Your World Up Close Expeditions
Reconnect with your world
IT IS NOT JUST WHAT YOU SEE, BUT
HOW YOU SEE IT THAT MATTERS
The thrill of getting up close in those ‘had to be there’ moments is what small group expedition travel is all about – a unique gateway to discovery and connection.
Discovery through immersive travel and learning that will turn you into a storyteller of unforgettable experiences.
Connection to people, nature, culture and all that inspires us to protect and appreciate what we have through responsible travel choices.
NOW is the time to elevate your travel experience to a more meaningful experience and to explore the world through a different lens. Anyone can go – young, young at heart, families, couples, solo travellers, friends, multigenerational families, skip-generational families, and especially kids!
Let’s start the planning process – anticipation is just as exciting as the adventure!
About me up close
Your Dedicated Travel Advisor for National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
The Short Story:
I’m Carol Hornsby, an independent travel advisor with Envoyage, operating my own business YOUR WORLD UP CLOSE EXPEDITIONS. I took the time during those lockdown days to earn my travel credentials and now I am living my dream!
The Longer Story:
The conversation always leads to travel. This has been my life story for as long as I could work and save money to do so. Long before the internet, the research was through print – Fodor’s Guide, Frommer’s and National Geographic magazines. All those books and ripped out pages were a part of several backpacking journeys throughout Europe.
I loved the reading, research and planning as much as the journey itself. For me, it was covering off the ‘must sees’ and then adding the unique at the best value.
I have been fortunate to have travelled to 35 countries (and counting) with many repeats. As a result, friends and family began picking my brain about destinations and deals. The next thing I knew, I was in my happy place researching and travelling along with them in my mind.
It was more than just helping them out… their satisfaction was my satisfaction and that fed the travel fever even more!
It was a “aha” moment while travelling with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions in the high Arctic of Svalbard, when the group was asked how many were first-timers. The answer was an astounding 10 out of 100! I thought about my own travel loyalty – a repeat guest just like the other 90!
A match made in heaven – my business model morphed into Your World Up Close Expeditions – a niche specializing in National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions – a company I believe in, a company I love to travel with, and a company that aligns with my values. Most of all, I am beyond excited to create awareness and share my passion for this expedition company with all of you!
Expeditions Up Close
Why National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is for me – why I want it for you!
SMALL SHIPS/GUEST COUNT RANGING FROM 16 – 148
Experience the world’s premier expedition fleet: 19 small ships intimately scaled, sailing to the planet’s most remote and interesting places safely with the luxury of comfort and outfitted with cutting edge tools to explore.
Small Ships - Read More
- More than 100 itineraries across all seven continents
- Small and nimble ships for access to remote places
- Can disembark quickly to spend more time exploring
- Curated amenities and cultural experiences on board connecting you to the region through food, local music, spa treatments and more
- Strong relationships with local experts, farmers and artisans to help infuse an authentic sense of place into the onboard experience
EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE
Explore with the pioneers of expedition travel: 55+ years and counting because there’s always more to discover!
Experience - Read More
- Core belief that planet holds infinite potential for new experiences, enhanced knowledge and a greater understanding of our role in protecting its trove of natural and cultural treasures
- Leader in responsible travel through support of research/conservation projects, carbon neutrality initiatives and locally sourced food
- Always looking for new ways to help you explore with cutting edge technologies, unique itineraries and expedition teams that inspire, taking you deeper into remote places for a richer picture of our world
- It’s not just what you see, but how you see it that matters
GUIDED BY A WORLD-CLASS TEAM OF EXPERTS
The partnership with National Geographic provides a deeper guest experience. See the world from a new perspective with a veteran expedition team by your side and leading the way!
Experts - Read More
- National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions share a legacy of exploration and discovery – partnership since 2004
- Opportunity to explore alongside National Geographic experts on select voyages
- National Geographic designed programs for photographers, children and undersea enthusiasts
- National Geographic certified photo instructor on all voyages
- Handpicked ‘top of their field’ scientists, photographers and cultural experts who thrive on sharing their knowledge through compelling lectures
- Experts travel alongside and share in the guest experience whether it is out exploring, eating, drinking or sharing stories
With you up close
I Know the Ropes
You will benefit from my first-hand experience having travelled worldwide with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. I have completed National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ specialized training and keep up to date on everything National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, so you have ‘hot off the press’ information. You will feel confident knowing that I have cultivated relationships within the company in sales, marketing and finance. I know the ropes and if I don’t, I will find out quickly.
Casting Off
You will feel heard as I zoom in on your needs, wants, expectations and bucket list dreams. Together, we will adjust and fine-tune the focus so that I can help you discover the travel experience that ticks off all your boxes. Each person’s journey is unique and the most memorable are uniquely yours.
Smooth Sailing
You will experience exemplary customer service through clear, efficient communication and follow-up. Count on me to be your detail diva, thanks to my nerdy accounting background. Save valuable time by leaving the planning and execution to me, so that you can focus on what really matters… the anticipation.
Safe Harbour
You can depend on my dedication to your travel experience, as I treat every journey as if it were my own. You can enjoy complete peace of mind knowing that I am available from the beginning thought to when you arrive home and beyond. Hearing all about your exciting travel adventures, insights and feedback means everything! Count on round-the-clock watch for me on your travelling days.
Featured Destinations
“Live your life by a compass, not a clock.”
–Stephen covey
Let’s Connect
My Clients Up Close
“Experience was seamless…felt like we just had to show up!”
We can’t say enough good things about National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ Whale Watching Wild Baja California Escape. Carol Hornsby, Travel Consultant at Envoyage, assisted us in choosing the right expedition for our interests.
The booking experience could not have been more seamless. It felt like we just had to show up with our luggage and passports!
We thoroughly enjoyed the entire expedition, especially the intimacy and the interaction with the expedition naturalists.
We will be reaching out to Carol for future National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions experiences.
– Judy Payne and Spencer Brown
“Anticipated every possible scenario.”
It was a trip of a lifetime travelling on The National Geographic Endurance to Svalbard and the Norwegian Fjords with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions! The ship was designed to break through the ice, sail into the narrow fjords and get everyone up close to walruses, reindeer, seals and the elusive polar bears. The passionate guides made each day a new learning experience and the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions staff went above and beyond to make the stay memorable.
Carol Hornsby, of Envoyage, booked this trip soon after the pandemic. She investigated all travel restrictions and safety protocols to anticipate every possible scenario. I am already planning my next ‘National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ expedition and look forward to working with Carol to make this happen!
– Katherine Wolfer
"Absolutely life-changing to see the world up close."
Our journey to the Galapagos Islands was truly like something straight from the pages of National Geographic Magazine and it all began with a call to Carol at Your World Up Close Expeditions.
What struck us the most about this trip was that we saw ALL the exotic wildlife – from a shark feeding frenzy to blue-footed boobies, penguins, an island of flamingos, giant tortoises, sea turtles, sea lions and on and on. And these magnificent animals weren’t observed from a distance – they were UP CLOSE and unafraid of people.
It is the charm and the mystery of the Galapagos Islands – where free-roaming animals don’t fear us (or even pay attention to us) because humans are not predators and wildlife is never hunted.
Our time there was exciting and educational – a powerful reminder that the planet is for all living creatures. Thank you Carol and the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions team for this bucket-list adventure.
It was absolutely life-changing to see the world up close.
– Patty & Chris Donovan
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a cruise ship experience and an expedition?
Cruise ship travel has an inward focus. It is more about the ship and all its amenities rather than about the destination.
Expedition travel is the opposite, where the focus is spending time off the ship. The ship is more of a tool of transport with very comfortable accommodations and great food. However, it is the immersive experience and emotional connection to a destination that really make an expedition. Expedition ships are small, so you can get up close to off the beaten track places – to the scenery, the wildlife, the land and the sea.
Is this trip a good match for me?
All ‘National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ Expeditions are an ideal match for anyone who is curious, healthy and reasonably fit. If you can walk up and down a flight of stairs, you are good to go! There are no age restrictions. You will be travelling with like-minded guests who have an adventurous spirit, also wanting comfortable accommodations and good food. The itinerary on an expedition is very flexible – perhaps lingering longer when wildlife is spotted, or if an opportunity presents itself where the captain and expedition leader together decide to deviate from the planned course. This is all part of the adventure and how the National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions team goes the extra mile to find extraordinary moments.
How fit do you have to be?
Expedition travel is not as strenuous as you might imagine. The trips do however require a certain level of fitness and mobility. You need to be able to walk up and down the external stairs to embark and disembark from the ship onto a Zodiac or dock. There are lots of qualified crew members to support you during these manoeuvres. There are many opportunities to explore off ship. You are always informed of what to expect – the type of landing, the difficulty of the walk, the intended length of time, the terrain, the elevation, the air temperature, recommended clothing and any other information. There are always alternatives offered, so you can determine what best suits your energy, comfort level and pace.
What is a Zodiac?
A Zodiac is a sturdy inflatable rubber boat powered by an outboard motor. These are the same boats Jacques Cousteau used on his expeditions. They are widely recognized for safety and for carrying guests with ease.
Zodiac cruising is one of the highlights of expedition travel. When conditions permit, small groups travel via Zodiac for a relaxed camera-friendly exploration of coastlines and in search of wildlife. They allow for landings in remote areas.
Will the seas be rough?
The seas can be mixed depending on the itinerary. Motion affects everyone differently. While the ships are fully stabilized, you may want to bring some preventative sea sickness medication with you. It is best to consult with your personal physician for recommendations.
Does the ship have a doctor on board?
All ships have a medical professional on board. There is a small infirmary equipped with basic emergency supplies. Medical services are provided free of charge. Make sure your medical travel insurance includes medical evacuation when travelling to remote destinations. Should the need arise to get you to a hospital, the cost of a helicopter will be very expensive.
