Lake Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica

My children are 6 and 8 years and I felt they were old enough to join me and my husband on one of my research trips, combined with a family holiday to Costa Rica. They loved it and a great highlight for them was Arenal Volcano near Lake Arenal, the largest volcano in the world, erupting every day since July 1968. The local Costa Rican guide had the children in the front of the vehicle so he could explain all about the geology of the Arenal Volcano to them and answer all their millions of questions, what a coup for their next school project.

Lonesome George may become a father.

The Galapagos Islands with their extraordinary wildlife and home to Darwin’s theory of Evolution, recently announced that what was thought to be the last remaining La Pinta tortoise in the World, Lonesome George, may soon be a father.

A female tortoise – the closest living species to the La Pinta tortoise, and one that has accompanied George since 1993 laid three intact eggs that are being cared for in an artificial incubator at the Charles Darwin Centre. Found in 1972 on Pinta island, George is estimated to be in his 70s, middle age for a giant tortoise.

The Galapagos Islands with their extraordinary wildlife, is a trip in a lifetime and 2009 is the Bicentennial year of Charles Darwin – the naturalist widely credited for the discovery of evolution following his visit and observations of wildlife on the Galapagos Island

New species of palm tree found in Madagascar

A new species of palm tree has been found in Madagascar – one which grows for as long as 50 years and as high as 60-feet high, bursts into flower and then dies. Named Tahina Spectabilis which is Malagasy for ‘blessed’ or ‘to be protected’, the new Palm is so massive it can be seen in Google Earth.

Madagascar is a treasure for wildlife enthusiasts and wildlife viewing here is effortless. With over 200,000 plant and animal species and 80% of them endemic, you’ll not only see some of the 51 varieties of Lemur’s for which Madagascar is famous for, but reptiles, birds and plants that are not found anywhere else on earth.

Luxury on Lake Titicaca

Opening of New Hotel on Lake Titicaca – May 2008
I have just received information from our agents that this new hotel Titilaka Inkaterra has opened on the banks of Lake Titicaca. It is the first ultra-luxury hotel which is perched on a private peninsula on the Lake, legendary birthplace of the Incas and an ideal base for exploring the natural, cultural and historical treasures of Peru’s most remote and mystical region.

This all-inclusive luxury lodge is a haven for re-energizing after a day of excursions either by boat, private transfers, mountain bike or trekking. Activities you can include are visits to the Andean communities on the Islands of Taquile or Uros; Tours can be arranged to archeological sites and colonial churches or you can spend a day bird watching around the lake. The day’s climax is at dusk when afternoon tea is followed by cocktails served on the terrace at Titilaka, an ideal spot for viewing sunsets and the night time canopy of stars.

Launch of ‘La Pinta’ in The Galapagos

February 2008 – the launch of “La Pinta” the newest yacht in the Galapagos Islands. What an honor to be on the launch of this lovely, luxurious ship as it left Guayaquil. La Pinta started service in the Galapagos in April of this year offering plush, luxury cabins, with all mod cons including ipods – which proved to be the perfect respite after a long day exploring! This yacht operates only on a 7 day cruise but I really would not want to get off any sooner!

After snorkeling with sea lions, sea turtles and penguins we than all returned to the ship to enjoy the last sunset and of course cocktails, when one of the naturalists spotted something in the water and we discovered to our amazement that we were in amongst a pod of 50 sperm whales. What a truly amazing experience, even all the naturalists on board were bowled over by this amazing sight as the pod were feeding and mating, breaching etc.

The Galapagos is one of the most amazing places on earth and has survived virtually untouched since Darwin’s discovery of the islands in 1835.. Our ground agents are in my opinion experts at making your visit the best, never to be forgotten experience.

New in 2008

2008 has seen a very busy start to our year. Fiona and myself off to Ecuador and The Galapagos for a special visit on the newest luxury cruise ship around the Galapagos Islands called: ‘La Pinta’ . With the new destination of Jordan coming on board in March it looks set for and exciting year here at Worldwide Holiday Direct.

My trip to Peru

I’m back from my first inspection trip in Peru, it was more than wonderful than I imagined it would be. I could write forever on the amazing sights in Peru but then it would end up being a short story. So I think – of course my highlight has to be the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu it was brilliant see this famous place (it has got to be the 8th Wonder of the World – vote online). Our private guide was so good and informative it made it even more worthwhile.

The train back from Machu Picchu was fun with a fashion show and Andean musicians to while away the time. Cusco – what a city so much to see and do and not what I expected, from the Cathedrals to the cult centre of Sacsayhuaman and if you like shopping then Cusco has so much choice you need more than a couple of days.

The train journey from Cusco to Puno was great and you are kept well entertained and well fed. Lake Titicaca was beautiful and the sun was shining such a lovely day.

What can I say about the Colca Canyon and Condors Cross – about ten Condors in the sky an amazing sight to see them soaring up beneath the cliffs but be quick with your camera. My last city was “the White City” of Arequipa, a must to visit is the beautiful Santa Catalina convent it was almost a self-sustained village in its time. What a fantastic two weeks. I hope this has whet your appetite to see Peru – so call me on 01202 606160 and I can get you on your way.

Peru Familiarisation Trip

I’m off to Peru for two weeks on 18 May – my first trip and I am really excited about the fantastic places I am going to visit. Flying into Lima and after a couple of days acclimatisation flying to Chiclayo overnight visiting Tucume the Valley of the Pyramids, back to Lima for one night and then flying to Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas which I hear is totally amazing and so much to see, I can’t wait to go to Macchu Picchu a place I’ve always wanted to visit and at the top of everyone’s list. From Cusco by train to Puno staying by Lake Titicaca. By Hydrofoil to the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca visiting Sun and Moon Islands – what a day its going to be. The following day Colca Canyon to see the giant condors – how great is this going to be. My last night is in Arequipa and then unfortunately back to Lima and a flight home.

When I get back I’ll update you on all the highs of my trip and the amazing things I got up to!

Staff Trips

Many of our staff are off on trips to our specialist countries. Fiona and Sam are going to visit Fiona’s first love – Costa Rica - at the end of April. See Fiona’s blog on their return in early May for full details of their trip.

Alison and Fiona will re-visit Peru in May, this will be Alison first trip to Peru, which she is really looking forward to – Alison will help Fiona on the Peru desk on her return as Peru is such a popular destination for us.

Our team continue to grow and we are pleased to have Naomi as our admin manager, Naomi has a background studying Tourism Management – and has an interest in Ecuador and Madagascar.

Madagascar is really attracting so much interest since we launch this destination in Nov 06, it is such a special place that seems to be on everyone’s list – many of the hotels are very small and therefore availability can be limited – we recommend that if clients are interested it’s never too soon to start looking and the perfect tour to include the very best of Madagascar for you.

Helen

Helen’s update

I regularly travel to our destinations, visiting hotels and attractions and most importantly talking with the local staff. This way we maintain a personal relationship with our local representatives, keeping up to date and ensuring we maintain the responsive, informed and personal touch that is so important to us.