As you may know, my husband, Hank, and I have been living in Latin America for nearly two years as part of our experiment in nomadic living. To help us plan a few new adventures in 2013, we turned to Myths and Mountains specialist Allie Almario for her extensive experience in organizing custom travel in South America.
Galapagos Sea Lions by Allie AlmarioRead on for Allie’s insider insights and recommendations, in case, like us, you’re planning to pack a suitcase for South America in the new year.
What’s trending in travel to South America?
More people are doing “combo” trips - combining one country with another. For example, our most popular trip this year has been our Across Patagonia itinerary, which starts on the Chilean side of Patagonia and crosses over into the Argentinian side or vice versa. Of course, combining the Galapagos with Machu Picchu continues to be a favorite travel combination. Why? I’m hearing a lot more of “Well, this might be the only time I ever get to XYZ, so I might as well do as much as possible.” My theory is that with such a precarious economy, people are being very protective about their vacation time and budget; more so than ever.
What’s new and exciting for travelers to do in South America?
South America used to be a backpacker’s dream. In some ways, it still is. But these days, people are looking for five-star experiences. It’s why the idea of trekking by day and enjoying luxury by night has taken on a whole new meaning there. Now, you can spend your days trekking to Machu Picchu and return at night to a luxury lodge where the staff will greet you with a cocktail, fluff your down comforter, and direct you to a hot tub where you can soak your tired body. Even Easter Island, which used to only offer basic accommodations, has opened a five-star Explora lodge. The days of settling for outdated motel-style rooms on the island have passed. If “glamping” in a tented camp with a view of palm trees and the ocean on Easter Island (Rapa Nui), one of the world’s most remote and mysterious archeological sites, is on your wish list, no problem.
What shouldn’t you do in South America?
Confuse the words “hostal” and “hostel.” Hostal is the Spanish word commonly used to describe a hotel, but it is not the same as a hostel, which is low-cost backpacker style dormitory hotel.
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 former teacher, I know first-hand how much travel enhances education. So, I’m thrilled to share this fabulous Send A Teacher Traveling (S.A.T.T.) award program from ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours recognizing outstanding U.S. public school teachers and rewarding them with a complimentary bike tour.
Since the program began in 1996 ExperiencePlus! has given away over 20 free bicycle tours across Europe and Latin America. Will you, or your favorite teacher, be the next winner?
Application deadlines and rules:
The 2012 winner was Sally Miller, an elementary art teacher in Pensacola, Florida. She chose the Best of Provence Plus! the Luberon and Aix-en-Provence tour for her prize and blogged about the experience, here..
For more information, call 800-685-4565, 970-484-8489, or email tours@experienceplus.com.
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".
From luxury camps in Latin America and Africa island hopping to the dancing green glow of Norway’s Aurora Borealis and a Brazilian World Cup warm up, travel trends seem to get more intrepid and exotic by the year.
To help you blaze new trails in the new year, custom travel company, Kensington Tours, polled its team of global Destination Experts to see what trends they saw on the horizon for travel. Here’s their lineup of top 10 adventures for 2013.
1. Asian Safaris – Dragons, Tigers, Orangutans & More
One wild trend that is on the 2013 hotlist - More families are requesting animal safaris in Southeast Asia than ever before. Borneo’s orangutans, Cambodia’s elephants, Thailand’s tigers, Laos’ gibbons and Indonesia’s komodo dragons, these animals add another dimension to the temples and treasures of these culturally rich countries.
2. Glamping – The Glam In Latin American Camping
Take some of Latin America’s wildest destinations, a large dose of fresh air, mobile tents and evening campfires, add porters to carry your gear, breakfast mimosas, and a personal chef – this is what glamping is all about.Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Patagonia all have a growing collection of luxury mobile camps for those who love the great outdoors but don’t want to miss out on prerequisite holiday pampering.
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".
Attention all globe-trotter wannabes: the Global Scavenger Hunt is now accepting applications for its 9th annual around-the-world travel adventure. Apply by December 21, 2012 to be one of 50 experienced, travel savvy globe-trotters to be chosen for a unique off-the- beaten path, action-packed road adventure to compete for bragging rights and prizes, along with The World’s Greatest Travelers crown.
For three thrill-packed weeks between April 12th – May 4th, 2013, 25 two-person teams will travel around-the-world and across 10 countries in GreatEscape2013® All would-be Magellans, promising Indiana Jones, adventurous Nellie Bly’s, Phileas Fogg contenders and Amazing Race wannabe’s, can apply online now at GlobalScavengerHunt.com.
DETAILS: The Global Scavenger Hunt 2013
What: The Global Scavenger Hunt is the annual around-the-world travel adventure competition that takes Teams of two on A Blind Date With The World™ while performing culturally-oriented sight-doing scavenges in off-the-beaten path destinations. It has been called, “The Amazing Race for real people.”
When: April 2013, over three-weeks between April 12th and May 4th, teams will circumnavigate the globe starting from the West Coast to the East Coast—the long way.
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".
An Interview with Michael and Betsy West of The Wayfarers.
Taking inspiration from his passion for the English countryside - its history, environment and people - in 1984, Englishman Michael West co-founded The Wayfarers, a Britain based company providing custom crafted walking holidays and tours.
Today, the company hosts visitors in some of the world’s most scenic landscapes, where they offer an insider’s view of local life and lore, dine at fine inns and local restaurants, and make cultural interactions— with native artists, musicians, artisans, naturalists, vintners and farmers, for example—an important part of the experience.
Earlier this year Michael and Betsy West traveled to Argentina and Chile seeking the perfect itinerary for the Wayfarers’ first foray into South America. The result? A new 2013 Patagonia walk.
I caught up with the Wests recently to get the inside scoop on the upcoming adventure.
Michael and Betsy West in Patagonia.
Why Patagonia?
In the words of Bruce Chatwin: “Patagonia is the farthest place to which man walked from his place of origin” It is the ultimate wayfaring destination.
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".