Meeting Topics for our Ecuador trip 2022
Packing ideas- 11-21-21
Things to think about for the gift giving season-
a. travel money belt
b. power converter
c. outlet adaptor
d. travel alarm
e. suit case (carry-on roller style)
f. blank travel journal
g. travel umbrella or rain jacket
h. guide book to Ireland
i. specific travel garments (quick dry)
j. new camera or video camera/ go pro
k. travel size toiletries
l. heavy duty luggage tag
m. wrist watch
n. air plane neck pillow
o. e-reader
p. smart phone - photo lenses
q. recharging battery for your cell phone
r. travel water bottle- (life straw)
s. wireless speakers or headphones
t. heavy duty phone case
u. camera travel tripod
v. camera travel bag
w. camera lens pen
x. small travel flash light- i have one attached to my backpack
y. selfie stick
z. night sleep mask or ear plugs
3. Packing- Packing Hints
• pack comfortable shoes and an umbrella or a raincoat
• carry any valuables, medicine and an extra set of clothes in your carry on or when transferring between cities. Leave valuable jewelry and computers at home and carry your passport at all times. (in money belt)
• think about wearing sandals on the plane to make it easier to go through security
Carry On: (plus a purse or small camera bag)- My luggage will only be a carry-on
-one change of clothes (in case luggage is lost or delayed)
-passport
-an empty water bottle (can fill at a drinking fountain after security)
-camera/camcorder/film/memory card- plus an extra camera battery
-books to read (digital book reader-real books limit and plan to trade)/-mp3 player or IPod
-important papers (phone list, medical papers, prescriptions, travel journal)
-contact lenses and accessories, an extra set of glasses
-necessary medication-
-money belt-cell phone and charger
Suitcase- (under 45lbs) (If you can you might even just pack a carry-on---although this is not required)
-shoes or sandals (whichever you do not wear through security- try and keep bag under 25lbs)
-lined jacket or sweat shirt- (thin gloves/ hat- Peru can be Cold at elevation)
basic cloths, t-shirts underwear and socks
-jeans, cotton slacks, skirts- we require no formal dress - even events and shows are non formal - but you will possible need body covering for churches that we will visit
-sewing kit (share with friends)
◦ plastic bag for dirty cloths
◦ lock on bag (proper security lock TSA approved)
◦ basic toiletries (although if you forget something you can share or buy when you arrive)
SMALL GIFT FOR TD
The reason for my carry on strategy is due to our internal flights/ I will check my bag on the return flight- I will pack a small back pack in my bag to use to carry-on for home trip.
Packing Tips- General
-you must have a money belt - to be worn under your clothes- not a fanny pack!
-travel with a mini power strip so you can charge many items off of your converter at the same time
-carry an empty water bottle in your carry on so you can refill water at the terminal from the drinking fountains after going through security
-carry an empty plastic trash bag to separate dirty clothes from clean clothes.
-bring an empty film canister to protect your earrings from bending
-if you have a travel buddy you can pack half of your stuff in their checked bag and they can check half of their stuff in your bag to help deal with lost or delayed baggage
-To help keep your clothes and bag smelling fresh pack a fabric softener sheet or two in your bag
-have a system to recognize your bag- have a special tag, or style or or some ribbon of some type around the handle (my cousin sprayed painted his old garage sale bag to look like a milk cow)
-carry some sort of day pack in your bag unless you are using your carryon as the day pack and checking your bag
-if you are planning on buying posters or maps travel with a mailing tube to store the items
-include a copy of your contact information and itinerary inside your copy incase your bag gets lost and the bag tags are damaged
-bring extra memory cards/ they are small and they are cheaper to buy here
-if sounds bother you bring ear plugs to help you sleep (you might have snores in your room or a street outside your window)
-bring a few shout wipes to help with any spot removal you might have to deal with on the road
-wash clothes are rare in international hotels so you might one to have a quick drying microfiber one
-think about a small zip lock bag of first aid stuff- band-aids, tweezers, over the counter pain relievers,, moleskin to cover blisters -
