Featured Traveler, Mark from White Plains, NY

Mark had some strong reservations before joining our tour to Morocco last May. He had never traveled with Zoom Vacations before, but Morocco was top on the list of places his husband, Chris wanted to visit, and he chose Zoom. So, he packed his bags, along with his reservations, and joined our tour. We knew our work was cut out for us to help Mark have a great experience, and the challenge was on.

Zoom: Our tour to Morocco wasn't a trip that you actually wanted to take, and you were coming because your partner wanted to go. What was it that gave you reservations about Morocco?
Mark: Morocco was not on my list of places to go to. My husband really wanted to go so, I went along. I had read that Morocco was not a “gay-friendly” place and that gave me concern.  But, Morocco proved to be very welcoming. We were met with warmth and kindness from everyone. 

Zoom: Did you have any other concerns about the trip?  

Mark: In the past, I had never traveled as part of a tour group. My favorite vacations were ones that I either planned for myself or went with a group of friends. I had reservations about being on a tour. That said, I felt that Morocco was a destination that required inside information and I think that the team at Zoom did a great job at planning the logistics of the trip and working a balance of culture, leisure, and social/recreational time. I really think that our experience was enhanced by our Moroccan guide and Bryan’s knowledge and enthusiasm for the country. It was definitely a plus to have inside knowledge and experience. 

Zoom: I do member one concern of yours was that you hoped that you would still have time to yourself. Did you find that you had this?
Mark: I appreciated that the schedule was loose enough that each day had time for rest and relaxation.  We could peel off from the group and do different things and then meet for dinner or drinks. 

Chris and Mark, at our kasbah in Skoura, Morocco

Zoom: How were the hotels on the trip?
Mark: The hotels that Zoom selected were great. Each one was better than the last. The La Sultana in Marrakech was a stunning finale. One of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. We took advantage of the spa and the hammam, it was a wonderful experience. 

Zoom: What was your highlight of the tour?
Mark: A highlight. There were many. Definitely, the night in the Sahara. The dinner and entertainment at the camp was really fun and the stars at night were spectacular.  Marrakech was also a highlight. The hotel and dinners and Jardín Majorelle, I would love to go back again. 

Zoom: How would this trip have been different had you not come with Zoom Vacations?
Mark: By the end of the trip I became a Zoom-believer. I don’t think I could have planned this trip on my own. Zoom did a great job of making sure all the details were covered. Things we take for granted that are not easy to pull off. Like; a group of 16 shows up a hotel and everyone is in their room with luggage within a few minutes. 

Zoom: How was it, traveling as part of a gay group? 
Mark: We really clicked with the group and we definitely made new friendships. A really fun and diverse group. 

Camel selfies in the Sahara

Zoom: Where would you like to go next with Zoom Vacations?
Mark: I’m so glad that my husband pushed me a bit out of my comfort zone and we took this trip. We were really impressed and we have decided to join Zoom Vacations to South East Asia, along with some other friends of ours.

Featured Traveler: Jesse, from Jacksonville

In addition to our group departures, Zoom Vacations also designs private tours and destination events for any number of guests. Jesse and his partner wanted to visit Israel, Jordan, and Egypt, and so they hired Zoom Vacations to plan their trip of a lifetime!

Zoom: Why did you hire Zoom Vacations to plan this trip for you?
Jesse: Friends of ours have done group trips with Zoom in the past and always talked about how great they are. One of those was to Israel & Jordan, so when we were starting to plan our trip to the region, we decided to connect with Joel to get his thoughts and loved his ideas for where we should go given our interests and time we had.

Zoom: Did the trip live up to your expectations?
Jesse: Yes, absolutely! I would say it exceeded our expectations, especially with the quality of the guides and drivers we had in each country. 

Zoom: Were there any bumps in the road during your vacation? Were you satisfied with how they were handled?
Jesse: We only had one bump in the road where one of our hotels had our reservation for the wrong night. The hotel was not very accommodating, but we were able to immediately reach Bryan back in the States and he helped to get everything resolved.

Zoom: How were your guides in each of the countries you visited, Jordan, Israel, and Egypt?
Jesse: Our guides were amazing in each country - they really made the trips special, made it possible to see more of each country, and provided way more information and historical context than we would have ever been able to know on our own. I didn't realize how important a good guide is until this trip as we spent so much time with them - we felt really lucky to have them!

Zoom: What was your highlight at each country? 
Jesse: This is a tough question.... Israel would have to be Jerusalem and the old city, in Egypt the Nile cruise, and in Jordan Petra, although Wadi Rum is an incredible place also—like you're on another planet!

Zoom: If you could return back to Jordan, Israel, or Egypt, what would you choose?
Jesse: Probably Egypt as it sounds like there's a lot more to see and experience there. 

Zoom: Did you feel safe and cared for during your trip? 
Jesse: Absolutely! We never once felt unsafe in any of the countries or cities. Having a private guide and driver really makes a difference, although even when we were on our own we never felt unsafe or uncomfortable.

Zoom: Is there anything that you would do differently in hindsight?
Jesse: I tried to think of something we would do differently, but I don't think there is. The easy answer is to spend more time over there as there's so much we did, but so much more to see and experience, but that's something I would wish for on every trip!

Zoom: What would you say to someone thinking of planning a trip to this part of the world?
Jesse: I would say to absolutely do it, but get help in the planning from someone who knows the area, and for sure have a guide and driver. 

Zoom: What made these destinations, unique and different from other places you have been? 
Jesse: Picking one overall theme for all of them, I would say the historical significance and amount of history in the region is really incredible and hard to wrap your mind around. 

Zoom: Anything else you would like to add?
Jesse: If you're going to take a trip to the region, I would highly recommend brushing up on your history before your go! This is something we wish we did, as it was hard at times to keep all the time periods and empires straight. Having a good historical context before we went would have been really helpful. 

Featured Traveler: Craig, from Dallas

Peru definitely left a positive impression on Craig, from Dallas. And Craig certainly left a positive impression on Peru as well. From the locals to his fellow Zoom Vacations travelers, Craig truly had all of those around him laughing many times on this trip. Now back in the real world (Dallas) Craig has some time to talk with us about his experience in Peru.

Zoom: What was the highlight of the whole trip?

Craig: This is hard to answer as there were so many magical moments to be savored each day. The sites, the Peruvian people, the gastronomy, the accommodations, the fellow Zoomers were all fantastic! If I did pick one thing it was Machu Pichu. The majesty of the setting, the wonderment of the architecture, and the spiritual experience made a lasting impression on me.

Craig, on Wayna Picchu

Zoom: How was the flow of the trip? Lima to Sacred Valley to Cusco

Craig: The flow of the trip was just right. It was an active trip with plenty to see and absorb. Also, if I needed down time, it was there for the taking. A perfect blend for me.

Zoom: How does Peru compare to other places you have been?

Craig: Machu Pichu was a bucket list item for me and boy did it deliver! What I hadn't anticipated was how much I would fall in love with Peru. There is just this certain energy of the country and her people that I found inviting and has remained in my heart. I suspected I would love Machu Pichu, but I didn't expect to be so taken in by the entire country with each region having its own charming attributes and amazing food!

I have traveled extensively in Europe and this was my first South American adventure. While I love Europe, I can say that this has increased my interest in South America and I look forward to expanding my travels there. I guess I would say there is a different tempo that I thoroughly enjoyed in Peru.

Zoom: Did you feel welcome by the locals in all destinations?

Craig: Most definitely. The Peruvian people are warm and inviting. Their eyes would smile as you met them on the streets. Our Peruvian guides were incredible in providing the history and also as people. For me, it is a good sign if you want to stay and have a drink with your Peruvian guide and connect with them on a personal level.

Zoom: What was your best meal?

Craig: This is very hard to answer as each stop had amazing food. I feel like there should have been a Peruvian food porn blog we could have uploaded all our meals. If I had to pick one, I would say it was the first night at the colonial mansion in Lima. I think this may be the case because it was the initial excitement of the trip, the beautiful mansion, attentive staff and meeting my fellow travelers.

Zoom: Was there anything you like more than you thought you would?

Craig: Yes. Cuy (guinea pig). I told all my friends before I left there was no way I would try that meat. Then, as we stopped at this delightful stop in the Sacred Valley and the aroma of cuy was in the air and everyone was tasting it, I dove in. It was much tastier than I imagined and a good reminder for me to be open to all experiences!

Zoom: How was Peru different than you thought it would be?

Craig: Hard to describe. It was much more inviting, and more interesting. It is not just Machu Pichu.

Zoom: Did anything go wrong during the trip?

