Including round-trip tickets for two and the highly sought-after Companion Pass.
Destination of the Day
The Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands are an almost mythical archipelago more than 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador's mainland. Spread over 17,000 square miles, the 21 islands are home to some of the rarest wildlife on the planet, including Galapagos tortoises, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, penguins, sea lions, and sea turtles—all of which are seemingly unfazed by human visitors. Before booking a Galapagos tour or cruise, read on to discover the top Galapagos Islands and the features for which they're known, so that you can select what you most want to see.
Isabela Island
The Isle Isabela is by far the largest Galapagos island, a 1,771-square-mile mix of open lava fields and, at higher elevations, red mangrove forest that is made up of five young (and still active) volcanoes. It's home to Flamingos Lake, where you'll find more pink flamingos than anywhere else on the islands. Isabela's Moreno Point is a good spot for penguin sightings, and its Arnaldo Tupiza Breeding Center breeds all five subspecies of giant tortoise that are native to the island.
Santa Cruz Island
On this central island you can visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, where you'll find decades' worth of scientific info relating to the islands, as well as a natural history collection showcasing the archipelago's biodiversity. There are also naturally formed underground lava tubes you can walk through, and the El Chato Tortoise Reserve is a great place to see giant tortoises in their natural habitat. From Puerto Ayora, the Galapagos' largest town, it's just a 1.5-mile walk to Tortuga Bay—a spectacular white-sand beach with a separate cove for swimming in the company of white tip reef sharks.
Española Island
The southernmost island in the Galapagos and one of its oldest—estimated to be over 4 million years old—Española is a wildlife hub. Especially at Suarez Point, a trail that begins at a small lighthouse and often passes curious sea lions, Nazca boobies, blue-footed boobies, Darwin's finches, and swallow-tailed gulls en route to a natural blowhole that can spray water up to 100 feet in the air.
Your Packing List
The dry season (June through November) features drizzle-filled days and little sunshine. Cold, steady winds from the south bring the average temperature down to the upper 60s and low 70s as well, which can make things damp and cool at times. Plan accordingly.
Despite it being cloudy, you'll still want sun protection—you're near the equator after all. Pack a sun hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and aloe vera. If you're planning to spend any time out on the water, be sure to also pack two to three swimsuits, a wetsuit, and a rash guard in your suitcase.
Bring a pair of binoculars to get up-close views of the wildlife in all their glory!
Just two hours outside of Shanghai, Suzhou is famous for many things: silk production, legendary temples, and its well-preserved traditional gardens. Of the city's 50-plus historic gardens, nine are recognized for their "outstanding universal value" by UNESCO. It's certainly worth an overnight stay in Suzhou to tick more than one of the city's renowned gardens off your list.
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