TravelWays Spring 2014 Magazine by Travel Beyond

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Temperatures &

TIGER SAFARIS

TravelWayspresented by

Safari Harmony

KENYA

For Every Traveler

FOR EVERY SEASON

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From the Owner

As our office in Minnesota begins to thaw following the fourth coldest winter in state history, snow

banks are giving way to puddles, lakeside paths are filling up with walkers and runners, and the silence

of winter is being replaced by the chirping birds of spring. Outside of Minnesota, our travel consultants

in California, Nevada, Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Florida and Cape Town, South Africa are watching their

home cities adapt to spring in their own ways. As a travel consultancy, we are again reminded of how

powerfully seasons affect one’s travel experiences.

We bring this issue of TravelWays to you with the seasons in mind. Our foldout feature is a timeline, filled

with personal recommendations from our expert team on their favorite destinations and activities for

every season. Highlights include the gray whale migration in Baja, Mexico, the albatross mating season in

the Galapagos and Japan’s springtime cherry blossoms.

Seasonal temperatures have an impact on wildlife viewing all over the world, and our consultants are often asked about the best time to

see certain species. This month, we explain how travelers willing to brave hot weather are often more successful catching a glimpse of

the elusive Bengal tigers of India.

For our Africa fanatics, we’re highlighting the classic African safari destination: Kenya. Kenya is best known for its seasonal migration of

wildebeest and zebra, providing dramatic river crossings with lurking crocodiles. I recently returned from my second trip to Kenya and

was impressed by the country’s incredible wildlife, luxury safari lodges and beautiful landscapes. Two additional Travel Beyond employ-

ees, Pam Buttner and Lainie Overbeck, visited Kenya within the past month as part of our commitment to further educate our staff.

On behalf of the entire Travel Beyond family, I wish you an enjoyable spring and look forward to planning your next trip, no matter what

the season.

Safe travels,

Craig Beal , Owner/Operator

New Hires:

After working as a Travel Beyond intern for six years

throughout high school and college, Callie Robinson

joined the company full time as a travel manager

following her early graduation from the University of

Wisconsin - La Crosse.

In April, Julia Gibas-Jones joined the Travel Beyond

team as a travel producer, with an impressive travel

resume of 25 countries visited and degrees in Interna-

tional and Intercultural Studies and Narrative Studies

from Pitzer College (CA).

2014 COMPANY UPDATES CONTACT US

Online: TravelBeyond.com

Facebook.com/TravelBeyond

Phone: (800) 876-3131

(952) 475-9975

Email: [email protected]

Office: 106 Broadway Ave S

Wayzata, MN 55391

Jeanie Fundora’s safari tips featured in Luxury Travel Advisor

An article on family safaris in the February issue of Luxury Travel Advisor featured tips

from travel consultant Jeanie Fundora on traveling to Africa with kids. In December 2013,

Jeanie took her 1-year-old daughter Daniela to Africa for the first time, and in the process,

learned some great travel tips to pass along to her clients. To read about Jeanie’s trip, visit

TravelBeyondBlog.com.

WCCO asks Jenny Mikkelson about “layaway” travel plans

Travel Beyond is proud to be listed as a Top Minnesota Travel Agency by WCCO. In the

wake of a few new internet “layaway” travel sites, Travel Beyond vice president Jenny

Mikkselson answered questions from Minnesota’s CBS-affiliate WCCO about how Travel

Beyond processes client payments. Her answer? Most travel agencies (including Travel

Beyond) already operate by accepting payments during at least two stages of the plan-

ning process, without the additional processing fees the new layaway websites impose!

In the News

Jan. 6: Embark Ft. Lauderdale

Jan. 7-8: At Sea

Jan. 9-10: Cartegena, Colombia

Jan. 11: Transiting the Panama Canal

Jan. 12: At Sea

Jan. 13: Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Jan. 14: At Sea

Jan. 15: Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala

Jan. 16: At Sea

Jan. 17: Zihuatanejo (Ixtapa), Mexico

Jan. 18: At Sea

Jan. 19: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Jan. 20-21: At Sea

Jan. 22: Disembark Los Angeles

Join Travel Beyond owner Craig Beal on a 16-night luxury cruise through the Panama Canal aboard Silversea’s Silver Spirit. Setting sail on January 6, 2015, the itinerary offers travelers the chance to see the iconic Panama Canal undergoing a widening transformation.

