Island Immersion

Island Immersion Customized small group travel, organized immersive voyages, and language training in French, Spanish, and English.
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POV: you’re hunkering down for your first night at  . 🌙✨Hacienda Venecia is in the Coffee Region of Colombia, close to S...
08/01/2024

POV: you’re hunkering down for your first night at . 🌙✨

Hacienda Venecia is in the Coffee Region of Colombia, close to Salento in Quindío. ☕ It's a beautiful spot surrounded by coffee farms and stunning scenery. If you’re exploring the area, it’s definitely worth a visit!

Island Immersion had the pleasure of visiting Hacienda Venecia as part of Island Immersion’s Café y Caminatas Colombia deep dive adventure. We can't wait to go back and for you to join us too!

☕️ ☕️

Rue des Basques, the best place to bask in the Basque vibes. 😎✨Rue de Basques in Saint-Pierre, part of Saint Pierre and ...
07/31/2024

Rue des Basques, the best place to bask in the Basque vibes. 😎✨

Rue de Basques in Saint-Pierre, part of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, is a cool street that showcases the island's strong Basque roots. 🌿 This street stretches from the port to near Hotel Robert, which has a fun historical tidbit about being connected to Al Capone during Prohibition. The Basque influence here goes way back to the 1400s when Europeans first started fishing in the Grand Banks, and today, about 30% of the locals have Basque ancestry. 🤓

While it’s not the Caribbean or a metropolitan city, Saint Pierre is definitely off the beaten path. Take a peek at some our favorite shots from our time at Saint Pierre's Rue des Basques! 💖

The Olympics Summer Games 2024 are upon us! 🥇🚴‍♂️🏋️‍♂️Although we’re not at the summer games, Island Immersion had an am...
07/26/2024

The Olympics Summer Games 2024 are upon us! 🥇🚴‍♂️🏋️‍♂️

Although we’re not at the summer games, Island Immersion had an amazing time in a little-known French archipelago called Saint-Pierre and Miquelon! 💙🤍❤️

Saint Pierre and Miquelon is just like France. They use the euro, follow French laws, and have the same education and healthcare systems. They also celebrate French holidays and speak French, so it really feels like a little piece of France. And it’s amazingly colorful! Take a look at some of our favorite shots from our time there. 📸💖

🤔 What summer games are you looking forward to watching? Comment below!

"Viajar es vivir." 🌱This Spanish phrase means "To travel is to live," and it really captures the magic of travel. ✨Trave...
07/24/2024

"Viajar es vivir." 🌱

This Spanish phrase means "To travel is to live," and it really captures the magic of travel. ✨

Travel isn't just about seeing new places; it's about diving into the culture, meeting the locals, and really getting a feel for their everyday life. 🌼 It’s about trying new foods, learning new customs, and experiencing life from a different perspective. 🎈

When we fully immerse ourselves in a new place, we step out of our comfort zones and embrace the unexpected, which can be incredibly rewarding. Traveling like this makes us feel more alive, opening our eyes to the amazing diversity in the world and leaving us with unforgettable memories. 💖

🤓 Fun fact: this amazing scenery is from Island Immersion’s Café y Caminatas Colombia deep dive adventure, where we visited Colombian coffee farms, traversed lush, peaceful valleys, and connected with the local community.

Here at Island Immersion, we wish you and your loved ones an amazing immersive experience and safe travels on your next adventure! 🌎

Here at Island Immersion, we’re known for our small group deep dives, where we take the wheel and plan the adventure for...
07/18/2024

Here at Island Immersion, we’re known for our small group deep dives, where we take the wheel and plan the adventure for our travelers with a focus on cultural, environmental, and linguistic immersion. ✨✈️

But did you know that we’re also experts in composing the perfect itineraries for private groups? 🤔That’s right, we create private customized travel for adventurous small groups. These private adventures are perfect for special interest groups, study abroad, retreats, families, and couples. 👯‍♀️👯 We will work with you to tailor your ideal itinerary!

