We Said Go Travel

01/24/2025

The Adélie penguins truly captivated me. After spotting crabeater seals and blue-eyed cormorants, we rounded a rocky shoreline to find another colony of these Antarctica-exclusive penguins. Adélies are built for this icy world, their tuxedo-like feathers blending seamlessly with the dramatic Antarctic backdrop. We watched as they waddled across the rocky terrain, some carrying precious pebbles for their nests while others stood guard over fluffy gray chicks. A few adventurous penguins leapt into the icy water, their swift movements belying the harshness of their environment. These resilient birds depend on Antarctica’s pristine ecosystem to thrive. Their reliance on krill, the foundation of the food web here, makes them an important indicator of the region’s health. It felt like a privilege to witness them in action, especially since conditions like heavy ice can make reaching colonies like this impossible on some expeditions. Seeing Adélie penguins in their natural habitat, with their chicks preparing for life’s next big adventure, was a humbling reminder of how interconnected this fragile ecosystem truly is.

01/24/2025

California Coastal Cruise: Los Angeles, San Diego and Ensenada

Sailing aboard the Ruby Princess was more than just a cruise; it was a celebration of life, connections, and California’s captivating coastline. Following the adventures of San Francisco and Santa Barbara, Part Two of this journey brought more ports and unforgettable celebrations.

Sailing aboard the Ruby Princess was more than just a cruise; it was a celebration of life, connections, and California’s captivating coastline.

01/24/2025

From our zodiac, after spotting snow petrels, crabeater seals, and Adélie penguins, we were treated to the sight of blue-eyed cormorants—also known as imperial shags—nesting among the rocks and ice. At first glance, their black-and-white plumage made them look like penguins, but then they flapped their wings and soared over the icy waters. Watching them glide across the Antarctic skies was mesmerizing. These remarkable seabirds are some of the deepest-diving birds in the world, capable of plunging over 30 meters to hunt for fish and krill. The ones we saw seemed to prefer surface fishing, dipping their heads into the frigid water before shaking off and preening. Their nesting colonies are vital for raising chicks during the short Antarctic summer, and seeing them nestled among the rocky cliffs was a reminder of how perfectly adapted these creatures are to life on the edge of the world. Thanks to the expert guidance of our talented expedition guide, Mav, we could observe the cormorants up close. Their shimmering feathers, graceful movements, and synchronized calls added a magical rhythm to the Antarctic wilderness.

01/23/2025

After marveling at the crabeater seals, we rounded a rocky shoreline to discover an Adélie penguin colony—the only penguin species found exclusively in Antarctica. Watching them from our zodiac in the gentle snowfall on January 12, 2025 in the Fish Islands, we observed their distinctive black-and-white plumage as they waddled across the rocky terrain. While we had already encountered Gentoos and Chinstraps earlier in the trip, seeing Adélies felt extra special—this was the species you can only find here in Antarctica. Our onboard penguinologist, Fabrice, shared that Adélies are the second-largest penguin population in Antarctica, with over 5 million breeding pairs. He explained how their entire lifecycle is tied to the Antarctic summer, and on other sailings, rough weather or heavy ice can prevent zodiacs from reaching these colonies, making our visit an incredible privilege. Adélies are perfectly adapted to life on the iciest continent, with behaviors uniquely suited to the harsh environment. These resilient birds breed exclusively on land, and their chicks hatch after 36 days of incubation. The chicks we saw in mid-January were still covered in fluffy gray down, not yet fully grown, but already preparing for their next big milestones—molting and learning to swim. What makes Adélies so remarkable is their exclusivity: they reside solely within the Antarctic Circle. Watching them in their natural habitat—the only place on Earth where they exist—was a humbling reminder of the fragility and wonder of this remote ecosystem. Mav, our skilled zodiac guide, brought us astonishingly close to observe their behaviors. We saw parents carefully feeding chicks, penguins diving into the icy waters in search of krill, and even a few territorial squabbles as the colony buzzed with activity. Every moment was alive with the energy of nature. As we cruised back toward the Ultramarine, the snowy backdrop and the chorus of calls from the Adélie colony lingered in my mind. Seeing these penguins—the ultimate Antarctic natives—in such an untouched, pristine landscape was an unforgettable highlight of our journey.

01/23/2025

Fish Islands delivered an unforgettable wildlife experience! From the Ultramarine, we spotted many crabeater seals lounging on the ice, often in groups of three or four. These sleek seals, despite their name, don’t actually eat crabs! Their diet primarily consists of krill, which they filter with their specialized teeth—a fascinating adaptation for Antarctic waters.For our zodiac cruise with Mav, the excitement began immediately when we spotted a snow petrel. Mav explained how rare and difficult these birds are to spot due to their pure white feathers blending perfectly with the snow and ice. These stunning seabirds are true polar specialists, known for nesting on cliffs and surviving some of the harshest conditions on the planet. We continued to see countless crabeater seals, and Mav skillfully maneuvered the zodiac closer than we ever imagined possible. Being up close to these incredible creatures in their natural habitat was breathtaking. Their smooth, torpedo-shaped bodies are built for gliding through icy waters. Even more remarkable is their role in the Antarctic ecosystem. Crabeater seals are a keystone species, consuming vast amounts of krill, which helps regulate the population of this crucial crustacean. Since krill are a foundational food source for many species, including penguins, whales, and fish, crabeater seals play a critical role in maintaining the balance of this icy ecosystem. The experienced expedition guides at Quark Expeditions make all the difference—they ensure we not only see the wonders of this icy continent but also understand their significance. Oh, and fun fact: all the islands here are named after fish—Salmon, Trout, Cod, and more! Antarctica continues to amaze with its beauty, wildlife, and the incredible people who make these moments unforgettable. 🐧❄️PART one of our zodiac cruise Jan 12, 2025—stay tuned for part two when we saw Adélie penguins.

