Tag Archives: Land Adventures

TranzAlpine Scenic Railway Journey – 5 reasons to take the train

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New Zealand’s TranzAlpine Scenic Railway Journey

KiwiRail's TranzAlpine Railway empty carWhen thinking of the Alps, the Swiss Alps come to mind; I never considered any other Alps, and yet New Zealand has the beautiful Southern Alps.  And the TranzAlpine Scenic Railway Journey is the best way to see the Southern Alps.

Simply sit back and gaze at the stunning scenery through the huge windows in the comfortable seats of the TranzAlpine Scenic Railway.   What a wonderful opportunity to take in the Canterbury Plains, the farms, the foothills to the mountains, the gorges, river valleys, and the jaw dropping snowcapped Southern Alps, even in summer. Or …

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Top 10 Favorite Places in New Zealand’s South Island

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Top 10 New Zealand’s South Island

Want to know the best places to spend your time when in New Zealand’s South Island?

Lochmara pole carvingsAfter completing a trip of a lifetime, we are excited to share our favorites. Four and a half weeks in New Zealand’s South Island, and we can show you mountaintops, snow, beaches, oceans, wineries, seafood, varied history and culture.

This is the first article in a series on the top places to visit in New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific South Seas. Since there is so much to share, this first article will give an overview of our top 10 favorite places in New Zealand’s South Island. It will be followed by more in-depth information and photos about each of the top places we recommend and others, as well as those to avoid that are over-hyped. Continue reading →

A Colorful Journey Through Morocco

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Morocco – A Colorful Journey

Tile facade of Morocco buildingHave you ever wanted to immerse yourself in a non-western culture, something totally different, exotic, and colorful?  My friend Gail wanted to celebrate her birthday by experiencing a totally different environment from her norm.  After 2 months of research on Morocco, and with the help of hotel owner from Skoura named L’ma, Gail planned their own private experience.  Her own trip was less expensive than standard packages and just as nice.

This article takes you through the colorful two week tour that she and husband Mitch experienced, and what they loved about Morocco.

Morocco Travel – What was different? Continue reading →

Valley of the Volcanoes – Ecuador’s Quilotoa Loop Adventure

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A top spot on my Bucket List was Valley of the Volcanoes – Ecuador’s Quilotoa Loop. The draw was the many colorful indigenous populations and their markets, the perfect turquoise blue Quilotoa Lake, the art of the Tigua people, and the surrounding snow-capped Andean volcanoes.  Get the picture?  Here are a few.

The Quilotoa Loop

In the Valley of the Volcanoes – Ecuador’s Quilotoa Loop is a route around the lake’s remote back country towns off of the Pan-american Highway and Continue reading →

Ecuador’s Andean Highlands Part 2 – Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa

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Ecuador’s Andean Highlands – Part 2 – Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa

Not only do Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa offer exquisite views, local culture, and outdoor activities – both up close and at a distance – but there are also a series of micro climates that enable different types of farming at different altitudes. The micro climates enable production of everything from roses to Continue reading →

Ecuador’s Andean Highlands – Part 1 – Otavalo, Ibarra

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Ecuador’s Andean Highlands – Part 1

In Ecuador’s Andean Highlands, you are surrounded by a patchwork of green beauty all the way up the mountainsides. Ecuador’s Andean Highlands are located between the western and coastal lowlands and the eastern Amazonian jungle. They offer diverse nature including volcanoes – live and extinct, hot springs and thermal baths, and unique flora and fauna.

We made several different trips to Ecuador’s Andean Highlands, either day trips from Quito or 3-day weekends. It’s so easy to get to these areas. Buses are plentiful and cheap. Here is an overview of Continue reading →

Choosing Galapagos Land Accommodations

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Courtyard at Galapagos Suites

Courtyard at Galapagos Suites

Where to Stay 

Before choosing Galapagos Land Accommodations, select the islands where you want to stay. If taking a land-only trip, I recommend splitting your time between Santa Cruz, staying in Ayora, and Isabela. Then you must decide if you want a 5-star hotel with all of the amenities, a hostel, or something in between.  Another big consideration is Continue reading →

Choosing Galapagos Excursions

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What Galapagos Excursions and Activities do you prefer?

For your Galapagos Excursions, decide if you want to see the Galapagos by motoring between islands and living on a boat. Or would you prefer staying on one or two islands and taking day excursions?  You can do some of each; we did both.

How to decide – a cruise, a land package, diving?

Our boat - our Galapagos excursions

Our boat – First Class Cat

A cruise will be much more expensive than a land trip. However, it is not possible to see the remote islands if you do not go on a boat cruise.

[TIP: You will visit the more remote spots only …

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