On the train from SalinasIf you’re anything like myself, you have a ‘fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants’ type attitude. You might often overlook small details, which occasionally become important in the long-run, but you arrive at your destination nonetheless. The following are a series of tips to help you better function in your chosen destination.
**Learn the language. Even if you don’t commit the entire Spanish/English dictionary to memory, knowing how to ask for the basics or express your gratitude earn you big points. You’ll fumble. You’ll mispronounce. But please, try. Having a guide is amazing, but being able to fend for yourself is extremely rewarding.
**Interact with children. If you are not confident in your langauge skills, children use less complicated words and are far easier to understand.
**Try the local cuisine. Enough said.
**Barter. The locals love it. The more you feel flustered, the more they'll give you a deal.
**Take alternative transportation. Boarding a train and traveling through the Ecuadorian highlands showed us a different side of the country.
Working with Mary was a pleasure. She was attentive, knowledgeable, and persistent in getting my clients the best deal.
Susan Hommel
1 month ago
Staff on ship (Alya), food, rooms, excursions and naturalist (Alex) were all top notch!
Suzanne
1 month ago
We loved our time aboard the Angel. Beautiful boat and crew. Naturalist Jose Luis was incredible-very knowledgeable and thoughtful. He adapted tours to our group and we all had an amazing trip. Love staying a the quaint hacienda and the recommended activities.
Christine
1 month ago
Amazing assistance! Kevin and his team were so helpful and really gave us great advice. They quickly understood exactly what we were looking for and within a matter of days we had booked our holiday of a lifetime. I would definitely recommend to others.
Kathryn
2 months ago
The pre-planning and execution of the plan was excellent. They were even able to help get glasses returned when a member or our party left them in a hotel.