Summer 2024 / Amazing Adventures Await

AMAZING ADVENTURES AWAIT

The planning & anticipation are over. Now for the actual journey. Bags are packed. Travel documents in the carryon. Credit cards & some cash. Passport & boarding passes. Check. Check. And Check. Ready to go!

 

I was off on a long overdue adventure.

Reclaiming “Lost” Travels

I started thinking back to my own travels that did NOT happen for whatever reason. A trip to South Africa 10 years (2014) that completely fell apart. My confirmed Japan Getaway (May 2020) & Canada Rail Getaway (June 2022) that were both casualties of the pandemic era. And a few others I recalled once I ventured down Memory Lane.

 

Well, you achieve what you focus on. Ask me about the Canadian Rockies by Rail in May & Southern Africa in June of this year. My Japan Getaway remains t0 be reinstated. What do YOU still have on a list? And WHAT are you waiting for?

AFRICA AMAZING
A vast & varied continent with 54 countries. It is a major Bucket List Trip for many serious world travelers. However, I’ve discovered there are many misconceptions about travel to Africa. Take a closer look & it will surprise & delight you.

Colorful Capetown
Q: Isn’t Africa travel just about safaris?
A: No. There’s so much more to see/do.

A range of landscapes from city to savanna to sea. Ancient civilizations, colonial history & cultural traditions. Vibrant arts & regional cuisines. Wildlife in their natural environment. I’ve traveled all 4 cardinal directions in Africa – North, South, East & West – and arranged itineraries combining all the components. Here’s a quick overview of my recent travels. 

South Africa Land Safari
Q: What are “The Big Five” (safari animals)?
A: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo & rhino.

Q: WHY should we consider a safari?
A: It’s Acute. Sensory. Unpredictable.

 

It requires being fully present in the moment. With real life unfolding around you in real time. Unlike a zoo, you are visiting animals where they live freely, doing what they do naturally. It’s utterly MESMERIZING & you’ll find yourself wanting 1 more day, just 1 more day. Honestly, my photos & videos don’t quite capture the experiences. And some – like a lioness with 3 cubs well hidden in a bush – can only be savored in personal memory. It has to be experienced firsthand.

Q: WHAT is a typical day on safari like?

A: 6 am. Up early for the morning game drive in search of the Big Five and more. The wildlife guides & trackers communicate with each other &  seek the best viewing opportunities. Private reserves are focused on conservation so there is an abundance of wildlife.

9 am Return for a full breakfast with time to enjoy other midday activities. Perhaps a guided walking safari?

4 pm. Out again for an evening game drive. While some animals are active during the day, others are on the prowl at dusk & night. We were lucky to see the elusive leopard on our very last night. The experienced drivers get you as close as they can while respecting the wildlife & keeping people safe.

7 pm. Back at the lodge for a leisurely multi-course gourmet dinner & perhaps some entertainment. Or stories shared around a fire pit reviewing the day’s highlights with other travelers from all over the world.

Hello Handsome
This magnificent (male) leopard emerged from the brush & stayed for several minutes while we watched in complete silence. Then he nonchalantly turned & strolled back into cover & darkness. I felt faint from holding my breath for so long. He was the last of my Big Five!

 

Safari Chic
Q: Will we be to “roughing it” out in the wild?
A: Nope. Not at all. Quite the opposite.
See 3 unique examples below.

 

Airy. Open. Modern. The better safari lodges are placed in prime locations & beautifully designed with all the creature comforts & more. They include gourmet meals, a full bar service, even afternoon tea, swimming pools & spa facilities. Not your style? There are lots of choices & you’ll need expert advice.

Glamping

Nurtured by Nature. At a smaller, more intimate camp, treehouse style accommodations, raised off the ground for wildlife viewing from above. Surrounded by bush & wildlife but nothing rustic about it. Relax at the pool & bar in between daily game drives & included meals.

These are 2 of several inspections I did in this area. See my video of a 3rd lodge: River Lodge Suite

Botswana Boat Safari
Q: There’s more than one kind of safari?
A: Yes! There are several different types.

 

A: In addition to the common land safari by jeep, you can go on a guided safari on foot, on horseback or even on camels. In Botswana, you can cruise the Chobe River on a boat safari, getting very close to wildlife on the banks & in the water. It is possible to also do an air safari & ballooning in some locations.

 

 

Victoria Falls . . .
on the Zambezi River between Zambia & Zimbabwe, is one of the longest & tallest waterfalls in the world, one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. It is spectacular to see the sheer volume of water constantly flowing over the edge into the series of gorges downstream. Referred to as “the smoke that thunders”, the mist can be seen from cruises farther along the river.

