TravelWays Spring 2014 Magazine by Travel Beyond http://travelbeyond.com

1. 1
Temperatures &
TIGER
SAFARIS
TravelWayspresented by
Safari Harmony
KENYA
For Every Traveler
FOR EVERY SEASON

2. 3
From the Owner
As our office in Minnesota begins to thaw following the fourth coldest winter in state history, snow
banks are giving way to puddles, lakeside paths are filling up with walkers and runners, and the silence
of winter is being replaced by the chirping birds of spring. Outside of Minnesota, our travel consultants
in California, Nevada, Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Florida and Cape Town, South Africa are watching their
home cities adapt to spring in their own ways. As a travel consultancy, we are again reminded of how
powerfully seasons affect one’s travel experiences.
We bring this issue of TravelWays to you with the seasons in mind. Our foldout feature is a timeline, filled
with personal recommendations from our expert team on their favorite destinations and activities for
every season. Highlights include the gray whale migration in Baja, Mexico, the albatross mating season in
the Galapagos and Japan’s springtime cherry blossoms.
Seasonal temperatures have an impact on wildlife viewing all over the world, and our consultants are often asked about the best time to
see certain species. This month, we explain how travelers willing to brave hot weather are often more successful catching a glimpse of
the elusive Bengal tigers of India.
For our Africa fanatics, we’re highlighting the classic African safari destination: Kenya. Kenya is best known for its seasonal migration of
wildebeest and zebra, providing dramatic river crossings with lurking crocodiles. I recently returned from my second trip to Kenya and
was impressed by the country’s incredible wildlife, luxury safari lodges and beautiful landscapes. Two additional Travel Beyond employ-
ees, Pam Buttner and Lainie Overbeck, visited Kenya within the past month as part of our commitment to further educate our staff.
On behalf of the entire Travel Beyond family, I wish you an enjoyable spring and look forward to planning your next trip, no matter what
the season.
Safe travels,
Craig Beal , Owner/Operator
New Hires:
After working as a Travel Beyond intern for six years
throughout high school and college, Callie Robinson
joined the company full time as a travel manager
following her early graduation from the University of
Wisconsin - La Crosse.
In April, Julia Gibas-Jones joined the Travel Beyond
team as a travel producer, with an impressive travel
resume of 25 countries visited and degrees in Interna-
tional and Intercultural Studies and Narrative Studies
from Pitzer College (CA).
2014 COMPANY UPDATES CONTACT US
Online: TravelBeyond.com
Facebook.com/TravelBeyond
Phone: (800) 876-3131
(952) 475-9975
Email: information@travelbeyond.com
Office: 106 Broadway Ave S
Wayzata, MN 55391
Jeanie Fundora’s safari tips featured in Luxury Travel Advisor
An article on family safaris in the February issue of Luxury Travel Advisor featured tips
from travel consultant Jeanie Fundora on traveling to Africa with kids. In December 2013,
Jeanie took her 1-year-old daughter Daniela to Africa for the first time, and in the process,
learned some great travel tips to pass along to her clients. To read about Jeanie’s trip, visit
TravelBeyondBlog.com.
WCCO asks Jenny Mikkelson about“layaway”travel plans
Travel Beyond is proud to be listed as a Top Minnesota Travel Agency by WCCO. In the
wake of a few new internet“layaway” travel sites, Travel Beyond vice president Jenny
Mikkselson answered questions from Minnesota’s CBS-affiliate WCCO about how Travel
Beyond processes client payments. Her answer? Most travel agencies (including Travel
Beyond) already operate by accepting payments during at least two stages of the plan-
ning process, without the additional processing fees the new layaway websites impose!
In the News
Jan. 6: Embark Ft. Lauderdale
Jan. 7-8: At Sea
Jan. 9-10: Cartegena, Colombia
Jan. 11: Transiting the Panama Canal
Jan. 12: At Sea
Jan. 13: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Jan. 14: At Sea
Jan. 15: Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Jan. 16: At Sea
Jan. 17: Zihuatanejo (Ixtapa), Mexico
Jan. 18: At Sea
Jan. 19: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Jan. 20-21: At Sea
Jan. 22: Disembark Los Angeles
Join Travel Beyond owner Craig Beal on a 16-night luxury cruise
through the Panama Canal aboard Silversea’s Silver Spirit. Setting sail
on January 6, 2015, the itinerary offers travelers the chance to see the
iconic Panama Canal undergoing a widening transformation.
