fly travel adventures

From float planes and grizzly bears, to mouse-eating rainbows and the freight train pull of a chrome bright king, the opportunities that await in the 49th state are endless and inspiring.

Filled with blanket hatches, rugged peaks, and some of the finest sweetwater in the world, the allure of trout fishing in the North American Rockies is contagious.

Sight-casting shallow flats and adrenaline pumping runs combined with tropical climates and coastal communities make visiting the world’s saltwater venues a must-do for the passionate fly angler.

Surrounded by fertile rainforest, extremely diverse ecosystems, and unique native cultures, life both above and below water provides a caliber of fly fishing adventure that is unmatched

We pride ourselves on being a trusted service provider for a vast and varied cast of passionate, well-informed travelers.

Hosted trips.

Join Far Bank (Fly Water Travel, Sage, RIO, and Redington) professionals for the finest hosted fly fishing adventures the industry has to offer.

FEATURED SALTWATER DESTINATIONS

Montana is in one breath the foundation, the heartland, and the Mecca for trout fishing in America, and for good reason.

Over the past decade, jungle fly fishing has emerged as one of the most diverse, adventuresome, and thrilling categories our sport has ever seen.

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Prime Travel is your definitive source of information on the finest fly fishing destinations in the world. Whether you are looking for a family holiday, a last minute cancellation special, or a prime week at a high demand fishery, Prime Travel is a resource-tool to help find exactly what you are looking for.

Join The Prime Travel Club, At No Cost. Provide us your email address and/or phone number for the categories you are most interested in, and we will notify you of special travel opportunities, last minute cancellations, prime available dates at high demand fly fishing spots, and more. We promise not to flood your inbox with trivial information – only what you want and need.

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We’ve been there!  Over the last forty-four (46) years, our travel staff has hosted anglers on expeditions all over the world and our retail team has outfitted tens of thousands of traveling fly fishermen.

Our travel staff has logged over half a million air miles and we are still chomping at the bit to get out and discover the next great angling location.  Intrepid, tenacious and the vanguard of travel.

The Fly Shop’s travel team has our finger on the pulse that measure the sport, and more than 150 years of collective international fishing travel under our belt.

Travel Specials | Last Minute Cancellations | Discounted Trips | Prime Dates

Spatsizi Wilderness Lodge – British Columbia, Canada Openings at Spatsizi Wilderness Lodge are as rare as rocking horse manure. And at a reduced rate that much rarer. Here’s your chance to fish  Spatsizi Plateau Wilderness Provincial Park, a 3,600 square mile chunk of raw land that is loaded with more rainbow trout streams and lakes than could possibly be fished in a lifetime. This is one of the all time greatest North America adventures ever! June 27 – July 4, 2024 (4 rods) & August 1 – 8, 2024 (4 rods) The standard rate is $8,800 USD per person, however the reduced rate is $7,400 USD – a $1,400 SAVINGS! D on’t miss this the opportunity, email Pat Pendergas t

Duncan’s Steelhead Camp – Kodiak Island, Alaska WOW, we just heard from Brad Duncan, and due to some cancellations, he has three rods available at their Kodiak Island, Alaska Steelhead Camp, week of October 05 – 12, 2024. This is an absolutely prime week for wild steelhead, outfitted by the legendary Duncan Clan.  Don’t miss this opportunity, it won’t last long! Contact Mike Mercer for more information.

Kendjam Lodge, Brazil HUGE DISCOUNT! Due to an unfortunate cancellation we have two rods available at Kendjam – the amazing multi-species jungle fishery in the heart of Kayapo Indigenous lands, Brazil. (July 13 – 21 2024. Normal rate for this one week package is $6,990 per angler and we are now offering it at $5,490, a $1,500 per rod discount .!

Kendjam is the top multi-species jungle destination in the Amazon. There are about a dozen target species that you can actively pursue throughout your week, each uniquely adapted to a different niche of the river. You can encounter peacock bass in one pool, wolfish in the next, and multiple different species of pacu in the one after that. Matrinxa, bicuda, and even some payara are other worthy target species, among others… The water is clear and often you can sight-cast to fish or fish top water dries or poppers, watching as the fish come up to blast your offering on the surface!

There is a lot of wading and scrambling over hard rock to get yourself into position. You need to be capable of this in order to take advantage of the fishery. It is not boat fishing… It is also not wading over big, nasty, round boulders in current though, the river carves its way over solid bedrock. Often you are casting from up out of the water into small pockets and pools. If you are not familiar with the fishery, have a look through the attached introduction below. It will give you a better idea of what you can expect as far as the fish, as well as see the terrain you need to be able to navigate over and around to be effective…

If you are interested in one or both of these last minute openings, please contact me immediately to secure your spot. This opportunity is first come first serve. We can not put a hold on these to check dates etc. The 1st anglers that are ready to go will get them.

There are also some slots that remain available during a few other weeks of the Kendjam season. These weeks are available at the standard price, but if the week above does not fit your schedule and you still want to go, these dates might work better for you. ● 14 JUL – 21 JUL 2024 (4 rods) ● 25 AUG – 01 SEPT 2024 (3 rods) ● 08 SEPT – 15 SEPT 2024 (4 rods) Contact Justin Miller for more information Justin Miller

Chosen River Outfitters, Alaska Our friends at Chosen River Outfitters have some prime weeks available on their fabulous Alaskan Float Trips. These guys are the best in the business and their wilderness float trips are legendary! ● July 14-20, 2024 KANEKTOK 4 Seats Open ● July 22-28, 2024 KANEKTOK 2 Seats Open ● August 17-23, 2024 KANEKTOK 1 Seat Open ● August 22-28, 2024 GOODNEWS 2 Seats Open

Rapids Camp Lodge, Alaska Our friends at Rapids Camp Lodge, located in King Salmon, AK are offering DIY trips for groups of four or six anglers.  For self sufficient anglers, here’s your a chance to fish the famous Naknek River for giant rainbows at a fantastic rate! Contact us for more information. [email protected] ● June 8- July 1, 2024 ● Sept 13- Nov 1, 2024 For Groups of 6 7 Nights / 6 Days of Fishing for 6 people – $3,900.00 per person 4 Nights / 3 Days of Fishing for 6 people – $2,500.00 per person For Groups of 4 7 Nights / 6 Days of Fishing for 4 people – $4,500.00 per person 4 Nights / 3 Days of Fishing for 4 people – $2,600.00 per person

Tsimane, Bolivia – Sécure Lodge August 23 – 30, 2024 (1 rod) This week at Sécure Lodge is absolutely dead-center, it doesn’t get any better. Experience the greatest and most unique dorado fishing in the world.  A trip like this will change you for life! Email Justin Miller to learn more about Sécure Lodge, he fished this week in 2023.

Andros South, Bahamas WOW, check out this prime week at Andros South, does it get any better?  We don’t think so… Get your bonefish on next spring in the Bahamas. This week is being hosted by at TFS staff member. March 02 – 09, 2025  (12 rods) – new moon April 8th | Email Eric Ersch to learn more about this prime week!

Soul Fly Lodge – Berry Island Bahamas MAY Arrive – May 25th, 2024 Fish – 4 Days Depart – May 30th, 2024 Available – 2 rods & 2 rooms Tides – Half moon trip with an average amount of tidal flow. Really nice timing on the tides. Great time of year for species diversity. Lots of wading available. High tide at 11a on day 1 of fishing – opportunity to fish both the incoming and outgoing.

JUNE Arrive – June 2nd, 2024 Fish – 5 days Depart – June 8th, 2024 Available – 2 rods & 2 rooms Tides – Excellent late spring bonefish and permit tide. Coming into the new moon on June 6th. Great tidal flow. Low tide at noon on day 1.

SIGNATURE DESTINATIONS

Our Signature Destinations are a cross section of the planet's finest fly fishing lodges, outfitters, and camps. They're an honor roll of great fishing spots, and the culmination of more than three decades of field exploration, experience, and hands-on involvement by the #1 team of fly fishing... Read More

SALTWATER DESTINATIONS

Though oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, saltwater occupies a very small percentage of the attention of the world of fly fishing. Still, flats fishing is the fastest growing segment of the sport, and a wonderful way to both expand your fly fishing season and angling horizon. Read more...

FRESHWATER DESTINATIONS

From the remote, hard-core, Kamchatka and Alaska bush camps to our luxurious Tierra del Fuego sea trout lodges, all these world-class fly fishing experiences share common threads that extend beyond great angling. Search our site by lodge name or look here for the best freshwater... Read more...

LOWER 48 TRAVEL

Introducing the newest fly fishing travel options from The Fly Shop®. The lodges and outfitters we have assembled for our Lower 48 Program are a collection of friends we have fished with, and associates we have helped with international trips over the last 43 years. Read More...

FISH SPECIES

Decades ago we recognized the demand for species specific fishing, and have been working hard to match our clients to the ideal fishing destination, matching the fish to their angling desires. Find the perfect lodge for the species you want to pursue. Read more...

LODGES & CAMPS

This is a complete portfolio of what The Fly Shop's expert travel staff feels are the top fresh and saltwater fly fishing lodges and camps on five continents. We've visited every one to ensure they meet our standards and will meet your expectations. Read more...

TRAVEL EXPERTS

Our staff, in this past year alone, visited 49 different destinations. We’ve logged over half a million air miles and we are still chompin’ at the bit to get out and discover the next great angling location. Intrepid, tenacious and the vanguard of travel. Our travel team has our finger on the pulse that measure the sport, & more than 150 years of collective fly... Read more...

HOSTED TRIPS

Each year The Fly Shop’s travel staff circles the globe, keeping our finger on the pulse of our sport and searching for new and exciting fly fishing adventures. You can always expect the best from our network of lodges and outfitters. But when you’re on a trip hosted by one of our team, you’re assured an extra measure of the white-glove treatment and can... Read more...

Prime Travel

Prime Travel is your definitive source of information on the finest fly fishing destinations in the world. Whether you are looking for a family holiday, a last minute cancellation special, or a prime week at a high demand fishery, Prime Travel is a resource-tool to help find exactly what you are looking for. Sign Up...

Couples Fly Fishing Vacations

There are some fly fishing lodges that do a great job of catering to angling couples, families and non-fishing companions, and the staff here at The Fly Shop® are experts at creating angling holidays that can be a memorable combination of interests. Read more...

Family Fly Fishing Vacations

Over the course of the last forty years, The Fly Shop® has helped create hundreds of holidays to fly fishing destinations that include a variety of activities which expand the concept of vacation for anglers with non-fishing companions or kids who would rather watch paint dry than pick up a fly rod. Read more...

TRAVEL Chronicles

One of the wonderful things about fly fishing is that there is always somewhere new to fish. Whether you are just getting started in fly fishing travel, or have pursued a variety of species around the globe, The Fly Shop® has a destination for you! Read more...

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Welcome to The World's Best Fly Fishing Ranches & Lodges

We are dedicated to bringing travelers around the world the finest freshwater trout fishing destinations, and introducing you to the people who host and guide them. We have created The World's Best Fly Fishing Ranches & Lodges to help you discover some of the most wonderful places on earth. We hope you will visit often, suggest new properties you'd like us to include and we hope you will tell your fly fishing friends about us. Let's go fishing!

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Tom has been with Yellow Dog for more than ten years, after first starting as an intern at the company straight after graduation from the University of Montana. He has literally worn every hat and worked in every position possible at Yellow Dog, and no one knows the inner-working of the company – or the fishing travel industry – better. After working for years in an overall sales role for the company, Tom’s role expanded in 2021 to help manage all of our programs at Yellow Dog. Originally from the Midwest, Tom is a graduate of the University of Montana and as fanatical an angler as anyone we’ve ever met. When not in the office, Tom can be found fishing one of the many backcountry streams Montana has to offer or sitting at the vise tying up some new creations. Over his years with Yellow Dog, Tom has traveled extensively throughout both fresh and saltwater destinations around the globe. If you attend any of the consumer shows where Yellow Dog is participating, chances are great that you’ll meet Tom in the Yellow Dog booth!

Jake is Yellow Dog’s program director for our U.S. programs. Originally from Virginia, Jake moved to Idaho in 2005 and started his career in the fly fishing industry at Henry’s Fork Anglers, one of the most well-known destination fly shops in the Western United States. After leaving Idaho at the beginning of 2013, he relocated to Salt Lake City and worked for a top fly fishing e-commerce retailer, and then as a sales representative for some of the top brands in the industry. Jake is an unbelievable source of knowledge on all things having to do with fly fishing, and he now looks forward to traveling the globe pursuing his passion and helping others to do the same.

Kristen Tripp is Yellow Dog’s Program Director for Cuba and Yellow Dog’s Bluewater Program. A love of travel, culture, the outdoors and angling were cultivated from growing up in Nepal with summers in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming. With travel in her blood, Kristen has lived and traveled all over Latin and South America (including Chile, Argentina, Peru, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Cuba) along with a long list of countries in other continents as well. Despite her global travel experience, she still maintains a healthy bucket list for future exploration. Kristen’s international travel experience combined with her Spanish language skills and an aptitude for complex trip logistics give her the skills necessary to provide travelers to Cuba with a fantastic experience. An angler, paddler, biker, hiker and general outdoor enthusiast, Kristen loves to get outside when possible to explore, and always loves the opportunity to put her Spanish to use. A “logistics addict” with a get-it-done attitude, you can bet that Kristen will work hard to take care of your trip details. If she ever lacks for an immediate answer to your questions, she will work hard to track down the information for you and can troubleshoot in two languages, a must for Cuba trips!

Jack was born in Southern California and grew up camping, surfing, and fishing with family and friends. When he graduated from high school he followed his love for the mountains to Colorado where he attended the University of Colorado in Boulder and graduated with a degree in Environmental Science and a minor in Atmospheric and Ocean Science. After graduating, Jack chose to follow his passions to Argentina where he first guided fly fishing. For the next 5 years, Jack worked as a guide splitting his time between Argentina, Uruguay, Alaska, Mexico, and Wyoming, many years spending over 300 days on the water. Jack has guided for a variety of species including trout in Patagonia, Golden Dorado in the jungle, and striped marlin in Baja. Recently, after years of non-stop travel and remote living, Jack decided to step away from guiding and outfitting at destination operations. He is extremely grateful for the experiences he was able to have, the people he was able to meet, and the places he was able to see throughout his time as a guide. Jack is passionate about travel, fly fishing, and adventure—He finds great joy in helping others experience what he loves.

Alec Gerbec has guided in the Seychelles, Alaska and throughout the US West. In his former role of head guide for Alphonse Fishing Company, Alec spent years guiding throughout the Seychelles, giving him the ideal background and skill set for his role with Yellow Dog. Alec has also worked as a sales rep and saltwater fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants and is one of the most knowledgeable people in the industry when it comes to fly design and saltwater applications. When you’re ready for your next Indian Ocean adventure, reach out to Alec to get things started!

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Adventure of a lifetime, plan your next fly fishing adventure with, wild on the fly.

We’re Wild On The Fly. the travel service for the legendary Bob Marriott's fly fishing store since 1979. Wild on the Fly is a premier fly-fishing travel service. Our passion drives us to the far reaches of the planet in search of wild fish on the fly. We want to share our incredible travel destinations with you.

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Our travel coordinators are non-commissioned representatives with one goal in mind - to put you on the best rivers and flats in the world.

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We offer a 10% discount on all fishing gear and apparel purchased in our shop when you make a reservation to one of our destinations and deposit 50% of the trip cost.

Jun 16, 2024, 9:30 pm

Trout creek flies, the green river utah.

Jan 28, 2025, 7:00 pm

El encuentro lodge and brook trout base camp, argentina.

Jul 13, 2024, 6:30 pm

Deschutes river fish & float.

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Welcome to Angler Adventures

Your gateway to the world’s top fishing destinations.

BAHAMAS & CARIBBEAN “WHAT TO BRING” LIST

This guide is the culmination of decades of angling experience from our own professional tour guides. It has been downloaded over 100,000 times, and we’re happy to make it available to you absolutely free of charge!

Angler Adventures was founded in 1986. We are a full service travel agency run by a staff of fishing experts and travel experts . We take great care in recommending the best fishing destinations to our clients and we pride ourselves in getting you there comfortably, at a reasonable cost. We do not sell tackle, but we can tell you exactly what to bring and where to buy it.

How it Works

• We handle all arrangements
• You make only one call – Angler Adventures 860-434-9624
• Unlike a lodge owner, we do not restrict ourselves to one location. We search a cross-section of lodges and outfitters to find the one that’s right for you.
• Our goal is for you to become a repeat customer, and to do the best possible job each and every time.

We represent over 120 lodges , outfitters and charter operators worldwide. Most of these, we’ve personally visited and fished! We’ll advise you where to stay whether you’re traveling with family or avid fishing friends. You can expect from us the ultimate in fishing / travel services; extensive pre-trip information; airline and ground transportation; advice based on personal experience; and reliable recommendations on “What to Bring”.

You never pay more than advertised rates . You will, however, benefit from our extensive knowledge and experience with international fishing travel.

We hope you enjoy our site. If you have any questions or would like to receive more detailed information on any of our destinations, please feel free to contact us . Or if you’d like to chat (we love to talk fishing!), please feel free to call us at 860-434-9624 . We hope to hear from you soon.

View our complete listing of fishing lodges, outfitters and charter operators represented by Angler Adventures

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Battle Hill Lodge

Fly fishing for sea trout in Iceland

Magic Waters Lodge

Wildly diverse fishing for brown and rainbow trout in Chilean Patagonia

Patagonia's River of Dreams

30 miles of pristine, trophy trout water, fished by only a handful of anglers each year

Ascension Bay | Mexico

The Palometa Club

Electric summer permit and tarpon fishing on Ascension Bay

Patagonia's Private Estancias

Fish the storied rivers that put Patagonia on the map more than 70 years ago

Kangia River Lodge

Catch sea-run arctic char until your arms hurt in awe-inspiring Greenland

South Fork Lodge

Riverfront luxury on Idaho's famed South Fork of the Snake River

New Zealand

Cedar lodge.

Helicopter fly-out fishing for trophy brown and rainbow trout on New Zealand's stunning South Island

Alaska's Inside Passage

Tour Alaska's Inside Passage and the famed Tongass National Forest on a reconditioned, mid-century naval minesweeper.

Patagonia Baker Lodge

Trophy brown and rainbow trout on Chile's mightiest river

Namibia Tours and Safaris

Full immersion into an African wonderland

Flowers River Lodge

Fly fish one of the world's most productive Atlantic Salmon rivers

Most Popular Trips

Our most popular trips and tours

Alaska Steelhead Company

Royal wolf lodge, belize river lodge, our destinations.

Where we travel

Pristine wilderness

Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego

Flats fishing paradise

Permit, bonefish, tarpon, and more

In the north

Patagonia and beyond

Arctic char, Atlantic cod, and more

Atlantic salmon, brown trout, and arctic char

Rockies trophy trout

Permit, bonefish, and more

Taimen and lenok trout

Big Sky country

45 tours | 62 hotels

Sight fishing paradise

Interesting Stories

Inspiration for your next adventure

Video: Mousing and dry fly fishing on the River of Dreams

One of patagonia's greatest fly fishing adventures, want to name a steelhead run, plan an unforgettable corporate retreat with hatch adventure travel, best deals in travel: belize, the yukon and the mayan riviera, the best way to cruise alaska, 'where the rivers run black with trout', space is tightening up on our 2024 intimate voyages in alaska, the yukon is on sale, join us at dalton trail lodge for hatch adventure travel trophy week.

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We work with some of the top lodges and outfitters in the world to offer fly fishers the opportunity to fish a collection of the greatest rivers and waterways available. From the fresh silver runs of Atlantic salmon in Labrador, to the monster sea trout of Patagonia and Giant Trevally of the Seychelles, we’re here to help you plan, organise and realise your fly fishing trip of a lifetime.

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Húseyjarkvísl

Langá River

Deplar Farm

DESTINATIONS

 ​FLY FISHING ADVENTURES - WHAT WE'RE ABOUT

​ Fly fishing adventures come in many different forms to meet varying objectives.  There are far different needs being met catching 100 native rainbow trout on dry flies in a day on a remote British Columbia stream versus pursuing permit in Belize where success can be attained in releasing one fish during a trip.  It’s all fly fishing, but so different in environment, challenge, and skills required.

For a list of the fly fishing destinations we work with, click here: ABOUT WHAT WE DO It’s our objective to understand your objectives and find the best destination to meet them.  Are you new to fly fishing and looking to develop your fly fishing skills….or does that definition apply to your fishing partner – son, daughter, friend, or spouse?  Are you looking for a specific species, type of environment, or method of fly fishing?  What is your budget and what comfort level do you prefer when you are traveling with your fly rod?  Are you ready to pursue your first bonefish, tarpon, or permit….and if so, where is the best destination for that to happen?  Is there a non-fishing spouse who travels with you, and if so, what are their interests and can they enjoy being with you on your fly fishing adventure? There is no additional cost.  The price for our services is not a factor because the cost of booking through us is the same as booking direct…..no extra cost to you. If you’re not sure where you’d like to head on your next fly fishing adventure, we’ll ask questions to help us understand just what you’re looking for.  And, we’ll provide unbiased opinions because we represent virtually all the great fly fishing spots on the globe so we’re not “married” to any one particular outfitter or lodge.  Most of all, we offer personalized consultation.​ We are not trying to be “all things to all people.”  If we realize a client’s goals may be best met by incorporating a respected fellow fly fishing travel agent who may have more knowledge about a select destination, we bring that agent into our consulting circle. We look forward to working with you on your next fly fishing adventure.

Don Muelrath

Fly Fishing Adventures 888-347-4896

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Experience the Best Fly Fishing in Alaska

Remote fly fishing adventures done right.

At Epic Angling & Adventure, we specialize in curating fly fishing adventures in the heart of Alaska’s untamed wilderness. Explore the pristine waters of Bristol Bay, the rugged beauty of the Alaska Peninsula and other remote locations renowned for their exceptional fishing. Our expert guides lead you through the increbile landscapes and abundant waters, ensuring an unforgettable fishing experience.

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Fly Fishing Excursions – Ultimate Wilderness Trips

Our guided excursions cater to your fishing preferences, whether it’s chasing after King Salmon, navigating the pristine rivers for rainbow trout, or silver fishing. Each wilderness trip will allow you to explore the diverse ecosystems of Alaska embraced by awe-inspiring mountain vistas and untamed, nameless rivers.

Remote Fishing Adventures and Secluded Escapes

The ultimate remote fishing experience. Escape the crowds for a truly unforgettable Alaska fly fishing experience .In our remote Alaska Peninsula location you won’t fish near fishermen from another lodge your entire week! Literally.

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05.12.23: epic announcement.

EPIC Announcement

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"Did you ever notice that the first piece of luggage on the carousel never belongs to anyone?”  ~~ Erma Bombeck

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World's Busiest Airport

The new world's busiest international airport is ...

For the first time ever, Dubai International Airport has overtaken London's Heathrow as the world's busiest airport for international traffic. Read more at http://cnn.it/1xqgDSP .

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Amazing worldwide, destinations.

Representing lodges around the globe. We represent the best!!!

Over 60 Years of Travel Expertise.

We provide highly personalized service to you, as your Angler's Concierge, that cannot be found elsewhere. We are unique because we get to know you on a personal level, because of our small group of highly experienced personnel, and most of all, our desire to have you become more than a client, but a long-term friend.

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Have Questions? Want to Book a Trip? Contact Your Fly Fishing Conciege Jean Philip Chaintreuil Call 877.874.1400

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Travel A Store

We have our own store to supply fishing gear, tying equipment, hooks, lines, leader materials, and the like, to our clients. Many hooks, lines, leaders and tippet materials, and limited fly tying items, are carried "In Stock". Other items can be obtained very quickly from our suppliers and delivered to you. All products are very competitively priced and fully guaranteed with a full satisfaction or return policy. Call us (1.877.874.1400), and we will track it down and get it to you as quickly as possible.

• Patagonian-BaseCamp, Chile January 24-February 3, 2016 February 18-March 2, 2016 for PatagoniaOne
• El Pescador, Belize Planning now for November 9-15, 2016 Call now for more information

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WARNING: All material © 2000 - 2014 by Travel Adventures in Pittsford, NY. No electronically watermarked photographs from this site may not be reproduced or used without the express written consent of Travel Adventures. No photograph may be modified, altered, or have the electronic watermark removed, disassembled, reverse engineered, or decompiled, without the expression consent of Jean Philip Chaintreuil. All rights reserved. Phone 1.585.360.1812.

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Pilot Getaways is the bimonthly travel magazine for pilots and their families. We focus on having fun with your airplane at destinations from backcountry strips to exclusive fly-in resorts.

Important Announcement: Pilot Getaways Puts Print Magazine on Hiatus

Two-thousand eighteen marks a very special time for Airventure Publishing. It was 20 years ago that brothers John and George Kounis launched Pilot Getaways, a brand new national travel magazine for aviators. Our readers immediately embraced it, and because of you, our subscribers, Pilot Getaways was propelled into the hearts and minds of the aviation community. As you well know, the unexpected loss of John, our cofounder and editor-in-chief, in 2015 has certainly been no small challenge for this business. Now, after two decades of publishing, we have decided to take a hiatus from new issue production. Throughout this year, we will be upgrading our systems and product offerings and forming a new, more appropriate business model for our changing industry and technology.

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Graphical Index of Pilot Getaways Articles

Jul/Aug 2017

This issue has a special feature: an article about flying to Cuba! Since U.S. diplomatic relations with Cuba were resumed under the Obama administration, many general aviation pilots have considered flying there. Here’s your chance to read a first-hand report of what it’s like, and learn specifics on how to fly there yourself. We offer some additional other grand destinations, too. Specifically, you can fly to Grand Lakes or Grand Rapids for outdoor recreation or an immersion in world-class art and culture. Finally, we’ll take you to a brand-new, remote wilderness lodge. No, it’s not in Idaho or Montana. This one is in Oregon, and you’ll want to visit next summer for sure!

Click here to read article previews of the current issue.

May/June 2017

Summer adventures galore highlight this issue. See the “birthplace of aviation,” visit a serene forest airstrip in Florida, explore a Southern town filled with pre-Civil war history, and check out a quirky New Mexico town with a funny name.

March/April 2017

Right on the cusp of another flying season, this issue has articles that span coast to coast: The Pacific Northwest, Florida’s Atlantic Coast, and the mountains and plains in between. Make a plan, get out there, and go flying! In addition, our Flying Tips article should inspire you to try something new and take advantage of the incredible opportunities for fun and exploration that your airplane offers you.

Minam River Lodge – Elegant Backcountry Hideaway in Oregon.

Flying to Cuba !

Enjoying the Work of Art that is Grand Rapids , Michigan

Grand Lake , Oklahoma – Lakeside Fun in the Ozark Foothills.

International Flying – How to Cross Borders.

Plus Avnews, great columns, and MORE!

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Fly-Fishing Trips

One Map, Hundreds of Adventures

Explore our New Adventures Map and discover all our fly-fishing and wingshooting lodges, guides, outfitters, group trips, schools, and more. Start your journey!

