"On the Galápagos island the author "crouched beside hundred-year-old Galápagos tortoises in the hills," an intimate wildlife encounter that was part of the itinerary. The trip also encountered a logistical hitch when a permit allowing the private jet to land in the islands had been revoked; TCS ground staff, led by veteran expedition leader Eszter Foldvary, pivoted and arranged tickets for the entire traveling party on scheduled commercial flights from Guayaquil, Ecuador. “We always remind guests that these are true ‘expeditions,’ where flexibility is key,” says Shelley Cline, president of TCS." - Chris Dong Chris Dong Chris Dong is a travel reporter, editor, and strategist. He covers everything from the latest luxury hotels to the nuances of credit card rewards programs. Previously, Chris was a reporter and newsletter editor at The Points Guy. His work also appears in Lonely Planet, AFAR, The Washington Post, and Business Insider, among others. Chris lives in Los Angeles after spending nearly a decade in New York City. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines