The Transformative Power of Expedition Travel: 6 Inspiring Guest Stories

Katt Hendershot

Antarctica, November 2021
Number of Expeditions: 1

When my dad passed away in 2020, I wanted to travel in his honor. He wanted me to travel the world while I was young so the day after my 20th birthday I left for Ushuaia, the Gateway to Antarctica, all by myself. I was lucky enough to be on board the brand-new National Geographic Endurance with the company’s founder Sven Lindblad and his wife Kristin who both were so kind and welcoming to me. It’s impossible to choose a highlight and do it justice. Drifting by the towering icy cliffs of the Neumayer Channel, watching an orca with her two calves play around the ship, walking on the ice sheet and watching the midnight sun with Adélie penguins waddling next to me were each incredible. This trip profoundly changed me. I got a tattoo of Antarctica when I got home and I have even changed my career path to the adventure tourism industry.

Noah and Kiran Thomas

Galápagos, July 2022
Traveling with: Mom and dad, Asha and Jerome Thomas
Number of Expeditions: First but not our last

I really enjoyed the National Geographic Global Explorers Program which gave all the kids on board super cool things like hats, colored pencils and notebooks that had checklists for nature. I saw 78 different species of mammals, reptiles, fish, plants and invertebrates! At the end, a naturalist grades your Field Notebook and you get a prize. I recommend this vacation to everyone!  – Noah, Age 10

My favorite experience in the Galápagos was snorkeling. The sea lions were so friendly they swam right next to me! On the ship, the service for food is great. They remember the drinks you like, and you get ice cream for dessert. I had a blast!  – Kiran, Age 8

Jonni and Skip Almoney

Galápagos, Baja California, Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands and many more
Number of Expeditions: 11 plus Sven Lindblad's very first tour in 1980 to Tanzania and Kenya


When Sven Lindblad learned that Skip’s primary goal on the 1980 "Among the Great Herds" voyage (not a cruise) was to view a total solar eclipse, Sven arranged for a private charter flight to take those interested to Tsavo National Park to be in the line of totality. On that first tour, Sven established a fundamental company policy that is based upon first class service and flexibility to make each trip a success for its participants and it's why we continue to travel with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. The locally sourced food is always fresh and tasty, the daily activities both on and off shore are always very interesting and fun and the evening Recaps bring the day’s adventures into perspective. The entire staff on each ship is friendly and knowledgeable, eager to help in any way needed. Next up, we're headed to the Adriatic Sea aboard the beautiful sailing ship Sea Cloud.