Peru’s Andes & Machu Picchu!

Live like a Local: Peru
USTOA’s Travel Together Series hosted by Kelley Ferro
Home to ancient history, local indigenous communities and so much art & culture, the Andes are a must on your visit to Peru.

Food of Peru

Live like a Local: Peru
USTOA’s Travel Together Series hosted by Kelley Ferro
YUM! I loved the food of Peru. It was healthy, fresh, local and just delicious. In Lima we had the best local ceviche and even learned how to make it. In the Andes, we dined on local river fish and all sorts of locally grown vegetables. The fruits of the country are the true stars though–many come from the Amazon & the exotic tastes blew me away!

Luxury in Peru

If you want to travel in style, Travcoa, the luxury tour operator is for you. Every detail is planned out so you can just focus on enjoying the best food, sumptuous hotels, easy transportation and the best access to all of Peru’s gems.

A Guide to of Peru

Live like a Local: Peru
USTOA’s Travel Together Series hosted by Kelley Ferro
You have the vibrant city of Lima, the bright green, snow capped Andes, the desert plains of the Nazca Lines, the Amazon and of course, Machu Picchu. Peru has so many different sides, I needed more time to experience them all. Here’s a glimpse into my time in Peru.

The Countryside of Taiwan

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
Though the cities are exciting, nothing beats the vivid green and bright blue of Taiwan’s rolling countryside. From Jiofen to Hualian—each small town in the Northern Taiwan countryside was not only stunning, but they each had their own charm. When you go to Taiwan, make sure to get outside of the cities.

Taiwan’s Vibrant Culture

USTOA’s Live Like a Local Series
I’d never been to Asia and stepping into the Taiwanese culture was thrilling, disorienting, embracing and shocking—I loved every minute of it. The Taiwanese Culture amazes—in custom, religious, attitude, and lifestyle—and it was beautiful to see and experience.

Our Local Guides with Travcoa

USTOA Live Like a Local Series
To me, the people that you meet on a trip can make a good experience, great. On a group tour it is even more important to have great guides and on our tour with Tauck, we had some of the kindest, most knowledgeable, funny & flexible guides that ensure that our trip was educational, smoothly run and most of all, FUN!

Meet the Locals of Churchill

You’d think the weather of Churchill would dampen your spirits, but the locals that I met there were so warm, friendly and full of life, they made the snow covered city so welcoming. I met Myrtle, a Dené storyteller who spoke of how her people came & developed Churchill and the trading routes and I also met Wally, who started the cozy Lazy Bear Lodge. Dave Daley runs a dogsledding company and I’ve never had a more serene experience gliding over the snow and learning how he trains his animals. These are the faces of Churchill that I won’t soon forget!

Bucket List: Seeing the Polar Bears

USTOA Live Like a Local
Seeing the polar bears in person, in their natural habitat, is nothing like I can ever describe. Our adventure with tour operator Tauck, took us up to Churchill, Manitoba–the most remote place that I’ve ever been. However, Polar Bears seem to find it quite easily. Our tundra vehicles kept us warm and not only did we see Polar Bears, we interacted with them. Just watch!

Luxury on the Tundra

USTOA Live Like a Local Series
Yes, it might have been below zero outside, but our tour with Tauck made sure that we were comfortable–even out on the open tundra. Not only were our accommodations at the Lazy Bear Lodge charming & cozy, our days spent out looking for polar bears were just as comfortable on board heated, spacious tundra vehicles. Private charter buses & planes only heightened the ease of getting around and all the extras made this tour a cut above!