Vaya Adventures

09/15/2024

World Elephant Day Founder Patricia Sims continues on her travels with Vaya Adventures to the breathtaking Sarara Valley in the Namunyak Conservancy in North Kenya. This is a 850K acre Samburu tribe community-owned conservation area, and home to the elephant orphanage Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Community United for Elephants, owned and operated by the Samburu community. This is the first community owned elephant sanctuary in Africa. It’s incredible to see how this community cares for these elephant orphans, who have lost their families because of wildlife conflict, drought, or poaching. Reteti’s elephant keepers are all Samburu, who have lived harmoniously alongside wildlife for generations. The orphans are rehabilitated for eventual release back to the wild. It’s very inspiring to see this community led conservation, which is a hopeful sign for the future of elephant and wildlife conservation in Kenya. Thank you to our travel partners!

Experience elephant conservation first hand: bit.ly/4e1V47s

09/12/2024

The 7th continent is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and we have some great deals for last minute Antarctica voyages for 2024 –2025. Vaya's Specialists have truly experienced it firsthand. Marci was mesmerized by the parade of glaciers, Liz braved the cold and polar plunged right into the frigid waters, Emily flew over the Drake passage on a fly & cruise, Gabrielle kayaked next to breeching whales, and Jeff spent a night camping on the ice. Our Polar Operations Specialist Annie even lived and worked at the American Antarctic Research Station at McMurdo! Here are just a few of the existing promotions... https://bit.ly/3XrS2lY

09/03/2024

08/27/2024

One of the highlights thus far of Founder of World Elephant Day, Patricia Sims Vaya Adventures tour through Kenya has been meeting the incredible strong and inspirational females who work on the Elephant Identification Team in the Masai Mara. "Asante" ladies for taking care of these extraordinary giants!
Canadian Geographic Mara Elephant Project Sustainable Travel International

A highlight from the Maasai Mara for Patricia was meeting the ladies from Mara Elephant Project 'Elephant Identification Team' as well as one of the big tuskers 'Fred'.

Fred is a tusker which Mara Elephant Project has been monitoring in their work at the Lemek Conservancy.

The main way Patricia has been getting around the Mara is with the help of the Vaya Adventures team. They have been a fantastic partner and it's great to be working with them, Canadian Geographic and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society

08/23/2024

Some more great photos from Patrica Sims on her private guided Vaya Kenya World Elephant Day Tour

08/21/2024

Live from Kenya, Patrica Sim's conservationist, filmmaker, and founder of World Elephant Day is on a tailor-made tour visiting some of the great sustainable organizations in the country in partnership with Vaya and Canadian Geographic ! Stay tuned for more updates from her private guided adventure

08/17/2024

The end-of-year holidays may seem a long way off, but this is the most difficult time to find space on the best Galapagos cruises – even months in advance. That’s why Vaya has chartered this first-class vessel, a refined 16-passenger catamaran (top picture above) for the end of December. Offering intimate excursions led by top quality bilingual naturalist guides, it includes island-hopping by zodiac, snorkeling, hiking, and kayaking. These cabins will for sure sell out so let us know soon if you’re interested!

Click to learn more https://bit.ly/4e4LgJR

08/12/2024

It’s World Elephant Day and to celebrate you are invited on a virtual Kenya Safari!
Join Canadian Geographic, Vaya Adventures and award-winning documentary filmmaker, conservationist and Founder of World Elephant Day, Patricia Sims on Oct 3 at 11PST / 1pm EST. Learn how her film “Return To The Forest” narrated by William Shatner launched an international elephant conservation movement and the birth of World Elephant Day, which is now in its 13th annual year of reaching millions of people across the globe about the critical issues impacting African and Asian elephants and conservation solutions required to protect them. Register now! bit.ly/3Aj27cZ

08/01/2024

Follow in the footsteps of samurai on Vaya’s newest customizable tailor-made adventure through the “land of the rising sun.” This pilgrimage takes travelers through the majestic Japanese Alps along the Nakasendo Way, an ancient trail connecting Kyoto to Edo (Tokyo). Experience the warmth of local hospitality while enjoying kaiseki feasts and soaking in onsens at local ryokans. Your expert guide will share captivating tales as you bask in the natural and cultural splendor of rural Japan https://bit.ly/4fmH1e1