👋 If you and your family or close companions are looking for a one-of-a-kind immersive trip, where you’ll connect with the destination’s the locals, culture, nature and art, don’t hesitate to reach out to Island Immersion to get started on planning! 💖

👉Check out our website (link in bio) to learn more about our private adventures!

📸 Photo credit:

Happy World Emoji Day!  🥳🤩🤓Emojis have transformed digital communication, adding color, emotion, and personality to our ...
07/17/2024

Happy World Emoji Day! 🥳🤩🤓

Emojis have transformed digital communication, adding color, emotion, and personality to our messages. 😎 And emojis transcend language! Emojis are fun, easy-to-understand symbols that everyone gets, no matter where they're from.

What are your favorite emojis that you use to express yourself? 🤔 Comment below!

📸This photo was taken by of this fun mural by located in Kadıköy on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. Fun fact, graffiti in Istanbul is a vibrant and evolving art form that can be found throughout Istanbul, especially in neighborhoods like Kadıköy! The street art scene blends traditional Turkish elements with contemporary styles, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage and modern urban energy. These murals and tags add color and character to the urban landscape, making Istanbul a dynamic canvas that showcases both local talent and international influences.

Foodie shots from our latest trip to Saint Pierre & Miquelon! 😋We got a pizza from Café de la Gare, right next to Nuits ...
07/12/2024

Foodie shots from our latest trip to Saint Pierre & Miquelon! 😋

We got a pizza from Café de la Gare, right next to Nuits Saint Pierre. It was delicious! 🍕 We got the Campagnarde pizza, with potatoes, creme fraiche, onions, and bacon. In the cold weather, these hearty pizzas were amazing. We also got other amazing dishes (and drinks) that kept our bellies warm.

The food in Saint Pierre is a great mix of French flavors and fresh seafood from the North Atlantic. You’ll find lots of dishes featuring cod and lobster, whether it’s in tasty stews, savory pies, or simply grilled. French touches are everywhere, from creamy sauces to delicious pastries and a variety of cheeses. The island's food scene also makes good use of local produce and herbs, giving everything a fresh, seasonal taste. Eating in Saint Pierre is all about enjoying French-inspired meals with the fresh, hearty flavors of the sea.

💖Follow to see more of our adventures in Saint Pierre & Miquelon!

Travel far, travel wide, and let nature be your guide. 🍃🌱✈️💖 Let Island Immersion guide you to your next immersive adven...
07/11/2024

Travel far, travel wide, and let nature be your guide. 🍃🌱

✈️💖 Let Island Immersion guide you to your next immersive adventure! Island Immersion is for the global citizen who seeks to dive deep into the cultural, ecological, and linguistic wonders of their destinations while also connecting with nature. World exploration is about stepping out of your comfort zone, so immersing yourself in nature and experiencing something will expand your mind. We also plan tailored and customized small group travel, escorted Deep Dive voyages, and language training in French, Spanish, and English.

Expand your world with Island Immersion!

“It is on the road that my inner voice speaks the loudest and my heart beats the strongest.” (author unknown) 🌸What an a...
07/06/2024

“It is on the road that my inner voice speaks the loudest and my heart beats the strongest.” (author unknown) 🌸

What an amazing way to express the feeling of travel. How does travel make YOU feel? Comment below!

Amazing shot by Quang Nguyen Vinh

Happy Friday! We made it to the weekend! 😂🥳Today we’re looking back at Adrian’s amazing Mexico trip. Here’s what he had ...
07/05/2024

Happy Friday! We made it to the weekend! 😂🥳

Today we’re looking back at Adrian’s amazing Mexico trip. Here’s what he had to say about his experience with Island Immersion in Mexico 💚🤍❤️:

“Traveling with Kathy is an absolute joy and dream! She is incredibly kind, generous, and knowledgeable about the places she travels. She is cognizant and respectful of local cultures and practices, finding wonderful small businesses to support and local areas to explore. Kathy is an incredible linguist and makes traveling in areas of other languages an absolute breeze. I loved every moment of the trip with Kathy to Mexico and cannot wait to travel with her again!! She planned every detail of the trip and made it an absolutely magical experience. I cannot recommend her highly enough to help immerse you in your next adventure! Five stars all the way.”

