A Galapagos Adventure

In the depths of the pandemic, back in the fall of 2020, when we all desperately needed something to look forward to, I had the opportunity to secure a one-week yacht charter in the Galapagos at a deeply discounted rate. I reached out to some friends and family to see if anyone would be interested. I got a resounding YES. So I grabbed a week in November 2022. I rounded up my sixteen people to fill the yacht, crossed my fingers that travel would actually be possible again by then. And started counting down the days.

Fortunately, the pandemic eventually receded, and the majority of the group was still ready and willing to travel when this year came around. It became clear that this bucket list trip was actually going to happen! That’s when I started to worry that the experience might not live up to the hype. What if this long-awaited adventure turned out to be more hassle and expense than it was worth?

Yeah, that didn’t happen 😊

Galapagos Group posing on the beach near a sea lion

The entire experience —  from our pre-cruise stay in Quito to the yacht itself, to the wildlife, the crew, and the weather – turned out to be better than anyone had even hoped. A few airline mishaps aside, this trip was one of the best I’ve ever taken! And I think the rest of the group would agree.

If you’ve ever thought about visiting The Galapagos, please read on for the details. And please plan to go there sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until you have “enough” time and money, because this unspoiled habitat might not be around forever, and you will never be healthier, more fit, or more able to get out and enjoy nature than you are today.

a snokeler and a seal look at each other underwater in the Galapagos

First: Ecuador

We flew into Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, and spent two nights there prior to the cruise. We stayed at the Swissotel Quito, which is a modern hotel in the business district of the city with all the onsite conveniences you could want. It was perfect for our short stay, but if I were to return to Quito I would probably stay in the historic center. The center is a little more charming and has more dining, shopping, and sightseeing within walking distance. (I have my eye on the Hotel Plaza Grande or the Casa Gangotena for next time!) 

With our one full day in the city, we did a private tour that hit most of the highlights. We visited the Intinan Museum at the Equator and enjoyed some cool hands-on experiments and photo ops there, and then we strolled through the old colonial center of the city, visited the cathedral, and had a lovely lunch in a local restaurant.

Ann and her husband at the Equator in Ecuador

Quito was an unexpected pleasure, as none of us really knew anything about the city beforehand. It is at a high altitude (it’s the second-highest capital city in the world, at about 3,000 meters above sea level!) So you have to be mindful of that and make sure to stay rested and hydrated. But it’s well worth a visit!

Boarding the Ship!

From Quito, we flew to the island of Baltra, in the Galapagos. These flights (and all travelers to the Galapagos) are very strictly controlled and monitored. This is to ensure that no one brings in any non-native plants, insects, or other animals. We went through extra security screening before boarding. Our belongings were fogged with insecticide while on the plane. And the checked bags were all inspected by dogs once we arrived. It was very interesting to see all the precautions they have in place!

The Queen Beatriz yacht floating between two islands of cacti in the Galapagos

Once we collected our bags in Baltra, the naturalist, Jaime, met us. He would be our guide for the week. We took a short bus ride to a nearby dock, and then our first zodiac ride from there to our waiting yacht – The Grand Queen Beatriz.

Galapagos group aboard a small inflatable zodiac on the way to the islands

The zodiacs are small inflatable boats that are used to ferry everyone from the yacht to the islands. They hold about eight people and can be used for “wet” landings (where they run the zodiac as close to the shore as possible and you jump out and wade in from there) or for “dry” landings (where they bring you to a dock). We were on and off zodiacs multiple times every day on this trip.

The yacht itself is spacious, modern, and clean. It’s about 130 feet long, with three passenger decks (two decks of cabins, and one open sun deck). There are eight cabins, each with its own surprisingly large bathroom (the shower was bigger than any that I’ve had on a cruise ship). And some of the cabins even have small balconies. We ate our meals family-style at two large tables in the main salon. And we had our evening briefings/meetings in a cozy upstairs lounge.

The top deck has sun loungers and a small hot tub. They provide wetsuits, snorkels, masks and fins of various sizes for everyone. And we were all given nice metal water bottles (refillable at the water/coffee/snack station) to keep as souvenirs. There is a bar (and a bartender) onboard, and you pay for your sodas/alcohol based on consumption.

the back deck of the Queen Beatriz yacht

Day-to-Day Overview

A map of Ann's Galapagos Itinerary

Our seven-night itinerary focused on the southern loop of islands. (Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, San Cristobal, Santa Fe, and Espanola) and we were traveling during early November when the weather was fairly warm and dry. The water was still cold enough that we needed wetsuits, but the daily temps were in the 70s. It was very pleasant overall!

Every evening we gathered before dinner for a briefing from our naturalist. He would outline the next day’s activities, telling us what time to be ready for the various excursions, what wildlife to look out for, and whether we would be doing wet or dry landings (so that we could dress accordingly).

The Galapagos group on a hike through volcanic rock and low desert bush

Our days were busy. We would typically start with breakfast at 7 or 8 am, then head out to snorkel, hike or both. We would come back to the yacht in the middle of the day for lunch and a siesta, and then do another activity — sometimes moving to a different island – in the afternoon. Evenings found us back on the yacht for a shower and a cocktail before our evening briefing. Then an early dinner and everyone was in bed (exhausted) by 9 or 10pm.

The daily schedules are all regulated by the National Park Service. This is to ensure that there are never too many people in any one place in the islands, so as not to put pressure on the wildlife.

We did see other yachts and cruise ships as we traveled along, but everyone followed their own set schedules and stayed out of each other’s way. The whole thing is very carefully orchestrated.

two yachts on the blue sea in the Galapagos
group at a table for lunch on the Galapagos Islands

There were two days that we stopped at small towns and had some time to wander and shop at our leisure, but that (plus the afternoon siestas) was really the only free time.

You could, of course, skip an excursion one day and stay behind to rest, read, or soak in the hot tub. And some of us did do that from time to time, but who would want to miss out on the baby sea lions?!

baby sea lion on the Galapagos Islands

The Wildlife

Marine iguanas on a rock in the Galapagos

Obviously, wildlife is the main focus in the Galapagos, and we saw plenty! We swam with turtles, rays, marine iguanas, reef sharks, and playful baby sea lions who nibbled on our fins.

reef sharks and a sea turtle swim together in the Galapagos
Sea lions playfully bit a snorkeler's fin in the Galapagos
a snorkeler swimming among the fish

The Galapagos boasts every variety of bird! From blue-footed and red-footed boobies to hawks, frigates, gulls, finches, albatrosses, and even a Galapagos penguin.

a blue-footed boobie on a rock in the Galapagos
two hawks take off into flight against a blue sky
a bird looking straight at the camera
a pelican in flight against a light blue sea in the Galapagos

We visited a baby tortoise breeding center, and we saw giant Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat in the highlands.

a giant Galapagos Tortoise walking amidst bright green grass
baby giant galapagos tortoises
a man in a Galapagos giant tortoise shell at the research center
close up of the face of a Giant Galapagos Tortoise

All along the way, we had expert guidance and commentary from our naturalist. They patiently answered hundreds of questions a day!

a seal and a woman sit side by side on the beach in the Galapagos

What we did NOT do was email, text, or scroll social media. For days at a time, we had little to no internet or cell service. And it was honestly wonderful. We enjoyed nature and one another’s company. We relaxed. And we talked!

When the week was over, we settled up our bar tabs, tipped our crew generously, and flew back to Quito to catch our overnight flights back home.

Key Takeaways

If you’re still reading, you’re obviously pretty interested in the Galapagos, so here are my key takeaways and advice:

two guys snorkeling in the bright blue water of the Galapagos
  • This is an active/outdoorsy destination that requires a certain minimum level of fitness in order to get the most out of the experience. Be prepared to walk over uneven terrain, swim in open water, and climb in and out of small boats.
  • For a trip like mine, you do not need fancy clothes. You can and should pack lightly. We lived in swimsuits and athleisure, for the most part. Layers are important, as the weather can be changeable. Sun protection is key (sunscreen, hats, long sleeve shirts, etc) And you need both water shoes and sturdy walking shoes. *If you do the Galapagos on a cruise ship, there may be other dress code guidelines to follow as well
a Galapagos Sea Lion coming straight at the underwater camera
  • Bring an underwater camera – that can be a GoPro, or just a waterproof case/container for your phone
  • Bring cash. Ecuador uses the US Dollar, and you can get more at an ATM on one or two of the islands if you absolutely need to, but it’s best to be prepared with more than you think you’ll need. We did not know the bar tabs would have to be paid in cash, and that caused some last-minute scrambling.
  • If you want to have time to do something specialized, like diving, or sportfishing, add a couple of days onto the end of your trip and stay on one of the islands (there are plenty of casual hotels and B&Bs) so that you can plan a daytrip with a local boat.
  • If you have a group of like-minded friends or family, explore the idea of a private yacht charter. While it sounds extravagant, it’s not. The yachts are all designed for 16 people maximum, and there’s something really special about traveling with just your own group.
Ann and Everette on the back deck of the Queen Beatriz in the Galapagos

