Mai and I went through a roller coaster of emotions as we waited for this vacation to eventually materialize. We felt excited, anxious, and nervous. Our vacation was originally scheduled to take place in October, but because of complications with our visa application, it was moved to December. We had briefly given up hope, but we dug in our heels, waited patiently, prayed, and presto! We obtained our visas (just two days after our original departure date!), and rescheduled our trip before the year ended.
On the evening of December 4, 2022, Mai and I met at the entrance of Manila Airport's NAIA Terminal 3. Due to the unfortunate fact that I had overpacked, there were some hiccups with my bags as we checked in for our flight. Mai assisted me with rearranging the things on my carry-on so that everything would fit within the allowable check-in baggage weight. Thank you, Mai!
A photo of us finally settled on our flight. Finally onboard our KLM flight to Amsterdam (stopover). Dinner is served. (Mai Caringal-Duran)
I had been to Europe before, but these flights (Manila-Bangkok-Amsterdam-Quito and v.v) were my longest. We believed we had sufficient preparation to travel for almost two days (including stopovers). Despite this, we still had nausea and dizziness from time to time throughout the flights, which made for a very tiring experience for us. Yet, of course, our excitement outweighed the tiredness. As we had two layovers, we decided to take advantage of the option to purchase lounge access in Amsterdam to relax and have some light snacks while we waited for our flight to Quito.
At the KLM lounge, as we get ready for our flight to Quito! At the KLM lounge (Marie Bunyi)
We knew this once-in-a-lifetime adventure would be one of the most fantastic and memorable experiences of our lives, so we were eagerly looking forward to it. And indeed, it was! Thank you to Adventure Life, our local team in Ecuador, and Monserrat for making this trip possible.
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
1 month 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
2 months 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.
