galapagos islands

Far-flung locations are tops on travelers' "bucket lists," states the fourth annual Travel Dreams Sweepstakes Survey, released last week by leading travel network Virtuoso®.

"This year's survey results reflect a shift in consumers' motivation to travel," says Elaine Srnka, editorial director for VIRTUOSO LIFE, the travel network's in-house magazine. "Travelers want to see the world. They are no longer content with staying in one place. Whether it's visiting the far corners of the earth on a world cruise, hiking through remote Machu Picchu or tasting local cuisine through cooking schools, travelers want unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences."

Travelers opted for a world cruise as their top "trip of a lifetime" experience. Visiting all seven continents and the new wonders of the world were also top-rated wish list items. The Galapagos Islands were ranked the number-one island escape, the second best outdoor adventure destination and the third best destination for family travel.

The top 10 dream destinations also reflected readers' longing to visit far-off lands, with Australia, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa and Greece nabbing the first five spots. Paris held onto its reign as the most romantic city to spend time with a loved one, as well as the best gourmet city. Rome remains the city with the most beautiful architecture, and Tuscany continues to be the wine region travelers want to toast the most. Again this year, readers felt going on a safari to Africa would merit the best outdoor adventure.

Nearly 11,000 readers of Virtuoso's magazine, VIRTUOSO LIFE, participated in the survey.

Best Caribbean Cruises
Each of finalists for the Readers' Choice for the Best Caribbean Cruse offers the ultimate in luxury. One features a ship that cost $800 million to build, measures 1,132 feet in length and is outfitted with the latest and most modern amenities, including a pool with a retractable dome. Another offers all-suite, all-balcony ships and the must inclusive ultra-luxury experience with everything included in the fare, including air, gratuities and unlimited shore excursions. The third nominee is perfect for anyone seeking an exclusive experience on a smaller ship while the fourth nominee bills itself as the world's best upper premium cruise line. Finally, there's a nominee known for the feng shui-inspired elegance of its ships as well as the rich cultural activities for its passengers.

Crystal Cruises
Cunard Cruise Lines
Oceania
Regent
Silversea


Best City Hotels
Nominees for Readers' Choice for Best City Hotel include one considered to be the most glamorous in all of London that has been the destination of choice by Kings and Queens alike, not to mention a smattering of Hollywood stars. Another, designed by world-renowned architect, I.M. Pei, rises high above Manhattan offering stunning views. The third nominee is a historic hotel that is only a few short steps away from the Champs-Elysées in Paris. Another nominee, also in Paris, is a breathtakingly beautiful property that was originally a palace commissioned by Louis XV. The final nominee is a tranquil, lush getaway amid gorgeous manicured gardens in Venice, accessible only by boat.

Claridge's, London
Four Seasons, New York
Four Seasons George V, Paris
Hotel Cipriani
Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, offers an expedition to the Galápagos Islands that is a Readers' Choice Nominee for Best Luxury Family Winter Vacation.

Lindblad Expeditions offers this educational 10 day expedition to the Galápagos Islands, also known as the "Land of Darwin", which are located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. The islands are a natural habitat for some of the world's most interesting and unusual animals. Only in the Galápagos can you come face to face with wildlife up close that has never developed a fear of people, from the diverse bird life to the giant Galápagos tortoise. The Galápagos are one of the most fascinating travel destinations in the world both from a geographical and a wildlife perspective.

The itinerary includes visits to seven or more islands, including Floreana where guests can snorkel and observe a large colony of sea lions. At Fernandina, guests will see flamingos, visit a tortoise breeding center, caves and beaches. On the excursion to Fernandina Island, the youngest island in Galápagos, guests will observe marine iguanas and see dramatic volcanoes.

Activities include Zodiacs and kayaks that take guests to the volcanic shores and pristine beaches. There's also an undersea program that utilizes underwater video, glass-bottom boat and hydrophone that bring seldom seen or heard worlds to life.

Lindblad Expeditions keeps two ships permanently in the islands: the National Geographic Endeavour, which is a 96-passenger ship and the National Geographic Islander, a 164-foot twin-hulled vessel that can accommodate 48 guests (and reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size). Both ships makes 48 expeditions to the Galápagos each year.

Lindblad Expeditions also offers a 16 day long cruise to Galápagos that includes a visit by land to Peru. Guests will be taken to Lima, the ancient Incan capital of Cusco and Machu Picchu.

The cruises are known for excellent service and knowledgeable staff. Every expedition to the Galápagos is led by a team of five English-speaking naturalists (including an underwater specialist), a videographer, and an expedition leader. Together, they provide a multitude of resources for a rich and unmatched understanding of all that you'll see.

While the cruise is priced as a luxury vacation, don't expect the kind of nightly entertainment you might expect aboard a luxury Caribbean cruise. One guest summed it up this way: "People might wear their wealth with jewels on another luxury vacation, but on a National Geographic/Lindblad cruise, guests are more apt to show off their intellect."

Rates for a double occupancy cabin on the National Geographic Endeavour range from $4,980 (for a standard cabin with two single beds) to $8,040 (for a suite with separate sleeping and sitting areas, including a sofa to accommodate a third person). Included in the cost of the cruise are all meals and nonalcoholic beverages aboard ship and on land, service charges, taxes, shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, special access permits, transfers to and from group flights, use of snorkeling equipment, use of kayaks and shorty wet suits. The ships are fully air-conditioned and has a spa, sauna, fitness center, a small swimming pool, library and full-service bar. There's also a ship physician on most voyages. The prime months to vacation at the equator are January through May.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

The yacht that Princess Grace of Monaco and Prince Rainer used for their honeymoon was up for sale a few years ago but has now been refurbished and offers week-long tours of the Galapagos Islands. The 147-ft yacht was a wedding gift to the royal couple in 1956 by Aristotle Onassis. The yacht was then known as the Deo Juvante II and was sold in 1958. It went through a series of owners and name changes until Ecuador-based Quasar Expeditions purchased the yacht, renovated her and renamed her M/Y Grace. Her current itinerary includes eight-day cruises from San Cristobal that include the Charles Darwin Research Station, Genovesa, Fernandina, Isabela, Kicker Rock, Prince Phillip's Steps, Tagus Cove, and Pinnacle Rock. The yacht features a Jacuzzi, eight staterooms with private bathrooms, a library, sundeck and bar.