adventure travel Archives | TRAVELS WITH TAM

Emperor Penguins! Exploring Antarctica on the Lindblad NatGeo Explorer!

January 22, 2017 By Tam Warner 6 Comments

*A Continuation of a fabulous Antarctic Expedition with Lindblad Natgeo! Exploring Antarctica is a true privilege.

Annie, my travel buddy, in front of the Explorer, on the fast ice.

On our 3rd day, our 2nd on land, we actually had the thrill of seeing an Emperor Penguin! It is a very unusual sighting, because Emperors mate during the dead of winter (I think it may be safe to say that Emperor Penguins have the worst existence of any bird on earth) and this was Antarctic summer. There he or she was, hanging out with Adelie penguins on ice!

emperor, penguins, natgeo, lindblad, exploring antarctica — An Emperor Penguin hanging out!

5 Reasons I am SO Excited to Arrive in Antarctica!

January 11, 2017 By Tam Warner 13 Comments

Sooo excited to arrive in Antarctica!

Today is Day 3 of my Lindblad/National Geographic Expedition on the Explorer to Antarctica! After a few days in Buenos Aires, which I will post about, a day traveling to Ushiaya, Argentina (aka The end of the world), and a day at sea watching whales and seabirds, I woke this morning to snow and Fin and Humpback Whales off the bow. As we watched the whales, I saw my very first iceberg. I am overwhelmed by the beauty of this extreme landscape, and humbled by its scope. Just some first impressions!

Icebergs! The floating ice is absolutely beautiful.
The beauty is staggering
Extreme landscape!
It is stark…winter is here!
Chinstrap Penguins!
Adorable.
Gentoo Penguins.
Penguins are nesting, and this Gentoo mother is feeding her chick.
Elephant Seals!
A juvenile male elephant seal! You can see his little trunk starting. These guys are 12 ft if they are an inch, and they are juveniles!

These are my first five day one incredible reasons I already love Antarctica!

Perfect Holiday Destinations for a mix of Luxury and Adventure

November 16, 2016 By Tam Warner Leave a Comment

Adventure holidays don’t have to mean uncomfortable sleeper trains, budget meals and backpacking for days on end. With a company like Exsus you can enjoy an exotic adventure with all of the luxuries you’d expect from a family holiday, too. Getting the balance between thrill seeking and relaxation can be tough but with these incredible destinations offering the perfect mix of both, there’s no reason to not be able to have your cake and eat it too:

Kenya

If your ideal type of holiday is an African Adventure through the savannah, then Kenya is the perfect destination for you. Complete with the opportunity to get up close and personal with lions, leopards, tigers and elephants, Kenya has everything from iconic wildlife to breath-taking scenery, incredible mountains and deserted beaches. With an array of luxury lodgings to choose from Kenya offers the ideal mix and is perfect for families thanks to its huge variety of different things to do.

Costa Rica

If you’re the type of family who loves impressing friends with the next new exotic destination they’ve visited then this one certainly is for you. Costa Rica is one of the less touristy adventure holiday destinations with a gorgeous natural rainforest just waiting to be explored. From zip wiring through the jungle to spotting rare animals like spider monkeys and bathing in stunning natural waterfalls, there’s so much to see and explore, with some very impressive luxury hotels to retire to after a long day.

Europe

Europe is the ideal continent for families who can’t decide between luxury and adventure. From cosmopolitan cities like Barcelona and Paris to whale spotting and hiking through Iceland to visit the Northern Lights, there’s so much to see and do that it provides the ideal balance of both. Traveling from country to country is quick and easy with amazing transport networks and with so many historic sites and world famous tourist attractions based there, it’s no wonder it’s such a popular holiday destination for those seeking adventure and luxury.

When booking a family holiday, finding a destination which suits all can be really difficult but with these destinations offering both exciting opportunities to experience on in a lifetime adventures. From bathing in tropical waters to abseiling and spotting wildlife in their natural habitat, plus some luscious accommodation choices and superb facilities to benefit from, these destinations have it all for the perfect mix.

Check out the fabulous vacations from Exsus!

Dory is My Doppelganger

June 20, 2016 By Tam Warner 22 Comments

Sometimes, I have to laugh when everything turns to …. . Since Dory is my doppelganger, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised! Don’t get me wrong, compared to 99% of the world, my life is awesome, and I have nothing to complain about. I have traveled in many countries, and I know that when one has food in their belly and a roof over their head, that is good fortune. Often, though, I do get frustrated with all of the shit that happens. I mean, everything is relative, right? A therapist once told me that I had a right to my feelings, that life was relative, and I should stop prefacing my feelings with “I should not feel this way because I have the most wonderful life”. Yes, I have a wonderful life, but there is still some rain in it. The fickle finger of fate (remember Laugh-In?) likes to have a little fun once in a while, pretty frequently actually, and my Guardian Angel gets very tired.