*Starting price per person sharing. Contact us at [email protected] or (800) 876-3131 for more information.

2015 Hosted Panama Canal Cruise

16 Nights$7,350*

Jeanie’s family on safari

Jenny in Africa

Courtesy Silversea Cruises

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KENYA is a country of many contrasts: a land spanning from vast savannah plains and snow-capped mountains to lush, tropical rain-forests and golden beaches. Kenya has captured the hearts of many in the nearly two centuries since travelers have begun exploring its stunning landscapes and the plethora of game within. Today, tourism is Kenya’s largest source of income and yet the country has been able to maintain a conservation model that has preserved the essence of what’s made Kenya truly special – its vast natural expanse, abundant wildlife and incredible cultures.

Photo courtesy of Jenny Mikkelson

Kenya: SAFARI HARMONY

Visiting KenyaTo make the most of a trip to Kenya, our consultants recommend visiting at least two national parks or private conservancies for greater diversity in Kenya’s varied wildlife and landscapes. Here are a few additional recommendations from our East Africa experts on how to best experience Kenya:

Wildlife Viewing

“Pair a few nights in a conservancy like Lewa Wildlife Conser-vancy with time in a conservancy surrounding the Maasai Mara to witness the Great Wildebeest and Zebra Migration, which is generally in full swing in the Mara between August and October annually. (Check out this magazine’s timeline foldout for more information on both areas!)” – Jeanie Fundora, Safari Consultant Travel+Leisure A-List Agent

Scenic Views

“Balance Kenya’s wide-open grasslands with a more mountain-ous reserve near Mount Kenya to appreciate a few of Kenya’s contrasting environments.” –Pam Buttner, Safari Consultant

Safari Activities

“Couple the standard safari game drive with a sunrise hot air bal-loon safari, walking safari, horseback safari or camelback safari for a truly memorable and unique experience. “ –Lainie Overbeck, Travel Manager

Cultural Interaction

“Round out wildlife viewing with a visit to the local communities of Maasai or Samburu that live on private reserves. The interac-tions are much more authentic than touristy, giving a more realistic and meaningful cultural experience.” – Craig Beal, Owner/Operator Travel+Leisure A-List Agent

In March 2014, Travel Beyond owner Craig Beal, consultant Pam Buttner and travel manager Lainie Overbeck each spent approx-imately two weeks vetting camps, lodges and hotels throughout Kenya’s many national parks and private game reserves. Their recent experiences, shared with the rest of the Travel Beyond team, will add to the wealth of knowledge already held by our other East Africa experts: Kota Tabuchi, Rose Loggi, Jeanie Fun-dora, Marsha Carroll and Jenny Mikkelson.

As a pioneer of the classic photographic safari experience, Kenya is historically well known as a top luxury safari destina-tion. In addition to a host of other popular game reserves, safari guests flock to the Maasai Mara for the annual Great Migration, photographing the drama that unfolds when thousands of wildebeest cross the crocodile-infested Mara River. As safaris have changed throughout Africa, Kenya has risen to the challenge to preserve an authentic experience. Kenya has championed the concept of community-based conservation, meaning many camps and lodges throughout Kenya have partnered with local communities to protect habitats, culture, provide education and empower local residents through fair business practices.

The advanced and sustainable conservation model that Kenya has in place bodes well for the future of wildlife and Kenyans alike.

“Near the Mara, the private conservancies pay Maasai fami-lies directly to rent the property for their private camps,” says Travel Beyond owner Craig Beal. “On a game drive, you’ll see lions at one turn and a Maasai herder with his cattle later in the drive.”

This co-existence between human and animal has been a part of Kenya’s history for thousands of years, but until recently it was a source of tension in Kenya as traditional Maasai cattle grazing lands were taken and protected for wildlife. Today, however, balance exists with conservation being aided by conservancy managers. Employed by lodges throughout Kenya, conservancy managers make sure human environmental interaction and Maasai and Samburu cattle grazing practices are sustainable. Conservancy managers are respected by lodge owners and the local communities alike.

Unlike some African safari destinations, most lodges in Kenya aren’t owned by big chains, but rather by families.

“Each camp or lodge has a special design and feel, and about half of the places I stayed on my recent trip had an owner who lives at the camp,” explains Beal.

Blending Wildlife, Culture & Tourism in Kenya

Paul & Lainie Overbeck on a camelback safari in Kenya

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Timing is everything...

At Travel Beyond, we believe that knowing

when to visit a particular destination is just

as important as knowing where to go and

what to do when you get there.

Photo courtesy Wilderness Safaris

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For Every SeasonSo many special travel experiences are all about timing. With land and sea animal migrations, seasonal weather patterns and yearly festivals, it’s critical to plan ahead and plan properly for each destination. We asked our team of expert travelers and travel plan-

ners to share their favorite seasonal experi-ences from around the globe and arranged those recommendations into a calendar. We were thrilled (but not surprised) to see that no matter what the season, there’s a destina-tion for every type of traveler. Enjoy.

January April July OctoberFebruary May August NovemberMarch June September December

S E L I N D A , B O T S W A N A

K A U A I , H A W A I I

B A J A W H A L E W A T C H I N G R W A N D AM A L A W IG A L A P A G O S I S L A N D S

T I G E R S A F A R I , I N D I A A L A S K A P A C U A R E R I v E R , C O S T A R I C A

P A N A M A C A N A L

T I M B A v A T I , S O U T H A F R I C A

S T . L U C I A M A C H U P I C C H U , P E R U

N O R T H E A S T A U S T R A L I AN O R T H E R N S E R E N G E T I

S A N P E D R O D E A T A C A M A

The Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana is an excellent place to see wild dog, lion, elephant and other classic safari wildlife. Although it’s a year-round destination, luxury properties in the Selinda Reserve offer great value for money throughout the No-vember to March green season. Visit in January to flee winter weather, avoid the crowds and relax after the chaos of holiday festivities.

Take an expedition cruise to Baja Mexico and witness the yearly migration of spectacular gray whales who give birth in the protected waters of Magdalena Bay. The expedition ship deploys small zodiacs to place guests in the middle of the action. Among the gentle, swimming whales, guests are perfectly situated for excellent photography and (with a bit of luck) the chance to touch the curious whales.

For a life-changing, magical opportunity to see the highly endangered mountain gorilla, visit Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans. Less than 900 of the beautiful mountain gorillas remain in the wild, and a lim-ited number of trekking per-mits are available for travelers each day to ensure the gorillas are protected. Visit the park in November to avoid the slippery trek rainy season creates in the dense forested hills.

Malawi, the “Warm Heart of Africa,” offers a bright, welcom-ing culture and opportunities to swim, relax on the water, hike Mt. Mulanje and witness beautiful views of the valley where JRR Tolkien was inspired to write The Hobbit. September is Kelly’s favorite month in Ma-lawi for great game viewing in Liwonde National Park and the clearest waters for top-notch snorkeling and scuba diving in Lake Malawi.

For a “raw” natural experience with wildlife, the Galapagos Islands located 600 miles off Ecuador’s coast can’t be beat. Snorkel with curious sea lions, kayak along stunning and diverse shorelines and photograph 100-year-old giant tortoises on volcanic islands. Visit in April to witness albatross mating season, during which the large birds dance and bill-clack in an unforgettable ritual.

India is surely hot in May, but travelers who can withstand the heat are more likely to catch a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger in the spring season. An Indian safari also features gorgeous forest scen-ery, a variety of Indian wildlife and luxury properties that are uniquely Indian in design and opulence. Check out our article on Pages 12-13 for more information on what to expect on a tiger safari in India!

