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4/10/2025
Review: Explora Hotel Rapa Nui Explora Hotel Rapa Nui is a small boutique, all-inclusive luxury lodge 20 minutes from the main town of Hanga Roa. Located in a remote area of the island, it truly is a tranquil, restful retreat - especially after a busy day exploring the island.
2/20/2025
Exploring the Sea of Cortez North America’s Galapagos, the Sea of Cortez, is described by Jacque Cousteau as the world’s aquarium. With over 900 fish species, six different whale species, rays, dolphins, sea lions, sea turtles, and whale sharks, these protected waters draw an array of sea and wildlife.
A small ship exploration-style cruise is an incredible way to experience the region's 1/23/2025
Southeast France - The Provence Region Southeast France is most certainly a captivating destination with diverse experiences. Adding time in Provence before or after a Rhone cruise – highly recommended! Of course you can make it a destination in of itself as well.
Top reasons to visit? 12/12/2024
Top 6 Reasons to Visit French Polynesia Nestled halfway between Hawaii and New Zealand in the South Pacific, French Polynesia is a collection of islands that can only be described as paradise. While often associated with Tahiti, French Polynesia is made up of five distinct archipelagos: the Society Islands, Tuamotu, Marquesas, Austral, and Gambier archipelagos.
11/14/2024
Croatia - An Adriatic Gem Croatia – an amazing travel destination with a stunning Adriatic coastline, natural beauty, rich history, a vibrant culture, interesting historical cities, amazing cuisine and so much more.
Why visit? Many reasons - here are several to ponder: 9/29/2024
Top African Safari Destinations Africa offers a range of incredible safari experiences, and several countries stand out as top destinations due to their rich wildlife, diverse landscapes and well-established safari infrastructure. Here are some of the best countries for an African safari:
 When going on safari in Africa, you have choices between visiting or staying in a national park, a private reserve or conservancy.
What are the differences? 9/22/2024
Elbowroom Inspired Destinations - Part 2 "Elbowroom inspired travel" suggests a desire for space, freedom and a break from crowded or hectic environments. Following are 7 more destinations that offer a mix of wilderness, awe inspiring scenery and time away from the hustle and bustle.
 Antarctica, the most remote and untouched continent on Earth, offers an unparalleled travel experience. With its vast, icy wilderness, unique wildlife, and extreme isolation, visiting Antarctica is like stepping onto another planet. Whether you’re an adventurer seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience or a nature enthusiast eager to witness one of the world’s last unspoiled frontiers, Antarctica has something unforgettable to offer. Having been, I can attest to each of these six reasons why you should visit Antarctica:
9/21/2024
6 Compelling Reasons to Visit the Arctic The Arctic, with its pristine beauty and untamed wilderness, is one of the most awe-inspiring destinations on Earth. A trip to this icy region offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventurous travelers. From the surreal landscapes to the unique wildlife, visiting the Arctic is an unforgettable journey. Here are seven reasons why you should consider visiting the Arctic:
 The Arctic and Antarctic – both amazing places to visit, to experience – but so vastly different. Let’s explore the 6 key differences between the polar opposite Arctic and Antarctic regions.
 Slovenia is increasingly recognized as an "elbowroom" inspired destination, characterized by its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and lesser-known attractions that provide travelers with a sense of space and tranquility away from crowded tourist hotspots.
 The Patagonia region in South America is vast, basically covering the entire southern tip of the continent. The region, governed by both Argentina and Chile,
2/29/2024
My Journey to Antarctica I recently made it to my 7th continent, Antarctica – a destination that has been on my “must experience” list for over 30 years. I knew it would be exciting, mind boggling, full of surprises - this trip did not disappoint.
12/14/2023 Expedition Cruises Expedition style cruises - where a lot of WOW happens. Extraordinary opportunities for curious and adventurous learners and explorers, whether you are well traveled or new to travel onboard a ship. What is an expedition cruise? A small ship experience (generally under 200 guests on purpose built ships) focused on the nature, wildlife, history and culture of the areas they visit. Ships are very comfortable with plenty of amenities to suit all tastes - premium to ultra-luxury (long gone are the days of roughing it on an old ice breaker). Photo courtesy of Quark Expeditions
11/30/2023
Sea of Cortez and Kangaroo Island Without a doubt, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most amazing places I have ever been. I have often said that certain trips are life changing - this was one of them.
That said, there are a number of places around the world to venture to for amazing wildlife experiences. Two in particular are often compared to the Galapagos in terms of unique and abundant wildlife – one in North America and one Down Under. 11/2/2023
Six Must See Cities in Norway Norway is a beautiful Scandinavian country known for its historical landmarks, Viking heritage, and abundance of natural beauty. There is so much to discover, from large metropolitan cities to charming fishing villages and picturesque fjords.
Whether you are coming for the culture or to spend time outdoors, here are six must-see cities in the country. 10/25/2023
Argentina: Tango, Wine and Nature Argentina - a fascinating country.
Distinctly South American style and culture with a strong European influence. Not a surprise given the number of people who immigrated here in the 1800 and 1900's - many from Spain and Italy but also France, Germany and Great Britain. 9/14/2023
Rwanda – Land of a Thousand Hills A mountainous and landlocked country south of Uganda and east of Tanzania, Rwanda, one of Africa’s smallest countries, is a gem waiting to be fully discovered. While the star attractions are the silverback mountain gorillas, Rwanda has so much more to experience beyond these magnificent animals.
Incredible wildlife, montane rainforests, sweeping plains, history, culture and welcoming people can all be discovered on a journey to Rwanda. 6/28/2023
The Galapagos Islands - Wildlife Without a doubt, the biggest draw of the Galapagos Islands is the wildlife.
The islands are home to the highest percentage of endemic species anywhere in the world. According to the Galapagos Conservancy, about 80% of the land birds, 97% of the reptiles and mammals, 30%+ of the plants and 20% of the marine species are only found in these islands. Favorites include the Galapagos tortoises, land and marine iguanas, the flightless cormorant and the Galapagos penguins, the only penguin found in the Northern Hemisphere. Of course there are also other non-endemic favorites, like the blue footed boobie, fur and sea lions.  Seeing wildlife in their natural habitats can be a life changing, soul stirring experience, especially for lovers of "wild things" but equally so for travelers who are simply curious and seeking a bit of adventure.
Wildlife themed itineraries should be experienced in small group settings – whether they be on small expedition and adventure ship cruises or private and small group land tours. Small groups and ships lend themselves perfectly to a better learning and observing environment and offer access to areas that bigger groups and ships just can't. Smaller groups also contribute to the conservation and protection of species. Sustainable tourism - the best way. Following are 9 top itinerary picks – one (or two) on every continent. Photo credit above: Lindblad Expeditions  I was first "introduced" to the Marquesas Islands back in 2002 during one of the first seasons of Survivor. I use introduced lightly as it was on TV, and on a reality show to boot. It is highly unlikely that I will ever experience these islands the same way as on the show, but the beautiful scenes left a lasting impression on me.
 Photo courtesy of New Zealand Tourism (Lake-Wakatipu Queenstown) I know if you were to ask a Kiwi or anyone who has experienced the wonderfulness of New Zealand, they would give way more reasons why you'll fall in love with the country. Wonderful, proud, friendly people, stunning scenery, unique flora, fauna and wildlife, the land of Bilbo Baggins and the Shire, caves lit up by glow worms, delicious food and wine - these just a few.
Top reasons why you'll love a visit to Aotearoa, the Land of the Long White Cloud: 1/20/2022 The Best Ways To See Alaska Alaska is a top asked about destination when it comes to travel. I'm not surprised - it is such a beautiful place to explore and visit. Wide open spaces, majestic mountains, glorious glaciers, abundant wildlife - what's not to love?
How best to see Alaska? The answer is "it depends" - on you! There are a number of ways to explore this great state, and the best way truly depends on what you want to experience, the time you have and your budget. Options abound to explore Alaska: by sea, by land and by air. 12/2/2021 Yacht Style Cruising Just like big ship cruising, small ship cruising isn't a one size fits all category.
You've got river cruises, adventure, expedition, and today I'm sharing information about a fourth category - Yacht style. What are your first thoughts when you hear "yacht style"? For me, I always had this image of beautiful yachts anchored off the Amalfi Coast (like above) . This is a real image. However, yacht style is quite varied, and includes so much more (and destinations). Yacht style cruises are very much like sailing your own super yacht, and can be like your own personal getaway with friends than a traditional cruise. Read on to see why this type of cruising is so special. |
Laurie Marschall - Owner and Founder
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