LAKAMA LUXURY TRAVEL
  • Home
    • Meet Laurie
  • Inspiration
    • On the Rivers >
      • Photo Story - Danube River Excursions
      • Photo Story - Danube River View
      • Photo Story - Douro River Excursions
      • Photo Story - Douro River View
    • On the Seas >
      • Photo Story - Patagonia
    • Land Journeys >
      • Photo Story - Easter Island
  • Featured Trips
  • Travel Articles
CONTACT US
  • Home
    • Meet Laurie
  • Inspiration
    • On the Rivers >
      • Photo Story - Danube River Excursions
      • Photo Story - Danube River View
      • Photo Story - Douro River Excursions
      • Photo Story - Douro River View
    • On the Seas >
      • Photo Story - Patagonia
    • Land Journeys >
      • Photo Story - Easter Island
  • Featured Trips
  • Travel Articles

9/22/2024

Elbowroom Inspired Destinations - Part 2

 
Picture
"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.    

Read More

9/21/2024

9 Elbowroom Inspired Destinations - Part 1

 
Picture
"Elbowroom" suggests a desire for space, freedom, and a break from crowded or hectic environments.  These destinations are perfect for anyone seeking a bit of breathing room and a chance to connect with nature away from the hustle and bustle.

Read More

11/30/2023

Sea of Cortez and Kangaroo Island

 
Picture
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.  

Read More

4/10/2023

9 Amazing Wildlife Encounters Around the World

 
Picture
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

Read More

11/3/2022

Waiheke Island - A Perfect Spot For Wine Lovers

 
Picture
New Zealand is blessed with numerous wine regions, on both the North and South Islands.  Lucky for those living in or visiting Auckland,  one is a short 35 minute ferry ride from Auckland - Waiheke Island.

With it's warm and dry weather, this 12 mile long island is a great spot to grow a variety of wines.  Waiheke is home to 30+ boutique wineries and award winning wines, including Bordeaux style reds (Cabernet  Sauvignon,  Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc), Syrah and even some Chardonnay. 

Whether you are short on time or have a few days, Waiheke is well worth a visit.

Read More

7/20/2022

Quokkas - The Happiest Animals On Earth

 
Picture
I can't wait to meet these little fellas!  They always look like they are smiling, and apparently love to take selfies with anyone who is game.  How fun is that!

This is the quokka -  the world's happiest animal!  

About the size of a cat, quokkas are marsupials found only in Western Australia, almost exclusively on the beautiful Rottnest Island, just off the coast from Perth.

Read More

5/2/2022

The Aurora:  Borealis And Australis

 
Picture
Photo courtesy of Kakslauttanen
Simply put, the Aurora Borealis and Australis are the Northern and Southern Lights.  These mesmerizing,  beautiful green, blue, red and purple lights that flash over the polar skies.    As we move into the winter months, they become more and more visible in the polar regions. 

Have you ever wondered what these "lights" really are?  I never put a lot of thought into it until I listened to a presentation by a photographer who was taking a group to Norway on a winter cruise.  Not being a scientist, the discussions around solar flares, magnetic fields, electrons and who knows what else could have made my brain go blurry.  I appreciated his simple presentation in layman's terms, and found all of it to be quite fascinating.  I'm certain you will too.

Read More

4/26/2022

9 Reasons To Fall In Love With New Zealand

 
Picture
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:

Read More

2/24/2022

7 Top Reasons to Explore Australia

 
Picture
The land Down Under is a destination on many a bucket list. It’s consistently voted as one of the top 10 most desired destinations in the world.  So much to see.  So much to experience. 

​Having been there, I know it’s truly a great place to explore.  But Australia is a big country – about the same size as the lower 48 states.  The distance between Sydney and Perth is about the same as New York to Los Angeles. 

When planning a trip here, especially your first visit, one of the hardest parts is deciding where to start, what cities and regions to include. Much of this depends on what experiences you want to have, what stories you want to bring home. Following are top experiences you can build your memories around.  

Read More

7/21/2021

10 Epic Train Journeys

 
Sometimes a rail trip is just what is needed to thoroughly enjoy the scenic surrounds.  No driving, no constant stopping to get that photo, travel through areas where roads don't or can't go.  Sit back in luxury, relax and enjoy the ever changing scenery and wildlife (instead of watching the road).  

10 epic train adventures to inspire you:
Picture

Read More

9/11/2020

Top Reasons Why You Should Visit Auckland

 
Picture
The city of Auckland is full of diversity and personality. It is also New Zealand's largest city with a population of nearly 1.5 million. If you're looking for somewhere exciting to go to on your next vacation, Auckland is the place to be.

Why do you ask? Below are some of the top reasons why you shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit this magnificent city.

Read More

7/23/2020

New Zealand's Fiordland

 
Picture
Photo courtesy of New Zealand Tourism - Rob Suisted photographer
​Fiordland National Park on New Zealand’s South Island is one of those places that stays with you once you’ve experienced it.  And has you longing to come back for more.

Untamed, pristine wilderness.  It’s simply stunning. 

I know.  I was here over twenty years ago and out of 40+ countries I’ve been to, to this day it remains as one of my top travel experiences.  Ever.  Can’t wait to get back.  ​

Read More

7/2/2020

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Tasmania

 
Picture
Welcome to Tassie!  Australia’s smallest state, it is often overlooked as a destination.  It shouldn’t be, with so much to see, do, experience.  It also boasts having the cleanest air on earth.  That in of itself sounds especially inviting. 

​Here are my other top reasons why you should visit (not listed in any order of importance).