Avoid the tourist trap port towns that large cruise ships visit and get to know the beauty of Alaska more inti-mately on a small ship cruise. Visit Alaska during the summer to take full advantage of hik-ing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking and an array of other outdoor activities. Photograph stunning coastal scenery and learn about the brown bears, otters, whales and other animals who call Alaska home.

Costa Rica’s Pacuare River deserves a spot on any adven-turous traveler’s list. A rafting trip down the exciting and beautiful river is best in early December, at the beginning of dry season when the water is still running high. Along the route, stay at a jungle lodge, take a canopy adventure tour ziplining through the wildlife-filled forest, and horseback ride along the river for a different perspective of the jungle scene.

After a successful 2014 hosted Caribbean cruise, I’ve decided to lead another group luxury cruise in January 2015. Please join me on a Silversea sailing through the iconic Panama Ca-nal in the midst of it’s historic widening transformation. The cruise visits ports along the way in Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Mexico. See page 3 of this magazine for more information on my16-night hosted cruise.

For a family safari per-fectly suited for the little ones, visit the Timbavati in beautiful South Africa. The family friendly Kambaku Safari Lodge is family-owned and operated (and even has their own little one who loves the bush!) Take the family in the summer while your kids are on break from school. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a white lion in their natural environment!

St. Lucia boasts much more than simply a beach escape from the North American winter. Explore the scenic Piton volcanic plugs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), snorkel in coral reefs, hike among gorgeous scenery, visit botanical gardens and the world’s only “drive-in” volcano. (Yes, you read that right!) Don’t wait until next year’s bitter temperatures set in to plan your trip to this exotic Caribbean island.

The archeological masterpiece of Machu Picchu, built by the Inca Empire, is a highlight of any trip to Peru. Active travel-ers, photographers, historians and kids alike fall in love with the ruins. Beautiful weather in May makes it a perfect time to visit before summer crowds arrive. Combine the trek to the ruins with a stay at a luxurious property on the mountain’s base, offering nature walks, tea and many family activities.

August marks springtime in Australia, which means northeast Australia offers ideal weather before the intense heat and humidity arrive for the October through March summer season. Snorkelers at the Great Barrier Reef see less jellyfish, and the temperatures are perfect for exploring regions like the Daintree Rainforest (the oldest in the world!) and the wildlife-filled Bamurru Plains.

During March, the Northern Serengeti in Tanzania hosts fewer travelers, making it a quiet, relaxing destination in which to enjoy beautiful scenery, good resident game viewing and a calming safari escape. The Northern Serengeti is a perfect next travel step after an exciting visit to see the wildebeest and zebra migra-tion (located in the Ndutu area of the Serengeti at this time of year.)

Chile’s San Pedro de Atacama rests in the world’s driest desert, but highlights here are more than sand. Visit Geysers del Tatio at sunrise to see the Earth awaken with steaming fumeroles. See Laguna Chaxa’s pink flamingos wading in brilliant blue water. Watch the sunset from the Valley of the Moon, with its changing vistas in the fading light. Go in late June to celebrate the Fiesta de San Pedro amidst it all.

Jeanie Fundora

Kota Tabuchi

Katie Blackstone

Meg Tschudi

Joleen Soderberg

Marsha Carroll

Ken Marshall

Rose Loggi

Jennifer Bravo

Lainie Overbeck

Kayla Torgerson

Pam Buttner

Jenny Mikkelson

Marguerite Smit

Kelly RItter

Phillip Gain

Recommended by Jeanie Fundora

Recommended by Ken Marshall

Recommended by Jenny Mikkelson Recommended by Rose LoggiRecommended by Kelly RitterRecommended by Katie Blackstone

Recommended by Kayla Torgerson Recommended by Jenny Mikkelson Recommended by Jennifer Bravo

Recommended by Craig Beal

Recommended by Marguerite Smit

Recommended by Ken Marshall and Joleen Soderberg Recommended by Marguerite Smit

Recommended by Jenny MikkelsonRecommended by Pam Buttner

Recommended by Jennifer Bravo

G R O O T B O S , S O U T H A F R I C A

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is home to the “Marine Big 5” - whales, sharks, dol-phins, seals and penguins.Between June and December, hundreds of Southern Right Whales choose Walker Bay as their home for the mating season. Experience close encounters with these majestic giants from coastal cliffs, aboard a whale watching boat or by plane flying over the spectacular Walker Bay.

