Fall 2025 eNewsletter / A Trip of a Lifetime / Happy Thanksgiving
photo: Jacintha Perera
Iceland, the Land of Fire & Ice
So much to offer, natural beauty . . . volcanic landscapes, lava fields, geysers, hot springs, waterfalls, glaciers . . . Viking history, culture, cuisine, the arts on one island . . . plus a gateway to farther explorations into Greenland & the Arctic Circle.
Solfar Sculpture. photo: Jacintha Perera
Venturing out of the city, exploring Iceland’s Golden Circle Route on a small group day tour since I’m alone at this point.
Gullfoss Waterfall
Considered the most beautiful waterfall in the country with a 2 tiered cascade.
Kerid Crater
Known for its striking variations in color, you can walk around the rim & down into the center (I did).
photo: Jacintha Perera
Hallsgrim Cathedral
Lutheran church is a major landmark. As the largest church in Iceland w/ a 75m tower, it has panoramic views of the city from the top.
photos: Jacintha Perera
Street Art & Architecture
Reykjavik is a walkable arts-friendly city. I’m always captivated by public art. Well, isn’t that the point – shareable beauty.
photos: Jacintha Perera
Harpa Concert Hall
Waterfront concert hall with glass facades that reflect the sun & sea. Fascinating architecture.
photos: Jacintha Perera
The Blue Lagoon
The famous natural geothermal pools with the distinctive & famous black lava rock & milky blue water, rich in minerals & a toasty warm 100F.
photos: Jacintha Perera
Our Ship Awaits
Setting sail from Reykjavik on the National Geographic Endurance, a polar class expedition vessel, for Western Iceland & continuing on to Eastern Greenland, w/ only 110 passengers.
photo: Jacintha Perera
She’s a Beauty
See 360 video of the exterior: Nat Geo Endurance 360 View
Greenland, the Arctic Circle
Did you know? The largest island in the world. 2/3 of it is within the Arctic Circle
photo: Jacintha Perera
Pristine Wilderness
Nat Geo Photo Expert Dan Westergren suggested this shot in perfect light w/ the mirror image reflected in the water.
photo: Jacintha Perera
Land of the Midnight Sun
It’s summer & currently 11 pm. View from my balcony. Sunrise tomorrow Aug 1st @ 2:38 a.m. Sunset @ 0:20 a.m. Forcast temp 38F.
photo: Jacintha Perera
Inuit Community
Ittoqqortootmiit, the northernmost settlement in E. Greenland, in Scoresby Sund (fjord). Population approx 400 Inuit indigenous inhabitants.
photo: Jacintha Perera
Arctic Sled Dogs
Hard working animals here, not pets. The puppies just get to be adored . . . for now.
Photos: Jacintha Perera
Active Adventures
An expedition voyage. No ports. No piers. No tour buses. Zodiac rafts get you up close to icebergs, glaciers & the shore for wet landings. Then you explore remote & rugged landscapes on foot on guided hikes of varying lengths & levels.
photos: Jacintha Perera
Arctic Explorer
Just my latest adventure as a lifelong traveler. I KNEW as a child that I wanted to see the world. I traveled internationally & lived overseas (10 yrs) LONG BEFORE I started my travel company, Island Getaways (1997). I’ve lived on 4 continents, traveled on 6. One more to go – Antarctica, the 7th continent. Never say never.
Photo courtesy of Brogan Flemming
What Lies Beneath
The dive experts on NG Endurance shared underwater images of arctic marine life with us. Taken at depths down to 100 ft with special ROV equipment on board. They also discussed ice diving in dry suits in polar regions – special gear & certification required in near freezing water!
Iceberg photo: Jacintha Perera. Diver photos: Kayvon Malek
See 360 video of the interior: Igloo 360
photo: Jacintha Perera
A “Room” with a Special View
I might be up all night watching the changing landscape as the Captain guides our ship slowly through the fjord tonight.
Nothing more exciting than wildlife in the wild! Pics courtesy of a fellow traveler wih a larger camera & zoom lens than me!
Photos courtesy of Claus Hanke
The Captain has sighted a polar bear on the horizon. I’m standing at the rail, in the middle of the night, in my bathrobe, with my camera ready. And I’m not alone. Many silently observing. Only the sound of ice crunching against the bow as we slowly ease forward. Moments not to be missed. See the bear?
photo: Johnna Cardenas
Arctic Flora
You can be so distracted by the grand landscapes that you miss the small details all around you – like tiny pops of color – plant life.
photos: Jacintha Perera
Arctic Fox
Hello, Foxy. A very close enclounter with an arctic fox on our morning hike. We froze, quiet & breathless, just a few feet away.
photos: Jacintha Perera
Moments in Time
Some shared highlights. A few personal insights. Not intended as a full documentary. Perhaps a preview of possibilities for you. I’m a big believer in experiencing destinations for yourself. My legacy has been creating AMAZING opportunities for travelers to do exactly that – making their own memorable moments in time.
Photo courtesy of Mallory Hayes
photos: Lindblad Expeditions
Sanctuary at Sea
It’s no surprise to see a fitness center on a modern ship but there are a few other thoughtful facilities after active days exploring 2 saunas with a view, a yoga studio and spa treatment rooms.
photos: Lindblad Expeditions
The Suite Life
Depending on your preferences & needs, everything from spacious suites to ultra comfortable double cabins to single cabins for solos, most of them with a balcony.
photos: Lindblad Expeditions
It Takes a Team
The Expedition Team is an integral part of the experience. As experts in their fields & our guides, managing all daily excursions & activities, they provide informative daily presentations on pertinent topics – history, glaciology, geology, wildlife, marine biology, photography and more – for the curious traveler. I’m grateful for their individual contributions to our collective learning journey.
Photo courtesy of Dave Katz
Bear Tracks
in the sand from a momma polar bear & her baby cub ambling side by side down the stretch of sandy beach. Perhaps hours ago, maybe days. Large paw + tiny paw prints. Still visible, undisturbed. Until we arrived to discover them.
photo: Jacintha Perera
Rather than travel solo, I often join a group of like-minded travelers. On a small ship like NG Endurance (max 138 passengers), it’s quite natural to feel comfortable, interacting with everyone through our daily experiences, becoming bonded on the shared journey.
Say Yes!
When opportunity knocks, open the door. And say “Yes”. A Special Thank You to Mallory Hayes for inviting me to join the Girls Greenland Getaway. And for taking many of the photos of me in destination. Say “Yes” to the people & events that enhance your Life. So happy I did.
Adventure is Calling . . .
Polar Regions
Got a Sense of Adventure?
Remote corners of the world are best explored on expedition voyages with small numbers of people guided by experts. Polar North – the Arctic including Iceland, Greenland, Canada & Norway. Polar South – Antarctica including the Drake Passage, South Georgia & Patagonia, South America.
Photos: Lindblad Expeditions
Galapagos Islands
Off the Beaten Path. In the remote Galapagos Islands in the Pacific are known for unique wildlife that evolved in isolation. Another rare place where animals have not learned to fear humans. Active explorations on smaller vessels w/ fewer travelers from 48 to as little as 16. This is extremely popular for family groups – with grandparents, parents, teens & kids.
Photos: Lindblad Expeditions
Amazon River
Where Less is More. A smaller vessel w/ fewer people = an intimate & immersive experience. Discover the wonders within the dense jungle along the Amazon River in South America. Enhance your appreciation for this famous rainforest ecosystem, its fauna & flora and the indigenous culture on a guided expedition with up to 28 travelers.
Photos: Lindblad Expeditions
Journey’s End
A full circle back to where I began. With a few hours in Reykjavik before my transfer to the airport. Time for a walk through now familiar streets and one last meal. And I’ll be contemplating my unexpectedly transformative Greenland experience for a while yet.
Just Show Up
My company tag line. I – Design, arrange & manage all the details. You – “Just show up. Go & enjoy.”
Contact me to discuss YOUR ideal Trip of a Lifetime. Then let’s make it happen for you in 2026!
A Final Note
Dessert. Death by Chocolate. Yes, please. A cake so smooth, like liquid chocolate, complimented by a tangy sorbet & luscious fruit. Preceded by a healthy green salad & BBQ brisket with corn cob main course. A red wine toast to that!
I could do a newsletter just on the exceptional cuisine on board. See my series of FB posts on the simply amazing fine dining Chef’s Table Experience: Facebook.com/IslandGetaways
International Destination Specialist
Accredited & Master Cruise Counsellor