💙 Thank you, Adrian! It was a real pleasure to travel with you to Mexico. Thanks for being such an awesome Island Immersion traveler - full of enthusiasm and genuine interest for our host destination - and thanks for celebrating your birthday abroad with us!! We hope you will join us on more trips in the future!

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Take a peek at this sign spotted on the latest trip to Saint Pierre & Miquelon. "Seul, on va plus vite; ensemble, on va ...
06/28/2024

Take a peek at this sign spotted on the latest trip to Saint Pierre & Miquelon. "Seul, on va plus vite; ensemble, on va plus loin" is a French proverb that translates to "Alone, we go faster; together, we go further." 💪

⛵️🌟 The phrase encapsulates the essence of life in Saint Pierre and Miquelon in these three ways:

☝ Survival and Resilience: Historically, the survival and development of Saint Pierre and Miquelon have depended heavily on communal efforts. The harsh maritime environment required collective action for fishing, trade, and protection against natural elements and external threats. Working together ensured the community could sustain itself and thrive despite challenges.

✌ Preservation of Traditions: The preservation of French, Basque, and Newfoundland influences within the islands' culture relies on the collective effort of the community. Celebrations, traditional music, and local cuisine are sustained and passed down through generations by communal participation, ensuring these cultural elements continue.

👌 Economic Sustainability: In today's context, Saint Pierre and Miquelon benefit from cooperative ventures to sustain their economy. Tourism, for example, thrives on the collective efforts of local businesses, lodges, and community services working together to provide a cohesive and attractive experience for visitors.

Follow to learn more about our latest trip to Saint Pierre & Miquelon!

Happy Thursday, everyone! It's almost the weekend. 🥳Today’s we’re revisiting Jennifer’s experience with Island Immersion...
06/27/2024

Happy Thursday, everyone! It's almost the weekend. 🥳

Today’s we’re revisiting Jennifer’s experience with Island Immersion in French Polynesia. 🏝✨ Here’s what she had to say:

“Kathy at Island Immersion has woven her love of travel, language and culture together and created amazing travel experiences for her clients. If you are looking to find the perfect way to get "off the beaten path" and truly discover the heart of a place, and it’s culture.... Island Immersion has nailed it. After 5 days in French Polynesia with Kathy and her group, I began asking myself where I would go with them next year. Superb. Thanks Kathy!”

💖 Thanks so much for your feedback, Jennifer! Can’t wait to see you again in French Polynesia!

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It's summerrrrr!! ☀️The first day of summer, also known as the summer solstice, occurs around June 21st in the Northern ...
06/20/2024

It's summerrrrr!! ☀️

The first day of summer, also known as the summer solstice, occurs around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere, marking the longest day and shortest night of the year. This day symbolizes the beginning of the warmest season, filled with sunlight and outdoor activities! ✨🌞

Summer an ideal time for family trips, as schools are typically on break and the weather is perfect for vacations. You and your family can take advantage of this time to explore new destinations, enjoy beach outings, go camping, or visit amusement parks, creating lasting memories. 👨‍👩‍👦 The extended daylight hours provide more time for activities and adventures, making the first day of summer a perfect launchpad for family bonding and exploration.

Beautiful photo by

Happy International Picnic Day! 🥳International Picnic Day is celebrated annually on June 18th and dedicated to enjoying ...
06/18/2024

Happy International Picnic Day! 🥳

International Picnic Day is celebrated annually on June 18th and dedicated to enjoying outdoor meals and the beauty of nature with family and friends. It encourages people to step outside their daily routines, embrace the simplicity of sharing food in a natural setting, and appreciate the environment. 🌱

Immersive travel, which focuses on engaging deeply with a destination's culture, landscape, and community, aligns perfectly with the spirit of International Picnic Day. By participating in local customs, savoring regional delicacies, and exploring scenic spots, travelers can experience a destination more intimately and authentically, transforming a simple picnic into a meaningful cultural immersion. 💖

Amazing shots by:

