I will admit that my plan will most likely change for several reasons – 1. Budget. This plan is based on a certain budget, and if this were to change (for better or worse – hopefully better) it might alter my plan; 2. Every year I attend an International Destination Expo put on by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). I try to plan a vacation around that expo, as it serves as a good opportunity to explore the area.  I am not sure where this conference will be past 2012, so as I find out these destinations, I will add them in to my plan and adjust accordingly.

Here is what I have so far, rough draft form. In order to be at least somewhat realistic, I left a few holes where necessary:

March 2012: Peru. This trip is in the process of being booked. I’ll be attending the ASTA expo in Lima, then heading to Cusco/Valley of the Incas/Machu Picchu, and Puerto Maldonado for a taste of the Amazon/rainforest.

May 2012: Oahu, Hawaii. This is for an organization retreat. Believe it or not, I have never been to Hawaii despite having sent many travelers there, so I am quite excited about this!

 Spring 2013: River or Barge cruise through Europe (exact destination TBD, most likely Central, Eastern Europe)

Fall 2013: Istanbul/Turkey

Spring 2014: To be determined by ASTA Expo

Summer 2014: Iceland and Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark and possibly Norway)

Winter 2015: India (this timeline subject to change)

Fall 2015:  Galapagos Islands

As my schedule is subject to change due to business travel, I stopped my planning at 2105.  Otherwise it starts to become more of a wish list. However, other destinations I plan to fit in, either within this time frame or after include:

• Vietnam and Cambodia
• Southern/Eastern Africa: Destinations include but aren’t limited to Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and get back to Botswana
• Re-visiting Australia and New Zealand
• Israel and Jordan (same trip)

This list certainly doesn’t exhaust desired destination options. It is simply those that I hope to visit in the next few years. I’m sure as happens in life these will change somewhat along the way – places may be added or shifted. For now, this is my travel plan. What’s yours? I’d love to see it – you never know, your suggestions might influence my plan!

We’re going to Paris – and we’d like you to come with us. Seriously. For the first time ever Chimera Travel is leading a very small group trip, and we’ve chosen to head to Paris. Here’s the unique part though – it’s not a “group tour” in the traditional sense (ie “If it’s Tuesday it must be Belgium”). It’s still a highly personalized, customizable trip. We’re simply starting with a place and date, adding in a few options for activities that you can participate in if you choose, and helping you plan the rest to fit your specific interests.

Why are we doing this? Have you ever looked at a friend’s pictures from their most recent trip and though, “I would love to do something like that” or “I can’t wait until my next trip… whenever that is”? Sometimes I find that my clients (and people in general) want to travel, but need a little inspiration – maybe they’re wondering if it’s the right time, or they don’t speak the language of a desired destination and are nervous about getting around. Or perhaps it’s just that with everything else going on in their day-to-day lives they don’t have the chance to think about their travels. This small group trip offers potential vacationers a specific travel goal (they don’t have to come up with the plans on their own), the comfort of having a professional travel planner right there in the destination and the freedom to still customize their trip.

The basics:

• Date: May 17, 2012 (evening departure, arrive May 18) through May 21, 2012
• Group Size: Maximum of 12 people, but trip will run with 8 or more

What’s included:

• 3 nights at a 4-star hotel in the heart of Paris (breakfast included)
• One ticket to the Louvre per person (can be used at any time during the trip)
• One hop-on-hop-off bus ticket per person (good for two days)
• Half day tour to Versailles – this is the only “group” activity, and it is optional.

Chimera Travel will work with each traveler individually to plan their airfare. We can also arrange for additional activities on an individual basis if requested. Finally, we can provide customized trip extensions outside of the city, either before or after the small group trip. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Provence and the French wine regions
• French Riviera
• Chunnel to Belgium or London for several days (did you know you can reach either in under two hours by train?)

Sound like something you might be interested in? We’d love for you to join us! If you are interested, please email us and we will happily answer any questions that you have and keep you informed of trip updates (there’s no obligation in contacting us for details). We look forward to helping you explore this fantastic city!

