Karen Rubin, Editor & Publisher, is a veteran travel writer and publisher, who is devoted to the mission of travel: to engender understanding – of self and others – and break down the barriers and borders dividing people, while creating the economic underpinnings to sustain environment, heritage and culture and a base for uplifting, fulfilling jobs.
Chasing Epic adventure travel company aims to raise the bar and set new standards in the mountain biking world.
BOULDER, CO – Steve Mokan is looking to change the way mountain bikers experience the best trails in the Western US. The result is the recent launch of his new mountain bike tour company, Chasing Epic, which aims to raise the bar and set new standards in the mountain biking world. The focus is to offer intermediate and experienced riders fully all-inclusive, locally guided mountain bike trips where those in-the-know most want to bike — the American West – and when everybody has the time – over long weekends. Guests just need to be reasonably experienced and pack a helmet, shoes and appetite for epic single track adventure.
Mokan, a long-time Colorado mountain biker and a veteran of the adventure sports world, has worked with adventure travel companies, outdoor gear manufacturers, and ski resorts across the West as a professional photographer with his other venture, Switchback Photography. Over a 10-year commercial journey he saw a glaring hole in the present mountain bike adventure travel industry.
“Participants on most mountain biking adventures today are being asked to bring too much to the table before the fun even begins,” he says. “Without proper guidance and advice it can be daunting in busy professional and family schedules to follow a checklist of pre-trip preparation, specialized gear and shipment of your own bike (or choosing from a fleet of rentals) before getting on a trail.”
He says Chasing Epic fills that gap and provides a better overall experience for people who love to ride “by anticipating guest needs then partnering with the biggest names in the bike industry to put together the most all-inclusive and rewarding mountain bike vacations in today’s marketplace. With our trips, we take care of absolutely everything- all you have to do is show up and ride!”
Chasing Epic’s adventures include inn and hotel lodging (never camping), hearty meals, high-end demo bikes (an all-carbon demo bike fleet includes Ibis Mojo HD3s, Ibis Ripley LS 29ers, and Niner Jet 9 29ers), local guides conversant with the terrain, customized eight-week pre-trip training programs, best-in-class ride nutrition, shuttles and lift tickets, gratuities and a dedicated on-site trip leader to help control gear mashers and share the stories and laughs with a group of like-minded riders.
The destinations for these adventures are, in Colorado; Crested Butte, Durango, Fruita and Telluride, in Arizona; Sedona, and in Utah; Park City and St. George.
Unlike traditional point-A-to-point-B mountain bike tour companies, Chasing Epic stays in a single town in each destination and dedicates itineraries to daily rides that cover a variety of the most epic singletrack trails (known and unknown) in each area.
“This is possible by working with local guides who have been riding and building trails in these destinations for decades. Each itinerary is unique, you’ll never ride the same set of trails twice with us. We also make sure we’re hitting these locations at the best time of the year: the Desert Southwest in the spring, Crested Butte and Park City in July (wildflowers), and the mountain towns in the fall for the changing aspens,” he underscores.
On pre-set scheduled trips the per person rates are $950 for three days and $1,250 for four days, regardless of location. For private, exclusive customized trips the per person rate is $1,150 for three days and $1,450 for four days based on a group of six or more.
On the premise that “the less you suffer on the climbs, the more you’ll enjoy the descents,” Mokan has engaged coaching platform companies Training Peaks and Through the Wall Training to customize individualized training programs (valued at up to $400) for eight weeks prior to departure.
He emphasizes that these trips aren’t for touring and sightseeing. “At Chasing Epic, we pride ourselves on putting together itineraries of only the best trail systems in each location, and we don’t waste time with sightseeing rides. You’ll be on singletrack from start to finish.”
The Celestial Centennial and MarsFest Symposium is hosted by the SETI Institute, NASA Ames Research Center, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA Astrobiology Institute, National Park Service and Death Valley Natural History Association. Visitors of all ages are invited to attend (photo by Robert Fulton).
DEATH VALLEY –For decades, the remarkable terrain of Death Valley has been one of scientists’ favorite stand-ins for Mars due to its arid climate and unique geology: Death Valley. Now the public has a chance to explore the region’s alien-like landscape and experience what life on Mars might be like with the Celestial Centennial and MarsFest Symposium 2016, a three-day, free public festival that will be held April 8-10, 2016 in Death Valley National Park.