Maritime vibes in Saint-Pierre & Miquelon ⛴✨🌊Saint Pierre & Miquelon (SPM) is an archipelago and French territorial coll...
06/15/2024

Maritime vibes in Saint-Pierre & Miquelon ⛴✨🌊

Saint Pierre & Miquelon (SPM) is an archipelago and French territorial collectivity off of Newfoundland, Canada. It is France - the currency is the euro, the language spoken is French, it is governmentally an extension of France. 💙🤍❤️

It’s not easy to get to! There are few flights a week to Saint Pierre from Montreal, Halifax, St. John’s, and even Paris in the summer months. ✈️ There is also a ferry from Fortune, Newfoundland. We took the ferry. We flew Montreal to St. John’s, rented a car, drove 4 hours down to Fortune, and took the ferry to Saint Pierre.

Follow for more glimpses into our SPM adventure! 🤓

Feeling blue never felt so good! 💙💖 In Saint Pierre we stayed at Nuits Saint-Pierre, a lovely B&B in the heart of town. ...
06/13/2024

Feeling blue never felt so good! 💙

💖 In Saint Pierre we stayed at Nuits Saint-Pierre, a lovely B&B in the heart of town.
It’s located in a beautifully restored heritage building in Saint Pierre with beautiful blue exterior details, just minutes from the ferry terminal and steps away from restaurants and shopping.

Host Michel was wonderfully hospitable. We got fresh boulangerie items every morning for breakfast - he even delivered breakfast to us one morning at the ferry terminal when we took the ferry to Miquelon! 🥖✨

Thank you to for the wonderful stay!

Follow for more on our adventure through Saint Pierre and Miquelon!

Happy World Environment day! 🌎💙🌄 World Environment Day, celebrated every June 5th, is the United Nations' flagship event...
06/05/2024

Happy World Environment day! 🌎💙

🌄 World Environment Day, celebrated every June 5th, is the United Nations' flagship event for igniting global awareness and action to safeguard our planet. Since its inception in 1972, this day has championed diverse themes like plastic pollution and ecosystem restoration, each year bringing fresh focus to critical environmental issues.

🌱 The theme for World Environment Day 2024 is "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience," emphasizing the need to restore degraded land and enhance resilience to drought conditions.

🚶‍♀️✈️ Immersive travel emphasizes deep engagement with local cultures and ecosystems and aligns perfectly with World Environment Day by fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world and promoting sustainable practices. By choosing immersive travel experiences, individuals can contribute to environmental conservation while enjoying a richer, more meaningful connection to the places they visit.

📩 DM us to connect and learn how you can travel mindfully and help save Mother Earth!

📸 Beautiful shots by .ai

Happy World Bicycle Day! 🚴‍♀️🚲 Did you know that World Bicycle Day was established relatively recently, in 2018? The day...
06/03/2024

Happy World Bicycle Day! 🚴‍♀️

🚲 Did you know that World Bicycle Day was established relatively recently, in 2018? The day was chosen to celebrate the bicycle's unique, long-standing role as a simple, affordable, and environmentally sustainable mode of transportation.

🌄 Embracing this day by choosing to cycle encourages mindful travel, where the journey becomes as enriching as the destination! Cycling lets travelers immerse themselves in their surroundings, promoting physical health, reducing environmental impact, and fostering a deeper connection with local communities. This conscious approach to travel underscores the importance of sustainable and reflective practices in our everyday lives.

❤ Follow for more on immersive and mindful travel!

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Thank goodness it’s Thursday! With the end of the week in sight, we always love looking back at the memories we made wit...
05/30/2024

Thank goodness it’s Thursday! With the end of the week in sight, we always love looking back at the memories we made with all of you. 📸

This , we’re reminiscing on Isabelle’s amazing trip in Costa Rica. Here’s what she had to say about her experience:

“Kathy planned my Costa Rica trip and I don’t think I will ever plan another trip without her again! We have never been to Central America, so the idea of coordinating transports and excursions was very intimidating. Kathy took care of all the worry and stress and presented us with a picture perfect vacation itinerary! She listened carefully to what we wanted to do, and tried her best to fix any problems that came along the way. Even while we were on the trip, she checked in with us to make sure we were ok! We felt taken care of while being thousands of miles away from home! We can’t wait to hire her again for our next adventure!”