Now, everyone has frustrations. Everyone has issues. I am part of the rule, not the exception to it. I’m not even talking about big stuff…like my husband’s double lung transplant almost 3 years ago, or chronic pain, or depression. Just everyday stuff. Like being ADHD. Being clumsy. Being distracted, unable to concentrate, or being so focused and concentrated there is nothing else in the world. Dogs being crazy dogs. Falling into pet gates and getting 15 stitches around the eye. Putting popcorn in the refrigerator and milk in the pantry (I just did that one yesterday). Leaving the car running (yes, you heard me right, I have parked the car and left it running). My cell phone? Ha! I can never remember to take it with me, from room to room or when I leave my house. My phone insurance was actually cancelled because I lost the phone too many times. What is insurance for, anyway??? Now it won’t charge. It’s always something.

A friend of mine told me not long ago that I was the “Dory” of my scuba diving tribe. Well, I have to say that is pretty accurate. I mean, I have been known to get so excited that I try to descend with a snorkel in my mouth instead of a regulator, and forget to put on fins. You know, of course, that forgetful Dory is actually ADHD? She has all of the symptoms, and so do I, and that is why my friend sent me an article titled 9 Signs You’re the Dory of Your Friend Group. The only exceptions I have to the nine signs? I eat fish even though they are friends, and I rarely pronounce or spell anything wrong (I’m the original absent minded Professor). Everything else seems pretty correct. And I do speak Whale.

Dory, doppelganger, travels with tam — Who’s who here??

This isn’t new, but as I get older it does seem to get worse. In the last year I have been forgetting to notice my gas gauge, and I ran out of gas once on the expressway. Thankfully I have a hybrid and I was able to coast into the gas station! Talk about luck! I’m on the expressway and it starts to sputter!

As I ready myself for my epic Down Under and Indonesia trip, I find that I cannot even complete a thought before I start talking about something else. My brain is darting around so much that I cannot even speak. Or think. I exhaust myself. And I have to pack at some point. I am going on this trip solo, which is probably good, because I doubt I’d be able to handle another person at this point. Oh, shit, I need to remember to print all of my documents out. Should I do that first? Or pack? I don’t know.

I think I’ll go take a nap.

Am I Invisible?

January 31, 2016 By Tam Warner 27 Comments

Traveling alone is not a new experience for me. I have ventured far out of my comfort zone by doing citizen science in Africa, Ecuador, St. Lucia and Mexico. In the next year I will travel to Australia and Indonesia to do a citizen science trip with Dr Andrea Marshall, Director of the Marine Megafauna Foundation. These trips have been incredible experiences of growth for me, as well as the addition of friends from all over the world who are as passionate as I am about conservation, particularly in the ocean.

scuba, mexico, adventure travel — Enjoying the drift!

Why do I travel alone? I seek experience and knowledge. Volunteering in Mozambique was eye opening in many ways. Could I travel all the way to Africa by myself? Yes. Could I perform the necessary tasks to do my volunteer job? After a shaky start, the answer became Yes. Could I witness the culture and learn from it? At times it was extremely difficult, but yes, I learned a lot about the people of Mozambique, and Ecuador, and Mexico. I learned, most importantly, that I was capable and could thrive, and survive, on my own. I also learned about my own culture, and looked for ways to make it better by contributing my experience and knowledge of the world, and encouraging others to step out as well. I know many women who are afraid to travel on their own, but it is very empowering.

scuba, lake tahoe, solo travel — Namaste.

I also travel alone because of my husband’s health. Two years ago, Randy had a double lung transplant, a sudden and inexplicable journey that was taken with the support of our family and friends. Randy is now doing well, but traveling can be problematic for a person who takes anti-rejection medications and immune system suppressants. We have taken trips together, but he has become ill on many of them, from flying, or being in crowds. My citizen science is usually ocean based, and involves scuba diving. Randy is not diving at the moment, and we are unsure if he will ever dive again. One thing is sure: he cannot travel unless he is reasonably close to a major medical center with a transplant team. The developing nations are not safe locations for him.

thailand, solo travel, adventure — With my “boys”!

Lake Tahoe is becoming a favorite destination for Randy and I, and I had the opportunity to enjoy Lake Tahoe in the snow. Randy made the decision not to go because I would be staying, and playing, in a casino. Talk about a germ fest! I understood his reasoning, and went alone. I never mind being by myself in a casino, or staying in a hotel alone. However, I wanted to go boating to see Emerald Bay and I decided to go snowmobiling. I signed up for the tours.

