Tens of thousands of people are looking towards the National Parks to satisfy the adventurer within, and it's a great idea. The National Parks System is something we should all be proud of, in so many ways. In total, there are 63 National Parks, but 423 "National Park Sites" in the United States. On my travels, I've come across adventurers chipping away at the goal of visiting them all. 

What a life eh? I can tell you from experience that there's so much to learn from each and every park. So many programs, guides, maps, locations, trails, routes, rules, permits and so on. I've been able to see the mistakes that most people make, and wanted to take some time to share them so you can avoid these pitfalls. 

Your journey should begin with visiting the National Park Website, www.nps.gov. Here you'll find an almost overwhelming amount of information on each park. Be sure to check the calendars and events section, along with admission fees and restrictions. The next thing to do is download the App recreation.gov on your smart phone. Here you'll be able to make reservations for shuttle tickets, accommodations and much more. 

After taking some time to explore these areas the best thing to do is get on a guided tour of some kind. These fill up way in advance, so the sooner you plan the better. Apps are great, but nothing compares to the experience of a professional guide. You'll be able to absorb so much more than trying to figure it out yourself. Yes, you're clever and savvy, but trust me, this is the best way to go. Get a private tour if a group setting isn't your thing. These are popular now and commonplace to offer. 

Not a morning person? You really need to adjust. There's plenty of reasons the morning time is best in the National Parks. First and foremost, there are way less people meandering about. This alone should be motivation. There are other advantages though such as the animals. They mostly  frolic at dusk and dawn. You'll have a much better chance seeing these great creatures at sunrise and sunset before they go into hiding. Speaking of sunrise and sunset, photography plays a significant role here. If you want good photos, these are the best times. Midday, you'll be fighting with glare, and potentially a washed out look with the sun coming from above. Colors abound in the morning and evening. 

Local operators know these things, and they'll take you to the best places. Locals know the park, both inside and OUT. If you think all the magic happens in the park, you'd be mistaken. Thousands of miles of canyons, trails and overlooks exist outside the park system and can be made accessible, if you have the means, knowledge and permits!

I hope this provides a little insight into visiting the parks, and should you want the best adventures there are to offer, just CLICK HERE to fill out the form for a private organized tour for you, your friends, family or whomever you enjoy traveling with!

XOXO

​Daniel

I was sitting across the table from a friend just the other day when I realized how much I missed personal conversations. I find it so therapeutic to talk about matters of substance. We were just finishing setting up for the backdrop of a new travel video for Project Pride and she made me some coffee. We sat down and just talked. We asked how each other were, what we've experienced since the last time we saw one another, and enjoyed our time together. Part of what we talked about (or I did) is how interesting it's been to observe so many people across this country, from one end to the other. How diverse we are from 1 mile to the next. I mentioned how different it was to be outside the country looking in. 

A ton of perspective has been gained this year. I can't express how huge that is for me. It had been a month since we talked, and I really appreciated both her company and the delicious cup of coffee she prepared. Somewhere in between that coffee and my friend existed something of great value. It's called connection. When it's removed we become different people. We behave differently and we adapt to isolation. That may be good to prevent transmission of a virus but it's insidious to our mental health. What would the year have looked like if we could talk, touch, love, hug, kiss and play together. I guess we'll never know. I just know how much I love and miss it. 

That's also why I love my job. It does all those things. I can remember standing outside a ship of thousands of people with a "Free Hugs" sign and gave everyone a hug who wanted it. CAN YOU IMAGINE? Would you give me a hug? Maybe soon, and I'll take one from ya!

Listen my friend, I love what I do because I love travel. I'm really not sure when or if I'll ever settle down. One day I might be writing from South America and the next from Glacier National Park. That doesn't sound so bad to me! Travel has an enormous power to heal and grow. It's way more than a "sector" of the economy, it's something we've done since we could walk. It's inherent to our nature. This as well as curiosity, connections, the desire to learn, explore and so much more. I can't wait until it's the right time for YOU to travel. 