4. Fundraiser ideas- ????????
general tips-
-while traveling in some countries your dollar bills must be clean, neat and not torn to be exchanged for local currency
-let me know if you have any food allergies
-in countries with emerging economies I carry a roll of toilet paper in my carry-on
-when traveling in a country with an emerging economy stop by the dollar store before you leave and pick up stickers as they make great gifts and fun for local kids (and not bad for their teeth like candy)
-carry a money conversion chart for the areas that you will be traveling ( I will make one for you)
-bring along an address list if you would like to send post cards to family and friends- especially if you have someone in your life who helped to prepare or sponsor the trip
-before we travel make sure you are use to walking you should be walking at least a mile a day prior to departure- a couple of miles would be better- and make sure you are walking in the shoes that you will be wearing on the trip- if you are getting new shoes get them a couple of weeks early and break them in first!
a. travel money belt
b. power converter
c. outlet adaptor
d. travel alarm
e. suit case (carry-on roller style)
f. blank travel journal
g. travel umbrella or rain jacket
h. guide book to Ireland
i. specific travel garments (quick dry)
j. new camera or video camera/ go pro
k. travel size toiletries
l. heavy duty luggage tag
m. wrist watch
n. air plane neck pillow
o. e-reader
p. smart phone - photo lenses
q. recharging battery for your cell phone
r. travel water bottle- (life straw)
s. wireless speakers or headphones
t. heavy duty phone case
u. camera travel tripod
v. camera travel bag
w. camera lens pen
x. small travel flash light- i have one attached to my backpack
y. selfie stick
z. night sleep mask or ear plugs
3. Packing- Packing Hints
• pack comfortable shoes and an umbrella or a raincoat
• carry any valuables, medicine and an extra set of clothes in your carry on or when transferring between cities. Leave valuable jewelry and computers at home and carry your passport at all times. (in money belt)
• think about wearing sandals on the plane to make it easier to go through security
Carry On: (plus a purse or small camera bag)- My luggage will only be a carry-on
-one change of clothes (in case luggage is lost or delayed)
-passport
-an empty water bottle (can fill at a drinking fountain after security)
-camera/camcorder/film/memory card- plus an extra camera battery
-books to read (digital book reader-real books limit and plan to trade)/-mp3 player or IPod
-important papers (phone list, medical papers, prescriptions, travel journal)
-contact lenses and accessories, an extra set of glasses
-necessary medication-
-money belt-cell phone and charger
Suitcase- (under 45lbs) (If you can you might even just pack a carry-on---although this is not required)
-shoes or sandals (whichever you do not wear through security- try and keep bag under 25lbs)
-lined jacket or sweat shirt- (thin gloves/ hat- Peru can be Cold at elevation)
basic cloths, t-shirts underwear and socks
-jeans, cotton slacks, skirts- we require no formal dress - even events and shows are non formal - but you will possible need body covering for churches that we will visit
-sewing kit (share with friends)
◦ plastic bag for dirty cloths
◦ lock on bag (proper security lock TSA approved)
◦ basic toiletries (although if you forget something you can share or buy when you arrive)
SMALL GIFT FOR TD
The reason for my carry on strategy is due to our internal flights/ I will check my bag on the return flight- I will pack a small back pack in my bag to use to carry-on for home trip.
Packing Tips- General
-you must have a money belt - to be worn under your clothes- not a fanny pack!
-travel with a mini power strip so you can charge many items off of your converter at the same time
-carry an empty water bottle in your carry on so you can refill water at the terminal from the drinking fountains after going through security
-carry an empty plastic trash bag to separate dirty clothes from clean clothes.
-bring an empty film canister to protect your earrings from bending
-if you have a travel buddy you can pack half of your stuff in their checked bag and they can check half of their stuff in your bag to help deal with lost or delayed baggage
-To help keep your clothes and bag smelling fresh pack a fabric softener sheet or two in your bag
-have a system to recognize your bag- have a special tag, or style or or some ribbon of some type around the handle (my cousin sprayed painted his old garage sale bag to look like a milk cow)
-carry some sort of day pack in your bag unless you are using your carryon as the day pack and checking your bag
-if you are planning on buying posters or maps travel with a mailing tube to store the items
-include a copy of your contact information and itinerary inside your copy incase your bag gets lost and the bag tags are damaged
- I travel with old socks while traveling and I don’t bring them home- I leave them behind
-bring extra memory cards/ they are small and they are cheaper to buy here
-if sounds bother you bring ear plugs to help you sleep (you might have snores in your room or a street outside your window)
-bring a few shout wipes to help with any spot removal you might have to deal with on the road
-wash clothes are rare in international hotels so you might one to have a quick drying microfiber one
-think about a small zip lock bag of first aid stuff- band-aids, tweezers, over the counter pain relievers,, moleskin to cover blisters -