Above all, as I mentioned at the beginning of this post — go now. Don’t wait until retirement! Or some other “ideal” time when you think you’ll have more time and money to do a big trip like this. Our group was predominantly in their 40s and 50s, and some of the days kicked our butts. I am glad that I did not wait until I was older 😊

A Custom Adventure in Morocco

Alyssa and her mom Jo were heading to Morocco for a wedding and wanted to make the most of their experience by spending a little extra time exploring someplace new and unique. Their focus was on food, culture, and connection. We knew that a visit to the less-touristy Fes was a perfect start. Then we teamed up with Goway Travel to find local guides who could provide that extra personal touch! Here are their thoughts on their custom Moroccan adventure:


I can’t begin to describe how much of an incredible experience we had in Morocco. The hotel in Fes was simply a dream, and all of the experiences were catered precisely to our taste.

One of the most noteworthy parts of this experience was our Shared Adventures agent, Liz. Her responsiveness, organization, and true understanding of our requests were uncanny and reflected directly throughout our trip. She did not hesitate to find practical solutions for mishaps (like me missing my flight)!

Riad Salam Fes

Riad Salam Fes still leaves me completely breathless. Apart from the breathtaking beauty of the structure, we felt immersed in the cultural glory of Fes, while feeling confident in our safety. The staff was, without a doubt, the most hospitable and friendly staff I have ever met on a trip (and I travel quite a bunch!)

The restaurant in the hotel was so good we couldn’t resist eating there twice! Which is normally a cardinal rule of mine not easy to break.

Around Fes

Our tour guides and driver were precise, so kind and welcoming, and FUN! They took such good care of us and were flexible to last-minute questions and changes. All of the stops we made while in Fes were met by extremely knowledgeable and genuine co-guides. I really appreciated that Karim briefed us before entering places that we were not obligated to buy anything, but rather enjoy the cultural experience. 

Hidden Gem: Bhalil

The tour of Bhalil was so unexpected and fascinating.

* Bhalil is a tranquil small town south of Fes, notable for its unique historic cave houses, exquisite hand-crafted wares, and traditional bread ovens.*

Our guide took us to his family home where his grandmother was preparing fresh bread, and on the way, we got to meet some of the amazing women who make the buttons for caftans for all of Morocco.

Traveller Alyssa learns the traditional bread making techniques from her guide's grandmother in Morocco

Overall

Once we arrived in Rabat, we were actually quite sad despite having a weekend of wedding festivities ahead! Our expectations of the trip were beyond surpassed, and the trip left me wanting to visit the area much more frequently. 

Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience!! 

Top 5 Destinations to Celebrate Halloween

Whether you adore dressing up for the day, can’t wait to take the kids trick-or-treating, revel in scary stories, or just enjoy a great themed party – Halloween is a perfect time to celebrate Fall. Although it feels like a modern holiday, Halloween can trace its roots back to the ancient pagan festival of Samhain. Samhain celebrates the change of seasons and the transition from summer to winter — a time when the veil between our world and the other world is at its thinnest. While every destination that celebrates Halloween will have the traditional core elements, there are a few destinations that stand above the rest for their Halloween style.

Fire performer at the Derry Halloween Festival [Photo Credit: Mitch Hodge via Unsplash]

Ireland

Since Halloween can trace its origins back to Gaelic and Celtic culture, it seems fitting to celebrate in Ireland! Wander through historic castle ruins, and feel the lines of magic and reality blur at the edges of the ancient forests and in the soft steps of the meadows. In Ireland, you’ll enjoy bonfires, folk stories, light shows, and music — all centered around a spirit of celebration, the changing of the seasons, and a little bit of myth. Dublin offers perfectly spooky haunted tours and Bram Stoker-esque castles. Check out the Púca Festival. which concentrates on storytelling, music, and food in the historic Boyne Valley. Or, make your way to Northern Ireland for Europe’s biggest Halloween festival in Derry! This giant marvel invites you to explore different worlds, enjoy interactive light shows circus & fire performers, and take part in costume parades. Ireland offers something for everyone from parties into the wee hours of the morning to kid-friendly apple bobbing and face painting. With all the festivals rooted in tradition, this is a great addition to your Irish adventure.

