As we look back at 2009 it is clear that it was a year of adventure and excitement! We saw some new travel trends emerge in 2009--we sent a record number of travelers to Antarctica-which was also our #1 selling destination for the first time ever! We also saw a dramatic increase in the number of travelers to Jordan. Additionally, we saw the number of solo travelers increase.  Throughout the year, the common theme we heard from all of our travelers was a desire to travel to a place that really mattered to them and provided them with a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.

In addition to sending our customers on amazing trips all over the world, our staff was busy in 2009 reviewing new destinations and continually improving our itineraries for our existing trips! We have sent our experts to Antarctica, Bostwana, China, Egypt, Galapagos Islands and Zambia---just to name a few!

In 2010, we are excited to offer some great new itineraries including a fascinating tour of  Bhutan, Nepal & Tibet, a Gorilla safari in Rwanda and Uganda and an incredible hiking tour of Piemonte, Italy!

As for me, I am looking forward to spending the holidays with my family in Chicago (yes, it is going to be a white Christmas here judging by all the snow falling outside my window) and a quick ski trip over New Years.

From all of us at iExplore--Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!