Trade your scarves and shovels this fall and winter for balmy breezes and palm-fringed shorelines with a tropical getaway to the Caribbean and Costa Rica aboard a glorious tall ship. On select seven-night sailings from November through March aboard all three Star Clipper ships, guests can take advantage of exceptional savings and book a SetSail cruise-only rate starting at just $1,299 per person, double occupancy. That represents 66 percent off brochure rates.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
We cruised the Galapagos with Ecoventura earlier this year and loved it. If the famed islands are on your travel wish list, check out this budget-friendly travel deal…
Book a Galapagos Yacht Cruise by Aug. 31st for Travel in 2012 or 2013 and save.
Sally lightfoot crab, the Galapagos Islands. ©Ellen Barone.
Environmentally friendly Galapagos cruise company, Ecoventura, is offering a special ten percent discount on some seasonal departure dates through mid-December 2012. In addition, guests booking a trip now for 2013 (excluding holiday weeks) can lock in 2012 cruise rates. This promotion can also be combined with a 5 percent Early Bird discount for selected departure dates 180 days out from booking date.
The 2012 seasonal departures that apply are July 29-Aug. 5, Aug 19-26, Sept. 2-9, Sept. 16-23, Sept. 23-30, Sept. 30-Oct. 7, Oct. 21-28, Nov. 4-11, Nov. 18-25, Dec. 2-9 and Dec. 9-16.
Seven-night/eight-day cruise rates start at $3,550 per person, double occupancy before any discounts are applied. Additional discounts are available for children. All cruises run Sunday to Sunday.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Advance planning for a winter escape to warmer climes pays off for travelers booking an un-cruise adventure with American Safari Cruises. The line is offering travel credits of $500 per couple on its yacht in the Hawaiian Islands or $300 per couple in Mexico’s Sea of Cortés aboard the newest addition to the fleet, the Safari Endeavour.
The 86-guest Safari Endeavour will spend its first winter exploring wildlife rich Sea of Cortés on weeklong Baja’s Bounty expeditions roundtrip La Paz, Baja, Mexico. Transfers are included from either Los Cabos or La Paz airports. Highlights include snorkeling with sea lions, water sports activities, and viewing dolphins and whales. Guests making a new reservation by September 30, 2012 receive a $300 travel credit per couple.
The 36-guest Safari Explorer embarks on its second season of Hawaiian Islands cruises sailing seven-night inclusive Hawaiian Seascapes adventures between Hawaii, the Big Island and Lana’i with two days of activities on Moloka’i. Flexible yacht itineraries focus on the leeward side of the eastern-most Hawaiian Islands. A $500 travel credit per couple is offered on Hawaii sailings. Both travel credit offers are for new bookings made by September 30, 2012 for travel November 2012- April 2013.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
For years, Antarctica - the “blue continent” at the bottom of the world - has topped my travel wish list.
With ten departures, and savings up to $8,200, these Antarctic cruise deals from Quark Expeditions, the leader in Polar adventures, might be just the ticket to getting there in 2012.
Save up to 40% on this 12-day Antarctic adventure that begins and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina. Like adventurers of old, the voyage crosses the Drake Passage to explore the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula and the mysterious South Shetland Islands. Passengers meet up with at least four different species of penguin, countless seals and “big ice” in all its Antarctic splendour.There’s also a full slate of adventure activities, including kayaking, camping, mountaineering and cross-country skiing. February 10-21, 2012, from $6,354 per person.
Quark Expeditions (888) 892 0334.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
For those of you who don’t believe the old saying, “once in a lifetime opportunity,” this offer from ROW Adventures may make you want to reconsider…
Check out this wonderful 6 and 7-day trip aboard the M/S Encantada to the Galapagos Islands with adventure travel company ROW Adventures on highly-desirable winter vacation dates, December 24th and 28th. The 6-day trip is priced at just $1890 and the 7-day trip is only $2080 per person*. It’s the perfect way to spend your winter break. *Round-trip airfare from Ecuador to the Islands is included along with two hotel nights in Guayaquil. Booking deadline August 25, 2011.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Go eyeball-to-eyeball with the Galapagos marine iguana; witness the feeding frenzy of blue-footed boobies and snorkel with playful sea lion pups…the Galapagos Islands are an amazing adventure.
Check out these Galapagos cruise discounts of up to 30% with Expedition Trips, specialists in small-ship expeditions.
Galapagos Cruise - National Geographic Endeavour - 10 Days
Highlights: 96-passenger expedition ship with excellent naturalist guides and educational program, kayaks, and glass-bottom boat.
Guayaquil, Ecuador and Return - 10 Days
Aboard the National Geographic Endeavour
5/20/2011
Save 30% per person (up to $2,640 off)
Galapagos Cruise - La Pinta - 8 Days
Highlights: Comfortable, bright and modern ship with great guides and ample onboard amenities including pool, sauna, and Jacuzzi.
San Cristóbal Island and Return - 8 Days
Aboard the La Pinta
May - June 2011
Save 25% per person (up to $1,850 off).
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Experience the wonders of the Antarctic with Expedition Trips, specialists in small ship expedition cruises, while taking full advantage of the luxurious all-inclusive lifestyle afforded by the 132-passenger Prince Albert II, a purpose-built expedition ship designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations, including both of earth’s polar regions. This voyage offers passengers uncompromising service including the most spacious suites and comfortable common areas of any expedition ship.
About Expedition Trips: With over 50 years experience, leading and planning expeditions worldwide, Expedition Trips offers exciting adventure travel and cruises on small-ship expeditions to Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Alaska and beyond. For more information, call toll-free (877) 412-8527 or visit www.ExpeditionTrips.com.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Visiting the “White Continent” aboard an Antarctica cruise is topping my Bucket List these days. This voyage with Lindblad Expeditions has it all: the impossible beauty of Antarctic ice, over 100,000 king penguins in South Georgia and the Falkland’s human history and amazing albatross colonies.
A National Geographic Photographer is aboard everyNational Geographic Explorervoyage, to offer advice and assistance to photographers of all skill levels. READ MORE
Travelers who book by June 30 can receive up to $3,000 off on select 2010 departures. Plus, complimentary charter airfare (round-trip between Santiago & Ushuaia - a $750 value) is offered on select 2010 departures. Call 1-800-EXPEDITION or email to find out if there are special rates that you may take advantage of. Learn more>>
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Check this out…Wildland Adventures Offers 2009 Trips at 2008 prices!
Click here for the full scoop.
Just to whet your appetite, here’s a sampling of great deals on selected Wildland Galapagos cruises,with savings up to $1600 per cabin.
ENCHANTED ISLES (11 days)
Discount $1600 per cabin
A full week of incredible voyaging in Darwin’s magical isles, plus 3 nights in Quito.
Departing Feb 16, Feb 23, Mar 2, Mar 9, Apr 13, Jun 15, Jun 29, Jul 6, Aug 3, Nov 23
GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE (7 days)
Discount $1200 per cabin
A 4-day cruise by luxury yacht, plus time to explore colonial Quito.
Departing Feb 16, Feb 19, Mar 2, Mar 5, Apr 13, Apr 16, Jun 15, Jun 18, Jun 29, Jul 2, Jul 6, Jul 9
HIGHLANDS & ISLANDS (11 days)
Discount $1200 per cabin
Ecuador’s beautiful highland haciendas, the fascinating Otavalo Market, and a Galapagos cruise aboard a luxurious yacht .
Departing Feb 16, Feb 19, Mar 2, Mar 5, Apr 13, Apr 16, Jun 15, Jun 18, Jun 29, Jul 2, Jul 6, Jul 9
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Mark the beginning of the Charles Darwin anniversary year with unprecedented savings of $2,300 per person on select Abercrombie & Kent Galápagos departures between January 8 - February 5, 2009 including Wonders of the Galápagos, Wonders of Peru & the Galápagos and Signature Peru & the Galápagos journeys. Independent travellers may apply these savings to any Tailor Made journey to the Galápagos.Commemorate the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his seminal work On the Origin of Species in the same places that inspired him. January is the time of year when land birds are nesting and green sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Adult marine iguanas become brightly coloured in preparation for mating season. Experience the natural world just as Darwin did — to a degree that’s virtually impossible anywhere else.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Or if you really feel like leaving it all behind, travel solo and your single supplement is waived.
Choose from the following ‘Clipper Odyssey’ departures:
- New Zealand by Land & Sea – A Family Voyage: Dec 17, 2008 – Jan 3, 2009
- Lost Islands of the Pacific: Feb 16 – Mar 5, 2009
- Voyage to Melanesia: Mar 2 – 20, 2009
- Voyage to Micronesia: Apr 9 – 26, 2009
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Celebrate Darwin’s 200th Birthday In “The Enchanted Islands” Alongside Tortoises, Iguanas, Sea Lions and Penguins With International Expeditions
Since inspiring Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, the Galapagos has gone from an uninhabited island chain to a global hub of ecotourism. To kick off the year of Darwin’s 200th birthday, International Expeditions is celebrating with $500 per person — $1,000 per couple — savings on its January 2 and 16, 2009 voyages. Like all Galapagos Islands departures with the world leader in nature travel, these will bring guests face to face with some of the most interesting and accessible wildlife anywhere.
During the intimate 10-day Galapagos cruise, guests come just inches from giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, iguanas and many other animals. International Expeditions’ renowned naturalist guides — all Galapagos National Park-certified with top “Naturalist Level 3” designations — lead talks about the islands’ highly diverse and rich ecosystems featuring desert landscapes, lush highland forests, volcanic soils and nutrient-rich waters, and discussions on conservation practices to protect this fragile environment.
International Expeditions’ 32-passenger M/V Evolution navigates the islands, and unlike larger vessels, the expedition ship is small enough to access some of the most compelling sites, like Genovesa (Tower) Island, home to red-footed booby and frigatebird colonies. The ship’s pangas (landing craft) are used several times a day and with space for all to go easily and quickly ashore, there’s no queuing up. Accommodations aboard the Evolution are spacious and comfortable, with a host of amenities including an observation deck, sun deck and canopied bar (a superb place for whale watching). Complimentary snorkeling equipment, wet suits and kayaks are available for use on a variety of excursions.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".