4. Fundraiser ideas- ????????
general tips-
-while traveling in some countries your dollar bills must be clean, neat and not torn to be exchanged for local currency
-let me know if you have any food allergies
-in countries with emerging economies I carry a roll of toilet paper in my carry-on
-when traveling in a country with an emerging economy stop by the dollar store before you leave and pick up stickers as they make great gifts and fun for local kids (and not bad for their teeth like candy)
-carry a money conversion chart for the areas that you will be traveling ( I will make one for you)
-bring along an address list if you would like to send post cards to family and friends- especially if you have someone in your life who helped to prepare or sponsor the trip
-before we travel make sure you are use to walking you should be walking at least a mile a day prior to departure- a couple of miles would be better- and make sure you are walking in the shoes that you will be wearing on the trip- if you are getting new shoes get them a couple of weeks early and break them in first!
First Meeting - How to get a Passport and more
Current Travel Dates- June 25th through July 3rd
Current Group Size- 15
Today we are going to talk about the COVID protocols and how to get a passport among other things. This page will be the update page for all trip information. Other topics included will be possible fundraising dinners our trip theme and more-
1. My recent Rome experience- Two weeks ago I spent 4 and a half days in Rome. I want to remind you that in the current state of the pandemic that things will change and have been changing quickly. That being said thing went very smoothly in regards to my experiences a couple of weeks ago. I was required to be vaccinated to travel into the EU and Italy and specific to Italy as we were still having surging numbers at the time with the Delta variant I was required to have a negative test 72 hours prior to my arrival. At my time of departure I was also required to have a passenger locator form filled out that had my hotel and flight information noted. This was for possible need for contact tracing. Now with numbers going down those things could and will certainly change by June. Another requirement by the US is to have a negative test 72 hours prior to leaving the country and returning to the US. We took that test in hotel and had the results back for the whole group within an hour. This process went well also as not a single person tested positive.
We were required to where masks while traveling in the coach and indoors and different venues. The Vatican and the Vatican museums were open to visitors with restricted numbers. You had to where a mask in the Vatican and show either your negative test results or vaccination card. The high light for me was that I have never seen Sistine chapel with such few crowds. It was an amazing view! The restaurants and hotels also required masking. The whole experience went very well.
2. If for some reason the Covid situation gets worse or you feel uncomfortable to travel in June we will have have a back up trip planned for 2023. I will not rerun this trip but you could join one of my 2023 tours- London spring break or Peru summer both in 2023. If EF has to cancel the trip they will also give you the option for a refund minus operating fees (which I think are $250)
3. Take a look at the meeting schedule and check for conflicts or questions that you might have.
4. Our trip does require a passport. Here are the directions to get one-
Passport information- a passport is required for entry into Europe and England. If you do not have a passport you must follow the steps below. If you have a passport please check to make sure it will still be valid during our travel dates. To be safe it should have at least a year left in the book prior to our arrival home on June 18th 2020.
for this. Between the ages of 14 and 17 you must appear in person with a parent.
D. Have two passport photos- 2X2- they must be identical (post office does this for a fee as does Walgreens and other places in town)
Pay Fee- Adults- 110$ application fee with a 25$ execution fee. I am not sure if our post office takes credit cards but I am fairly certain
that they take personal checks. The application fee is payable to the “Department of State” and the execution fee is made payable to the
postmaster (I believe). They will let you know.
Provide social security number on the form.
Photo guidelines-
Your photographs must be:
Current Group Size- 15
Today we are going to talk about the COVID protocols and how to get a passport among other things. This page will be the update page for all trip information. Other topics included will be possible fundraising dinners our trip theme and more-
1. My recent Rome experience- Two weeks ago I spent 4 and a half days in Rome. I want to remind you that in the current state of the pandemic that things will change and have been changing quickly. That being said thing went very smoothly in regards to my experiences a couple of weeks ago. I was required to be vaccinated to travel into the EU and Italy and specific to Italy as we were still having surging numbers at the time with the Delta variant I was required to have a negative test 72 hours prior to my arrival. At my time of departure I was also required to have a passenger locator form filled out that had my hotel and flight information noted. This was for possible need for contact tracing. Now with numbers going down those things could and will certainly change by June. Another requirement by the US is to have a negative test 72 hours prior to leaving the country and returning to the US. We took that test in hotel and had the results back for the whole group within an hour. This process went well also as not a single person tested positive.
We were required to where masks while traveling in the coach and indoors and different venues. The Vatican and the Vatican museums were open to visitors with restricted numbers. You had to where a mask in the Vatican and show either your negative test results or vaccination card. The high light for me was that I have never seen Sistine chapel with such few crowds. It was an amazing view! The restaurants and hotels also required masking. The whole experience went very well.
2. If for some reason the Covid situation gets worse or you feel uncomfortable to travel in June we will have have a back up trip planned for 2023. I will not rerun this trip but you could join one of my 2023 tours- London spring break or Peru summer both in 2023. If EF has to cancel the trip they will also give you the option for a refund minus operating fees (which I think are $250)
3. Take a look at the meeting schedule and check for conflicts or questions that you might have.
4. Our trip does require a passport. Here are the directions to get one-
Passport information- a passport is required for entry into Europe and England. If you do not have a passport you must follow the steps below. If you have a passport please check to make sure it will still be valid during our travel dates. To be safe it should have at least a year left in the book prior to our arrival home on June 18th 2020.
- Fill out a passport application- you can get one online at- http://travel.state.gov/passport/ or pick one up at the post office-make sure you do not sign this form until the passport acceptance agent instructs you to do so. You can turn this form in locally at the main branch of the post office (Vermont Street) until 4pm Monday through Friday-Our acceptance officer is the postmaster. The postmaster is not available during her lunch hour. If I remember correctly her morning hours are 9- 11:45 and her afternoon hours are 1-4pm. You should sign up for an appointment as it is required at the post office in Lawrence now- You can also make an appointment up at the University of Kansas in the Office of Study Abroad in Strong Hall room 300- 785-864-3742.
- Present proof of US citizenship- this is done with a certified copy of your birth certificate or a copy of an old passport- see the form or website for other forms they will take
for this. Between the ages of 14 and 17 you must appear in person with a parent.
D. Have two passport photos- 2X2- they must be identical (post office does this for a fee as does Walgreens and other places in town)
Pay Fee- Adults- 110$ application fee with a 25$ execution fee. I am not sure if our post office takes credit cards but I am fairly certain
that they take personal checks. The application fee is payable to the “Department of State” and the execution fee is made payable to the
postmaster (I believe). They will let you know.
Provide social security number on the form.
Photo guidelines-
Your photographs must be:
- identical
- 2x2 inches in size
- taken within the past 6 months, showing current appearance
- full face, front view with a plain white or off white background
- uniforms should not be worn in photographs except religious attire that is worn daily
- if you normally wear prescription glasses or a wig they should be worn in picture
- dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless you need them for medical reasons (documentation may be required)
- thats all
The button below will give you a link to the last time I travelled to Ecuador
Getting to know the Islands. 1-30-22
Today we are going to look at some safety protocols and other pre planning information for our summer tour.
2-20-22 - Lonesome George and more
Today we are going to go over the 110 day deadline to do list- see handout-
Right now, your tour is less than 6 months away and we have begun to finalize reservation details for your group — Our teams from around the world have been hard at work, meeting with local suppliers to review health and safety protocols and working closely with airline partners to secure flights so we’re ready to travel as soon as we’re able. Visit https://www.eftours.com/health-and-safety for further details.
Even though things may seem uncertain, we are working behind the scenes to make sure we have all the important details needed to travel. You are coming up on your 110-day deadline, the MVP of deadlines for your tour! There are a few very important things which must be finalized in our system before this date:
Charting the Galápagos Islands
Mark your calendar! Your deadline is: Monday, March 7, 2022
I recommend setting a reminder for yourself at least a week in advance to give yourself time to make sure all families have completed the TO DOs that you will soon be communicating to them!
ENROLLMENT AND FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE
To guarantee a spot on your tour, everyone must be enrolled by midnight of 3/7/2022. After this point, additional spaces on your tour are on a request basis and may be subject to additional fees.
PASSPORT INFORMATION
TSA Security Regulations require that every passport must be valid at least 6 months after your scheduled return date and every traveler’s ticketed name is an exact match to what appears on their passport.
Keep in mind: processing time‚ including expedited processing‚ is taking longer than usual—so we suggest applying for the passport as soon as possible. Once you have a passport it will be valid for 5–10 years!
NOTE: Any changes to the reservation name after this deadline, will incur a minimum charge of $200 so it’s super important that all travelers review this information before then.
ADULT ROOMING AND STUDENT UPGRADES
Students will be roomed 3-4 per room (combo of twin and double beds) with others of the same sex. Adults will default in a twin room with another adult of the same sex. For more information on rooming, click here.
QUANRATINE ON TOUR
ON TOUR TESTING
One requirement of traveling between January and June that I want to call attention to; is for all travelers to be fully vaccinated, a booster may be required depending on when each person got vaccinated, per local requirements of your destination.
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 pandemic around the world, guidance issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of State, government orders, supplier/activity requirements, at this time all travelers departing through June 30th will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Even in destinations where proof of a COVID-19 vaccination is not currently required for entry, the rapidly evolving restrictions and requirements for non-vaccinated travelers, make it impracticable for our tours to operate without fully vaccinated tour groups.
FINAL INDIVIUDAL CANCELLATION DEADLINE
Even though things may seem uncertain, we are working behind the scenes to make sure we have all the important details needed to travel. You are coming up on your 110-day deadline, the MVP of deadlines for your tour! There are a few very important things which must be finalized in our system before this date:
Charting the Galápagos Islands
Mark your calendar! Your deadline is: Monday, March 7, 2022
I recommend setting a reminder for yourself at least a week in advance to give yourself time to make sure all families have completed the TO DOs that you will soon be communicating to them!
ENROLLMENT AND FINAL PAYMENT DEADLINE
To guarantee a spot on your tour, everyone must be enrolled by midnight of 3/7/2022. After this point, additional spaces on your tour are on a request basis and may be subject to additional fees.
- All travelers on the Manual Payment Plan must be paid in full. You have 5 travelers on this payment plan.
PASSPORT INFORMATION
TSA Security Regulations require that every passport must be valid at least 6 months after your scheduled return date and every traveler’s ticketed name is an exact match to what appears on their passport.
Keep in mind: processing time‚ including expedited processing‚ is taking longer than usual—so we suggest applying for the passport as soon as possible. Once you have a passport it will be valid for 5–10 years!
- Please have EVERY traveler log into their account to confirm that the name on their reservation is identical to what appears on their passport, check that we’ve listed their Date of Birth and Sex correctly and submit their passport number and expiration dates. Currently, there are 12 travelers who still need to submit their information.
- Besides your flights, EF uses passport information to secure reservations for important iconic sites, so please make sure your travelers enter their details to ensure they do not miss anything throughout the tour.
NOTE: Any changes to the reservation name after this deadline, will incur a minimum charge of $200 so it’s super important that all travelers review this information before then.
ADULT ROOMING AND STUDENT UPGRADES
Students will be roomed 3-4 per room (combo of twin and double beds) with others of the same sex. Adults will default in a twin room with another adult of the same sex. For more information on rooming, click here.
- If any student has specific rooming needs (they identify as a different sex or would prefer to room with students of a different sex, would like to room with family, or have medical needs, etc.) please let us know in advance so we can make sure to provide appropriate accommodation.
- Adults also have the following options which need to be requested before your deadline:
- Upgrade to a single room ($40 per night)
- Room with their child ($50 per night student upgrade)
- Request a double bed if traveling with a partner (no cost)
- Request a family room (no cost) - two adults and one child or one adult and two children.