Read More

2/13/2020

Sweet Suites: Amazing Accommodations, Amazing Experiences

 
Picture
Courtesy of The Brando
The world is full of amazing destinations, amazing accommodations and amazing experiences that come along with them, by land and by sea. Here are 7 of my favorites:

Read More

2/6/2020

Three Unique Golf Vacations

 
Picture
​Whether you are looking for a short getaway, to tick off a lifetime dream experience or explore new destinations, there are no shortages of beautiful golf courses around the world for you to enjoy.  Fun and exciting trips just waiting for you to create lifelong memories – for yourself, with family and friends.  ​

Read More

1/23/2020

Less Explored Counterparts to 7 Iconic Destinations

 
Picture
There’s a reason the classics are the classics. We love the romance and filtered light of Venice, Kyoto’s temples and gardens, that view of Machu Picchu.  But with popularity comes the strain of overcrowding: stress on fragile environments, landmarks, and local infrastructure – and an annoying lack of elbow room. Seasoned travelers know how best to see the favorites, visiting in the off-season, taking two wheels, hiking hidden trails.  


But for many iconic destination, there is a place less traveled that is just as cool. 
Here are 7 less-explored counterparts to popular destinations that are just as fascinating and fun – proof that when it comes to where to go next, there’s always a new hit to discover.

Read More

10/3/2019

8 Things You Didn't Know About New Zealand Wine

 
Picture
Excerpt from the Ensemble October monthly magazine - written by Craig Tansley;
Perhaps you’ve tasted a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc like Oyster Bay, but little else is known about the country’s wine throughout North America.  While Australian Shiraz and Chardonnay hog the Australasian limelight,  New Zealand is home to some of the world’s best wine in the world’s most unique vineyards.  We share some of the secrets… 
​

Read More

7/31/2019

Swimming With Gentle Giants

 
Picture
Photo courtesy of Tourism Australia
I love the ocean.  I am fascinated by the creatures that call it home.  I enjoy snorkeling, and someday I'll learn how to scuba dive to get an even closer look.  As with many other places on this earth, some things you need to see with your own eyes.  Pictures just don't do it justice.

Read More

5/1/2019

New Zealand's Pacific Coast Highway

 
Picture
Whakatane Ohope International Golf Club - photo courtesy of NZ Tourism - taken by Strike-Photography
Despite being a relatively small country (about the size of Oregon or Colorado), it's quite easy to spend months exploring New Zealand's north and south islands.  So much to see, experiences to take in, food, wine and people to meet.  

One special touring route is a drive down the beautiful east coast on  New Zealand's Pacific Coast Highway.  Check out this itinerary between Auckland and Napier.  

Read More

8/30/2018

5 Must See Places In Western Australia

 
Picture
Australia's largest state, WA for short, stretches over a third of the nation, borders two oceans and has more pristine beaches than any other state.  And with only 10% of the nation's population, it is far less crowded than Australia's eastern states. 

Nature and aquatic wildlife, pioneer history, Aboriginal Australia and food, wine and beer experiences are just a few reasons that attract visitors to WA.  

Read More

11/2/2017

They're Really Not That Scary!

 
Picture
I had the opportunity this week to learn more about  New Zealand's Maori culture.  A fascinating hour, well spent. 

The speaker, a Maori himself, comes from a family with a long history of promoting this island nation.  We were treated to a number of wonderful pictures, paintings and stories, including ones of his great grandmother dancing in New York City promoting New Zealand's culture.    I wish I could share them here, but they were pictures from his own photo album.   



Read More

8/17/2017

KIA ORA! (Part 2)

 
Last week I shared the first part of our three week itinerary on the North Island.  This week continues with the South Island portion of the itinerary.  


Picture
Nelson

​We gave up our car in Wellington and hopped on the fast ferry which took us across the beautiful Cook Strait into Picton.  Here we picked up another car and headed off to Nelson.    We didn't include time to go into Abel Tasman Park, but Nelson is the perfect base for those who want to explore the park and boutique wineries in the area.  

Read More

8/10/2017

KIA ORA!

 
Picture
At a recent meeting we were asked to share our most favorite travel experience.  Well, I certainly have been very fortunate with respects to travel, having been on numerous memorable trips to spots all around the world (six continents and counting!).  So when it comes to a favorite,  I have several, for very different reasons. 

But when pushed to choose only one, I consistently come back to the same, one destination.

Read More
    Picture
    Laurie Marschall - Owner and Founder

    ​
    ​WELCOME!

    You have landed in the right place if you long for Elbowroom Travel : Intimate modes of travel deliciously free from crowds, with a special emphasis on exceptional nature /wildlife, cultural, culinary and active soft adventure experiences.  

    Categories

    All
    Active / Adventure
    Africa
    Alaska
    Arctic/Antarctic
    Asia
    Australia / New Zealand
    Cruises
    Culinary
    Europe
    Group Travel
    History And Culture
    Nature And Wildlife
    North America
    Photo Stories
    River Cruise
    South America
    South Pacific
    Travel Tips

    RSS Feed

Picture
Nationwide Service 
​Hours M-F 8am-5pm  (Arizona )
​Weekends and evenings by appointment 
Vertical Divider

Planning Options and FAQs
Laurie Marschall, Owner
602-540-7338
Vertical Divider
Header photo credit: Silversea Cruises, photographer Richard Sidey
Lakama Luxury Travel is affiliated with Travel Planners International, a member of Signature Travel Network.  
​(California Seller of Travel #2063964-50) (Florida Seller of Travel #T161277) (Washington UBI# 602232785) 
​​© 2014 - 2025 Lakama Luxury Travel | All rights reserved | Serving clients nationwide