Old San Juan has the feel of a Spanish city with a Caribbean flair. Its brightly colored buildings, center squares, boutique shops and restaurants all resemble southern Spain. It’s “vibe”, though, is undeniably Caribbean. Perhaps it’s the way that people wander around in their bathing suits and flip flops, the close proximity to the water at almost ever point in the old town, or the abundance of mojitos that give it that distinct atmosphere of a culture with multiple influences that blend seamlessly together. One thing that it certainly didn’t feel is especially American. Yes, they use American money and many people speak English, but it didn’t feel like the “51^st state” as so many people call it.

Two “must sees” in San Juan are the forts, San Cristobal and San Felipe del Morro. Del Morro might be the more famous of the two – it sits on a hill overlooking the ocean and an incredible cemetery (if one can use that word to describe a cemetery), with views of the rum factory and the town of Old San Juan down below. San Cristobal is just as worthy, if not more so, of a visit. Yes, the forts are popular with tourists and have gift shops, but the history and the views alone make them well worth it. Entry prices are very reasonable – around $3 per person.

Aside from the forts, simply walk the city. Old churches and plazas are dispersed throughout, along with Spanish style architecture, lively markets and restaurants and cafes offering a wide variety of inexpensive cuisine. Music and dancing are an important part of the culture in Puerto Rico, so it’s not uncommon to see groups of people dancing or playing live music in a plaza. The city is very much alive and it’s difficult not to get drawn into the vibrant atmosphere.

Hotel Suggestion: If you’re staying in Old San Juan, try to get a room at El Convento. If you can’t stay there at least go in for a quick visit or lunch.

Restaurant Suggestion: Café Berlin. It offers a delicious combination of cuisines, including local dishes, sits right on the plaza (dine outside) and the staff is very friendly.

Shopping suggestion: Unless your looking for San Juan key chains and t-shirts, avoid the shops adjacent to the cruise ship.  Head into the center of Old San Juan, where you can find local artisan crafts and more authentic shopping.

Day trips and activities:

• The rum distillery – why not, you’re in Puerto Rico. It will be touristy but fun and it’s the real thing.
• El Yunque Rainforest: A lush escape from the city; those looking for adventurous activities can enjoy hiking and through the mountains and waterfalls.
• Arecibo Observatory: Check out the world’s largest and most sensitive single- dish radio telescope.
• Caves at Camuy: In northwestern Puerto Rico, this system if underground river caverns is the third largest in the world.

Seoul is full of neighborhoods, and knowing where you’re heading is key.  Not because they are unsafe or lack for things to do, but simply because the size of the city is such that if you’re interested in seeing a particular area and end up in a different one, you could spend a good part of the day just walking in between them. Luckily, you’d certainly have plenty to see along the way.

Without a large number of “attractions”, Seoul relies largely on its neighborhoods to enthrall its visitors. Sorting through the different sections can be tricky, so here are a few guidelines for where to head.

For views: The Seoul Tower.  Yes, it’s touristy, but the views are incredible. You can walk, if you’re feeling slightly ambitious, or take the cable car up.

For arts and authentic Korean food: Insa-dong. This is the “artsy” neighborhood. Shops filled with work from local artisans – crafts, pottery, clothing, and more – and some of the most authentic Korean cuisine can be found here. Though plenty of tourists visit Insa-dong, it’s also where locals go to shop and dine, so you’ll get to truly experience the Korean culture. This also means English might be less prevalent, which enhances its authenticity all the more.

For shopping: Myeong-dong. This international shopping district offers everything from clothing stores to skincare. English is more prevalent here, though you’ll certainly hear Korean as well as Japanese.  Even if you’re not big on shopping, this neighborhood has a bustling atmosphere and is worth a walk through.

