Biggest isn’t always the best – particularly in the world of travel. On the tiny island of Molokai, Hawaii, you’ll soon find everything you always dreamed Hawaii to be, but could never experience on the other islands. (more…)
Baja California Sur stretches some 1,150 miles south of Los Angeles and offers unique and worthwhile experiences. A Baja road trip down the trans-peninsular highway is one of the most popular ways to explore the area. From cactus-covered mountain sides to green oases, historic missions to the peninsula ‘s oldest bakery, here are our tips on where to go.
Adventure travel in Hawaii is hot and happening. Granted, America’s 50th state is well-known for destination weddings and tiki drinks, but there are also activities suitable for every level of adrenaline as you explore these legendary Pacific Ocean islands. From helicopter rides and jet boat tours to stand-up paddle boarding and whale-watching, Hawaii has never offered more exciting adventures. (more…)
The next two days were spent at sea on the way to Antarctica. There was a lot of downtime but plenty to do if you wanted to stay busy. I chose the downtime option. At night there was always entertainment. One night we had a wonderful performance of Cabernet music by our guest entertainer, Michael. There’s always dancing when he performs and this night was no exception. (more…)
These last four days in the South Pole have been amazing. We have seen over a million penguins and large numbers of sea lions, elephant seals, and fur seals. I have also been threatened by a few. We were told to put your hiking sticks in front of you and stand your ground. It has worked so far but it is still scary. I make an effort to stay very close to an expedition staff member. Safety in numbers is my motto. (more…)
Chapter Three The Falklands and “At Sea”
Wednesday, January 1, 2020
Everyone was a little slow this New Years Morning. I wonder why? (more…)
Chapter 2 The Falklands
After a missed night’s sleep, we met our other 196 fellow travelers on this Antarctica cruise tour in the lobby of the hotel at 3 AM on Sunday morning, December 29. There was not much meeting and greeting at that time. The ride to the airport was only 15 minutes but after that it was a little chaotic finding our bags, getting checked in and boarding. The flight got us to Ushuaia about 11 AM so we got to tour all four blocks of the town until 12:30. Then we boarded the Scenic Eclipse. It is a beautiful new ship equipped with all sorts of expedition gear including 2 helicopters and a submarine. We will go on those later. (more…)
I departed the States for our South Pole cruise on December 26 and arrived in Buenos Aires on the morning of the 27, Friday. The trip was smooth and uneventful. Just the way I like it. We did, however, have one little glitch. We had the biggest car in Buenos Aires and couldn’t fit ourselves and our luggage into the car. Kathy, the girl I am traveling with threatened to tie me to the roof. We really needed a bus for our meager wardrobes.
One of our clients recently returned from a 20-day, 6-star luxury Antarctica cruise! The inaugural sailing aboard the Scenic° Eclipse, the world’s first Discovery Yacht, began in Buenos Aires, Argentina and went on to the great white wonder of Antarctica. We’ll let her tell the story in her own words and with her own photographs in a 5-part travel blog series. Continue reading below and dream along with us as she describes this once-in-a-lifetime experience! (more…)
Last month, the Southern Travel Agency team sent clients Tim and Summer Bell on an exciting Scotland vacation to celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary in Europe. We couldn’t wait to hear all about how the couple celebrated this special milestone abroad, and to share the fun details with you! From the medieval streets of Edinburgh to the majestic Highlands landscape, read on as Summer brings us back to their Scottish sojourn. (more…)
Whether you have a honeymoon, anniversary, destination wedding, or simply an adults-only holiday on the horizon, a vacation planner is the ultimate must-have while planning any romantic getaway. More than just an automated website with finite, inside-the-box options, a vacation planner is a real person who can truly tailor experiences while turning your dream vacation into a tangible reality. Read on to find out some of the many ways our expert travel planners can bring value to your vacation! (more…)
When you think “Africa,” you may imagine lions prowling the savannah, the blazing sun setting behind Table Mountain, or the ancient pyramids of Egypt. But does the word “luxury” come to mind? It should! Luxury Africa travel allows you to experience this absolutely spellbinding continent in comfort and style. (more…)
Itching to dance the Samba, spot curly-tailed monkeys swinging through the trees, or marvel at ancient manmade wonders? You can do it all in South America! For a custom tailored family fun time or group vacation unlike any other, it may be time to plan a trip down south to check out one of these top South America vacation destinations. Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash (more…)
On her recent vacation to the Sandals Resort at Emerald Bay in the Bahamas, Helen Bissell said that one of the highlights of the trip was when she got to swim with pigs. “Our boat captain took us to the bay with pigs, stopped by an island crawling with iguanas, and even stopped the boat in the middle of the ocean so we could hop right into the amazingly deep but clear blue water.” The only thing better than swimming with pigs and chilling with iguanas? That she got to experience this adventure with close friends. (more…)
Esther and one of her grandsons on Safari in Africa.
We’ve had the absolute pleasure of planning some very special trips for our client Esther Murray over the years: Each time one of her grandchildren turns 20 years old, Esther takes them on an incredible luxury family vacation abroad! Top Photo by Tobin Rogers on Unsplash (more…)
Family vacations are the perfect time to strengthen bonds while traveling with teenagers, go on new adventures together, and create family memories that will last a lifetime. But if you’re the parent or grandparent of a tween or teenager, you know how hard it can be to get kids at this age to get excited about anything — even a vacation! Instead of seeing the sights with the family, tweens and teenagers are too busy rolling their eyes or texting on their iPhones to notice. But traveling with your older kids can be rewarding, if you know how to keep them interested. Our client Kari Baker shares her family travel experiences about her fantastic 10-day trip to Lucerne, Paris, and London with her husband and 12-year-old twin daughters.
Mike and Lauren Kerbelis, luxury travel advisors at Southern Travel Agency in Augusta, Georgia, share their romantic travel insider tips and best romantic dream destinations. Here they are at the luxury Sandals Emerald Bay resort, their favorite romantic escape destination. While red roses and a box of chocolates is the old standby, we know that “romance” means something different for everyone. So don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to take a typical romantic vacation to see the sparks fly with your partner! (more…)
Are you making your must-visit travel list for the new year? From quaint, cobblestone-streets in Europe to sun-soaked beaches in the Caribbean, there are so many wonderful places to explore. That can make narrowing down your list a tough job! Luckily, our travel experts here at Southern Travel Agency are ready to help. Whether you’re looking for a romantic just-for-two escape or a heart-pumping adventure through breathtaking wilderness, you’ll love our picks for the top travel destinations 2018. (more…)
Head to the exotic Bahamian Out Islands to experience true luxury at Sandals Emerald Bay.
Pair the easy-going rhythms of Bahamian life with a private romantic escape at a luxury Sandals property that pulls out all the stops. One of the most beautiful all inclusive resorts adults only, Sandals Emerald Bay resort is designed to ensure you’ll feel like you’re the only ones there. Their service reigns supreme and elegant villas and Bahamian-style architecture transport you to another place and time.
Alaska is considered the Last Frontier. It’s a magical place where wilderness still reigns supreme, untouched by human intervention. It’s a place of breathtaking beauty — which is why a luxury Alaska vacation is on so many travelers’ bucket lists. If it’s on yours too, here’s how to explore Alaska the sophisticated way. Discover how luxury amenities and high-end comforts complement unbelievable excursions and activities that grant you incredible access to one of the world’s last truly wild places: