Going ’Round the Girdled Earth
Our Dartmouth Alumni Travel team reflects on their favorite excursions
A cobblestone street, older than America itself. A flamenco dancer beckoning from the side of the street, her castanets clacking rhythmically and the colorful tulle underneath her dress flirting with passers-by as it’s whipped around in expert fashion. The aroma of croquetas and Valencian paella and gambas al ajillo wafting from the outdoor diners enjoying tapas before a night on the town. This is dusk in Madrid.
Traveling there, or anywhere, serves as an escape from normal life, a foray into a different culture with its own rich history, foods, traditions. It’s a joy to experience all the world has to offer. And it’s a joy our Dartmouth Alumni Travel team loves to give to others—and enjoy themselves.
Hear from the team who has traveled the world top to bottom as they reflect on some of their most exquisite travel experiences, from South American ruins to arctic tundra to quaint riverside European villages.
Greenland: Robin
In 2016, I traveled to Greenland with Dartmouth Alumni Travel alongside Professor Ross Virginia, one of Dartmouth’s foremost Arctic researchers. Seeing the stark beauty of the landscape while learning about climate science firsthand was nothing short of extraordinary.
One unforgettable moment: coming within 50 feet of a pod of humpback whales while ocean kayaking—an experience that still gives me chills.
For that alone, I have to recommend joining Professor Virginia next summer on the Greenland and Iceland Solar Eclipse Expedition, an opportunity to embark on the same icy adventure with the added bonus of a rare celestial event, too.
Runner-up
Vietnam. I cruised the coast with Dartmouth’s late President Emeritus Jim Wright as faculty leader. Seeing the country through the eyes of my fellow travelers, some of whom were returning to Vietnam for the first time since the war—and hearing President Wright reflect on its history—was a powerful and humbling experience. In 2026, we’ll return to Vietnam, this time with Professor Ed Miller, a Dartmouth expert on the Vietnam War and modern Vietnam.
Costa Rica: Candice
It was my first true adventure trip, and what made it most special was experiencing it with my family. I traveled with my mom, sister, aunt, and cousins, and somehow each of us found something that spoke to us. Whether it was spotting monkeys and toucans in town, surfing at the beach, river rafting, or savoring the fresh, delicious food.
One of the highlights of our experience was having a local guide who not only taught us about the rainforest but even welcomed us onto his own property for a behind-the-scenes look at its biodiversity. Everywhere we looked, the country teemed with life. For me, Costa Rica showed how adventure and connection can come together. If Dartmouth travelers are looking for that same incredible intersection, I know they’ll find it in abundance on our Costa Rica’s Natural Heritage trip.
Runner-up
Lithuania was a life-changing experience. What struck me most was learning hands-on about its history through visiting museums and historical sites, hearing personal stories from locals, and eating food from recipes passed down through generations. While our Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea itinerary doesn’t include Lithuania, it does explore Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Latvia, Finland, and Estonia—destinations with many of the same remarkable qualities.
Greece: Mandy
My trip to Greece aboard the Windstar Wind Spirit was my first true immersion into European travel, and it profoundly expanded my understanding of the world and my place within it.
I sailed through the Aegean on a majestic four-masted yacht, island-hopping through landscapes I had only dreamt of. Walking through the ancient ruins of Ephesus and witnessing the library illuminated at night felt like a transformative step back in time—connecting me with stories that transcend generations.
In Santorini, swimming in hidden coves and climbing cliffs atop a donkey were more than adventurous experiences; they were moments that awakened a deeper appreciation for life’s richness beyond the familiar, opening my eyes to new ways of being.
I’m excited that our Island Life: Greek Isles and Ephesus trip next fall promises that same remarkable blend of breathtaking scenery and layered history to a new group of travelers—an opportunity not to be missed.
Runner-up
My nine-month foreign study experience in Spain. I visited the historic Alhambra in Granada, explored Barcelona’s dynamic arts scene, and enjoyed Portugal’s dramatic coastline and soulful traditions. Our upcoming Cruise Spain, Portugal, and Morocco trip actually offers the chance to explore these same cobblestone streets and rich histories.
Machu Picchu: Danielle
I was able to explore Machu Picchu with my husband and son when he was 9 years old. To be able to see the wonder and excitement in his eye in such an historic place was remarkable and to learn about ancient culture was unforgettable.
And the Galápagos Islands feel like you are stepping back in time with untouched natural surroundings. Being able to swim with sea turtles and sea lions took me out of my comfort zone.
I cannot recommend Machu Picchu to the Galápagos enough—for all those looking to broaden their horizons, try new things, and experience a wonder of the world with their own eyes.
Runner-up
I traveled to Yellowstone with my husband and son when he was just 4, and we are going to have to take him back. It was my first time exploring the national park, and we saw everything from bison to bears to beautiful geysers and hot springs. I highly recommend Wolves and Wildlife of Yellowstone.
Dartmouth Alumni Travel offers incredible chances to see the world including, but not limited to, the staff picks above. Seize the opportunity to travel the world with fellow members of the Dartmouth community and through the unique lens of faculty expertise. Explore Dartmouth Alumni Travel for more information.