Craig: A rain storm had the hotel water go out part of the day at Machu Pichu. It also washed part of the train tracks out so our train was delayed. The benefit of the Zoom staff working on our behalf was that after hiking Waynu Pichu, and needing a shower, we were allowed to have a late check out since the train was delayed. All ended up well and we (travelers) didn't have to think about anything. Thanks Zoom!

Zoom: What advice to do you have to people traveling to Peru?

Craig: GO NOW! You will not be disappointed. Also, Machu Pichu may have to start limiting people to get in so I say do not wait.

Zoom: How was it traveling part of a gay group?

Craig: This was my first ever gay group tour and I went by myself. I am not going to lie, I was nervous heading down to Peru, but I could not have had a better experience - it was great! The people on the tour were wonderful! I never felt like the "single guy" and it is always good to make new friends who share a love for travel!

Zoom: What about COVID and how much did it impact the experience?

Craig: Covid is Covid. Each destination has its protocols. In Peru you had to wear a KN95 mask or double mask at airports and museums. It wasn't bad at all and I thought it might be. Zoom arranged for our PCR test back to the States to that was easy. Before I might have thought Covid would deter my travel, at this point, it will not deter me from future travel.

Zoom: What would you like your next destination with Zoom to be?

Craig: Is there help for a Zoom addiction as I believe I may have it?! This trip was 5 star amazing all the way! I can't decide my next Zoom trip, but at top of the list is: India Holi Festival, an African Safari (now to decide which option), Morocco, Vietnam, Egypt......so many amazing choices!

Featured Traveler: Chris, from San Francisco

We almost didn’t get a chance to meet Chris in Jordan. Covid-related concerns caused him to almost cancel the trip, but in the end, his quest for adventure and need of a vacation won, and joined the group, full speed ahead! Chris was much fun to have on the trip. It is always rewarding to travel with people who are excited about the destination and open to anything. Chris spike with us recently, reflecting on his trip to Jordan with Zoom Vacations

Zoom: What made you want to take the trip with Zoom Vacations to Jordan?

Chris: My dear friend Jim has traveled with Zoom several times. He encouraged me to join him for this trip… and I did. Without a doubt I will be taking Zoom trips into the future. It was a magnificent experience.

Zoom: For most people the main thing that they want to see in Jordan is Petra. Did it live up to your expectations?

Chris: Absolutely! Zoom arranged, as our constant travel guide, a gentleman named Zohair. As a native, he was incredibly knowledgeable of the region; every moment of the trip was filled with Zohair-isms and deep familiarity with Jordan. His guidance and contribution were flawless, a priceless add and incredible.

Zoom: Besides Petra, what were the other big stand outs?

Chris: “Glamping” in the desert! We were thoroughly enjoying the desert exploration in 4x4’s, hiking sand dunes, completely in awe of the sand scape… then we were transported to the resort “Memories Aicha Luxury Camp.” Seeing the glass globes in the distance was surreal. It’s how I imagine the moonscape, only this experience was peppered with the glass huts where we’d be staying the night. What a wonderous, beautiful experience, sleeping under the stars in the comfort of this luxurious encampment… in the middle of nowhere.

Zoom: How did you enjoy traveling as part of a gay group?

Chris: It was wonderful! I could not have met more enjoyable gentlemen. I confident I will see them again and later we valued the experience of sharing memories on social media. We enjoyed each other’s company so very much and I’m pleased to call them as friends.

Zoom: How do you think this trip would have been different had you taken it on your own, without Zoom Vacations?

Chris: From the moment we landed in Jordan, I felt like my only concern was to be ever present and completely mindful of how amazing the experience would be… and was. Outside of that, I was carefree. To have every aspect of the trip managed, including passports, visas COVID requirements, meals, and schedule was amazing. I would not have had had this degree of mindless luxury had I planned the experience. In fact, I don’t even know where I might have started.

Zoom: How was the food in Jordan?

Chris: It was delicious, we were immersed in a native experience. A refreshing plate introduction of regional cuisine, spices, and drinks.

Zoom: Did various Covid rules and regulations dampen the experience?

Chris: Not at all. Zoom handled the travel requirements which was key as they varied. It was seamless.

Zoom: Did you feel safe throughout the trip? Completely.

Chris: While we did have a security detail, not once did I feel compromised or unsafe.

Zoom: What advice would you have for anyone thinking of traveling during this time?

Chris: Do it! Initially I had reservations; I could not be more thrilled I participated.