Tag: Africa

#G1PhotoFridayAfrica

Hungry Hippos in Lake Manyara, Tanzania

on October 19, 2018

Lake Manyara is a shallow lake located in Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania. This underrated lake is a true oasis for a plethora of animals including blue monkey, elephant, giraffe, zebra and of course hippo, to name a few. The lake is also an excellent place for bird watching; find flamingos, pelicans and heron here. Get out your binoculars and best safari hat for this can’t miss animal experience while in Tanzania.

hungryhippos

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @pgbradley using the hashtag #gate1travel. This incredible scene was taken at the Lake Manyara National Park in Tanzania in Southern Africa. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Tanzania trips here!

#G1PhotoFridayAfrica

A Cat Nap in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

on July 27, 2018

A beautiful leopard takes a rest in a tree in the Serengeti National Park located in Tanzania, Africa. The Serengeti National Park may be most famous for its annual migration of over a million wildebeest and zebra. The park has a vast array of wildlife that you can see out in their natural habitat. The big five are located here, (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and African buffalo) as well as honey badger, Nile crocodile, Tanzanian cheetah, impalas, hyena, giraffe, kudu, monkey, East African wild dog, a 500+ array of bird species and so many more! Keep your eye out when visiting this park because you could miss an animal hiding in the trees, an animal with great camouflage or a small animal scurrying on the ground.

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This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @ Tim Collins using the hashtag #gate1travel. This restfull view was taken of a leopard in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Africa. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Africa trips here!

Travel Tips

Our Top 12 Most Popular Tours of 2018

on May 14, 2018

Gate 1 Travel is letting you in on a little secret. Today we are sharing the top 12 best performing tours thus far in 2018 because you deserve to know! These tours vary greatly in destination but they all excel in showing you must-see sites, beautiful cities, unique cultures and natural beauty all in one escorted tour! We are giving you a countdown of our top 12 tours in hopes of giving you some inspiration when it comes to planning your next unforgettable adventure. Journey with us from Ireland to Vietnam to the United States with a whole world in between and enjoy our list.

12. 9 Day Enchanting Ireland
Enchanting Ireland is right. Ireland is a beautiful country known for a warm culture, lush greenery and excellent sites to see. While on this tour of Ireland you will see some Blarney_Castleof the can’t miss spots including the city of Dublin, where you will enjoy a city tour, visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, and have free time to explore. Also enjoy the Killarney area where you will drive through the world-famous Ring of Kerry and see sites on your way. On this tour you will also see Blarney Castle, Waterford, Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher and Galway. If you have been wanting to visit Ireland, there is no better time than the present to go green.

11. 8 Day Essential Vietnam
Vietnam is a country that is so incredibly different from anywhere else that it’s popularity is no surprise. Your tour of Vietnam will most likely begin with a visit to Ho Ch Minh City, formerly Saigon, where you will have the chance to take an optional excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels, enjoy a optional half day tour of the city or explore the city on your own at your leisure. You will also visit the incredible Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see caves, grottos, islands, stalactites, stalagmites and waterfalls, to name a few! You will also have a full day in Hanoi to either explore the city leisurely or take some optional tours that include the Museum of Ethnology and a Cyclo Ride/Water Puppet Show. This genuine country will win you over and you will enjoy every minute of it.

10. 8 Day Classic National Parks, Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone & Grand Teton
What better way to see what the world has to offer than by visiting parts of your own country? Although our country doesn’t have a history as old as some others, we do have amazing sites, national parks, natural phenomenon and plenty of great cities with their own special elegance. On this tour you will see 3 national parks, stay in 6 different locations and have the experience of a lifetime, all in 8 days! Visit Rapid City, the gateway to South Dakota’s Black Hills and iconic Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial. Experience the beauty of Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the United States and home to “Old Faithful”, hot springs, thermal features, rock cliffs and more! You will also get to visit Grand Teton National Park, with its dense forests and rich wildlife and then continue to Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s time to see what the United States has to offer and explore some of our greatest treasures.

9. 15 Day Cambodia & Vietnam
This excellent tour gets you seeing two of the greatest countries of Southeast Asia and experiencing some of the greatest sites they have to offer. In just over two weeks you will Vietnam HalongBay_1109_dt_16304888experience 7 different cities and add two different countries to your list! While on tour, visit Siem Reap, home to some of the most famous sites in the world; Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Travel to Ho Chi Minh City and enjoy leisure time or take some optional tours to get to know this fascinating city. While on your Cambodia & Vietnam tour you will also see the city of Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia, the ancient town of Hoi An, Hue; home to a wealth of palaces, temples, museums and libraries, Halong Bay and Hanoi. This tour covers so much of these two amazing countries that it is a truly unmissable experience.