Recommended by Marsha Carroll

L E W A W I L D L I F E C O N S E R v A N C Y , K E N Y A

Lewa is a private conser-vancy, which allows it to offer traditional game drives and additionally exciting activities like horseback or camelback safaris. The conservancy pays special attention to protecting threatened black rhinos, harboring about 10% of Kenya’s entire population. Visit this year-round destination in January or February to avoid summer crowds and shoulder-season rains.

Recommended by Rose Loggi and Lainie Overbeck

T R A N S A T L A N T I C C R O S S I N G

Traveling to Europe on a sum-mer trip? Consider a Transatlan-tic Crossing on the luxurious Queen Mary 2 from New York to Southampton at the time of year the Atlantic is most smooth. While onboard, learn to salsa dance, enjoy a mas-sage, visit the only planetarium at sea and relax with stunning sunsets over the vast ocean. Ar-rive in Europe refreshed instead of tired from an overnight international flight.

Recommended by Bob Gaston and Meg Tschudi

Z A M B I A

Zambia is still wild Africa—away from the safari crowds and offering amazing walking safaris in places like South Luangwa National Park and canoeing opportunities the the Lower Zambezi. The country’s intimate, remote camps are surrounded by incredible game. The temperate climate in July and August makes the months of the American summer the perfect time for an unforgettable Zambian safari.

Recommended by Kota Tabuchi

M O Z A M B I Q U E

Mozambique’s Bazaruto and Quirimbas archipelagos host gorgeous beaches and world-class diving and snorkeling. Visit in May to avoid the November through March rainy season. While there, take a romantic dhow sunset cruise to celebrate an anniversary, explore colorful ocean life snorkeling in the Mozambique Channel or simply read a book on the beach to relax after an African safari.

Recommended by Jeanie Fundora

CraigBeal

BobGaston

E A S T A F R I C A ’ S G R E A T M I G R A T I O N

The Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya and Tanzania is ongo-ing and moves throughout the region year-round. However, most travelers envi-sion dramatic river crossings when dreaming of seeing the migration. For the best chance of crocodile vs. wildebeest encounters, visit the Northern Serengeti on the Tanzanian side and the Maasai Mara on the Kenyan side in August and September.

Recommended by Kota Tabuchi and Jeanie Fundora

B O T S W A N A

Botswana’s popularity often translates into full camps and less availability. To beat the crowds, go on safari during the first two weeks of December. Because of fewer guests in camp, travelers often get private vehicles without having to pay the extra cost. As a bonus, early December gives guests access to the most ex-perienced and knowledgeable guides who will likely have the holidays off from work.

Recommended by Craig Beal

T A R A N G I R E , T A N Z A N I A

Tanzania may be best known for the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, but Tarangire National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in all of Africa. Tarangire’s rolling hills and stunning baobab trees are a photographer’s dream. The park’s water sources host a strong animal population dur-ing the June through October dry season, offering the great-est concentration of wildlife outside of the Serengeti.

Recommended by Rose Loggi

Z I M B A B W E

Be warned: October in Zimba-bwe is HOT. However, just like on a tiger safari in India (see page 14!), if you can stand the heat, the game viewing is epic due to incredible predator v. prey interation around water sources. With less vegetation, the animals are easier to spot as well. Visit both Mana Pools National Park and Hwange National Park to get a well-rounded Zimbabwean safari experience.

Recommended by Pam Buttner

C A R T E G E N A , C O L O M B I A

The city of Cartagena, Colombia is a celebration of culture, color and history. Visit in November for fewer crowds while enjoy-ing activities like boating to the Rosario Islands for a day of sun, fun and snorkeling. Climb the Castillo de San Felipe fort and explore its series of underground tunnels. Experi-ence the unique combination of Latin and Caribbean cultures with fabulous music, dance and food.

