I have never dealt well with motion sickness. I read a sentence in a car, and I’m done in. So, I know my limits and have learned to start taking pills before these types of trips ever begin. I’ve learned what makes me too drowsy and what isn’t strong enough, and in the end, Bonine is my perfect companion. I chew one up each morning, and I am good to go!
The Galapagos is no stranger to motion sickness, and the little bowl of motion sickness medication sitting at the bar on the ship reminds you of that daily. The waters on this trip were a bit rough. We had a lot of open water crossings, and even when sitting in bays, we had some rough days. While exploring the coastline by panga, we had some folks need to immediately return to the ship, or they “fed the fish” while getting sick over the side of the panga.
I was proud to say that I was feeling great. I was also proud to say that no matter how terribly motion sick I get, I haven't ever throw up. Both of those went out the window as we made our way from Isabela to Rabida. The conditions lined up perfectly to be against us when we set sail in the afternoon. The beginning was okay – we were all enjoying drinks on the deck, watching the frigate birds soar along with us and pointing out the incredibly bright planets in the night sky. We hit open water right around dinner time, and guests started dropping like flies. One left during the appetizer, the rest of us laughed and continued on. Soup came out and another headed to bed. Again, I felt lucky to be thriving under these conditions. Then…the entrée was served. I made it one bite in and knew I didn’t stand a chance. Hoping to beat the sickness before it fully set in, I excused myself, caught some fresh air on deck, and tucked in for the night. I’m sad to say, I woke up twice and made the dreaded run for the bathroom, ruining my perfect “never throwing up” streak…
My husband (who doesn’t take any medication and felt perfectly lovely all evening) informed me that out of our table of 8, he was the only one who made it through dessert. The chef was a sweetheart, though, and saved each of us our cheesecake to enjoy the following day at lunch!
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.