8. 13 Day Turkish Treasures
Welcome to the true crossroads of Europe and Asia; Turkey. This country has history that dates back to B.C. and has ancient sites to see that are some of the oldest on earth! On your journey to Turkey you will tour the city of Istanbul and see the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Spice Market. Traverse the ancient city of Cappadocia with its surreal rock formations, rock-cut temples and plenty of hot air balloons in the sky, with an optional have your own hot air balloon ride! This extensive tour also includes visits to the classical city of Troy, the port city of Izmir, the resort town of Antalya and Ankara the modern capital of Turkey. Learn about the country and sites you have read about in books like The Illiad and venture to this country today.

7. 13 Day Kaleidoscope of Central Europe
Central Europe has so much to offer in such a small area of the world. On this tour you will visit 5 major cities with a few stops along the way, and potentially add 5 new countries to your list. You will travel to the medieval city of Krakow, Poland, a city that was greatly affected by WWII and see the Jewish Quarter and Ghetto of the city as well as taking a solemn visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Experience the former center of the Hapsburg Empire; Vienna, Austria, where you will view Schonbrunn Palace, Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church, City Hall, Parliament and more. This tour will also bring you to more unforgettable places such as Warsaw, Czestochowa, Budapest, Bratislava and Prague. If you enjoy history, culture, music and experiencing unforgettable places, this tour is perfect for you.

6. 11 Day Affordable Croatia & Slovenia
Croatia is a travel location that is increasingly popular for good reason! This seaside country has excellent cities by the water and a neighboring country of Slovenia that you will not want to miss. This tour includes stops in 7 towns and cities with optional tours to see even more. This extraordinary tour takes you to Dubrovnik, the walled and cobbled-street city that you have probably seen on Game of Thrones, as King’s Landing, and in many pictures. Also explore the lake-side city of Bled, set among the Julian Alps and one of Slovenia’s most popular resort towns. Opatija, Zadar, Split, Krka National Park, Vodice, Zagreb and Ljubjana, Slovania are all included on this fully-packed tour. Come see why so many people are visiting this country and discover many of your own reasons!

5. 11 Day Enchanting Italy
Italy is always a great idea and this tour covers places you have always wanted to visit. If Venetian canals, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Michelangelo’s David, and Pompeii are things you have dreamed about, this tour covers it all and so much more. Visit and stay in the city of Florence, where David, the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio and Signoria Square await you. Take a tour of ancient Rome, home of the Colosseum, excellent food and a tiny country called Vatican City. This tour will also take you to Venice, Tuscany, Pisa, Assisi, Pompeii, Sorrento, Bay of Naples and more! If a friendly culture, excellent food and beautiful sites are on your travel list, you will surely cross them off with this tour of Italy.

4. 8 Day Essential Greece
This country, in the heart of the Mediterranean, is home to some of the most famous landmarks in the world; the Acropolis, Olympia and Delphi. This tour has an unbeatable DelphiAthenaprice and gets you all around Greece in just over a week! You will likely arrive in Athens, the capital of Greece and home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Acropolis. Take a tour of the archaeological site of Olympia and see where the games were first held in 776 B.C. Visit the excavated site of Delphi, enjoy the coastal road to the mighty Corinth Canal and take an optional day tour to Hydra, Poros and Aegina Islands. Discover this ancient country that is the birthplace of democracy and the cradle of Western Civilization on this unforgettable tour.

3. 12 Day Danube River Cruise with Prague
A river cruise through Europe is an excellent way to see many destinations while returning to the comfort of a ship between each. Being on a cruise means that while you are busy sleeping or enjoying the ship, you are being whisked away to a new and exciting destination. On your river cruise you will sail along the Danube river and visit Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, and Germany, you will also see the Czech Republic on this specific tour. Visit the essential Danube village town of Melk, Austria where you will walk along medieval cobblestone streets leading to 16th century houses and wine taverns. You will also visit the city of Prague on this tour, where you will see the world-famous Astronomical Clock. The Town Hall, Jewish Quarter and many more sites. Other stops on this tour include Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Durnstein, Linz, Passau, Vilshofen and Regensberg. It’s time to experience Europe in one of the most unique and special ways; on a European river cruise with Gate 1 Travel!

2. 10 Day Affordable Peru
Seeing Machu Picchu is on the bucket list of many travel enthusiasts. If you are one of these enthusiasts this tour was made for you. Visit the city of Lima, the capital of Peru and its excellent landmarks including the Palace of the Archbishop, the Government Palace and the Cathedral of Lima. You will, of course, experience the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, Cuzco, which contains some ruins of its own and will be your gateway to touring the incredible Machu Picchu. This tour also visits Sacred Valley, Ollantaytambo, Uros Islands, Puno and more! This exceptional tour brings you to some of the most photographed and visited places in the world and is affordable as well. Get out your hiking gear because Peru awaits.

1. 13 Day Kaleidoscope of Morocco
If you have not been to Morocco yet, it is a must-visit! This up and coming country has been hugely popular this year thanks to its unique culture, vast array of things to do and excellent pricing! This tour offers many essential locations in Morocco including Fez, an OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAancient city with breathtaking views that you can decide to discover on your own or join the optional city tour. You will also visit Marrakesh where you will visit the Saadian Tombs, Koutoubia Minaret, the Medina and the Bahia Palace. On this Moroccan tour you will also visit Rabat, Erfoud, Rissani, Ouarzazate and Casablanca. There’s no better time than now to start seeing the world and all its beauty and culture. What better way to explore, than to enjoy our most popular tour of the year to beautiful Morocco?

#G1PhotoFridayAfrica

The Souks of Marrakesh, Morocco

on May 4, 2018

Marrakesh, Morocco is famous for its Souk District located in the heart of the Medina. At the souks you will find just about everything from spices to clothing to food! Put your bargaining skills to work and get a good price for a great find. This area can get very crowded with bicycles and people so it is important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings here.

marrakesh

This week’s #g1photofriday was submitted by user @erickyeva using the hashtag #gate1travel. This colorful view was taken in the Souk Medina District located in Marrakesh, Morocco. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Morocco trips here!

Travel Tips

5 Best Places to Travel this Summer

on May 3, 2018

June, July and August are the most popular times to travel. Work has died down and mother nature is at her best so it’s the time most take their much needed vacation days. Unfortunately, this means that the people come in swarms, the temperatures rise and there is a line to do just about anything. Crowds, heat and lines are all synonymous with summer vacations so we decided to compile a list of destinations that will get you to cooler places, places with less crowds and places that demonstrate that little something extra during the summer. It is time to get off the beaten path, try somewhere new and enjoy your days off with relaxation and adventure. Join us on our summer list to see where you should be visiting this season!

Evening at Lake Louise5. Alberta, Canada
Alberta, Canada has a lot to offer; a warm, summer temperature, about 75 degrees average, that won’t leave you sweating and an array of National Parks, landmarks and beautiful views of nature that you cannot see anywhere else. Edmonton is the capital of Alberta and it is a perfect city to explore. Museums, the famous Farmer’s Market in Old Strathcona and many hip and delicious restaurants to sample all await you in Edmonton. Some can’t miss adventures in Alberta include Jasper National Park, known for its abundant wildlife, Athabasca Falls, Lake Louise, a glacier-fed lake and one of the most photographed spots in all of Canada, Banff National Park and Cave & Basin National Historic Site, great for exploring the naturally-occurring, warm mineral springs that can be found inside the cave, and outside in an emerald colored basin. Get in touch with mother nature during her favorite season in Alberta, Canada.

SugarLoaf RioDeJaneiro_1111_dt_65528674. Brazil & Argentina
If you are specifically looking to beat the heat, then South America is perfect for you. The summer of the United States is actually the winter season in Brazil and Argentina. For example, the average temperature of July in Buenos Aires is only in the 50s, while January is the hottest month with an average of 76, the opposite of the United States! If the temperature isn’t enough to wow you, then the sites will get you on the next flight to South America. Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, a beautiful collection of waterfalls that has viewing sides in both Argentina and Brazil. Rio de Janeiro, the home of the famous “Christ the Redeemer” statue and a picturesque beach, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado Mountain, which gives you a 360 view of the city of Rio, and so much more await you in this area of the earth. It’s time to brush up on your Spanish, put on your tango shoes and see the beauty that is South America: Brazil & Argentina.