Recommended by Jennifer Bravo

C A P E T O W N , S O U T H A F R I C A

Cape Town is eclectic, bustling and full of variety that never goes out of season, but one of Marsha’s favorite times to visit is April. Autumn in Cape Town means less crowds and an abundance of sunshine and blue skies, perfect for enjoying popular Cape Town beaches such as Camps Bay or Clifton. Take a cultural tour, indulge at world-class restaurants and stand atop Table Mountain for spectacular views.

Recommended by Marsha Carroll

Courtesy Jeanie Fundora Courtesy Lindblad Expeditions Courtesy Jenny Mikkelson Courtesy Matt Bracken

Courtesy Memorable Costa RicaCourtesy Jennifer BravoCourtesy Encounters Asia

Courtesy Molly Demmer

Courtesy Lainie Overbeck

Courtesy Silversea Cruises

Courtesy Cunard Cruise Line

Courtesy Kayla Torgerson

Courtesy Will Bracken Courtesy Lainie Overbeck

Courtesy Marguerite SmitCourtesy Jennifer BravoCourtesy Marguerite Smit Courtesy Kayla Torgerson Courtesy Ken Marshall

J A P A N

Growing up in Japan may make Kota a little bit biased, but Japan has beautiful culture and the best food in the world. Visit in April to witness and photograph the blooming cherry blossoms. Plan your trip from south to north to follow the blooming pattern. Along the way, visit Shinto Shrines, explore Buddhist Temples, taste local cuisine and check out Kota’s favorite nightime hangout, Kichijoji in Tokyo.

Recommended by Kota Tabuchi

Courtesy Kota Tabuchi

v I C T O R I A F A L L S

The great Victoria Falls experi-ences its highest flow in March and April, when visitors can experience the majestic power of “The Smoke that Thunders,” the translation of the Mosi-oa-Tuya indigenous name. Adventurous travelers can bungee jump or fly in a micro light at the falls, while others can take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River from either the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of the falls.

Recommended by Jeanie Fundora

Courtesy Molly Demmer

E L C H A L T E N , A R G E N T I N A

Called the “Trekking Capital of Patagonia,” El Chalten’s hiking scenery boasts the turquoise lakes, majestic mountains and dazzling glaciers for which the region is best known. Visit El Chalten in early March as it showcases fall colors and is subject to fewer crowds. Stop by the charming chocolate shop or funky brewery for a bit of local flavor or strap on crampons for an thrilling ice climb on Viedma Glacier.

Recommended by Jennifer Bravo

Courtesy Jennifer Bravo

On Kauai, you’ll run out of synonyms for beautiful as you discover the island’s many fantastic draws. Take a yacht tour of the Napali Coast, explore the impressive Waimea Canyon, photograph the iconic Kilauea lighthouse or sunbathe on sunny Poipu Beach. This scenic island never ceases to be beautiful, but an October or early November visit avoids holiday crowds, winter escapes and school break busy seasons.

and every traveler

Courtesy Lainie Overbeck

Courtesy Paul RunzeCourtesy Molly Demmer

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VIBRANT. SPIRITUAL. RAW. Three words that describe the

beauty and intrigue of India, one of the world’s oldest and

most captivating civilizations.

While India may be best known for its bustling cities and

diverse culture, it is also home to one of most secluded and

elusive animals on the planet: the Bengal tiger. India is one

of only two destinations in the world where visitors have

an opportunity to see this magnificent (and endangered)

animal in the wild.

Tigers have long been champions of popular culture. In fact,

the tiger was even voted “World’s Favorite Animal” in an

Animal Planet poll. But unlike playful Hollywood depictions

such as Winnie the Pooh’s Tigger and Kellogg’s Tony the

Tiger, the Bengal tiger is anything but outgoing or social.

Rather, the world’s favorite animal prefers to live a solitary

life out of the spotlight, making sightings rare and special.