For those of you wanting to get out and explore, I have something for you. A new departure. It's the MIGHTY FIVE on April 12, 2021. Five of the most magical parks I've ever explored. Check it out and give it some consideration.

It's been a long time coming. We aren't out of the woods yet, but I've managed to navigate the pandemic pretty well. Last year was devastating for the travel industry, but for those of us able to maneuver, grow, and survive we've come out better than ever. For me personally, my life has changed completely and for the better. I've been able to establish solid connections and learn about so many places I've never been before. Some of the highlights are Ecuador, Costa Rica, and the American West. During this time I've offered some extraordinary rates to destinations and have been fortunate to have loyal guests join me. On February 11, we head to Costa Rica with a great crew! 

What I've been witnessing in the meantime is a trend in the right direction. 1 out of 10 travelers have made their reservations already for 2021, and the rest are on the fence figuring out when the best time will be to book. I have to say, the better question is not when to book, but when to travel. So many out there are looking to the summer and fall. I've been busy updating the website for more departures to Havana, new departures for Xpedition: Ecuador in September, and preparing for ROMANIA in August. There's a lot of interest, and I hope you're one of them. I do currently have one trip in the oven, and thats Iceland. This will likely be in October so we can enjoy the Northern Lights. I'm looking into making two trips out of it. One for the adventurer which may be on motorcycle, and the other will explore the outer edge in comfort. 

Why am I telling you all this? Well, I'm giving you a heads up that the prices offered in the past are returning to normal. Low pricing was fun, and it helped a lot of people travel at a great rate. It's time now to return to a point of financial predictability and profit. Through this weekend, I'll be honoring existing rates. After Sunday, January 31st, tours will rise between 20-40%. This won't just help my bottom line, but also the vendors who have worked so hard to stay in business over the last year. If you'd like to make a reservation and maintain current pricing, all you have to do is add the promo code of GOODTIMES at the end of the booking online, and you're all set. 

Happy Travels and see you on the trail!

XOXO

Daniel Milks

​

​I'm not really sure where to begin. Over the last couple of months, I've been traveling through Ecuador. Creating vacations isn't new to me, but the way I'm doing it is. Last year, I've spent most of my time visiting the areas I'd always wanted to, but never had the time. Well, last year there was time, and I had to make the most of it. 

Costa Rica, the American Western states, and finally Ecuador. I never knew what an incredible experience I was about to set out upon, and how it would rock my world. November 19th was the date. I sped across the southern United States heading towards Miami. The country had opened, my ticket date was valid, and I was on my way. 

Two months later, I'm writing to you from Ecuador, and have found the country to be a second home. The people, culture, economics, natural beauty and abundance of wildlife makes for a great destination. Something happens when you go south of the equator, and it’s as if life is quite literally turned upside down. 

I've become part of a second family, made incredible connections, had wonderful experiences, and changed the course of what I'll offer going forward. I've committed myself to never again create travel without it having a positive impact on those we visit, and those who will come along for the adventure. A trading company is in its beginning, my attitude has shifted, and I'm ready to share my vision with you. 

Soon, (over the next few weeks) I'll be sharing this vision with you as I roll out Xpedition Ecuador. It'll be at least a 12-day experience, focusing on the arts, culture and mother nature. Xpedition Ecuador will include workshops, arts, crafts, music and a feel-good opportunity with real results. I'll be talking about this over the next few weeks, and I hope you decide to follow along. Our experiences will be worthy of your participation and honor my dream.... to create meaningful experiences. 

Let's focus on healing. Let's look towards the future and let’s begin planning now. If you'd like to get on the waitlist for Xpedition Ecuador, I'm beginning to take initial reservations of interest. It costs nothing and puts you first in line for the series rollout. All you have to do is reach out, say hi, and tell me your name. Email me at daniel@myxoadventures.com. 

See you south of the equator! 

