My dream of travel through remote Central or South America was first mentioned in my writing, my personal journal eight years ago. Eight months ago, a long thought idea to travel with a good friend to Europe and celebrate our upcoming milestone 50th birthdays...evolved instead into a family vacation. An exciting and exotic adventure to Ecuador with my two sons, Andy and Dennis. Having friends who live in Quito was a bonus for us and part of my motivation to visit Ecuador. Discovering Adventure Life and working with Erin (with help from Betty in Ecuador), Laura and then Daniel to create and experience this completely personalized tour was priceless.
Travel day found us being driven to the airport in style by my friend and fellow Limo driver Mike, w/Arbor Limousine; leaving home at 4am (...after getting only 3hrs of sleep) in order to make our 6:30am flight from Detroit to Miami. We arrived in Miami around 9am with a 7hr layover ahead of us before we would be in the air again. You'll notice that our photo album begins with Dennis and I napping at the MIA.
Flying Lan Ecuador from Miami to Quito was outstanding! Much to our surprise Lan includes long lost airline perks: hot meals, wine with dinner, after dinner coffee and whiskey, personal choice of movies, blankets and pillows! Four hours of first class treatment passed very quickly. Through a dark sky the millions of sparkling lights of Quito were a welcomed sight. After months of anticipation, my hard work and a very long day...we were finally there!
Because we had to wake up so early and spend the entire day traveling or waiting around...I knew we would be tired and want to have our own space when we arrived. I chose to spend our first 2 nights in Quito at the JW Marriott; an excellent decision. Having planned ahead, the moment we cleared customs and walked through the doors, we were greeted by a Marriott driver and quickly escorted to the hotel. Very shortly after landing we arrived at our luxurious hotel; finally able to put our bags down, spread out and relax...as we all appreciate, especially me...a dream come true!
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.