Another Day of Travel...Farewell to our Life of Adventure!
Everything went fairly smoothly through security and customs, so we had time to relax at the gate for an hour before boarding our 6 hour flight Avianca flight to
Bogota. Other than a few minutes of turbulence, it was an uneventful flight, and we arrived on schedule.
We were so relieved to see Mike waiting for us at the gate. His was a friendly face, instead of a foreign one holding a sign that read, 'Del Boccio Family.'
Although we have been pleased with our drivers and guides in Argentina, there is nothing like a familiar face when one is weary at the end of the trail!
It was good to see the Dubberlys again, but, after a bite to eat, we hit the sack, totally exhausted, with scenes from our fabulous trip dancing in our heads.
I must end with a note about the Adventure Life travel agency with whom we booked our fabulous expedition. Although the Argentine agency, 'Kallpa' (with whom Adventure Life worked in tandem) skipped a few beats with our diet details, on the whole, the tour was seamless. Our favorite guide was Marta in Puerto Madryn, who was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. We hated to see her go! Norbie, in Ushuaia, was our second favorite. His jokes along the trail kept us going when the going got tough.
But, the ultimate kudos go to the Adventure Life team in Montana. Monica was the first contact we had with the company. She was very friendly and helpful in the process of putting together our Patagonian package to suit our needs, always willing to tweak things where she could.
Lucas with Exito travel, helped us to find just the right flights to fit our pocketbook, and quickly took us through the process of purchasing the tickets, after waiting for the prices to lower a bit.
Jenny J was assigned to us next, and answered question after question about our trip details, from the type of boots we should bring, to which hotels carried shampoo and hair dryers. And then, while we were overseas, she continued to be so patient with my many questions about hotel transfers and diet requirements. Jenny always returned my emails the same day, when possible. I always knew things were under control back at the office, which reflected on our trip within Argentina.
Then there was Sullivan, who helped here and there when the others were not available. I was able to chat with her online in Argentina when I needed assistance with my journal and photos. She was a wonderful, all around, knowledgeable gal.
Lastly, but certainly not least, was my hero, Lynessa, who painstakingly added all my photos to our journal each day, since my iPad did not support that feature. Some days, I downloaded and sent over 30 photos, which would pop into our online album the very next day, thanks to Lynessa! Even during the Missoula snowstorm, it took her only 36 hours to get back on track at the office...amazing!
All in all, Adventure Life did a fantastic job of keeping us informed, answering our plethora of questions, and communicating with the Argentine agency. Never once did I sense impatience or frustration with our constant barrage of emails! I know God lead us to them for a reason...thank you, each and every one who played a part in making this one of our most incredible family journeys!
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
3 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.