Vacation shouldn't be just a trip. Every vacation should be an event that you remember for years to
Ready for a new travel destination? One of the emerging destinations is Colombia! You remember the Colombia of the 1970s thru the mid-2010s, but that's no longer the Colombia you will find now. Join me in discovering how this country has changed from someone who lived through these challenging times in Medellin as a child in this virtual presentation.
To register, email [email protected].
I just got a very strange notification from Facebook on my business page and clicked on a link included. The notficatuon said there was suspicious activity coming from my Wizard of Odysseys page had been suspended (page is still active). Please be careful of any messages you received we I've from me or Wizard of Odysseys please report.
Another milestone!
You asked and so I got them! Solo travelers also have great rates for Wizard of Odysseys expedition to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands! Don't sit around with turkeys this Thanksgiving - celebrate with penguins!
Life is an adventure. Would you be willing to be this adventurous? This is the Star Lodge between Cusco and Macho Picchu so what a trip this would be!
It's time to explore! Join Wizard of Odysseys in Antarctica this Thanksgiving!
Please be advised that current processing time for a standard passport renewal is 8-11 weeks. Even expedited processing is taking 5-7 weeks. Please check your passport and know when you need to renew. If you are within 9 months, start getting items required to renew and apply long before the expiration date.
Be forewarned - Mexico's new anti-smoking law, one of the strictest in the world, now forbids smoking in public places including beaches, parks, hotels, shopping centers, and entertainment venues in addition to its ban on smoking in restaurants and bars. Essentially, smoking in almost all urban settings outside the home is prohibited.
Few areas of this world are as pristine, serene, and awe-inspiring as Antarctica. This isn't just another trip, it's an adventure, but without the months at sea, fear of scurvy, or crowded conditions that the explorers of the past endured.
Skeptical if this is an adventure for you or just curious? Join Pat Ogle-Collins of Wizard of Odysseys, just back from Antarctica, and Hurtigruten Expeditions for a virtual event on 18 Jan 2023 at 7:30 pm about this destination like no other.
Grab your sense of adventure, your beverage of choice, and leave your cold weather gear behind to join the fun!
IMPORTANT: Recently I noticed changes regarding vaccination for hepatitis A and B on the CDC website for many European countries. I discussed this recently with a medical provider to clarify. The CDC now recommends that all individuals (travelers and non-travelers) be vaccinated for hepatitis B and most travelers should get hepatitis A. Wizard of Odysseys clients that travel internationally receive this information, but those travelling in the US should also discuss this with their physician considering the CDC guidance and prevalence of hepatitis A across the US.
As if anyone needs any more reasons to go to the Great Barrier Reek and coastal Queensland. South of the Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach lies Cape Hillsborough National Park full of diverse habitats and wildlife. Rainforests, mangroves, eucalyptus forests, and rocky headlands can all be found here. And at sunrise, the wallabies and kangaroos visit the beach. Seems to me that there is nothing more quintessentially Australian than this. I’m ready to return!
For a cruise that isn’t your typical cruise, the fjords of Norway provide day after day of breathtaking scenery. Ships, that formerly carried not only passengers but mail, stop at small little towns so you get a feel for life in this northern area of the world. A bucket-list destination for you, perhaps?
How many times has someone said to you “Don’t you see it?” meaning some shape in a cloud, rock formation, or something else. No denying this lizard, called Lizard Rock in Isalo National Park. Known for its real-life reptiles like the white-lipped bright-eyed frog, the Madagascar boa, and the Malagasy rainbow frog, its scenery, often compared to that of the American Southwest, make hiking a popular activity.
Many know of the cave paintings in the Dordogne area of France. Don’t forget Spain! The walls of the Altamira Cave in northern Span along with 17 adjoining caves in the complex contain well-preserved paintings from the Paleolithic period when early many recorded sightings and encounters with animals. To think that a person created these works of art 13,000-14,000 years ago boggles my mind when my childhood seems like an eternity ago!
The largest city in Mozambique, Maputo bustles like other African cities. Known for its deepwater port, it serves as a major trading center for much of the southwest area of Africa. Yet, the countries sparkling white sand beaches and teal blue waters that draw so many to this country – a restful stop after many a safari. But this old Portuguese city of Maputo deserves a stop as well for its history, culture, and friendly people.
Oh, how many times have I heard, “Colombia? Really?” Yes, Colombia, really! And Cartagena is a good place to start with its increasing frequency on cruise ship itineraries. A colonial town on the Caribbean coast the city is full of old stone walls, Spanish-inspired architecture, colorful streets, and gorgeous beaches. Plus, for now, you may get some bragging rights. But it won’t take long for others to find out. Go now.
Aussies definitely love their sweeets! Not only are they crazy about Tim Tams, their beloved chocolate-covered cookies, but for a more elegant treat, try lamingtons. Named after Lord Lamington, this chocolate-covered sponge cake is rolled in grated coconut. Lore has it that the Lord had unexpected guests and the chef only these ingredients to prepare a dessert. Major cities all have their lists for the best places, so you can do an extended tasting tour. Just remember to pack a slightly larger size pair of pants for later in your “tour.”