3. Kenya & Tanzaniathe-serengeti
Welcome to another area that has its winter while the United States has their summer; Kenya & Tanzania. The average temperatures in July in Kenya & Tanzania are in the mid-70s and this is the coldest that they get all year! Luckily the temperature is not the only reason to visit, it is also the start of the dry season which makes for the best viewing for wildlife while on safari. June and July are also the best months for seeing the wildebeest migration through the Serengeti. Some of the great sites and adventures that await you on your journey include Karen Blixen Museum, the farmhouse of the prominent author of “Out of Africa”, Giraffe Centre, Elephant Orphanage, Samburu National Park, a park home to unique wildlife and a haven for birds, Serengeti National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, a park renowned for its spectacular game viewing, Ngorongoro Conservation area and many more adventures! There’s no better time to take your safari then in the summer and in Kenya & Tanzania.

cappadocia32. Turkey
While Turkey might not be the best place to beat the heat, it is the perfect place to avoid the crowds you may find in the popular destinations around the world. The average temperature in Istanbul in July is in the 80s so it is on par with most European countries during this time but it has just as many great sites and things to see as European cities! The great thing about Turkey and why you should visit, is its location, between Asia, Africa and Europe, and the fact that it is not a huge travel mecca… yet. Turkey also has a background that dates back to ancient times so there is a lot of history, architecture and culture to explore. While in Turkey make sure to visit Istanbul, the city that straddles two continents and home to an amazing spice market, Anzac Cemetery, Canakkale, Troy, a 4,000 year old city and real-life setting for The Iliad, Pergamum, Asklepion, Izmir, Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia, home to rock-cut temples and tons of hot air balloons, Ankara and all of their history! Get away from the crowds and see an authentic country embedded with ancient sites and cities.

1. Icelandblue_lagoon_k9a8760_01-2
Not only is Iceland a hugely popular travel destination, but July has the warmest temperature that this northern country gets. The average temperature in July is in the 50s in Reykjavik and is the perfect sweater weather to make you forget about the heat back home. Going to Iceland in the summer really gives you a completely different outlook than visiting in the winter. It is a time of year that daylight is at its longest and can last about 20 hours a day from mid-May to Mid-August. This means you have extra daylight and warm temperatures allowing you to explore everything Iceland has to offer; from an inventive restaurant scene in Reykjavik, to the geographical wonders of Gullfoss Waterfall. Other things to see in Iceland include Blue Lagoon, a unique natural pool of mineral rich geothermal water located in the middle of a lava field, South Shore, Skaftafell National Park, see Europe’s largest ice cap and the peaks of Skaftafell, Thingvellir National Park, Snaefellsjökull Glacier, a splendid strato-volcano at the very end of the peninsula, Stykkisholmur and so much nature and beauty! It’s time to get out your finest fleece, wool socks and, of course, some sunglasses for the daylight! Take a trip to this striking country for a cool summer vacation you will not forget.

MediterraneanTravel Tips

The Perks of Work: Employee Travel Testimonial – Dubai & Abu Dhabi

on March 29, 2018

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are hugely popular travel locations with rich histories, stunning cultures, beautiful buildings and friendly people. These cities are filled with brilliant architecture and majestic scenery built in a desert landscape. The area offers everything from high-end shopping, luxury hotels, incredible restaurants and plenty of adventures to keep you busy. We caught up with Lakiya, a Gate 1 Travel employee, who recently enjoyed a trip to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and we got the inside scoop on her trip.

Why did you choose this trip and what had you heard about these places that made you decide on it? 
I have 2 brothers that are Muslim. They speak highly about dubai_lakiya2the religion and I was intrigued to say the least. I wanted to know more about the religion and how it’s practiced in Dubai vs. how the religion is practiced here in the states. In addition to wanting to know more about the religion, I was told that they were very strict and that everything was bigger and better in Dubai; I needed to see this for myself.

Dubai & Abu Dhabi are becoming some of the most popular international travel destinations, how was that reflected in your trip?
There were several tour buses and various companies. Some places were very crowded like the Grand Mosque in dubai_lakiya6Abu Dhabi, the malls, and other tourist locations. There was a lot traffic in Dubai and it almost seemed as if the city never slept. However, the restaurants weren’t overcrowded and the bars/lounges housed a comfortable crowd.

What were of the highlights of your trip?
The highlight of my trip was the Desert Safari! Dune driving was a lot fun and the scenery was to die for! We were able to enjoy a traditional dinner at the camp site that included every aspect of their culture. We enjoyed watching the Falcon show, riding camels, getting henna tattoos, dressing in garbs and even enjoyed free hookah (Shisha).

dubai_lakiya5How was the shopping and did you visit anywhere specifically great for shopping? 
We visited the Dubai Mall. I wish we had more time to visit the Mall of the Emirates. The Dubai Mall had every store that you could imagine. The malls stayed open until midnight, which was surprising to me, I’m not use to malls staying open that late in the states. The souks were awesome too! It was fun to negotiate prices and talk the sellers down to a lower price.

