Explore It All. By Land & By Sea.
At Travel Concierge, we continually aim high to bring you the most unique and sought-after travel experiences. It is in that same spirit of dedication we chose a distinctive lineup of suppliers to co-host an in-person travel event last month in San Diego. For those of you who were able to join us, here’s a bit of a recap of our amazing evening together. For those of you who were unable to join us, we thought we’d bring some highlights of the event to you.
An Inside Peek at an Exclusive Travel Concierge Event.
Perched atop a seaside bluff along one of Southern California's most dramatic stretches of coastline sits the Alila Marea resort. It was there in Encinitas where I walked into the dramatic foyer on March 30th, and found myself soon surrounded by a group of 50 like-minded travelers ready to be inspired. What we had in common was our love for the world around us, eager to live out the dreams inside our nomadic minds.
As the ocean nibbled at the sun, we toasted to new friendships and celebrated what was yet to come. In that single three-hour gathering, we saw a glimpse of what was in store, starting with European wines, French charcuterie, and a view that transplanted us to paradise. In the words of one guest, “Who needs to travel when you have an evening like this?”
But soon, that question was answered during a presentation unveiling endless travel opportunities with Lindblad Expeditions, Natural Habitat, Classic Journeys, and Silversea Cruises.
What each of these powerhouse suppliers showcased, left every single guest (including me) longing for more.
Lindblad Expeditions.
Exploration journeys to the most remote regions on the planet.
Lindblad Expeditions is known as a leader in exploration journeys to some of the most remote regions on the planet. It was an honor to have them as part of our March 30 travel event, opening with the words, “Gone are the days of roughing it, as we take you into the heart of the most incredible places in the world.”
The presentation by Samantha Gorin, Regional Sales Director, started out with an introduction to the company, coming from humble beginnings with trips to just Antarctica and The Galapagos. Over time, they built a team of ambassadors for conservation, and today it’s at the core of what they do. During the event, we gained an appreciation for this life-giving travel company that positively impacts the places they explore.
In 2004, they built an alliance with the National Geographic Society, allowing guests to travel alongside their experts. Behind every adventure is a photography-focused experience, with added family programs to keep little explorers engaged. As Samantha explained, “You have the opportunity to choose from activities and interests that suit your needs, along with state -of-the-art tools for exploration—bikes, snorkel gear, paddleboards—we have it all.”
Lindblad even has purpose-built ships designed for the regions they explore, with fewer than 150 passengers on each ship. It’s intimately scaled and nimble, with a polar-class 5 to access remote polar regions. Despite the adventure, there’s plenty of luxury including a 10-course chef’s tasting menu, spa facilities, a fitness center, yoga and meditation space, and even private igloos for romantic dinners. From two destinations, to now Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, French Polynesia, Baja, Central America, and beyond, Lindblad operates on all seven continents.
As I told the audience, “You’re not just experiencing the destination, you’re feeling it. The fact that they partner with National Geographic makes it both educational and fun.”
Natural Habitat.
Conservation-focused nature & wildlife expeditions.
Next up, Natural Habitat, a nature travel company in business for nearly 40 years. They deliver conservation-focused, wildlife expeditions with an emphasis on protecting nature. In 2003, the World Wildlife Fund selected Natural Habitat as a travel partner because of their commitment to environmentally-friendly travel and the exceptional quality of worldwide adventures.
That union has led to the belief that research and travel go together. From Don Martinson, Director of Travel Industry Relations, we learned that every trip includes a naturalist guide, with groups of no more than 12 travelers.
“We like to make it private,” said Don. “From Yellowstone winter safaris to kayaking in The Galapagos, our ratio is seven staff to every one guest.
For Natural Habitat, it’s about experiencing the destination— relaxing in their tundra lodge on wheels, traveling by polar rover, drinking cocktails under Aurora’s belt, dog sledding in Finland, and photographing the big five in Zimbabwe — there’s no limit to what you’ll discover.