01/22/2025

Nestled between the lush Sierra Madre Mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean, Secrets Bahia Mita offers a harmonious blend of relaxation, fun, and connection. A direct flight from Los Angeles to Puerto Vallarta made getting here a breeze, setting the stage for an extraordinary escape into Unlimited Luxury.

Secrets Bahia Mita's attentive staff, breathtaking ocean views and unforgettable moments create memories that last a lifetime.

01/22/2025

Want to try something new for 2025?

Enjoy complimentary access to my class TRAVEL WRITER 101 https://buff.ly/4aplNtV.

01/22/2025

🐧🎂🗻✨ Celebrating Mike’s birthday at Balena Restaurant onboard was such a joyful part of our expedition cruising adventure. While our days have been filled with unforgettable wildlife—whales, seals, dolphins, and penguins—it’s these shared moments with new friends that add an extra layer of meaning to the journey. Carol gathered a lively group for dinner, and Peter, our outstanding maître d’, orchestrated a wonderful celebration. With the waiters singing “Happy Birthday” and presenting a beautifully crafted and cut cake, the evening was filled with laughter and camaraderie. As if the celebration weren’t enough, we were treated to breathtaking views of the Lemaire Channel during and after dinner. The glassy water reflected the towering, snow-draped peaks like a perfect mirror, creating an enchanting close to an unforgettable day. Adventure, connection, and awe-inspiring scenery—expedition cruising at its finest! 🐧🎂🗻✨

01/21/2025

🌞 Blue Skies, Sunshine, and Our First Seals! 🦭Our zodiac cruise on Jan 11, 2025 from Port Lockroy was unforgettable. We spotted seals, perfectly camouflaged on the ice and rocks. At first, they looked like giant boulders in the distance, but as we got closer, they came to life—a glimpse into Antarctica’s incredible ecosystem. Seeing them in their natural environment, surrounded by vast ice and pristine waters, was mesmerizing. I reached into the water and picked up a small piece of glacial ice—it sparkled like a frozen jewel in the sunlight. ❄️ Quark’s sea kayaking program was also out in action, giving guests the chance to paddle through these stunning landscapes for an up-close perspective. It’s amazing how Quark gets you on—and in—the water, making every moment of exploration hands-on and immersive. We also spotted a lone sailboat, a striking sight in this remote region. Between the seals, the ice, and the kayakers, the sense of adventure was palpable. Grateful for calm seas, sunshine, and this unique opportunity to connect with nature. .

01/20/2025

🏔️✨ Penguin Parade at Port Lockroy! ✨🏔️
Visiting Port Lockroy wasn’t just about hula-hooping (though that was unforgettable!); it was also an incredible opportunity to witness a penguin parade up close. 🐧 Watching these fascinating creatures waddle across the snow, tending to their nests, keeping eggs warm, or feeding their fluffy chicks, was pure magic. 🐣 Being immersed in this untamed natural world, where life thrives in one of the harshest environments on Earth, was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The way the penguins move, care for their young, and interact with their surroundings felt like stepping into a living wildlife documentary. It’s more than just an adventure—it’s a chance to observe, learn, and deeply connect with the beauty of nature in one of the most remote corners of the planet. Thank you, Quark Expeditions, for making this bucket list final continent experience possible.

01/20/2025

🏔️✨ YES, I DID IT: Hula Hooping at Port Lockroy! ✨🏔️
Not only did I visit the southernmost post office on Goudier Island, but it’s now officially my southernmost hula-hooping spot too! 🎉 With the enthusiastic permission of the amazing local team, our expedition leader Ryan (who joined in on the fun), and under the watchful eye of Fabrice, our chief penguinologist, I HOOPED in Antarctica! 🐧❄️
And let me tell you—while I thought I’d be hooping like nobody was watching, I actually had the most adorable audience: penguins and their fluffy chicks! 🐣🐧 Their curious little stares, chirps, and waddles made the moment even more magical.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience was filled with laughter, joy, and a whole lot of Quark Expeditions spirit. A massive thank-you to everyone aboard the Ultramarine for supporting this playful and silly dream. Because even at the edge of the world, you’ve got to hoop like the penguins are watching!

01/19/2025

I was thrilled to be invited to join Loraine Ballard Morrill on her iHeartRadio show, where she generously called me a "travel guru" during our conversation about my memoir, Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents, and Feeling Fearless After Fifty.

01/15/2025

Embarking on a California Coastal Cruise aboard the Ruby Princess was both a heartwarming reunion and an exhilarating new adventure. Returning to Princess Cruises, where I loved working, brought back cherished memories, but this time, I was a guest having a reunion with friends who are like family.

My California Coastal Cruise on Ruby Princess included incredible experiences in iconic destinations like San Francisco and Santa Barbara.

01/13/2025

Discover Your Brave-ish Spirit with Lisa Niver

I am incredibly honored to be invited to speak at the 103-year-old Adventurers' Club! Please join me on February 13th for a special Galentine’s Day gathering, where we’ll celebrate the spirit of adventure.

I am incredibly honored to be invited to speak at the 103-year-old Adventurers' Club! Please join me on February 13th for a special Galentine’s Day gathering, where we’ll celebrate the spirit of adventure.