People asked me lots of questions about my proposed trip to the Galapagos? Why there? What tour company? When? But by far, the most common and often first question was: Are you going by yourself??
As a sixty something woman, I guess folks were worried about my....not sure...safety, fun, stress? I would answer that question by saying, ''Well, yes, by myself, but not really alone because I'll be with others on a tour.''
Yes, I went by myself but traveling with Adventure Life does not mean you are alone in an exotic place. One of the most important parts of my trip was the sharing of it with the people on the trip. This includes the guides from Adventure Life, the contacts by email and phone with the staff stateside, and my fellow travelers in the Galapagos.
We were a small group of 5 and were compatible and happy to be together. Roger and Peggy are from NYC, Nancy is from Steamboat Springs, Colorado and Marina is from Montreal. I am from Santa Cruz, California. We would not have met without this fabulous adventure. So, not only was I not by myself, I was with lovely companions who shared my excitement at seeing marine iguanas and blue footed boobies.
Our guides were wonderful people -- knowledgeable, caring and actually passionate about the place. Jonathan picked up Marina and I in Quito and took us to Otavalo. He planned numerous stops on the way and introduced us to places and experiences we couldn't have known about. Oswaldo met us in the islands and happily trudged through mud, held my hand in the channel at Kika Rock, and thrilled us with his dedication to and knowledge of everything Galapagos. In addition I met so many warm and friendly people in hotels, restaurants, even laundromats. I may have been ''by myself'' but I was never lonely or lost.
I re-entered the US in Texas and was served by an older, somewhat weary Texan who drawled,''Where have you been?'' I told him about Quito and the Galapagos as he stamped my passport and then he said, ''By yourself?'' You already know what I told him!
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
3 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
4 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.