Sailing Adventures
Are you looking for a little adventure? Why not set sail on a small or mid-sized boat while exploring a new country? Discover the Caribbean, SE Asia, South America or Europe from the clear blue sea.

Croatia – 8 days, Dubrovnik to Split $1162 CAD ($875 US) on Oct 3 (save 25%). Discover secluded islands and deserted beaches, explore Korčula- the birth place of Marco Polo, wander the forested paradise of Mljet National Park, connect with history at Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Enjoy the nightlife while meeting new friends.

Cuba –  8 days, Havana to Havana From$1499 CAD ($1129 US), on select Oct – Dec departures (save 15 – 25%). Sail on a catamaran through the beautiful turquoise waters of the Canarreos Archipelago, stop to snorkel or share a drink with friendly locals, enjoy the slow pace of life in the islands.

Greece – 8 days, Santorini to Mykonos, $1239 CAD ($933 US) on Oct 4. Explore ancient archaeological sites, enjoy taverna-lined harbours, and dine on fresh seafood.

Thailand – 4 days, Koh Phi Phi Island to Phuket, $807 CAD ($608 US) on Oct 20, or do in reverse Oct 17. Relax on the deck of your yacht in the stunning southern Thai islands, eat delicious Thai cuisine, lounge out on beautiful beaches, swim and snorkel in quiet bays.

Turkey – 10 days, Fethiye to Bodrum $1499 CAD ($1129 US) on Oct 19 (save 25%). Discover tiny villages and secluded islands with deserted beaches, swim in clear turquoise waters, learn to sail a catamaran, hike through ancient ruins, marvel at the ancient rock tombs in Dalyan, sail into the ancient port of Bodrum.

South America Cruise – 38 days Ushuaia to Cartagena, from $19,999 CAD ($15,063 US) select departures March and April 2016. Begin this incredible journey at the end of the earth in Ushuaia where you’ll sail north through incredible fjords and past glaciers before heading on up to the Caribbean coast in search of tropical islands hugged by turquoise waters.

Many more sailing adventures on offer. Contact us for more information.

Travel Galapagos will leave you with memories of unparalleled natural beauty. The Galapagos Islands are known for their numerous endemic species and the studies done by Charles Darwin that led him to establish his theory of evolution. The Galapagos Marine Reserve is the second largest marine reserve in the world.

Much of the charm of the islands is for their wonderful and unique species: iguanas, sea lions, turtles, penguins, boobies and much more.

This extraordinary natural laboratory was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1978. The Enchanting Islands consist of 13 major islands, 6 smaller islands, 42 islets and several rocks, which cover a total area of 7850 km ².

Currently the islands contain one of the world’s most active volcanic groups. Sports, like cycling, hiking, kayaking, surfing, diving and snorkeling, can be practiced. All of these exciting activities occur in a safe environment with unique landscapes.

The best way to travel Galapagos and discover the Enchanted Islands is to stay on cruise ships and sail to each island. A naturalist guide always travels on the cruise ships. Cruises normally run 7 – 14 days, starting at $2700 CAD ($2075 US). Some will include a few days in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city.

To book a trip to travel Galapagos, send us an inquiry using the form to the right.

Nepal had been devastated by the recent earthquake and many governments and organizations have set up Nepal Relief funds. Here is a status update just received from our business partners in Nepal, and how you can help.

Our travel partners in Nepal are experiencing the devastation first hand. They have guides and other staff whose homes are destroyed. Key points from them about this tragedy:

• An estimated 4.8 million people have been displaced by the earthquake, as hundreds of thousands of people are afraid to return to their homes.

• More than 100,000 houses have been destroyed, a figure that is expected to rise.

• Fuel is urgently needed to pump ground water and maintain hospital services.

• Rain and thunder are forecast for the next 10 days ahead of monsoon season from June to September.

• Hospital capacity has been overwhelmed, forcing many people to be treated on roads. Managing dead bodies has been challenging and surgical facilities are overwhelmed. Many hospitals near Kathmandu have reportedly run out of medicines. Diarrhea is already an issue in the Kathmandu valley.

• An estimated 5.2 million people are in urgent need of water, sanitation and hygiene support.

• Some 4.5 million people need food assistance, including 2.4 million in need of priority assistance.

PLEASE Donate!

CANADA

• Government of Canada  – Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund

Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Government of Canada has established the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund. For every eligible donation made by individual Canadians to registered Canadian charities between April 25 and May 25, the Government of Canada will contribute an equivalent amount to the Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund. This matching contribution will support humanitarian, early recovery and reconstruction assistance in Nepal through projects undertaken by Canada’s international humanitarian and non-governmental partners responding to the earthquake according to established channels and procedures. The Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund is separate from the funds raised by charities and will be administered by the Government of Canada.

• CBC has published a list of charities accepting donations now.  Here are a few of the very worthwhile charities helping now:

• Red Cross – Red Cross teams are on the ground providing assistance and Canadians are encouraged to help support the effort.

•  UNICEF is responding to the needs of children and families affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that has struck the area in and around the capital city of Kathmandu in Nepal. The earthquake has toppled buildings and destroyed roads and infrastructure.

• MSF – Medecines Sans Frontiers’ teams are conducting mobile clinics and treating patients, preparing to build field hospitals.

• Travel Companies – Intrepid Travel and G Adventures

OTHER COUNTRIES

Check your own government’s commitment to assisting Nepal in this time of crisis, or your own Red Cross, MSF, Unicef or other charity.

Every little bit helps. Thank-you for your generosity.

 

Have you been thinking about a holiday that includes overseas volunteering? National Volunteer Week is coming April 12 – 18.

