Airlines announce that starting Jan. 1, 2012 - all internal Ecuadorian flights - including those to the Galapagos - will have a fuel surcharge

UPDATE Jan 9, 2012 – For both Aerogal and TAME flights, fuel surcharges can now be paid in advance to our offices. There will no longer be any payments made locally at the airport. Please see additional details in comments section below.

All flights starting on January 1, 2012 to the Galapagos, will be subject to a fuel surcharge. It does not matter when the flights were booked, and applies to flights departing/arriving from both Quito and Guayaquil to/from the Galapagos. Travelers should expect the fuel surcharge to be roughly $70 for each leg; a round-trip ticket will see an increase of $140.

Depending on the airline and departure city, here is the costs for fuel surcharges for flights to/from the Galapagos for flights on or after Jan. 1, 2012:

Aerogal
$50 USD per way in flights to/from Quito – Galapagos
$50 USD per way in flights to/from Guayaquil – Galapagos

TAME
$70 USD per way in flights to/from Quito – Galpaagos
$60 per way in flights to/from Guayaquil – Galapagos

Why the increase?
In the past, the Ecuadorian government supplied a 40% fuel subsidy for internal flights. Officially announced earlier this week, the government is no longer offering this subsidy to the airlines, which means, in order to cover costs, there will be an increase in costs for all domestic Ecuadorian flights, this, of course, includes those to the Galapagos Islands.

There is still some mystery to exactly what travelers can expect to pay for which airline and whether or not this surcharge needs to be paid locally or in advance. We’re on top of things, and are eagerly waiting details from the airlines.

I understand that this is surprising and frustrating – believe me, we, and operators throughout the industry, share your sentiments. I will share updates as soon as they are available. In the meantime, please contact us if you have any questions on how this will affect your Ecuador or Galapagos travels.

Argentina Travel: Bariloche's main city square

Here is an official statement released today (Dec. 12, 2011) from airline Aerolineas Argentinas regarding flights, closure and alternative travel:

The Bariloche airport was originally scheduled to reopen later this month but will now open in late February 2012. Bariloche passengers are being protected on flights to/from Esquel (EQS) and/or Neuquen (NQN). Ground transportation between Bariloche and these two cities will be provided. The travel time between Bariloche and Esquel is approximately 3 hours. Travel time between Bariloche and Neuquen is approximately 6 hours.* When passengers disembark in Esquel and Neuquen there will be a bus that will take them to Bariloche. When in Bariloche they should check with AR locally to find out about the transportation to Esquel and Neuquen.
…
Our flights to/from San Martin de los Andes (CPC) were scheduled to restart on January 01, 2012. Now the first flight between Buenos Aires and San Martin de los Andes is scheduled for March 04, 2012.
…
Also, El Calafate-Esquel-El Calafate flights have been changed to El Calafate-Neuquen-El Calafate flights.

For questions regarding refunds or exchanges, please contact your flight booking agent or Aerolineas Aregentinas directly.

Additional updates are available on Aeorlinas Argentinas’ website.

*Travel by bus between Bariloche and Neuquen can potentially take up to 9 hours.

If you have any questions on if or how this closure will affect your Argentina travels, please give us a call at 1-800-344-6118.

November 29, 2011

Dear Valued Travel Partner,

As you may know, American Airlines today took a necessary and responsible step to secure the future success of our company by filing for reorganization under Chapter 11. We took this action in order to become a more efficient, financially stronger, and competitive airline that is even better positioned to deliver for customers and the communities we serve. It will be business as usual at American during the Chapter 11 process.

In recent years, we have built the foundation for our future growth and long-term success. We strengthened our domestic and global network; fortified our alliances with the best partners around the world; launched a transformational fleet deal that will give us the youngest and most efficient fleet in the industry; and invested in our product, service and technology to build a world class customer experience.

However, to capitalize on these foundational strengths, we must address our very substantial cost disadvantage compared to our larger competitors, all of which restructured their costs and debt through Chapter 11. We are committed to working as quickly and efficiently as possible to appropriately restructure American Airlines so that we can emerge well-positioned to compete effectively in the marketplace for the long-term.

