Listening to stories from loved ones about their travels is priceless. My mom and dad often told me about surviving the 6.4 earthquake in the Dominican Republic. They followed that up with a story about dinner in a cave the same night. My mom still shakes her head. Unfortunately, my mom can no longer travel long distances but we’ve found a company that can help her travel again, without leaving home.
Beeyonder
Beeyonder is an online tour company that can take you to the far ends of the world right on your computer. But this is much different from just watching a YouTube video. They are actual tours with guides who live in the country. You can go along on a walking tour with the guides, or enjoy a presentation tour which will teach you about the local culture, pictures and videos of local destinations and even teach you a couple of key phrases in the native language. Let’s take a look at some of the top tour destinations.
1. Alfama District, Lisbon
Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal and the capital. It’s probably best known for its incredible architecture and famed fado music. But this unique tour takes you into one of its oldest neighborhoods, Alfama.
Your guide, Inês, has been showing folks around this beautiful country for about 15 years. She will take you to Portas do Sol (Doors of the Sun) as you enjoy the quaint stroll down the streets of Alfama. You will learn St. Vincent’s connection to this amazing city’s history. Your tour concludes with Portugal’s traditional song, which is on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.
The only thing you can’t do is sample the delicious pastel de nata — a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart sprinkled with cinnamon. But you can try to make them at home before the tour, to feel like you are walking right next to Inês!
2. Bahia, Brazil
Vibrant culture is the driving force in Bahia, Brazil. Bahia’s capital, Salvador, is the oldest capital in the South American country and an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Your tour guide, Sayuri, loves her country, and hometown of Salvador. This tour is a great introduction to Brazilian beaches, culture, afro-heritage and colonial architecture.
This interesting tour starts in “Largo do Pelourinho” (Pelourinho Square). Sayuri will take you on a tour through some of the most important and oldest parts of town to experience: Famous Street Tour vendors, The First School of Medicine in Brazil and other fun and creative local businesses. She will give you the feel and flavor of this lively city. The highlight is at the end: a gorgeous view of the biggest bay in Brazil, “Baia de Todos os Santos.”
In addition to English, Sayuri can also give tours in Portuguese and Spanish.
3. Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland
Do haggis or whiskey tempt your tastebuds? Then you should consider this online tour of Scotland’s historic capital, Edinburgh and the Royal Mile. Grab a glass of Scotland’s national drink and settle in for this unique tour with Mike.
Mike considers himself a Scottish enthusiast and is excited to share all he knows about Edinburgh and the Royal Mile. For the last 500 years, kings and queens have paraded down the Royal Mile. This tour centers around the heart of the Old Town of Edinburgh and begins at Mercat Cross, a Medieval market and spot for public punishments. You will then pass by the neoclassical architecture of the Law Courts. Then simply admire St. Giles Cathedral.
This tour is filled with history, ghost tales and a few stories about Scotland’s famous historical characters like Deacon Brodie and Mary Queen of Scots. You will also climb up a castlehill for a view of Edinburgh Castle. And just maybe you’ll hear some bagpipes.
If you’re curious, haggis is the national dish of Scotland. It’s a pudding made of sheeps’ livers, hearts, and lungs, minced, and mixed with beef, oatmeal and seasoned with onion, cayenne pepper, and other spices. Ask Mike more about this dish during the tour!
4. Ljubljana, Slovenia
This beautiful city might not be on your radar, but it should be! Ljubljana means “flooding river” and the river is one of the highlights. The Kamnik Alps surround the city and are only a twenty minute drive away.
Your tour guide, Mateja, lives right here in the heart of Ljubljana. With a population of 300,000, it is one of the smallest capitals in all of Europe. Your tour will take you inside the rich history and diverse heritage of this capital city. You will also discover the incredible contemporary art within its boundaries. It also has one of the oldest philharmonic orchestras in the world.
Slovenia was part of the former Yugoslavia, until it gained its independence more than 30 years ago.
5. Banff & The Canadian Rockies
We now go to North America for a tour of Canada’s first national park, Banff. Your tour guide, Patrick, will bring you on a tour like no other. Not only is he a tour guide but he has also given hundreds of tours in more than 40 countries around the world. But Banff is his stomping ground.
With humor and personality, Patrick will introduce you to this quaint town surrounded by almost 1.5 million acres of wilderness. This is a fun tour to return to. Each time you come back, you can experience different views, wildlife and weather. Patrick will share interesting facts about the geology, indigenous people and how one permit restricts the town from increasing in size.
In addition to English, Patrick can also give this tour in French and Spanish.
Types of Tours
Beeyonder offers private tours just for your family or you can be one of many on the tour. It’s interactive, so you can ask your guide questions. Each tour is about an hour long. It’s as easy as clicking a Zoom link. This is a way for you to share this trip with your entire family no matter where they live.
Cost
There are different price points. You can check the Beeyonder site for the most up-to-date pricing information. You can interact with the guide and other seniors.
Beeyonder strives to help take your loved ones to places they have always wanted to travel or return to some of their favorite spots. This experience can create new memories to cherish for years to come.