Voluntourism has begun to boom as of late.  BenefacTours has been arranging volunteer tours for over 8 years. Over half of our volunteer clients are women travelling on their own, so naturally they want to feel secure and know what to expect upon arrival in a foreign country. I personally visit each volunteer placement site regularly before sending any travellers. You can read about my own 5 month volunteering experience in Uganda in 2004 here.

I caution you to know what you are getting when you sign up to volunteer overseas.  CBC’s Doczone ran a program recently about this subject. Some people have been fooled into thinking they are going on a life-changing experiential tour when they are sadly disappointed. This gives international volunteering a bad rap, and that is sad because you really can make a difference in people’s lives by your contribution. Watch Global TV’s interview with me.

You need to ask questions like:

• What is the reputation and credentials of the organization that is arranging the volunteer package for me?
• Does the charity really need me and my skills?
• What are the goals of the charity that I will be working for?
• What will an average day look like?
• Do I get time off and what can I do in my spare time?
• What sort of accommodations will I have?
• Will I have to share a room, and if yes, with how many others?
• What sort of toilet/shower facilities are there?
• Which meals are included in my fee?
• Will I be met at the airport and transported to the site?
• What about health issues, ie vaccinations required and/or anti-malaria protection?
• Anything that makes you feel hesitant or nervous.

If you wish to look into volunteering overseas, have a look at our volunteer tours, starting at $635 US. Contact us with any questions. BenefacTours is licensed by Consumer Protection BC and we are members of ACTA, The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies.

Planning a holiday with your family? Here are some family adventure holidays that are designed for the whole family. You may be surprised at the exciting destinations that cater to the young and not-so-young.

Costa Rica
Kick back on Costa Rica’s pristine beaches, visit a local family to learn to make tortillas, spot nature in dense cloud forest, enjoy the natural beauty of Manuel Antonio National Park, kayak and paddle-board in La Fortuna. Hotels 8 nights. 9 days 25% off from $1162 CAD ($928 US) on select departures Jun 27 – Aug 08, sale expires April 15. Age 5+.

Galapagos
Encounter incredible wildlife, snorkel and swim with sea turtles and manta rays, kayak at Tortuga Bay, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, see Giant Tortoises in their natural habitat. Hotels 7 nights. 8 days from $2199 CAD ($1755 US) + $120 US entrance fees. Age 6+.

Peru
Search for wildlife along the Amazon River, explore the mysterious Inca ruins at Machu Picchu, sample the seafood in Lima. Hotels (6 nts), Amazon Lodge (2 nts). 9 days from $1849 CAD ($1476 US). Age 6+.

Turkey
Sailing Fethiye to Bodrum – Discover tiny villages and secluded islands with deserted beaches, swim in clear turquoise waters, learn to sail a catamaran, hike through ancient ruins, marvel at the ancient rock tombs in Dalyan, sail into the ancient port of Bodrum. Sailing aboard a 12m (40 ft) catamaran (9 nts) with fully licensed skipper. 10 days from $1599 CAD ($1276 US) select departures May 31, June 20 – Aug 9. Age 12+.

Other family destinations include Vietnam, Burma, Morocco, India, Thailand, Egypt, and Cuba. Contact us for more on these tours or any other destination you desire.

If you really want a challenge, have you thought about taking on trekking tours at high altitude? Popular destinations include Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Nepal and Peru’s Inca Trail. Here are some unusual trekking destinations that you may never have thought of, at 4500m – 6000m.

You need to consider health and safety while trekking at high altitude as everyone’s acclimatization is different.  If you have never been to high altitude, you need to arm yourself with knowledge.  Start with BenefacTours’ blog for a bit more on this issue.

Ethiopia – Simien Mountains Trek – 4543m, 13 days from $3230 CAD($2529 US). The dramatic skyline of peaks and jagged volcanic plugs which tower over the highland plateaux of the Simien Mountains compete with rugged gorges and deep gullies to form what is, arguably, the most awe-inspiring landscape in Africa. As we trek through this distant mountain range we pass small hamlets where villagers eke out an existence from the limited arable land. We may come across large troops of Gelada baboons foraging on the escarpment; and, with luck, spot Walia ibex and Ethiopian wolves.

Ecuador  – Avenue of the Volcanoes – 5897m, 15 days from $2960 CAD ($2318 US). Ecuador is liberally sprinkled with some of the world’s highest peaks. Our acclimatization starts with the Pinan Trek in the highlands of the Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve before we head south to discover Otavalo Indian market and relax in the hot springs, ready for our first climb of Imbabura Volcano. Ice skills practice on Cayambe’s glaciers will prepare us for the tough (but optional) ascent of Cotopaxi, the world’s second highest active volcano. On Cotopaxi we climb with a ratio of one guide to every two trekkers to maximize our chance of summiting.

Peru – Trekking the Huayhuash Circuit  5030m max. 13 days on sale now $1844 CAD ($1444 US). Select Departures June 20 – Jul 31,  Expires in 28 days. Take in the glacial alpine scenery along the Huayhuash Circuit, challenge yourself conquering the high-altitude mountain passes, sleep in tents under the stars in the remote wilderness.

Chile – Patagonia Trekking – 10 days from $3770 CAD ($2952 US). Visit South America and travel to Patagonia to experience the ‘W’ Trek in Torres del Paine National Park. Experience Chile and Argentina’s best wilderness on this trekking adventure.

France – Mont Blanc Ascent – 4810 m, 8 days from $3800 CAD. Looming over the climbing mecca of Chamonix, the majesty of Mont Blanc has captivated climbers for centuries and calls all would-be explorers to join them atop of Western Europe’s highest peak. Attempted over three days, this itinerary is designed to give you the very best chance of reaching the summit.

Contact us for information on these and any other trekking destinations you are interested in.