The Chapter 11 process lets us continue normal business operations while we restructure our debt, costs and other obligations. American’s $4.1 billion in unrestricted cash and short-term investments, as well as cash generated from operations, is anticipated to be more than sufficient to assure that all vendors, suppliers, and business partners will be paid timely and in full for goods and services they provide us during the Chapter 11 process in accordance with customary terms.

Our relationship with you is paramount to us, and we look forward to continuing it well into the future. Please be assured that our sales agreement with you remains in full effect.

During the reorganization, American Airlines will also continue to:

• Provide safe and reliable service. Our customers remain our top priority and will continue to enjoy the quality service they know and expect from us.
• Operate our regular flight schedule. There are no immediate changes to our service or schedules as a result of the Chapter 11 filing. We intend to maintain a strong presence in domestic and international markets, including our cornerstones in Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, New York, Miami and Los Angeles, while using the flexibility of our fleet renewal program to remove less-efficient aircraft in our fleet.
• Honor tickets and reservations as usual. Policies regarding exchanges and refunds remain the same.
• Maintain the AAdvantage program and ensure all miles and elite status earned by members remain secure and intact.
• Remain an integral member of the oneworld Alliance, of which American is a founding member, and continue our relationship with our codeshare partners.

If you have any questions about the reorganization process, please contact your American Airlines sales representative. Further information can also be found at AA.com/restructuring.

American Airlines has a proud history, and we will have a successful future. Through this process, we will enhance our reputation as a global leader known for excellence and innovation, a travel partner customers seek out, and a carrier that serves communities throughout the world. All of us on the American team appreciate your support, loyalty and business, and look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship well into the future.

Best regards,
Derek DeCross
Vice President – Global Sales

Adventure Life Rock Stars soccer team photo

We checked in with two of our fearless leaders, Jonathan Brunger and Julia Kocubinski. At times, they had to put aside their Adventure Lifer camaraderie and battle it out on the field as their teams fought for standing in the Missoula Park and Rec Summer Soccer League.

Julia's Adventure Life soccer team

The Adventure Life Rock Stars, Jonathan’s team, have been around too long to remember, at least ten years. Many Adventure Life staff members (past and present), their partners, and friends have worn the Rock Stars jerseys over the years. Twice in the last six years their team has won the co-rec city championship and several times they have been runners-up as well. (Although there were claims that it may have been the referees’ fault they didn’t win those years.)

This year was a fun season for the Rock Stars despite not being as successful as past years. Even though the average age of players has increased by a decade since the team was formed and they are still pulling out plays and making goals. The number of spouses and kids cheering them on from the sidelines has increased as well. They’ve discovered that their kids (the next generation of “Rock Stars”) happen to be their team’s biggest critics as well. “Why didn’t you score?” “Why is your knee hurting?” Just trying to keep Mom and Dad in line and striving for perfection!

Julia and Jonathan battle it out for the championship trophy

Congratulations to both teams on a successful season. Adventure Life has been proud to sponsor you!

Our amazing guide, Simone, from the Achuar community in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Did I tip? You betcha.

Restaurants — 10% of the bill*
Hotel/airport portage — US$1 per suitcase, per person
Local guides — US$5-8 per day, per person
Cooks and Porters — US$2-3 per day, per person
Driver for tours — US$3 per day, per person
Guides on Galapagos tour — US$5-10 per day, per person
Galapagos cruise crew — US$10 per day per person for entire crew

*This amount is usually included in the bill, so double check that you are not tipping twice. And note that many times your server doesn’t see this tip if it is included in the bill – it is typically pooled into the staff or absorbed by the restaurant. If you feel your server did a stand-out job, you might want to leave something specific for him/her.

Rest assured – if you have reservations or are confused about tipping you are not alone. Whatever you feel comfortable with is usually the best rule of thumb. As in any situation you might find at home, if you feel someone has provided exceptional service, any small gift of extra tip is graciously accepted. But bottom line, remember that tipping is at your discretion.

