Page 22 - Boca Club News - December '23

Page 22, Boca Club News
Travel: Very Few People Visit Here...

and for Very Good Reasons!

By Jessica Flores. Jessica has worked The entire Galápagos archipelago is designated as One thing the Galápagos Islands are famous for is the variety
in the travel and tourism industry for a UNESCO World Heritage site, which places it under of wildlife. This includes a number of species endemic to the
well over a decade. She holds both international protection. This status brings global attention islands, such as the Galápagos fur seal, the Galápagos land
Bachelors and Master’s Degrees in to the islands and their conservation needs. iguana, the Galápagos sea lion, the Galápagos land tortoise
Hospitality & Tourism Management. As for what to pack in your luggage, it’s best to take the and the marine iguana (the only lizard that can swim). The
As owner of AWAY Travel in Boca essentials with you because you won’t find any malls here. Galápagos Islands are also the only place in the entire world
Raton, Jessica and staff bring 25 That includes sturdy closed-toe walking shoes with durable where penguins live along the equator.
years of personal travel experience soles, diving booties, light-weight hiking clothes, good sun In addition to the species that are unique to the Galápagos
to an exclusive clientele looking for hat, insect repellent, sunscreen and an underwater camera. Islands, there are dozens of other species, none of which seem
luxury travel planning. Ready for your own journey to Also, leave the heels at home, especially if you’ve booked to care about the presence of visitors. Sightings of blue-footed
begin? Visit: www.travelwithaway.com Email me: Jessica@ a boat-based itinerary. Even the most luxurious boats have boobies, great frigate birds, marine iguanas, giant tortoises,
travelwithaway.com or Call: (877) 493-AWAY. narrow, steep stairways that are nearly impossible to navigate hammerhead sharks, manta rays and flamingos are pretty
safely (or gracefully) in heels. much guaranteed.
To: Luxury Travelers Island History: Back in the early 1800s, swashbuckling Activities and adventures like no other. It will be a
From: The Galapagos Islands pirates and intrepid explorers started arriving in the Galápagos long day of hiking, kayaking and snorkeling every single
Islands. The most famous early visitor was Charles Darwin, day, typically twice per day. And I’ll tell you this: You won’t
a young naturalist who spent 19 days studying the islands’ want to miss out on a single activity! That’s how breathtaking
flora and fauna. In 1859, Darwin published “On the Origin these islands are when seen firsthand. That’s how much awe
of Species,” which introduced his theory of evolution—and is created upon every sea lion sighting, every bird sighting,
the Galápagos Islands—to the world. every shark, angelfish or stingray sighting. Your camera will
Since then, word of these islands and their magnificent go nonstop on every amazing photograph of bizarre-looking
beauty has steadily grown. In 1959, the Galápagos became plants, trees, natural formations and volcanos.
Ecuador’s first national park, and in 1978 it was named a This is also one of the world’s top scuba and snorkeling
UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, more than 275,000 destinations, so spending time on or in the water is a must,
people visit the Galápagos every year to see those incredible whether that means you’re ready to jump in with your snorkel
animals and landscapes for themselves. for a sea lion swim or are happy to enjoy the views from the
As amazing as you anticipate the Galápagos Islands will deck of your cruise balcony.
be, they routinely exceed visitors’ expectations. It’s a place Bird-watchers are especially fond of Genovesa Island,
Pack Your Bags: The Galápagos Islands, located roughly where lizards swim, birds walk, and humans—for once— where frigatebirds and red-footed boobies are frequently
600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, is a special destination! don’t take center stage. spotted. For Galápagos penguins and flightless cormorants,
Very few get the opportunity to visit this oasis of an amazing Biodiversity brings more than 100,000 visitors each year the sparsely vegetated Fernandina Island is another popular
cast of plants and animals. And because of its remote location, to these remote islands that were totally unknown to the world spot to visit.
efforts are made to promote sustainable tourism. This includes until 1535. Without the influence of a human presence, the The quality of Galapagos Island cruises varies greatly.
setting limits on the number of visitors, implementing eco- island’s flora and fauna and surrounding marine life thrived For most travelers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
friendly practices, and ensuring that tourism activities have for thousands of years by evolving into unique species you My recommendations for our clients are to be prepared to
minimal impact on the environment. won’t find anywhere else in the world, such as the charismatic spend more than on an average cruise in the Caribbean. The
giant tortoises and blue-footed boobies. luxury expedition ships are truly worth the money. They
The Galápagos Islands: provide you with everything imaginable. Covered in your
Grape Expectations from page 21 Five Things to Know Before You Go cost are private transfer (even from your home) to and from
The Galapagos Islands are far out in the ocean. While airports, international flights, pre- and post hotel stays, land
rival Burgundies at three times the price. Avoid 2013 as it the Galápagos Islands belong to the tiny Andean country excursions, gourmet food/premium beverages, large suites,
rained during harvest and many wines were washed-out of Ecuador, they are in fact very far from the rest of the butler services, exploration guides/lecturers, snorkel gear, all
and thin. country–560 miles (901 kilometers), to be exact. The islands gratuities and, of course, free Wi-Fi.
In Washington State, Merlot is king. My favorite are far out in the Pacific Ocean, and it takes just two hours to Wheels Down: If you get the opportunity to set your
producers are: Columbia Crest, Chateau Ste. Michelle, fly there from Quito, Ecuador’s capital. Since the Galapagos wheels down in the Galapagos Islands, I highly recommend
Waterbrook and Milbrandt. Columbia Crest makes a Islands belong to Ecuador, the national language is Spanish. you do so. It is one of those majestic places that will continue
middle of the road line called H-3 (or Horse Heaven Lots of islands to visit. There are 127 islands that make to reward you for many years to come in incredible photos
Hills). All sell for around $15 a bottle. While I haven’t up this tropical archipelago, but only about 20 are frequently and fond memories.
seen it on too many on wine lists, you should be able visited by tourists, and only four have major populations. As for me, while I may not be heading out to the remote
to find their reds in local wine shops. The Waterbrook Several of the smaller islets are not inhabited by humans at islands of the Galapagos, I wanted to let my readers know
Reserve Merlot was the house wine at many fine New all, only by wildlife. The islands sit right on the equator and that I will be going “off the grid” for a while. It has been a
York restaurants and can easily compete with any right are home to over 25,000 people. About half of them live in pleasure introducing you to these beautiful places around the
bank Bordeaux. Milbrandt is a boutique winery that you Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island, which makes it by far world, some perhaps more familiar and others just waiting to
really need to seek out. All their bottlings run around the biggest settlement of the archipelago. Most people who be explored. In the meantime, I hope you get the chance to
$15 - $20 and are fabulous examples of Washington State visit the Galapagos Islands only get to set foot on one or two explore some of these incredible locations. Should you need
wines. All current vintages were excellent for Merlot, of the islands, and cruise around some of the others without anything, I am only a click AWAY.
Syrah and Cabernet. actually docking there. As always, wishing you safe travels,
So there you have it. Do a little research, seek out a Unique species you will see nowhere else in the world. Jessica
knowledgeable wine merchant and, most importantly,
Become familiar with reliable producers. Nothing Second Helpings: A Favorite Recipe
step out of your comfort zone and try different wines.

ventured, nothing gained. Remember, it’s your New
Year’s resolution. You won’t be sorry. from the Past Pages Of Boca Club

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