*Starting price per person sharing. Contact us at information@travelbeyond.com
or (800) 876-3131 for more information.
2015 Hosted Panama Canal Cruise
16 Nights
$
7,350*
Jeanie’s family on safari
Jenny in Africa
Courtesy Silversea Cruises

3. 4 5
KENYA is a country of many contrasts: a land spanning from vast savannah plains and snow-capped mountains to lush, tropical rain-
forests and golden beaches. Kenya has captured the hearts of many in the nearly two centuries since travelers have begun exploring
its stunning landscapes and the plethora of game within. Today, tourism is Kenya’s largest source of income and yet the country
has been able to maintain a conservation model that has preserved the essence of what’s made Kenya truly special – its vast natural
expanse, abundant wildlife and incredible cultures.
Photo courtesy of Jenny Mikkelson
Kenya:
SAFARI HARMONY
Visiting Kenya
To make the most of a trip to Kenya, our consultants recommend
visiting at least two national parks or private conservancies for
greater diversity in Kenya’s varied wildlife and landscapes. Here
are a few additional recommendations from our East Africa
experts on how to best experience Kenya:
Wildlife Viewing
“Pair a few nights in a conservancy like Lewa Wildlife Conser-
vancy with time in a conservancy surrounding the Maasai Mara
to witness the Great Wildebeest and Zebra Migration, which is
generally in full swing in the Mara between August and October
annually. (Check out this magazine’s timeline foldout for more
information on both areas!)”
– Jeanie Fundora, Safari Consultant
Travel+Leisure A-List Agent
Scenic Views
“Balance Kenya’s wide-open grasslands with a more mountain-
ous reserve near Mount Kenya to appreciate a few of Kenya’s
contrasting environments.”
–Pam Buttner, Safari Consultant
Safari Activities
“Couple the standard safari game drive with a sunrise hot air bal-
loon safari, walking safari, horseback safari or camelback safari
for a truly memorable and unique experience.“
–Lainie Overbeck, Travel Manager
Cultural Interaction
“Round out wildlife viewing with a visit to the local communities
of Maasai or Samburu that live on private reserves. The interac-
tions are much more authentic than touristy, giving a more
realistic and meaningful cultural experience.”
– Craig Beal, Owner/Operator
Travel+Leisure A-List Agent
In March 2014, Travel Beyond owner Craig Beal, consultant Pam
Buttner and travel manager Lainie Overbeck each spent approx-
imately two weeks vetting camps, lodges and hotels throughout
Kenya’s many national parks and private game reserves. Their
recent experiences, shared with the rest of the Travel Beyond
team, will add to the wealth of knowledge already held by our
other East Africa experts: Kota Tabuchi, Rose Loggi, Jeanie Fun-
dora, Marsha Carroll and Jenny Mikkelson.
As a pioneer of the classic photographic safari experience,
Kenya is historically well known as a top luxury safari destina-
tion. In addition to a host of other popular game reserves,
safari guests flock to the Maasai Mara for the annual Great
Migration, photographing the drama that unfolds when
thousands of wildebeest cross the crocodile-infested Mara
River. As safaris have changed throughout Africa, Kenya has
risen to the challenge to preserve an authentic experience.
Kenya has championed the concept of community-based
conservation, meaning many camps and lodges throughout
Kenya have partnered with local communities to protect
habitats, culture, provide education and empower local
residents through fair business practices.
The advanced and sustainable conservation model that
Kenya has in place bodes well for the future of wildlife and
Kenyans alike.
“Near the Mara, the private conservancies pay Maasai fami-
lies directly to rent the property for their private camps,”says
Travel Beyond owner Craig Beal.“On a game drive, you’ll see
lions at one turn and a Maasai herder with his cattle later in
the drive.”
This co-existence between human and animal has been
a part of Kenya’s history for thousands of years, but until
recently it was a source of tension in Kenya as traditional
Maasai cattle grazing lands were taken and protected for
wildlife. Today, however, balance exists with conservation
being aided by conservancy managers. Employed by lodges
throughout Kenya, conservancy managers make sure human
environmental interaction and Maasai and Samburu cattle
grazing practices are sustainable. Conservancy managers are
respected by lodge owners and the local communities alike.
