Blog Archives - Amazing Journeys
Wanderlust Blog Wanderlust Blog

Here at Amazing Journeys, we’re lucky have the best jobs in the world—and we think our good fortune is worth sharing. So, when your next journey seems like a distant dream, take a few minutes to explore our WANDERLUST blog—it’s chock full of engaging tales and helpful tips from our travels around the world. Check out the most recent entry (at the top) or search by your preferred criteria. Consider it motivation for your next embarkation.

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Thank you for supporting our small business

Saturday, November 30th, 2024

Amazing Journeys thanks you, our community, for supporting us!

This is our small business, Amazing Journeys, a hard-working team who is thrilled to make your vacation dreams come true. We are a family business who have been providing amazing vacations for nearly 25 years. We are not a mega corporation or a call center. We are a small team who works hard to create amazing journeys for you.

We are experts in our field and we use our decades of expertise to create amazing vacations and provide expert support all along the way. Our decades of knowledge, connections in the industry and finger on the pulse of the market are only some of the things that keep our small business at the top of our game.

When you make the decision to travel with us, you are not only signing up for the trip of a lifetime, but you can do so knowing that you have the best in the business with you all along the way. By traveling with Amazing Journeys, you are supporting a small business and for that, we thank you!

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When is the last time you did something for the first time?

Wednesday, July 24th, 2024

When is the last time you did something for the first time?  Maybe you tasted a new food, tried your hand at a new skill, went to a new country or made a new friend.

Travel can be about about pushing your limits, getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new.  When we craft our amazing journeys, we include tours so you can learn the history and culture of the destination you are visiting, but we also incorporate experiential components so you can really get in there and have fun!

We’ve offered experiences like cooking classes in Greece, salsa lessons in Argentina, cave exploring in Iceland, farm visits in Ireland, sushi making in Japan, kayaking in Croatia, ziplining in Costa Rica and so much more!

It may even be your first time traveling with a group!  But no worries – everyone was a first-timer on their first trip.  Our trips not only offer the opportunity to go to new destinations but also to make new friends and share new experiences.

So whether you are joining us on our first ever trip to Mongolia, experiencing an African safari for the first time or counting down to the New Year with new friends, the possibilities are endless.

So what’s the next new thing you want to do??

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Looking for a roommate?

Monday, March 25th, 2024

If you are looking for a way to stretch your travel budget, you might consider sharing a room on your next vacation. If you’ve already got a friend who wants to share, just pick your trip, sign up for twin occupancy and bring the cost down for your upcoming adventure!

Don’t have a friend who is looking to take the same trip as you? No worries! Just send us an email letting us know which trip you want a roommate for and we are happy to put you in touch with others who may have expressed interest in the same trip so that you can discuss the options together.

Check out all of the amazing trips we currently have available on the Trips page of our website and take a look at our Sneak Peek page to see what is on the horizon. Sign yourself up to be on the Interest List for trips that have not yet been launched so you are the first to hear when they are announced.

We can’t wait to see which trip you will pick next!

The fine print:
Please note – Amazing Journeys takes no responsibility for roommate matching and is unable to step in to settle disputes or disagreements that may arise. When signing up for twin occupancy, should one of the roommates cancel their reservation before the trip, the remaining traveling roommate will assume the cost of a single supplement. Standard cancellation terms apply to any cancellation. Please understand the list of those looking for a roommate may be very limited.

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We’ve got groups for everyone

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

You’ve been asking and we’ve been listening – we have travel opportunities for everyone!

Amazing Journeys is proud to be the company that Jewish singles turn to when they want a truly unique way to embrace their wanderlust, but did you know that we have different categories that cater to many groups of travelers? So no matter which part of the planet has piqued your curiosity, there is a trip for you!


