Topics

Daily Expedition Reports

JillCruse — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 05:53:33 GMT

Don't forget to check out the dailt Expedition reports here:

http://www.expeditions.com/DER_Details113.asp?DailyReport=153856&SearchSource=Results&Month&Year&Ship&Destination=287&Keyword

Just press "next" for each days report. Thanks everyone for a great trip!

Jill

Fitbit

BrooklynDoxyMoms — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:25:28 GMT

Hi! I always get great exercise on Olivia trips with hiking, walking and climbing. Now that the trip is over, would anyone be interested in creating/joining a fitbit group for Olivia members. I noticed that there were many women who had fitbits. It is a great way to stay in touch and motivate each other. If there is interest, please let me know and either I will create a fitbit group, or join yours.

Wouldn't it be great to be in shape for the next Olivia adventure?

Rachel

The whales are breaching!

JillCruse — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 03:59:29 GMT

I just arrived in Cabo about 5pm, and by 6pm I was in my hotel room, looking out over the Balcony and I spotted a baby whale with her mom. The baby breached at least 10 times right in front of me! Out in the distance about 20 minutes later was a full grown humpback, breaching way up out of the water. I got chills! This is going to be an awesome week! For those who are meeting the transfer at the cabo airport, remember to go to Terminal 1 at 2 pm sharp on Saturday, April 7.

Double check your AA flights!

JillCruse — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 14:25:36 GMT

With over 60 American Airlines planes out of service in DFW due to the recent hail storms, make sure you check your flights now to be sure it has not been cancelled!

Download a FREE National Geographic Photo guide!

JillCruse — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:42:12 GMT

Click-through or cut and paste this link for a wonderful photo guide to help you take better pictures in Baja!

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/ebooklets/ebook_general_1026.pdf?source=email_welcome

How to get a good seat on a flight

JillCruse — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:29:53 GMT

Don't like the seat you have been assigned on your flight? Here are some tips to finding something better:

Pay up. This probably isn't what you want to hear, but the easiest way to get a better seat is to pay for it. I'm not talking about upgrading to first class (though that's great if you can) but doing something more affordable. Most airlines in the U.S. will let you pay a little more to get a better coach seat assignment. Some have seats with extra legroom that will cost a little more as well.

Go elite. Airline frequent flier programs treat loyal frequent fliers better. If you earn elite status (usually starting at 25,000 miles in a year on the big guys), you'll have better access to better seat assignments. The higher your status, the better the perks.

Follow the upgrade window. Let's say you don't want to pay and you don't fly enough to earn elite status. What else can you do? Look at when your airline starts upgrading elite frequent fliers. That can start as early as five days out. When that person gets upgraded, it opens up a seat in the back -- possibly an improvement on your middle seat -- that you might be able to snag.

Check in early. Airlines do hold back some seats that can only be obtained when you check in. So you should check in as soon as you can. For many airlines, that's at the 24-hour mark, but some may vary. (Air France, for example, is at 30 hours.)

Set an alert. This all sounds like a lot of work, right? Well, you can save yourself some time by setting an alert at ExpertFlyer.com. The service has seat alerts as part of its free offerings that let you find out when a better seat opens up on your flight.

Arrivalguides.com

JillCruse — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:35:55 GMT

Check out www.arrivalguides.com to download information on over 400 destinations world wide! FREE!

http://www.arrivalguides.com/en/TravelGuides/North_America/Mexico/LOSCABOS

International Travel - Flight and Safety Tips

JillCruse — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:21:54 GMT

Travel and Safety Tips as you Travel

Travel Tips for long flights:

Here are a few ways to make travel on long flights a bit more comfortable and to help you arrive at your destination ready to go. Here's what I add to my carry-on bag:

· Saline nose spray - dry nostrils are prime breeding grounds for colds and flu. People claim that using a nose spray during their flight, they don't get a headache upon landing or get sick on trips.

· Tooth picks

· Bandana - - many uses while on planes (hankie, place mat, polish your fruit, wear as a “sleep” blindfold, cover nose/mouth over those foul smells that arise on planes :-), napkin, clean your glasses . . . . many uses!

· Bring a re-useable empty water container as you go through inspections, and fill it up at one of many water fountains inside the terminal before boarding.

· Bring a hotel-size bottle of lotion. Hands and face often get very dry in flight.

· Have a few snacks on hand – nuts, apple, favorite candies.

· Small travel-sized pack of tissues (or put some tissues in a baggie)

· Pen to work on puzzles in magazines and to fill our customs/immigration forms

· A blow-up neck pillow - This is easily stored in your carry-on and makes taking a nap so much more comfortable.

· A large wrap that can be used as a scarf or even a blanket when it get too cool

· When on-board, be sure to take several walks about the cabin. This will increase your circulation and help prevent deep vein thrombosis.

· Your own head-set for viewing movies or listening to music

· Traveling at night and arriving at your destination in the morning? Ask your doctor for recommendations to help you to sleep on flights.

· Have an iPad? Load your favorite movie(s) from iTunes

· Have all your customs/Immigration forms filled out BEFORE landing.

· And finally, before landing, go to the restroom and freshen up. You will then be ready to face the long lines through customs and the beginning of your next adventure.

Feel free to add your tips in this section as well!

Safety Tips

The next time you are walking in a city center or taking public transportation, do this short mental exercise. It will serve you well when you're traveling in a foreign destination. Look around you:

· Which women stand out?

· Whose purse has an outside pocket half unzipped?

· Who keeps checking the posted subway maps?

· Who is wearing a day pack on their back that could easily be accessed?

· Who seems to be spending a lot of time on their cell-phone and not aware of their surroundings?

· Who looks relaxed?

· Is anybody consulting a guidebook or checking something in their wallet?

· Who looks timid? This is exactly what an experienced thug does as he chooses his prey.

· Which person would you choose to pickpocket? Why?

Remember, always stand tall, look confident and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Hopefully, these insights you gain will help you to protect yourself from wrongdoers as you travel.

Anyone else as excited as I am?????????

JillCruse — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:16:29 GMT

In a little more than 2 weeks we will be in Baja! Let's hear from you! Any last minute questions we can answer for you?

Jill

Olivia departure packages delivered today

spiritflower — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 00:11:02 GMT

A great treat was at door today, a package from Olivia. Love the hats and backpacks! We did have one question....what are the blue and yellow ribbons for? My guess was to put on our luggage since it was in with the luggage tags. Not much longer for a well deserved vacation.

Gotta get packed now!

The Jo's

Clothes

MABDLH — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:35:01 GMT

What type of clothes and shoes shoudl we be bringing on this trip? is it safe to assume the attire is more casual than the others?

Flight Itinerary Changes

JillCruse — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:43:44 GMT

So far American and Alaska Air have changed their flights about 3 times each, so do pay attention to your flights and itineraries into La Paz and Cabo! For example, I originally had a flight out of Cabo at 2:10pm, then it changed to 3:50pm and now it is 1:25pm. I am sure I am not the only one affected. We will make sure those who were changed to the 1:25pm departure will make the flight, no worries! And whaetever time of arrival for the Alaska flight into La PPaz, we will have a transfer for you. Alaska only has one flight a day into La Paz, so we will be there to get you no matter what time it comes in :-)

We will have more confirmed in about a month (and maybe even more flight changes) :-)

Pre-trip Info

MABDLH — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:06:28 GMT

Did anyone else have trouble opening the attachment.? Mine is blank.

National Geographic/Lindblad Photo Webinar FEBRUARY 29!!!!!

JillCruse — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:37:31 GMT

We are THRILLED to have National Geographic Photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins on board on our upcoming Sea of Cortez trip April 7-14, 2012. He is doing a webinar for all of our guests on February 29 at 7pm ET

Here is the link to sign up. https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/777556170

Join Our FREE Photography Webinar
Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at 7pm (ET), 4pm (PT)

Expedition Photography opens up new and exciting worlds to explore with your camera. This is a chance to prepare for your upcoming expedition — get tips and advice from National Geographic Photographer and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Director of Expedition Photography, Ralph Lee Hopkins.

Join us live online, and become more familiar with your camera before you leave home.

>> Click here to REGISTER – FREE!
>> Remember, mark your calendar

• Get suggestions for choosing the right camera for you
• Learn about shooting modes, white balance, ISO, and more
• Hear tips on improving photo composition along with assignments to sharpen your skills
• Discover ways to download, store, and back up images while traveling
• Find out what to pack and how to travel with your gear

Overnighting at LAX before cruise

spiritflower — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 19:18:19 GMT

Hello Ladies,

We're flying into LAX on Friday, April 6 and staying overnight then flying to Los Cabos the next day. Is anyone else doing the same? It would be great to stay at the same hotel and meet others going on the trip. We haven't booked a hotel yet and Jill Cruse recommended the Four Points Sheridan as a possibility. The Olivia website also mentioned the Renaissance and Westin hotels. Our flight arrives into LAX at 5:25 pm so we have do pool time, dinner, drinks, and general socializing.

Looking forward to our expedition!

The Jo's

Pre-post Package

Gonz50 — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 17:21:24 GMT

Jill-will there be a pre-post package for Sea of Cortez.

Anybody-has anyone looked at hotel stays in Cabo or La Paz for this trip? Anybody make reservations for arriving early. Rates look pretty pricey. I would appreciate if anyone could share any recommendations.

Thanks

Sarah

REPOSTING - GET YOUR AIR NOW! It's Spring break!

JillCruse — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 23:19:53 GMT

This was important enough to re-post. With spring break happening during our trip, flights WILL sell out.

