SIGH.... I think we all need to take a huge deep breath and exhale all the stress of the past two years.
My multigenerational family of 7 including my mom, 4 kids, and husband had taken our first ever 'traditional' American vacation to the arguably touristy city of Puerto Vallarta at the end of Feb 2020, immediately before Covid shut down the world, Though we've traveled extensively on non traditional international vacations, everyone had a fondness for this trip as it felt much like those last trips prior to 9-11, the last time we could travel without all extra worries weighing us down. With that in mind, it seemed appropriate that our first trip out together internationally in the world of Covid would be back to Puerto Vallarta. It was a chance to hit the 'reset' button and try to find our 'new normal'.
Mexico had the additional advantage of not requiring Covid tests on arrival. This gave us the chance to focus on navigating the onslaught of tour operators trying to talk us into a timeshare presentation that accost travelers as they exit the airport. We made it thru the crush of people and to our hotel where I had pre-reserved a seafood dinner on the beach.
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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.