Do improved relations between Cuba and the U.S. have you eager to visit the island before broader tourism changes it forever? Here are 5 Cuba adventures for 2015 with government-approved permits that legally allow Americans to go now.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
THIS JUST IN: Aurora Expeditions Becomes First Operator to Offer Snorkeling in Antarctica.
Expedition cruise and adventure company Aurora Expeditions has just announced that they will be offering passengers the chance to snorkel in Antarctica, becoming the first tour operator to offer guests the opportunity to explore the icy waters alongside penguins, seals and whales.
Why go:
In addition to serious bragging rights, you’ll be among the first to witness Antarctica’s extraordinary wildlife and underwater world from a truly unique angle. Passengers who select this option will be provided with all of the training and equipment they need including expert polar diving guides, specially designed Waterproof© Snorkel-Drysuits, gloves, hood, fins, mask, and snorkel.
How it works:
Passengers who take part will enjoy the opportunity to snorkel daily (weather dependant) in sheltered bays, off shore islands and secluded ship wrecks which make for spectacular wildlife viewing. Polar Snorkeling Cost: US$975pp
Dates and rates:
Aurora Expeditions have a selection of voyages that include Polar Snorkeling in February 2014 and 2015
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
This Just In:
My favorite small ship cruise line (formerly operating as American Safari Cruises) sets sail in 2013 under a new name, Un-Cruise Adventures, with new ships, new departures in Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés and the Hawaiian Islands, and an exciting new Pacific Northwest itinerary.
What hasn’t changed is their signature blend of spontaneous flexibility, access to hidden ports, active adventure, and private-yacht feel —a.k.a the Un-Cruise experience.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
As a wildlife enthusiast I want to go to the Galapagos to revel in nature, not ruin it.
So, no matter how eager I may be to go gawk at giant land tortoises, blue-footed boobies, penguins, lava lizards, manta rays and sea lions, if I go, it’s important to go responsibly.
Which is why my husband and I have chosen to head off guilt-free with Ecoventura, a leader in responsible tourism to the Galapagos Islands since 1990.
Their environmentally friendly fleet of 20-passenger expedition vessels, culturally and naturally respectful itineraries, and stellar eco-credentials, will get us up-close-and-personal with the extraordinary wildlife without leaving a harmful footprint in our wake.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
GIVE ALASKA YOUR BEST SHOT.
From jagged blue glaciers and stunning wildlife to intriguing towns filled with pioneer and Native American history, the opportunities for breathtaking images on an Alaska cruise are endless. But returning home with disappointing pictures of an amazing journey can leave you frustrated.
© Ellen Barone. Alaska’s Inside Passage
To make sure you bring back memorable photographs from your voyage, Vacations Magazine asked me, and pro shooters, Brian Adams and Wayde Caroll, to share a few tricks of the trade.
Check out our tips and learn how to capture memorable photographs on an Alaskan cruise in the article, Shooting The Last Frontier by Alexis Hilts.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
This Spring discover the thrill of one of my favorite travel experiences, sailing on board one of Star Clippers’ three tall ships: the four masted Star Clipper, its twin ship Star Flyer or Royal Clipper, the tallest full sail ship in the world. Beginning in April, Star Clippers’ full fleet will sail the hidden harbors, secluded beaches and secret hideaways of the Mediterranean.
© Ellen Barone. Royal Clipper in the Atlantic
Spring sailings range from four-night escapes to 12-night Grand Mediterranean voyages, providing an in-depth exploration of the easter and western Mediterranean - without the crowds and the summer heat.
Seven departures are scheduled between April and May and cover the very best ports across the French and Italian rivieras and into the Greek Isles.
Each new season cruise offerings are enhanced by changing itineraries and adding new ports of call. This year, two new calls include: Sansury-sur Mer, France and Lerici, Italy - both picturesque seaside villages with specitacular views.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".