Happy Monday traveler!

This week, we’re taking you to a destination that blends wild beauty, close encounters with rare animals, and a sense of untouched wonder. Welcome to the Galápagos Islands, where we’ll explore the islands of Baltra, Santa Cruz, and Isabela.

🌍️ What’s Going on In the Travel World?

• Labor Day travel expected to break records - You might be reading this while you’re traveling. Happy Labor Day in the USA!

• This Is the No. 1 Fall Foliage Destination in the U.S. for 2025 - This is on our list of inspirational travel

• Spirit Airlines again files for bankruptcy protection - $2.4 billion in long-term debt!?

• Tracee Ellis Ross offers tips on solo travel in new docuseries for Roku - great resources for those of you traveling solo

• Photos show revelers taking part in Tomatina, the tomato-throwing festival in Spain - Not sure what this inspires…

A message from Passport Inspiration

Looking to plan an inspiring adventure right now?

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

• Visas

• Dining

• Lodging

• Passports

• Excursions

• Travel Arrangements

  If you want a head start planning, we can help you prepare for an amazing trip.

🙌🏼This Week’s Inspiration

The Galapagos Islands is unlike anywhere else in the world. The journey feels like something extraordinary from the moment you board the flight to the islands,

Baltra Island is more of a gateway than a destination. It’s where the airport is located.

As soon as you arrive, you head through security and pay the national park entrance fee, which is $200 USD. Shuttle buses outside of the airport will take you to the Itabaca Channel, where you’ll hop on a small ferry for the short crossing to Santa Cruz Island.

It’s about a 40-minute drive across the island to the port town of Puerto Ayora from there.

Santa Cruz is a blend of highlands and vibrant coastal life. At the Charles Darwin Research Station, you can learn about ongoing conservation projects and see giant tortoises up close. Head to Tortuga Bay, a pristine beach with white sand and turquoise water, if you’re up for a scenic walk. Look out for the marine iguanas and shorebirds.

Shops, restaurants, and hotels are all over Puerto Ayora and it’s very walkable in this area.

After exploring Santa Cruz, many travelers take the next leap: a two-hour speedboat ride to Isabela Island, which is the largest island in the archipelago.

Look at a map and you’ll see it resembles a seahorse. Despite its size, Isabela is still quiet and rugged, with only a few thousand residents and plenty of places to discover.

Nature takes center stage on Isabela Island.

Here’s the fascinating part: the animals don’t know humans as predators, meaning they aren’t afraid of you. On our tour of Isabela, we had sea lions waddle right around us! They were even sleeping on park benches.

Isabela Island is wonderful for snorkeling. Be prepared to encounter playful sea lions that might swim alongside you. White-tip reef sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles can also be seen.

The Big 5 are the animals most famous on Isabela Island.

These animals are:

• blue footed boobies

• penguins

• sea lions

• marine iguanas

• giant tortoises.

We were able to see all of them. It was fascinating being in such close proximity. As always though, it’s important to respect nature and never try to touch the wildlife.

How to Get to the Galapagos Islands:

To get to the Galápagos, you'll need to fly from mainland Ecuador, either from Quito or Guayaquil.

Before boarding, you’ll pass through a special biosecurity screening to help protect the islands’ delicate ecosystems.

At the airport, you'll also need to purchase a $20 USD Transit Control Card, which is required for all travelers entering the archipelago.

Where to Stay:

Hotel Fiesta -breakfast included

Hotel Galapagos Tortuga Bay

Torre Mar Galapagos Boutique Suites

What to Eat:

You’ll find ceviche everywhere in the Galapagos, often made with shrimp or fish marinated in lime and served with plantain chips.

Other favorites include encocado de pescado (fish in a creamy coconut sauce), bolón de verde (fried green plantain balls stuffed with cheese or meat), and hearty bowls of encebollado, a warm tuna soup that’s especially delicious after a long day in the water.

What to Pack:

When it comes to packing, think practical and eco-conscious.

Bring lightweight, breathable clothing for the heat, a rain jacket just in case, and good walking shoes for lava trails and town strolls alike.

You’ll also want reef-safe sunscreen, a swimsuit, a waterproof dry bag for boat trips, and a reusable water bottle because plastic is heavily restricted on the islands.

👋 Have an Inspiring Week

Here are a few of our affiliate links to help you when in the Galapagos Islands. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

• This is a 9 hour tour for Isabela Island and Tintorera Islet.

• Meet giant tortoises, explora lava tunnels, and craters with this tour.

• This is the dream tour - island hopping for 7 days, 6 nights

• This waterproof phone case - perfect for snorkeling

• This phone tripod - perfect for capturing all the photos you’ll be taking!

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob