Destination: Ecuador

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As the world gradually reopens, we thought it would be fun to look at a destination that’s a little off the beaten path: Ecuador. Stretching from the Galápagos Islands in the west, across the towering Andes Mountains, and on to the Amazon jungle in the east, Ecuador is an incredibly diverse country that travelers are just starting to fully appreciate.

For this edition of the Woodlyn Travel blog we reached out to Jessica Rosen, an expert on luxury travel destinations. Jessica is an experienced traveler who recently spent 18 days in Ecuador and came back with a wealth of stories to share. Take it away, Jessica!

What if I told you that there is a place with white sand beaches, the highest and most beautiful mountains, some of the world’s most unique animals, a rainforest filled with different fauna and wildlife, delicious cuisine, history, chocolate and some of the best hospitality? Now what if I told you that it exists a short 4-hour flight from the US. This haven is Ecuador and it needs to be visited. 

Before I chat about the destinations, I want to briefly touch upon COVID precautions in Ecuador. As of early May, people are able to visit Ecuador with a vaccination card or with a negative PCR test taken 96 hours prior to arrival. Quito has non-stop flights from Miami, Houston and Atlanta while Guayaquil has nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale and New York. It’s extremely accessible.  There are sanitizing stations before you enter every establishment (markets, hotels, restaurants) and each facility also takes your temperature. It’s extremely easy to get a COVID test to go back to the states, it can be done at the airport right before your flight or at your hotel. The fee ranges from $50-$85 USD. Now to the good stuff….

The Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos is an ancient archipelago in the Pacific Ocean dating back over 3 million years consisting of 14 main islands and over 100 islets. It’s a 2-hour flight from Guayaquil off the coast of Ecuador about 600 miles away. The Galápagos is one of the most impressive places I have visited.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Galápagos by a luxury catamaran, the Alya Yacht, for 6 days and 5 nights. On this trip we visited eight different islands, went hiking and snorkeling every day, and saw some of the most unique wildlife in the world. What was most surprising to me was how different and varied the islands were for being so close together. Some islands had animals that the others didn’t and their topography varied so much. Each island was a new experience with different things to see.

The gateway into the Galápagos is through Baltra Island. That’s where the main airport is and where you can go board your boat or start your land journey. On our way from the airport to pengha (or dinghy— the small boat you take to the big boat) we had to stop the bus because there was a land iguana in our way! It was the perfect traffic stop for our trip. 

As soon as we boarded our yacht, we were whisked away into Galápagan paradise. We started our first day with a hike on North Seymour Island and immediately started seeing the wildlife that is unique to the Galápagos. Within five minutes we were looking at the impressive and large iguanas, seeing how the blue footed boobies don’t move when people approach them, and staring at the giant red balloons on the frigate birds! Within an instant you’re drawn, hooked, and ready to see more of what the Galápagos has to offer.

Over the next five days we were taken to other islands where we walked, hiked, explored and got intimate with nature. We had some days where we were taken to empty white sand beaches to have to ourselves. Everywhere we went the animals and wildlife were abundant. We saw flamingos, we saw marine iguanas, we saw desert tortoises that are massive and live up to over 200 years! It was incredible.

When we were not on land, we were in the water! On one snorkeling experience we jumped right into the ocean and were immediately surrounded by baby sea lions. Baby sea lions act exactly like puppies and play fetch, imitated us in the water, and were the cutest things in the world. I didn’t know how much I could love sea lions until this trip. We saw so many starfish, parrot fish, and a shark or two! A highlight for me was swimming so close to massive sea turtles.

The Galápagos is not an easy trip, but it is a worthwhile trip. You’re waking up early, seeing nature and wildlife, and being active. You’re embracing the fact that you’re visiting an untouched, unfiltered, and pristine slice of life. If the Galápagos has been on your radar, GO NOW! There are no crowds, incredible rates, and the Galápagos is working on being fully vaccinated.  As of now, 80% of the people in the Galápagos are vaccinated. I could not have wished for a more perfect trip to get back out there in my travels. 

Woodlyn Travel Hotel Recommendation: Pikaia Lodge - Luxurious eco-friendly lodge offering all-inclusive packages.

