Trip Reports

One of the most valuable trip planning tools we have in our toolbox is our firsthand product knowledge. Our staff regularly gets out from behind the computer and hits the road. Often these trips are familiarization (FAM) trips. These whirlwind trips take us around from lodging to lodging so we can do site inspections and see firsthand what we are selling. We will also embark on other travels, often with our families and/or friends, again to visit new properties/destinations or revisit existing locations to see what’s new. These trips are fun and why we are in the travel business, but they are also incredibly valuable. Actually experiencing a place, particularly for family travel planning, is vital to helping you plan your next adventure.

The whole family joined us for a big romp around Thailand this holiday. We did many of the awesome things to do in Bangkok — Floating Markets, Muay Thai boxing classes, hidden bars, Wat Pho, High Tea, bustling weekend market scavenger hunt and so much more. Then, we took the overnight train to Chiang Mai and stayed at the charming ...

Read more

I’ve recently moved to Bangkok so often I feel like a tourist in my own town. There’s no better way to play tourist than when old friends come to visit. Recently, 3 dear pals spent 9 days in Thailand. We showed them our favorite places to go in Bangkok and discovered some new ones as well. During our 3 days in town, we explored various Wats (...

Read more

Kirsten on safari Rwanda, Uganda & Tanzania...

Read more

Arriving into Nairobi at midnight was a pleasure as there was no traffic as I was rushed to my hotel, Hemingways, for an overnight before meeting the group in the morning.  A lovely stately hotel set on beautiful grounds.

...
Read more

Escape from California to Baja, Mexico on board the Nautilus Belle Amie (July 16-24, 2020)

My daughter, Tatum and I, started our trip with a very unique experience of an empty SFO airport and a ¼ full flight via LAX to Cabo.  Security was a breeze and though...

Read more

Zambia – October 2019

Stepping off the plane in Africa is a feeling all of it’s own. The sight of the dry bush, sounds of the cicadas in the distance and the smell of Africa fills the senses.

My first stop was back to Livingstone, where I last visited in 2001. My destination was the luxurious...

Read more

By Kirsten – Sep/Oct 2018

Going to a new destination for me is super exciting and I couldn’t wait to explore Tanzania from top to bottom. I visited nearly all the properties in the Nomad Tanzania portfolio and I am glad that I did as they are so different from each other.

I flew on KLM via Amsterdam as that was the most convenient way so arrived late at night into...

Read more

By Sandy-  Jul 20-25, 2018

Ticking a major item off the old bucket list is the best. Cage diving with Great White Sharks has been hovering at the top of my list for ages. I’ve tried before in both the Farallones in Northern California and South Africa with no luck. The first trip, the sharks were a no show and in South Africa, the weather was too rough. So, Guadalupe was going...

Read more

By Ryan Treais- July 2017

Panama is a country that I had never visited so the excitement was definitely present after about 10 hours of total travel time. After landing in Panama City, we were met by Bianca a friend of my mother’s but who also happens to work for Yala Tours. She drove us from the airport to Casco Viejo, the old city, which sits west of of the high rises that...

Read more

By Sandy- March 2017

Sri Lanka is indeed a mystical land full of contradictions and fascination. We arrived in Colombo late in the evening and was met by our cheerful driver and guide, Kris. We spent our first night in total bliss at the Uga Residence. This very fine boutique hotel is a calm oasis in the busy sprawl of Sri Lanka’s capital. After a drink at the sumptuous bar, we...

Read more