“The reality of spotting a tiger on safari is important to

discuss up front with interested travelers prior to commit

ting to the journey, especially if they have traveled to Africa

on a safari where the experience is very different,” says Jenny

Mikkelson, vice president at Travel Beyond. “In Africa, while

we can’t guarantee a particular sighting, it is more unusual

for guests to return without seeing, for example, some of

the Big Five if they are in an area known for their sightings.

The Heat of the Moment: TEMPERATURES & TIMING OF TIGER SAFARIS

Photo courtesy of Encounters Asia

A classic safari view, courtesy of travel manager Kayla Torgerson

W I L d L I F E F O C u S

In India, you may not see a single tiger, and it’s important to

know that going in.”

So what is all the fuss about if a sighting cannot be guaran-

teed? Travel Beyond employee Kayla Torgerson has embarked

on safari in both India and Africa and while she describes the

experiences as being “completely different” there is some com-

mon ground.

“While on safari in Africa, seeing wild dog, for example, is

uncommon, so when you get the opportunity it’s really incred-

ible,” explains Torgerson. “With tigers, it’s similar. The experi-

ence of searching for a tiger is exciting and if you see one it’s

special because you know it is quite rare. If you don’t, which is

more common, there are plenty of other things to see: birds,

Barasingha (swamp deer), buffalo, monkeys and other smaller

species. The natural beauty of India is stunning and within the

parks—away from the cities—is one of the only places where

that beauty is truly untouched and preserved.”

Timing is everything when planning a tiger safari to India.

India’s national parks close during monsoon season, which

means they are only open from October 15th to June 30th.

The heat from April through the closing of the parks at the end

of June is intense, with sweltering temperatures above 100

degrees Farenheit.

“When speaking to a client about a tiger safari, I always ask,

“Can you take the heat?” says Mikkelson.

As Mikkelson explains, travelers who can endure the stifling

seasonal temperatures are often more likely to be rewarded

with a tiger sighting. This is because the shrubs and plant life of

the forest shrivel in the heat, aiding in the search. In addition,

creeks and smaller bodies of water also cease to exist, causing

more predator and prey drama at the larger permanent water

sources within the national parks.

As the temperatures rise and the natural environment adapts,

tiger behavior changes in these hot months as well. Like ani-

mals in Africa, once a tiger finds a spot next to a body of water,

it is likely to stick around and rest in response to the heat. As

a reward for the willingness to sweat, safari guests are more

likely (though not guaranteed) to locate and photograph a tiger

in the wild during these months.

Like the tigers, safari guests can be assured of a break from

the heat of the day as well. Cooler nights and a number of

air-conditioned luxury properties in the parks offer a refreshing

break after a day on a photographic hunt.

Visiting IndiaTiger safari itineraries often include three to four

nights on safari, giving travelers a chance to easily

add on other experiences in India, from the classic

Golden Triangle circuit to holy sites and relaxing

beaches.

Golden Triangle

India’s “Golden Triangle” of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur of-

fers the chance to see the iconic Taj Mahal, fascinating

mosques and temples, colorful bazaars and other

must-see destinations.

Varanasi

Those who have already experienced the Golden

Triangle often enjoy visiting the loud and colorful

varanasi on a second trip. A holy site for Hindus,

varanasi features the incredible Ganga Aarti daily

ritualistic candlelit ceremony viewed from a boat

upon the Ganges.

Indian Ocean Beaches

While few travelers immediately think of India as a

beach destination, a relaxing escape to southern

India can include word-class Indian Ocean beaches,

unique house boat journeys, famous Ayurvedic spas

and plenty of relaxation at luxury properties.

India’s Taj Mahal courtesy of travel manager Kayla Torgerson

14 15

Frequently Answered Questions

Q: Why do you recommend travel protection plans?

A: In our 39 years in business, it’s safe to say that we’ve planned a lot of different types of trips to

destinations across the globe. We’ve also traveled a lot ourselves, building our destination knowledge

and experiencing the same travel headaches that occasionally result from international travel. While

this experience means our staff is trained to anticipate nearly every possible scenario that may result

in trip interruption, we can’t anticipate everything that could potentially disrupt your trip (as much

as it pains me to admit it). Therefore, we recommend you purchase a protection plan to protect your

investment and yourself while traveling.

