One of the best things about traveling is seeing those completely new things, and having those completely new experiences. But sometimes, its just as nice to experience completely familiar things, in completely unfamiliar places. This trip to Ecuador was filled with such experiences…
* Seeing our “favorite star” – the one that always seemed to twinkle in three-color harmony over White Island during those cold, early-season nights at McMurdo Station – but this time it was just to the left of a snow-capped Cotopaxi, as seen from our lodge window at Hacienda El Porvenir.
* What is it about hot, sweet drinks in the high mountains to warm you up after a good day of outdoor adventure? In Nepal it was hot lemon, but in the highlands of Ecuador it is “canelazo” – a hot, sweet mixture of naranjilla and cinnamon. Mmmmmm…. Goes down wonderfully.
* Whether it’s a lunch table at an Antarctic research station, a trailside hut on a 10-day backpacking route in New Zealand, a teahouse in the Himalayas, or a family-style meal at a hacienda in Ecuador, truly curious travelers always manage to make the meal last three times as long by inquiring about other peoples’ travels and sharing their own experiences. One invariably ends the meal with at least one more destination on their “bucket list”.
* After five years with the US Antarctic Program, having seen Emperor Penguins and Adelie Penguins more times than I can count (not to mention Little Blue Penguins and Yellow-eyed Penguins in New Zealand), one might think I could handle a penguin encounter in the Galapagos without losing my mind. Try having six of them shoot by you, like little torpedos, as you snorkel at Punta Vicente Roca! I nearly walked on water in excitement!
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner