Featured Traveler: Jeff, from LA

We appreciated having Jeff on the trip you so much. He was so much fun, and always joyful, and his joy and light-heartedness spread to everyone. We especially appreciated his love and appreciation for everyone who had a roll in his vacation. He has the ability to put a smile on the face of all he encounters, and we look forward to having him on another Zoom Vacation.

Zoom: We know you have been following Zoom Vacations for a while. What drew you to Zoom, and what drew you to this particular trip?

Jeff: I have been following Zoom for well over two years and have done many of the trips offered but have not done the safari. So we started planning this and booked it two years ago. I have done mainly cruises and wanted to do a small gay escorted trip, especially one so far from home.

Zoom: Did the trip meet your expectations?

Jeff: Yes. 100% I had a really great time. The animals and the stars make the trip life-changing.

Zoom: How were the accommodations throughout?

Jeff: First class and could not have been finer. The food was amazing and the staff was so accommodating and friendly. They really went all out for our group and we could tell that they enjoy the Zoom clients.

Zoom: What were some of your highlights?

Jeff: Seeing all the wild animals in their habitat is truly an amazing sight. We were lucky to see all the animals we were hoping to see, and were truly lucky in this sense. Also, seeing the Milky Way and the stars from the southern hemisphere was truly breathtaking. I have never seen anything like that before.

Zoom: Did you learn anything new on the trip?

Jeff: You have to reflect on your place in the universe when you gaze upon the Milky Way. Also seeing the mother monkey cradle her baby and the young elephant nurse from her mother made me realize how closely we all really are connected.

Zoom: How was it, traveling as part of a gay group? Did you feel that we were accepted?

Jeff: Yes, we were accepted. I was told at every venue how the staff prefers our groups to the others since we laugh so much and are happy and fun. And we were. No issues whatsoever in that regard.

Zoom: You came with a couple of friends. Did you have enough time with them, as well as make new friends?

Jeff: Yes, my friends and I spent time together, and I had alone time which is important. I got to connect with the other guys as well, so that was really an important part of the trip and I plan on seeing some of the guys I met on the trip again as well. So we, Rob and Allen will see JC again, and you Bryan as well too.

Zoom: Do you have any advice for someone thinking about a trip to this part of the world?

Jeff: Go, go, go. The Galapagos, Antarctica, and Africa are so amazing because not only is the beauty of the environment so spectacular, but the wildlife in their own environment, never molested by man but it allows you to approach within feet. It is truly an awesome experience.

Featured Traveler: Rick, from NYC. Part TWO

We interviewed our feature traveler a little bit differently this time around. Last month, we interviewed Rick before his Zoom Vacations Southern Africa trip.  Rick has now returned home from his southern African adventure and below are his thoughts as he reflects on the tour.

Zoom: Did this tour live up to your expectations?

Rick: The tour surpassed my expectations.  I was ready for fabulous hotels, and informative tours.  What I also got, was an engaging and enthusiastic tour guide in Cape Town (Tim), who was informative, engaging, and with whom the group easily established a rapport, an over-the-top safari experience beyond anything I could have imagined, from the 5+ star lodge to the fabulous meals (oh, those 8 course lunches!), incredibly friendly staff, unforgettable walks with well behaved lions and cheetah, and an exciting ride with Mary the elephant!  In addition to the safari at Krueger, the activities in Livingstone / Victoria Falls were thrilling!  Not to mention the fabulous property with wildlife walking on the grounds freely!!!  I could easily have added an extra night or two on my own there.

Zoom: You said you were hoping to have an incredible and unforgettable cultural experience, and appreciation for the miracle that is the animal kingdom and nature.  Did this happen?

Rick: From the unique fauna in Hermanus and the Cape Town botanical gardens we got to see, the baby elephant in Krueger mocking a charge to our jeep only to be frightened at the sound of the engine starting up and running to its mother, the giraffes staring at us with curiosity as we drove by, and the exciting close encounters with lions and cheetah, I can certainly answer yes!

Zoom: What was your highlight of the trip?

Rick: For me, the entire safari experience.  The luxurious 5+ star lodge in the middle of Krueger National Park, where equally wonderful meals were served along with excellent South African wines, our knowledgeable, friendly, and welcoming safari guides, who took us on twice daily game drives, the two swimming pools for afternoon cool downs, all made for an experience I will always remember.

Zoom: There were some other Zoom Vacations travelers with whom you have traveled in the past, did you enjoy seeing them again?

Rick: I loved seeing Bob, my roomie for this trip, and John again.  They made the trip that much more fun and special, as I consider them my friends.

Zoom: You said you were anticipating making new friends on this trip  Did that happen, and in the way you expected?

Rick: I absolutely loved meeting the other travelers.  Several reside in the NYC area, and I look forward to keeping in touch with them, as well as those who reside in other states.

Zoom: Did you do as much shopping as you planned?

Rick: No.  Now I have to go shopping in NYC to make up for it. I still have availability on my credit cards.

Zoom: How do you think that Zoom vacations tours are different from going on your own? How are they different from other companies?

Rick: For one thing, I could never have organized such an ambitious itinerary on my own, and thus, would have missed out on several activities.  I think Zoom selects the activities it knows are interesting, and must-sees!  All of our activities were coordinated efficiently to make the best use of our time.

I think Zoom differentiates itself from other companies by limiting group sizes, which allows for a very personal touch, and through the final product it markets.  Tours are designed for travelers who want to experience their time away from home in style.  The fact that there is a Zoom escort on the trip to ensure all is going smoothly is also a plus. 

Zoom: Zoom Vacations owners, Joel and Bryan accompany almost every tour. Does this have an impact?  How?

Rick: Yes.  For me, it is comforting to know that a Zoom escort is on the trips to ensure the itinerary is being followed, to handle any changes to the itinerary that might arise, or other unforeseen situations.  It also adds the very personal touch to the travel experience.

Zoom: Was the tour better, worse, or as you expected it would be?

Rick: Much better.  The group of 19 were a delight to be with; logistically, there weren't any hiccups; and we had great weather each and every day!

Zoom: During the trip, you decided to sign up for Zoom Vacations’ India tour, 2017.  What made you decide to sign up for this trip?

Rick: India has been on the bucket list for several years now.  For one reason or another, I've postponed it, but 2017 will be the year!  It is also nice to know that a fellow traveler on this trip plans to book the Zoom India 2017, as well.