2010 Trip Announcements
I am pleased to announce three trips for 2010. As many of you know, the 2009 China trip was cancelled. I needed 1-2 more people but chose to cancel so those who were signed up could make other arrangements.
All three 2010 trips are photography oriented but non-photographers are welcome and will have a wonderful time. All three were designed in conjunction with individuals in each country whose company will actually provide some of the services. Working closely with locals helps keep the cost down.
Costa Rica March 24 - April 5, 2010.
Spring is an especially appealing time for birders and photographers to visit Costa Rica since many species are breeding. Young, immature and mature birds of the same species are often visible together. Larger mammals like the sloth and monkeys are moving throughout their habitats and visible at closer distances.
UPDATE:
As of mid-October, 2009, we have only five vacancies left for this trip. We expect air prices to rise at year end. This trip is still a bargain and we will hold the current price through the end of December. If you register in 2010 the cost will reflect any additional increases in airfare. The current trip price is $2450 based on double occupancy (including airfare from Orlando).This trip is jointly sponsored with Ric Kessler. Ric and I have co-lead trips and traveled together in the past few years. Join us as we journey to Costa Rica to photograph wildlife ranging from sloth and white-faced monkeys to bats, frogs, lizards, birds and more. Birds like this Resplendent Quetzal...
Botswana May 25-June 10, 2010
($6,495.00 -Not including Airfare from the US, which is estimated at $1400.00)
A two-week trip in 2008 to Botswana may well be the best trip I have ever taken. Sleeping in basic tents with animals in the camp every night, listening to the melodious evening song of frogs and insects plus great camp food (supplemented with great South African wine) prepared by a skilled chef and able crew are some of the reasons for the high mark. Read my article on this trip to see some of the photos I took there.
However, for the photographer and tourist the real magic of Botswana is in the wildlife and the savannas and bush that support wildlife. Botswana has far fewer tourists than some of the better known African countries. At the same time, it has set aside nearly 40,000 square miles of the country as national parks.
China Photography Tour October 9-28, 2010
($3,995.00 - Not including Airfare from the US, which is estimated at $1800.00)
This is a tour designed by and for photographers. Although we will make stops at Chinese Government approved tour sites, we will also spend lots of time at great wildlife and scenic spots. China is a country rich with photo opportunities. There are great shots of pandas, macaques, scenery, people, buildings and bicycles everywhere you point your camera. Non-photographers will find the same visual marketplace charming and amazing. Read my article on China for many more details about my recent trips.
As many of you recall the devastating earthquake in Sichuan affected the 2009 trip. This year we know where the Pandas are and that they are safe. Even if you have last year's itinerary please go the website and download the 2010 itinerary.
I expect all of these trips to fill quickly. The demand is already higher and the likelihood of getting prices this low in future years is very low. Please download the application and release form and mail them with your deposit. The same release form and application can be used for multiple trips.
I am looking forward to traveling with you in 2010.
-Tom|
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Links
ADM Advanced Diver MagazineREEF The Reef Environmental Education Foundation
NANPA North American Nature Photographers Association
ATLEX Online source for inks & paper
Prestancia.org Paradise found.
Ric Kessler Photography Colleague & sometime co-leader for trips, Ric Kessler
AKCREATIVE Photographer & web site designer, Aydelette Kelsey