Let me expand…
In general, Latin America is not really a tipping culture — certainly nothing like the U.S. where the culture is such that it is almost a requirement; at the very minimum there is a huge pressure to tip.

United States citizens are known throughout the world for being “good-tippers” or for over-tipping. In Latin America it is not “expected” like it is in the U.S., and it is certainly much more appreciated. But sectors of the community that work specifically within the tourism industry are becoming much more accustomed to receiving tips.

For example, take taxi drivers — those directly working in the tourism sector anticipate a tip from travelers. Is this due to an increase of U.S. visitors and their tipping practices? Perhaps. But truly the only division that really expects, and almost requires a tip, are guides.

Keep in mind, however, that many of the services that you receive on a Latin America trip would cost much more in North America, especially if you venture outside of the tourism sector and into locally-owned businesses.

For services directly linked to the tourism industry, tipping is quite common. For those outside of the industry, it is not expected, but welcomed. Frankly, you are probably more inclined to want to tip, simply because you’ve receive a service at a very reasonable price.

That is about as clear-cut as I can get when it comes to tipping. Honestly, even when I travel I always struggle a bit with tipping but typically follow my own recommendations.

Questions?

My dad and I, toasting a few adventures. Happy Father's Day!

My dad had no interest in joining my mom on her European adventures. He was happy to drop her at the airport and wish her safe travels. It’s nothing personal; Mom’s not the only one who has experienced the dad-drop-off. My sisters and I have bid Dad farewell at the airport in route to Norway, Ireland, Mexico, Argentina… “Have fun. Be safe.” We did. We were. Dad would make his way home, content to keep his feet on the ground and let his girls do the jet-setting.

How did this happen? How did a cool, calm and perfectly content homebody create a daughter who gets antsy without an upcoming trip on the horizon, and perhaps has a little bit of a chemical imbalance that requires a rush of adrenaline to correct?

I can only image that he is equally confused. When I brought up the desire to take Amazon sea-kayaking trip this winter, I was quick to also add a few extra Amazon-esque embellishments that among many things included the disappearance legendary explorer, Percy Fawcett, electric eels and the infamous candiru; the bloodsucking tiny fish who has a reputation of seeking out the most intimate parts of the body… Dad didn’t quite share my enthusiasm.

But no matter how reluctant my dad may be to join in the travels, he is the one to blame for the wanderlust. As a kid, Mom and Dad toted my sisters and me across North America, from Alaska to Florida, and plenty of weekend escapes to Lake Superior’s North Shore – we filled in the gaps with the best of Minnesota. We were encouraged to wonder what else was out there to explore. It was more than just the mere action of traveling. It was things like Dad’s 4:30 am rise and shine to watch the sunrise along the Mississippi. It was things like earning our stripes in the Polar Bear club – Dad proudly led his bear cubs through the thin layers of lake ice; the colder the temp the greater the bragging rights. It didn’t necessarily matter the places we saw. It was the way Dad showed these places to us, with energy, curiosity and an ongoing pursuit of adventure. I took it in – wide-eyed and eager for more.

Last Father’s Day, Mom and Dad made the trip from Minnesota to my home in Missoula. Almost the minute they arrive, I took off to do a little backcountry in Glacier National Park. It was beautiful trekking, a bit of spring-snow – prime grizzly country. My parents enjoyed a private weekend with the grandkids, they took care of Dad’s day with plenty of grand-kid charm that included a few carefully constructed artistic gifts. And to be honest, there are few places my dad would rather be than quietly strolling Missoula; it definitely has his rhythm if not his politics.

Glacier and grizzlies for me. Chillin’ in Missoula for Dad. Yep, that sounds about right.

This Father’s Day we will both be grounded; me in Missoula, Dad in Minnesota. But we’ll take time to connect. I’ll give him a call, ask if he’s heard from the Swiss-Miss (Mom) and let him know that my Amazon trip is a go. He’ll send me well-wishes, “Have fun. Be safe.” And while I won’t need a dad-drop-off for this upcoming adventure, I know I’ll get there because of Dad nevertheless.