“I really believe that the most dangerous worldview comes from those who don’t view the world,” Don added. We were all shaking our heads in agreement, ready to see a new view starting with his exclusive travel opportunities.
Everyone in attendance had first dibs on Natural Habitat’s Northern Lights and Arctic Exploration in Churchill, Canada. You can photograph the lights from varied heated vantage points, including a remote cabin in the boreal forest accessed via private snow coach over a frozen creek, and from a custom-built Aurora Pod, with 360-degree views of the night sky through its glass top and sides. On this exciting Arctic adventure, days are filled with distinctly northern activities like dog sledding, while nights offer the potential for the best aurora viewing on the planet. Join me as I host this travel experience on February 17–23, 2024.
Classic Journeys.
Thoughtfully handcrafted walking adventures.
Third at the podium was Classic Journeys, named one of the world’s best tour operators by Travel + Leisure magazine. Classic Journeys is devoted to the mindset that every traveler should have a trip of a lifetime. Launched in 1995, today they host walking tours in 60 regions across 50 countries.
Why do they do it? “Because travel allows you to connect with people in a way that fills your soul,” said Ed Piegza, President & Founder. “It’s about travel at eye level, led by our extended family of expert guides.”
Their curated walks are made up of small groups averaging 8 to 10 travelers. Best of all, they offer enchanting accommodations, regenerative travel with guides who are friends, and exceptional cuisine ranging from Micheline Star restaurants to a local’s kitchen. If major attractions are still on your wishlist, Class Journeys has unrivaled access to sites with special permission from local governments.
Ethical and sustainable travel are integral elements of Classic Journeys tours. Classic Journeys was among the first to promote the slow food movement and “zero-kilometer,” more commonly known as “farm-to-table” concepts in travel. Between their international connections and staying a step ahead of trends, they’re able to provide unique experiences for each traveler.
Their trips include a range of activities from cinematic walks to whale watching, accommodations at luxury boutique hotels, and a farm-to-table culinary scene in settings that range from panoramic picnics to Michelin-starred restaurants. Travelers can expect a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Classic Journeys, combining every destination’s “must-see” list with under-the-radar surprises, cultural experiences, and “wow” moments. With Classic Journeys, travelers are in the company of the world’s greatest guides, who are engaging, born-and-bred locals with a deep understanding and enthusiasm for their region.
Silversea Cruises.
The finest luxury experiences to the most beautiful destinations around the globe.
Lastly was Silversea Cruises, with a presentation from Audrey Corso, Area Sales Director, who flew in from Fort Lauderdale for this special San Diego gathering.
As I introduced Audrey, I told the audience, “If there’s one cruise line that stands out from the rest, it’s Silversea.”
They’ve been around for nearly 30 years, doubling in size since 2019 after merging with Royal Caribbean. Setting them apart is the fact they stay in port longer than any other company, allowing you to experience the destination and soak in the “wow” factor. They boast eight dining options, silver suites, and an all-inclusive product that provides private car transfer, economy air, pre/post hotel stay, WiFi, shore excursions, butler service, food, beverages, 24-hour room service, entertainment, and more . . . all included! Their smallest category cabin is 387 sq feet with a marble bathroom and walk-in closet.
During the event, Audry showcased details of the new Silver Dawn ship built in 2021 with a focus on all things spa. And then, for the big announcement: Audry told the crowd that I’d be hosting the Silversea Norwegian Fjords Cruise on the Silver Dawn. Beginning in Copenhagen, prepare to be mesmerized by the soaring peaks and still waters of the Fiordland. We’ll ride the fabled Flåm railway, and stroll the quaint streets of Bergen. This is a great jumping-off point to see fjords like Hardangerfjord, the country’s second-largest fjord with snow-peaked mountain caps in the distance. Enjoy the endless sunshine in Kristiansand before a final day in Denmark’s Skagen. Join me on this Silversea journey from June 29 to July 9, 2024.
To learn more about other scheduled trips by these four amazing suppliers, contact me directly. I couldn’t be more excited to get back out there and soak in the world with you!
— Jeff