Daniel Oppliger
El Paso, TX
Group Travel Expert
I have been immersed in the travel industry since relocating to El Paso in 1986. Initially, I worked with a local tour operator before venturing out on my own.Over the years, I've developed specialties in Destination Resorts and River Cru...
Learn more about me.
I have been immersed in the travel industry since relocating to El Paso in 1986. Initially, I worked with a local tour operator before venturing out on my own.Over the years, I've developed specialties in Destination Resorts and River Cruises, specifically traveling to Turkey and China. I have organized group trips across the globe and visited 65 countries, leading tours extensively in Australia, Chile, China, Costa Rica, and Turkey.
In my capacity as a travel agent and advisor, I have also coordinated group travel to Argentina and Chile. As both a travel agent and tour guide, I focus on river cruises with premier vendors like Avalon. I appreciate Avalon for its spacious cabins and beds that offer stunning water views.
For group bookings, Ama Waterways simplifies the reservation process, allowing you to hold your space while you finalize your plans.I am dedicated to meeting all your group travel requirements and excel at creating balanced itineraries. I help your group steer clear of tourist traps while incorporating enjoyable activities into your travel schedule, like evening performances.
Feel free to inquire about experiences such as yachting adventures, bicycle rentals, or specialized programs.I cater to both large and small groups, whether private or organizational. As a travel agent specialist, I can transform any tour into a more relaxed and thrilling journey. I can identify the ideal suppliers to meet your travel needs, whether traveling as a group or solo.
Interested in visiting the floating markets of Asia? Or perhaps you wish to taste authentic Turkish cuisine? Whatever your preference, I can help you book a vacation that brings your travel dreams to life.I possess strong negotiation skills with vendors, ensuring you can secure a river cabin or hotel upgrade without additional costs. Reach out for my expertise in booking a unique river cruise or crafting an extraordinary travel experience.
Contact us today for all the details. An El Paso Texas Travel Agency.
Can Be Reached At
1-915-280-2922
Solar Eclipse Travel Specialist
Solar Eclipse Cruise Australia 2011
Beginning in 1991, I have been taking clients all over the world with one-of-a-kind total solar eclipse experiences including Africa, Argentina, Australia, Baja California, Chile, China, Tahiti, Turkey, Java Sea of Indonesia and the USA.
Up next is Antarctica Dec. 4, 2021 followed by Australia Timor Sea April 20, 2023, then Mazatlan - USA April 8, 2024. We chose places where the weather is favorable and the length of the eclipse is longer. For example in Chile we stayed in La Serena along the Pacific Coast. People were upset because we have to do a two hour bus ride inland to our eclipse encampment. On the mountain the probability of clear skies was 89+ percent. In La Serena it was 20% chance of clear skies.
My first excursions was trip to the Baja Peninsula for 85 people in an RV caravan to view the total solar eclipse from the warm embrace of La Paz, Mexico.What started as a unique request for one customer has turned in to an adventure that has now been enjoyed by close to a 1300 clients.
Tropical Sails Corp chartered the Windjammer Barefoot tall ships for the solar eclipse off Guadeloupe in 1998. Chartered ships included the Fantome, the Polynesia, the Legacy, the Mandalay and the new Star Clipper ship. This led to expanding our offerings to cruise ships!
In 1999 Tropical Sails Corp organized a two week Turkey tour for 33 people sailing in private yachts past the Ephesus, the Dardanelles and Bosporus into the Black Sea.
In 2001, I led a Five Country African Safari covering 3000 miles through South Eastern Africa on safaris and riding in dugout canoes.
In 2008, they took a group on the Silk Road Adventure in China- From the Great Wall to the Xian City wall and Terracotta warriors we traveled by air, plane, and bus the great Silk Road of China. History came alive as we ride bicycles around the Xian city wall and camels in desert. Many of Tropical Sails Corps clients zip-lined down the mountain from White Pagoda Hill.
In 2009 Tropical Sails led a group on the traditional China Tour and Yangtze Cruise. The Great Wall to mahjong by the Temple of Heaven, our group visited all the sites in Beijing. In Xian we saw the Terracotta warriors, on to the Yangtze for three relaxing nights with great floor shows each night. In Shanghai we literally played atop the Oriental TV Tower. Onto the gardens of Suzhou and Hangzhou we toured.
