Amazing Women Archives | TRAVELS WITH TAM

After returning from a Trip to the Socorro Islands, I Learned Scary News about our Conservation Superhero Dr. Andrea Marshall, Queen of Mantas

April 27, 2024 By Tam Warner Minton Leave a Comment

Queen of mantas, andrea marshall, marine megafauna, superhero — **Superhero Dr. Andrea Marshall,**

**Queen of Mantas**

I recently returned from a trip with conservation superhero Dr. Andrea Marshall, known as the Queen of Mantas. We dived the Revillagigedo Islands, aka the Socorro Islands, a group of four volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean. They are part of Mexico and are located approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) off Mexico’s western coast. The islands are known for their diverse and abundant marine life, making them a popular destination for diving enthusiasts like me. Some species in the waters around the Revillagigedo islands include 11 species of sharks, giant manta rays, dolphins, and whales. The islands are also home to a variety of seabirds and unique flora. It is the only place on earth where I’ve seen so much human and fish/mammal interaction. The mantas love to swim above you enjoying your scuba bubbles, and on my last trip, I danced with a dolphin which was a magical experience.

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Dame Traveler’s Live the Adventure, Available Now on Amazon!

May 10, 2020 By Tam Warner 3 Comments

Dame Traveler’s Live the Adventure, Available Now on Amazon!

From Dame Traveler Press Release:

From backpackers in Peru to artists in Berlin to storytellers in Morocco, Dame Traveler celebrates the diversity and bravery of women from around the world who are not afraid to think (and live) outside the box.

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I Went to an Awakening Vision Yoga Retreat and I’m so Glad I did!

January 17, 2020 By Tam Warner 5 Comments

I Went to an Awakening Vision Yoga Retreat and I’m so Glad I did!

yoga retreat, awakening vision yoga retreat, travels with tam

I’ve been involved in yoga for many, many years and even did 200 hour teacher training. Yoga has been important in my life, and yet I had never actually gone on a yoga retreat. Why not? I have no idea because I loved the Awakening Vision Yoga Retreat by Lauren Margolies and Stefani Tovar, two of my favorite yogis in Dallas.

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Another Fantastic Solo Trip with Ray of Hope Expeditions!

April 30, 2018 By Tam Warner 9 Comments

manta ray research, manta rays, — Dr Andrea Marshall and I on one of her Ray of Hope Expeditions to the Revillagigedos to do research on the plastic consumption of mantas.

Another fantastic Solo Trip with Ray of Hope Expeditions and Dr Andrea Marshall, Queen of Mantas!

I love to travel solo, but traveling solo doesn’t have to mean traveling alone! When I travel solo I never feel “lonely” because there are so many new people to watch, to meet, and to talk to. My volunteer/citizen science adventures have introduced me to people who share my passion. As a result, I have friends all over the world! I was the oldest volunteer on my All Out Africa volunteer trip to Mozambique in 2012, but I remain in touch with, and have seen, my fellow volunteers because we bonded during our shared experience. I have friends I met on other trips who are older than I am. Meeting and working with people who share your passions is exhilarating no matter what your age, nationality, or religion. Doing citizen science with Ray of Hope Expeditions makes me feel good about myself, knowing I am trying to make a difference.

I am always careful when I travel, whether solo or not! It’s important to take good care of yourself financially as well! This guide will give you some good tips on how to travel safely with your finances!

Earlier this month I was off on another adventure with Andrea, this time to the Revillagigedos Archipelago. Where on earth is that, you may ask. It is very remote and takes at least a day to get there from Los Cabos. One is completely unplugged as there are no signals. This location is very special. It is 540 miles off the Baja peninsula, and is often called Mexico’s Galapagos. These uninhabited rocks, so far from the Mexican mainland, are among the most unbelievable dive spots in the world. It has one of the largest populations of sharks, manta rays, and includes groups of tuna, humpback whales, all kinds of cool fish, and turtles. This is the third time I have visited these islands, and though I have taken identification photos in this location for scientists, this is the first time I was on an actual scientific expedition.

Revillagigedos, Revillagigedos Archipelago, diving in Socorro, scuba dive San Benedicto, Roca Partida — Map By Hobe / Holger Behr – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2688383

Strangely enough, I became sea sick on the crossing, which is very unusual for me. I always take a couple of Dramamine and never have a problem. This time was quite different! I have to say, I have a lot of sympathy now for people who get seasick! What a horrible feeling. I spent the first 20 hours of the trip in bed, sleeping and eating saltines.

Once at the dive sites the water was calmer, and my sickness went away (until the next time we traveled which was every day or night!). Diving with mantas is always a magical experience no matter where you are, but the giant mantas at these islands are different. They want to interact with divers, and they want to feel the bubbles from our regulators on their bellies! There are plenty of sharks, dolphins, fish and even tuna in these waters. I was excited to get under the waves and take photos!

ray of hope expeditions — Here I am, photographing a Giant Manta at San Benedicto Island, photo by Andrea Marshall.

