as we’re navigating museums and UNESCO World Heritage Sites or while gazing up at the Northern Light – just to name a few of our favorites.
With Valentine’s Day approaching many of us are thinking about the special people in our lives. Marriage Proposals, Weddings, and Vow Renewals will be at an annual high. I have a few tips for everyone to add a little something special to your day.
If you are planning to propose, hire a photographer for the day to either follow you or meet you somewhere. Companies like Flytographer let you hire a professional photographer for as little as 30 minutes or for the entire day. Choose from different photo package sizes, shooting styles and even chat with the photographer of your choice to make sure they capture every moment perfectly. Our travel advisor can help you arrange this service anywhere around the world. We help you keep the charges anonymous, so there is no risk of your future spouse finding the credit card charge and spoiling the surprise. We can grant your private access to special sites around the globe. Want to propose on the Eiffel Tower Summit? Under the Northern Lights? Maybe during a special candlelit bush dinner on your African Safari? If you dream it, we can help!
Getting married this spring? If you have a lot of family and friends coming to attend the ceremony you’ll likely need accommodations for them. Did you know that travel advisors can secure group rates at local hotels, assist with condo and some house rentals and even arrange transportation from 2 people up to your entire wedding group?
Planning a destination wedding? Make sure you start early. Most destination weddings get planned about 18 month out to secure the date and time you want for the ceremony. Discuss the differences of a legal vs symbolic ceremony – this can make a huge difference in travel requirements and ceremony cost depending on the country. Having group space for your wedding party set up far in advance helps to make sure your guests will arrive in the correct country, at the correct resort, for the correct dates. You can earn special wedding group amenities like cocktail parties and possibly free room nights. It gives guests more time to make payments towards their trip.
Thinking about your Honeymoon? Did you know that many hotels/resorts and lodges will provide a special Honeymoon Turn-down Service or other special amenities to couples? Your travel advisor will automatically secure these options when you plan your trip with them.
A few important things for honeymooners to keep in mind:
The name on your reservation has to match your travel ID. If you are traveling internationally, do not change your name until after you return from your honeymoon or you can be denied boarding a plane or cruise ship.
Plan your trip early! Honeymoons can be booked as far as 12 month out, and as far as 20 month out for a Honeymoon Cruise! That’s a lot of time to add special touches to your trip.
Ask your travel advisor about Honeymoon Registry Options. You can opt to have family and friends pay towards your trip cost; or for special experiences. Maybe your aunt wants to gift you a couple’s massage. Grandpa may want to upgrade your flights to business class. A sibling may want to gift you a private guide for the day or sign you up for a cooking class…
Vow Renewals are a great way to surprise your spouse! Very popular options are cruises. You can plan a symbolic ceremony on board the ship, which is usually done by an officer on deck overlooking the ocean. You can follow the ceremony with a private al fresco dinner or maybe a couple’s massage. Bring the family to make it even more special and help you celebrate in style.
Want to go all out? To add a little something we recommend planning your vow renewal in port. My favorite place for this is Tahiti, and we can make this work most places around the globe! Imagine you and your spouse are cruising through Tahiti for a week. At the port of your choosing, we can organize a private excursion that takes you by ceremonial canoe to a private beach. As you get closer you see your family and friends standing on the beach waving at you and showering you in flower pedals. After the ceremony you retire to your over-water bungalow for the night. The next day you say good bye to your family and friends to continue your cruise vacation. The beach is not for you? Maybe you renew your vows at the Pantheon in Athens or at the Vatican in Rome. Consult your travel advisor for some fun ideas that fit your style and budget.
Feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry; I’d be delighted to take the hassle out of your special day, so you can enjoy it worry free and without distractions. I got plenty of ideas, help with the logistics, take care of contract negotiations and can set up registries for all your events.
Daniela is a Travel Consultant with Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff, AZ. Contact Daniela for questions.
** Please note that all photos are authors own, except where credited. As travel industry professional, I make a big investment in first hand experiences. I spend a lot of time to keep up with accreditation and stay up to date on current developments in the travel industry. This means attending conferences, seminars, site inspections fam trip and group trips. I have been able to have some of the experiences shown and described at a reduced cost or combed by the hotel, tour operator, cruise line or supplier. The feedback supplied is based on my personal experience, and based on my personal preferences, likes and dislikes. This first hand experience allows me to better serve you and match the experiences you are looking for. It also allows me to create travel tips for you, based on experiences I have and things I wish I knew before. Travel Supplier partners referenced in blog posts are part of Signature Travel Networks Preferred Portfolio or can be booked via a preferred supplier partner (at least at time of post creation). **
Usually it is my job to wow my travelers and surprise them along their adventure – but this time G Adventures got to surprise me! I was invited to join the first ever Change Makers Summit in June 2019 (Important Disclosures). We knew it was being held in Peru, but didn’t know what to expect or where we would go once in the country. It was such a cool way to travel!