New Orleans

Second only to Mardi Gras, Halloween in one of the country’s most haunted cities is a big to-do. At any time of year, New Orleans offers voodoo shops, ghost tours, and haunted sites, but Halloween magnifies all these historic, frightening, and gothic elements tenfold. The haunted atmosphere of the city is given an extra boost with towering skeletons, ghostly horsemen, and endless themed parties. The famous parades are complete with frightening floats where revelers throw candy into the crowds. New Orleans does have a few kid-friendly activities, but this is primarily a holiday geared toward adults. Celebrate with your friends at elegant weekend-long parties. Elaborate costumes, exciting galas, and incredible balls grace the streets of the French Quarter, and the houses are decorated to the nines! If you can’t visit New Orleans in February for Mardi Gras, but are still looking for that party vibe, October is the time to go.  

London

Full of history and tradition, but with all the trimmings of a big city, London offers something unique. It seems like in every corner of London from October 22nd- 31st there’s a Halloween celebration. Enjoy a modern Halloween with themed menus in restaurants and bars, Madame Tussaud’s Alien Escape Experience, Crystal Maze experiences, countless themed escape rooms, and endless costume parties. But London also boasts a long, dark, and storied past, with plenty of ghost tours, serial killer walks, graveyards, underground passages, and dungeons. Throughout the last week of October, London will allow you to immerse yourself in an interactive Halloween, blending historical and modern scares.

[Photo Credit: Andrei via Pexels]

Disney

[Photo credit: Aiden Craver via Unsplash]

Trying to celebrate Halloween in the most kid-friendly way possible? Look no further than Disney! All of the Disney Parks and cruises worldwide celebrate Halloween in style. Marvel at specialty shows, meet-and-greets, and fireworks displays that you won’t see at any other time of year. The kids will love meeting their favorite Villains who only come out for Halloween. Or getting unique photos of the other characters in specialty Halloween costumes. Mickey himself hosts a Not-So-Scary Halloween Party which requires advance tickets. Your favorite rides also get a makeover adding spooky — but not-too-scary — Halloween elements. When you tire of rides, parties, and villains, you can enjoy specialty foods or head into the shops for some seasonal merch. In Disney World, Halloween brings in a huge foodie element with lots of new specialties to try and enjoy. The kids will love the Coco-themed installation! Running through the 2nd of November, it teaches them more about the Day of the Dead. With all sorts of things you’ll never see any other time of year, Halloween is a great time to enjoy a Disney experience.

Canada

Canada is one of the best destinations for leaf-peeping, getting out into nature, and enjoying Halloween in a quaint, kid-friendly way. Canadians celebrate Halloween very similarly to Americans with scary movies, trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, and autumn festivals. You can enjoy small-town fairs, as well as carnival rides, pumpkin patches, or apple bobbing for the kids. Victoria on Vancouver Island is British Columbia’s most haunted city. They celebrate with a lot of spookier activities including haunted night ziplining. The bigger cities like Toronto and Vancouver are dotted with parties and Zombie walks. All over Canada, there are plenty of events for all ages. Infuse your Halloween with a little bit of wholesome, light-hearted fun. This is the perfect place if you don’t want Halloween to be the main focus of your Autumn outdoor adventure but just have it sprinkled into the great outdoors.


Are you ready to add a little travel to next year’s Halloween celebrations? Let us know! If you’re considering a late-October or early-November adventure, it’s worth adding these incredible Halloween experiences to your trip!

Spotlight on: Dubai

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Dubai is a city of contrasts. Between the old and new, between the glitzy and the humble, and the modern skyscrapers and the expansive desert. Whether you prefer a fast-moving pace or a slow quiet walk, you can find a little bit of everything in Dubai. Originally a trading port, Dubai’s culture is imbued with a deep sense of acceptance, hospitality, and growth. Don’t let the heat deter you. Dubai is a city that is carefully crafted for visitors. With plenty of indoor, sheltered, and water activities, Dubai’s bright sunny skies turn into a paradise. And, with winter temperatures in the 80s, you’ll be able to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Here is our little introductory guide to Dubai.


