Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands- Trip Report- November 2012

[CastlesandDreams]

The trip is very go, go, go. We did Italy with Globus a few years ago and it was the same exact way so the pace did not bother me. My mom has done about 20 escorted tours (with a variety of tour companies) and she would be upset if there was any down time so I guess it is hard to please everyone.

One of these days, I will get some pictures up. Work. Christmas shopping. And the world is coming to an end in less than 10 days.

 

[familygoboston]

I agree about pacing! We kept up, but were v tired. We do like to keep busy and I felt this was just at the edge of my energy level and I think most people Ive met are less go-go-go than we are on vacation. These trips are often multi generational and most of the seniors had to skip activities in order to get enough rest.
I like to be kept busy, but there were times when it was overwhelming to pack in 30 minutes ( and most folks need to help their kids pack too) and then rush to dinner. I think they should not have removed the day, I was disappointed about that.

My understanding is that the ABD Europe trips have several "on your own" afternoons where each family can pace their adventure to their needs. Thats' not the case on this itinerary. Certainly you can skip things; my dad rested on the bus during the market, and both folks skipped a couple of snorkels to relax on the ship instead. They also rested and packed during the craft and empanada activities.

 

[CastlesandDreams]

That is true---- about multi-generational. I did skip a few activites, too.

A few things I could have lived without---- The Charles Darwin Research Station and the San Cristobal Interpretation Center. Especially the latter---- I was so tired and that was just TOO much. I did mention that in my review of the trip to ABD. I would rather have gotten off the ship and spent the time shopping in the town or sitting down at one of the cafes. They should at least offer an OPTION.

Where's your next ABD trip? What other ABD trips have you done?

 

[familygoboston]

We did the ABD in Costa Rica also . We've done many other trips, including groups tours, but we do really like the way ABD manages their trips, especially when we are taking a trip with multi generations! I think our next one will be Italy- but not for a while, we have 3 other trips planned already and my DH wants to go to Antarctica before it melts away! ABD doesn't offer that, yet!

 

[kristilew]

my DH wants to go to Antarctica before it melts away! ABD doesn't offer that, yet!

A-L does...and we've been drooling over it ever since the catalog arrived last month! http://www.austinlehman.com/tours/antarctica---peninsula-expedition-cruise-trips-128.php

 

[Bobo912]

Lindblad/Nat Geo has two Anarctica itineraries. I haven't been to Anarctica, unfortunately, but we did their Galapagos trip and it was fantastic.

 

[familygoboston]

A-L does...and we've been drooling over it ever since the catalog arrived last month! http://www.austinlehman.com/tours/antarctica---peninsula-expedition-cruise-trips-128.php

Lindblad/Nat Geo has two Anarctica itineraries. I haven't been to Anarctica, unfortunately, but we did their Galapagos trip and it was fantastic.

DH is leaning towards the Nat Geo trip, my TA offers that one, but we've heard Fram is good too and a little less $. I think we would be more likely to book direct rather than a tour company on this one. We have 3 years and itineraries come out about 18 mos-2 years, so I'm using this next 6-9 months to do our research so we can book when they open...thanks for the advice and sorry to get OT!

 

[CastlesandDreams]

My mom has been wanting to do Antartica for years. Thanks for some tour companies to look at.

I want to go back to Italy. I think that is my favorite place that I have been to so far. Next year is London and Madrid (on our own). We rented an apartment for two weeks in London and I have very good friends that live in Madrid.