And this is the identification photo I took on that dive! The spot pattern is the Identification, they are like fingerprints with no two alike.

Here I am photographing another Manta Ray. See how the spot pattern is different from the one above?

Here is Andrea and you can see her spear? Taking tissue samples from the mantas was important on this trip to measure how much plastic was in their system.

And this was just the beginning of the trip! Stay tuned for more fish, shark, dolphin and manta action!

You would also enjoy:

http://tamtravels.wpengine.com/how-to-perform-citizen-science-with-manta-rays/

14 of the Most Badass Adventurers on Instagram in 2018 are Midlife Women!

February 16, 2018 By Tam Warner 15 Comments

Did you know that 14 of the most badass adventurers on Instagram in 2018 are midlife women? It’s true! Talk about inspiration! Here are women who will show you how to get out of your comfort zone and find excitement!

Points and Travel

badass adventurers, badass, women, comfort zoneoman to listen to, she knows what she is doing and can inspire to get out of your comfort zone! @pointsandtravel

A Taste of Travel

Aussie Jenny Freedman loves traveling on or near water, finding cool markets to stroll through, and iconic food. Her Instagram is filled with beautiful photographs of beaches, kayaks, and coastal towns galore! On A Taste of Travel Blog dot com Jenny says, “I love a bit of luxury but often I prefer to stay at a cute 3 Star boutique hotel and splurge on a fabulous meal. Food is important in my travels and restaurants play a big part when visiting a city.” Jenny’s destinations closely resemble anyone’s Bucket List, and she is happily out and about, spending the kid’s inheritance, and getting out of her comfort zone. One of the badass adventurers, indeed! @atasteoftravel

Traveling with MJ

Mary Jo Manzanares’ instagram feed is nothing short of heavenly. Among badass adventurers, she is a lover of color, it can be in nature, cooking, or in an animal, but color and a heart opening experience is what she offers. “MJ, is a traveler, travel writer, podcaster, and publisher. When she’s not on a trip, she’s planning or researching the next one and has a bag always packed, ready for the next great adventure. Her travel ethos is Value Luxury – that sweet spot where experience and price intersect to create WOW.” Mary Jo absolutely creates a feeling of WOW on her blog Traveling with MJ dot com and her instagram, @travelingwithMJ

Suzanne Stavert

@SuzanneStavert makes the Empty Nest look inviting, and even romantic! She and her husband Craig take full advantage of having no more children at home. Her feed is colorful and varied, from luxury hotels and beautiful locations to photos of incredible food, her family, and even her dog. She started Adventures of Empty Nesters dot com in 2014 to celebrate becoming an empty nester, and to share her adventures, expertise and enthusiasm. Her instagram and blog are filled with fun, great trips, fabulous food, and lifestyle tips. Suzanne is one of my favorite badass adventurers.

Green with Renvy

I love Alison Abott’s style, she is a woman after my own heart! She is a supporter of sustainability and eco-friendly ideas. Hers is a travel and lifestyle blog in all shades of GREEN. She loves eco-luxury, and her Instagram feed is full of colorful cultures, foods, and travel experiences. Alison has been in fashion and design, and turned to renovating homes with a green twist. She describes Green with Renvy dot com as follows: “an enjoyable riff on the concept of renovating your travel and lifestyle in sustainable shades of green. Reducing your carbon footprint can come in many forms, and even small steps can have a significant impact.” Enjoy her exciting Instagram feed, @GreenwithRenvy, and blog of the same name.

Travel with Sara

Sara Broers (Travel with Sara dot com) is the founder of the midwest travel chat (#MWTravel), and an advocate for traveling the midwest! Her feed is full of hidden gems you’ve never even heard of! Such a badass adventurer! She is also an expert on the Alabama Gulf Coast. I think her Instagram says it perfectly, she loves family, travel, beaches, cruises, mountains and Iowa. Sara’s Instagram feed is chock full of sunsets from wherever she is at the moment, landscapes, beautiful ocean vistas, and charming buildings or gardens. Sara knows that adventure is around every corner in life. @TravelwithSara

Wherever_i_mayroamblog

Melody Pittman and her daughter, Taylor Pittman Hardy, are the multi-generational wizards behind @wherever_i_mayroamblog. This fabulous feed is full of food, locations, cruises, and Disney! They are absolute Disney fanatics! If you like Walt Disney, this is the feed and blog for you! Nowhere is too small or obscure, they go everywhere. Melody seemingly never slows down! Wherever I May Roam Blog dot com is where you will find her online, because she is impossible to find otherwise. On Instagram and the blog, they are your resource for luxury travel, culture and eats with a side of smart spending!