It was as though I was invisible. When I caught people looking at me, I saw questions in their minds. Why was I alone? No one interacted with me except a couple staying at my hotel, and I am the one who initiated that conversation, which was short. I had the feeling people were afraid of what I might tell them because it would make them uncomfortable. Widowed? Divorced? Friendless? Believe me, they did not want to know my story, whatever it was. Couples interacted, families interacted, but they did not want to interact with me. I felt a little unnerved by the silence and the quick glances, and a little lonely as well. It surprised me that a midlife woman traveling alone should be almost shunned.

I enjoyed my trip, and loved the experiences I had. Lake Tahoe in the snow is a winter wonderland! However, I find myself curious as to why a midlife woman in these situations should find herself ignored. I wonder if men who travel alone also feel like they have on an invisibility cloak?

What do you think? Ever had this experience?

5 Reasons to Get off your Keester and Travel!

August 13, 2015 By Tam Warner 10 Comments

5 reasons, travel, keester — A young monk welcoming us to Myanmar.

Do you travel?

Yesterday I wanted to meet a friend for lunch, but my car was in the shop. I called Uber and was quickly picked up by a friendly and delightful driver from Guinea, Africa. We began to talk about Guinea’s location, and he was overjoyed when he discovered that I had actually traveled to Africa and visited several countries there. A story emerged which highlighted, perfectly, why we should all travel. The driver worked on the morning of his daughter’s wedding, and he drove that day in the suit he was going to wear at the event. One of his clients asked him who it was that taught him how to put on a suit. You have to admit, that is a rather odd question. (The inference being, of course, that someone “civilized” had to have explained to him how to wear a suit). The driver, who speaks clear English and has been in the USA for almost 30 years, admitted he was very angry about it. People in America, he said, do not travel often enough, and have no idea about the cultures of other places. I agreed.

“Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” Terry Pratchett

Since my discussion with him, I have done a little research, and yes, it is true that the vast majority of Americans have never traveled out of the country. I have had people tell me they are not interested in going to other places because America is the “best”. I’m not going to argue about patriotism, but my question is, how do you know? If you have never been to another country, how can you know what is “best”? And does everything have to be rated as good, better and best? Can’t it just be different? I realize that not everyone wants to travel, but there is no question that it provides invaluable experience and insight to the traveler and to the people the traveler knows or meets. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” I agree, St Augustine, I agree.

travel, 5 reasons, keester — There are over 40,000 Buddhist temples in Thailand! Bangkok is a city filled with wonder. My daughter and I were both blessed by the monks of The Golden Buddha Monastery while we were there.

Here are 5 excellent reasons to see other parts of the world.

Travel takes you out of your comfort zone. Your comfort zone is, well, comforting, but it does not give you the opportunity to stretch yourself or to grow. When you step out into new surroundings you achieve something new…instead of stagnating you are in motion, and you are learning about the world around you. (Your comfort zone really does not exist, you know. It is simply a comforting illusion.)
Market day in Tanzania
Traveling can help you conquer your fears. Afraid of water? Go to the beach, or a lake. Afraid of heights? Climb a hill, or better yet, go to a vista point at the nearest national park. Fear is paralyzing…so get up and move. If not now, when?
Our family in Ancient Rome…the antiquity was mind boggling. And the food was fantastic!
Travel is mind expanding! It gets you out of a routine and makes you use your brain, your ears, and your eyes. When traveling there is so much that has to be taken in…new sights, new flavors, new noises. It takes your complete attention…you are no longer on “auto-pilot”.
Yes, those are swimming pigs! They are in the Exumas, Bahamas!
Travel introduces you to different cultures and new perspectives. The culture you live in isn’t the only one on the planet, you know! Ever thought about doing volunteer travel, especially abroad? These trips are not expensive, and you usually get all of your meals plus a place to stay. Airfare is reasonable to Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean, and many other places from the US. Volunteer travels can be eye opening and have a major impact on your life by showing you how others live, think, and do things. Volunteer Tourism is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. There are trips for every taste, be it teaching children or scuba diving for research or digging wells or teaching skills to help people make a living. There are many ways to make a difference.
A volunteer trip to Ecuador took me completely out of my comfort zone…and it ended up being a wonderful trip.

Fish Market in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador.
Traveling can be a little scary, and that is probably the best reason to do it. We fear what we do not understand. Travel educates. It challenges us to learn about ourselves, to learn the cultures of other countries, and understanding is the path to knowledge, and hopefully, wisdom.
Oh, it isn’t that scary!!!!

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” Mark Twain

I have some favorite volunteer travel agents and agencies such as All Out Africa, Kaya Responsible Travel, the Giving Lens (a great volunteer program for photographers), Marine Megafauna Ray of Hope Expeditions, Mission Blue….there are just so many opportunities! Get on Google and Google to get away! Seeing the world will make a difference not only in your life…but in the lives of others. And no excuses about being “too old”. I took my first Citizen Science trip when I was 53! Just make up your mind and do it!

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