💓 Isabelle, thanks so much for your amazing feedback. Can’t wait to plan another trip with you!

Being a mindful traveler involves making conscious choices that respect the environment, local cultures, and the signifi...
05/29/2024

Being a mindful traveler involves making conscious choices that respect the environment, local cultures, and the significance of the places you visit. 🪷

Here are three tips to help you travel mindfully:

☝️ Respect Local Cultures and Customs
Understanding and respecting the customs, traditions, and norms of the destination you’re visiting is crucial for mindful travel. Learn about the cultural norms, traditions, and etiquette of your destination, like dress codes, social behaviors, and local customs. Once you’re there, interact with locals in a respectful and courteous manner. Show interest in their culture and traditions, and be open to learning from them. And patronize local shops, restaurants, and services to help support the local economy.

✌️Practice Sustainable Travel
Sustainable travel minimizes your environmental footprint and helps preserve the natural beauty and resources of your destination. Stay at hotels or lodgings that follow sustainable practices, like reducing waste, conserving water, and using renewable energy sources. Reduce waste by a reusable water bottle, bags, and utensils to minimize single-use plastics. Turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when not in use, and take shorter showers.

👌Be Present and Reflective
Mindful travel is also about being fully present in your experiences and taking time to reflect on them. Avoid rushing through your itinerary. Take time to truly experience each place you visit, savoring the moments and interactions. Take moments throughout your trip to reflect on your experiences and express gratitude for the opportunity to travel and learn.

Interested in learning about more ways you can be a mindful traveler? Connect with us ASAP to start gathering ideas on your next mindful trip!

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Happy Memorial Day, everyone! ❤️🤍💙Memorial Day is a time to honor those who died in military service, but it's also the ...
05/27/2024

Happy Memorial Day, everyone! ❤️🤍💙

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who died in military service, but it's also the unofficial start of summer and a great chance for a long weekend trip.

Whether you're hitting the beach, exploring a new city, or enjoying nature, it's a perfect time to travel. You can make your trip more meaningful by visiting memorials or historical sites to remember the holiday's significance. It's a great way to combine fun and reflection and to make the most of the holiday weekend.

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Exploring Kauai's majestic mountains and rich culture - where every view tells a story of heritage and beauty. ⛰✨🌱🌲Kauai...
05/23/2024

Exploring Kauai's majestic mountains and rich culture - where every view tells a story of heritage and beauty. ⛰✨

🌱🌲Kauai's mountains aren't just a backdrop; they're integral to the island's identity. From the rugged cliffs of the Na Pali Coast to the lush peaks of Waimea Canyon, these geological wonders shape both the landscape and the culture. They're integral to the island's ecosystem, influencing weather patterns, nurturing diverse flora and fauna, and providing vital resources. They’re also believed to be the dwelling places of Hawaiian gods and goddesses, and their peaks and valleys are dotted with ancient sites, heiaus (temples), and petroglyphs, serving as tangible connections to the island's rich heritage.

☀🌈 Join Island Immersion from June 12-19, 2024 on our Hawaii Deep Dive and get up close and personal with Kauai’s majestic mountains! Our Hawaiian journey begins and coincides with FestPAC in Waikiki, Oahu. We’ll be exploring the FestPAC traditional wa’a (dugout canoes) in Kualoa, exploring Oahu’s glistening North Shore, and visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center for a luau and evening show. We’ll continue our journey in Kauai to explore its serene coastlines and indulge in a river cruise.

📸 Amazing shot by

Wa’a: where tradition meets art & sport. 🛶✨🌈🌊⛵️Wa'a, often referred to as outrigger canoes, are traditional Polynesian w...
05/21/2024

Wa’a: where tradition meets art & sport. 🛶✨

🌈🌊⛵️Wa'a, often referred to as outrigger canoes, are traditional Polynesian watercraft characterized by their stability and versatility. These vessels, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, feature an outrigger float attached to the main hull to enhance stability in rough seas. Wa'a play a significant role in Polynesian culture, serving as both practical transportation and symbols of community and heritage.