The Celestial Centennial and MarsFest Symposium is a night sky and space festival that brings together educators, scientists, the public and National Park enthusiasts looking to learn more about Earth, Mars and the rest of the solar system. Participants will enjoy guided field trips to Death Valley’s rugged, otherworldly terrain that serves as researching and testing sites for places on Mars, such as Mars Hill, the Ubehebe Crater, and Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America. Other weekend events include panel discussions and lectures about current research and exploration; a Day Time Expo for visitors to experience what is happening in the cosmos; a Night Time Expo complete with telescopes to view the universe and beyond; a campfire program and stargazing event; and numerous family-friendly, hands-on events and activities.
The Celestial Centennial and MarsFest Symposium is hosted by the SETI Institute, NASA Ames Research Center, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA Astrobiology Institute, National Park Service and Death Valley Natural History Association. Visitors of all ages are invited to attend, with more information, a schedule of events, and details on how to register available at www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/celestial-centennial.htm.
With Celestial Centennial and MarsFest events centered around Furnace Creek, the ideal place to stay is the oasis at Furnace Creek Resort, including the family-friendly Ranch at Furnace Creek, with its towering palm trees and true oasis atmosphere situated on the desert floor, and the more sophisticated and refined Inn at Furnace Creek. Fed by natural spring waters, The Ranch boasts a large pool, golf course (the lowest on Earth), post office, general store, casual dining restaurants, horseback riding and 224 rooms. The romantic, historic AAA Four Diamond, Inn at Furnace Creek, nestled into the mountainside where the spring bubbles forth, was built in the late 1920s by the Borax Company and features 66 elegant rooms, fine dining, verandas with sweeping views of Death Valley, opulent gardens, a stunning spring-fed pool, tennis courts and pool-side massages.
Rates begin at $239 for The Ranch and $449 for The Inn, are subject to availability and do not include taxes and resort fees.
Furnace Creek Resort is two hours west of Las Vegas by car and a four-hour drive from Los Angeles.
BERKELEY, CA –Backroads, a leading active travel company, has just introduced a slew of spring break trips for the whole family, ranging from Florida’s Key West and the Everglades to Hawaii’s Big Island, Costa Rica, Palm Springs and beyond. The all-inclusive family adventures offer a perfect blend of activity choices for all ages including biking, hiking, kayaking, cultural exploration, great food and unlimited opportunities for adventure.
Backroads makes traveling easy for families by handling all of the planning and logistics and making booking a breeze. Families traveling with Backroads find it easier to engage with the destination, with everything taken care of, there is less family tension and as kids unplug from their electronics opportunities for interaction abound. Each itinerary balances quality time together and apart, with welcome opportunities for everyone to take a break and recharge—usually impossible on a family vacation.
“Spring break is an ideal time to embark on a family adventure. Many of our destinations are not as crowded as in the summer and the school break is a welcome respite for busy kids and their parents,” said Backroads Founder and President, Tom Hale. “Because we take care of all the details, families can fully relax and enjoy their time together, and even book last minute knowing we have reservations at the popular hotspots.”
Some of the most popular family trips planned for spring break 2016 include:
California’s Palm Springs & Joshua Tree Bike Tour (new in 2016), March 28-31:
Bike on quiet roads amid gravity-defying rock formations and Joshua trees, rock climbing, pool time at luxury hotels, bird watching, hiking and more.
Everglades to Key West Family Multisport Adventure Tour (March 6-11, March 20-25, March 27 – April 1): Winter sunshine in America’s Caribbean – biking, walking & hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, history, culture and relaxation
Hawaii’s Big Island Family Multisport Adventure Tour (March 13-18, March 20-25, March 27-April 1, April 3-8): Big-Time Fun on the Big Island from Coast to Crater
Costa Rica Family Multisport Adventure Tour (Family Breakaway and Family departures), April 4-8: From Arenal Volcano to the Pristine Pacific Coast
Santa Barbara & Ojai Valley Family Bike Tour (April 4-8): Rolling Waves and Rolling Hills on California’s Coast
Ecuador: Galapagos & Andes Multisport Adventure Tour (March 20-27):Ancient Culture & Wondrous Wildlife in Ecuador’s Islands & Highlands
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been in business for more than 37 years. The company hosts thousands of guests, 80% of whom are repeat guests or referrals from past guests, in hundreds of locations across the globe. Backroads was named one of the top 100 places to work by Outside magazine in 2015, and is a founding member of the Adventure Collection. For more information, visit www.backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.
