Archive for the ‘Expedition Cruising’ Category

Boundless Journeys’ strongly believes in choosing travel partners who support local communities and actively work to preserve cultural traditions and natural habitats. One of our valued partners in the Galapagos Islands, Ecoventura, is a recognized leader in responsible tourism through its core commitment to the on-going sustainability of the Islands.

Career Shadowing

This fall Ecoventura launched a career shadowing program in partnership with The Ecology Project for high school students age 15-17 who live in Galapagos aimed at assisting them with career exploration by offering the opportunity to “shadow” an Ecoventura naturalist guide. Guides serve as mentors to the students in the field during a week-long cruise aboard one of the yachts in the fleet and provide a valuable link to motivate and encourage local students to choose a career as a professional naturalist guide.

Additionally, Ecoventura, one of the “greenest” operators in the Islands, has been offsetting its carbon emissions since 2006; and that same year, in partnership with WWF, established the Galápagos Marine Biodiversity Fund to support environmental education and marine conservation. The company currently provides funds for a wide range of programs, including sponsoring environmental and conservation scholarships for local students, and the development of micro-enterprises for the wives of fishermen. Ecoventura’s three yachts produce their own fresh water using reverse osmosis desalination units, and it also runs the islands’ first hybrid yacht, MY Eric, which boasts solar panels and wind turbines.

Solar Panels

Because of their incredible natural beauty and unique wildlife, the Galapagos Islands have become an increasingly popular travel destination. You can rest assured if you choose to cruise to the Galapagos Islands on one of Ecoventura’s yachts, the MY Eric, Flamingo or Letty, you will be doing your part to support the lasting preservation of this unique archipelago. As Charles Darwin said, “It’s not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Ecoventura is responding.

Current specials on the Eric, Flamingo & Letty include:

Cruise on the Eric, Flamingo or Letty January 20-27, February 10-17, March 3-10, March 10-17, or March 31 – April 7 and receive the following discounts: 15% off a dolphin deck cabin, 10% off a booby deck cabin, or 5% off an iguana deck cabin. Must be booked by December 30, 2012.

To find out more visit our Galapagos Cruise Web page.

*Discounts are for cruise only (does not include hotel in Quito or Guayaquil, Galapagos National Park fees, or internal airfare) and are available only until space is filled. Must be booked directly with Boundless Journeys and discounts cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Discounts are based on double occupancy.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Traveling on a Boundless Journeys family adventure with the kids introduces them to a world of discovery and the great outdoors.

If your kids love wildlife, you might consider joining our Costa Rica: Highlands to the Coast Family Adventure, or a cruise to the Galapagos Islands. We also offer a land-based tour to the Galapagos Islands for those families who prefer to stay in hotels each evening. Another great option to consider – a family safari. Visit our Private Collection online for a glimpse of all of the private tours we can plan for your family, or consider joining one of the tours below:

Costa Rica: Highlands to the Coast Family Adventure

December 26, 2012 – January 01, 2013. From $2995 per person (kids rates available).

Howler monkeys, jungle-like rainforest, lava-spewing volcanoes, hot springs, crescent shaped beaches, and a huge variety of entertaining wildlife will provide memories for your family to last a lifetime. On this 7-day tour we hike, raft, zip, and canoe from the Highlands of Arenal to the Pacific Coast of Manuel Antonio. With kid friendly guides, pools at every hotel, and plenty of options and flexibility Boundless Journeys makes it easy to enjoy what a family vacation should be all about – quality time and a whole lot of fun and adventure.

Ecuador: Explorer’s Galapagos

Private 7-day tour offered on dates of your choice. From $3995 per person.

This naturalist led land-based tour will introduce you and your children to the many unique wonders of coastal Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, with the comfort of charming seaside accommodations each night. Snorkel with sea lions, tropical fish and penguins, kayak with marine turtles, visit with giant tortoises, and learn about wildlife conservation and natural history. Leave the text books and Discovery channel at home, and watch your children marvel at the world in front of them.

Ecuador: The Galapagos Islands

Cruises offered most weeks of the year. From $3890 per person.

Your naturalist-led cruise introduces you to many wonders that are unique to the Galapagos Islands. Visit blue-footed boobies, land iguanas basking in the sun, lively sea lions, and families of penguins, among many other diverse species. This active family adventure allows you to discover the Galapagos from many different perspectives. Enjoy snorkeling with sea lions, walking on volcanic islands, paddling kayaks through peaceful mangrove lagoons, strolling bare-footed along sun drenched beaches, or simply lying back and relaxing in the equatorial sun. Choose one of our deluxe yachts, your dates of travel, and let Boundless Journeys do the rest.