Unlike some African safari destinations, most lodges in Kenya
aren’t owned by big chains, but rather by families.
“Each camp or lodge has a special design and feel, and about
half of the places I stayed on my recent trip had an owner
who lives at the camp,”explains Beal.
Blending Wildlife,
Culture & Tourism
in Kenya
Paul & Lainie Overbeck on a camelback safari in Kenya

4. 6 7
Timing is
everything...
At Travel Beyond, we believe that knowing
when to visit a particular destination is just
as important as knowing where to go and
what to do when you get there.
Photo courtesy Wilderness Safaris

5. 8 9 10 11
For Every Season
So many special travel experiences are all
about timing. With land and sea animal
migrations, seasonal weather patterns and
yearly festivals, it’s critical to plan ahead and
plan properly for each destination. We asked
our team of expert travelers and travel plan-
ners to share their favorite seasonal experi-
ences from around the globe and arranged
those recommendations into a calendar. We
were thrilled (but not surprised) to see that
no matter what the season, there’s a destina-
tion for every type of traveler. Enjoy.
January April July OctoberFebruary May August NovemberMarch June September December
S elinda , B otswana
K auai , H awaii
B aja W hale W atching rwandaM alawiG alapagos islands
T iger safari , I ndia A laska Pacuare R i v er , C osta R ica
Panama C anal
timba v ati , south A frica
S t. L ucia machu picchu , peru
N ortheast A ustraliaN orthern S erengeti
san pedro de atacama
The Selinda Reserve in
northern Botswana is an
excellent place to see wild
dog, lion, elephant and other
classic safari wildlife. Although
it’s a year-round destination,
luxury properties in the Selinda
Reserve offer great value for
money throughout the No-
vember to March green season.
Visit in January to flee winter
weather, avoid the crowds and
relax after the chaos of holiday
festivities.
Take an expedition cruise to
Baja Mexico and witness the
yearly migration of spectacular
gray whales who give birth
in the protected waters of
Magdalena Bay.The expedition
ship deploys small zodiacs to
place guests in the middle of
the action. Among the gentle,
swimming whales, guests are
perfectly situated for excellent
photography and (with a bit of
luck) the chance to touch the
curious whales.
For a life-changing, magical
opportunity to see the highly
endangered mountain gorilla,
visit Rwanda’s Parc National
desVolcans. Less than 900 of
the beautiful mountain gorillas
remain in the wild, and a lim-
ited number of trekking per-
mits are available for travelers
each day to ensure the gorillas
are protected.Visit the park in
November to avoid the slippery
trek rainy season creates in the
dense forested hills.
Malawi, the“Warm Heart of
Africa,”offers a bright, welcom-
ing culture and opportunities
to swim, relax on the water,
hike Mt. Mulanje and witness
beautiful views of the valley
where JRRTolkien was inspired
to write TheHobbit. September
is Kelly’s favorite month in Ma-
lawi for great game viewing in
Liwonde National Park and the
clearest waters for top-notch
snorkeling and scuba diving in
Lake Malawi.
For a“raw”natural experience
with wildlife, the Galapagos
Islands located 600 miles
off Ecuador’s coast can’t be
beat. Snorkel with curious sea
lions, kayak along stunning
and diverse shorelines and
photograph 100-year-old
giant tortoises on volcanic
islands.Visit in April to witness
albatross mating season,
during which the large birds
dance and bill-clack in an
unforgettable ritual.
India is surely hot in May, but
travelers who can withstand
the heat are more likely to
catch a glimpse of the elusive
Bengal tiger in the spring
season. An Indian safari also
features gorgeous forest scen-
ery, a variety of Indian wildlife
and luxury properties that are
uniquely Indian in design and
opulence. Check out our article
on Pages 12-13 for more
information on what to expect
on a tiger safari in India!
Avoid the tourist trap port
towns that large cruise ships
visit and get to know the
beauty of Alaska more inti-
mately on a small ship cruise.