We've almost made it through the Fire Swamp, and have encountered some rodents of unusual size, but we're here. We stand on the precipice of a new time. Politically, practically, and generationally. With the election seemingly behind us, and more now than ever our nails begin to pierce the armchair as we look towards the future. How fast, when, where, what and why? It's all going to happy in due time, and most of it is out of our control. 

For the travel side of the equation, we are experiencing what it must be like for the runner waiting for the gun to go off in an Olympic race. When is the right time to release a trip? Will customers travel? When will the vaccine be enough to lower restrictions? It's tough for us but let me say there are so many professionals involved in this industry that have stuck it out. Changes have been made behind the scenes for the future of travel. Good ones. Changes that have needed to be made for a long time, and this pause provided the room for it to happen. Changes that are permanent, and I for one am for it. 

I've had to reevaluate everything. Resizing trips, when to offer them, pricing, places, partnerships and most recently adding imports from the places I visit. Here's a few buns in the oven:

A.) Moving ahead, any new trips created will contain even more purpose. We'll be searching out ways to connect cultures and worlds. 
B.) You can expect to see more of the arts involved in all regions we visit. Whether it be hands on, observationally, auditory or otherwise. 
C.) By the time we leave there will be a positive impact on both the community we visit, and those involved on our trips. 

This year has changed the way I see the world, and I believe the change is profoundly good. We're going to make a difference, and should you decide to come along, so will you. A not-for-profit is in the works to sponsor youth travel, promote cultural heritage, and education. A new Fair-Trade Import-Export business has begun, and is only at the very beginning stages, with the name and domain obtained. These things aren't in conflict, but in harmony, and it's my hope that through travel we make a meaningful difference. I'll be updating you throughout the process by live video and more blogs. 

Between now and then, I wish you a Very Happy Holiday. If anything, this year has taught us how Important the bonds we have between us really are. I'm grateful for the ones I have with you. Let's bring in the new year with a sense of optimism, hope, healing and gratitude that we have survived! Until next time!

Daniel 

​XOXO

As the incredible visit to Ecuador comes to an end, it's time to focus on what's ahead, and it's right around the corner. Earlier in the year I had put out a few departure dates for Costa Rica Exotica, but I've decided to focus on one, February 11-21. I did this because its a special time of year (Valentines), and because the vendors in Costa Rica were willing to sharpen their pencils, and I was too. 

I know many of you out there are just waiting for the right moment to travel, and I can tell you this is it. Quite a bit of work goes into putting together an awesome Adventure, and this is one of them. The people, vendors, accommodations and tours are just part of a bigger picture. Right now is unique in many ways as you know, but for this trip it's a jump start in renewing travel and what I call Vacation Revenge. 

It's beginning to happen, and I prefer to be ahead of the curve. Many Americans are making plans to get out and explore the world. Already, there have been exceptional deals out there, but this one stands out above the rest. I'll replicate it for next year, but likely at almost double the cost. It really is the last chance to take advantage of low pricing due to the lack of travel. In this package, every part is special. It includes extremely luxurious accommodations in El Castillo overlooking Mount Arenal, Treetop like housing in the Cloud Forest area of Monteverde and Ultra Luxurious accommodation in Quepos with Manuel Antonio National Park along the coast.

I've secured a private chef to travel with us, private transportation, all your tours, meals, welcome and farewell dinners prepared in our homes, thermal baths, beach days, time on your own, and visits to some of the most outstanding biodiverse places in the world. It's all online. This trip is not a money maker for me personally. It's designed to provide a safe visit to Costa Rica, an extreme value to you, an opportunity for me to meet new clients, and a way to help the people of Costa Rica. I assure you, its safe with many protocols in place , mostly outdoors and includes the special touches that guests have come to expect from myXOadventures.com. 

I encourage you to seriously consider this offering, with $500 off per person if booked before December 31st. Costa Rica Exotica is the best way I know how to kick off the year with a big bang. Currently we are half full, and this will be a maximum of 10 guests. Check it our, and come along. You'll love living life again. Pura Vida!

