Are there penguins in Madagascar?

Are there really penguins in Madagascar?

They’re cute, they’re friendly, and thanks to “Happy Feet”, “March of the Penguins”, and “Penguins of Madagascar” they’re very popular! They have no natural land predators; they are not afraid of humans and are extremely curious.

Where to go to find these amazing creatures? With one exception, penguins are found only in the Southern Hemisphere.

And all these destinations are open to vaccinated travelers.

1) Antarctica. Probably the first location people think of for penguins. The ice shelfs and cliffs of Antarctica are home to the Emperor Penguins. There are many islands that host several species of penguins including South Georgia Island and Elephant Island.

2) Africa. Most of the African penguin colonies are located on islands off the southern coast of Africa, primarily South Africa. Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned, is one of the more famous islands with penguin colonies.

 3) Australia/New Zealand. Phillip Island, near Melbourne is host to the world-famous penguin parade. Every evening at dusk the penguins return to their burrows after a day of fishing and hunting. New Zealand lays claim to being the “Penguin Capital of the World”.

4) Tip of South America. Rookeries are accessible from Ushuaia, Puerto Arenas, Tierra del Fuego, and the Falkland Islands. All of these destinations are stops on a Cape Horn cruise. I’ve had several penguin encounters on “Round the Horn” cruises.

5) Galapagos. The Galapagos Islands are the destination of choice for travelers looking to experience an abundance of wildlife in a relatively untouched ecosystem. But did you know the Islands are the only natural habitat of penguins north of the Equator? One more reason to visit!

But, to answer the question – no penguins in Madagascar!

Are you ready to see some penguins? Contact me today and I’ll start planning. tglenn@sevenwondersclub.com 408-705-4127

Just what ARE the seven wonders of the world?

Have you ever wondered where the term ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ originated? Being the travel geek I am, I have!

The original “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World” was compiled by a Greek travel writer around 225BC. There were seven defined themato, Greek for “things to be seen”. I guess you could call this the first “Bucket List”.

The original seven ancient wonders were:

• Great Pyramid of Giza

• Hanging Gardens of Babylon

• Statue of Zeus at Olumpia

• Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

• Mausoleum at Halicarnassus

• Colossus of Rhodes

• Lighthouse of Alexandria

Naturally, people being people, there was disagreement at the time whether these were the top seven. But this list of seven did endure through the ages. Only the Great Pyramid remains today.

During the Middle Ages, there came an “updated” list: I am not sure how this one was compiled, but it was generally accepted at the time.

• Stonehenge

• Colosseum

• Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa

• Great Wall of China

• Porcelain Tower of Nanjing

• Hagia Sophia

• Leaning Tower of Pisa

Probably the most debatable, albeit best known, is the “New” Seven Wonders list that was determined by a global vote initiated by a Swiss marketing group in 2007. Controversially, the finalists didn’t include the Great Pyramid and the voting itself was unscientific with no limitation set on number of votes by individuals or entities. Robo-voting, cries of voter fraud and scandals ensued!

• Chichen Itza

• Christ the Redeemer

• Colosseum

• Great Wall of China

• Machu Picchu

• Petra

• Taj Mahal

• Great Pyramid of Giza*

*Added as honorable mention due to the uproar. Did I mention Voter Fraud? 😊

Any list will be subjective. But they’re great conversation starters and for adventure dreaming.

You may be like me in that my “bucket list” is more than seven. But in the spirit of this article, I trimmed down to seven. This list includes places I have not yet experienced. Maybe in another article I will list my top seven that I’ve already experienced.

• Petra

• Victoria Falls

• St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Great Wall of China

• Taj Mahal

• Antarctica

• Galapagos Islands

What is on your list? I would love to hear from you!

tglenn@sevenwondersclub.com or 408-705-4127

Iceland is Open

A continuation of our series of destinations welcoming US travelers.

Why is it that Greenland is mostly ice and Iceland is mostly green?

Many explanations have been offered, usually along the lines of deception: Iceland was so named to discourage immigration, and Greenland was named to attract settlers. Needless to say, this attempt at misdirection was prior to Instagram.

Regardless of name, Iceland is a hot destination. Pun intended. 😉 And it is open to US travelers! As of June 1, you are welcome with proof of vaccination.

While you may be aware of the Blue Lagoon (and you shouldn’t miss a chance to have a good soak), here are a few great summer experiences you should consider while visiting this beautiful destination:

Have you ever been puffin watching? Unlike North America, whale watching often includes puffin sightings! Iceland is the breeding home for 60% of the world’s puffins. So you stand a pretty good chance of spotting one or two or more!

The perfect place for you to get a photo with a double rainbow, Skogafoss is the most scenic fall in Iceland. With a drop of over 190 ft, the view is spectacular. There is also a legend of gold that lies within the falls. Take your chance and search if you dare…

Snorkel or dive Silfra - the only place in the world where you can dive between two tectonic plates that are still shifting. The shifting of the earth continuously creates new caverns and tunnels and there is plenty of wildlife to see on your dive/snorkel. The water is the purest in the world - feel free to take a sip!

Explore the ice tunnels of Langjokull glacier. Surrounded by crystal clear blue ice, you’ll feel like you are in another world.

Ready to go? Contact me and I’ll start planning, including the latest travel requirements.

408-705-4127 or tglenn@sevenwondersclub.com

Five things NOT to do in Hawaii

Hawaii is a unique and diverse vacation destination and right now US travelers are rushing to plan trips there during this time when domestic travel feels safer.  After all, Hawaii can feel like an exotic, international vacation without ever leaving the good ole USA.  There is so much to do in the Hawaiian Islands – a wide range of activities and experiences – however I would like to share my top things NOT to do when visiting one of my favorite vacation destinations. 

DON’T try to visit too many islands in too little time!

Each time you switch islands, you basically use up a day of your vacation with packing, checking out of your resort, returning your rental car, early arrival at the airport, baggage claim, picking up your new rental car, driving to your new hotel, and settling in.

I recommend no more than one island for a week or less, two islands in 10 days, or three islands in 14 days to be able to enjoy each destination to the fullest.

DON’T assume that a Hawaiian vacation is like staying at an all-inclusive resort!

First of all, there is no such thing as an all-inclusive resort in Hawaii.  State law prohibits the inclusion of alcohol in a hotel room rate/package.  And it would be pure torture to think that I had to eat all my meals at my resort when there is so much deliciousness waiting outside. 

I recommend a good resort package that includes a wonderful breakfast each day so you can explore the many culinary options that are open to you. 

 DON’T eat at a chain restaurant!

Please, do not join the one hour wait for that table at the Cheesecake Factory, or stop into Burger King for lunch!  You can do that at home. 

The cuisine in Hawaii is one of the best and most diverse in the world, so take advantage of it!  Food Trucks with gourmet quality food at reasonable prices. Local diners/shacks offering the freshest seafood or best plate lunches you will experience.  Farmers’ Markets and road stands are all over with freshly baked banana bread, local fruits and veggies, and incredible just-squeezed juices.  Eat like a Hawaiian during your stay and you will thank me later!

DON’T pack your stilettos and neckties!

“Formal” attire in the islands means putting on a fresh Aloha shirt and your best flip flops. Add a fresh lei if you want to go all out!

However, DO remember to bring strong, reef-safe sunscreen and your favorite sunglasses and/or sun hat.

DON’T forget Aloha is not just a word or greeting.

It is a way of life – love, charity, hospitality, warmth. The Aloha spirit is part of the culture of the Hawaiian people, a mantra spread by all and infused in everyday life. When you visit Hawaii, you are embraced and enveloped by the Aloha Spirit.

Ready to go to Hawaii? I’d love to help you plan your trip. Email or call me and I’ll get started!

tglenn@sevenwondersclub.com or 408-705-4127

Where will you go?

Since leisure travel has paused, we’ve been left to dream. And there are no bigger dreamers than travelers. The end of the pandemic is in sight and the wanderlust in us is fighting to get moving.

Where will you go?

If you want to travel soon and avoid the new re-entry restrictions, stay domestic. You can still travel to some lovely, exotic locales and you will not need to hunt down your passport.

•  Caribbean – US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico

• Hawaii

• Alaska

• National Parks

Looking a little later into the year but still stay relatively close to home?

• Cruising is opening back up later this year.

• Mexico and the Caribbean Islands have fabulous all-inclusive resorts.

Ready for that bucket list adventure?

Get your anticipatory juices ramped up and start planning. The end of the year or early next year should be a perfect time to make that dream trip happen.

• Safari

• Bicycling through Tuscany

• World Cruise

• Exploring the Nile

• Trekking the Inca Trail

So, where will you go?

I’d love to help you plan it!

Call or email me: tglenn@sevenwondersclub.com; 408-705-4127