Group Trips

Saltwater Trips

Get the full package at an Orvis-Endorsed Lodge—an all-inclusive experience, you just have to get there.

Outfitters & Expeditions

Fish with a guide based out of an Orvis fly shop or outfitter. Explore remote wilderness with expeditions.

Fish with independent guides who have high levels of expertise in their chosen watersheds.

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The world’s best fly-fishing trips.

Start close to home—discover more than 200 Orvis-sanctioned fly-fishing resources across the country, including lodges, guides and guide services, outfitters, expeditions, and kids’ camps, with additional resources in Canada and Mexico. Each meets our rigorous standards—we’ve already done the legwork for you. Shop for a vacation package, or plan your own. We’ll help you design an adventure for your entire family or a trip just for you and your angling friends. And look to Orvis to help organize a memorable trip for your corporate group. Find helpful tools—useful lists of suggested gear , and species tabs for insight into what’s biting where you’re going. Learn about Orvis’s special events in North America and as far afield as Belize, Argentina, Chile, and beyond.

Here in the United States, you’ll find a fly-fishing destination on every corner of the map, something close to you wherever you are. Maine’s Libby Sporting Camps (2007 Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Lodge of the Year) accommodates guests in private log cabins, with family-style meals served in its historic lodge. Here anglers fish for brook trout, landlocked salmon, and other species that change with the seasons. Choose Alaska for its char, salmon, and trout. Crystal Creek Lodge in King Salmon, Alaska, has earned the distinguished Fly-Fishing Lodge of the Year award three times, most recently in 2019; it’s a trusted partnership going back to 1991. The C Lazy U Ranch touts “something for everyone,” including horseback riding, incredible trout fishing, and gourmet cuisine in its historic and luxurious Granby, Colorado, setting. And California’s Sierra Fly Fisher guide service in Bass Lake serves beginners through advanced anglers, with excursions in Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada on waters teeming with rainbows, brookies, browns, and rarer golden trout populations. Consider these mere appetizers, something to get you thinking and planning, and remember that fly fishing isn’t just for grown-ups: Introduce your kids (or grandkids) to the joy of angling while they’re young. Discover outdoor youth adventure programs for all ages.

Go farther afield. Fish Quebec’s Grand Cascapédia during your stay at Salmon Lodge. Or catch the northern lights (among other things) on Wollaston Lake in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In the Caribbean and Central America, try bonefishing in the Bahamas: Join our partners H20 Bonefishing on Grand Bahama Island for world-class saltwater fly fishing and accommodations at a popular resort. Belize’s charming El Pescador Lodge is an excellent destination for the novice and the seasoned angler alike; the Bonefish Bonanza trip was conceived for an intimate group of anglers and their guests and boasts guided fishing aboard a Mexican-style Panga skiff, as well as snorkeling in the extensive barrier reef and excursions to Mayan ruins on the mainland. Or enroll in the Belize Fly-Fishing School at El Pescador; learn top-notch angling techniques under the watchful eye of an Orvis fly-fishing instructor.

South American offerings include Chile and Argentina, where our late Board Chairman Leigh Perkins’s penchant for the Estancia Tecka was predicated on his intimate knowledge of the waters there. New Zealand’s Stonefly Lodge offers diversions for the non-anglers in your group, as do many other of our vacation packages. Asian trips remove anglers from civilization to the far reaches of Mongolia, where adventure goes beyond fishing for prehistoric salmonids to include a brush with the indigenous culture of the region’s nomadic population. And this is just a glancing blow—we’ve not even nodded to our partners in Europe, where you will find exotic, luxurious, and far-reaching fishing excursions.

Who better than Orvis to help you plan the details of your next fly-fishing adventure? We invite you inside; consider this your comprehensive fly-fishing guide to the best trips the world has to offer. And the common denominator among them is the prized Orvis endorsement. Click around, and then pack your rods: The fish are waiting.

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There's simply no place like Alaska. Experience Alaska with one of our handpicked adventure lodges. You won't be the same when you go home.

We're not a "one size fits all" business. We build custom itineraries for your specific interests.

Booking Alaska’s Best Lodges & Adventures

Alaska Lodges

Alaska Adventures

Specials & Discount Trips

Free advice, personal service.

We are Fly Out Travel, a fly fishing and adventure travel company specializing in Alaska and other select destinations around the globe. We have spent over 15 years working in the Alaska lodge and travel business. Through relationships and extensive "boots on the ground" research, we have established ourselves as the foremost travel experts for fly fishing lodges and high-end adventure in Alaska.

Fly Out Travel takes the guesswork out of planning a trip to Alaska. We provide first-hand, honest and un-biased travel information with one goal in mind – find the best trip for you. A great trip doesn’t happen by accident. 

We offer insider information and develop detailed travel itineraries and trip options per your specific interests. Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll send you relevant options.

There is no charge for using our booking services, as you will pay the same as if you booked direct. Our only goal is that we help you find the perfect trip itinerary per your interests.

Our "Alaska-focus" and boutique style allows for a level of personal service to our clients that larger travel companies cannot match. We are committed to providing honest and un-biased travel advice, with the best and most comprehensive selection of lodges and adventures in the industry.

We ensure 100% trip preparedness through gear lists, travel arrangements, trip insurance, destination advice and more. We offer personalized assistance before, during, and after your trip.

"Cory arranged an "opportunity" trip for us two summers ago and it was one of the best trips if not THE best trip to Alaska that I have ever been on. Also, he is respected by the lodge owners he deals with and also the guides. If he is sending you somewhere, they very likely know him well. I have no clue how he has been to and fished at so many places. We always have an ear to the ground for his recommendations. Great to work with, total pro."

"My husband and I were looking for a super special fly fishing experience for ourselves and our dear friends who are passionate about fishing but had never been to Alaska. We reached out to Fly Out Travel and met Cory over the phone. It was wonderful to tell him what we were looking for and leave the rest up to him. He came back with a number of options for us to look at and then worked diligently to get us into the one we’d set our hearts on. We had an incredible experience and definitely wouldn’t hesitate to use his services again. We’d never have found our magic lodge on our own. Thanks Cory, for your part in making dreams come true!"

"My wife & I have worked with Cory of Alaska Fly Out Travel several times & have had a wonderful experience each time. Cory has always been prompt & well organized, & he has recommended some wonderful lodges. We enjoy fishing & wildlife photography, & he has been able to balance our trips, so we get a good mixture of both. Travel with Cory, you will be happy you did."

"Cory was instrumental in making one of the best fly fishing trips I have ever experienced. I had a unique request in that I wanted a lodge experience and a week-long float trip in back-to-back weeks. He worked hard to make it happen and it was a great trip. To show that Cory cares about his clients he even called the lodge I was staying at mid-week to check to see how I was doing! I can't wait to work with him again to plan another trip!"

"Have been using Fly Out Travel and Cory Luoma for many years to book the most awesome fly fishing experiences for myself, my friends and family. He knows about the best fishing lodges which exceed my fly fishing adventure goals and takes care of all the necessary little details. I consider him and his team a valued resource for all my fly fishing vacations."

Featured Trips

Alaska's New Adventure Lodge -- Lake Clark Lodge

Situated in the Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, the new Lake Clark Lodge is the ultimate Alaska adventure lodge catering to families, corporate groups and couples. 

Denali Experience -- Chelatna Lake Lodge

Chelatna Lake Lodge sits at the foot of Denali National Park. This small adventure lodge is the quinnesential remote lodge experience with excellent fishing, hiking and other Alaska adventure activities on the menu. 

The Legend of Tikchik

Fishing at Tikchik Narrows Lodge is like a dream. This legendary fishing lodge continues to be a top tier destination for the best Alaska freshwater fishing experience available. 

Fall Finale | Alaska Sportsman's Lodge

The fall is always a special time of the year at Alaska Sportsman's Lodge. The brisk mornings bring new energy. The salmon fishing is over, and our focus turns to trophy rainbow trout and char. An explosion of autumn colors paint the landscape, and the fattened bears make the final push before the long winter's sleep. There is no time like the fall in Bristol Bay, Alaska.

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Join us on for next African Self-Fly Adventure in April 2023

—   Location overview

Discover the wilderness of Southern Africa

African Adventure Tours

Air Safari Tour SA, Namibia, Botswana April 2023

April 22 – may 16, 2023.

This Air Safari Tour is limited to a maximum of 5 participating aircraft. The tour will go through South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. This 3,5 week self-fly safari trip starts with a flight …

our self-fly adventures in africa

Air Safari Tour: Cape Town, Namibia & Botswana April 4-23, 2024 (fully booked)

An almost 3-week long Air Safari Tour starting in Cape Town and taking you from there through Namibia passing its highlights like Sossusvlei and the Fish River Canyon and ending with a classic wildlife safari in Botswana before returning back to South Africa.

Air Safari Tour: SA, Namibia & Botswana March 26th – April 22nd, 2025

This is our grand tour of 3,5 weeks taking you to the highlights of Southern Africa from a classic safari in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve in Kruger to flying along the Wild Coast with its waterfalls falling into the sea, visiting Cape Town and the Stellenbosch wineries to flying over the world second largest canyon in the world through the Namibian desert to Sossusvlei, visiting the famous Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and ending with some great wildlife safaris in Botswana.