Tanzania: Migration Safari

December 23, 2012 – January 1, 2013. $6795 per person (kids rates available).

This Migration Safari takes in the wonders of Tanzania at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to come to understand what has drawn travelers to East Africa for generations. Boundless Journeys’ safaris are carefully planned to correspond to important times in the annual migration, and no matter when you go, their tented camps and well-located lodges allow you to be close to the action. Whether you come for the wildlife, the scenery, or the culture, it is the things that are impossible to predict – a pride of lionesses on the hunt, or a rainbow breaking over a herd of elephants, or the thrilled grin of a child for the simple gift of a pencil – that will stay with you and your kids long after you leave Tanzania.

For more information, call our friendly trip specialists at 1-800-941-8010, or send us an e-mail to info@boundlessjourneys.com.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Grant Korgan

Boundless Journeys congratulates Grant Korgan, the first adaptive athlete to reach the Antarctic South Pole.

Just a few weeks ago, on January 17th, Grant Korgan succeeded as the first adaptive athlete in history to reach the Antarctic South Pole. The arrival of Korgan and his South Pole team coincided with the 100-year anniversary of Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition in 1912. Korgan, who became paralyzed in a snowmobiling accident in 2010, traversed 75-miles using a custom sit-ski.

After the first 10 pushes, Korgan stopped abruptly; pushing his sit-ski across the Antarctic ice felt like crossing Velcro, and he couldn’t believe the effort it required. “There was some doubt in my mind he could complete the journey,” teammate Stoup said. “The first 10 pushes were very hard. It hit me right away that it would take him a herculean effort to do it 12 days in a row, 10 hours a day.”

Temperatures loomed in the minus-mid-30s to as low as the minus-mid-50s with winds of 20 to 30 knots. Whiteouts enveloped the team for three days and half of a fourth, turning progress and navigation into acts of faith.

“My bones [were] clacking against each other. And you really can view this thing in any way you want,” Korgan said. “When I realized that I could see the beauty in any and all things, it brought another level of freedom.”

“I used affirmations to keep me moving forward,” Korgan said. “I began silently saying to myself, ‘I am strong, I am healthy, I am healed, and I am working toward my goal of reaching the South Pole.’ I eventually began to say these statements aloud and my teammates would often join me. Then, I said to myself daily, ‘Although my body has been broken in the past, my spirit never can be. I am unbreakable.’ ”

On the final morning, a clearing in the clouds appeared and the sun poured like a beacon onto the South Pole, dedicated by a group of flags and pole marker. About 100 feet away, Korgan got off his sit-ski, as teammates Fletcher and Stoup each gave up one ski and pole and affixed them to the feet of their friend. Then with a small crowd watching nearby – more than 150 scientists from the South Pole’s Amundsen-Scott research station – Korgan made it to the end, on his own, on his two paralyzed feet, Stoup said.

Korgan said he will remember reaching the South Pole as his greatest moment, second to his wedding with Shawna Korgan, who surprised him a quarter mile before the finish.

The overall purpose of the project was to make strides for spinal cord recovery and to support the High Fives Foundation, which helps adaptive winter athletes ideally get back on their feet and to their sport. “The Push” is also in support of The Reeve – Irvine Research Center, a science research facility at University of California, Irvine devoted to the study of repair, regeneration and recovery of function after spinal cord injury. And, of course, Korgan’s accomplishment serves as an inspiration to us all. In Grant Korgan’s words, “Every single person has the ability to do anything they want in this life.”

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

It’s tough having perma-wanderlust. Regardless of whether I’m freshly back from some amazing adventure or completely desperate for anything remotely resembling a three day weekend, I can’t stop looking ahead to where I’m going next. To help me narrow down a seemingly infinite world of possibilities, I have created my own “Bucket List” – places I must see or things I want to experience in my lifetime.

One place that is top on my list is Antarctica. The “white continent” remains a mystery to most and an object of curiosity for those of us who revel in the awe-inspiring beauty and overwhelming power of nature. Encountered by Shackleton, Amundson and Scott less than a century ago, this frozen wilderness still looms in all of its purity. Overwhelming wildlife, blue-tinted icebergs, and white snowfields stretching to eternity . . . there is no journey like it on the planet.