Jewish Singles
For nearly 25 years, Amazing Journeys has offered travel options to Jewish Single travelers. With hundreds of trips to destinations around the world, our travelers have been to all seven continents experiencing incredible culture, fascinating history, culinary treats, unbelievable wildlife, inspiring architecture and jaw-dropping scenery, all while making lasting friendships. Our trips for Jewish Singles are either open to all ages or have a specific age range.  With over a dozen trips offered each year, there is bound to be a destination that is calling your name.


Active Travelers
If you are the type of person that wants to hike, bike, kayak, snorkel, sail or trek, our Active trips have been built with you in mind! We combine the perfect amount of sightseeing and local experiences with activities that will get you moving and allow you to see a country from a different perspective. These trips are designed to be more active than a traditional tour, meaning you enjoy an energizing level of activity while on tour.


Couples
People have been asking us for years to offer couples trips and we’re happy to now be able to say “yes!”  Married or partnered, these trips are open to couples of all ages with shared rooms to amazing destinations.

Mother/Daughter – Aunt/Niece Trip
We are thrilled to be offering our first multi-generational trip for Ladies!  So grab your daughter, your niece, your mom, your aunt – and join us as we take on the world.  Enjoy that AJ style you know and love and come away with shared memories for years to come.

Jewish Heritage
From Spain and Portugal to sailing down the Danube River and from Poland to Argentina, there is so much Jewish heritage and history to unpack.  Some of our most-loved trips explore countries through a Jewish lens.  So yes, you’ll see all of the amazing things to see in these parts of the world, but you’ll also learn our special, shared history on these unique trips.

Take a look at our Sneak Peek page to see what is on the horizon and check out all of the amazing trips we currently have available on the Trips page of our website. Sign yourself up to be on the Interest List for trips that have not yet been launched so you are the first to hear when they are announced.

We can’t wait to see which trip you will pick next!

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Top Reasons Why Erin Loves the Galapagos

Friday, February 23rd, 2024


When people ask me where my favorite trip has been, I have a hard time answering. Each location has so many highlights and I could always do more exploring in a new city or country, but the destination that is at the top of my list right now is the Galapagos. I’m lucky to have traveled to the Galapagos Islands last year with a group of Amazing Journeys travelers and it was truly amazing. It was such a unique destination with surprises along the way and I wanted to share some of my favorite aspects of the experience.

Wildlife – If you are a wildlife lover, the Galapagos Islands absolutely needs to be at the top of your “must travel” list! From marine iguanas to sea turtles to blue footed boobies to sea lions, there are incredible animals at every turn. Many of these species can only be found in the Galapagos and seeing them in their natural environment is just incredible.

Colors – As a photographer, the colors of the Galapagos Islands had my camera working overtime! I couldn’t get enough of the vibrant greens of the plants on land, the crystal clear blue waters, the contrast of the orange Sally Lightfoot crab against the stark black lava rocks and the wash of colors that were changing by the minute with each amazing sunset.

Activity level – Every day in the Galapagos is different – you could be snorkeling one day, taking a zodiac ride the next, kayaking, hiking or swimming. I love that you can be as active as you want on an itinerary like this, but that you can also enjoy everything that the islands has to offer from the comfort of the ship, on land or riding in a panga. Everyone in our group was able to make their experience exactly what they wanted and needed.

Remoteness – Imagine walking onto a quite beach with only the sounds of the water, the animals and your friends surrounding you – no lines, no traffic, no commotion. The Galapagos Islands are very restricted in the amount of visitors that come at one time, so as you are exploring, you sometimes feel like the only person in the world.

Cruising experience – Cruising is the only way I would want to explore the Galapagos Islands. Getting to sail from island to island makes the experience not only enjoyable and relaxing but allows you to maximize your time. You may explore one island in the morning, come back onboard for lunch and be in a different location in the afternoon. The expedition ship has a small number of passengers but boasts a delicious restaurant, casual places to relax, a dedicated learning space and experts that travel with you.