Visit Alaska during the summer
to take full advantage of hik-
ing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking
and an array of other outdoor
activities. Photograph stunning
coastal scenery and learn about
the brown bears, otters, whales
and other animals who call
Alaska home.
Costa Rica’s Pacuare River
deserves a spot on any adven-
turous traveler’s list. A rafting
trip down the exciting and
beautiful river is best in early
December, at the beginning of
dry season when the water is
still running high. Along the
route, stay at a jungle lodge,
take a canopy adventure tour
ziplining through the wildlife-
filled forest, and horseback ride
along the river for a different
perspective of the jungle scene.
After a successful 2014 hosted
Caribbean cruise, I’ve decided
to lead another group luxury
cruise in January 2015. Please
join me on a Silversea sailing
through the iconic Panama Ca-
nal in the midst of it’s historic
widening transformation.The
cruise visits ports along the
way in Colombia, Guatemala,
Costa Rica and Mexico. See
page 3 of this magazine for
more information on my16-
night hosted cruise.
For a family safari per-
fectly suited for the little ones,
visit theTimbavati in beautiful
South Africa.The family
friendly Kambaku Safari Lodge
is family-owned and operated
(and even has their own little
one who loves the bush!)Take
the family in the summer
while your kids are on break
from school. If you’re lucky, you
might even catch a glimpse
of a white lion in their natural
environment!
St. Lucia boasts much more
than simply a beach escape
from the North American
winter. Explore the scenic Piton
volcanic plugs (a UNESCOWorld
Heritage Site), snorkel in coral
reefs, hike among gorgeous
scenery, visit botanical gardens
and the world’s only“drive-in”
volcano. (Yes, you read that
right!) Don’t wait until next
year’s bitter temperatures set in
to plan your trip to this exotic
Caribbean island.
The archeological masterpiece
of Machu Picchu, built by the
Inca Empire, is a highlight of
any trip to Peru. Active travel-
ers, photographers, historians
and kids alike fall in love with
the ruins. Beautiful weather
in May makes it a perfect time
to visit before summer crowds
arrive. Combine the trek to the
ruins with a stay at a luxurious
property on the mountain’s
base, offering nature walks, tea
and many family activities.
August marks springtime
in Australia, which means
northeast Australia offers ideal
weather before the intense
heat and humidity arrive for
the October through March
summer season. Snorkelers at
the Great Barrier Reef see less
jellyfish, and the temperatures
are perfect for exploring
regions like the Daintree
Rainforest (the oldest in the
world!) and the wildlife-filled
Bamurru Plains.
During March, the Northern
Serengeti inTanzania hosts
fewer travelers, making it a
quiet, relaxing destination
in which to enjoy beautiful
scenery, good resident game
viewing and a calming safari
escape.The Northern Serengeti
is a perfect next travel step
after an exciting visit to see the
wildebeest and zebra migra-
tion (located in the Ndutu area
of the Serengeti at this time
of year.)
Chile’s San Pedro de Atacama
rests in the world’s driest
desert, but highlights here are
more than sand.Visit Geysers
delTatio at sunrise to see the
Earth awaken with steaming
fumeroles. See Laguna Chaxa’s
pink flamingos wading in
brilliant blue water.Watch the
sunset from theValley of the
Moon, with its changing vistas
in the fading light. Go in late
June to celebrate the Fiesta de
San Pedro amidst it all.
Jeanie
Fundora
Kota
Tabuchi
Katie
Blackstone
Meg
Tschudi
Joleen
Soderberg
Marsha
Carroll
Ken
Marshall
Rose
Loggi
Jennifer
Bravo
Lainie
Overbeck
Kayla
Torgerson
Pam
Buttner
Jenny
Mikkelson
Marguerite
Smit
Kelly
RItter
Phillip
Gain
Recommended by Jeanie Fundora
Recommended by Ken Marshall
Recommended by Jenny Mikkelson Recommended by Rose LoggiRecommended by Kelly RitterRecommended by Katie Blackstone
Recommended by Kayla Torgerson Recommended by Jenny Mikkelson Recommended by Jennifer Bravo
Recommended by Craig Beal
Recommended by Marguerite Smit
Recommended by Ken Marshall and Joleen Soderberg Recommended by Marguerite Smit
Recommended by Jenny MikkelsonRecommended by Pam Buttner
Recommended by Jennifer Bravo
G rootbos , S outh A frica
Grootbos Private Nature
Reserve is home to the“Marine
Big 5”- whales, sharks, dol-
phins, seals and penguins.
