Alaine Michka

Benicia, CA
Egypt Cultural Adventure Travel Agent Specialist

Travel to Egypt to experience an abundance of stories.   You will expand your personal horizons and appreciate your place amidst one of the oldest civilizations on the planet.  Now rushing 105 million people into a vastly changing landscape, Egypt...
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Galapagos Island Travel Agent Expert

A trip to the enchanting Galapagos Islands is a truly unforgettable experience. These isolated volcanic islands, located in the Pacific Ocean, are teeming with unique wildlife, picturesque beaches, and vibrant underwater ecosystems. That’s why I love planning trips, as a travel agent professional, to this amazing travel destination. As you embark on this incredible journey, discovering top attractions and savoring delicious foods are essential for making the most of your vacation. Below are must-see sights and mouth-watering dishes awaiting you on the Galapagos Islands. Top Attractions on the Galapagos Islands 1. The Charles Darwin Research Station Located on Santa Cruz Island, The Charles Darwin Research Station is a must-visit for all those intrigued by the history of evolution and natural sciences. Enjoy guided tours of the facility, learning about the ongoing conservation efforts, and getting up close and personal with the island's iconic giant tortoises. 2. Tortuga Bay Renowned for its serene white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Tortuga Bay on Santa Cruz Island is an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, or snorkeling alongside colorful marine life. 3. Sierra Negra Volcano Adventure seekers will embrace trekking to Sierra Negra Volcano on Isabela Island – one of the world's largest active calderas. Hike through diverse ecosystems to reach breathtaking views of lava fields and fumaroles. 4. Kicker Rock One of the most famous snorkeling and diving sites in the Galapagos, Kicker Rock (or León Dormido) offers remarkable underwater encounters with hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, and other fascinating marine creatures. Delicious Foods to Try on Your Visit 1. Ceviche This refreshing seafood dish features fresh raw fish marinated in lime or lemon juice mixed with herbs, onions, and peppers. A popular local treat made with red snapper or shrimp. 2. Llapingachos Savor these cheesy, fried potato cakes – often served with a side of fresh salad, sausages, or avocado – for a truly satisfying taste of Ecuadorian cuisine. 3. Pescado Encocado Rich in flavor, encocado is a scrumptious seafood stew made with a base of coconut milk, tomatoes, and peppers. Perfect for enjoying the island's abundant fresh seafood options such as fish or shrimp. 4. Plantain Chips For a delightful snack on the go, be sure to try crispy and salty plantain chips – made from thinly sliced and deep-fried green plantains. 5. Guanabana Smoothies Refreshing and distinctive in flavor, guanabana smoothies made from the tropical fruit soursop (guanábana) are the perfect palate cleanser or energizing boost during your island exploration. The Galapagos Islands offer not only awe-inspiring natural beauty but also a rich array of culinary experiences to complete your unforgettable vacation. Whether it's spotting giant tortoises at The Charles Darwin Research Station or hiking along the Sierra Negra Volcano, I can, as your travel agent advisor, help you realize your travel dream. Let’s begin planning your Galapagos holiday!

My Reviews

4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Multigenerational Family of Six Vacation
There is no way this would have been such a completely incredible vacation had we not had your (Alaine's) assistance and guidance.

The use of personal guides was extremely rewarding and made the experience that much more enjoyable. The personal touch provided, learning about their lives, the flexibility they provided, and their knowledge not just of the area but also of local conditions all added to our experience. Having free time at the end of each day was also a plus for us as it allowed us to do a little exploring. The grandkids sure liked climbing around the Cappadocia fairy chimneys and caves.

We will have so many memories that will last the rest of our lives.
By  Family "T"  from  Escondido, California
Traveled to  Turkey ~ Middle East
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Memorable and Unforgettable Trip to Turkey
This was our third time to Turkey, yet everywhere we went it brought us old and new memories. If I could change anything, I would stay in Izmir for at least three days and from there go to Alacati, Cesme and Sirinci. I wish we could stay 1-2 days longer in Istanbul, but we had a deadline. All the hotels were great choices. Ms. Alaine and Mr. Yusuf, the administrator of our local tours and private transportation were on top of the itinerary and very informative and they were great at following up. All the drivers and tour leaders were very friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Turk Fatih Tutak restaurant in Istanbul is highly recommended. Thank you again. We look forward to working with you again in the near future for our other trips that we are dreaming about.
By  Masoumeh and Hossein  from  Thousand Oaks, California
Traveled to  Turkey ~ Middle East
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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3 of 5 people found this review helpful
A perfectly executed last minute business trip
Alaine was referred to me by a colleague after an urgent search with a deadline for my domestic travel requirements. I had a hard time finding a professional that could deliver, but Alaine demonstrated commitment to the task, communicated effectively, and was able to provide quick feedback. She quickly grasped what I sought and offered seamless options with my specific criteria. Alaine remained professional, kind, positive, and encouraging despite my stress.
By  Eitan  from  California
Traveled to  California ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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3 of 5 people found this review helpful
Trustworthy, Knowledgeable and Personal Planning
Alaine Michka is a rare find and can help you navigate your trip because she's traveled the world and embraced different cultures. Alaine has an enriched awareness of the nuances of traveling abroad and has the ability to tailor your trip to meet your desires while exceeding your expectations. Alaine is someone you can entrust to make your trip a reality, she will ensure your desires come to fruition with precision and care!
By  Cruz Family  from  Boise, Idaho
Traveled to  Hawaii ~ USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Prompt and Detail Oriented Service
Our experience working with Alaine was very pleasant and stress free. She was prompt and very detailed oriented making sure things were accurate. During our trip from beginning to end everything went as planned and we had a blast!
By  Richard  from  San Diego, CA
Traveled to  Spain ~ Europe
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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Destination Expert:

  • Galapagos Islands
  • Baltra
  • San Cristobal Island
  • Santa Cruz Island
  • Fernandina Island

Travel Specialist:

  • Animals & Wildlife
  • Bird Watching
  • Adventure
  • Expedition Cruises
  • Small Ship Cruises

Languages I Speak:

  • English
  • Arabic
  • Turkish

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Industry Affiliations:

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