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 The days of settling for outdated motel-style rooms on the island have passed.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".
Let’s face it - travel is a great way to expand your horizons, but there are some days when it can get pretty spicy.
If you find yourself in need of an extra boost while you’re out there exploring, keep these courage-inducing tips in mind and get ready to push through, do more and be a little more Zen about living beyond your comfort zone.
Read more: 6 Mantras Adventure Travelers Live By
What about you? What goes through your head when you find yourself outside your comfort zone? Use the comments link below to share.
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".
Q&A with travel tips author Jeanine Barone.
Pint-sized, fiercely independent and packing an intense curiosity about the world and its best kept secrets, I first met travel journalist, Jeanine Barone (kindred spirit but no relation), a few years ago in Baltimore where she expertly sniffed out the city’s insider favorites with a fervor and excitement that was contagious. Since then, we’ve explored together in Portugal and Mexico. Today, I’m pleased to share the following Q&A in which we discuss her newly released e-book, ‘The Travel Authority: Essential Tips for Hassle-Free Travel’. With a price tag of only $2.99, it may be one of the best travel deals out there.
1. Tell us a bit about your new e-book and your reasons for writing it?
I wrote the book as a practical guide for avoiding all manner of unpleasant experiences — illness, delayed flights, lost luggage, jet lag and hotel break-ins, to name a few — when traveling.
It’s organized into seven useful sections —with comical images to introduce each chapter — based on major travel topics: health and safety, savvy packing, airports and planes, other transportation (cars, trains and boats), accommodations, insurance and money issues, and recommended gear and products. These are insider tips cultivated from a lifetime of personal and professional travel that will help any and every traveler save money, time and their sanity.
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 rich history in the heart of Peru and the nearly untouched wilds of the Galapagos Islands, to a trek to the height of the Himalayas, or a voyage to the emerald coasts of Ireland, REI Adventures’ classic trips feature world-class wildlife viewing, some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, and unmatched experiences for learning & adventure.
For those seeking a healthy, outdoor alternative to the traditional fall foliage viewing or road trip this autumn, here are four REI travel experiences that take the idea of fitness vacations to a whole new level:
· Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Multisport – An award-winning adventure for 2012, this trip combines two classic destinations in one unforgettable expedition. Beginning in South America’s oldest continually inhabited city, Cusco, and working its way through the ancient Inca culture, it then takes adventurers to the Galapagos Islands, where there are plenty of opportunities to swim, kayak, snorkel and hike. Trips leave once a month, through November.
· Zion and Bryce Canyon Hiking – Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, known for their stunning red and white-walled canyons, plentiful hiking opportunities and panoramic views, are perfect destinations to visit in the fall, when the intense heat of summer eases into pleasant hiking weather. Adventurers will hike the canyons, learn about the landscape and spend their evenings in a secluded lodge on a private 1,000 acre ranch.
· Everest Base Camp Trek – One of adventurers’ most coveted destinations, the peak of Mt. Everest towers far above timberline; travelers will see the stark banner of clouds and snow pluming from mountain peaks and experience the colorful Buddhist and Hindu traditions to be found in the surrounding areas. This journey will take folks to the peak of Kala Patar (18,100 ft.) for an unobstructed view of Everest’s summit.
· Ireland Coast-to-Coast – From Dublin to Dingle, hike from the Irish Sea to the Atlantic Ocean for a trip of unmatched scenic variety and authentic Irish experiences. Take this trip in the fall – it’s sold out for nearly every departure date from now through August.
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".
Vacations seem to be all about fun, sun, and escapism. But if you look past the recreation, they can also inspire powerful insights and help you on your path to living a bolder, braver life at home.
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".
You don’t have to travel solo or stay home just because you’re an introvert—if you take along this advice. (As for the insatiable wanderlust that may result? You're on your own.)
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".