STOCKBRIDGE, MA – Widely recognized as a Northeast hub for culture and music, the Berkshires are enticing travelers to find artistic inspiration this winter during Art Appreciation Season. Three renowned properties under the Main Street Hospitality Group umbrella, Porches at MASS MoCA in North Adams, Hotel on North in Pittsfield and the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, have banded together to offer visitors value-added stays and access to the region’s leading museums.
“Art has a year-round home in the Berkshires with more than 30 museums and several renowned theater companies in the region. We’ve coined this Art Appreciation Season to help visitors find creative ways to enjoy the quieter winter months in the Berkshires,” says Janet Eason, vice president of marketing at Main Street Hospitality Group. “Each of the three properties are conveniently located with an array of cultural events and inventive regional cuisine nearby for guests to enjoy.”
While seasonal favorites like Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow “take five” for the winter, visitors can tour numerous indoor galleries at places like the Clark Art Institute and Williams College Museum of Art in Williamstown or MASS MoCA, one of the country’s largest contemporary art museums, in North Adams. and the Norman Rockwell Museum (9 Route 183 Stockbridge , MA 01262, www.nrm.org). In Pittsfield, the 10×10 Upstreet Festival draws a crowd each February with ten 10-minute plays by 10 playwrights at the Barrington Stage Company and “10 Days of Play” at the Berkshire Museum.
Main Street Hospitality Group welcomes Art Appreciation Season with three value-added packages, including:
“Museum Mania!” at Porches Inn at MASS MoCA in North Adams, MA
Located across from MASS MoCA in North Adams, Porches Inn offers guests overnight accommodations with the “Museum Mania!” package. Also included are breakfast and two passes for two to MASS MoCA and the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute. Rates start at $219 on weekdays and $275 on weekends, per night. Offer valid now through May 19, 2016, based on availability. Blackout dates may apply. For more information, call 413-664-0400 or visit http://www.porches.com/.
“Museum Break” at Hotel on North in Pittsfield, MA
In celebration of the fifth annual 10×10 Upstreet Festival, Hotel on North invites guests to make winter break a true work of art with the “Museum Break” package, available from February 12 through 21, 2016. The package includes overnight accommodations and two adult passes to the Berkshire Museum. Children’s tickets can be purchased at the hotel’s front desk. Kids also eat for free when ordering from designated kids menu and receive a special Lego toy upon check-in (10 years and under). Prices start at $270 per night, based on double occupancy. Blackout dates may apply. For more information, call 413-358-4741 or visit http://hotelonnorth.com/.
“The Norman Rockwell Experience” at Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA
A living museum in its own right, Stockbridge’s Red Lion Inn offers guests overnight accommodations, breakfast for two and two passes to the treasured Norman Rockwell Museum. Rates begin at $235 on weekdays and $305 on weekends, per night, inclusive of taxes and meal gratuities. Offer valid for booking now through May 26, 2016, based on availability. Blackout dates may apply. The Red Lion, made famous in Norman Rockwell’s painting, is a member of Historic Hotels of America. For more information, call 413-298-5545 or visit http://www.redlioninn.com/.
Formed in 2013, Main Street Hospitality Group is a hotel management company founded originally at The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, with a long tradition of excellence in preservation, innovation, sustainability and operations. As owners and operators of some of the most distinctive hotels in the Berkshires, the company’s mission is to deliver unparalleled experiences for guests, employees and owners through an authentic approach to hospitality, service, and management. Main Street’s management hotel portfolio includes The Red Lion Inn, The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA, North Adams, MA, The Williams Inn, Williamstown, MA, and Hotel on North, Pittsfield, MA. For more information, visit www.mainstreethospitalitygroup.com or call 413-298-1610.
Sand to Snow National Monument (National Forest Service)
President Obama has designated three new national monuments in the California desert, encompassing nearly 1.8 million acres of America’s public lands. Building on the Administration’s commitment to protect our land and water for future generations, today’s designations will nearly double the number of acres of public lands previously protected as national monuments by President Obama–– demonstrating the Administration’s strong commitment to aggressive action to protect the environment for future generations.