Beginning in 2012, Boundless Journeys will offer a 12-day trip to Antarctica on the Polar expedition ship the Sea Spirit. With a team of naturalists who are passionate about their subject, and zodiac outings bringing us close to an extraordinary array of wildlife, this spell-binding atmosphere provides an experience of a lifetime.

Before I had a child, I heard other parents say how fast the time passes. This made sense in my head, but I still cannot grasp just how much faster time passes since I became a parent. Of all the things on my “Bucket List,” there are still so many I have not done. I realize that I may never get to fulfill all of my travel fantasies, however, my goal for 2102 is to cross Antarctica off my list. How about you?

If Antarctica is on your “Bucket List,” please visit our trip Web page, or call 1-800-941-8010 to learn more.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Blue-footed Booby

Voted as the World’s Best Islands (Mexico & Latin America) in the August issue of Travel + Leisure, and voted #1 Best Travel Experience of a lifetime in the August issue of Wanderlust (UK), the Galapagos Islands have become one of the more popular tourist attractions in the world. In fact, they’ve gotten so popular that the fragile ecosystem there has become threatened by the amount of visitors each year. In 2012, a new set of regulations will go into effect that may help protect the Islands.

Beginning February 1st of next year, no vessel will be permitted to visit the same site more than once in a given 14 day period. The hope is that this will keep the traffic dispersed throughout the islands, and prevent some of the more threatened areas from becoming too crowded. It should also help to make the overall Galapagos experience a better one with fewer visitors at each site and a greater opportunity for flora and fauna to thrive.

To accommodate these new regulations, all of our ships will offer two different itineraries for 2012. The itineraries, and the sites we visit on each, will alternate every other week.

To learn more about the importance of these new regulations in maintaining the eco-systems of this pristine archipelago watch this video, aired recently by BBC World: Video

For more details about our luxury cruises in the Galapagos Islands, click here, or contact our Galapagos Islands Destination Manager (deborah@boundlessjourneys.com).

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

The catamaran Athala II was specifically designed and built to cruise the Galapagos Islands in style. All cabins have ocean views with large portrait windows (not portholes), and those on the main deck have the additional luxury of a private balcony.

Athala II

In September the 16-passenger Athala II will undergo an extensive renovation. Reemerging on October 15th, the yacht will offer a whole new level of comfort. Renovations to be made include the installation of a larger Jacuzzi on the sun deck, new flooring on the sun deck with the addition of a retractable awning, new fabrics, mattresses, and furnishings along with a complimentary one time stocked mini-bar in each cabin, wooden floors to replace carpeted areas, four new double kayaks, and the installation of a state of the art water treatment plant.

When the Athala II returns to the water Boundless Journeys 11-day Galapagos Islands Tour will be offered at a discounted rate of $4870 per person.* Call to inquire soon as space is filling fast for the remainder of 2011.

For more information visit our Galapagos Islands web page, or contact our Ecuador Destination Manager, Deborah Tobey, at 1-800-941-8010, or deborah@boundlessjourneys.com.

* Discounted price is for the remainder of 2011 only and does not include fuel surcharge, Galapagos park fees, or internal airfare.

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Global Traveler Announces 7th Annual Reader Survey Award Winners

BEST TOUR OPERATOR: BOUNDLESS JOURNEYS

The GT Tested Reader Survey names the top in the travel industry.
The results are in! For the seventh consecutive year, Global Traveler conducted its GT Tested Reader Survey, asking frequent business and luxury travelers to name the best in a variety of travel-related categories. More than 25,000 people responded. Over the past seven years, Global Traveler’s consistent, unbiased reporting has placed the GT Tested Reader Survey among the most highly regarded in the industry.

This year, Global Traveler‘s distinguished readers recognized airlines, hotels, loyalty programs and travel-related products in 62 categories. The results of the survey are announced in the December 2010 issue.

Highlights from this year’s roster of highly regarded winners include: (the complete list may be found here).

Best Tour Operator: Boundless Journeys

Best Airline in the World: Singapore Airlines
Best Airline for First Class: Cathay Pacific Airways
Best Airline for Premium-Economy Class: Virgin Atlantic
Best Airline in Central/South America: Avianca
Best Airline in Central/South Asia and India: Jet Airways
Best International Hotel Chain: Park Hyatt
Best Domestic Hotel Chain: Marriott Hotels and Resorts
Best Hotel Chain in Asia: Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Best International Business City: Bangkok
Best Frequent-Flyer Program: United Mileage Plus

“The success of the GT Tested Reader Survey awards has been staggering,” said Francis X. Gallagher, publisher and CEO of Global Traveler. “Each year, more and more responses are received. Our readers certainly value the airlines, hotels and products they honor year after year. Big congratulations to the 2010 winners, a truly impressive list of travel providers and, without a doubt, some of the best in the industry.”