Air Safari Tour: SA, Namibia & Botswana March 27th – April 23rd, 2024 (fully booked)

Air Safari Tour: South Africa March 27th – April 8th, 2024 (fully booked)

This short but intensive 12-day self-fly safari tour starts in Johannesburg and takes you to the Timbavati Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger Park for a multi-day classic safari, continues towards Durban where you will fly along the Wild Coast towards Cape Town and the Stellenbosch wineries. The tour ends back in Johannesburg.

Air Safari Tour: South Africa, Botswana & Zimbabwe Sept 26 – Oct 8, 2024

This 12-day self-fly safari trip starts with a flight from Johannesburg to Limpopo Lipadi Private Game Reserve in Botswana. This tour includes not only game viewing in Botswana, but will bring you to the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, the Okavango Delta – Moremi – Chobe National Park wilderness as well with a 4×4 safari in the wilderness over there. We will also visit the world famous Victoria Falls in Botswana. The tour ends back in Johannesburg.

—  What other travellers say

Some participants of our Air Safaris self-fly or group tours in Southern Africa have been willing to share their experience with you on camera at the end of their trip and we started to collect them just recently in the fall of 2019. We hope that these stories will inspire you to come to Africa.​

LEOPARDS AND WILD DOGS

Michael and suzanne were only with us for a bit more than a week in africa before they had to return home to canada. let’s hope they get the opportunity to come back again to complete the tour they had started., once in a lifetime experience.

Yuri came to Africa and was initially not sure what to expect. He joined our 1-week 4x4Drive Adventure into Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana which included flights to Botswana from Johannesburg and back, a 4x4Drive Adventure in the Okavango Delta / Moremi Game Reserve and a classic safari at Limpopo-Lipadi Private Game Reserve, Botswana. Yuri was just one week in Africa but enjoyed every minute of it. Hear his story.

EACH DAY WAS BETTER THAN THE DAY BEFORE

Jim has been flying for over 40 years back home in canada. flying in africa was a new adventure for him. the radio work was different and the airfields were sometimes challenging. each day was better than the day before., travel to  africa.

Travel sustainably with us

We compensate the flying we do by planting trees in bolivia..

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Lonely Plan-it: A fishing trip to Alaska

Apr 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Bird Creek in the shadow of the Chugach Mountains is lined with fisherman hoping to catch silver salmon © Karen Timmons / Getty Images

For many Alaska visitors, the chance to drop a line in the briny depths of the ocean, or cast a fly rod upon a rushing river, is the reason they’ve traveled north – and for good reason. There is nothing quite like fresh fish – caught amid the stunning scenery of Alaska – consumed over a dinner table filled with tales of the day itself.

Alaska’s commercial fishing industry is its second-largest economic generator, with a wide variety of species found across the state. From mid-April to August, saltwater fishing vessels of varying sizes and shapes take to the sea and net or line-catch salmon, halibut, cod and other species for markets around the world. Sport fishing is also a huge business in Alaska, including the Arctic and Northwest regions, where species like Arctic char are considered a fly-fisher’s dream for their fight on a line. 

For these reasons, you’ll need to consider the seasons, types of fishing and the most accessible locations for your fishing holiday. In a state with 3,000 rivers, three million lakes, and over 6,000 miles of coastline, the toughest part is deciding where to go. 

What are the regulations for fishing in Alaska?

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is the state’s overseeing agency for all things sport fishing, and it tightly controls where, when, and what species you can catch. Dividing the state into three regions (Southcentral, Interior, and Southeastern) the agency provides up-to-date listings of open and closed areas, and forecasts for salmon runs each spring, when many anglers are making  plans for fishing trips. 

All nonresidents aged 16 and older must purchase and carry a current fishing license , available either online or at retail outlets in just about every city. Additionally, those wanting to fish for king salmon must secure a stamp indicating this intention, which is added to your license. It must be noted here that the ADF&G does not take fishing without a license lightly: officers are constantly patrolling shorelines and salt waterways – and fines for non-licensed fishers are hefty.

Know your halibut from chinook

It behooves the fishing visitor to have an idea of what type of fish they’d like to catch while in Alaska. Those looking for salmon have the choice to fish in either saltwater near Whittier, Seward, Valdez or Homer and nearby environs; or in the rivers and streams flowing near these communities, but also in Anchorage and along the Southwest regional areas like Dillingham and Katmai National Park. 

Know that the farther away from the road system one goes, the more expensive fishing will get, especially if you need a float plane to reach a river. Alaska's waters house five species of salmon: chum, sockeye, pink, chinook and coho. Each spawn at different times of year, beginning with chinook (also known as king salmon) in late spring.

Other freshwater fish include Arctic char, grayling and trout – the latter usually fished in September and October. 

Saltwater species are abundant and accessible in any harbor community, but halibut are predominant in the community of Homer at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula . In fact it is known as the “halibut capital of the world” with fish hauled in here reaching 200 pounds in weight. 

Best destinations for a DIY fishing trip

• Cast a line into the river for world-class salmon fishing on the Kenai River near Cooper Landing .
• Head out to deeper waters of Cook Inlet from Homer to fish for halibut. 
• Show up to Ship Creek in Anchorage and rent the entire kit to fish like a local. 
• Fly-fish the sparkling waters of the Little Tok River near the community of Tok, in the Yukon-Charley Rivers Preserve.
• Try the family-friendly Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour in Ketchikan for a look at the dangerous deep-sea crab industry.  

Top tips for fishing in Juneau

Located along Alaska’s Inside Passage, Juneau is a great landing spot for Southeast fishers wanting to haul in a halibut or salmon. Charters depart from both downtown docks and Auke Bay about 15 miles from the city center. 

Where to stay: Spend the night downtown at the Silverbow Inn and take in the charm of Alaska’s capital city. 

Where to eat: For fresh seafood and local atmosphere, dine at the Hangar on the Wharf and watch floatplanes and ships come in and out. 

What to expect in Seward 

A popular destination for both cruise ship and independent travelers, Seward is also a hotspot for Anchorage residents looking for a weekend getaway. The calm waters of Resurrection Bay glean salmon, halibut, rockfish and cod and are great places for youngsters to learn the art of saltwater fishing. 

Where to stay: Harbor 360 hotel sits right at the small boat harbor and offers a complimentary breakfast and access to downtown Seward activities, including fishing charters.

Where to eat: The Cookery in downtown Seward is small but its menu of fresh seafood and produce packs a delicious punch. 

Visiting Valdez

This scenic Prince William Sound community lives hard by the sea, with daily salmon, halibut, and rockfish charters departing from its small boat harbor. Visit during the pink salmon run in early July and see the commercial purse seiners hauling up enormous nets of delicious fish.

Where to stay: Totem Hotel and Suites is a good option and a short distance from the downtown docks. 

Where to eat: Try The Fat Mermaid for locally-sourced seafood right along the main street of Valdez and within walking distance to activities.

Remote fishing experiences in Alaska

If a remote fishing experience is on your bucket list and within budget, these lodges provide a truly immersive once-in-a-lifetime Alaska fishing trip. 

Waterfall Resort

Located on scenic Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, this homey lodge is reached via a 45-minute floatplane ride from Ketchikan and offers pristine scenery while fishing for salmon in the calm waterways around the island. This former salmon cannery-turned fishing lodge is a wonderful choice for groups and families. 

Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge

A luxury resort located near one of the most productive sockeye salmon waterways in Alaska, the Kvichak River, this lodge is for serious fishers, with daily guided forays into the wilderness to cast a line. Want to fly fish for trout? This is the place for that as well, with large fish regularly caught and released. 

Tordrillo Lodge

Want to throw in some other adventures while still finding time to fish? This hidden lodge deep in the Tordrillo Mountains just an hour floatplane ride from Anchorage is pretty much perfect, with salmon and trout fishing intermingled with heli-skiing, hiking, and rafting. 

Be bear aware

Alaska’s bears frequent the same fishing rivers and streams as humans, and they always have the right of way. If you are fishing without a guide, review the Alaska Department of Fish and Game rules and guidelines for fishers , and always keep an eye out for bears, especially if fishing in the long, dusky Alaska evening hours. 

What to pack for your fishing trip to Alaska

If taking a charter vessel, dress for inclement weather and a near-constant day of wetness and fish scales. Wear rubber boots, or non-slip, close-toed shoes – and bring rain gear, a warm hat and gloves. 

For those heading out into the open waters of Prince William Sound or the Gulf of Alaska, consider pre-dosing with an anti-seasickness medication or wearing a behind-the-ear patch to prevent nausea during the trip. Even the most ardent sailors sometimes feel the rolling ocean swells to be too much to manage without medicine. 

For river fishers, waders are a must, and non-felt wading shoes. 

Don’t have gear? There’s no need to worry: most guiding outfits provide everything you need for a comfortable experience. 

Here is more expert advice to help you plan your trip to Alaska:

The best time to go to Alaska? Save this guide on when to visit .  Get around in Alaska with these  transport tips .  Be sure to add these top experiences to your Alaska itinerary. And make time for some epic road trips  to the highlights in Alaska.

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Travel Adventures – Part 4: Moscow

July 7, 2016 Travel

This beautiful woman lingered for a moment on the steps at one of the several churches in the Sergeiv Posad Monastery. I thought she was absolutely beautiful.

So far in this journey we have visited some wonderful cities … Helsinki, Finland, Tallinn, Estonia and St. Petersburg, Russia. We have traveled together along the waterways of Russia to such exotic sounding places as Mandrogy, Kitzy Island, Goritzy, Uglich, and Yaroslavl and seen the beauty of the countryside in between these towns. But our ship finally came to dock in Moscow, the capital of Russia and I really had no idea what to expect!

One advantage of travel tour is that you get a good general overview of an area. That’s the good news, of course. The bad news on most tours — and this tour certainly was no exception –was that you never did have a lot of time to explore on your own. The guides and the schedule kept you pretty busy all of the time. It was great for getting information and seeing a lot, but difficult for photographers who like to explore in more depth.

When we got to Moscow, we hopped on buses and were off to tour the city. Moscow is a huge city with so much traffic that I vowed never to complain about the traffic on Los Angeles freeways ever again. I couldn’t believe how tough you had to be to drive in this city. It played havoc with all schedules and timetables because what should have taken just 20 minutes to drive ended up taking an hour. One of the reasons is how they handle their traffic accidents. From what we understood and saw, cars involved in accidents were not allowed to move until both the police and the insurance adjuster came. So, a simple traffic accident could snarl things for hours. There is definitely a different viewpoint here than back home.

The traffic on every street no matter the hour seemed to be hectic.

The city of Moscow is upbeat with many shops, theaters, and restaurants and such. We saw shops with all of the latest and most expensive designers. All of the big brand names in clothing had shops. During this introductory tour, we were dropped off on a rather large street and told to walk through an arch into a huge open area. A large red brick/stone wall ran down one side and the most magnificent Russian Church we had seen so far was at the far end. The area was enormous and, of course, it was the famous Red Square. Behind the brick/stone wall was the Kremlin. I had to pause to take it all in, because never in my life would I have ever imagined myself standing there! The look on my sister and friend’s faces, told the same story that I was feeling … ABSOLUTE AWE!

We had some time to wander and walk by Lenin’s tomb before we had to return to the bus to continue the general tour of the city. 

From an overlook within the St. Basil Cathedral, you can get a fabulous overview of Red Square. The Kremlin wall is on the left side of the image; at the end of that wall is the Spasskaya Tower. The red building with two towers is the National Historical Museum, barely seen and tucked into the corner to the right of the Museum is Kazan Cathedral and along the right side is the turn of the century arcades of Gum’s department store.

Copyright © Stan Westfall

Along the wall that separates the Kremlin from Red Square is Lenin’s tomb. His body has been on public display there since the year he died in 1924.

A night tour took us past some of the brightly lit gambling casinos in Moscow. The bouncing bus, combined with the bright neon lighting, brought a few interesting photo opportunities. We attended a wonderful concert that featured many of the traditional musical instruments of Russia — another photo opportunity not normally available in a theater, but because the audience was from the various tours and ships that were in Moscow that particular evening, we could take photos — but of course, not with flash, which is always a disturbance to the performers. As we left the concert, the moon was just rising over one of the beautiful cathedral spires. My friend Anne caught the shot (3rd below/right). She is quick and steady and got a round of applause when she “nailed it!”

Driving through Moscow’s downtown area at night was fascinating. It was bright with colored lights. Many casinos and restaurants were lit up and looked very busy. It was a supercharged city that came alive at night.

Copyright © Anne Westfall

St. Basil’s in Red Square was beautiful during the day but at night it was a fairy tale. This is one of Russia’s most beautiful cathedrals.

Fabulously lit fountains switched colors to make an exciting night shot.

Square at night is spectacular with the Gums building in sparkling lights.

Leaving the theater one night we were just in time to see the moonrise near one of Moscow’s cathedrals. 

The next day we toured the park adjacent to the grounds of the beautiful Novodevichy Conventwhere many exiled or self-exiled royal wives, daughters and lovers “took the veil” (which means they chose to become a nun), to get out of their marriage, family or mistress arrangement, since divorce was not allowed. It is in this park where you will find the lovely bronze ducks, given as a gift by President George Walker Bush and Mrs. Barbara Bush. We visited the Kremlin and I was surprised to find out that there were 5 or 6 churches within its walls. In the Armory, the stunningly beautiful royal clothes, jewels and carriages were housed. It was amazing to see that even the carriages were embedded with jewels.

The Novodevichy Convent where many exiled or self-exiled royal family members “took the Veil”. The park like setting was one of the most beautiful we had seen.

We had the opportunity to go into their frightfully expensive, but stunningly wonderful GUM (pronounced we discovered like “goom” not “gum” as in chewing gum). Just wandering up and down this multilevel shopping extravaganza was a treat.

Gums is a large collection of shops on one side of Red Square. The three level, indoor mall features eating establishments, large walkways and bridges from one side to another. It is frequently used as a setting for newly wed brides.

The next morning, my friend Stan Westfall and I decided to take the tour to the Sergiev Posad Monastery. My sister, Sunny, and our friend Anne Westfall opted to visit the Pushkin Museum in the morning and the Tretyakov Gallery in the afternoon. Since we were going to have separate adventures to share that evening, I reminded them to take lots and lots of photographs so we could enjoy their day as well.

In the center of the Sergeiv Posad Monastery there is a beautiful Holy Water fountain where people come to drink, to bless and to carry home a small jar of Holy Water. 

CONTINUE WITH THE STORY AND SEE MORE PHOTOS…………

Be sure to join us next month as we visit Moscow.

Read Travel Adventures – Part 1: Finland and Estonia

Read Travel Adventures – Part 2: St. Petersburg, Russia

Read Travel Adventures – Part 3: Cruising the Russian Waterways

by Noella Ballenger

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How to Fly Your Kid Solo, Free of Stress

By Alexander Nazaryan

For many parents and guardians, putting a child on a flight alone may seem terrifying. Belligerent passengers, delays, turbulence: All loom large in a caregiver’s imagination.

Life sometimes leaves no other option. Hudson Crites , 17, of Marshall, Va., was 10 when he started flying unaccompanied to visit his father in Kansas and later Georgia, said his mother, Chelsea Tippett. But the extra attention from airline staff made Hudson “feel special,” Ms. Tippett recalls. Other than a single tarmac delay, he has had no problems.

On rare occasions, children have had troubling experiences. In December, Spirit Airlines accidentally flew a 6-year-old to Orlando, Fla., instead of the intended destination of Fort Myers. Spirit apologized, fired the gate agent responsible and offered reimbursement to the boy’s grandmother for her travel to Orlando. But while the boy was unharmed, his grandmother expressed worry that he had been kidnapped .

If you decide to fly your child unaccompanied, you’ll discover that each airline has its own procedures, fees and routes open to children. While some may find the process complicated, flying alone may be exciting for your child, instilling some independence. Here’s what you need to know.

Before you book, know the process

Regardless of the airline or route, flying an unaccompanied minor differs from an adult or a family catching a flight. Airlines require a trusted pre-authorized adult to be at the departure and arrival gates, and will ask you at booking to provide contact information for those adults. They will also need to present identification at the terminals.

The journey begins at the originating airport’s airline ticket counter. There, airline staff will check your identification and check in the child, perhaps handing them a lanyard or wristband to wear. The agents will provide you with a pass to get through security with your child. You will accompany them to the gate, where you will hand them off to a gate agent. You must stay at the gate until the plane takes off.

In the air, the flight crew will keep watch — but will not babysit, or sit with, your child. If the flight has a connection, a crew member will walk your child off the plane and a gate agent will take him or her to the next gate.

At the arrival airport, the child will be handed off by staff to the authorized guardian or parent who should have already checked in at the ticket counter with proper identification, gone through security with their gate pass and be waiting at the gate.

To learn more about this process, read the Department of Transportation’s online guide, “When Kids Fly Alone,” followed by the website of your selected carrier.

Choosing an airline and paying an extra fee

Before purchasing a ticket, experts advise you to consider an airline’s on-time performance. “Solid on-time performance is hard-earned, and signals a carrier that has tight control of its operation,” said the Ask the Pilot author, Patrick Smith. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics has those numbers.

Booking procedures vary. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines require you to call. United Airlines allows bookings online. JetBlue Airways does online bookings, too, but asks for three printed copies of its forms upon arrival at the airport.

International flights may call for a notarized consent letter describing where the child is traveling, with whom they’ll stay and how long they’ll be there.

On top of the ticket fare, flying an unaccompanied minor can be pricey.

Southwest Airlines charges $100 one way for each child, regardless of distance. Alaska Airlines charges $50 per child if the flight is nonstop; a connection adds $25. On Delta, one $150 fee will cover up to four children, and American’s $150 covers all siblings, with no cap on number. United charges $150 for one child, or two children flying together.

Restrictions: There are plenty

U.S. carriers allow children to fly as unaccompanied minors once they turn 5 and before they turn 18. But regardless of your child’s age, make sure he or she is ready by discussing the trip details and your expectations of their behavior. No policy can replace your judgment.