Our adventure started in Lima, moved on to Cuzco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, and back to Cuzco. Continue reading →
I can still feel the soothing ocean breeze in my hair and the soft powder sugar sand between my toes. What an amazing region of the world to visit on vacation.
Then Caribbean is a region of the Americas that consists of the Caribbean Sea, its islands and the surrounding coasts. Blessed with stunning white sand beaches, various ocean blues, lots of sunshine and the happiest people enjoying island life – what is there not to love about the Caribbean. Every island you visit has its own flavor, and the locals cannot wait to share their history and culture with visitors (Important Disclosures).
The island of St Maarten is quite interesting and can cause some fun confusion. Split in the middle, into two separate countries, divided between its northern French side, called Saint-Martin, and its southern Dutch side, Sint Maarten, this island has a lot to offer!
The airport is called Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) and is located mid-island. Most of the island can be explored within less than an hours drive and there are some fun areas to discover.
Expedition Cruising is one of the fastest growing segments in the market right now. In the past, this type of travel has only been appealing to a specific kind of traveler. You had to be willing to “rough” it, in terms of accommodations and food choices, but you were rewarded with experiences that few travelers had been privileged to.
With more and more demand for off the beaten path experiences and with experienced travelers looking for the next big adventure. Cruise lines have quickly adapted to these requests. New purpose built ships are debuting over the next 3 years. The new Celebrity Flora for example has been purpose built for the Galapagos. Providing the first zodiacs that allow for ramp access, now even allowing walking impaired passengers to partake in the zodiac tours and enjoy all the region has to offer.
Silversea Cruises re-imagined one of their luxury cruise vessels to now be able to explore the arctic. A reinforced hull has turned this ship into an icebreaker that allows their clients to travel in the lap of luxury and the comfort they are accustomed to, while exploring off the beaten path.
Seabourn has introduced their new Ventures program, which offer more active and daring excursion; and even combines overland adventures throughout longer segment cruises.
The typical shore excursion is getting revamped to now include more zodiac rides, sea kayaking, submarine dive tours, helicopter tours, active hiking, mountain biking, glacier trekking, and so much more. Have you noticed how many new cruise ships are designed with helipads on board? Even the new SeaDream Innovation will have them!
River cruises in Europe have caught on to the trend. Clientele is more active and is getting younger and is asking for more active excursions that push them to the edge of their comfort zone. While the traditional city walking tours are still being offered, alternate excursions include kayaking, mountain biking, cooking classes, rock climbing, port to port hikes… and many lines partner with high active companies like AMAWaterways and Backroads. Thus allowing clients to enjoy the ease of a river cruise, combined with the high active day tours via bike or hike.
While
the new toys are a great way to attract travelers that are new to
expedition cruising, the more important things to pay attention to are
the expedition leaders on board. A knowledgeable guide, that is able to
take you to the edge of your seat, while making you feel safe is
priceless – and they are in high demand. As more ships are being
released and more departure dates are being announced, contracting the
top guides around the globe will likely become more challenging. It is
definitely something to pay attention to.
Un-Cruise, Lindblad, Zegrahm are among the many niche lines that have all embraced the expedition style travel for years. Their itineraries are becoming more and more popular with families, honeymooners and multi-gen groups. Friends and families traveling together love the flexible and active options. They can set themselves daily goals and celebrate when they all cross the finish line. While comfort and service levels are still important, the expedition traveler is more interested in the variety of activities offered. Learning a new skill, overcoming a personal fear and cheering each other on for the last mile of a challenging hike are bonding families closer together, teach children to overcome obstacles, and creates lasting friendships between travelers. All this helps the expedition traveler to create memories they will cherish for years to come.
All of the offers out there, can already be overwhelming now. And with so many new options entering the market in the next three years, consumers will be flooded with options. As travel advisors, we need to do our part to properly educate our clients and to help them plan ahead.