I could go on and on, but I guess I will stop here. If you’ve ever considered a visit to the Galapagos Islands, I encourage you to check it out! And if you’re considering it in the near future, I highly (highly) encourage you to come with us on the amazing journey to Ecuador and the Galapagos in December. Can you imagine ringing in the new year under the star covered sky while floating in between islands of the Galapagos? Pretty cool, huh? Whether you’re an animal lover, a water sports enthusiast, a photographer, a lover of cultures, someone who is looking for a unique way to celebrate New Year’s, or any other type of traveler, you are in for an experience of a lifetime. To see some of the things we’ll be seeing and doing on our trip, click here to watch a little video we’ve put together for you.

We hope to see you soon in this amazing part of the world!

Erin

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Top 6 Reasons Why Stacey Loves Morocco

Wednesday, December 20th, 2023


People often ask my what my favorite travel destination is and I have a hard time answering.  Among my favorites are Vietnam, Peru, and France, but the country that I always come back to is Morocco.  I’m lucky to have traveled to Morocco once in college and have since escorted two groups of Amazing Journeys travelers.  And guess what – I just fall in love with it more and more every time.  I want to share why with you, but while pulling pictures for this email I had such a hard time narrowing it down. Why 6 reasons?  I tried to have my Top 5 but I just couldn’t narrow it down.  And I got lost deciding which of our photos to share with you.  Should I include the bright blue door or the intricate mosaic work?  Should I include an intricate keyhole doorway or detailed golden doors?  The beauty of sand dunes across the desert or the shock of tents with chandeliers inside?  There are just so many amazing things around every corner!


Colors – Morocco is filled with colors of the landscape (blue skies, orange sand dunes, green date trees), colors of buildings (bright aqua doors, intricate green and yellow mosaic walls and floors, the iconic blue of the Majorelle gardens), and beautiful Moroccan goods (richly colored rugs, hand-painted pottery, brightly-dyed leather slippers).  The colors of Morocco are anything but neutral, and I’m here for it!  It’s a feast for the eyes and truly a photographer’s dream.


Grandeur – Archways taller than houses and grand entry gates, towering brass doors, palaces covered in mosaics – this country is filled with incredible craftsmanship and grandeur.


Food – Let’s be honest, who doesn’t experience a new country through their food?  If you’ve never had tagine, you are in for a treat.  Cooked over an open fire in a large clay dish with a pointed lid, tagine looks just as beautiful as it tastes.  Spiced vegetables, flavorful olives and warm mint tea to welcome visitors are just some of the highlights.  But my personal favorite?  For breakfast, there are these small, squarish crepes with lots of layers called msemen.  You can eat them with ham or syrup or peel them apart and eat them on their own and boy are they delicious.
Camping/Glamping – Okay, hear me out on this one.  We take a jeep ride far out into the desert when out of nowhere, a small group of tents comes into sight – just like a mirage.  When we get there and go inside our tent, you will discover that they have king-sized beds, gorgeous lights from the ceiling, running water (yes, a shower in each “tent”), and electricity (yes, you can charge your cell phone).  They are amazing!  And in the middle of nowhere.  We will share a delicious meal prepared by the fantastic team who works there, and we will share in a drum circle at night.  I guarantee everyone will be up dancing by the end.  And when we wake up the next morning?  Yep, we get to ride camels across the sand dunes!  It’s a dream come true.

Shopping – I don’t typically shop much when I travel but when I come back from Morocco by bags are bursting at the seams.  Hand-painted pottery, brass light fixtures and teapots, vintage rugs, tapestries, colorful babouche (leather slippers) and so many other beautiful, unique, hand-made goods.  Even if you’re not a shopper, you will have fun wandering the aisles of the souk, checking out all of the fun things to see.  It’s quite an experience.