Quito

Screenshot from 2021-05-18 22-13-04.png

The beloved capital of Ecuador! Quito is at an altitude of 9,350 feet, making it higher than Machu Picchu and the second highest capital in the world (after La Paz). Landing in Quito is one of the most gorgeous landings I’ve experienced and you see how the city is completely covered in mountains, the Andes Mountains!

The city is shrouded in history with cathedrals, basilicas and beautiful city squares everywhere in Old Town. A highlight for me was Iglesia De La Compania also known as the Gold Cathedral dating back to 1605.  Quito is a great starting off point to get to the rest of Ecuador.

Woodlyn Travel Hotel Recommendations:

Casa Gangotena- Sophisiticated vibe in a 1920s mansion in the heart of Quito’s historic area.

Mashpi Lodge- Striking lodge just outside the city, offering amazing outdoor activities.

Mt Cotopaxi 

The lovely and most beautiful Mt Cotopaxi! Ecuador is home to 82 volcanoes and 17 are active! Mt Cotopaxi is the largest active volcano in Ecuador. Adventure seekers can hike Mt Cotopaxi or if you’re like me you can stay at a nearby hacienda and take in the views and what the area has to offer. I stayed at a hacienda called Porvenir that offers hiking, horseback riding, and is overall a great place to relax and cuddle up by the fire drinking Sunfu Tea. From Mt Cotopaxi, Lake Quilotoa is only a 1.5 hour drive and extremely worth it. I compare it to the Grand Canyon of Ecuador for its vast beauty. Mt Cotopaxi and Lake Quilotoa are a must see. 

The Amazon

The wild, wild Amazon. There are two places to go when visiting the Amazon in Ecuador - the upper Amazon and the lower Amazon. The upper Amazon has less animals and more adventure activities like white water rafting. It’s also a few hour car ride away from Quito. The lower Amazon, the Amazon I experienced, is much more focused on animals and getting there is much more interesting! From Quito you take a 35 minute flight to Coca where you’re greeted by a team. I stayed at Sacha Lodge (which is amazing!) and they picked us up and took us to a dock. From there it was a 1.5 hour motorized canoe ride, followed by a 30 minute walk in the jungle (don’t worry they give you boots!) and lastly a 20 minute small canoe ride. While there, you have plenty of opportunities to explore with your personal guide. Daily hiking, canoe rides, night time canoe rides to look for caimans, piranha fishing, walking across canopy bridges and much more.

We had a guide named Fausto who told us of his encounters with anacondas, caimans, and bullet ants, so by the time he picked up a poison dart frog, we weren’t completely freaking out! While we didn’t see any anaconda or jaguars, we did see a caiman, toucans and sloths. The Amazon took me out of my comfort zone and I loved every minute of it. 

Banos 

Three hours south of Quito lies a city called Banos. This is more for adventure seekers and people who have more time to spend in Ecuador. It’s filled with beautiful waterfalls, zip lining, swings over the world, and a good time. I was able to take a gondola above a waterfall for a truly unique experience. 

Papallacta

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By the 15th day of the trip I was pretty exhausted and scheduled myself some spa time! An hour north of Quito lies Termas Papallacta. Termas Papallacta has over a dozen hot spring pools that get its warmth from a nearby volcano. We spent two days here relaxing in the water, getting massages and body scrubs. The views were outstanding and a great way to relax at the end of the trip. They offer some hiking at the property and if you book three nights it includes fishing and milking cow experiences. 

Ecuador is a highly underrated country and it shouldn’t be. It’s one of the most beautiful destinations I’ve been to, has excellent hospitality, and is an adventurers paradise. 

What’s open? Where you can travel now!

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The summer travel season is fast approaching, and for those of us who haven’t traveled during the pandemic, or who have been limited to short road trips, the easing of travel restrictions is literally opening up a world of possibilities. While there is still time to plan an international trip this summer (and plenty of good deals available), it can be a challenge to keep track of which destinations are open and what you’ll need to do to travel there.

Here’s a quick overview of some popular summer travel destinations and what you need to know about visiting. Keep in mind that things change quickly so its best to work with Woodlyn Travel to help with planning.

Europe

While much of Europe is planning to open to American tourists this summer, a number of European countries are already open, including Greece, Iceland, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Cyprus, and Georgia. Regulations vary for each country, but generally some combination of vaccination, negative COVID test, and mandatory quarantine upon arrival will allow tourists to enter.

Other European countries, including tourist popular spots like France, Spain, Italy and the U.K., have announced goals to open to non-essential travel by June. The devil is in the details, however, and we are waiting to see exactly how the re-opening will look. It’s safe to say that being fully vaccinated will make things go much smoother but outside of that we are all waiting to see how travel will look. Don’t let this hold you back, just approach European travel with caution - keep in mind cancellation policies and have a back up plan or buy travel insurance - If you’ve been longing for a European vacation, here are a couple hotel options we recommend:

Croatia (now open): Villa Dubrovnik - Perched on the cliffs with stunning views of the city and sea.

France: Shangri-La Hotel Paris - Incredible service in an unbeatable location, featuring complimentary upgrade to Eiffel Tower view

Monaco: Hotel de Paris- Monte-Carlo - Sophisticated vibe in a glamorous setting.

Mexico

Mexico has been open to travelers, with no requirement to be vaccinated or show a negative COVID-19 test at this time. There is also no mandated quarantine upon arrival, although your hotel or resort may ask you complete a health questionnaire. Land border crossings remain closed to non-essential travel but air travel is open and good deals on flights are readily available. Among the Mexican resorts a few favorites::

Grand Velas Los Cabos - All-inclusive luxury with dramatic ocean views and great dining.

Presidente InternContinetal Cozumel - Idyllic setting featuring white sand beaches and calm, turquoise waters.

Andaz Mayakoba Riviera Maya - Exclusive beachfront resort with amazing spa and pools.

The Caribbean

Tourism is big business in the Caribbean. Some destinations have already re-opened and are eager for visitors. Among the places currently open to US tourists are Aruba, the Bahamas, the US Virgin Islands, and Jamaica. Many countries have an easy online portal where you upload a copy of your vaccination or negative test before arrival. Keep in mind that a nice advantage of Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands is that because they’re US territories you will not have to get a negative COVID test before returning to the US. If the Caribbean sounds like your speed, here are a couple hotel suggestions:

US Virgin Islands: The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas - Excellent accommodations and stellar service in a gorgeous setting.

Puerto Rico: Fairmont El San Juan Hotel - Authentic Puerto Rican hospitality minutes from historic Old San Juan.

Jamaica: Jamaica Inn Ocho Rios - Family owned boutique hotel on a premier private beach.

Belize: Blancaneaux Lodge - Tranquil resort in a remote, adventurous setting.

Asia and Oceania

Asia and Oceania have been cautious about reopening, and with limited exceptions popular destinations like Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan are not allowing American visitors. There are some exceptions however: French Polynesia and the Maldives are now open and offer amazing experiences for those looking for an adventure.

Maldives: Conrad Maldives Rangali Island - One-of-a-kind island setting, with exclusive free night offers available now.

Tahiti: Conrad Bora Bora Nui - Overwater villas in a classic South Pacific setting.


General guidelines for international travel

  • Be aware that unless you’re traveling to a US territory, you’ll likely need a negative test to return to the United States (yes, even if you’re vaccinated), and you may need to self-quarantine upon return as well.

  • Double check that passport! After being grounded for a year it’s easy to forget if your passport is still valid. If you need to get it renewed before traveling, start your paperwork now! Routine renewals take 10-12 weeks, while expedited service is usually 4-6 weeks (although passport expediting services sometimes claim they can get it a week or two faster). If your trip is less than 4 weeks away, you’ll have to make an appointment to visit a passport office in person, and unfortunately these appointments are completely booked for the next couple months.

  • Although a country may officially be open to tourists, the CDC and the State Department are still discouraging non-essential travel to some areas. Check their websites for guidelines, which are updated frequently.

  • If you want to book a trip to a country that isn’t open yet, but you think it will be by the time you travel (let’s say a trip to Germany in August), be sure you understand the cancellation policies for the hotel and airfare when you book. With a little planning you won’t lose a dime if the country decides not to open. Or consider travel insurance, which can help cover the costs of last minute changes.

A Day in Malibu

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Beach weather is right around the corner, and I figured why not do some advance scouting? So the family and I headed out to that classic Southern California beach town, Malibu. Here’s a taste of our day:

Strolling the Pier and Hitting the Beach

We kicked things off with a quick stroll in the fresh air, and what better spot than the legendary Malibu Pier, home of surfers and starlets since the ‘50s. In the summer it can be a little crowded but today we had it almost to ourselves. The Malibu Farm has two restaurants on the pier: a full-service location at the start of the pier and a cafe at the end. We strolled out to the end and got coffee and hot chocolate at the cafe while we watched the waves and fishermen. Whether you’re renting beach gear or just surveying the surf, the pier is a good place to get your bearings and start your day.

Heading north from the pier we explored the tide pools at the entrance to the Malibu Lagoon, just below the famous Adamson House. On big wave days this is a great spot for watching the surfers, but our morning was spent mucking around in the sand looking for shells and chasing the occasional sandpiper. A really nice spot for kids on a day without crowds.

Malibu Seafood and Hiking

For years, Malibu Seafood has been one of our favorite seafood spots. It’s right across from the beach along PCH, with both a seafood market and a restaurant. Everything is great, from the chowder to the swordfish burger, but the fried platters are our favorites. This time we went for lunch and got the fried seafood combo, with the kids loving the shrimp and scallops. (The scallops have just the right pop of juiciness after you crunch through the outside).

Next door to Malibu Seafood is a parking lot with a trailhead leading into Corral Canyon Park. If you’re going to take a real hike you should pay the parking fee, but we had about a ten minute wait for our food so we decided to take a quick walk to check it out. It’s an easy trail that climbs quickly to give you a nice view of the beach, and if you’re up for a bigger adventure you can follow the looping trail deep into the heart of the last undeveloped canyon in the area.

Malibu Country Mart

The Malibu Country Mart is a local institution that could only exist in Malibu. It’s a mix of high-end boutiques and cafes with a strong beach vibe and plenty of celebrity sightings. There’s also an amazing playground for the kids, a hitching post in case you prefer to do your shopping on horseback, and plenty of places to just relax and take in the unique atmosphere. We wandered through exploring the many nooks and crannies, and vowed to return another day with empty stomachs so we could sample it all.

Malibu Beach Inn

We stayed at the Malibu Beach Inn, nestled tightly between the PCH and the beach. All the rooms have balconies and beach views, and the location can’t be beat. The beach is literally right downstairs and the staff has beach chairs and towels ready to go at a moment’s notice. Aside from the view, what’s possibly the best part about the rooms? Toto toilets! If you’re not familiar with the cult of Toto, I’ll just say this: there are lots of buttons and features that are guaranteed to make your kids (or you) squeal and giggle the first time they sit down to try it. The Malibu Beach Inn is currently offering a “Stay Two Nights, Get a Third Night Free” promotion, so if you want to check it out for yourself now is a great time to do it.

For dinner we ate at the Malibu Beach Inn’s restaurant, the Carbon Beach Club. The terrace juts out over the beach, and when it’s chilly outside they’re quick with the blankets and heaters. In addition to their full dinner menu, they offer a private diner featuring filet mignon and lobster tails, and of course an amazing “picnic by the beach” option.

We were lucky enough to meet the hotel’s resident mixology master, Josh Curtis, who invented the Playa Access and other drinks that capture the feel of Malibu. Josh shared a couple of his favorite drinks, as well as the secret history of the Mai Tai try Josh’s recipe (recipe below). As the sun set and the cool air set in, we retreated to our room and wound down in front of the fireplace. It was a cozy end to a full day in Malibu.