Getting Around

Dubai is a long, spread-out city on the gulf coast. Here you won’t find a traditional city center as much as a conglomeration of different neighborhoods to explore. Where you stay and spend most of your time will depend on what kind of trip you want to have, but the city accommodates getting from one end to the other.

It’s easy to walk within neighborhoods but it’s not so walkable between them. However, they have a fantastic metro system with wifi and comfortable seats. The metro is mostly above ground so you’ll pass by many of the iconic landmarks and it’s a great way to sightsee as you travel from place to place.

The city also boasts a decent bus line and an extensive network of taxis which you can hail or order through apps. 

So what kind of things can you do in Dubai?

[Photo Credit:Fredrik Ohlander via Unsplash]

Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is an impressive jungle of glistening modern skyscrapers, promenades, luxury shopping, and pop-up markets. The modern construction is incredibly intentional, with a pedestrian-friendly design. While you walk down the boardwalk, with the fountain on one side, you’ll pass tempting restaurants and inviting stores, sprinkled with pockets of greenery and sculpture. Downtown Dubai is home to a unique concentration of world-record breakers — here you will find the largest observation wheel, the tallest fountain, and the tallest building.

Top Sites

The Burj Khalifa – At 160 stories tall, the world’s tallest building is an incredible feat of engineering. Visitors can ride the elevator to the 124th floor for breathtaking views. Or, head to the 148th floor to marvel at the views from the world’s highest observation deck. Because it sells out quickly, purchase your tickets in advance.

Ain Dubai – The world’s largest observation wheel allows you to enjoy sweeping views from over 250 meters in the air. It’s a perfect way to get a constantly shifting, unique perspective of the city.

Dubai Fountain with multiple, incredible shows every day, the Dubai fountain even outshines Vegas. Reaching unprecedented heights there are now viewing platforms allowing you to get even closer to the action.

Old Dubai

Just as Downtown Dubai is full of modern wonders, Old Dubai is bursting with key heritage sites. A collection of neighborhoods winds its way along Dubai creek, with low gypsum and coral buildings. They mark the site where the city was originally settled. And today they are a historic hub of typical Emirati culture. Wander the narrow winding streets, soaking in the fragrant spice souk and traditional cuisine. Here you can discover the traditional wind towers, art galleries, markets, and museums. You can dine in cafes tucked into scenic courtyards and in the evening, unwind with a sunset ride on an abra.

Top Sites

Al Fahidi Fort – built in 1787 for defense purposes, it now houses the Dubai Museum. Journey through the history of Dubai from its beginnings as a trade port to the glittering hub it is today. Learn about Emirati culture and the customs of the region.

XVA Art Gallery Hotel& Café an internationally acclaimed art gallery and restaurant. Specializing in contemporary works from established and emerging artists from the Arab world.

 Abra– a traditional wooden boat. Boats carry about 20 people. Gently float along Dubai Creek with the city as your backdrop. The trip is relatively quick and is particularly stunning at sunset.

[Photo Credit: Nikhita Singhal via Unsplash]

Luxury Shopping

Shopping in Dubai is its own adventure. Malls here are more than just a collection of shops. They have gaming zones, ski slopes, ice rinks, aquariums, cinemas, and VR experiences. You can spend an entire day exploring a wide range of exclusive shops and high-end brands. The Dubai Mall in downtown features over 1200 retail stores and hundreds of restaurants. The slightly smaller Mall of The Emirates promises a “shopping-resort” experience. This mall features fashion shows, family events, and the latest haute couture on display. Anyone who enjoys shopping will have an incredible time in Dubai.

Visit in January to enjoy the Shopping Festival and get in on all the best deals.

Souk Shopping

Souks or Bazaars are open marketplaces with multiple small stalls and shops. Bursting with sights, smells, and activity, you can find these traditional markets in the historic Bur Dubai neighborhood. Souks allow you to indulge all of your senses in a shopping experience. Run your hand over soft silk and delicately embroidered fabrics in the Textile Souk. Soak in the glittering lights and irresistible reflections as you browse the jewelry and watches in the Gold Souk. Or follow your nose to the aromatic Spice and Perfume Souks. Some souks hold specific wares, and some feature a little bit of everything. But, in all the markets, you’ll find friendly vendors waiting to haggle with you. In addition to a local bargain shopping experience, you can enjoy an expansive variety of street food and traditional restaurants.