Jewish History – there is so much Jewish history in Morocco.  Did you know that Jews began immigrating to the region nearly 2000 years ago?  Because of that, there are fascinating synagogues and history all over the country.  From a synagogue in Casablanca that operates today to a small one in Fes that dates back to the 17 century with a subterranean mikveh and a blue and white mosaic-covered synagogue in Marrakech, they are all so different and wonderful.  We visit a cemetery which looks unlike any cemetery I’ve ever seen before.  And throughout the trip, we learn about how Jews have operated in Moroccan society and government through to the modern day.  Wherever we travel in the world, visiting the local synagogues and communities are always some of our most memorable visits.

I could go on and on – as I’m sure you can tell – but alas, I will stop here.  If you’ve never considered a visit to Morocco, I encourage you to check it out. And if you’re considering it, I highly (highly) encourage you to come with us on the amazing journey to Morocco in May.  Whether you’re a foodie, an art-enthusiast, a photographer, a lover of cultures, a shopper, or any other type of traveler, you are in for an experience of a lifetime.  To see some of the things we’ll be seeing and doing on our trip, click here to watch a little video we’ve put together for you.

We hope to see you soon in this amazing part of the world!

Stacey

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Top 5 Reasons to Cruise

Tuesday, April 11th, 2023

At Amazing Journeys, we love cruising for so many reasons! But if we have to narrow it down to our top five, here is what we can share:

1. Unpack once
Imagine going on a one or two week vacation but only having to unpack one time. On a cruise, that is just what happens! Your hotel floats from port to port so no need to pack up to move to the next city.

2. Cover more ground
Cruising is the perfect way to sample a region. Visit multiple countries in one trip and see the highlights.

3. Everything is all in one place
Not sure where to eat dinner? Looking for a show? Hoping to squeeze in a workout? On a cruise, everything is right at your fingertips.

4. Travel at night and maximize your touring hours
How cool is it to go to sleep in one country and wake up in a new destination? On a cruise, once you fly into the starting city, getting from place to place is taken care of and traveling hours are often at night so you can do the most in each port.

5. Shore excursion options
Want to learn the history of a city? How about hoping on a bike to explore the architecture? Or try your hand at cooking a local delicacy? Shore excursion options give you the choice of how you spend your days in each destination.

Looking to hop on your next cruise?  Check out our current offerings by clicking here!

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Our Amazing Journeys Family is Growing

Monday, December 5th, 2022

by Erin

Our Amazing Journeys family is growing and we are excited to share the team with you! No matter where you travel with us in the world, one of our amazing team members will be with you along the way!

And yes, a bigger staff means more amazing journeys! Keep an eye out for new trip announcements coming soon!

Click here to learn more about our crew!

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Allow us to brag

Friday, September 9th, 2022

by Erin

For 22 years, Amazing Journeys has been creating vacations that change your life! But don’t just take our word for it – allow us to share some testimonials from travelers who have experienced Amazing Journeys first-hand!


Traveling with Amazing Journeys is like eating potato chips – you can’t stop after one or two. It’s addictive! I have traveled around the world with them, from South America to Australia and New Zealand, Japan, the Galapagos and many countries in between. You are treated like family and make lifelong friends. Every detail is attended to. I am looking forward to my next adventure.
-Sylvia (France River Cruise traveler)

I would travel to the ends of the earth with Amazing Journeys. The trips taken with Amazing Journeys were chock full of eye opening adventures with rocking itineraries. Long after the adventures I am left with memories that inspire me and friends that I treasure. Amazing Journeys makes traveling easy. They think of every detail and provide explicit pre-trip instructions. The team is always open to questions and it is obvious this is more than a business to them, they really make you feel like family. During the trip they are with you to assist with anything you need, are friendly and the good energy they add to the trip is immeasurable. It’s scary to travel alone. But, when I make a reservation for an Amazing Journeys trip I am confident. I know their trips attract high caliber individuals and the AJ team does everything in their power to make the travels easy and enjoyable. I’m so glad that AJ is around and I was lucky enough to hear about them.
-Marla (UAE & India traveler)

Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a novice, you’ll be impressed with the energy, thoughtfulness, and care they devote to making sure you have an exciting, comfortable, hassle-free, and safe experience. With friendly professionalism, they manage to take groups of strangers to strange lands, bring them together, and help each create fond memories and warm relationships that can last a lifetime.
-Bonnie (Israel traveler)

I have literally been around the world with Amazing Journeys and enjoyed myself thoroughly. I get so busy with work that when they post a trip I am interested in, I skim the itinerary and pay my deposit right away as I trust… and they come through every time… to give me a wonderful experience as well as I feel safe as a single woman on their trips. I HIGHLY recommend them. My life is fuller because of my travel with Amazing Journeys.
-Stacy (Greenland traveler)

There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the great job they did in making this trip so very special!!!
-Helene (France River Cruise traveler)

The level of detail Amazing Journeys puts into every trip is insurmountable to any other travel company I have experienced. Each trip I have been on was more Amazing (hence their name) than the last. From cruising the Mediterranean, to a Jewish Heritage river boat tour through Eastern Europe, New Years Eve cruise through South America, an African safari, Hong Kong/China… all well planned, wonderful local tour guides, fantastic accommodations, and the list goes on. Travelers can rest assured that all details, big and small, are taken care of. If any emergencies occur, they are there handling it, making sure everything is taken care of. Are Jewish travel groups a bit more expensive than others? Yes. But well worth it. I have met some fantastic new friends from all over!! I have found everyone on their trips to be welcoming, friendly and we create fantastic memories. They are fantastic!!
-Toby (UAE & India traveler)

I have traveled with different companies before I found Amazing Journeys, and one thing I can say, you get what you pay for. Customer service is top notch. Every detail is taken care off. When I come home from an Amazing Journeys trip, I already start looking/planning the next one. I feel like every trip is once in a lifetime, that is how amazing the trips are.
-Reed (France River Cruise traveler)

I met many wonderful people who I know I will remain in contact with. I never thought I would have the opportunity to travel abroad and I could never have experienced the heart and soul of our stops without the expertise of Amazing Journeys. I have not stopped smiling since I have come home reliving the trip through pictures, Facebook, etc. I would not hesitate to travel with AJ again.
-Janet (Mediterranean Cruise traveler)

The level of organization and attention to detail by the group leaders was beyond anything I expected. I always felt like I knew exactly what was happening and if I needed help with any problems, the leaders would be there to help me. I also loved the ship and all the ports we visited!
-Audrey (Mediterranean Cruise traveler)

AJ plans fantastic trips. Once you book, you sit back and count the days till departure. Have questions? Never a problem. Their office phone is always answered in a friendly, warm manner. I can’t say enough positive things about Amazing Journeys!! It is the creme de la creme of singles travel groups. I’m glad I’m part of their family. I’m anxiously anticipating my next trip with them. I know I’ll be booking more in the future.
-Sharon (Africa traveler)

Amazing Journeys is really Amazing! This is a travel group for Jewish Singles – they travel the world and send you on fabulous trips. They take care of everything from visas, to airport transfers and you see everything there is to see in the location that you travel to. Their team is amazing! Knowledge and able to handle all types of situations and problems that may occur. After I have traveled to different locations throughout the world, I feel there is nothing I did not see or do in the particular location. I recommend this travel group for those who want to see the world!
-Lori (Greenland traveler)

The name is fitting. Just returned home from an AMAZING trip to Namibia. With the AJ staff’s attention to detail all I had to do was pack my bag (and find my passport) and head out. This was my 12th trip with my AJ friends. Already looking at the website to plan the next trip.
-Sharon (Namibia traveler)

I would highly recommend Amazing Journeys for group travel with nice Jewish people who are also interested in traveling to fun and new destinations. Amazing Journeys and its staff are professional, organized and bring together a diversity of Jewish travelers for a fun time. They always take care of the important details so I can enjoy a carefree vacation. I also like that they work hard to make sure everyone feels warm, welcome, comfortable and included in all activities on their trips. I look forward to my next trip with Amazing Journeys very soon!
-Lisa (Peru traveler)

