Alternatives to Resort Vacations

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Ruth Adams
Exploring Off the Beaten Path in Ecuador

Exploring Off the Beaten Path in Ecuador

Winter- that dreaded Canadian winter……and they say that this winter could be colder than normal……so what do we hardy Canadians do?  Well some of us embrace it, and some of us don’t.  For those that don’t, many look to head to the Caribbean, Florida or Mexico.

But there are alternatives to resort vacations- and that is exploring some of the countries in both Central and South America…..for the next few posts, I am going to explore those alternatives to resort vacations.

Ecuador

How about heading to Ecuador?  Yes- there are the wonderful Galapagos Islands- but if you want to head off the beaten path, check out this trip from Trafalgar- one of their Hidden Journey trips- Secrets of Ecuador . This trip, although only offered a couple of times a year, allows you to explore Ecuador’s colours and contrasts, Otavalos outdoor market, Cotopaxi National Park, Devil’s Nose Train and UNESCO World Heritage sites like Cuenca. You’ll enjoy Insider moments like…3,000 roses filling the Jarrin family’s hacienda, as you join them for local treats like ‘llapingachos’, cheesy potato cakes, after exploring their rose plantation. It’s staying at a restored 17th century hacienda once owned by King Phillip III of Spain.

Priced from $2995 plus your flights there and back, this is a fabulous deal.  If you have time, combine it with either a Galapagos Island trip or an Amazonian lodge stay.

Sandwiched between Peru and Columbia, Ecuador can sometimes be an after thought on the South America travel agenda. This 9 day trip will allow you to explore off the beaten track in comfort and style……if you are interested, contact me for more information.

What’s Included

Sightseeing Highlights

    • City tour in Quito and Cuenca
    • Visit Otavalo’s outdoor market, Equatorial Line Monument, Riobamba and artisan villages near Cuenca
    • View the Cotopaxi Volcano
    • Scenic drives along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes” and El Cajas National Park
    • Iconic Train Journey aboard the Devil’s Nose Train

Dining

  • 8 full breakfasts
  • 6 lunches (including Be My Guest).
  • 4 dinners.

Travel Highlights

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
  • Hand-picked Insider Experiences
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • Airport transfers on the first and last day of your guided holiday
  • VIP entry to many sights
  • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • 9 nights First Class accommodation
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When to Head to Africa…..

Posted on June 21, 2016 by Ruth Adams
Elephants- Africa

Africa! Wildlife Unlimited…..

Are you considering heading to Africa but wondering when is the best time to go?

Maybe you have thought of heading to Africa during our cold winter months, but were wondering about the African weather. Most tourists tie in their trip with Africa’s dry seasons. This is because travel is easier. Once you get off the main roads, dirt tracks become a sea of mud when it rains. And also lounging on the beach in a downpour just doesn’t work….

There are regional variations, but essentially it goes like this: East Africa has two dry seasons – December to February/March and June to October – with rainy seasons in between. In southern Africa it’s dry from May/June, gets really hot in October, then rains November to April/May. In West Africa the dry season is October/November to April/May, and it gets very hot at the end of this period. In Central Africa, June to September is the dry time. In North Africa, rain isn’t the main issue – it’s temperature. The best time to travel is the cooler period from October to March- so yes- travel in our winter!

Although dry seasons are usually the popular times, don’t automatically avoid the rainy season everywhere. In some countries it only rains for a few hours each day (often at night) and then the air is crystal clear, views go on for ever, and photographers soon run out of film. It’s also a good time for bird-watching, if that’s your thing. Hotel rates are cheaper and popular tourist haunts are much quieter too. And generally the local people are also happier because good rains mean good crops, so traditional festivals are often held at this time.

When to go

The equator cuts Africa in half, which not only means that water goes in opposite directions down the plughole in the north and the south, but the continent experiences huge climatic variation. Watch out for the wet or rainy seasons, which can turn dirt roads into rivers and curtail travel to remote regions. Just as uncomfortable can be the searing hot season in some countries, which can make moving around during the day nigh on impossible.

Late October to February is a great time to visit the Sahara and arid Central Africa (although be prepared for cold nights) and you can also enjoy the warm summer days of southern Africa or wander the beaches along the West African coast.

By around January or February, East African wildlife is concentrated around diminishing water sources and is therefore easier to spot. In contrast, the usually arid lands of North Africa spring into life between March and May.
(Information from Lonely Planet)

If travelling to Africa is on your bucket list- I am heading there in 2017 (at least that is my plan!)  I hope to head to Botswana and Victoria Falls for sure- and may also add a few days in Zanzibar or Kenya…….decisions, decisions….stay tuned as I am sure I will be posting a few trip options…….Africa is calling!

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