ECUADOR >> Concord resident Sylvia Rodriguez’s recent trip to Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos archipelago offered adventures of every variety, including a few amusing ones. “Chilling with a seal is a typical experience when lounging anywhere near water,” Sylvia says. “Swimming pools that are off limits to the public do not deter a lazy seal. “The Galapagos is an ocean paradise for divers. If you don’t dive, there are many other options, such as snorkeling and island hopping — and (it’s) home to the world’s biggest turtles.” The Galapagos felt very safe, even as a solo traveler, she says. “You can stroll the town into the evening and not worry about a thing except which place to stop for happy hour.”

TRAVEL TIPS >> “The land/dive package was provided by Galapagos Travel Center. Off-island excursions were easily accessible: A guide would pick you up at the hotel to take you to the pier or to the animal sanctuaries. This is a must for (any) nature lover’s bucket list.”

Send a photo of yourself on your latest adventures to jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com. Tell us where you are, who everyone is and where they’re from, and share a travel tip or two.