QUANRATINE ON TOUR
- If someone in your group (even 1 person) tests positive, the entire group may need to quarantine per local regulations
- EF will work directly with local authorities to understand the exact protocol for your group
- Quarantine could be anywhere from 7-14 days, and we highly recommend travelers bring extra medication, any necessities, and if there are adults who might not be able to get work off, they should bring their laptop/phone etc.
- Travelers should not have any important events/appointments, etc. scheduled immediately after your groups return to the U.S.
- As with any emergency, you as the group leader, as well as any chaperones should be prepared to stay back with any positive travelers as necessary
- If a parent should fly over to provide additional support, they will need a valid passport, as well as proof of vaccination, and negative COVID-19 test results as listed above
- Please review EFs COVID-19 Care Promise
ON TOUR TESTING
- All travelers will need to complete testing pre-tour within at least 72 hours of departure, and travelers will book this, and pay for this test on their own. Depending on your destination, you may need to book either a PCR, or Rapid/Antigen test, and some countries may require you to complete testing even as close as 24 hours before your departure. I will let you know what is required around 21 days before your tour
- As we get closer to your tour, I will let you know what your group can expect for on tour and return testing around 7 days before your group’s departure. Testing requirements for countries are changing frequently so I will be providing more specific details much closer to departure.
- Even on single country tours, as well as on multicounty tours with border crossings, your group may have to test throughout the tour. I will be in communication about the frequency of testing on the ground, as well as any cost that could be associated with this around 7 days before tour. EF will facilitate the return testing for the group, and travelers are responsible for the cost. I will also let you know what to expect and if I need anything from you in order to confirm your return testing booking. (This could be a parental consent form, a passport copy, etc.) I will also let you know the cost of the return test, and how you should expect to pay for this test (cash or card, or either)
- Depending on where in the world you are going, testing could be at your hotel, a testing facility, a local clinic, or a pharmacy.
- We recommend travelers budget $250 for on-tour and return testing. If on tour testing exceeds this cost, EF will cover the difference.
- I recommend you collect the on tour/return test payment on behalf of the group via venmo/cashapp/paypal etc. before tour, and then you can either withdraw cash from an ATM upon arrival or pay with a card on behalf of the group.
- You are welcome to split the responsibility of carrying this money with your other chaperones if applicable. Otherwise, please make sure travelers don’t accidentally spend this money throughout tour.
One requirement of traveling between January and June that I want to call attention to; is for all travelers to be fully vaccinated, a booster may be required depending on when each person got vaccinated, per local requirements of your destination.
Due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19 pandemic around the world, guidance issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of State, government orders, supplier/activity requirements, at this time all travelers departing through June 30th will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Even in destinations where proof of a COVID-19 vaccination is not currently required for entry, the rapidly evolving restrictions and requirements for non-vaccinated travelers, make it impracticable for our tours to operate without fully vaccinated tour groups.
FINAL INDIVIUDAL CANCELLATION DEADLINE
- Your 110-day deadline is also the last chance for any travelers who may still feel uncertain about traveling to cancel from the trip. Above 110 your travelers will be able to claim a future travel voucher, which can be used towards your 2023 trip, or one of EFs other products. It can also be exchanged for a cash refund minus a non-refundable portion.
- It is crucial for anyone who isn’t 100% sure about wanting to join your tour that they cancel by this deadline in order to get the best possible refund or future travel voucher. It is also important that travelers who stay enrolled past the 110-day deadline are prepared to be vaccinated in order to travel since the majority of destinations and many suppliers currently require proof of vaccinations and new regulations are being announced frequently.
4-27-22. Darwin, Park Rules and More......
Tonight- We will watch a couple of video clips about Charles Darwin, his theory and his time on the Galapagos-
First- We will have our final travel dates by our next meeting which is scheduled for April 24th. If I get those dates before that I will let you know right away- I just got my European Dates on Friday!!!
Second Park Rules- There are a few general rules that should be followed while on the Islands-
- Always follow the marked trail and never leave it.
- Do not touch the animals.
- Do not take souvenirs from the islands.
- Do not get too close to animals.
- Do not litter.
- Do not smoke on the islands.