We recommend a protection plan that includes coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption,

trip delay, baggage delay, emergency medical expenses/evacuation and more. Your Travel Beyond

consultant can provide you with a Description of Coverage for a summary of details, including terms,

conditions, benefits, limitations and exclusions.

Q: Do you just book Africa?

A: Each year, we plan more trips to Africa than any other destination. With a South African-born

founder, Travel Beyond’s history is rich in safari planning expertise. However, Africa is not the only

destination where we plan trips, and we have “World” consultants dedicated to destinations outside of

Africa. Each year, our clients visit places like Australia and South America, board luxury or expedition

cruise ships and plan winter getaways to Caribbean islands.

A few of our favorite and most popular destinations are listed in this magazine’s special timeline

foldout. You’ll find tropical vacation spots like St. Lucia and Kauai, recommended by Ken. Jennifer, Mar-

guerite and Katie explain the best times to visit Latin American locations like Costa Rica, Patagonia,

Colombia, the Galapagos Islands and Peru. Craig and I recommend luxury cruises, Kayla plots the best

time to visit India for a tiger safari, and Jenny raves about Alaska and Australia.

One of our favorite things about putting custom itineraries

together for our clients is being able to share our passion and ex-

pertise. For the past 39 years, we’ve specialized in creating custom

itineraries that meet our individual client’s needs. This means the

consultation process at Travel Beyond is very collaborative and we

spend a great deal of time in conversation with our clients. As a

result, we have been asked many questions. We’d like to share with

you a few of the most frequently asked (and answered) questions.

African Preschool Society is a grass roots charitable

organization which has built two preschools for 600

students in rural communities in South Africa since

2002. The charity provides funding for staff salaries,

building maintenance and school supplies for local

children who attend.

Following the success of the charity’s first project,

Mazinyane Preschool near Kruger National Park in

South Africa, the local community requested a nurs-

ery as well, ensuring working mothers are provided

with the childcare they need to work or finish school.

African Preschool Society is currently raising money

to build the nursery. The charity has no paid staff, al-

lowing all donations to go toward projects. For more

information, visit AfricanPreschools.org.

We enjoy connecting travelers with charitable organizations

abroad. In fact, many of our favorite camps, lodges and opera-

tors abroad have charitable programs of their own that Travel

Beyond proudly supports. While we do our best to support our

client’s desire to volunteer abroad, there are important factors

to consider.

First, volunteering is not always free. In addition to your time, a

day of volunteering requires a commitment from the charitable

organization as well. The training and supervison of volunteers

can be costly, and therefore many organizations require a fee in

addition to your time. Organizations supporting Africa’s spec-

tacular wildlife must take extra precaution – both to protect

you and the animals in their care. Therefore, opportunities are

often limited to educational visits vs hands-on interactions.

While wildlife volunteer efforts are usually more difficult to

plan, cultural volunteer interactions are often more accessible

for a day trip. For example, our clients can volunteer at a local

soup kitchen in Cape Town, South Africa or spend a day volun-

teering at a school in Ecuador.

There are numerous ways outside of volunteering to give back

while traveling. Some of our favorite recommendations include

donating some space in your suitcase through an organization

like Pack for a Purpose (PackforaPurpose.com). Through this

program travelers simply bring school or medical supplies to

participating hotels, camps and lodges who then distribute

donated supplies directly to the local schools and clinics that

have requested assistance.

Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: African Preschool Society

Jenny Mikkelson

vice President

Bob Gaston

Travel Consultant

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Giving Back

An orphaned elephant at The David Sheldrick WIldlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya. Courtesy Lainie & Paul Overbeck

106 Broadway Ave S.Wayzata, MN 55391

TravelBeyond.com • (800) 876-3131 • [email protected]

Courtesy Lainie & Paul Overbeck

Deer in India, courtesy Kayla Torgerson Butterfly in India, courtesy Kayla TorgersonGiraffe Manor in Kenya, courtesy Lainie & Paul Overbeck