At 36 years old, Reginald Ramirez (@reginaldr_) is redefining what 18-to-Thirtysomethings travel looks like. A hospital pharmacist based in California, USA, Reginald balances a busy professional life with a passion for adventure. Having travelled with G Adventures before, he knew small-group trips were his style. His latest adventure? The 18-to-Thirtysomethings ‘[Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions]'(https://www.gadventures.com/trips/galapagos-snorkelling/SEQC/). Here’s his story — in his own words.
Why did you choose the 18-to-Thirtysomethings travel style?
“My name’s Reginald, and I’m 36 years old. I’m currently a Hospital Pharmacist from California, USA and like many people, have a huge love for travel.
I’ve travelled on two G Adventures tours before, and have become a strong advocate for this style of group travel. For my most recent trip, I chose the 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour — ‘Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions’ — because I’m drawn to fast-paced itineraries. To me, it offered the perfect mix of adventure, cultural discovery, and the opportunity to connect with a diverse group of like-minded travellers.
Another reason I choose group travel is because of my busy work and personal life. With so much going on all the time, it can be challenging to plan a detailed, jam-packed itinerary myself. Travelling with expert Chief Experience Officers (CEOs) — who have in-depth local knowledge and trusted connections — ensures that every detail is seamlessly arranged. Their expertise and access open the door to authentic experiences, making the journey not only stress-free but truly memorable and enjoyable.
If you are on the fence about booking that group travel, this is your sign — and you will NOT regret it. I promise you!”
What were you hoping to get out of this travel style? Did it meet (or surprise) those expectations?
“One of the main reasons I chose G Adventures is the certainty that I’d be travelling alongside like-minded people. There’s something truly special about connecting with others who share the same passion for meaningful, immersive travel experiences.
I especially love the conversations we have about the moments we’re most excited to experience — like finally seeing in person the things we once only read about in textbooks. For me, that meant spotting the famous blue-footed boobies I first learned about in sophomore-year biology.
As someone with a deep love for marine life, I was overwhelmed with emotion throughout the trip. I never imagined I would witness a blue-footed booby in the wild, swim alongside playful sea lions, or stand in the presence of a majestic Galápagos giant tortoise!
Plus, over the course of the trip, the shared experiences naturally turn into lasting friendships — the kind that span oceans and leave you with lifelong travel companions around the world.
When it comes to meeting my expectations, it ultimately depends on what I hope to gain from each journey. I can confidently say that every tour I’ve taken with G Adventures has exceeded those expectations — largely because I embrace every opportunity for adventure and make the most of every moment. Plus, have fun of course!
What was your favourite memory from your 18-to-Thirtysomethings trip?
One of the most unforgettable parts of the trip was experiencing the wildlife up close. Although we were instructed to respect the animals and keep a six-metre (19.7 ft) distance, the wildlife in the Galápagos Islands is so accustomed to human presence that many species remained completely at ease around us. It allowed our group to simply pause and take in the extraordinary beauty of the islands without disturbing their natural rhythm.
Snorkelling was another absolute highlight. We encountered an incredible array of marine life — sea turtles, playful sea lions, reef sharks, and countless species of vibrant fish. Every time we slipped beneath the surface, it felt like entering a different world.
However, the most breathtaking moment came while snorkelling around Kicker Rock. As we swam between the towering rock formations, barnacle-covered exoskeletons drifted slowly through the crystal-clear blue water. Watching them move so effortlessly with the current felt almost surreal. It was one of the most unique and mesmerising sights I’ve ever experienced.”
Why is 18-to-Thirtysomethings group travel a great option for people in your age range and life stage?
“An 18-to-Thirtysomethings tour with G Adventures is truly worth the investment — not only for the thoughtfully planned itinerary, but for the countless memories you create alongside new travel friends.
At this stage in my life, paying a little more for a well-organised trip is absolutely worthwhile. With a busy schedule, it’s a relief to have every detail arranged from start to finish. All we need to focus on is showing up on time for activities, group dinners, and departures to the next destination. That level of structure allows me to fully immerse myself in the experience without the stress of planning.
This style of travel fits perfectly with my lifestyle right now. I value convenience and efficiency, and I love being able to relax and enjoy the adventure knowing the logistics are handled.
When it comes to making connections, group travel is where I thrive. As an extrovert, I genuinely enjoy bringing people into the conversation and helping create an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere. Sharing experiences in that kind of setting makes the journey even more meaningful — and often leads to friendships that last long after the trip ends.”
Was there a moment you felt outside your comfort zone — and how did the group dynamic help?
“The ocean is famously unpredictable, filled with mystery and the possibility of unexpected encounters. It was intimidating at times — but that sense of uncertainty also made the experience incredibly exciting.
Snorkelling, the main activity of the trip, definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone. Swimming far offshore, breathing through a snorkel, and adjusting to the cold water isn’t something I do every day. It challenged me in the best possible way.
Thankfully, our CEO, Christian Tamayo, was attentive and supportive throughout the entire experience. He was constantly aware of everyone’s comfort levels and made sure each activity felt safe, manageable, and enjoyable. Even in rougher waves, he instinctively knew who needed a little extra reassurance or guidance and always took the time to check in. Because of his patience and genuine care, even those who were initially nervous were able to fully enjoy swimming and snorkelling.
Beyond the water, his support extended to every part of the journey — helping navigate language barriers, recommending local dishes to try, and offering thoughtful advice on meaningful souvenirs to bring home for family and friends. His leadership truly elevated the entire experience”.
What surprised you most about the people you travelled with?
“When it comes to the group dynamic, I’m always excited to connect with everyone from the very beginning. One of my favourite icebreakers is asking about the coolest place they’ve ever travelled to — it instantly gets people talking about something they’re passionate about and sets the tone for shared stories and laughter.
I genuinely enjoy meeting new people and staying connected after the trip, often adding one another on social media. It’s inspiring to see snapshots of my new friends’ daily lives in completely different parts of the world — it keeps that sense of connection alive long after the journey ends.
One of the best parts about forming friendships on a group trip is that the world suddenly feels smaller. You now have a reason to visit their home country — and, even better, a local friend who already knows all the best food spots and hidden gems.”
How did this trip fit into your life at the time you took it?
“The busy work-life balance nowadays has us all stressed. I believe taking time off from work, school, or your everyday routine for a change of scenery is important for reducing everyday stress-related fatigue.
I am grateful to have a job that is flexible and was able to accommodate vacation days for this trip that I did not know I needed.
The Galápagos wasn’t just a few islands to me; it was a life-changing experience. I say this because 18 years ago, I wanted to be a marine biologist. It didn’t pan out, but my love for marine life has never faded.
This trip made me appreciate the life I was blessed with and made the younger and more naive Reginald believe that dreams do come true and that it’s never too late to achieve them!”
Did this experience change how confident you feel about travelling now?
“I will always weigh my options when researching a new destination — whether it’s easier to do it as a group or as a solo traveller.
I believe the ‘Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions’ trip offers excellent value, especially when you consider everything that’s included. Travel to the Galápagos Islands from Quito, Ecuador alone can be complex to organise independently.
The tour also factors in essential costs such as the National Park entrance fee and the Transit Control Card, along with inter-island boat transfers and optional excursions like snorkelling. When you add up the logistics, permits, transportation, and activities, having everything seamlessly arranged makes the experience not only stress-free but incredibly worthwhile.
So, if affordable convenience is your thing, then book with G Adventures. Plus who doesn’t love affordable convenience!”
What’s one misconception about 18-to-Thirtysomethings trips that this experience proved wrong?
“While preparing for the trip — reviewing the online itinerary and the emailed documents — I initially worried there might be too many free days. I imagined myself sitting in a hotel room, simply waiting for the next scheduled group meal or excursion. In reality, the experience was the complete opposite!
Our group quickly connected on WhatsApp, and messages were constantly popping up: “Let’s go here!” “Who’s up for this?” The shared enthusiasm was contagious. Everyone brought such great energy that it naturally encouraged you to say yes, try something new, and make the most of every moment.
Christian, our CEO, also recommended optional activities we could book if we wanted to add more to our schedule. And if you preferred something more relaxed, you always had the freedom to do your own thing — whether that meant spending time at the beach or treating yourself to some delicious local ice cream. The balance between structure and flexibility ended up being absolutely perfect.”
Would you travel this way again — and why? Where else would you like to go?
“100%, YES! I’m extremely confident that G Adventures will always have my best interests at heart. They’re always able to provide the best trips/itineraries that I am hoping for when landing in a new country.
The next trip I plan to take with G Adventures will be ‘Masai & Tanzania Camping Safari.’ I’m so excited to (hopefully) see the Great Migration and go on game drives in the two top-ranked safari national parks — the Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara National Reserve.”
Final thoughts
Reginald’s journey through the Galápagos shows exactly what the 18-to-Thirtysomethings travel style is all about: connection, convenience, adventure, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
From snorkelling alongside sea lions to fulfilling your dreams of experiencing marine life up close, his story and trip report is proof that it’s never too late to chase what excites you — and that sometimes, the best way to do it is together.
Hop aboard the same trip as Reginald on: Galápagos Adventure: Snorkelling & Sea Lions