The Chapelle de Sainte Marin near Bordeaux on the Bay of Arcachon may seem out of place with it Moorish features. But it is now all that is left of the estate of an Algerian that included a Moorish villa in addition to other buildings. Restored in the last 20 years it functions again hosting celebrations like weddings and baptisms. It’s location right on the bay makes for a stunning location and contrasts.
Africa’s children always seem ready to welcome tourists from around the world. You often encounter youngsters who are curious and happy to see those interested in their country. Generally, it feels that they just want to be seen and acknowledged, usually nothing more than that. In Cape Town many years ago, two girls about my son’s age of 13, wanted nothing more than for him to take their picture. They didn’t want the picture; they just wanted their picture taken. Once done, they smiled and walked away. Their small way of saying we exist, we matter and we were part of your journey. For us, their persistence and their smiles have lasted in our memory. They did matter.
I knew Blue-Footed Bo***es existed, but I never thought their feet were really, really blue. I was wrong! Just one of the many, many reasons to go to the Galapagos. Never high on my list of destinations, it was one of the best trips I have taken. Spending a week on the water, snorkeling almost every day, many days never seeing anyone else but those with whom you are traveling, seeing wildlife undisturbed in their environment, and feeling like I was truly a guest in theirs! Go once and perhaps you may just want to go back again. I do!
Bucket list alert! When I say Ghan train, where do you think? Asia, Middle East, India? Think Australia? Yep, the Ghan is one of the famous train journeys of the world, traveling across Australia’s Outback from Darwin to Adelaide. Originally called the Afghan Express after Afghan camel drivers who assisted the British in their exploration of the interior. What a terrific way to see an area of Australia in 48 hrs that many never see!
Ever been someplace and wondered how you missed something? Raising my hand here. The Valley of the Mills is urban ruins deep in a crevasse in Sorrento, Italy. The crevasse is a result of a volcanic eruption thousands of years ago. Flour mills were built in the crevasse starting back in the 10ths century because of the rivers that flowed thru. But in the 1860s, the building of the Piazza Tasso cut the flow of water. Now the area is overgrown with ferns and other vegetation, providing a beautiful and somewhat eerie view of the past.
Many call the Luangwa River Valley, the real Africa. One of the major contributors of the mighty Zambezi River, and features of both Luangwa National Parks, you’ll find plenty of wildlife, including elephant, giraffe, buffalo, hyena, baboon, zebra, monkey, and more as well as over 400 species of birds. Best yet, South Luangwa is known for its walking safaris for a totally different kind of experience. And you get these gorgeous sunsets. Ready? I’m only a phone call away to make it happen! Those that have gone on safari come back saying they wish they had done it sooner.
Bucket list alert! Ushuaia, Argentina – the southernmost city in the world! Not only is this the gateway port to Antarctica, but it’s also a city worth visiting in its own right. Gorgeous scenery, king crabs, winter sports (to escape North American summers), and best of all – penguins! Most are Gentoo and Magellanic penguins, but on occasion, Emperor penguins from Antarctica can be found!
Don’t you want to pick up this little guy and squeeze him? Even the name of this creature – a wombat – makes me smile. And where do you find this stubby, short-legged creature? Australia, of course. They seem to have cornered the market on uniquely cute critters. They’re different in another very special way – they’re the only animals that p**p cubes! Bet you didn’t need to know that, huh!
**p
Located between two churches, the house in between may be the world’s most difficult-to-find house. Located in Porto, Portugal, the house, occupied until the 1980s, now provides a home to a museum. Why build a house here? No one really knows but there is speculation that there was a law that churches could not share walls at one time. If nothing else, you wouldn’t accumulate much living here!
Known for its striking landscapes, the Spitzkoppe, located under 2 hours from Swakopmund, these granite peaks rises to create its own dramatic vista. For mountain climbers, the steep ascent has been achieved by only about 600 people. Yet the surroundings still provide wonderful trails for those looking for easier challenges. And all around, you will find rock paintings, reminding you that you aren’t the only people to have enjoyed the area. Bushman traversed the area long before you - an area so humbling in so many ways!
Think Incan ruins and you think Machu Picchu and Peru, right? Ok, but Ecuador has the Incan ruins too. The Ingapirca ruins are the largest in the country and the only elyptical Incan temple in South America. Best part? These ruins are easily accessible from the city of Cuenca, about 1.5 hrs away!
One of the best parts of traveling is exploring the food! And the fun part of exploring the food is the snacks! Cookies, chips, candy, crackers, and more. Perusing the grocery store aisle for what to try is a treat on its own. Jaffas in New Zealand gives you sweet and crunch and for me, there’s no better combination than orange and chocolate (well, maybe brown sugar and butter :0 ). What snack you have found traveling that you love?
A town nestled on a strip of land between two alpine lacks – what else would you call such a town, but Interlaken. Up in Switzerland’s Alps, this pretty town is the perfect base for excursions to surrounding peaks by train, cable car, and funicular while ships and paddle steamers ferry you across the neighboring lakes. And with so much gorgeous scenery, you won’t be able to help but yodel!
Oak Hill, VA
20171
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Life is an adventure. Would you be willing to be this adventurous? This is the Star Lodge between Cusco and Macho Picchu so what a trip this would be!
Some answers to questions about the return to travel.