In addition to permanently protecting incredible natural resources, wildlife habitat and unique historic and cultural sites, and providing recreational opportunities for a burgeoning region, the monuments will support climate resiliency in the region and further advance the President’s unprecedented work to address climate change. The new monuments link already protected lands, including Joshua Tree National Park, Mojave National Preserve, and 15 congressionally-designated Wilderness areas, permanently protecting key wildlife corridors and providing plants and animals with the space and elevation range that they will need in order to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
The new monuments, located in San Bernardino and Riverside counties about one hour from the Los Angeles metropolitan area and one hour from the Las Vegas metropolitan area, protect approximately 1.8 million acres of spectacular landscapes, fragile wildlife habitat, unique historic resources, and important cultural sites. The three designations connect Mojave National Preserve, Joshua Tree National Park, San Bernardino National Forest, and fifteen wilderness areas previously designated by Congress, creating a series of protected lands stretching hundreds of miles. The monuments protect current uses of the land, including military training operations, off-highway vehicle recreation, transportation, utility corridors, and existing mining operations.
The monuments announced today are the result of nearly two decades of leadership by U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein to craft legislation to protect the special places of the California desert. In October, senior Administration officials visited Palm Springs, California, at the Senator’s invitation to hear from the community about its vision for conservation in the California desert. Supporters of protecting these areas include local counties and cities, area business groups, tribes, hunters, anglers, faith-based organizations, recreationists, local land trusts and conservation groups, and students from local schools.
“The California desert is a cherished and irreplaceable resource for the people of southern California,” said Secretary Jewell. “It is an oasis of nature’s quiet beauty just outside two of our nation’s largest metropolitan areas. Its historic and cultural resources tell the stories of armies, travelers, ranchers, and miners, and of the original caretakers of this land. Today’s designation by the President furthers the longstanding work of public land managers and local communities to ensure these areas will remain preserved and accessible to the public for future generations.”
“Sand to Snow’s peaks and valleys have long provided physical and spiritual sustenance to native people,” said Secretary Vilsack. “Today, they are also an inspiration and recreational beacon to millions. We are honored to ensure the permanent protection of these cherished places.”
The national monuments, comprised exclusively of existing federal lands, will be managed by the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service and by the Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service. The proclamations direct the agencies to engage the public in comprehensive planning for the management of these areas, building upon the provisions outlined in the proclamations. The three designations all honor valid existing rights, and provide for continued use for training activities of the U.S. military.
The Sand to Snow National Monument encompasses approximately 154,000 acres of federal lands, including just over 100,000 acres of already Congressionally-designated wilderness, east of Los Angeles, California, and will be managed jointly by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Rising from the floor of the Sonoran Desert to San Gorgonio Peak, the tallest in southern California, the monument includes lush desert oases, significant archeological sites, and thirty miles of the world-famous Pacific Crest Trail. The area is a favorite for camping, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, photography, wildlife viewing, and even skiing. The area is renowned for its rich diversity of rare and fragile wildlife and is one of the most biodiverse areas in southern California.
The Mojave Trails National Monument spans 1.6 million acres of federal lands, including more than 350,000 acres of already Congressionally-designated wilderness, managed by the Bureau of Land Management between Barstow and Needles, California. It is a stunning mosaic of rugged mountain ranges, ancient lava flows, and spectacular sand dunes. The monument contains the longest remaining undeveloped stretch of Route 66 and some of the best preserved sites from the World War II-era Desert Training Center. Connecting the Mojave National Preserve with Joshua Tree National Park, the Mojave Trails National Monument ensures the biological connectivity of this landscape while preserving traditional uses such hunting and off-highway vehicle recreation.
The Castle Mountains National Monument consists of approximately 21,000 acres of federal land surrounded by the existing Mojave National Preserve and will be managed by the National Park Service. An integral piece of the Mojave Desert, the area has important flora, fauna, water, and historic resources, and its designation as a national monument helps to preserve related resources set aside for protection in the Preserve. The monument has some of the finest Joshua tree forest and native desert grassland in the Mojave Desert and contains important cultural resources including Native American archeological sites and vestiges of mining, ranching, and the railroad from the period of western expansion.
Today’s announcement brings to twenty-two the number of national monuments established by President Obama under the Antiquities Act, an authority exercised by sixteen presidents starting with President Theodore Roosevelt in 1906 and used to protect treasures such as the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Colorado’s Canyons of the Ancients. Altogether, President Obama has protected more than 265 million acres of public lands and waters – more than any other President – and has preserved sites that help tell the story of significant people and extraordinary events in American history.