 

Ultimate Africa Getaway
includes the best of Southern Africa: South Africa, Bostwana, Victoria Falls

“Your journey begins with a  3 night stay in picturesque Cape Town. Next, Botswana to begin your Zambezi safari cruise on the Chobe River. Explore Chobe National Park, home to one of the densest populations of wildlife on the African continent. Spend 2 nights at the legendary Victoria Falls before flying to Johannesburg for 2 nights that includes a visit to the township of Soweto. Then fly to the game-rich country of Greater Kruger National Park. Spend 3 nights at a luxurious game lodge in this premier eco-tourist destination, known for some of the best “Big Five” viewing in Africa.”

Africa Group Getaway July 2026
RSVP by 8/31 for details, discount & bonus!
Space is very limited. Advance planning is required.
Your deposit holds your space with 2 years to save.
JP@IslandGetawaysTravel.com 916.897.9597

 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do you have other dates for this getaway?
A: Yes. You can travel on an individual (non group) date, as long as the space is available.

Q: Can we do a land only trip?
A: Yes. I can custom design anything you want as long as it works logistically & is available.
This itinerary offers a variety of experiences in 1 trip. The Botswana boat safari is AMAZING.

Q: What about other parts of Africa?
A: Yes. North – I have written about Egypt/Nile & Morocco previously, have sent travelers to Tunisia.
East – Also discussed Kenya before in my newsletters. Tanzania & Rwanda are available as extensions to the this trip.
South – including other areas within South Africa, neighboring Zambia, Zimbabwe or Namibia.
Off Shore Islands – side trips to Zanzibar, Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius & Reunion

Q: Can/do children go on safari?
A: Yes. It is a great educational experience for children, depending on their age & interest. A wonderful way for grandparents, parents & grandchildren to travel together! I have arranged family safari travel with kids between age 7-12.

 

All Eyes on Paris . . .
during the 2024 Summer Olympics with beautiful iconic landmarks as a backdrop. The world united & watched as 200 delegations of international athletes competed over 16 days in 300 events across 32 sports. I tuned in for the Opening Ceremony with its parade of nations. Then followed highlights of the INSPIRING achievements in swimming & diving, track & field and gymnastics each evening. How about you?

France Getaways
With the recent global exposure, there will be more interest in France than ever. I’ve arranged travels that include Paris, Lyon, Nice plus the popular regions of Normandy, Brittany, Provence, Bordeaux, Burgundy with optional extensions to adjacent European countries like Spain & Switzerland. Food & wine. History & culture. Arts & fashion. C’est si bon, mes amis! 
Contact me to discuss the possibilities. JP@IslandGetawaysTravel.com 916.897.9597

 

 

ASIA AMAZING
Speaking of culturally rich travel experiences, Asia has it in buckets! Olympic host cities tend to be high interest. Post pandemic Japan continues to be a red hot travel destination.

Travelers Gallery
See where fellow travelers have been through their shared photos.

Japan Getaway
Amy & Chris had a range of experiences – in Tokyo, Kyoto & Osaka from ancient to modern on a custom itinerary with private tours – flora & fauna, temples, shrines, castles, culture, cuisine & other amusements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since Japan is NOT an English-speaking country, planning & support are more important, especially during peak travel times like the Spring Cherry Blossom and Fall Foliage seasons.
Contact me to discuss. JP@IslandGetawaysTravel.com 916.897.9597

Southeast Asia Getaway
Liz & Gil embarked on a combination Mekong River cruise with pre & post land extensions in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam and Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia. Transported from bustling cities to rural villages. Exploring palaces, temples, museums & markets. Viewing artisans at work &  sampling local delicacies. Receiving a blessing from Buddhist monks. 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Some of you have referred friends & family.  And you may not be sure how to answer this question.

Q: Why should we work with Jacintha?
A: Thank You to Liz & Gil for allowing me to share their reply:

“Traveling has become more complicated and having a trusted travel advisor and advocate like Jacintha has been of utmost importance to us.  For the past six years, she has provided  the highest level of service, from presenting travel itineraries (based on our interests), submitting detailed pricing with all possible discounts, coordinating air travel, and imparting sound travel advice etc.  Based on her years of experience and ability to network with many people and businesses in the travel industry, makes her a valuable travel expert.   

The logistics of putting together travel (especially to exotic places) requires a lot of detailed planning and knowledge and can be overwhelming. While there are a myriad of other travel agencies and brokers on the internet who offer sales and deals, people would never receive the level of service that Jacintha provides.  Additionally, people who try to plan a trip on their own do not always get the satisfaction of knowing that they have a reliable advocate who can assist with planning the ultimate trip from start to finish and consider all details.    

It gives us peace of mind knowing that if something unexpected happens such as trip interruptions, issues with accommodations, injuries/illnesses while traveling etc., Jacintha is available to advocate for us and is one call away to answer any questions we have related to a trip.”

 

See You in the Fall
I’m super busy sending travelers all over the world. I no longer have the hours it takes to create new content every month. I’ve made a change to 4 quarterly editions of my newsletter – spring, summer, fall & winter. Looking for specific travel topics? I’ve archived previous editions & am happy to send them to you by request.