What travel tips would you give to someone preparing to go on this trip?
Do your own research! It’s not as strict as everyone told me it was. So I wasn’t prepared to hang in lounges or let loose. All of my outfits were pretty loose fitting or conservative. I had to buy clothing to fit it when we decided to enjoy the nightlife that I didn’t think they had. Nightlife in Dubai was awesome!dubai_lakiya3

How did you prepare for this trip?
I prepared by packing loose fitting/conservative attire.

Would you go back?
Absolutely! I plan on going back in for Expo 2020!

How was your tour manager and what were they like? In what ways did they effect your trip? My tour manager was absolutely FANTASTIC! She did everything from providing history about the 7 Emirates, to providing over-garments dubai_lakiya4for the visit to the mosque, to providing converter boxes for us to charge our electronics. She made reservations for us to have lunch at restaurants on our leisure time and even told us about all of the lounges to party at on Thursday nights! She was very knowledgeable, extremely patient and I honestly don’t think that the experience would have been the same without her.

Would you recommend this trip to family/friends?
Most definitely! …………I already have! See you in 2020, Dubai!

 

 

 

 

#G1PhotoFriday

The spices of Marrakesh, Morocco

on January 12, 2018

Welcome to the magical city of Marrakesh, Morocco where you will find many different kinds of spices and different aromas from all over the world in their markets! Rose, Cinnamon, Chamomile and many more fill the air and fill your eyes with sights you have never seen before.

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This week’s #g1photofriday was submitted by Instagram user @lstein94 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This colorful view was taken while in the Medina of Marrakesh, Morocco. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Morocco tours here!

#G1PhotoFridayAfrica

On Top of the World at Table Mountain – Cape Town, South Africa

on November 17, 2017

The view from Table Mountain over Capetown, South Africa is a view like no other. With a view as far as the eye can see, you can see the overhead beauty of the city below. Take in views of False Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

tablemountain_SA

This week’s #g1photofriday was submitted by Instagram user @traversetheearth with the hashtag #gate1travel. The view comes from the top of Table Mountain in Capetown, South Africa. Be sure to tag photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured! Check out Gate 1 South Africa tours here.

AfricaTravel Tips

On Safari

on April 20, 2016

While on safari, it is very important that you follow all directions provided by your guide in order to ensure the safety of the group. Prior to the first safari, your driver/guide will review “safari etiquette” addressing, amongst other issues, off-road driving and hazards, and interaction with animals. Wildlife listed in the itinerary are based upon optimal conditions and therefore subject to change. While on tour you will be reminded by your guide of local safety and ecologic procedures to ensure your safety and the protection of the wildlife. Normal precautions include remaining in close proximity to your driver/guide and vehicle, avoiding tall grass and keeping noise to a minimum to not attract extra attention. Your driver/guide will advise you not to turn over rocks or dead wood and to stay clear of ground holes and caves, where scorpions, snakes and other potentially dangerous animal life may be hidden. Refrain from littering, feeding any animals or leaving food waste behind in the parks as this can upset their natural diets and lead to a dependence upon people. In addition, please do not purchase, collect, or remove any animal products, rocks, seeds, plants, or nests from the wild.

Roadways to the game viewing sites are for the most part unpaved and will therefore be rough and dusty. Gate 1 safari vehicles are fitted with large roof hatches or open sides to allow for easy viewing of wildlife from all angles. Safari vehicles cannot be air-conditioned and you will be provided bottled water while traveling. Vehicles are equipped with seatbelts which should be worn on public roads. While safari vehicles typically move slowly, drivers warn passengers of bumps or potholes and many passengers may choose not to wear a seatbelt, it is still recommended to do so. However, it remains at each individual passenger’s discretion to wear their seatbelt or not. Inside the National Parks and reserves there are designated picnic sites. Due to frequent use wildlife tends to avoid these areas with the exception of primates, reptiles, birds and small mammals. However, since picnic sites are open it is possible that a larger animal, such as an elephant, may wander through. Outside of the parks, it may be necessary to make more frequent shopping stops as these stores provide the only acceptable facilities while touring due to the lack of public rest stops.
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