XOXO 
​Daniel

Quito, Baños, Riobamba, Latacunga, Cotopaxi, Sangay, Chimborazo, the Amazon. For the last of the international journeys of the calendar year this has been quite an eye-opener. It also has a real chance at charting the course for my future. Before we get started on that, let me say that I've found Ecuador to be full of beauty and surprises. Ecuador beyond just another vacation destination on the list of places to consider visiting. It is alive, breathing, mystifying, vibrant, rich, TASTY,  ever changing and popular with expats for good reason. 

Take a second look at the picture above. I'm standing at the base of Chimborazo Volcano.  Looking out over the sunrise I have "The Alter" to my left and Sangay to my right. The Alter is what remains of a great volcano that after7 years of activity finally collapsed. What remains are the four peaks that locals say are monks, thus the name. To the right is Sangay, one of the most active volcanoes in the world and is overdue for a major eruption. The setting is perfect. Rarely does it happen that you can see both sites on the same day with such clarity. I felt honored. On top of that, one of the most famous Volcanoes you cannot see but is directly to my left, fully lit by the sun, and called Chimborazo. 

Most people hear Ecuador, and the first thought is the Galapagos Islands, but if you came here to see just that, you would be making a great mistake! Quito is a colonial city and drastically different from the Coast. Riobamba is at the heart of the country and just about every type of food or product passes through. In the Amazon, your thought of life and living is turned completely upside down. In between you see geography like nowhere else. 

As of this writing, it's almost 3 weeks of exploring here. Staying in modest accommodations, meeting friends along the way, eating some of the best fruits and veggies, and experiencing an ancient Shamanic Ceremony in the Amazon. I have 5 days remaining, and for these I intend to make the most. I'll be visiting Otavalo, a market to the north of Quito. While there I'm going to visit an authentic family owned textile operation where Alpaca blankets, scarves, hats, indigenous socks, leather products and Tagua jewelry are made and sold. I'll be bringing back as many items as I can, and perhaps this is the beginning of an import/export business in Ecuador. I'll find out and will be taking photos and videos of the process. Once completed the products will go up on the website and Facebook for anyone to purchase. 

As for a group visit, this one is more active for sure. I'll be putting together a visit for those of you that like the great outdoors, are in good physical shape, and the thought of climbing mountains flips your switch. 

Last, I want to note that I have been following along with the current state of the vaccine, and all the politics that go along with the health of the Nation. With that said, I have been in discussions with my partners in Costa Rica and have negotiated better pricing for February of 2021. This is a Valentines Getaway on Costa Rica Exotica Extraordinary. The normal rate is $2599, and I have been able to negotiate down to $2099 per person. You'll need to make the reservation by letting me know directly, so I can avoid unnecessary merchant fees. I've also worked with them to make this happen and have brought down my cost as well. 

It's going to be a group of no more than 10, and include two locations of luxury accommodations, one of a more Treehouse feel in Monteverde, tours included, transportation while on the ground, meals, etc. Currently there are no testing requirements to enter Costa Rica, however it is something I must insist on in order to protect the group. I'll need a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure and a verbal agreement to keep as isolated as possible before leaving. 

I assure you, there will not be another opportunity like this in the future. Check it out and let me know!


XOXO

Daniel Milks
daniel@myxoadventures.com
​

It's Miami, 4AM local time. Most hotel rooms these days smell like marijuana. I guess that's better than the smoking rooms of years gone by with ashtrays, yellow nicotine stains and a combination of mold and smoke. It feels like what I knew travel to be is as old as that nicotine, and as consistent as the flickering vacancy sign outside an old roadside motel, but a new kind of travel is in the process of being born. 

