My oh my, it’s been a while since I’ve posted, and the world is completely different! Sweeping changes are on the horizon for the global travel industry. No one is entirely sure what it will look like. I am closely monitoring the developing Covid-19 situation, as it relates to what I am able to offer my guests.
Alaska: I am still uncertain whether or not I will travel to Alaska this summer to sea kayak guide for Anadyr Adventures, which is currently open for business, offering paddling tours out of Valdez, Alaska. I’ve guided 8 wonderful seasons there and I highly recommend them. If I don’t go this summer, perhaps summer 2021. Feel free to contact me for more info regarding Alaska.
Panama: As of today (May 27th) Panama’s borders remain closed to international travelers. I am hoping to be able to offer trips during my normal season, starting in December 2020 and into the 2021 season. I will be posting new and exciting trip offerings (new destinations in Panama) soon. Stay tuned! Panama has been handling the pandemic with strict quarantines and other safety precautions. I will base my operation decisions with the health of my guests and the communities that we visit as top priority, as well as following the CDC and other travel advisory recommendations. Panama will be an excellent destination to visit when we are safely able to do so, and I hope that you consider joining me on an adventure there! I believe strongly in community-based tourism, and many of the areas where I operate are being devastated by the lack of income from the disappearance of tourism. These communities will certainly benefit from the income boost once tourism starts up again. Plus, we all miss being together!
SPECIAL UPDATE: My most popular trip in Panama, that I co-lead with my dear friend and yoga instructor, Leigh Lubin (YogaCurrents), is the Yoga/Kayak Retreat, a 9-day all-inclusive trip that explores both Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Panama. We are excited to be offering this trip for the 4th time: January 16-24, 2021. Let me know if you are interested. Who knows what will happen, but we reluctantly had to turn people down last year due to its popularity.
Opportunity to Give: Do you want to support families in need in Panama? You can still make a difference in these communities without leaving your couch. Contribute to the delivery of food and other necessities to vulnerable communities by making a donation to this GoFundMe Campaign that I established in March, in collaboration with a non-profit organization in Panama City that provides programs for underserved youth, LocalinPTY Kids Program. Victor, the founder of this program also operates LocalinPTY Tours, which offers tourists a unique experience getting to know locals in a neighborhood previously run-down and neglected by tourists. These are examples of community-based tourism at its’ best. Along with Victor, I have an active team of Panamanian community organizers who I send 100% of the donations to. Thus far, we have provided for hundreds of families, and hope to continue! Gracias:) If you don’t use Instagram and would like more information about these organizations, please let me know. They have rave reviews from those who have participated.
I invite you to check out my trips, get inspired by photos and videos, and start dreaming of your next adventure. Please don’t hesitate to contact me regarding trips, or just to say hello. Follow me on Instagram to stay up-to-date and get travel inspiration. Stay safe. Stay healthy. Take care of one another.
Kayaking with Ilene Price 