07/22/2024

National Geographic Travel and Sustainable Travel International came together and featured Vaya’s Rwanda tours as Best for Mountain Gorillas and off the Beaten Track Safaris! Read on to find out more about the country’s most memorable wildlife experiences you can experience with private guide. Lesser-known travel destinations have an undeniably romantic draw, but many can struggle to keep up with the tourism demands of the modern world. Yet our impact on these off-the-beaten-track areas can be positive — especially if we travel wisely and well. https://on.natgeo.com/3zThR6n

07/11/2024

We are excited to launch our newest destination for tailor-made adventures, Croatia. Forget the cliché, have us charter you a small boat for the day or set sail on a yacht for a multiday island-hopping adventure! While on the mainland, kayak amidst cascading waterfalls, take a dive deep into foodie culture, sip and cycle through the winelands, explore Roman ruins, and then stop to share a rakija with welcoming villagers.

Head off the tourist circuit with your own expert local guide for an odyssey honed to your interests whether they be ancient history, contemporary art, Michelin worthy cuisine, heart pumping outdoor adventures or simply sunbathing on the beach.

Strategically placed in the heart of the Balkans, Vaya’s experts suggest flirting with the idea of day trips to Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Montenegro’s Riviera. With Vaya’s experienced Specialists planning your trip, your own expert private local guide, and Europe’s wonders at your fingertips, why not go visit the neighboring countries worry-free!
bit.ly/4bDg0Qj

06/24/2024

For over 20 years, Vaya has been crafting trips focused on the wonders of the natural world, its rich biodiversity and wildlife. Superlatives cannot describe these ecosystems of adventure. This connection with nature is at the core of our identity, and it's a fundamental part of every tour we create for you. Read on to learn more about some of these special biodiversity hotspots.
Learn More https://bit.ly/3XBuD36

06/11/2024

We are in full support of Vaya Specialist Sarah's mindset. If you are traveling through Italy, you must eat gelato every day.... at least once a day. Learn more about Sarah's "Gelato Rule" in her recent blog article (don't read it hungry)

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05/21/2024

Our commitment to the places we take our travelers is more than just talk. Learn about our recent support of Andean Condor Conservation. These magnificent, winged creatures need our help! https://bit.ly/3V8AoDV

05/14/2024

Latin American specialist Natalie Regan shares that "local markets can be gateways to cultural understanding." Learn more >

Not everyone is a fan of shopping; too many people, too long lines. However, something can be said about the local markets or mercados across Latin America. They are full of life and give tourists a peek into the daily lives of locals and a cultural understanding of the country. Latin America’s ar...

04/29/2024

On her most recent journey Vaya's Europe specialist Gretchen
was introduced and immersed in Italy's often overlooked white wines

Embarking on a journey through the heart of Italy, I found myself captivated not only by the rich history and culture but also by the diverse and exciting world of enotecas, osterias and bacari (wine bars, small family-run restaurants and taverns) and Italian wines. Working with French and Spanish w...

04/15/2024

We recently interviewed some of our enthusiastic Destination Specialists to learn about some of the new private guided tours they created as well as their favorite itineraries, and what they considered when designing these incredible trips. Read on to hear what they had to say!
https://www.vayaadventures.com/blog/what-goes-into-creating-an-itinerary-at-vaya-adventures/

02/23/2024

After reviewing almost 200 submissions captured from five of our planet's seven continents, we are delighted to announce the winners of the 2023 Vaya Photo Contest: Drue Freeman, Harry Zimmerman, each who won a Patagonia® Better Sweater! You can view the full collection of 2023 winners and honorable mentions on our blog https://www.vayaadventures.com/blog/2023-vaya-photo-contest-winners/

01/26/2024

20 years of creating some of the most meaningful travel experiences of people’s lives!

Together, we have shared two decades of adventures and those of us at Vaya are feeling 20 years young. A message from our founder Jim…
https://www.vayaadventures.com/blog/20-years-of-vaya-adventures-thanks-from-vayas-founder-jim/

06/27/2023

How are we already halfway through 2023? It's hard to believe, but the months continue to fly by. Do you know where the rest of this year will take you?