The low-cost carriers Frontier Airlines and Allegiant Air don’t allow unaccompanied minors, Other airlines have restrictions that, in the broadest terms, differentiate between young children and teenagers. American and Delta restrict children under 8 from routes requiring connections. Both airlines allow children between 8 and 14 to take some connecting flights.

On American, no unaccompanied minor is allowed to take an overnight flight requiring a connection, or a flight that includes a connection on its final leg that also happens to be the last such flight that day (“unless it’s the only flight,” the company adds). Minors are not allowed on code-share flights.

United and Delta have similar rules. Southwest, JetBlue and Spirit don’t allow unaccompanied minors on connecting flights.

JetBlue prohibits minors from flying to Europe, and limits the number of unaccompanied minors in one party to three. Spirit does not allow children on flights to Central or South America. Southwest doesn’t allow children on any international flights. American, United and Delta let minors fly abroad, but restrictions on connections, code-shares and overnights limit options.

American and Delta allow children to opt out of flying as unaccompanied minors once they turn 15 — that is, the child can fly without the assistance of airline personnel. JetBlue ends unaccompanied minor service at 14, while Alaska has an opt-out option at 13. Southwest boasts the lowest opt-out age: 12.

However, you should be able to accompany your child to the gate even if they’re not flying unaccompanied. American requires that you do so for teens between the ages of 15 and 17, even if they’ve opted out.

What to pack

Have a plan to head off your child’s hunger, boredom and thirst. If they are older, make sure they have emergency money and a charged phone.

When her two daughters, then 9 and 11, flew to Denver, Joey Conover of Charlottesville, Va., had a long list for their carry-ons.

“Pack a backpack with iPad, headphones, lightweight book to read, a pad of paper and colored pencils (markers might smear), a small travel game, water bottle (bring empty and fill in airport), snacks, some kind of surprise fidget or animals to play with, hoodie, and a lovey,” she wrote in an email.

“Write your name and phone number on the inside of their arm in Sharpie and put a parent’s business card in a luggage tag on both suitcase and backpack,” Ms. Conover said. (A sheet of paper with all their identification, and their guardian’s contact information, also works. Simply stick in an easy-to-access pocket.)

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

• Accommodations

Now, Fly Moscow-Bali Direct By Aeroflot's Rossyia Airlines

From Sunday, 29th October 2018 ,  you can fly from Moscow directly to the magical island of Bali in Indonesia when Rossiya Airlines makes its three times weekly debut flight from the capital of Russia to the tropical island of Bali. The flight departs Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport with destination Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. While its return flight from Balito Moscow will be available Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Carrying over457 passengers from Moscow, the inaugural flight will be greeted with a festive welcoming ceremony upon landing at NgurahRai Airport. A water canon salute will shower the plane, while the pilot, co-pilot, cabin crew, and passengers will be warmly welcomed with flowers as they step foot for the first time on the island of the gods. They will also be specially greeted with a traditional Balinese dance performed by 4 dancers and 2 umbrella carriers. Showcasing Balinese fascinating cultural splendors, there will be performances of SekarJepun and the Pendet traditional dance. SekarJepun is the name of the flower that has a distinct sweet fragrance and comes in various colors and is often slipped on the ears of tourists.

Scheduled to be performed during the press conference, the Pendet Dance is one of the most iconic traditional dances of the island that is world renowned. The welcoming festivities along with a culinary feast for this inaugural flight will all be held at the International Arrival terminal ofBali Airport.

Deputy Minister for Marketing Development II of the Ministry of Tourism, Nia Niscaya, stated that the direct flight marks an important momentum for Bali as well as for Indonesia’s tourism. “The presence of Aeroflot and Rossiya Airlines marks an important momentum. Denpasar (Bali) – Moscow is finally directly linked.

This will truly be very positive, especially for the island of the gods” said Nia Niscaya. Adding that with its unending appealing attractions, Bali will continue to pull in more tourists.  Moreover,  with the establishment of this direct flight, Nia Niscayatrusts that tourists from Russia will grow significantly bringing not only tourists but creating more friendship between Russia and Bali.

In 2017, the total number of Russian tourists to Bali recorded 110,529 persons, making a significant growth of 37.28% compared to the previous year 2016. Minister of Tourism, Arief Yahya is confident that the opening of the new direct flight will bring positive impact on Bali as well as to Indonesia in general.

“We certainly appreciate the operation of the Moscow-Bali direct connection. It is an ideal route since Bali is definitely the world’s ultimate tourist destination. The opening of the route will bring plenty of business benefits for the industry and boost economic activities for the people”, said Minister Arief Yahya.

Photo source of header banner: Shutterstock

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Oregon Outback: Summer Lake area has hot springs, dark skies, adventure and thick steaks

Everything feels just a little bigger in the Oregon Outback.

The mountains are steeper, history deeper, night skies darker and cuts of steak thicker than anyone has a right to expect in remote southcentral Oregon.

And don’t get me started on the birds.

I’ve seen vast flocks on rivers and wildlife refuges. But the scale and sound of migration season at Summer Lake Wildlife Area boggles the senses.

Over spring break I returned to the Oregon Outback for the first time in a few years to explore just a few of the places I’d missed, including Summer Lake. It reminded me how great this area is for a spring road trip.   

Here’s a few ideas for places to stay, explore and eat near Summer Lake.

Summer Lake and Winter Ridge

On Dec. 16, 1843, Capt. John C. Frémont and a mapping expedition were trekking across a snow-covered plateau when they came to a cliff and saw a remarkable sight.

“More than a thousand feet below, we looked into a green prairie country, in which a beautiful lake, some twenty miles in length, was spread along the foot of the mountain,” Frémont wrote. “Shivering on snow three feet deep, and stiffening in a cold north wind, we exclaimed at once that the names of Summer Lake and Winter Ridge should be applied to these proximate places of such sudden and violent contrast.”

The name is fitting, especially in the spring. It can feel sunny and pleasant along Summer Lake while almost directly overhead, it’s snowing on 30-mile long Winter Ridge.

The dynamic scenery is the the first thing you notice upon driving here. It has the “whoa” factor as much as any place in Oregon.

The interesting thing is that while Summer Lake looks cool — 15 miles long and sparkling — it’s not a recreation spot itself. The lake is alkaline and shallow — not a place to boat, swim or explore. It’s really the places around its edges that create the magic.

Base camp: Summer Lake Hot Springs

This has become one of Oregon’s more beloved hot springs, but what struck me most in visiting was it’s still a small, low-impact site. You would never refer to this as a resort.

You can rent funky and cool cabins here, with geothermically warmed floors, along with RV spots and campsites. But the entire compound blends into the landscape so well it’s hard to spot it from a distance. It’s a place that lets the scenery and hot springs do the work.

Speaking of the hot springs. It has three outdoor pools open all night. By day, you can soak and enjoy views of the aforementioned Winter Ridge. At night, you can view one of the world’s darkest skies, part of the newly-established Oregon Outback International Dark Sky Sanctuary .

By mid-May, an indoor swimming pool bathhouse opens up that allows for a little bit more space and access for hot springing.

Nearby gem: Summer Lake Wildlife Area

Nothing quite prepares you for the number of birds here during migration season at this wildlife area on the north side of the lake. The sky and wetlands are packed, and the sound is a chaotic symphony of chirps and trills as hundreds of thousands of birds migrate through here each year on the Pacific Flyway.

The wildlife area is 18,941 acres of wetlands and streams that becomes a temporary home for all manner of shorebirds and waterfoul, from tundra swans to western sandpipers to sandhill cranes.

The area has three main seasons for visitors, according to manager Jason Journey. There is the spring migration (March to May) and fall migration (August to September). Both times are good for birdwatching, hiking, photography and canoeing around the streams and wetlands. Apparently, mosquitoes and flies make it unpleasant during peak-summer.

The third option is hunting season, which runs from October to late January.

Ana Reservoir

The water in the wildlife area and Summer Lake comes directly from Ana Reservoir, a scenic place good for boating, swimming and fishing.

For anglers, the area is probably most famous for its population of hybrid striped bass — often known as “wipers.” They were stocked years ago to control the population of invasive tui chub, and the largest wiper on record was caught here in 2009.

Deepest history in North America

The history near Summer Lake goes deeper than just about anywhere else in North America.

Summer Lake is now about 15 miles long, which seems large, but it was once far larger. Prehistoric Lake Chewaucan once covered 461 square miles at depths of up to 375 feet.

The waves from that ancient lake cut a series of caves, now famously known as the Paisley Caves, which are home to the oldest evidence of human habitation in North America — up to 14,300 years ago.

Evidence of those ancient people can be found at Picture Rock Pass Petroglyphs Site, just north of Summer Lake on the side of Highway 31, likely created between 7,500 and 12,000 years ago.

Fort Rock Cave tours

The Paisley Caves aren’t the only famous historical site. Head to Fort Rock State Park, and you’ll not only be treated to a hike through a massive colosseum of stone, but you can also tour caves where the earliest known footwear on Earth was discovered.

Fort Rock Cave tours offered throughout spring and early summer cost $20. This is the site where the famous sagebrush sandals were discovered and dated to 9,350 to 10,500 years old.

Eat at the Cowboy Dinner Tree

The best restaurant in Oregon is a little place nestled deep in the Oregon Outback, about an hour from Summer Lake, called the Cowboy Dinner Tree . Their menu is simple: A gigantic top sirloin steak or a whole roasted chicken, plus salad, soup, sweet rolls and dessert.

It’s a place you don’t order your meal or make requests. There’s no vegetarian options, you can’t pick your dressing or even how your steak is cooked. You eat what you’re given. And they only take cash.

That model would seem to doom a restaurant, but the simplicity allows the restaurant to focus on doing what they do really well. The steak was the best I’ve ever eaten, cooked to that perfect spot that's rare but not raw. The chicken was flavorful and delicious.

The restaurant opened in 1992, but legend is that it goes back to the early 1900s. The place where the restaurant is located used to be a little shack where cowboys would seek shade under a juniper tree. Sometimes a chuckwagon would park there and cowboys and ranchers would gather to eat. Before it was the Cowboy Dinner Tree it was originally called the dinner tree.

The inside is rustic and packed with character, including lots of $1 bills tucked into the corners of pictures and tables. People started putting them there around a decade ago. The restaurant collects them every now and again and donates them to local charity.

From the setting to the scene, there is no place quite like it. Just make sure to make reservations way ahead of time by calling 541-576-2426 .

Ride the Christmas Valley sand dunes

Riding ATVs is popular at the Christmas Valley sand dunes, but there is some hiking as well.

Visit Paisley

This town of 250 features the Pioneer Saloon and Restaurant and the Paisley Mercantile, both worth checking out. And also …

Fly-fish the Chewaucan

If you’re fly-fishing, check out the much beloved Chewaucan River for rainbow trout. I’m saving this adventure for my next trip to the Oregon Outback, but there's a decent amount of information out there about it.

Hike Winter Ridge or Hager Mountain

For those looking to get into the alpine regions of the area, there are hikes on Winter Ridge, right above Summer Lake, that typically open up in late May. There is also Hager Mountain, a challenging mountain that climbs to a lookout. I wrote about staying overnight in the lookout back in 2016.

With this much possible adventure — and food — there’s good reason to visit, and keep coming back.

Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast . Urness is the author of “ Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon ” and “ Hiking Southern Oregon .” He can be reached at [email protected] or (503) 399-6801. Find him on X at @ZachsORoutdoors.

You can skip the planning for these 7 affordable bucket list family travel adventures

A s enriching as family vacations can be, there's no question they're stressful to plan. And if you want to show your kids the world, planning family travel adventures to bucket-list destinations like Ireland, Alaska, or America's national parks can also be a bit daunting. The good news is there may be a better alternative to consider—letting someone else do all the planning on a guided tour.

I've participated in numerous guided group tours with my family, and they've been among the most hassle-tree times together we've ever had. Letting trip planners and seasoned guides take care of tedious details and time-consuming logistics removes many of the difficulties that come with traveling, especially with kids. 

While a trip to the destination of your dreams is never going to be a cheap family vacation , group travel tours can save you time, money, and a lot of stress. The end result? Family travel adventures that run smoothly and don't come with any costly surprises. Here are 15 value-packed guided tours for your family’s 2024 adventures. 

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HASSLE-FREE VACATIONS: 11 best guided tour companies for family tours

1. Iceland with National Geographic Family Journeys

G Adventures

Renowned small group travel tour company G Adventures has teamed up with National Geographic to create escorted family travel itineraries that take full advantage of NatGeo’s expertise in wildlife, storytelling, and photography. The company’s eight-day Iceland Family Journey delves into the subarctic island nation’s unique geological features in an experiential way, including hiking on the edge of a volcanic crater and riding Icelandic horses near a waterfall. 

CLOSER TO HOME: 25 best family vacation spots in the USA

The tour company's trip leaders are trained to engage young guests ages seven to 17, and the participant limit is capped at 20. These guided family travel adventures start at $4,999 per adult (there’s a $200 discount for kids ages seven to 12) for 2024 and they include transportation within Iceland, accommodations, daily breakfast, three lunches, and one dinner. 

2. Highlights of Ireland

Brendan Vacations

The wild Atlantic Ocean, misty cliffs, and impossibly green countryside are a few of the reasons why the Emerald Island's mystical beauty has inspired poets for centuries. From Dublin's cosmopolitan charm to hanging by your heels to kiss the Blarney Stone in Cork, Brendan Vacations are experts when it comes to Celtic travel, and its Shamrocks and Leprechauns tour is a favorite with families.

NO PASSPORT NEEDED: 21 best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. for families

Highlights include going behind the scenes where Game of Thrones was filmed and marveling at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Interactive experiences, such as tea with a family on their sheep farm and dressing up like medieval archers as you learn to aim a bow and arrow, make a lasting impression. 

There’s a maximum of 45 participants aged five and older on this 10-day trip in 2024. Prices start at $3,083 and children ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount. Transportation within Ireland, accommodations, and 15 meals are included. A travel director accompanies you throughout, with local specialists enriching the journey. 

3. Canadian Rockies from Banff to Jasper 

Backroads’ guided family travel adventures are a hit with active travelers who crave communion with nature. On Backroads’ Banff to Jasper Multi-Adventure Family Tour , you’ll join a small group of families as you bike, hike, and paddle your way across the magnificent Canadian Rockies. Float down the Athabasca River, soak in sweeping vistas at Icefields Parkway, and walk on a glacier. 

ACTIVE SENIORS: 9 best tour companies for travelers over 50: Road Scholar, Globus, more

This trip has a maximum of 26 guests and is recommended for ages nine and older. Trip leaders receive specialized training to ensure that they’re well-equipped to engage youngsters. The six-day trip costs $3,999 per person in 2024. Kids 17 and under receive a 10 percent discount when staying in a single or double occupancy room; the child discount is increased to 20 percent if there are three or more people staying in the same room. Lodging, activities, daily breakfast, six lunches, four dinners, and snacks are included. 

4. Grand Alaskan Adventure

If your family loves the Great Outdoors, Alaska is the vacation of a lifetime. Cosmos offers guided group tours to "America’s Last Frontier" that present value without skimping on quality. The Grand Alaskan Adventure is an appealing choice with a balanced blend of group activities and free time.

SEE THE WORLD: 11 guided tour companies that offer trips around the world  

Starting and finishing in Anchorage, you'll cross Prince William Sound and glimpse otters, seals, and whales. A ride on the Alaska Railroad will delight fans of train travel, while two days spent in Denali National Park’s wilderness is an immersion in majestic beauty. Keep your eyes open for bears, moose, and caribou as you travel the Denali Highway across Alaska’s lightly treaded interior.

In 2024, this seven-day guided family travel adventure starts at $2,139 and includes some meals, accommodations, and activities. Children as young as five are welcome, and those ages five to 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average number of participants is 36.

5. Taste of Portugal

Globus 

With alluring beaches, ancient villages, and sophisticated cities, it’s no wonder Portugal is trending in 2024. The Taste of Portugal with Madeira guided group itinerary from Globus visits cosmopolitan Lisbon, Porto’s cobbled streets, and the semi-tropical island of Madeira, with its natural rock-pools and unique wicker basket toboggan ride. 

FAMILY TRAVEL ADVENTURES: 28 best places to go with kids this year

This 11-day escorted trip starts at $3,309 including hotels, nine breakfast, and three dinners. Kids as young as five may participate and those between ages five and 17 receive a 10 percent discount. The average group size is 36 guests. 

6. New Zealand Family Travel Adventure

Austin Adventures

Headquartered in New Zealand, guided tour company Austin Adventures is an expert when it comes to showcasing this country’s natural assets. Energetic families who want an intimate group experience will be pleased with the New Zealand Family Vacation itinerary. Starting and finishing in Christchurch, you'll visit a wildlife preserve with resident koalas, wallabies, kiwi, and ancient tuatara (a rare reptile); hike to glacial lakes; and kayak and float down a rose-lined gorge. 

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Children six and older are welcome on this 13-day trip, which costs $5,499 per adult and $4,999 per child 12 years and under. Lodging, activities, and almost all meals are part of the deal. The maximum group size is 14 people plus two guides. 

7. The Greek Islands of Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete

EF Go Ahead Tours 

Get acquainted with a trifecta of Greek islands on The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete from EF Go Ahead Tours . Absorb ancient Hellenic heritage in Athens before arriving in lively Mykonos for a dip in its crystal-clear water. Cruise to Santorini, where volcanic black sand beaches are juxtaposed with bright white and sea blue houses. Then it's on to Crete with its trail of historic treasures, from palaces to archaeological ruins. 

TROPICAL BLISS: 7 best tropical vacation spots for families  

This 14-day family travel adventure has a maximum of 30 participants and starts at $4,019 in 2024. It includes hotels, daily breakfast, five dinners, a dedicated tour director, and local guides along the way. Children age six and older are welcome, though they don't receive a discount.

Affordable bucket list family travel adventures where someone else does all the planning originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

More from FamilyVacationist:

• 6 best Hawaii all-inclusive resorts for families
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• 6 best-value all-inclusive resorts for families

FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are owned and operated by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we review and select family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations for all ages. TourScoop covers guided group tours and tour operators , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations . The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: You can skip the planning for these 7 affordable bucket list family travel adventures