Where to Stay on Your Trip to the Beach

If you’re interested in booking your own Malibu getaway, here are a few great hotel options. Many are currently offering promotions that can extend your stay or provide free amenities.

mai tai with an ocean view

mai tai with an ocean view

Enjoy a cocktail courtesy of Josh Curtis:
‘1944 Trader Vic style’ Mai Tai

1 oz Appleton 12 yr Jamaican rum
1 oz Clemente Martinique Rum
.75 oz lime juice
.5 oz Liquid Alchemist Orgeat
.25 oz Curaçao (orange liqueur)
Crushed ice
Add crushed ice to the shaker and ‘roll’ shake. This tasty Tiki beverage requires a bit of dilution in the flavor profile. Garnish with a lime wheel & activated mint bouquet.

Josh Curtis offers virtual cocktail making classes. Tell him Woodlyn Travel sent you :)

How to get an extension for your expiring travel voucher

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It’s been a year since the emergence of COVID changed how we all live, work, and go to school. Many of us who love to travel had to scramble to cancel trips, hoping they would only be delayed temporarily. But now, a year later, many people are holding travel vouchers that are soon to expire and wondering what to do with them. Woodlyn Travel’s Melissa Wu recently spoke to Kristine Lazar of CBS2 in Los Angeles about her family’s situation and how they were able to extend their vouchers for use at a later time. If you have vouchers and don’t think you’ll use them before they expire, here are some suggestions to help improve your chances for an extension.

  1. Work with a travel advisor - If you are working with a travel advisor, start with them. They are your advocate and ally – they want you to travel as much as you do! They can leverage their relationships with hotel partners and know the right people to contact to get your extension approved!

  2. Be prepared - Read the fine print – Does the voucher need to be used by a certain date or do you need to book by a certain date? You may have more time than you realize!

  3. Request early - Put in your request for an extension well before the expiration date. If the voucher expires in June 2021, start the conversation for an extension NOW. And if the voucher has already expired, don’t lose hope: you may still get an extension, and it never hurts to ask.

  4. Have a reason - Be sure to have a specific reason for not using your voucher within the normal time frame. Is it because you won’t have the time off from work? Concerned about traveling or waiting for the vaccine? School schedules conflict? Think through your case ahead of time so you can make a strong argument.

  5. What is your goal? - Are you hoping for another year extension? Do you want a refund? Keep your end goal in mind when approaching your request for an extension.

  6. Are you flexible? - Consider how flexible you might be. Travel partners want you to travel. If they are not able to accommodate your request, what can they offer you instead? If the hotel has multiple locations will a transfer to a different property work for you?

  7. Be kind – The travel industry has been hit hard by COVID and many destinations have struggled to stay afloat. The people answering your calls or emails want your business but may be overwhelmed with requests. Be patient and express how excited you are to visit or use the voucher. A little bit of understanding and sympathy for their situation can go a long way!

  8. Last but not least: document, document, document. If somebody approves your voucher extension, make sure you have that approval in writing. If it is over the phone, ask for the name of the person who is granting the extension and keep a record of it.

Extending your travel vouchers is a great way to kickstart your post-pandemic travel plans. So don’t hesitate to pursue an extension, and above all, talk to your travel advisor! They have experience and connections that can make sure your valuable travel vouchers don’t go to waste!

Dreaming of England

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As I’ve posted recently, it’s a great time to start planning 2021 travel. There are tons of deals out there, especially on airfare. In fact, I just booked a client two round-trip, business-class tickets on Delta to London, plus 10 days of a rental car for $2700. If you’re looking to book flights to Europe it’s a great time to do it, and it reminded me of a trip my special travel correspondent Andrew took to the UK pre-pandemic. Lots of American tourists never make it out of London, but he spent time in Bristol, a culturally vibrant city in Southwest England. I asked Andrew to give us some highlights of his trip:

The Royal Standard of England

http://www.rsoe.co.uk/

I flew into London, and my first stop on the way to Bristol was the Royal Standard of England, a historic pub in the village of Beaconsfield. It’s billed as the oldest pub in England, and with your first glimpse of the stone walls, low ceilings, and traditional décor you’ll understand why. The food is traditional pub faire- try the whitebait (fries with eyes) or beef & ale pie. There are plenty of beers and ciders to sample, but the atmosphere is really what you’re there for, and it definitely delivers. There’s even a large outdoor seating area if the weather cooperates, which, hey, it’s England so maybe don’t count on it. The pub’s a bit out of the way, but this does prevent it from being overrun by tourists. If the traditional pub experience is what you’re looking for, and you’re up for a bit of an adventure, this is the place to go.