If you’re still on the lookout for great adventure ideas for later this year, you’re in luck! Our most recent e-newsletter includes a selection of inspiring fall destinations, as well as some exciting trip options to consider for a December Holiday escape (including an Exclusive Special Offer in Antarctica).

Take a look: https://mailchi.mp/vayaadventures/2023-fall-and-holiday-trips

Let’s end this year on a high note!

05/25/2023

Vaya Europe is here!

For decades, we have specialized in best-in-class personalized travel to some of the Earth’s most incredible destinations, from Latin America to Africa and even the poles. But our love for global exploration does not stop there (just as we know your own interests span far and wide too!). So today, we are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our travel portfolio: Vaya Europe!

Please join us in welcoming Ann Tool, our new Europe Travel Expert, as we celebrate the launch of Vaya Europe. Ann has been living, studying, and working in Europe for most of her adult life and has 13 years’ experience designing custom trips across the continent, including all of the classic hot spots as well as off-the-beaten-path gems in spectacular, yet lesser-known destinations.

You’ll now find a wonderful collection of new Trip Ideas on our website, highlighting some of Europe’s top favorite destinations: France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. But don’t let your mind stop there. Ann’s in-depth knowledge is expansive, and she is eager to bring your dreams to life no matter where they might take you, always with the same attention to detail, top-notch service, and highly personalized travel style Vaya is known for.

Check out Vaya Europe online to learn more: https://www.vayaadventures.com/destinations/europe/

04/27/2023

Where will this summer take you? Somewhere warm and beachy, or perhaps someplace even more remote and unexpected? Now is the time to start planning and we are full of ideas to inspire. Check out our most recent newsletter to learn more about several incredible destinations still offering space for summer travel in 2023. From South America to Africa (and now, even Europe!), we’ve got you covered. Plus, our newest Vaya destination: small ship cruises to the Arctic!
http://mailchi.mp/vayaadventures/new-arctic-cruises-and-summer-travel-ideas

03/24/2023

Ever dreamt of seeing the Big 5 on a safari in Africa? Sunrise over the pyramids? Or sipping your way through the vineyards of South Africa? Allow us to introduce you to our Africa Dream Team!

Plus, discover the newest addition to our portfolio in Africa - Madagascar! Pristine turquoise beaches, dancing lemurs, and the picturesque Alley of Baobabs are just the start (and why we're pretty sure you will want to add a new line item to your bucket list).

Read more in this month's e-newsletter:

In the last year, our Africa Dream Team has continued to grow, with two additional Destination Specialists—each with years of travel experience and expertise in custom trip design on the African continent—joining our ranks to help us serve you best. Every highly tailored itinerary we design f...

01/27/2023

Many thanks to our travelers for their generosity throughout 2022! Together, we donated over $30K to worthy causes in South America and Africa. Thank you for making a difference!

Click below to read more about IGTOA, ProMujer, Uthando, and other organizations doing amazing work in our travel destinations.
https://mailchi.mp/vayaadventures/mfx4v4e9ao-859551

07/12/2022

Journey to a lesser-known safari destination with Vaya Africa! Click below to learn more:
https://mailchi.mp/vayaadventures/mfx4v4e9ao-859520

06/28/2022

09/16/2021

Peru and Colombia: Two of our top destinations are open and welcoming travelers now! Click here to read more:
https://mailchi.mp/vayaadventures/mfx4v4e9ao-859464

08/25/2021

The Galapagos Islands are on track for full vaccination! Click here to read more, and also for some thoughts on the benefits of working with an expert travel advisor.

https://mailchi.mp/vayaadventures/mfx4v4e9ao-859336

08/25/2021

We're delighted to announce the launch of our newest destination: Africa! It feels like a natural fit for us to offer African safaris, because a lot of what we have done over the last 17 years could be called South American “safaris.” Whether it’s been exploring the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, Patagonia, or many other magnificent wilderness areas, trips oriented toward the natural world and wildlife have always been a fundamental part of who we are. Click here to read more:

https://mailchi.mp/vayaadventures/mfx4v4e9ao-859360

08/25/2021

This may be the best time in a generation to visit the Galapagos Islands. Click here to find out why:

https://mailchi.mp/vayaadventures/mfx4v4e9ao-859388