The Transformative Power of Expedition Travel: 6 Inspiring Guest Stories
Creating lasting memories for guests has been a driving mission for Lindblad Expeditions for over 50 years. Here, past guests share their travel stories and the moments that will stay with them for a lifetime. Follow National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions on Facebook and Instagram to see more moments like these and share your own expedition memories by tagging #whereiexplore.
Dana Ng
Baja California, Galápagos, Antarctica, the Arctic, French Polynesia
Traveling with: Immediate family members
Number of Expeditions: 6
I can’t possibly pick a favorite voyage since each destination is uniquely special, but the polar regions as a whole have changed my life dramatically. After exploring Antarctica and remote South Georgia Island, I was eager to see the opposite pole and how the two differ. To go beyond 80° North and witness Svalbard in the spring with its mesmerizing frozen sea and iconic wildlife was an exceptional experience. Antarctica and the Arctic remind us why our world is important and that we need to do what we can to preserve and protect what we love—this Earth and the life that inhabits it.
Katt Hendershot
Antarctica, November 2021
Number of Expeditions: 1
When my dad passed away in 2020, I wanted to travel in his honor. He wanted me to travel the world while I was young so the day after my 20th birthday I left for Ushuaia, the Gateway to Antarctica, all by myself. I was lucky enough to be on board the brand-new National Geographic Endurance with the company’s founder Sven Lindblad and his wife Kristin who both were so kind and welcoming to me. It’s impossible to choose a highlight and do it justice. Drifting by the towering icy cliffs of the Neumayer Channel, watching an orca with her two calves play around the ship, walking on the ice sheet and watching the midnight sun with Adélie penguins waddling next to me were each incredible. This trip profoundly changed me. I got a tattoo of Antarctica when I got home and I have even changed my career path to the adventure tourism industry.
The Entwistle Family
Wild Alaska Escape: Haines, the Inian Islands & Tracy Arm Fjord, June 2022
Traveling with: 13 family members ranging in age from 7 to 73
Number of Expeditions: 2
Outside of holidays, it’s rare for a group of our size to spend extended time with one another. So, it was truly the experience of a lifetime to celebrate our brother’s 40th birthday in such a magical, remote place with an intimate and infinite exposure to the landscape. From happy hours recapping the day to flightseeing in Haines and gliding over ever-changing glaciers, every detail big and small was fantastic.
Noah and Kiran Thomas
Galápagos, July 2022
Traveling with: Mom and dad, Asha and Jerome Thomas
Number of Expeditions: First but not our last
I really enjoyed the National Geographic Global Explorers Program which gave all the kids on board super cool things like hats, colored pencils and notebooks that had checklists for nature. I saw 78 different species of mammals, reptiles, fish, plants and invertebrates! At the end, a naturalist grades your Field Notebook and you get a prize. I recommend this vacation to everyone! – Noah, Age 10
My favorite experience in the Galápagos was snorkeling. The sea lions were so friendly they swam right next to me! On the ship, the service for food is great. They remember the drinks you like, and you get ice cream for dessert. I had a blast! –Kiran, Age 8
Christopher Cano and Angela King
My mom and I had an awesome trip to Iceland aboard the National Geographic Resolution. One of my favorite parts of the trip was spending time on the Bridge learning about how the crew operates the ship. On the third day of the voyage, I had an extraordinary opportunity to tour the engine room with the chief engineer, Adam. He showed us how all the different parts of the ship work together to make this state-of-the-art vessel function safely and comfortably. From Adam’s inspiring tour and several fun hikes to “glamping" in the igloo and spotting killer whales from the Bridge, we had many great adventures on this trip.
Jonni and Skip Almoney
Galápagos, Baja California, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands and many more
Number of Expeditions: 11 plus Sven Lindblad's very first tour in 1980 to Tanzania and Kenya
When Sven Lindblad learned that Skip’s primary goal on the 1980 "Among the Great Herds" voyage (not a cruise) was to view a total solar eclipse, Sven arranged for a private charter flight to take those interested to Tsavo National Park to be in the line of totality. On that first tour, Sven established a fundamental company policy that is based upon first class service and flexibility to make each trip a success for its participants and it's why we continue to travel with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. The locally sourced food is always fresh and tasty, the daily activities both on and off shore are always very interesting and fun and the evening Recaps bring the day’s adventures into perspective. The entire staff on each ship is friendly and knowledgeable, eager to help in any way needed. Next up, we're headed to the Adriatic Sea aboard the beautiful sailing ship Sea Cloud.
