Short Reads

Cactus?  Vast sand dunes that go on forever?  Flat?  If these are the mental pictures you have of deserts, Chile’s Atacama Desert plays with those images.

What’s cool and dry and full of stars? Chile’s Atacama Desert!

Cactus? Vast sand dunes that go on forever? Flat? If these are the mental pictures you have of deserts, Chile’s Atacama Desert plays with those images.

When you hear the words ‘Australian outback’, you probably imagine red deserts, vast expanse, and of course, Uluru. However, there’s so much more to this spectacular area than just the world’s largest monolith!

There’s a lot more in the outback than just Uluru!

When you hear the words ‘Australian outback’, you probably imagine red deserts, vast expanse, and of course, Uluru. However, there’s so much more to this spectacular area than just the world’s largest monolith!

You know what they say, “Two heads are better than one.”  In the case of management of Africa’s wildlife reserves and parks, many African countries realize that just may be the case.  But who is this partner that most travelers don’t know?

Who do African countries call to revive their parks?

You know what they say, “Two heads are better than one.” In the case of management of Africa’s wildlife reserves and parks, many African countries realize that just may be the case. But who is this partner that most travelers don’t know?

Spain is Spanish, right?  Don’t say that to the Basque people of northwest Spain (and into southwest France).  One of the oldest and strongest cultures in Europe, the Basques are known for their uniqueness, their language, their culture  and their food!  And, oh, their food!

Bask in the history, culture and landscapes of Basque country!

Spain is Spanish, right? Don’t say that to the Basque people of northwest Spain (and into southwest France). One of the oldest and strongest cultures in Europe, the Basques are known for their uniqueness, their language, their culture and their food! And, oh, their food!

Think Galapagos travel and you probably think cruise, right?  But in 2018 there were just about 3 times as many land-based visitors as ship-based (posing potential issues, but that is for another article), providing options to experience this amazing eco-destination for land-lovers.  It’s not just the potential for sea-sickness that should factor into your decision.

Galapagos wildlife looks the same whether you visit by land or sea!

Think Galapagos travel and you probably think cruise, right? But in 2018 there were just about 3 times as many land-based visitors as ship-based (posing potential issues, but that is for another article), providing options to experience this amazing eco-destination for land-lovers. It’s not just the potential for sea-sickness that should factor into your decision.

If cruising with 5000 people and dancing a conga line makes your eyes roll.  If you shake your head at folks that complain that the casino is open only limited hours.  If you could care less that you can eat 24 hours a day while on board, first, remember there are cruises for everyone and perhaps lectures, naturalist guides and zodiacs might be right up your alley.

Expedition cruising allows you to dive deep, rather than escape!

If cruising with 5000 people and dancing a conga line makes your eyes roll. If you shake your head at folks that complain that the casino is open only limited hours. If you could care less that you can eat 24 hours a day while on board, first, remember there are cruises for everyone and perhaps lectures, naturalist guides and zodiacs might be right up your alley.

Considered one of the premier wine areas in the world, New Zealand’s Marlborough region packs a lot more than wine.  So if you focus on the wine, you’ll miss incredible scenery, gorgeous walks, remote boutique inns, and more found in the northern end of the country’s South Island.

New Zealand’s Marlborough region packs a double punch – wine and scenery!

Considered one of the premier wine areas in the world, New Zealand’s Marlborough region packs a lot more than wine. So if you focus on the wine, you’ll miss incredible scenery, gorgeous walks, remote boutique inns, and more found in the northern end of the country’s South Island.

Safaris seem to produce more anxiety around packing than any other destination.  Don’t worry.  It really isn’t that much different than any other trip.

On safari, color matters. Fashion? The wildlife doesn’t care!

Safaris seem to produce more anxiety around packing than any other destination. Don’t worry. It really isn’t that much different than any other trip.

Pat Ogle-CollinsBlog