Reality Tour, South America: Reality Sets in… tomorrow

You may be asking yourself, ‘what is a reality tour?’ And it’s a good question. Because this, what I am doing, beginning tomorrow, is Collette’s first foray into such a concept. And… I’m excited! As a travel writer, this is what I live for – blogging on tour while a fellow travel marketer documents our experiences so that they also live in photo & video infamy… and so that you, wherever you may be – at home, in the office, or traveling somewhere – may experience South America with us.

I’m getting off topic. To the question, “what is a reality tour,” I will try my best to explain. Think Reality TV takes a vacation. This is your access to the moments, the stories, and the pictures that bring a destination to life. Mixing blogging, video and photography, the Wines & Wonders of South America tour comes to life. For travelers who are thinking about exploring this region or just love travel – this is your channel.

WHO’S GOING?

Collette Vacations’ creative director, Debbie Moniz, and travel writer, Melissa McKee (that’s me), have packed our bags (okay, I’m doing some last minute packing and really should get back to it) and are hitting the road tomorrow.

Melissa in Munich in 2006

We work in Collette Vacations’ Marketing department and are lucky to be joining a group of Collette passengers on this journey through Argentina & Chile. Between us we have done a fair amount of travel to destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Germany, and the Canadian Rockies. South America is a destination that has been on both of our travel wish lists, and we’re really excited to explore it!

Debbie in Florence at the Duomo in 2008

I’ve been a writer here since 2003 and Debbie’s been a graphic designer here since 2004 and now heads up our design team. We’re based at Collette’s headquarters in Pawtucket, Rhode Island – a great mill city that was the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution.

With 11 days that include traveling from Santiago, Chile, across the Andes Mountains into Mendoza, Argentina, the land of sun and wine and flying to Buenos Aires, birthplace of the tango – we hope you keep checking back with us! As the name implies, we’ll visit vineyards, sample wines and truly experience these rhythmic cultures, first-hand.

Tomorrow we board our flight in New York City and head for Santiago, Chile, the first stop on tour. So stay tuned for take off! I probably should pack now.

No hablo mucho español but… Adiós for now!

-Melissa

posted by Melissa McKee

Collette Vacations

Tags: Escorted Tours, Reality Tour, South America, Winery

17 Comments to “Reality Tour, South America: Reality Sets in… tomorrow”

rachel czerwonka 7 December 2009 at 6:26 PM #

interested in so. america
@mishyme 7 December 2009 at 6:47 PM #

Your trip sounds exciting! I look forward to following your travels : )
Lynne Foley 7 December 2009 at 6:50 PM #

I’ll be following along as this is a trip our college may want to enjoy in the future.
WWW 7 December 2009 at 7:34 PM #

So when will you be in B.A.? My wife and I and another couple are doing the Antarctica tour and will be in B.A. Dec. 11-12 before heading South, and then in B.A. again Dec. 21-22 before heading on to Rio and back to U.S. Christmas Day/nite. Sounds like we will probably miss each other. We’re at the Pan Americano, so if we happen to be there at the same time, we can connect through the hotel! We’re not sure about cells/e-mail. Have a GREAT time!
Webb Brown, Helena, Montana
RALF 7 December 2009 at 7:38 PM #

Looking forward to your writings and photos. Have fun.
Places2Discover 7 December 2009 at 8:33 PM #

How exciting! I’m looking forward for your posts and following your travels. I’ve never been to South America, but it’s near the top of my Travel Bucketlist.
babuni47 7 December 2009 at 8:46 PM #

I am intersted to join.
Gauatm
Rose Rider 7 December 2009 at 8:56 PM #

Sounds like a wonderful trip! I look forward to following you–this is something we may be interested in at a future time… Rose R.
Carol 7 December 2009 at 9:39 PM #

I look forward to hearing about your travels. I was in Argentina May 09 and stayed in Mendoza for three nights. Took a wine tour and a tour of it’s highest mountain. My daughter spent six months in Cordaba, Argentina.
Nica 7 December 2009 at 9:58 PM #

Interested in your journey-good idea. Let’s hear about the shopping deals there too.
bonomo 8 December 2009 at 8:32 AM #

Best of luck. I look forward to the journey sitting at my desk, although, I think I’d rather
be on the tour.Have fun !
kryczaj 8 December 2009 at 10:48 AM #

I am a travel agent in PA. Book Collette a lot. So looking forward to following your forth-coming adventures.
Edda 8 December 2009 at 1:10 PM #

I am the tour leader for my group and so far, we have taken 11 Collette trips. We are looking at South America for 2011, since we have already booked Spain for 2010. I’m looking forward to your writings about that area, especially shopping!!
trvldiva 8 December 2009 at 2:01 PM #

I’m excited to join in on this adventure. What a great idea!

Marsha Calig
Trudy B 8 December 2009 at 6:02 PM #

Will be interested in virtually traveling with you. Enjoy!
Jeannine 8 December 2009 at 7:15 PM #

I was on a cruise circimnavigating South America this past winter – knocking off one of my Travel Bucket List items. Cruises are great – they let you see places you will want to go back to and discover more of. My cruise led me to add a new trip to my Travel Bucket List – the Wine Countries of Chile and Argentina – JUST like THIS TRIP !!! Can’t wait to follow along. Enjoy some of the best Malbecs, Carmenere’s, and Torrontes you will ever taste!
khtravel 10 December 2009 at 2:16 PM #

This appears to be a great idea – hope it is very successful !!