For the market and cultural experience: Namdaemun Market. The market gets its name from the wooden gates on its edges, which are now the oldest wooden structure in Seoul and of great historic significance to the Koreans. The market offers everything from local fruit to electronics, and experiencing at least one market in South Korean is a must.

For history: Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. These ornate palaces offer a glimpse into the history of Seoul and South Korea.  Make sure to check the opening times and tour times before heading to the palaces.

International flavor: Itaewon. The goods and cuisine in Itaewon come from literally all over the world. While it might seem counter-intuitive to visit the international district when you’ve come to experience a country’s culture, it’s a neighborhood that’s so well known in the city that it’s highly recommended. Its lively ambience makes it a good place to dine out in the evening.

Day Trips and add-ons

1. The DMZ: This can only be seen on a tour, and while sobering and even a bit eerie, the historical significance of the DMZ makes it a must do. Half day tours can be easily arranged from Seoul.

2. Jeju: Jeju Island is the beach area and popular honeymoon spot for Koreans, about an hour flight from Seoul. It can be seen in a couple of days easily and if you need a break from the busy city life, it’s a nice place to unwind. While there, in addition to relaxing on the beach, you can visit the botanical gardens and one of largest Buddhist temples in the world.

3. Busan (Pusan): Busan is about 3 hours from Seoul by train- an incredibly modern, high-speed way to travel between the two cities and highly suggested.  Busan is both a city with it’s own unique culture, as well as a beach resort for Koreans and those in neighboring countries.  It combines the laid back nature of Jeju with the liveliness of a metropolitan area.

When I was six years old, my parents opened a travel agency that focused solely on cruises. By the time I was eight, I was the most well-cruised third grader in my class with a photo collection of every mass market liner available. I never realized that there was something more beyond buffets and towel animals. Years later, I discovered the luxury of the smaller, yachting-style cruise lines. Specifically, the Yachts of Seabourn.

I was a little nervous before boarding the Seabourn Legend, especially at my age. I was 21 at the time and concerned if there would be enough for me to do. For most 21 year olds, the answer is no – there are no bellyflop competitions or dance clubs on board. However, for anyone with a refined taste in travel, there is plenty to experience. From exploring the unique ports of call to attending cooking demonstrations, luxury travel enthusiasts will find themselves right at home, just as I did.

Since Seabourn is an all-inclusive cruise line, guests are completely relaxed lounging by the pool and sipping as many homemade piña coladas as desired. Wine connoisseurs can sample flavors from across the globe without stressing over a bar tab at the end of their trip. On the Legend, guests have the main dining area and a specialty restaurant to choose from, both of which provide an array of options. he food prepared on board is honestly the best I’ve ever tasted – I still crave the slow-roasted chateaubriand and the truffle-infused chicken. All of the meals are fresh and there’s plenty to choose from; even if a favorite dish is not on the menu, one hint to the server and it’ll be there the next day.

Seabourn prides itself in a level of service that goes above and beyond. Guests should also expect to be greeted by name after the first day, to be pampered with fruit kabobs and cool towels on the pool deck, and to be escorted to their seats and waited on for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I became such good friends with many of the servers, cruise staff, and even the chef that I still keep in touch with them through e-mail and Facebook!

However, guests can certainly be as active or relaxed in their cruise as they desire. If a couple longs to retreat and spend time solely with one another, they can enjoy the serenity of each other’s company from anywhere onboard the ship. On the other hand, if cruisers desire making new friends, Seabourn does a number of things to foster that environment, like setting up large dinner tables to introduce travelers or hosting deck parties for mixing and mingling.

In any case, whether it’s a small yacht or large ship, a cruise is a personal experience to each and every guest. Traveling with the Yachts of Seabourn will provide that individualized attention and unique cruising experience to young and old. The company does not limit itself to age or interest, it simply provides the highest standard of service, food, and accommodation to those passionate about luxury travel.

Lindsey Epperly is a luxury travel consultant out of Columbus, GA who specializes in romance and couples travel. She was a top 30 Under 30 for 2010-2011 and enjoys traveling to “test out products.” She shares her experience on her personal travel blog, In Transit.