I’ve traveled with other companies. Amazing Journeys is the top! They have a great inside staff and trip leaders that really take care of everything. They offer quite a variety of trips. With them I’ve been able to visit all seven continents. I highly recommend them!
-Marty (Antarctica traveler)

I have travelled with Amazing Journeys a number of times and they really do exceed expectations. The trips are well organised, and you feel like part of the family! The added extras, attention to detail and ability to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible means I would not hesitate to travel with them again. They are also just lovely to deal with, warm, friendly and clearly care about what they do. Cannot recommend highly enough!
-Benjy (French Polynesia traveler)

Because of Amazing Journeys, I have had the opportunity to travel all over the world and meet some people I can no longer imagine my life without. Think about your last vacation, did you meet other people or did you just hang out with the one or two other people you came with? I went on my first AJ trip with one friend and came away with dozens more. I keep coming back and now I can’t imagine my life without my new friends. This group is great if you have the travel bug but just can’t seem to find people who want to travel with you. You can sign up for one of the many AJ trips and just go. You WILL meet people.
-Tiffani (Morocco traveler)

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What a summer!

Wednesday, August 31st, 2022

by Erin

It has been an amazingly full, fun and fabulous summer here at Amazing Journeys, and we want to start out by saying THANK YOU!  We know that when the pandemic started and travel came to a screeching halt, many of you were not sure when you would feel comfortable traveling again.  But we are happy to share that so far this year, 218 travelers have hopped on planes, cars and cruises to embrace their wanderlust and get back out there!  It means so much to us that you trust us for your re-entry into the travel world and we are thrilled to have had so many incredible experiences since travel has become an option again.

Spring had us bouncing from Costa Rica to the Music Cities of New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville to Croatia to Morocco!

In June, our amazing travelers ventured to Israel – many for the first time.  From hiking around the top of Masada to floating in the Dead Sea, experiencing the nightlife of Tel Aviv and learning the history of Jerusalem, we took on Israel head-first. We tasted local flavors in the market, shopped for crafts in the shuk and celebrated Shabbat at the Kotel. We opened our eyes, ears and souls to new experiences and Israel did not disappoint. And half of the group ventured to Jordan to check Petra off their bucket list!

In July, our expedition-minded friends were Arctic-bound and explored the incredible country of Greenland. This was such a remote location, filled with unparalleled and unexpected beauty.  From the icebergs to the mountains, the colorful sunsets and rainbows, the nearly perfect weather, fjords and glaciers, we couldn’t have asked for more eye-candy. Our brand new ship was filled with wonderful people taking care of us, science projects, lectures on culture and daily life in Greenland. Each day was filled with hiking, taking Zodiac rides through the Arctic waters, walking through towns, playing games onboard the ship, swimming in iceberg filled waters and so much more!

Then in August, we were off to France. From seeing the Eiffel Towel sparkle at night, to visiting the synagogue in Rouen, to biking to Giverny and seeing the famous water lilies this river cruise had highlights at every stop.  The river cruise experience was new to many of our travelers but now everyone knows why we love this method of traveling so much! We explored the picturesque town of Honfleur, visited the landing beaches at Normandy and tasted chocolates, cheeses and calvados, giving us memories that are sure to stay with us for a lifetime.

We have a slight break in travel now, giving us the chance to unpack from the summer, spend time with our families during the Jewish holidays and most importantly, gear up for our next amazing round of travel!  We are busy finalizing more trips for the 2023 calendar year and nothing thrills us more than being able to share a new trip and see who is going to be joining us.

Keep your eyes open for new trip announcements coming around the corner, but for now, we take a deep breath, smile, and say “Wow – what a summer!”

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