Breakfast has been cancelled due to the Pandemic, and so has the shuttle to the airport. I know both these points are best efforts by the hotel to cut down on costs, and don't do anything to protect the guests. Hotels are one of the areas that frankly annoy me the most. The 2 star traveler will be lied to directly by the company until the vaccine is in effect, and COVID goes back into the hole of damnation where it belongs. What will they say then? Will the boxes of cereal return? Will they go so far as to provide a microwavable breakfast burrito? Maybe a place to sit in the lobby? I'm getting excited just thinking about it. Not really. The 2 star hotel might as well be a pod hotel like the kind in Tokyo, simply crawl in and close the coffin door, because we've transformed from a hotel into (As Steve Martin from Planes, Trains & Automobiles would have put it) an effing bed, an effing shower, an effing TV and an effing light. That was and has been my hotel experience for some time now, but I digress. 

I'm in Miami for what I believe to be my last international trip of the year. In total and since April of 2020, I've traveled to 38 states and 1 country (Costa Rica). This will be the second, Ecuador. It just so happens I'm traveling over the Thanksgiving week. People think I'm crazy. I am, but this ticket has been rescheduled over 4 times, attempted once with this being the second time. If I don't use it the airline will be happy to provide a voucher equal to the amount I paid in April - $99. No thanks. 

I was here a week ago, and a month ago. The difference is, it's not the creaky wheels of travel starting back up again, its something altogether different. From the hotel, to the Uber Driver to the Airline Check in process, the flight and well, lets see about Ecuador. You see, I think we were stuck in between for a long, long time. From the days of glam travel to the discount, flip flop wearing, cattle heard travel we've come to know and hate. 

The creaky wheels of travel seem to be gone altogether. For a lot of companies, if you were going to reinvent yourself now was the time. Quite literally, it doesn't look, feel or even smell the same. A great deal of it I like. For instance, I just checked in on my American Airlines App. I had a digital boarding pass before entering the airport. Since my backpack was so large, I was asked to check it. Ok, I go over to one of the dozens of screens, check in easily, and print the bag tag right there. I loop it through the hoop of my backpack, and then walk over to drop it off at the conveyor. Easy. Way, way, way to easy. Don't be fooled, these changes have little or nothing to do with COVID, but more to do with innovation and the future of travel. 

While hotels aren't exactly innovating the way the airlines, and cruise lines are being forced to, the benefits are going to have some big payoffs. I enjoy flying American. Did you just hear what I said? I said I enjoy flying {FILL IN HERE}.  I don't know when I've ever said that about any airline! Ever! That's the secret behind these supposed COVID changes. They are innovating and testing these changes under little stress because of reduced passenger capacity. There couldn't be a better time to change, innovate and collaborate. As devastating as COVID has been, my business included, it's change or die. It's not a temporary change, its a permanent one, and I can feel the Heartbeat of a renewed travel industry. Ecuador awaits, and I'm now going to pull my mask down to enjoy a bagel, as the in fight meal has been cancelled due to COVID. 

The election, encouraging news on a vaccine, and (hopefully) the end of the hurricane season.  All these things have resulted in at least some clarity moving ahead. We've all needed that one way or another, because it spells light at the end of a tunnel. 

Back In April before hitting the road, I made a few purchases in airline tickets, knowing that I'd never know the time and place I'd be able to use them. I knew it was a risk, but one I couldn't pass up. I bought tickets to Costa Rica, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile all for around $100 round trip from Miami. Costa Rica and Ecuador had to be used before the end of this month or they would be converted into travel vouchers worth the original amount I paid. I think not!! 

The small investment in Costa Rica resulted in a huge wealth of knowledge and experience. I'm so glad I went. The lovely lady in the picture is named Sabine, and of all the people I met she's become a good friend. One I hope will last a lifetime. The result of the visit are the first two trips to Costa Rica in January and February of 2021, with more to follow. I hope you have a moment to check them out, and join us.

So that leads me to Ecuador. This is the first real fly by the seat of my pants trip. It was scheduled by Avianca, in business for over 100 years, and one of the most vulnerable airlines at the moment financially. As I write this I've been on hold with them for over 7 hours, which as you can imagine makes me a little unsettled. I do have a few contacts there, and with some valuable help, just finished the plan. I'll spend time in Quito, do the Quilatoa Loop, visit the Cotopaxi Volcano and perhaps stop at Chimborazo Mountain, the tallest mountain in the world when measured from the center of the earth! 

