The Galapagos Islands Are Back!

This summer you can discover one of the world's most awe-inspiring places as The Galapagos Islands is opening up for visitors once again. Starting July 4, 2021, Celebrity's newest all-suite expedition ship, Celebrity Flora will be returning to the islands for discovery, following by Celebrity Xpedition starting on July 24, and then Celebrity Xploration on September 18. These amazing ships are already small ships with a small capacity, so the assorted health and safety protocols are easily implemented. Fabulous voyages of discovery lie ahead...will you be part of them? Reach out and let's get you booked. clingren@cruiseplanners.com | 317.776.1733

Open for US Visitors - KENYA!

DID YOU KNOW?

• Kenya is the birthplace of the safari. Home to the African BIG FIVE, the abundance of wildlife is comparable to nowhere else on Earth... and not just the big animals either - Kenya is home to 11% of the world’s bird population, with over 1100 different species of birds spotted there!

• Kenya boasts 51 National Parks/Game Reserves, and 10 Marine Parks/Reserves, plus 64 National Protected Areas as well!

• Kenya is a year-round destination. With average temperatures ranging between 62 – 82 F year-round inland, and a little warmer with some humidity along the coast, it makes for a fantastic travel experience any time of the year you choose to visit! Yes, there are two rainy seasons, but showers are often short-lived and make for dramatic game drives.

• Kenya is home to the world’s only snow-capped mountain on the equator – Mt. Kenya.

• Being situated along the equator, Kenya maintains a little more than 12 hours of daylight year-round, with the sun rising daily at 6:30 am and setting at 6:45 pm.

• Kenya offers 21 hyper-luxury lodges/camps and 77 luxury lodges/camps.

• Kenya’s capital city of Nairobi is the home of the world’s only urban National Park, located just 20 minutes from the city center.

• In the north part of Kenya, you’ll find the world’s largest desert lake, Lake Turkana, or the Jade Sea.

Kenya is open to US travelers and would make for a truly memorable experience for you and your loved ones. Having been to Kenya personally already, I can say that there's nothing quite like it in the world, and you won't find any friendlier people than you will in this East African jewel of a destination. When you're ready to start planning the adventure of a lifetime, please think of me to help you make it become reality. There are a few covid-related things to be aware of and know when planning a trip, but like every country, they can change between now and when you actually travel, so when you're ready to start planning, be sure to ask about them. You can learn more about this amazing place on my dedicated Kenya page on my website. There you can also submit your request to start the planning!

www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations/kenya | 317.776.1733 | clingren@cruiseplanners.com

Also...check out this video about some of the wonderful experiences that await you when you visit Kenya.

NOW OPEN...Iceland! Welcoming Visitors Once Again in 2021

I'm pleased to say that ICELAND is once again open for travel! A place where you can descend into a dormant volcano one day, and snowmobile on a glacier the next. Where you can walk behind the plummeting waterfalls of Seljalandsfoss, and witness the blast of a mighty geyser from just a few feet away. In the winter, you could enjoy a private excursion into the darkness to search for the mesmerizing Northern Lights, dancing luminously in the sky above. And year-round, delight with a dip in the warm, misty-blue waters of the Blue Lagoon.

Iceland is welcoming both vaccinated US travelers and those with proof of antibodies. Reach out and speak with me by phone, email, or through my website to make your Iceland travel wishes a reality for your own independent travels in 2021 – or if you’d like to be part of a shared group travel experience, why not register to join my group in March 2022 to experience the wonders of the Aurora Borealis for yourself March 19-25, 2022.

www.icanshowyoutheworld.vacations/group/Iceland2022

clingren@cruiseplanners.com | 317.776.1733

Go Active Itinerary Suggestion: CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY

 

ITINERARY SUGGESTION:  CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY: Napa & Sonoma Vineyards, Redwoods & Pacific Coast

Legendary vineyards. Soaring redwood forests. And the dramatic Pacific coast. This is Northern California. And for you, it's a fantastic week and an incredible journey. Wine tastings and gourmet meals enlighten your palate. Stunning scenery invigorates. And top-notch spas relax and rejuvenate... all in one remarkable place simply known as the Wine Country.