Walking Tour: Clifton Suspension Bridge & Ashton Court Estate

https://www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/en/museums-parks-sports-culture/ashton-court-estate

Bristol is very manageable on foot, and I always like to get my bearings when I arrive in a new place, so one of my first stops was the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s one of Bristol’s most prominent landmarks, spanning the Avon Gorge west of the city. Built in 1864, it offers a dramatic view of the city and the Avon River as it flows to the Atlantic. Crossing the bridge to the west leads to the gates to the Ashton Court Estate, which has history dating back to the William the Conqueror and is now owned by the City of Bristol. The estate is home to miles of walking and riding paths, a disc golf course, a deer park (yes, that’s a herd of deer living in a park), some very spooky woods, and Ashton Court Manor, which now houses a restaurant and event spaces. If you start at the bridge it’s a fairly easy 1-2 hr downhill walk through the estate to the parking lot at the manor, where you can keep walking or hop a bus back into the city center. The bridge is worth the trip for the view, and if it’s a nice day and you’ve got the time, the estate is good for a taste of old English manor life.

Playground Coffee House

https://playgroundbristol.co.uk/

Bristol is a university town, and there’s no shortage of pubs, lounges, and other hangouts. But my favorite hidden gem is the Playground Coffee House, which serves double duty as a coffee shop by day and cocktail lounge by night. (Although you can feel free to mix those up as required.) It’s a cozy, comfortable spot with board games, swings, a huge tea selection, and a treacherous staircase leading to the bathroom. The drinks, whether they’re of the caffeinated or alcoholic variety, are strong and lovingly made.

Mission Pizza

http://www.missionpizza.co.uk/
http://www.lefthandedgiant.com/

This one’s a bit of a moving target at the moment, but if you can find them, Mission Pizza is some of the best pizza I’ve had on either side of the Atlantic. When I visited they were set up in a tent outside a brewery at the end of a long, dark alley. They make a half-dozen artisan, wood-fired pizzas, including vegetarian varieties, and every one I tried was great. They’ve now set up what are hopefully permanent digs in the Left Handed Giant Brewpub, in a cool neighborhood along the water, so once dining in is available again this will be a great alternative to the “traditional” English experience. Because who needs tradition when you’ve got beer and pizza, right?

The Farm

https://www.facebook.com/thefarmpub/
http://www.swcityfarm.co.uk/

Located on the north side of Bristol, The Farm is a casual, family-friendly pub and restaurant that sits just down the street from St. Werburgh’s City Farm, a small farm with goats, sheep, and other animals that’s open to visitors. The pub has lots of outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe, so on a nice afternoon it’s easy to spend a couple hours there. Hit it on a Sunday to order a traditional Sunday Roast, which involves a whole lot of meat and potatoes and is guaranteed to pound your hangover into submission. If you have kids, or just need a break from the city, a walk through the City Farm and then a stop at the pub is a good way to unwind. Don’t confuse the Farm Pub with the Farm Café, which sits right next to it.

Other nearby suggestions:

The historic town of Bath, famous for its ancient Roman spas, is just a 20-minute train ride from Bristol. The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa is an ideal base for your explorations there, featuring stunning gardens and luxurious accommodations.

If you’re looking to stop over in London for a few days (and why wouldn’t you?), you can’t go wrong staying at The Savoy. It’s one of London’s most celebrated hotels, famous for is extraordinary amenities and décor.

And remember, when you book any of these hotels with Woodlyn Travel, you get amenities like a room upgrade, daily breakfast, food & beverage credit, and more!

Whether you want to explore Bristol like Andrew did or check out another spot in the UK, contact me and we’ll put together the right itinerary for you. Let’s talk!

About Andrew
Andrew is a freelance writer, producer, and marketing consultant. An Emmy nominated producer, he has written or produced material for ESPN, HGTV, NBC, and independent films. He can be reached at afirchau@gmail.com.