There's a time and a place for the on-the-move, fit-in-as-much-as-possible kind of trip. And on the other end of the spectrum, the kind of trip where you stay put and focus on....well....nothing but relaxation. I met a couple on this cruise that made the distinction between the two. The former: TRAVEL! The latter: VACATION!
What is "Travel?"
Travel is characterized by movement. Flying or driving to a new location every few days, daily excursions to see a new area, most likely an agenda or bucket list involved - check those boxes! I can really get behind a trip like this; I've traveled this way in Peru and Costa Rica and Thailand and the Galapagos and on and on. It's exhilarating to see a new country this way! Sometimes your must-see list is so long, it necessitates this kind of travel style. You might need a vacation after your vacation, but at least you'll have some excellent stories and photos to share!
What is "Vacation?"
Vacation is characterized by relaxation. Stay put in a resort or lodge for a week with the sole purpose of recharging. Sleep, read a great book, eat delicious food, have a fruity cocktail (or three), and turn off your phone. Do this really well, and you'll be ready to tackle your old routines with a new-found energy. You might not have as many stories or photos to brag about, but the goal of vacation isn't to fill your Instagram with jealousy-inducing moments. The goal is to sleep in, reset, disconnect, and probably gain a few pounds (or is that just me?).
A Perfect Marriage
I've never been on a trip before that was such a perfect marriage of TRAVEL and VACATION. This cruise seriously had it all. Was there movement? Oh yes! A new island to explore each day! We went snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding, rented bikes, went 4x4 off-roading, and wandered in local towns. And yet... No internal flights to catch. No need to pack up our things for the next hotel. No rental vehicle to drive from place to place. This was as worry-free as it gets. Which leads me to the relaxation. Oh, the relaxation! Sleeping in, room service, luxurious bathrobes, naps on the beach, pre-dinner cocktails, evening entertainment, no meal planning or cooking! It was dreamy. Seriously the best of both worlds. We fit in so much, yet had no agenda from day to day. We ended up with some pretty nice photos and stories, too, if I do say so myself....
Taking in a local public beach with a book in hand. Total VACATION!
Enjoying a slow morning with room service. VACATION strikes again.
Turning up the pace with an off-road safari!
Meandering through Bora Bora on rented bikes.
Ah yes, there's that beach-with-a-book scene again. Never gets old.
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.