Nomad Women

Donna Meyer is right on point as far as I am concerned. Her blog, Nomad Women dot com, and her Instagram @nomadwomen focuses on mature women who travel. “If you’ve never traveled, because of fear, family, finances, whatever, I want to show you why you can and should. If you think you’re traveling days are past, I want to prove you wrong. I want to empower us all to get up, get out and see all that the world has to offer us.” Amen, sistah! My sentiments exactly. Donna’s instagram feed is eclectic, from birds to orchestras to stained glass to the Petrified Forest, Donna gets around. Follow Donna and see what this beautiful world has to offer!

Boomeresque2

Suzanne Fluhr is the lady behind the curtain on Boomeresque. She is the Boomer Queen! Her feed bounces from architecture to animals to scenery to sunsets and giant turtles! I love it. She and her husband, whom she calls Mr Excitement (that just cracks me up!), are always up to something, and the best way to follow her is on her Instagram. For tips, travels, lifestyle, and something called Zentangle (sounds much too complicated for me!) call in at Boomeresque dot com. @Boomeresque2

Solo Traveler

Janice Waugh and Tracy Nesbitt are the cutting edge of solo travel. Their blog, Solo Traveler World dot com is the end of the line for everything you need to know about traveling solo. I love the rich diversity of their @solotraveler feed on Instagram. Is there anywhere these bad ass adventurers haven’t been? The feed is awesome, I especially love the photos of Janice with two Longhorns (TEXAS Longhorns), and the cross country skier Tracy. Their feed has postcard picture perfect photographs as well as Janice and Tracy on their travels. They are the source for traveling alone and getting out of that comfort zone.

Got Luxury Travel

This instagram feed, @gotluxurytravel is the brainchild of Irene Levine and Janice Mucalov, co-editors of Getting On Travel dot com, a travel magazine for those over 50. These badass adventurers take glorious photographs, from all of the contributors to the magazine. Variety is the name of the game from a variety of travelers over 50, but every photo is picture perfect and screams “you have to go to ….”! The range of subjects is really and truly all over the planet. Cultures, foods, animals, people…absolutely beautiful and a must-follow.

Here are two more recent feeds that I am thoroughly enjoying and I’m sure you will too. @itsabonniething and @golearnthings. So be sure and check them out for continued adventures in midlife! (www.golearnthings.com and www.itsabonniething.com) They are two badass adventurers!

Oh, and don’t forget me! @travelswithtam, an empty nester always renewing, revamping and reinventing life! Get out of your comfort zone and find inspiration! Suzanne Stavert, Sara Broers and Melody Pitman are my blog buddies and together we are truly badass adventures! Check out a whirlwind trip to Cozumel Mexico

(https://travelswithtam.com/4travelchicasincozumel-2/

by #4TravelChicas. Midlife and beyond belongs to us, and we need to squeeze everything we can from it! Follow me on travel adventures, dive trips, citizen science, and on seven continents!

See you on Instagram!

Here is your Chance to see the exhibit “Dressing Downton” in St Augustine Florida! Free!

October 12, 2017 By Tam Warner 16 Comments

dress downton, st augustine, lightner museum exhibit, holiday — Beautiful Casa de Suenos

Here is your chance to see the museum exhibit, “Dressing Downton” at the Lightner Museum when staying at the St Francis Inn or Casa de Suenos in St Augustine, Florida this holiday season! I have stayed at Casa de Suenos and toured St Augustine, and I can tell you it is a beautiful, historical city and it is definitely worth a visit just on its own. During December, there is an incredible offer for you!

As a midweek guest for two nights (Sunday thru Thursday) from October 4, 2017, to January 7, 2018, celebrate the phenomenal Dressing Downton™ Exhibition during its final stop, at St. Augustine’s Lightner Museum. The Exhibition highlights fashion from the widely acclaimed TV drama, Downton Abbey®.

The 2-night, 3-day stay with the Dressing Downton™ Special, a $60 value, at no extra cost includes:

• Two “Golden” Admission Tickets to the Dressing Downton™ Exhibition, with entry at any hour of the date on the ticket. This awesome exhibition includes 36 costumes with jewelry and accessories, reflecting changing times from 1912 to the mid-1920s, displayed in the fabulous Gilded Age museum among vignettes of turn-of-the-century art and furniture.

• Exhibition tickets include general admission to the entire Lightner Museum, the former posh Alcazar Hotel, home to one of the best collections of 19th century fine and decorative art in the U.S., built in 1888 by railroad tycoon Henry Flagler

• Keepsake Tin of specially blended premium Downton Abbey® Tea

• Fine Chocolate from Cadbury, a British company which has produced delicious specialty chocolate treats for nearly 200 years

The Lightner Museum is the only stop for Dressing Downton™ in Southeastern US, and perhaps the best of all its stops!

IMPORTANT: You must MENTION this special when you make your reservation. Based on double occupancy.

* Not available during these holiday dates: December 26-29, 2017. NOT AVAILABLE WITH OTHER DISCOUNTS!

Amazing Women

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