Between June and December,
hundreds of Southern Right
Whales chooseWalker Bay
as their home for the mating
season. Experience close
encounters with these majestic
giants from coastal cliffs,
aboard a whale watching boat
or by plane flying over the
spectacularWalker Bay.
Recommended by Marsha Carroll
L ewa wildlife conser v ancy, K enya
Lewa is a private conser-
vancy, which allows it to offer
traditional game drives and
additionally exciting activities
like horseback or camelback
safaris.The conservancy pays
special attention to protecting
threatened black rhinos,
harboring about 10% of
Kenya’s entire population.Visit
this year-round destination in
January or February to avoid
summer crowds and shoulder-
season rains.
Recommended by Rose Loggi and Lainie Overbeck
T ransatlantic C rossing
Traveling to Europe on a sum-
mer trip? Consider aTransatlan-
tic Crossing on the luxurious
Queen Mary 2 from NewYork
to Southampton at the time
of year the Atlantic is most
smooth.While onboard, learn
to salsa dance, enjoy a mas-
sage, visit the only planetarium
at sea and relax with stunning
sunsets over the vast ocean. Ar-
rive in Europe refreshed instead
of tired from an overnight
international flight.
Recommended by Bob Gaston and Meg Tschudi
Z ambia
Zambia is still wild Africa—
away from the safari crowds
and offering amazing walking
safaris in places like South
Luangwa National Park and
canoeing opportunities the the
Lower Zambezi.The country’s
intimate, remote camps are
surrounded by incredible
game.The temperate climate
in July and August makes
the months of the American
summer the perfect time for an
unforgettable Zambian safari.
Recommended by Kota Tabuchi
M ozambique
Mozambique’s Bazaruto and
Quirimbas archipelagos host
gorgeous beaches and world-
class diving and snorkeling.
Visit in May to avoid the
November through March rainy
season.While there, take a
romantic dhow sunset cruise
to celebrate an anniversary,
explore colorful ocean life
snorkeling in the Mozambique
Channel or simply read a book
on the beach to relax after an
African safari.
Recommended by Jeanie Fundora
Craig
Beal
Bob
Gaston
E ast A frica ’ s G reat M igration
The GreatWildebeest Migration
in Kenya andTanzania is ongo-
ing and moves throughout
the region year-round.
However, most travelers envi-
sion dramatic river crossings
when dreaming of seeing the
migration. For the best chance
of crocodile vs. wildebeest
encounters, visit the Northern
Serengeti on theTanzanian
side and the Maasai Mara on
the Kenyan side in August and
September.
Recommended by Kota Tabuchi and Jeanie Fundora
B otswana
Botswana’s popularity often
translates into full camps and
less availability.To beat the
crowds, go on safari during the
first two weeks of December.
Because of fewer guests in
camp, travelers often get
private vehicles without having
to pay the extra cost. As a
bonus, early December gives
guests access to the most ex-
perienced and knowledgeable
guides who will likely have the
holidays off from work.
Recommended by Craig Beal
Tarangire , Tanzania
Tanzania may be best known
for the Ngorongoro Crater and
the Serengeti, butTarangire
National Park is one of the
most beautiful parks in all of
Africa.Tarangire’s rolling hills
and stunning baobab trees
are a photographer’s dream.
The park’s water sources host a
strong animal population dur-
ing the June through October
dry season, offering the great-
est concentration of wildlife
outside of the Serengeti.
Recommended by Rose Loggi
Z imbabwe
Be warned: October in Zimba-
bwe is HOT. However, just like
on a tiger safari in India (see
page 14!), if you can stand the
heat, the game viewing is epic
due to incredible predator v.
prey interation around water
sources.With less vegetation,
the animals are easier to spot
as well.Visit both Mana Pools
National Park and Hwange
National Park to get a well-
rounded Zimbabwean safari
experience.
Recommended by Pam Buttner
C artegena , C olombia
The city of Cartagena, Colombia
is a celebration of culture, color
and history.Visit in November
for fewer crowds while enjoy-
ing activities like boating to
the Rosario Islands for a day
of sun, fun and snorkeling.
Climb the Castillo de San Felipe
fort and explore its series of
underground tunnels. Experi-
ence the unique combination
of Latin and Caribbean cultures
with fabulous music, dance
and food.
Recommended by Jennifer Bravo
C ape town , south africa
CapeTown is eclectic, bustling
and full of variety that never
goes out of season, but one
of Marsha’s favorite times to
visit is April. Autumn in Cape
Town means less crowds and
an abundance of sunshine and
blue skies, perfect for enjoying
popular CapeTown beaches
such as Camps Bay or Clifton.
Take a cultural tour, indulge
at world-class restaurants and
stand atopTable Mountain for
spectacular views.
Recommended by Marsha Carroll
Courtesy Jeanie Fundora Courtesy Lindblad Expeditions Courtesy Jenny Mikkelson Courtesy Matt Bracken
Courtesy Memorable Costa RicaCourtesy Jennifer BravoCourtesy Encounters Asia
Courtesy Molly Demmer
Courtesy Lainie Overbeck
Courtesy Silversea Cruises
Courtesy Cunard Cruise Line
Courtesy Kayla Torgerson
Courtesy Will Bracken Courtesy Lainie Overbeck
Courtesy Marguerite SmitCourtesy Jennifer BravoCourtesy Marguerite Smit Courtesy Kayla Torgerson Courtesy Ken Marshall
japan
Growing up in Japan may make
Kota a little bit biased, but
Japan has beautiful culture
and the best food in the world.
Visit in April to witness and
photograph the blooming
cherry blossoms. Plan your trip
from south to north to follow
the blooming pattern. Along
the way, visit Shinto Shrines,
explore BuddhistTemples,
taste local cuisine and check
out Kota’s favorite nightime
hangout, Kichijoji inTokyo.
Recommended by Kota Tabuchi
Courtesy Kota Tabuchi
Victoria Falls
The greatVictoria Falls experi-
ences its highest flow in March
and April, when visitors can
experience the majestic power
of“The Smoke thatThunders,”
the translation of the Mosi-
oa-Tuya indigenous name.
Adventurous travelers can
bungee jump or fly in a micro
light at the falls, while others
can take a sunset cruise on the
Zambezi River from either the
Zambian or Zimbabwean side
of the falls.
Recommended by Jeanie Fundora
Courtesy Molly Demmer
E l C halten , A rgentina
Called the“Trekking Capital of
Patagonia,”El Chalten’s hiking
scenery boasts the turquoise
lakes, majestic mountains and
dazzling glaciers for which
the region is best known.Visit
El Chalten in early March as
it showcases fall colors and is
subject to fewer crowds. Stop
by the charming chocolate
shop or funky brewery for a
bit of local flavor or strap on
crampons for an thrilling ice
climb onViedma Glacier.
Recommended by Jennifer Bravo
Courtesy Jennifer Bravo
On Kauai, you’ll run out of
synonyms for beautiful as you
discover the island’s many
fantastic draws.Take a yacht
tour of the Napali Coast,
explore the impressiveWaimea
Canyon, photograph the iconic
Kilauea lighthouse or sunbathe
on sunny Poipu Beach.This
scenic island never ceases to
be beautiful, but an October
or early November visit avoids
holiday crowds, winter escapes
and school break busy seasons.
and every traveler
Courtesy Lainie Overbeck
Courtesy Paul RunzeCourtesy Molly Demmer

6. 12 13
VIBRANT. SPIRITUAL. RAW. Three words that describe the
beauty and intrigue of India, one of the world’s oldest and
most captivating civilizations.
While India may be best known for its bustling cities and
diverse culture, it is also home to one of most secluded and
elusive animals on the planet: the Bengal tiger. India is one
of only two destinations in the world where visitors have
an opportunity to see this magnificent (and endangered)
animal in the wild.
Tigers have long been champions of popular culture. In fact,
the tiger was even voted“World’s Favorite Animal”in an
Animal Planet poll. But unlike playful Hollywood depictions
such as Winnie the Pooh’s Tigger and Kellogg’s Tony the
Tiger, the Bengal tiger is anything but outgoing or social.