 

 

 

There are 24 possible itinerary departures from April to November 2021. These 6 days, 5-night adventures are truly special!

 

Intrigued? Ask me! Know someone who might love this type of adventure? Share it with them!  I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations & active adventures of all kinds. Don't let the agency name fool you...we are SO MUCH MORE than just cruises!

 

Learn more about other biking and active adventures on our dedicated page! 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #discovertheusa #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #bicycletouring #bicycling #biketours

Christopher's GO ACTIVE Adventure Suggestions - WYOMING'S YELLOWSTONE & TETONS MULTI-ADVENTURE TOUR

WYOMING'S YELLOWSTONE & TETONS MULTI-ADVENTURE TOUR

 

The Tetons. Majestic peaks above, meadows, and glacial lakes below. And the Snake River winding through the valley. Yellowstone is one of a kind. Geysers really do erupt hourly. Sulfur-scented hot springs glimmer like jewels. Bison and elk are as common as tourists. As you hike, bike, kayak, raft and explore these epic regions, your experience will be just as spectacular.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle through the twisting rapids of the Snake River with a professional white-water guide

• Bike a spectacular route beneath the jagged peaks of the Teton Range, one of the most beautiful car-free paths in the west

• Hike in the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, a geologic wonderland and home of the park's biggest waterfall

• Experience thrilling sightings of wonderful wildlife in the air, on the water, and across the land—have your camera ready!

• Activity Level: 1-4

• 6 Days, 5 Nights | Starting at $4,099 pp double occupancy

• There are 16 available Trip dates for this tour in 2021 between June and mid-September.

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED? A LOT!

• Your Choice: Performance Road Bike, Touring Bike, Electric-Assist Bike, Carbon Bike, or Tandem Bike

• All breakfasts, 5 lunches, & 4 dinners

• Expertise & services of experienced Trip Leaders

• Snacks & beverages between meals

• Additional guides & experts from the region

• Van shuttles to support a variety of route options

• All gratuities at hotels & restaurants

• On biking & multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped titanium bike plus helmet & accessories

• Trailercycles, carriers, & kid-sized helmets for Family Trips

• Equipment & experienced guides for rafting as described

• Park & other entry fees

• Fares for trains, ferries, & other modes of travel

• Select coach transfers

• Baggage transfers & porterage

 

 

Intrigued? Ask me! Know someone who might love this type of adventure? Share it, please! I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations & adventures of all kinds. Don't let the agency name fool you...we are SO MUCH MORE than just cruises!

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #discovertheusa #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #kayaking #bicycletouring #bicycling #hikingadventures #rafting #raft

Did You Know We Can Book That? SCUBA VACATIONS

Few trips or experiences can compete with the underwater adventure and beauty of a scuba vacation!  Check out this experience in Hawaii, just one of many that we can help you book around the world in some of the best dive locations. 

 

 

SCUBA DIVING WITH MANTA RAYS & MORE IN HAWAII

 

The Big Island's volcanic underwater topography filled with lava tubes, arches, and craters is a diver's wonderland.

Kona is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. Offering a week of liveaboard scuba diving along the western coast of the island at favorite sites. The yacht ventures far from the reach of day operators to beautiful South Point, the southernmost tip of Hawaii.

 

 

The Kona liveaboard experience operates out of downtown Kailua-Kona. Kona liveaboard scuba diving in Hawaii begins Sunday morning and ends Friday afternoon when the yacht returns to port.

- Average of up to 27 dives on 7-night charters (multiple day and night dives)

- Average water temperature: 72 – 80F, 22 – 27C with thermoclines

- 3-5mm wetsuit and hood is recommended year-round

- All dives are from the yacht. 

Dive tours available year-round.

