When you're offered the opportunity to go anywhere in the Arctic you must immediately say yes! That was my experience with my recent visit to Svalbard. I didn't give too much thought to where I was going. Just that I was going to the land of ice in the summer and all day sunlight. But the truth is the Arctic is full of facets and options to keep all different kinds of travelers entertained. Whether you love wildlife, culture, incredible ice or going someplace only few have gone, the Arctic and its many facets has something for you.
Svalbard - Svalbard is all about the wildlife. This is your most reliable destination in the Arctic to see a polar bear (we saw 4 during our 9 day trip!). Because this is a relatively small island when compared with Greenland and Northern Canada the chances of seeing a polar bear along your travels are high. Cruises in Svalbard are also generally a little shorter than other regions and therefore more accessible of those short on time.
Greenland - Though it still boasts some wildlife, the real reason to visit Greenland is for the epic ice and culture. The glaciers in Greenland rival (for now anyway) pretty much every other region of the Arctic. Cruises are offered on both the western and eastern side of Greenland and on the western side in particular there are many villages and local communities that can be visited. Greenland cruises are generally a little longer, but can also be found in shorter stints on occasion.
Northern Canada - These trips have a little bit of everything. Depending on the area that is visited you might have more wildlife, history, icebergs but certainly some of each on any given voyage. Probably most intriguing are the sails through the Northwest Passage from Greenland to Alaska. In general these cruises will be longer and are often pair with western Greenland.
The North Pole - Yes, it can be done! No you don't have to ride Santa's sleigh! It takes a lot of time and a good chunk of change, but if want to be in that very elite group of travelers who have visited the North Pole, it is absolutely possible.
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.