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator. With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries and Private Collection trips around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips for 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between.

Easter, for many, is a time of celebration and indulgence. Although while some take a well-deserved break from the humdrum of working life by staying home, others take the time to travel.

A secluded cove on the Turquoise Coast

For those Europeans who jumped a plane to Istanbul, hand luggage only, the weekend break was likely to be a taster of things to come; a cultural aperitif. Visitors from farther afield will not be missing out, however. When they visit, they will take all the time they need to enjoy the main course. Physically, and symbolically, Turkey is the meeting point of west and east – further reason why it has such a strong draw for people looking to experience culture first hand. The continents of Europe and Asia join in Istanbul, without collision, and exchange histories, religions, goods, flavors and aromas. It is rich in every sense.

For a short break, it’s hard to see past the capital’s towering spires and minarets. However, with a little more time to spare, it proves to be a portal to more independent travels. Sun-seekers and beach-dwellers can loose themselves along the appropriately named Turquoise Coast. While exploring inland from secluded coves and beach, they will find themselves deep into national parks and pre-bronze age history – underfoot are paths trodden by the Lycians some 4,000 years ago.

Istanbul is perhaps the showcase for Turkey’s talents. That said, private travels toward the country’s central plateau and Capadocia are more rewarding. Here tourists enjoy a heady mix of history, etched into the rock-scape; a permanent impression of civilizations past. Istanbul, now accepted as the European Capital of Culture 2010, will no doubt draw many more sightseers. But it is those who strive to find more, who will discover the spice of Turkey’s life.

Boundless Journeys‘ Turkey: Istanbul to the Turquoise Coast tour showcases many of the cultural and natural treasures that makes Turkey such a fascinating country to explore; 2010 departures are June 13-25 and September 7-19.

Join Our Inner Circle

E-mail is the best way for us to let you know first about new trips, travel tips, special events, and current promotions. Sign up for our e-newsletter, e-mail your name and address to info@boundlessjourneys.com, or give us a call (800-941-8010) and we’ll keep you in the loop! We respect your privacy and will never sell or share your e-mail address with any third party company, and our unsubscribing process is easy and prompt.

Join Boundless Journeys’ Alaska: The Kenai Peninsula Tour and take advantage of increased flights and lower fares.

Summer in Alaska

Travel industry officials say more airline flights to Alaska this summer may boost competition and result in lower fares to some lower 48 cities.

The Anchorage Daily News says Continental, United and US Airways all plan to add daily nonstop service between Anchorage and Portland, Chicago, San Francisco and Philadelphia. Industry officials say the added competition should drop air fares as the new flights are added in May and June.

Boundless Journeys’ 7-day tour of the Kenai Peninsula, includes sea kayaking, a wildlife cruise, first-class accommodations, and spectacular hikes. Upcoming tour date: June 20-26; $3295 per person. For more information, call 1-800-941-8010, email Alaska Destination Manager, Deborah Tobey at Deborah@boundlessjourneys.com, or visit our trip web page.

Istanbul  – the 2010 European Capital of Culture

The Blue Mosque at dawn

Congratulations to Istanbul, which has been designated the 2010 European Capital of Culture. This title is bestowed by the European Union, which designates a European Capital of Culture to recognize a city’s cultural development and history.

Istanbul’s title is particularly significant this year – 2010 is the 25th anniversary of the European Capital of Culture project. We’re not surprised the Turkish city snagged such esteemed acclaim. Istanbul’s long history is enriched with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman influences, which account for the city’s exotic, multicultural feel. Istanbul, one of the largest urban centers on earth, has a number of must-see sites like the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, two of the incredible places we visit with our local Turkish guide.

Don’t miss this once in a lifetime experience. Discover Istanbul, hike in Cappadocia, and enjoy 7 glorious days cruising on the Turquoise Coast.  Join us in Turkey, June 13-25. For more information call 1-800-941-8010, or visit us on the web at www.boundlessjourneys.com.

Join Our Inner Circle
E-mail is the best way for us to let you know first about new trips, travel tips, special events, and current promotions. Sign up for our e-newsletter, e-mail your name and address to info@boundlessjourneys.com, or give us a call (800-941-8010), and we’ll keep you in the loop! We respect your privacy and will never sell or share your e-mail address with any third party company, and our unsubscribing process is easy and prompt.