🌺☀️Join Island Immersion and experience true aloha from June 12-19, 2024 on our Hawaii Deep Dive where we’ll be exploring the FestPAC traditional wa’a (dugout canoes) in Kualoa, exploring Oahu’s glistening North Shore, and visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center for a luau and evening show. We’ll continue our journey in Kauai to explore its serene coastlines and indulge in a river cruise.
DM us or click our link in bio to learn more!

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Happy  ! 🥳😊 We’d like to take this opportunity to revisit Kelley’s recent trip to Baja California Sur just this past Mar...
05/16/2024

Happy ! 🥳😊 We’d like to take this opportunity to revisit Kelley’s recent trip to Baja California Sur just this past March. Here’s what she had to say:

“Kathy is amazing! I contacted her about planning a 40th birthday trip to Baja to see whale sharks and she took every wish and made it a reality! Every detail was arranged perfectly so we could just land in Mexico and enjoy the trip without all the stress of arranging transportation, accommodations, or excursions! I highly recommended Island Immersion for anyone looking to truly experience a destination without all the challenges of planning an itinerary for your group!”

💙 Thank you so much, Kelley! It was an honor planning this trip for you. Baja California Sur is one of my favorite places and I’m so glad you enjoyed ringing in your birthday there among whale sharks, sea lions, and great friends.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hawaiian dance at FestPac 2024, where tradition meets innovation in a mesmer...
05/13/2024

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Hawaiian dance at FestPac 2024, where tradition meets innovation in a mesmerizing fusion of movement and culture. 🌊💃

FestPAC 2024 is a lively gathering where Pacific Islander cultures shine through art, music, dance, and storytelling. It's a vibrant celebration of diversity and heritage, offering engaging performances and exhibitions that foster connections across borders.

🌈🌊 Join Island Immersion and experience true aloha from June 12-19, 2024 on our Hawaii Deep Dive! Our Hawaiian journey coincides with FestPAC in Waikiki, Oahu. We’ll be exploring the FestPAC traditional wa’a (dugout canoes) in Kualoa, exploring Oahu’s glistening North Shore, and visiting the Polynesian Cultural Center for a luau and evening show. We’ll continue our journey in Kauai to explore its serene coastlines and indulge in a river cruise.

🤙 DM us or click our link in bio to learn more!

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There’s no better way to celebrate the warmer weather and   than to reminisce back to Adrian’s trip to the vibrant, dive...
05/09/2024

There’s no better way to celebrate the warmer weather and than to reminisce back to Adrian’s trip to the vibrant, diverse, and lively Mexico! 💚🤍❤️

Here’s what she had to say:

“Traveling with Kathy is an absolute joy and dream! She is incredibly kind, generous, and knowledgeable about the places she travels. She is cognizant and respectful of local cultures and practices, finding wonderful small businesses to support and local areas to explore. Kathy is an incredible linguist and makes traveling in areas of other languages an absolute breeze. I loved every moment of the trip with Kathy to Mexico and cannot wait to travel with her again!! She planned every detail of the trip and made it an absolutely magical experience. I cannot recommend her highly enough to help immerse you in your next adventure! Five stars all the way.”

😄🫶Thank you so much for your glowing feedback, Adrian! Can’t wait to travel with you again soon.

Happy National Teacher Day!To celebrate, we’re revisiting Keenon’s experience with Island Immersion during his study-abr...
05/03/2024

Happy National Teacher Day!

To celebrate, we’re revisiting Keenon’s experience with Island Immersion during his study-abroad program in France. Here’s what Keenon had to say:

“I coordinated a semester-long study abroad program in the heart of France and Kathy was the sole French professor during that time. I saw Kathy connect with the students and nourish their desire to learn the language and culture to relate to the villagers around them. I believe anyone studying with her will gain a newfound appreciation for education and travel.”

Thanks so much for your amazing feedback, Keenon. Happy National Teacher Day from Island Immersion to all teachers near and far!

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