Rather, the world’s favorite animal prefers to live a solitary
life out of the spotlight, making sightings rare and special.
“The reality of spotting a tiger on safari is important to
discuss up front with interested travelers prior to commit
ting to the journey, especially if they have traveled to Africa
on a safari where the experience is very different,”says Jenny
Mikkelson, vice president at Travel Beyond.“In Africa, while
we can’t guarantee a particular sighting, it is more unusual
for guests to return without seeing, for example, some of
the Big Five if they are in an area known for their sightings.
The Heat of the Moment:
TEMPERATURES & TIMING OF TIGER SAFARIS
Photo courtesy of Encounters Asia
A classic safari view, courtesy of travel manager Kayla Torgerson
W il d life F oc u s
In India, you may not see a single tiger, and it’s important to
know that going in.”
So what is all the fuss about if a sighting cannot be guaran-
teed? Travel Beyond employee Kayla Torgerson has embarked
on safari in both India and Africa and while she describes the
experiences as being“completely different”there is some com-
mon ground.
“While on safari in Africa, seeing wild dog, for example, is
uncommon, so when you get the opportunity it’s really incred-
ible,”explains Torgerson.“With tigers, it’s similar. The experi-
ence of searching for a tiger is exciting and if you see one it’s
special because you know it is quite rare. If you don’t, which is
more common, there are plenty of other things to see: birds,
Barasingha (swamp deer), buffalo, monkeys and other smaller
species. The natural beauty of India is stunning and within the
parks—away from the cities—is one of the only places where
that beauty is truly untouched and preserved.”
Timing is everything when planning a tiger safari to India.
India’s national parks close during monsoon season, which
means they are only open from October 15th to June 30th.
The heat from April through the closing of the parks at the end
of June is intense, with sweltering temperatures above 100
degrees Farenheit.
“When speaking to a client about a tiger safari, I always ask,
“Can you take the heat?”says Mikkelson.
As Mikkelson explains, travelers who can endure the stifling
seasonal temperatures are often more likely to be rewarded
with a tiger sighting. This is because the shrubs and plant life of
the forest shrivel in the heat, aiding in the search. In addition,
creeks and smaller bodies of water also cease to exist, causing
more predator and prey drama at the larger permanent water
sources within the national parks.
As the temperatures rise and the natural environment adapts,
tiger behavior changes in these hot months as well. Like ani-
mals in Africa, once a tiger finds a spot next to a body of water,
it is likely to stick around and rest in response to the heat. As
a reward for the willingness to sweat, safari guests are more
likely (though not guaranteed) to locate and photograph a tiger
in the wild during these months.
Like the tigers, safari guests can be assured of a break from
the heat of the day as well. Cooler nights and a number of
air-conditioned luxury properties in the parks offer a refreshing
break after a day on a photographic hunt.
Visiting India
Tiger safari itineraries often include three to four
nights on safari, giving travelers a chance to easily
add on other experiences in India, from the classic
Golden Triangle circuit to holy sites and relaxing
beaches.
Golden Triangle
India’s“Golden Triangle”of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur of-
fers the chance to see the iconic Taj Mahal, fascinating
mosques and temples, colorful bazaars and other
must-see destinations.
Varanasi
Those who have already experienced the Golden
Triangle often enjoy visiting the loud and colorful
Varanasi on a second trip. A holy site for Hindus,
Varanasi features the incredible Ganga Aarti daily
ritualistic candlelit ceremony viewed from a boat
upon the Ganges.
Indian Ocean Beaches
While few travelers immediately think of India as a
beach destination, a relaxing escape to southern
India can include word-class Indian Ocean beaches,
unique house boat journeys, famous Ayurvedic spas
and plenty of relaxation at luxury properties.
India’s Taj Mahal courtesy of travel manager Kayla Torgerson

7. 14 15
Frequently Answered Questions
Q: Why do you recommend travel protection plans?
A: In our 39 years in business, it’s safe to say that we’ve planned a lot of different types of trips to
destinations across the globe. We’ve also traveled a lot ourselves, building our destination knowledge
and experiencing the same travel headaches that occasionally result from international travel. While
this experience means our staff is trained to anticipate nearly every possible scenario that may result
in trip interruption, we can’t anticipate everything that could potentially disrupt your trip (as much
as it pains me to admit it). Therefore, we recommend you purchase a protection plan to protect your
investment and yourself while traveling.