- Do not take food to the islands.
- Clean your shoes' soles before disembarking in the islands. You may have carried some seeds endemic to one island and would not want to introduce them to another.
- Fishing is prohibited on the Galapagos National Park’s marine reserve.
- If you see anyone violating these rules, notify your guide immediately.
- Anytime you disembark your ship and set foot on the Galapagos National Park, your naturalist guide is the maximum authority.
- Always stay close to your guide. This is the best way to avoid accidents.
- Do as your guide instructs at all times. Your guide knows the terrain and wildlife like the palm of his/her hand.
- If you have anything on your mind, do not hesitate to ask your guide. They are very knowledgeable and friendly.
- Always follow the marked trail. Do not leave the trail at any time, otherwise you might stumble upon wildlife and harm yourself, the animals and plants.
- Animals in the Galapagos are completely unafraid of humans. They will not get out of your way, so mind your step! Many animals such as boobies, lizards, iguanas and sea turtles will nest in the marked trail and cross your path frequently.
- Some species like the Sea Lions are very friendly and may approach you. Do not touch the animals and maintain a safe distance! It is in your hands to keep these animals unafraid of humans.
*Visitors to any protected areas within the Galapagos National Park must be accompanied by a naturalist guide authorized by the GNPD.
- Travel only with tour operators and/or boats authorized to work in the protected areas of Galapagos.
- Remain on marked trails at visitor sites and respect signs at all times for the protection of wildlife, and for your safety.
- Maintain a distance of at least six feet (two meters) from wildlife to avoid disturbing them, even if they approach you.
- Never feed wildlife, as this can cause health problems.
- Flash photography is not permitted when taking photos of wildlife. Professional photography and videos recorded for commercial purposes must be authorized by the GNPD.
- Camping is only allowed in a few authorized areas in the Islands. Request authorization to camp at the Galapagos National Park’s offices at least 48 hours in advance.
- It is your responsibility not to introduce food, animals, or plants into the Archipelago. Cooperate fully with all environmental inspection and quarantine officials during your visit.
- Do not take or buy any products or souvenirs made from banned substances, including black coral, shells, lava rock, animal parts, or any native wood or vegetation prior to leaving Galapagos. This is illegal and must be reported.
- Practice “leave-no-trace” principles in order to maintain the beauty of the environment.
- Pack out all trash and dispose of or recycle it in the populated areas or on your tour boat.
- Smoking and/or campfires are strictly prohibited within the Galapagos National Park, as fires poses a serious risk to the flora and fauna of Galapagos.
- Fishing is only permitted on recreational tour boats authorized by the GNPD.
- Motorized aquatic sports, mini-subs, and aerial tourism activities are not permitted in the Galapagos National Park or Marine Reserve.
Fundraising- I am going to work on this during the course of this week- I will hopefully have information by or before the next meeting. This money would be used to help with our tipping money while on the trip. I would expect that we will not know our final COVID protocols until the couple of weeks prior to the trip itself. I will keep you posted as we find out what these are as well.
Please make sure that you have filled out your Passport information if you have not already done so.
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Meeting April 24th- New Meeting Date and Bon Voyage Meeting Coming Soon!
We are going to look at Galapagos Wildlife in depth tonight.
We will Have a Bonus meeting on May 22 or 23rd- which ever one works better for you- at our regular 7:00 time- we will go over all the final details- We should have our flights and hotels at that time and I will go over the group rules and expectations and cover the most recent Covid information.
At the May 22 meeting we will set the Bon Voyage Meeting time and location- We will set up the possible car pools to the Airports at this meeing
Missing passports – All travelers will need to call Traveler Support to submit passport info 800-665-5364
Sam, Maddie and Andrew-
We will Have a Bonus meeting on May 22 or 23rd- which ever one works better for you- at our regular 7:00 time- we will go over all the final details- We should have our flights and hotels at that time and I will go over the group rules and expectations and cover the most recent Covid information.
At the May 22 meeting we will set the Bon Voyage Meeting time and location- We will set up the possible car pools to the Airports at this meeing
Missing passports – All travelers will need to call Traveler Support to submit passport info 800-665-5364
Sam, Maddie and Andrew-