In 2011Tropical Sails clients cruised the Australian coast and the Great Barrier Reef. visiting ports along the way as we saw koalas, trains, a river in Brisbane and reef trips all for a great time down under.
In 2012 we sailed from Singapore to the Java Sea for the total solar eclipse.
For the August 21, 2017 Total Solar Eclipse we had 5 coach tours from Salt Lake City, UT. One was a luxury tour the others standard coach tours.
2019 and 2020 led us to Chile and Argentina. In Chile we stayed at luxury resorts Alto Atacama Lodge and Spa, andBeyond ira Vira in Pucon.
2021 was with Atlas Ocean Voyages to Antarctica.
Sunny Mazatlan in 2024 at the just opened, for us, Dreams Estrella del Mar.
My Travel Albums
Solar Eclipse Travel Specialist
1. Saturday 7-31
a. Arrive aboard Sultan-A and Olympus at Bodrum
2. Sunday 8-1
a. TV coverage- Dan is interviewed on Turkish TV.
b. Olympus departs Bodrum
c. Sultan A departs Bodrum
f.. Depart swimming area
h. Molly is taken ashore...Read more.
My Reviews
50 of 86 people found this review helpful
An Amazing Eclipse Experience
I’m proud to be associated with Daniel Oppliger and his world renowned travel company Tropical Sails Corp. Dan recently invited me and fellow astronomer Cliff Watson to host one of his sold out tours in August this year as astronomy guide for the much heralded ‘Great American Eclipse!
All places stated were visited, nothing was any trouble for the organisers and we enjoyed a fabulous coach drive throughout the tour with detailed and friendly commentary highlighting landmarks and other important points of scenic interest.
We Started from Salt lake City, traveled into Utah, and Wyoming against the backdrop of the Grand Tetons, onward into Yellowstone National Park. I had the pleasure of lecturing to and guiding a fantastic group of passengers throughout the eclipse experience. I'll always remember the camaraderie we shared.
I’ve traveled extensively with many tour companies but never felt more comfortable or confident as I have with Dan and Shirley’s company, Tropical Sails. R
By
'Astro-Dave' Reneke
from
Sydney, Australia
Traveled to
USA
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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29 of 49 people found this review helpful
A country wide tour to remember.
The Kimal group tour of Chile was just outstanding, jam packed with a wide variety of experiences that covered an impressive range of the multi-faceted nature of the country. Very well conceived and organized.
By
D.G.
from
Summerland, British Columbia
Traveled to
Chile ~ South America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Daniel Oppliger responded:
Thank you for you kind words.
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27 of 47 people found this review helpful
It was great to be able to speak with Daniel personally via telephone before the trip. He was informative, responsive, interested and courteous and followed up appropriately with emails and correspondence
By
Alex
from
Farmers Branch, TX ( Dallas area)
Traveled to
Chile ~ South America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Daniel Oppliger responded:
Thank you for your kind wordsl
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26 of 50 people found this review helpful
Special trip with special care
Excellent service. Especially the site for watching the solar eclipse was an optimum location. As we were the onl Europeans in the group, we had several special problems (payment etc.) but all this was handled efficiently and friendly.
By
Plany
from
Vienna, Austria
Traveled to
Argentina ~ South America
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
Daniel Oppliger responded:
Thank you for your kind words. We found a faster way to take oversears payments by using VEEM. It is faster than banks and much less expensive than credit cards or Pay Pay. An Irish client used NicePay and that was fast and efficient.
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46 of 90 people found this review helpful
Total Eclipse Cruis: Turkey
My wife and I toured Turkey in 1999 on Tropical Sails’ Eclipse Cruise. It was our best vacation ever! We got to explore Greek ruins, enjoy local food and culture, and see a total solar eclipse all while living on one of two 80 foot “gulets” (sailboats.) Our twenty or so fellow travelers made a good-sized group, and our ship’s crew was professional, friendly and the crewmen were also good cooks! All of Dan's arrangements for the ships, our knowledgeable tour guides, shore transportation along to historic sites on the Aegean coast, in Istanbul, Gallipoli, and on the Black Sea were smooth and problem free. Experiencing the total solar eclipse from our gullet (boat) while on the Black Sea was simply awesome! We look forward to traveling with Tropical Sails again!
By
GlenL
from
Ft. Collins, CO
Traveled to
I would recommend this agent to my family and friends
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