So Dad, while you say potato and I say high altitude 4-day Andean trek – at the end of the day I have you to thank for the countless, unforgettable travels I’ve had the privilege to pursue. And I promise I’ll keep a cool-head when you make casual comments like, “Now that you mention it, I have always wanted to visit the Galapagos.”

Love you Dad. Wishing you and all charming, supportive and loving fathers out there a happy Father’s Day.

-Beth Bob

Adventure Life Giveaway - Win 2 Free Flights to South America

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Torres del Paine National Park

Protests came to an end yesterday evening as the government and the people of Magallanes came to an agreement, finalizing the end of the strike. The new agreement limits the increase to 3%, and includes an additional increase of subsidies for poorer families.

The striking was blocking main roads and ports, and affecting transportation in and out of the region, including the cities of Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales. The strike also blocked the entrance into and out of Torres del Paine National Park. Demonstrators were removing barricades for a window of time to allow transportation in and out of the region. Many travelers were re-routed to El Calafate, Argentina. Changes in international flight itineraries and the limited number of flights out of El Calafate caused additional delays for many travelers.

Airports are now operating as usual, road blocks have been removed, and the park is once again accessible and welcoming visitors.

This region of Chile is colder than the rest of the country; households require more heating. The Chilean government has provided subsidies to this region to reduce the cost of living. By reducing subsidies, fuel costs would have increased by 17%. The new agreement cuts the increase to 3%. There will not be an increase in fuel cost for the poorest people of the region.

For additional information, the BBC reports.

Antarctica camping during an polar expedition cruise

Getting a little shut-eye in Antarctica

More and more, an overnight camping trip on Antarctica is becoming a popular addition to a polar adventure. The majority of expedition ships offer this optional excursion to a select number of passengers each voyage, which is definitely not for everyone… but is definitely one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that hearty travelers have a hard time passing up (yours-truly included). Beyond your camping basics, here are a few other items to bring with you onshore for your overnight adventure.

An empty bladder: There are many regulations in line to protect this precious environment, including a strict, leave-nothing-but-your-footprints-behind policy (and even footprints are regulated by amount of daily foot-traffic allowed and designated landing sites). This means any #1 and #2 must come off shore with you. Your guide will supply a port-o-potty for emergency cases only. But – empty or full – they will need to carry the port-o-potty back to the ship. No one wants to be that guy. And let’s face it; you don’t want to expose those delicate areas to Antarctica’s elements anyway.

Sleep mask: If you need complete darkness to catch your Z’s, a sleep mask is a good option for you. Remember, during Antarctica’s summers months, the sun isn’t going anywhere – you’ll get dusky-dark at best. Or just pull your hat down over your eyes. That works too.

Less can be more: Your ship will supply you with a proper sleeping bag, one that is designed to withstand the winter weather. Once snuggled inside your tent and bag, don’t over bundle yourself in too many layers. You’ll actually prevent your body heat from warming you and your bag. Dress warm, but make sure there is space for heat to circulate in your sleeping bag. Don’t sleep with your head inside your bag – your breathe with cause moisture which ultimately means cold. Tighten your bag around your head/neck to prevent heat from sneaking out. And most importantly, don’t forget a hat or balaclava (a fancy face, head and neck cover).

Not-so-fancy camera: Careful with your camera on this overnight trip. Fog is a real issue with your lens and the cold is likely to suck the life out of the battery before you can blink. Like a lot of amateur and professional photographers, I travel with my fancy and my not-so-fancy camera. In other words, the one I won’t be completely heartbroken, or financially tapped, if it is damaged or destroyed and I need to be replaced. This is a trip for your not-so-fancy camera. I slept with mine — perhaps not the coziest of sleeping companions. But this kept life in the battery and prevented fog problems.

Ear plugs: If you are imaging a restful slumber in the ultimate quiet that only a remote location like Antarctica can bring … keep dreaming. Although camping locations vary depending on your itinerary and weather conditions, you will almost certainly be sharing the shore with a penguin rookie or two. After a few curious pecks to our tent, they sung us a squeaky lullaby all night long that I think you have to be a penguin to fully appreciate.

I admit, I loved every restless moment of it!