!!!IMPORTANT!!!!! GET YOUR AIR NOW!!!!!

GET YOUR AIR NOW!

12 minutes ago

Just a note to all who are booked on our baja trip. This is happening right around spring break, and air into La Paz and into Cabo goes very fast, so we suggest getting your air NOW! Unfortunately we were not able to get discounts on Alaska air into La Paz due to the spring break black-out period for discounts, but we are partnered with American for a 7% discount into Cabo.

Here are our flight guidelines:

Where to fly into/out of

You will need to fly in and out of La Paz (LAP) or Los Cabos (SJD).

Suggested arrival/departure times Arrivals

If you are arriving into La Paz (LAP) on April 7, 2012 please arrive on Alaska Airlines Flight 2603, departing LAX at 10:15am and arriving La Paz at 1:07pm. If you are on this flight, you will be picked up from the airport and taken to the ship.

Hint: Many people arrive a day early into LAX and overnight at a local hotel by the LAX airport. Last year many stayed at the Four Points Sheraton, Renaissance and Westin Hotels – all nice hotels at reasonable rates.

If you are arriving into Los Cabos (SJD) on April 7, 2012 (flights may be cheaper this way), please plan to arrive by 1:00pm. Your 2 ½ hour group transfer will depart from the airport to the ship at approximately 2:30pm.

Departures:

If you are departing from La Paz on April 14, 2012, plan on taking Alaska Air flight 2604, departing La Paz at 2:53pm and arriving LAX at 4:50pm. You will stop for an included lunch before being taken to the airport.

If you are departing out of Los Cabos (SJD) on April 14, 2012, please make your flight for after 1:00pm. You will be transferred directly to the airport after breakfast. NOTE: American has a flight departing at 12:45pm (change in schedule from a 1:30pm departure to Chicago). We will now be able to accomodate flights departing from Cabo at 12:45pm.

Airfare

We are proud to partner with American Airlines.The AA discount code A2642AX applies to flights in and out of San Jose Del Cabo (SJD). Dates of travel are April 1 - 21, 2012. Airfare can be booked no earlier than 11 months before the trip. This reservation can be booked by calling (800) 433-1790 ($25 booking fee applies) or visiting AA.com/rainbow (no booking fee and please remove the preceding “A” when booking online).

Luggage allowances
While there is no luggage limit on the cruise itself, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.

Transfers and Meeting up with Olivia
On April 7, 2012 you will be met at the La Paz airport at approximately 1:30pm, or the Los Cabos Airport at approximately 2:30pm and transferred to the ship. Specific meeting time and place at airports will be indicated in your final documents.

Preview the sights

MABDLH — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 13:28:40 GMT

If you go to www.expeditions.com and click on BAJA there is a wealth of information from Lindblad about what we will see and learn on our journey. There are short videos and webinars and reference materials.

National Geographic Photo Webinar Opportunity, July 18, 2011!

JillCruse — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 20:27:06 GMT

Go here to Register: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/986584603

Join Our FREE Photography Webinar
Monday, July 18, 2011 at 7pm (ET), 4pm (PT)

Expedition Photography opens up new and exciting worlds to explore with your camera. This is a chance to prepare for your upcoming expedition - get tips and advice from National Geographic Photographer and Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Director of Expedition Photography, Ralph Lee Hopkins.

Join us live online, and become more familiar with your camera before you leave home.

>> Click here to REGISTER – FREE!
>> Remember, mark your calendar

• Get suggestions for choosing the right camera for you
• Learn about shooting modes, white balance, ISO, and more
• Hear tips on improving photo composition along with assignments to sharpen your skills
• Discover ways to download, store, and back up images while traveling
• Find out what to pack and how to travel with your gear

Welcome to the Whales and Sea of Cortez Group!

JillCruse — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:07:30 GMT

We are very excited to be offering this trip a 2nd time! Let us know who's going to be joining us and where you are from! Also, what do you hope your experience will be on this trip?

!!!IMPORTANT!!!!! GET YOUR AIR NOW!!!!!

JillCruse — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:59:12 GMT

GET YOUR AIR NOW!

12 minutes ago

Just a note to all who are booked on our baja trip. This is happening right around spring break, and air into La paz and into Cabo goes very fast, so we suggest getting your air NOW! Unfortunately we were not able to get discounts on Alaska air into La Paz due to the spring break black-out period for discounts, but we are partnered with American for a 7% discount into Cabo.

Here are our flight guidelines:

Where to fly into/out of

You will need to fly in and out of La Paz (LAP) or Los Cabos (SJD).

Suggested arrival/departure times Arrivals

Departures:

If you are departing out of Los Cabos (SJD) on April 14, 2012, please make your flight for after 1:00pm. You will be transferred directly to the airport after breakfast.

Airfare

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JillCruse — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 23:45:06 GMT

This post has been deleted by the author