[Photo Credit: Fadi al Shami via Unsplash]

Beach

Sitting on the gulf coast, Dubai has gone from a humble trading port to a vibrant beach destination. Adding to their already impressive soft sand beaches, they’ve created a series of man-made archipelagos. So, whether you prefer the luxurious Palm Islands full of underwater villas, overwater bungalows, and high-end beach resorts, or something with more of a chill So-Cal vibe, you can find it here. Stroll past bright-pink bougainvillea villas, trendy cafes, and chic beachfront shopping in the Jumeirah neighborhood. Make a beeline for Kite or Sunset beach to try your hand at a myriad of watersports. Or, spend the day with your family at the waterpark!

Top Sites

Palm Jumeirah – Soak up the sun as you lounge in luxury at the exclusive beach clubs. Watch the sea life swim past your villa. Or take in the stunning views from the world’s highest infinity pool. This palm-shaped archipelago spares no expense.

Palm Jebel Ali – This not-quite-completed archipelago is for adventurists. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you embark on the shooting range or motocross track. Then, cool down in the bright blue waters by kite-surfing or on a jet ski.

Deep-Dive Pool Enter another world, an underwater fantasy, in the world’s deepest diving pool. Descending 60.02 meters this pool offers divers a unique sunken city to explore. You can explore up to 12 meters down without any certification.

Desert

Contrasting the blue coastal waters are the brilliantly orange-red desert sands. The Dubai desert is both quintessential and full of surprises. Within the Dubai Conservation Reserve, you can step into ancient traditions with a camel ride and an Arabian feast in a Bedouin tent. Get your adrenaline pumping with quad bikes and sandboarding. Or relish the romance of luxury glamping under the stars and hot air balloon rides at sunrise.

Top Sites

Glamping Resorts – There are a few luxury glamping resorts in the Dubai desert. Featuring beautiful tents, private pools, and access to the best activities.

Safari– Your guide maneuvers over the dunes in a four-wheel drive Jeep while you keep a watchful eye on the sands. You’ll see the striking Oryx with their long, straight horns, herds of graceful gazelle, and many rare bird species.

Camel Racing– Dubai’s favorite sport and a unique experience. From the grandstand, you can cheer on your favorite as sixty camels rush down the track. Arrive before the race and take the opportunity to pet the camels and take photos.

Tips & Customs

Dubai is a very safe city to visit even as a solo traveler. As with any city or country, Dubai does have its own customs, traditions, and social rules. And, it is important to be respectful. Try to follow some of the unspoken rules to avoid social faux pas.

– Modesty is important. Try to wear clothing that doesn’t show too much skin, tattoos, or other body mods. Women should wear a headscarf when visiting a mosque. And tone down the PDA in public locations.

– Don’t take photos of the locals without asking their permission. Unsolicited pictures posted online can result in major fines.

– Because they take public safety seriously, public drunkenness isn’t allowed. It’s best not to ‘bar hop’ but rather stay in one licensed establishment as you party with the locals till 3 am.

– Electronic cigarettes and vapes will be confiscated at the airport.

– Remember to drink lots and lots of water. Even in winter, the temperatures are high. Therefore, it’s easy to underestimate what you need to stay hydrated.

– The weekend is Friday & Saturday while the work week begins on Sunday. It’s good to keep in mind when you’re planning popular weekend activities.

– The Dubai airport is huge. Therefore, it takes quite a bit of time to get from one side to the other, which is why we never plan any activities immediately after arriving.

Are you ready to explore the many sides of Dubai? Let us know! We’d love to help you plan the perfect itinerary.

You provided excellent guidance for us. I appreciated that you really had us think about what was most important to us when we were selecting the right cruise – and not to totally focus on what other people had to say. THANK YOU for helping to make this a memorable trip for our family! It really was a trip of a lifetime!

Clare and Mark (family cruise to Alaska)

The level of service we experienced was out of this world (and we did NOT make it easy on Ann). We weren’t quite sure where we wanted to go, when we would be able to go, or what “vibe” we were going for. After asking us some key questions (what we liked, didn’t like, why, etc.) Ann helped us narrow down our trip details and planned the honeymoon of our dreams. She helped book some of our excursions, answered some emergency questions while abroad and was always available/willing to help. I think it’s safe to say we won’t be using anyone else for future travel planning – Ann is a rockstar!

Carli (Italy and Spain)