Destinations

I went on a great Volcanoes Safari, but first, some thoughts on Heathrow. I had a long layover and stayed at Yotel in terminal 4. It is really convenient and very cool - minimum cabin rental is 4 hours and then you can add hours. Much better than hanging out in a lounge.

On the return, the best way to transfer from terminal to terminal is by the Heathrow Express train that goes to Paddington. It is free for terminal transfers. On to Uganda.

I flew Kenya Airways London/Nairobi/Entebbe and they were very good - flat seats in business, pretty good food, and nice crew both ways. Landed in Entebbe and was taken to the capital Kampala, which I can’t say anything great about - except for the Serena Hotel, which is beautiful and an oasis.

On to Queen Elizabeth Park for 3 nights at the Mweya Lodge, which looks out over lakes and channels - beautiful water views, and really good food. I was amazed by the restaurant. Queen Elizabeth Park is in the plains, so saw warthogs, monkeys, elephants and all types of antelopes, hippos, great birds.

Into the mountains to trek gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, climbing to about 6000 feet. This is truly Tarzan country - beautiful, huge trees.

The three lodges, Bwindi, Mount Gahinga, and Virunga in Rwanda are all owned by Volcanoes, all eco, which means bucket showers (thankfully with lots of hot water), ecosan toilets (non flush), and no heat and it got pretty cold at night. Bwindi Lodge was a great intro to the mountains and reminded me of back to the days of simple lodges and old Africa. Did an easy trek to the gorillas and found them in an hour. Trekking involves 8 people with permits, one or two guides, porters you hire to carry backpacks and if necessary, carry you, and an armed guard at the beginning and end of this train of people.

Trackers are sent ahead to find the gorillas. Once the gorillas are found, you get an hour to observe them and have to stay 21 feet away. Of course, if the gorillas want to get close to you, that is another story. The young ones have grown up around humans and want to play. There was one kid (he was the gorilla equivalent of a teen punk) who loved to rush our group and then run around us grabbing jackets as we huddled. Pretty frightening the first time. The big alpha males (silverbacks) are huge and really ugly. In three treks, we saw a newborn 10 days old, an 8 month old, children ages 3 to 6, teens both male and female. Each group acts as a family with the silverback being the head.

January 13 — February 4, 2009, See the world’s coastal rim in 23 days. Explore the earth’s oldest desert, feel the thunderous roar of Iguazú Falls, cruise around the infamous Cape Horn, and navigate admits vast icebergs to reach “the end of the Earth”. This expedition will take you to the most breathtaking sites on the planet all in the comfort of your own VIP jetliner. This is a one in a life time trip that you will always remember.

The journey begins with a flight from Harrod’s private terminal in London’s Luton Airport. You’ll be flying in a VIP 757 Boeing Jetliner newly configured that hosts only 74 guests. You will reach Madeira Island a spectacular national park with the prefect climate, striking scenery, and even its own unique wine. Choose from the many organized activities that TCS Exeditions provides.

Then it’s off to Burkina Faso where you’ll drive to Tiebele here you’ll experience traditional tribal living and wildlife. Reboard the jet for a day trip to explore Bobo Dioulasso the cultural capital of Burkina Faso featuring brilliant man made and natural sites. Ensuite, Walvis Bay Namibia, a dramatic blend of dunes and ocean. Choose from the many wildlife adventures or an expedition to the ancient Namib Desert.

Next stop Cape town located in a stunning natural setting explore the ocean from up above, see the unique habitat of African penguin colonies, visit fascinating African museums, or take a cable car to summit of Table Mountain. Then jet off to Rio de Janeiro, where you’ll stay in the opulent Copacabana Beach hotel and explore the world famous Tijuca Forest and take a cogwheel train to Corcovado. Then to Buenos Aires where you can visit the capitals European-influenced neighborhoods or the native countryside.

Next its off to Ushuaia the world’s southern most city. Here you’ll embark on a three night luxury cruise around Cape Horn, visiting some of the most untouched and rarely seen locations of the world. The cruise is then followed by a visit to Iguazú Falls. This string of 275 waterfalls is nearly two miles wide creating an everlasting rainbow in the water.

The trip ends with a visit to the engineering marvel the Panama Canal and a stay in a rainforest resort. Ride a tram through the rainforest canopy and enjoy a farewell dinner marking the end to this remarkable and extraordinary trip.

I specialize in modern, unusual, and traditional travels which have currently become the most popular kind of travel for celebrities. It has become popular because hotels are now more than a place to sleep, they are part of the experience. Europe is now a common vacation spot so for those who are looking for something different South America, Africa, and Asia are the new hot spots. And contrary to what you may think about these countries vacations to these exotic areas can be very luxurious.

For vacations South America I suggest Argentina and Chile. Argentina is where the Iguazu Waterfall is found, it is one of the most magnificent natural wonders of the world. This is a great location for those looking for outdoor adventure for one can walk right through the falling water, or take a boat to the mouth of the fall, or explore the National Park that surrounds it. In Chile one can explore any and all kinds of natural landscapes. One of the most stunning views of Chile is from the The Explora Hotel in Patagonia, Chile. This is a remarkable hotel tucked away in a biosphere reserve containing waterfalls, glaciers, forests, and granite pillars all more than 2,000 meters above the Patagonian steppes. Both of these locations will leave you in awe at the natural beauty this world has to offer.

Cambodia and Vietnam are some of the up and coming vacation spots in Asia. The hotels are very chic and modern with the highest quality service. In Cambodia the The FCC Angkor is found in the heart of Siem Reap and overlooks the Siem Reap River. The hotel is also only minutes away from the striking and remarkable Angkor Wat temples. In Vietnam the Six Senses Resort, located on the Ninh Van Bay overlooking the China Sea, is a prefect hideaway when you’re looking to get away from it all. With white sand beaches in front of you and mountains surrounding you, the stress of life will just melt away.

Africa now has some of the top hotels in the world. The Royal Malewane, is for those looking for a place to escape, located deep in the South African bush one is surround by wild splendor. This kind of experience is for the more adventurous traveler who wants to experience Africa in its natural state. In Botswana the Sanctuary Lodges and Camps are a great way to experience Africa. Sanctuary has four locations in Botswana all luxury, all set in the heart of Botswana’s wilderness. If your looking for where luxury meets adventure Africa is just the place.