I'll be taking a backpack with me, filled with just the essentials, and my camera. Hiking will be for 4 days, a biking trip at Chimborazo and some sightseeing tours as well. It's exciting, but to be honest I'm a little unsettled because of how rapidly this has come up on me. We just got back from a great and safe tour to Key West, only to prepare about 2 days for this journey. I've enjoyed winging it but this is going to be the highest example of just that. I hope you decide to follow along, and if you haven't liked the Facebook page please do, its www.facebook.com/myxoadventures. 

If Its anything like Costa Rica, I'll feel safe. Costa Rica had wash stations at every establishment, hand sanitizer, temperature tests and a person watching to make sure you completed all the steps. They even had wet mats with some kind of solution that you had to step through before entering. If not, well, I'll be outdoors and spend little time if any in the city. I'd like to stay healthy and come home safely. 

Lastly, I just wanted to say that it's my 6th test for COVID yesterday. This one was by far the easiest. It was free, and a drive through offered in Sarasota County. The wait was 20 minutes, and the results came in 15 minutes much to my surprise. It seems like testing is getting better and better each day. If you haven't been tested I encourage you to do so now. If you do decide to travel for the holiday, it's a must. Please be careful and do what you can to keep this thing under control while we wait for the virus. While it's true that I'm all over the world, I am taking every measure possible to be COVID free and I hope I stay that way. Check with your local county resources for free COVID testing, and BTW they don't touch your brain with the swabs. Yes it tickles and tingles but it's not the end of the world!

Stay safe, please join along with me on the travels and I hope to see you on Havana Heartbeat, Costa Rica Exotica or the Mighty Five in Utah next year!

XOXO

Daniel 

Cruise Lines International Association has issued the following statement in response to the CDC’s “Framework for Conditional Sailing Order.”
Guided by the recommendations of leading experts in health and science, including the Healthy Sail Panel (HSP), our members are 100% committed to helping to protect the health of our guests, our crew and the communities we serve, and are prepared to implement multiple layers of protocols informed by the latest scientific and medical knowledge. We will continue to evolve our approach as circumstances evolve. The economic consequences of the ongoing suspension of service are felt in communities across the United States and with hundreds of thousands of jobs at stake, we are committed to resume sailing in a responsible manner that keeps public health in the forefront. We look forward to reviewing the Order in greater detail and working with the CDC to advance a return to cruising from U.S. ports.
CLIA members have been in a voluntary suspension of operations from U.S. ports for over seven months. In that time, CLIA member cruise lines have worked with leading outside experts in health and science to develop science-based measures to further strengthen public health protocols and mitigate the risk of COVID-19 for passengers, crews and destinations. With enhanced measures in place—including 100% testing for passengers and crew prior to boarding, mask-wearing, physical distancing requirements, highly controlled shore excursions and many more—CLIA members have gradually resumed sailing in Europe and other parts of the world with success.  
CLIA president and CEO Kelly Craighead said:
“While we look forward to reviewing the new Order in detail, we expect much of the Healthy Sail Panel’s recommendations, which were adopted by CLIA’s Global of Directors earlier this month, have been considered and will serve as an important foundation. The cruise industry and the CDC have a long track record of working together in the interest of public health, and we look forward to continuing to build upon this legacy to support the resumption of cruising from U.S. ports. With enhanced measures in place, and with the continued guidance of leading experts in health and science as well as the CDC, we are confident that a resumption of cruising in the U.S. is possible to support the economic recovery while maintaining a focus on effective and science-based measures to protect public health.”
We continue to support our preferred provider of Adult Sailing only, Virgin Voyages. For more information please email daniel@myxoadvenntures.com on these incredible sailings from Richard Branson.