We recommend a protection plan that includes coverage for trip cancellation, trip interruption,
trip delay, baggage delay, emergency medical expenses/evacuation and more. Your Travel Beyond
consultant can provide you with a Description of Coverage for a summary of details, including terms,
conditions, benefits, limitations and exclusions.
Q: Do you just book Africa?
A: Each year, we plan more trips to Africa than any other destination. With a South African-born
founder, Travel Beyond’s history is rich in safari planning expertise. However, Africa is not the only
destination where we plan trips, and we have“World”consultants dedicated to destinations outside of
Africa. Each year, our clients visit places like Australia and South America, board luxury or expedition
cruise ships and plan winter getaways to Caribbean islands.
A few of our favorite and most popular destinations are listed in this magazine’s special timeline
foldout. You’ll find tropical vacation spots like St. Lucia and Kauai, recommended by Ken. Jennifer, Mar-
guerite and Katie explain the best times to visit Latin American locations like Costa Rica, Patagonia,
Colombia, the Galapagos Islands and Peru. Craig and I recommend luxury cruises, Kayla plots the best
time to visit India for a tiger safari, and Jenny raves about Alaska and Australia.
One of our favorite things about putting custom itineraries
together for our clients is being able to share our passion and ex-
pertise. For the past 39 years, we’ve specialized in creating custom
itineraries that meet our individual client’s needs. This means the
consultation process at Travel Beyond is very collaborative and we
spend a great deal of time in conversation with our clients. As a
result, we have been asked many questions. We’d like to share with
you a few of the most frequently asked (and answered) questions.
African Preschool Society is a grass roots charitable
organization which has built two preschools for 600
students in rural communities in South Africa since
2002. The charity provides funding for staff salaries,
building maintenance and school supplies for local
children who attend.
Following the success of the charity’s first project,
Mazinyane Preschool near Kruger National Park in
South Africa, the local community requested a nurs-
ery as well, ensuring working mothers are provided
with the childcare they need to work or finish school.
African Preschool Society is currently raising money
to build the nursery. The charity has no paid staff, al-
lowing all donations to go toward projects. For more
information, visit AfricanPreschools.org.
We enjoy connecting travelers with charitable organizations
abroad. In fact, many of our favorite camps, lodges and opera-
tors abroad have charitable programs of their own that Travel
Beyond proudly supports. While we do our best to support our
client’s desire to volunteer abroad, there are important factors
to consider.
First, volunteering is not always free. In addition to your time, a
day of volunteering requires a commitment from the charitable
organization as well. The training and supervison of volunteers
can be costly, and therefore many organizations require a fee in
addition to your time. Organizations supporting Africa’s spec-
tacular wildlife must take extra precaution – both to protect
you and the animals in their care. Therefore, opportunities are
often limited to educational visits vs hands-on interactions.
While wildlife volunteer efforts are usually more difficult to
plan, cultural volunteer interactions are often more accessible
for a day trip. For example, our clients can volunteer at a local
soup kitchen in Cape Town, South Africa or spend a day volun-
teering at a school in Ecuador.
There are numerous ways outside of volunteering to give back
while traveling. Some of our favorite recommendations include
donating some space in your suitcase through an organization
like Pack for a Purpose (PackforaPurpose.com). Through this
program travelers simply bring school or medical supplies to
participating hotels, camps and lodges who then distribute
donated supplies directly to the local schools and clinics that
have requested assistance.
Nonprofit Partner Spotlight:
African Preschool Society
Jenny Mikkelson
Vice President
Bob Gaston
Travel Consultant
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Giving Back
An orphaned elephant at The David Sheldrick WIldlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya. Courtesy Lainie & Paul Overbeck

8. 106 Broadway Ave S.
Wayzata, MN 55391
TravelBeyond.com • (800) 876-3131 • information@travelbeyond.com
Courtesy Lainie & Paul Overbeck
Deer in India, courtesy Kayla Torgerson Butterfly in India, courtesy Kayla TorgersonGiraffe Manor in Kenya, courtesy Lainie & Paul Overbeck