 

Love Scuba diving but have already been to Hawaii? Check out these other incredible international dive tours available:

 

The Bahamas | Belize | Cayman Islands | Costa Rica | Galapagos | Indonesia | Maldives | Palau | Philippines | Red Sea | Roatan | Sri Lanka | Thailand | Turks & Caicos and more   

 

There's a video for each one of these locations on my Scuba page within my website. 

 

Interested? Let me know your travel dates and number of travelers and let’s get you booked! I love helping people get out & explore with all types of adventurous experiences!

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #getbacktonature #gounderwater #scuba #scubadiving #diving #oceans #discoverhawaii #hawaiiunderwaterlife #konahawaii

Did You Know We Can Book That? MOUNTAIN CABINS & RENTALS

How about a nice, somewhat remote, woodsy getaway this year? How does a cabin, condo, lodge, mountain home, chalet, bungalow, or luxury villa sound? Whether for just yourself or the whole clan, we can help reserve your woodsy lodging from coast to coast. From traditional inns and hotels to 1, 2, 3 Bedrooms, and more, we've got you covered. PLUS RV rentals in Alaska, too! You might only think of me as a cruise guy because of the name of the agency, but we are SO MUCH MORE THAN JUST CRUISES.

 

Here's just a sampling of where we can find a vacation rental for you:

 

Gatlinburg | Mammoth Lakes | Sun Valley | Aspen | Adirondacks | Park City | Lake Tahoe | Branson | Petoskey | Whitefish and many more

 

 

Intrigued? Ask me! I love helping people get out & explore with land-based vacations and vacation rentals!  You can learn more about what we can do and request a quote on our dedicated Mountain Cabins & Rentals page.

 

 

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking #getbacktonature #woodsygetaway #cabininthewoods #mountains #mountainvacation

Group Travel Experience - America's National Parks - AVAILABLE NOW!

NEW GROUP TRAVEL EXPERIENCE AVAILABLE NOW.   

 

Which of my friends would like to experience an incredible adventure this year?  Our agency has just a few seats remaining for a truly remarkable incredible National Parks tour in August 2021.   Check out these Trip Highlights:  Scottsdale, Lake Powell, Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Choice on Tour, Zion, Salt Lake City, Jackson Hole, Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Parks, Old Faithful, Sheridan, Bighorn Mountains, Crazy Horse Memorial, Mount Rushmore

 

Learn more and register here

 

 

#travel #adventure #tourism #vacation #exploremore #supportsmallbusinesses #travelagent #theinternetisforlookingbuttravelagentsareforbooking

Suggested Itinerary: Western Australia's THE KIMBERLEY Region

The Kimberley awaits!

Three times larger than England and with a population of less than 40,000, the Kimberley region – spread over Australia's entire north-western corner – is one of the world's last wilderness frontiers. Here you'll find prolific wildlife, majestic canyons, freshwater swimming holes, and several outback stations, as well as one of Australia's greatest 4WD road trips. Despite the area's remoteness, it's also a place of great food, luxury accommodation, friendly locals, and one of the most romantic beach towns on Earth.

Who's ready to explore this amazing destination? I'm ready to help you do it. Let's chat about your dream Aussie holiday.

Top Didj Cultural Experience & Art Gallery - What an Incredible Part of the Trip!

We stopped in at Top Didj for an awesome cultural experience. Upon arrival, we got to interact with several of their resident wallabies.

#ntaustralia #aussiespecialist #wildlife #culturalexperiences #takethetrip

This & That from the Outback

Living in the land down under... it's just another condiment option at every hotel's breakfast bar! Spread it THINLY on toast. Never overdo it!

It's another warm one here in the NT, and at 4pm we're still not to the day's top temperature. But it's a dry heat so it's tolerable. Add the humidity that comes in the summer and it would just be miserable. For now, we're all staying hydrated and are as clear and copious as possible, moving into the shade whenever possible, keeping our sunnies on, and regularly applying the suncream. This Scouter has been helping ensure that we've all been just fine.

And below is a compilation of signs from our hike yesterday in Maguk... ALWAYS pay attention to your surroundings! Crocs can be anywhere. And most important...whatever you do...

