For the last few weeks I’ve been conducting research for my next trip–Bhutan, Nepal and maybe India. I’m not getting any younger, and it’s time to continue paring down items on my travel wish list that require high altitude trekking. I’m now at the point of selecting a trip and travel agent. Like when I reached this point in planning my Peru trip, I can’t find a trip that matches my ideal.
It was just about a year ago that I somehow stumbled upon a posting on Frommer’s wherein someone who seemed to have been in the same situation as I recommended contactly Nina Fogelman of Ancient Summit. Having reached my limit of exasperation, I figured I had nothing to lose.
When I sent her an email with my criteria, she quickly responded that she could put together a trip that would meet my requirements. It wouldn’t be within my original budget since I would be traveling solo, but, in the end, the trip was worth every penny. It was the most stress-free trip I’ve ever taken.
Nina and her staff catered to my every wish. In Puno, Cusco and the Sacred Valley, Ancient Summit provided a van, driver, and guide. Nina arranged for me to visit some very special places, lunch with her friends, and sleep in excellent accommodations. She also arranged a private trek into Colca Canyon, a semi-private trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with LlamaPath, and a 9-day trip into the jungle with Manu Expeditions. She or her office manager called every few days to make sure all was going well.
When disaster struck and I missed a flight because protesters blocked the road to the airport, her staff quickly made alternative arrangements. While I listened to the horror stories of some of the other tourists, I knew I was in good, caring hands and all would be well. Besides, how many people can talk about skirting rocks and broken bottles while walking on a major highway in the process of being repaved!
Nina spoiled me. I wish she arranged trips to the Himalayas; I would call her in a heartbeat and save myself all the aggravation (and stress) I’m experiencing now.