Rachael Tallents

Hiking and snowboarding in Tongariro National Park in New Zealand

One of my favourite places on earth the volcanoes and mountains of the Tongariro National Park are just breathtaking.  Flying down the active volcano of Mount Ruapehu on my snowboard with a local Maori guide, and trekking across the alpine terrain surrounded by volcanic craters in and snowy peaks, these memories will stay with me forever.

Riding bareback with gauchos on Argentinian pampas

I held on tightly and at times closed my eyes as my horse galloped across the pampas.  I trusted the gaucho and surrendered to the feeling of being out of control and it was totally worth it! Exhilarating and such fun, and I was well rewarded with a glass of Argentina’s finest Malbec and the most delicious fillet of beef cooked asado style.

Snorkelling with sea lions and marine iguanas in the Galapagos

Blowing bubbles back and forth with Sea Lions whilst they gracefully showed me their underwater acrobatics, whilst Penguins darted past me with great speed. I swam a little further out to sea and came across the unusual sight of a Marine Iguana swimming with a unique upright technique, and a green turtle gracefully gliding past me.  Incredible – such unusual and amazing marine life encounters in just one snorkelling adventure

Wildife of Tortuguero

Peacefully meander down the waterways of Tortuguero National Park by canoe, getting up close and personal with birdlife, colourful frogs and lizards, playful monkeys and sloths. You are surrounded by the warm Caribbean sea, where you can watch baby turtles taking their first steps towards the sea.

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Personal Egyptologist in Luxor

As the sun rises over the temples dedicated to the Gods and sets over the mortuary tombs on the bank of the Nile, it was mesmerising listening to Ahmed, our private guide. Listening to the stories in wonder at the mysteries of the traditions and rituals of Ancient Egypt, whilst being mesmerised by the architecture is incredible. Having our own Egyptologist was a special experience and one I would recommend to anyone visiting the Valley of the Kings and the East Bank in Luxor.

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