♫ never smile at a crocodile, no you can't get friendly with a crocodile... ♫

 

In the afternoon we arrived at Nitmiluk National Park and our Lodge for the night. We went over to the boat launch to enjoy a cruise and hike between two of the 13 gorges that make up Katherine Gorge (two cruise experiences with a hike between each gorge to get from boat to boat). It was a nice and relaxing time after much go, go, go the past few days. Not much wildlife but we did see our first freshwater crocodile.

After our two-gorge cruise and hike, we hiked back to the first gorge and were picked up by the dinner boat and then enjoyed a nice, three-course candlelight dinner cruise back through the first gorge. What an amazing adventure that was! Our own real-life "jungle cruise" has happened multiple times and in multiple ways this week. I love it. Plus, while I couldn't get great photos of them, last night was our first time to be in total darkness, and enjoy a beautifully decorated starry sky! It was simply stunning. So many wonderful experiences that you too could enjoy here in the top end of Australia's outback. And at the end of the evening, though my camera didn't capture them very well, the starfield was incredible as there was absolutely zero light pollution in the gorge. Stunning to enjoy looking at, for certain!

 

 

  

  

 

Leaving Darwin. More Outback Adventures

G'day from Darwin. We're on the move today headed out to our next location in the NT.

It's warmed up a little more, on its way to 103 this afternoon.

Our first stop after leaving Darwin took us to the Jumping Crocodile Cruise on the Adelaide River, where they truly aren't kidding about keeping your hands, arms, feet, legs, and heads inside the boat at ALL times! 

As we progressed further into the Outback, hiking and swimming were on our agenda after we arrived at the Maguk Barramundi Gorge. The water was quite refreshing with 104-degree temps...but it was a nice dry heat as the humidity hasn't arrived yet - that comes with the wet season which is their summer. As the wet season arrives, they'll layer on about 85% humidity or higher.

 

 

 

  

Corroboree 2019 - Welcome to Perth

So what exactly is this conference that brought me to Australia you ask, and why Perth?

The conference itself is called Corroboree West 2019 and is designed to provide continuing education and familiarization to travel professionals from assorted Western nations. It takes place every two years and is put on by the country's tourism authority, Tourism Australia, in an effort to help non-Aussies better know and understand what they are recommending to their clients. The reality is that you can't Google experience, and who better to invite to the country than the people working hard to sell the country to tourists? Here's a little bit about the conference itself.

"CW19 is a combined training workshop and familiarization event held exclusively for Aussie Specialist advisors from our Western markets. Here, Aussie Specialists will meet with around 100 Australian tourism operators during the workshop and networking events, followed by a six-day/five-night famil in a different part of Australia." 

And then here's a little bit about "why Perth". 

"Perth is the ideal location to host Corroboree West 2019 as it is regularly ranked in the top 10 most liveable, friendly and attractive cities in the world. The sun shines for an average of nine hours per day and finding ways to enjoy them is easy, with a huge variety of things to do. New attractions, accommodation, restaurant and food & wine offerings, cultural and entertainment precincts are continuing to change the face of Perth."

 

The conference is divided up into a combination of seminars, one-to-one networking opportunities with tourism suppliers and operators, and getting out to explore and see the city. Each day of the three-day conference will feature a little of all three of those things, as each smaller sub-group, named for native land or marine animals found only in Australia (my group is the DINGO group), will gather and do some local exploring of assorted sights in and around the greater Perth area. And then at the end of the actual conference, we'll head out for our familiarization throughout the Northern Territory and the Outback. 

On the first day of CW19, the Dingos enjoyed a tour of King's Park & Botanical Gardens, one of the largest inner-city parks in the world at over 400 hectares filled with towering trees, lakes, views of the city, WWI and WWII memorials, and the gardens feature 3,000 of Australia's 12,000 plant species.

After Kings Park, we ventured into the heart of the city to try our hand at a Segway tour, but first a little practice is required!

 

 

Following our quick training and practice, we set out to explore the city! Our Segway adventure around Perth this morning was such a kick!