Daniela is a Travel Consultant with Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff, AZ. Contact Daniela for questions.
** Please note that all photos are authors own, except where credited.
As travel industry professional, I make a big investment in first hand
experiences. I spend a lot of time to keep up with accreditation and
stay up to date on current developments in the travel industry. This
means attending conferences, seminars, site inspections fam trip and
group trips. I have been able to have some of the experiences shown and
described at a reduced cost or combed by the hotel, tour operator,
cruise line or supplier. The feedback supplied is based on my personal
experience, and based on my personal preferences, likes and dislikes.
This first hand experience allows me to better serve you and match the
experiences you are looking for. It also allows me to create travel tips
for you, based on experiences I have and things I wish I knew before.
Travel Supplier partners referenced in blog posts are part of Signature
Travel Networks Preferred Portfolio or can be booked via a preferred
supplier partner (at least at time of post creation). **
Costa Rica is a beautiful and diverse country. Its a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers, but also home to some stunning scenery, amazing food and some of the friendliest people around (Important Disclosures).
When planning to visit Costa Rica, keep a few things in mind:
Time of year – Costa Rice is a diverse place and different region experience different weather. The prime time to visit Costa Rica is between November and March. You will still have some rain in the mountains, but you can count of sunny beach days! Prime time for visits are the Christmas and New Years Holidays. Weather is at it’s peak and you can partake in local celebrations. Do be prepared to pay peak rates over the holidays and remember to book EARLY! We recommend to book your Holiday travel 12 month prior for best availability and pricing.
Location – As I mentioned, the country is very diverse. We generally recommend to hop a few different regions during your visit to really get a good glimpse of all Costa Rica has to offer. While the Caribbean Side is beautiful, and is home to many different nature preserves, the beaches here are non-swim beaches. In September and October you can see the turtles hatch here though. The rainforest is always a bit wet, which really adds to it’s charm. Be prepared for humidity and mosquitoes, but this is where any adventure lover will flock to. Play your heart out from whitewater rafting, to zip lining, spelunking, hanging bridges, Tarzan swings, to hot springs and tubing. Arenal is where you want to be. The Pacuare region is a whitewater rafters paradise. many lodges are accessible only by raft or long hikes through the dense forest. Discover sloth, monkeys, bird and butterflies on your nature walks. The Pacific Side is home to Costa Rica’s most stunning beaches. Surfing, snorkeling, diving are all pretty amazing here.
Travel Time – Costa Rica has added many more non-stop flights from various region of the US. Most flights can get there within a few hours. A good amount of time to spend in Costa Rica are anywhere from 1-3 weeks; depending how much ground you want to cover. Many popular tourist regions are spread apart and transfers can take between 2-6 hours. Make sure to allow enough time to get you from Point A to Point B.
A couple of helpful tips I learned on my last trip:
Bring water shoes, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and plenty of bug spray. Bring a rain jacket – you are in the rain forest!
Bring a refillable water bottle to use at the beach or on excursions
Bring a small backpack for camera, towels, sunscreen and water bottle (include a dry bag/zip lock bag for your camera)
US dollars are accepted everywhere, but bring small bills: $1, $5, $10 or $20 only!
Costa Rican’s are super friendly and excited to show you their country. If a guide or driver goes the extra mile, please tip them accordingly.
Zip lining: wear long lightweight pants and t-shirt. Smile big! Pictures will be available for sale
White water rafting: wear a bathing suit with cover up. Bring a change of clothes and a towel from the hotel (towels will NOT be provided on site). Pictures will be available for sale
Don’t forget to have fun! #PuraVida!
Daniela is a Travel Consultant with Avenues of the World Travel in Flagstaff, AZ. Contact Daniela for questions.
** Please note that all photos are authors own, except where credited.
As travel industry professional, I make a big investment in first hand
experiences. I spend a lot of time to keep up with accreditation and
stay up to date on current developments in the travel industry. This
means attending conferences, seminars, site inspections fam trip and
group trips. I have been able to have some of the experiences shown and
described at a reduced cost or combed by the hotel, tour operator,
cruise line or supplier. The feedback supplied is based on my personal
experience, and based on my personal preferences, likes and dislikes.
This first hand experience allows me to better serve you and match the
experiences you are looking for. It also allows me to create travel tips
for you, based on experiences I have and things I wish I knew before.
Travel Supplier partners referenced in blog posts are part of Signature
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Daniela Harrison 