For many, Kenya and Tanzania are synonymous with seeing the iconic Great Migration. However, these two countries both offer so much more than the chance to see massive herds of wildebeest and zebra crossing rivers and roaming in their annual pattern in search of greener grasses. Those focusing on the Great Migration and hoping to see an iconic river crossing will likely travel during high season in July-October. While I love traveling in high season, there are some great reasons to consider traveling during other times of the year as well! These so called “shoulder seasons” are what we call th ..read more

Antarctica has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. Despite being a warm weather gal, I love expedition cruising, exploring remote places, and seeing unique wildlife in its natural habitat. I have heard from countless seasoned travelers that Antarctica is among their favorite destinations, and knew I had to experience it for myself. In January 2024, I finally had that opportunity! Historically, a trip to Antarctica required a commitment of at least 2-3 weeks. This all changed when travel company Antarctica21 pioneered the “flyover” concept, allowing passengers to not only sav ..read more

When most wildlife enthusiasts think of safari, the Great Migration comes to mind. This year-round phenomenon takes place across the vast plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania and also crosses over into the Masai Mara in Kenya during part of the year. Millions of wildebeest make the clockwise journey from the Southern Serengeti via the Western corridor, then to the Masai Mara and back into Tanzania through the Eastern Serengeti. The reason for this continuous movement is to follow the food source which, in East Africa, is all dependent on the rain. The huge herds follow the rain because they kno ..read more

Over the holidays, my colleague and I, along with some friends, hopped on a plane for Africa! After spending time on Safari, we headed to Zanzibar (an island off the coast of Tanzania) to refresh, relax and celebrate the new year! We stayed at a beautiful lodge and our villa had direct access to the beach, which made me feel like I was walking into an exquisite painting every time I approached. The white sand beach and turquois water captivate you completely – making it the perfect place to ring in the new year! Our evening started with a lovely seven-course wine and dinner paring, which hig ..read more

An introduction to the diverse neighborhoods of Argentina’s capital city   The diverse neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina make up a vibrant tapestry, where each district offers its own unique charm and character. From the historic cobblestone streets of San Telmo to the trendy boutiques of Palermo, Buenos Aires is a city just waiting to be explored. Time spent in the city will have you journeying through the eclectic landscapes and cultural hubs that define Argentina’s bustling capital, shedding light on the rich history, local traditions, and hidden gems that make each neighborhood ..read more

The Great Migration is one of the most spectacular natural events on Earth, involving the movement of millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivores across vast distances in search of food and water. From January to February (although exact timing varies each year), the herds gather in the nutrient-rich ecosystem of southern Serengeti. The area provides an optimal environment for the migrating, pregnant females to give birth and for the newborns to thrive. The babies are born into conditions that support their growth and development. Known as the “green season,” this time in the Serengeti ..read more

This September, immediately following our wedding, my husband Derek and I took off on the long journey to the Maldives. I’ll admit, getting to Maldives from Minnesota (or anywhere in the US) is a hike, but the 7 days we spent in paradise made the travel totally worth it. Our home away from home for the week was Patina Maldives, located on the Fari Islands in the shimmering turquoise waters and stunning white sands of the North Male Atoll. On arrival in Male, we were quickly swept away by our Patina Representative to the Male jetty which is adjacent the airport. It’s exciting to see the water ..read more

The Travel Beyond team had another year full of family, fun and (of course) travel! From global adventures to local pursuits, our collective year has blended into a tapestry of colorful and beautiful moments. We are thrilled to share our annual “Favorite Photos” blog, a visual diary of what we’ve experienced this year. Please join us on this walk through another year of special memories! ~Untamed Wilderness~ Jennifer Gillmore: This was the first of ten thrilling jaguar encounters my colleague, Nicole Cooper, and I experienced on our Brazil adventure in July. “Jaci” was spotted during a day sp ..read more

As the Travel Beyond “Air Guy,” I get asked a lot of questions about airfare and why ticket costs are skyrocketing. It’s not an easy question to answer, because there are several current factors that have come together to drive up prices. Here are some of the reasons we are feeling more sticker-shock lately. Shortage of aircraft When the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, air travel hit an all-time low. Airlines were forced to cancel flights and put aircraft out of service. In most cases, this meant parking them on a ramp or taxiway somewhere, leaving them at the mercy of weather, birds, insects, ro ..read more

In an effort to strike a balance between national security and a smoother travel experience for passengers, the United States has implemented a range of Trusted Traveler Programs. While the programs are all closely related, choosing the best one for you really depends on how and where you travel. To help you decide, check out the highlights (and limitations) of the various programs: What is the difference between TSA Pre-Check and Global Entry? These are the most common programs used by Travel Beyond clients. Both are offered by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Tra ..read more