To learn more about Lindsey and her travels, you can find her here:

Website

Blog

@lindsey_epperly (twitter)

Facebook

Singapore Gardens. If you are in Singapore, it’s a must do!

View from the observation level of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Busy evening in Hong Kong, on the Kowloon Peninsula

Ayutthaya, Thailand’s original capital

Ljubljana, Slovenia

About 5 years ago, I drove (or rather was a passenger as others drove) from Bologna, Italy through Trieste to Ljubljana, down the Slovenian and Croatian coasts. In some respects, this central European city was everything I’d pictured, from its architecture to the man selling roasted chestnuts from a cart on a blustery day in November.  On the other hand, the liveliness of the city, even in the cold and wind of the late fall, took me by surprise. Restaurant patrons sat outside, heat lamps overhead, not giving a thought to the steadily decreasing temperature. Boats (albeit mostly covered) ran up and down the Ljublijanica River offering historic tours to visitors.  Markets opened up on Saturday morning to a flood of locals looking for a good deal. The prevalence of English also surprised me along with the fact that vegetarian food options weren’t quite as much of an endangered species there it could have been. It wasn’t that I had low expectations for either of these, but rather that I had no idea what to expect. I think those are the times you tend to most surprised, either pleasantly or otherwise, and this city definitely left a positive impression.

Split, Croatia

Moving right along on my tour of the Slovenian and Croatian coasts, Split was also delivered more than anticipated. Most of the talk I’d heard regarding Croatia surrounded Dubrovnik. Split, also a port city, has since gotten more attention, but at the time it wasn’t the topic of much conversation. It’s original main selling points for my group were the history of Diocletian’s Palace and the fact that it was one of the larger cities/towns we would encounter heading down the coast. The city’s convoluted streets, open-air seafood and produce markets, marinas and the residents themselves were enchanting.   The contrast of old and new, busy day-to-day life happening within the historical streets and buildings fascinated me. This contrast certainly isn’t unique in European cities, but something about the atmosphere of Split, perhaps the way it crept up on us, made it more intriguing. I liked Dubrovnik but I could have easily spent an extra day or so in Split just enjoying ambiance.

Lyon, France

Known as the gastronomic center of France, Lyon is approximately two hours by train from Paris. I can honestly say almost every aspect of Lyon surprised me (including it’s food, as I regret to say French cuisine is not my personal favorite). First, the mere size of Lyon impressed me. Not just the number of people, but the actual size of the city itself. It’s split by the Rhone and Saone Rivers, whose banks are used avidly by the locals for walking, jogging, biking and simply gathering. From the Lycee du Parc – one of Europe’s largest urban parks, to the bustling shopping and dining district to the city’s own Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Fouviere perched high on a hill overlooking the city, Lyon offered surprises literally at every corner. As for the food, simply ask the locals where to head and try as much as you can!

Cobh (Cove), Ireland

As the port from which so many Irish left for America during the famine, the embarkation for the fated Lusitania (which sunk in 1915), and the last boarding point of the Titanic before it took off  to cross the ocean, one might expect Cobh to be filled with dismal memories and proverbial dark clouds. While the town pays its respects to history – both the high and low points – with several memorials statues and the Cobh Heritage Museum, its brightly-colored buildings, quaint B&Bs, pubs and restaurants lift the mood, making it a worthwhile stop in county Cork, especially for those interested in their Irish heritage. This wasn’t a planned stop on our tour of Ireland, but I was glad we did. In fact, if you’re heading to county Cork, I would highly staying here instead of Cork itself.

The beach outside of the Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Lake Geneva Geyser, Geneva, Switzerland

Paris may claim the most famous Notre Dame in the world, but Lyon’s Notre Dame Basillica is also quite impressive. Walk or take the funicular to the top of the hill where the church sits. The view from the top is worth the climb (or ride) up alone.