Is visiting the Galapagos Islands your dream vacation?  Before making the journey to these historic and unique islands, you probably have some questions and most definitely have some decisions to make to ensure your vacation lives up to your expectations.

First, a little history:

The Galapagos Islands, off the coast of Ecuador, is a chain of 19 islands and dozens of islets.  It was formed by a series of volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.  Largely untouched until the 1900s, the Galapagos thrived and developed its own ecosystem of plants and animals.  What brought it to the attention of the world was Charles Darwin, who spent some time there, studying the plant and animal life, which helped form the foundation for his book, The Origin of Species. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Without further adieu are our top 4 tips for your trip to the Galapagos Islands:

1. When to visit.  Since the Galapagos Islands are south of the equator, their seasons are opposite those in the US.  The best time to visit typically is December through May, when the air (and water) is warmer, and the chance of rain is lower.  It will rain, but the showers will be much shorter than during the June-November rainy season.
2. Land or Sea.  One of the most important decisions you will have to make is how you will travel.  The most common (and convenient) approach would be by cruise ship, though planning a land vacation is possible.  The beauty of planning a land-based trip is that you are in charge of what you do and see, spending as much time on the activities that interest you the most.  The downside is that a lot of your time may be spent ferrying between island and your hotel, as there are only 4 islands that are inhabited.  On the other hand, a cruise to the Galapagos allows you to enjoy all the onboard amenities plus built-in transportation to your destinations.  It is important to note that travel by boat is limited to 100 passengers per ship, so this is not your typical 5,000+ person cruise.
3. What to Do.  The Galapagos Islands offers a wide array of activities to suit your preferences.  This is a nature lover’s paradise.  You can explore wildlife preserves, rest on beautiful beaches, snorkel, dive – the list is endless.  Here are some of the top must-see sights for your trip:
   • Rancho Primicias (Santa Cruz Island).  If you want to see giant turtles, Rancho Primicias is the place to go.  It is a private animal sanctuary where you will not only see these magnificent creatures, you’ll also get to climb through hardened lava tunnels and even explore and empty tortoise shell or two!
   • Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (San Cristobal Island).  Whether you want to hike and bird watch at Frigatebird Hill or snorkel and explore at nearby Kicker Rock, Puerto Baquerizo is a great place to spend time taking in the natural wonders of the Galapagos.
   • Sierra Negra Volcano (Isabela Island).  This volcanic crater is the second largest in the world, and is still active – though there hasn’t been any activity since 2005.  Hike around the rim to get the full effect and splendor of this site.
4. Animals You Will See.  From giant tortoises to penguins, sea lions, lava lizards and the blue-footed boob, the range of unique animals and marine life is spectacular.  In fact, you can encounter quite a bit of that life up close and personal while snorkeling, diving or just hiking around the islands.

Are you ready to plan your trip to the Galapagos Islands?  Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call at 805-236-4437.

Is Alaska on your bucket list of places to go?  If so, you are in good company.  Over 2.2 million people visited Alaska in 2017, with about half of that from cruises. 
As you plan your trip, keep in mind that the best travel time is mid-May through mid-September.  The days are long, and you’ll see Alaska in all its glory.
There are so many things to see and do in Alaska that it’s hard to narrow down the choices.  Here are the top 5 places to visit or things to do when you visit Alaska by land:

1. Denali National Park.  Denali is one of the largest parks in the US, and is home to the highest mountain in North America – Mt. McKinley.  About halfway between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Denali is the place to go to see Alaska’s wildlife – grizzly bears, reindeer, elk and more.  Be sure to check out the Dog Sled Kennels to see some huskies in action too!
2. Kenai Fjords National Park.  If you are up for some spectacular sightseeing, Kenai is the place to take in the beauty of Alaska.  You can see the Harding Icefield glaciers from here, and also have access to Exit Glacier in nearby Seward.
3. Anchorage.  For land-based travel, Anchorage is a great place to make your home base.  It’s Alaska’s largest city, and is close by to Denali and Kenai Fjords parks.  Check out the local history and culture by visiting the Alaska Nature Heritage Center, where you can learn about the 11 major cultural groups and their traditions.
4. Northern Lights.  If you have always wanted to see the spectacular night lights of the aurora borealis, then make sure to include this in your Alaska trip.  While the best times to thee the Northern Lights are between September and March, it is a trip worth planning.  Fairbanks is probably the best place to view the Northern Lights based on its location in the “auroral oval”, and it’s consistently clear nights.  And, of course, the best time to see the lights is late in the evening, when it’s dark enough (which is why you can’t see them in the summer months!).  Plan on spending a couple of days in and around Fairbanks to catch the views.
5. Alaska Railroad.  A great way to get around in Alaska is by train.  The Alaska Railroad actually starts in Anchorage, and provides opportunities for day trips and longer to see glaciers and national parks – or just travel to your next stop.

Are you ready for your land trip to Alaska?  Give Luxury Destinations Concierge a call to plan your dream trip at 805-236-4437.