TOURIST LIFE TRAVEL & TOUR

While Americans are being more careful with their money than ever, one sector where spending has increased is travel. Recent research has found that people who spend their money on travel and occasionally disconnect from the digital world rate their lives as happier.

Many travelers look to the restorative powers that come from visiting places of wild natural beauty. If close encounters with indigenous creatures appeals to you, then a holiday to the Galápagos Islands will provide you unparalleled opportunities to explore beautiful landscapes and observe incredible wildlife while relaxing in comfort.

Visitors regularly say that one of the most interesting things about visiting Galápagos is the unique natural habitat, which allows travelers to come face-to-face with wildlife that has never developed a fear of humans. Only in Galápagos do visitors have the chance to snorkel with playful sea lions, walk alongside grazing giant tortoises, approach birds like blue-footed boobies and marvel at penguins at the equator – all in one vacation.

The Galápagos Islands are located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador and are renowned for their unique wildlife and diverse geography. Lars-Eric Lindblad took the first non-scientific travelers to the archipelago in 1967, and the islands have been captivating travelers ever since.

The Galápagos archipelago consists of 13 main islands and 6 smaller isles, which together embrace some 19,500 square miles of ocean. With such a vast geography to explore, one of the best ways to visit the islands is to travel by boat. Small-ship expeditions are very popular in Galápagos for good reason. Small ships offer a great balance between comfort and convenience and many travel operators, such as Lindblad Expeditions , price their trips to include all activities, so there’s no need to pull a wallet out while onboard.

When looking for a travel provider, be certain that you select an operator that offers up-close exploration opportunities. The longest running travel operator in Galápagos, Lindblad Expeditions, features nimble Zodiac boats and kayaks that enable guests to visit the volcanic shores and land on the pristine beaches of the archipelago.

Lindblad Expeditions also works in alliance with National Geographic, which enables travelers to participate in the world of natural and cultural history as engaged, active explorers who care about the planet. And, every Lindblad expedition in Galápagos is led by a team of naturalists providing a multitude of resources for a rich, unmatched understanding of the incredible wildlife and special environment that is known as the “Land of Darwin.”

Galápagos is one of the most extraordinary places on earth to connect with nature. It is never too late, or too early, for a life-changing adventure.