Following decades of local input and leadership from Senator Dianne Feinstein, today’s designation’s will enhance the region’s economic activity by attracting visitors, increasing tourism, and ensuring public access for hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, rock climbing and other outdoor recreation activities for generations to come. Permanent protection for the three new national monuments is strongly supported by local governments, tribes, business groups, elected officials, community leaders, and a variety of stakeholders including faith leaders, sportsmen, historians, conservationists and others. Additionally, the designations complement an ongoing planning process for renewable energy development on public lands in the California desert and furthers the longstanding work with public land managers and local communities to protect these lands for future generations.
Every Kid in a Park
In addition to protecting more land and water than any Administration in history – more than 265 million acres – the President has sought to ensure that all Americans and future generations have the opportunity to experience the natural and cultural richness of our national parks, monuments, forests and other public lands. Nearly a year ago, the President announced the launch of the Every Kid in a Park program to give every 4th grader in America free access to visit the country’s unparalleled public lands, and over the course of the next year, the Administration will continue to encourage all Americans to “find your park” and experience firsthand the wonder of America’s great outdoors. Moreover, the Administration is working to galvanize public and private support to achieve the goals of Every Kid in a Park and boost additional efforts to connect more underserved youth with nature.
Inspired by the Administration’s commitment to connecting more young Americans to the outdoors and by the President’s trip to Alaska last summer, IslandWood, the Sierra Club, the Children & Nature Network’s Natural Leaders, and action sports retailer Zumiez are today announcing a new project called “Fresh Tracks.” Their independent project will provide two dozen youth from underserved Los Angeles and Alaska Native communities with opportunities to travel together to both areas and explore diverse cultures and outdoors over a three-week period in August. Their project is particularly focused on working with communities responding to the My Brother’s Keeper Community Challenge, a call to action by President Obama for cities, Tribal Nations, towns, and counties to build and execute robust cradle-to-college-and-career plans to ensure that all young people—no matter who they are or where they come from—can achieve their full potential. The President’s actions today are protecting important public lands, and efforts like Fresh Tracks and Every Kid in a Park will work to ensure that our country’s youth are able to visit and enjoy these types of cultural and natural areas.
Pure Adventures has introduced new self-guided biking trips in Vietnam.
Pure Adventures, a pioneer in self-guided cycling vacations, is introducing bicycle vacations exploring culture and countryside in Southeast Asia.
“Myanmar, Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia are very affordable and accessible to cyclists,” says Loren Siekman, founder/owner. “Our knowledgeable bilingual, in-country guides help us arrange bike rentals, unique lodging, ride itineraries and local cultural experiences found nowhere else. All the new tours feel like self-guided trips but include a guide and support vehicle for every ride to enjoy two-wheeled explorations of brand-new worlds.”
Pure Adventures announces hand-crafted cultural immersions that are unique to this company and to the regions explored. Because these are not pre-set group tours, guests determine their own departure dates and are possible with just two participants. The trips can also be customized based on cultural and culinary interests.
Rates include lodging (upgrades available for an additional cost), all breakfasts, some lunches and dinners, luggage transfers from hotel to hotel, bikes and gear, sightseeing tickets, briefings, guides, support vehicles, airport transfers, and more. Inclusions vary by itinerary. They will even help manage tourist visas!
Myanmar – Cycling Discovery of Old Burma: Marco Polo called Myanmar (Burma) “The Golden Land.” From Mandalay to Yangon (Rangoon), guests pedal up to 55 kilometers daily over nine days, along the way discovering the secrets of gold leaf that embellishes statuary and temples and the secrets of gold that are the kindness and generosity of the people of this long-neglected country. Short flights, including by hot air balloon, reveal the temple fields of Old Bagan, the ancient capital of the Burmese empire. Village life comes into focus while pedaling by carts pulled by oxen, or climbing to an extinct volcano, Mt. Popa, home of macaque monkeys and nats (spirits), or exploring a wine making venture and traditional silk weaving techniques of the Inthar people near Lake Inle. The pastoral world fades in Yangon (Rangoon), a bustling city that mixes up the stupas of ancient and modern Burma with British colonial architecture and modern edifices. Here is the country’s holiest shrine, Shwedagon Pagoda, a golden stupa covered with 60 tons of pure gold. This trip, available from October through April, is priced from $1,287 per person, double.
Vietnam – Central Coast Highlights Bicycle Tour: In Vietnam, guests biking some 45 kilometers daily over eight days explore south from Hanoi along the Central Coast, passing through cultures spanning more than 1000 years and bisecting daily village life. Travelers may opt to swim and kayak on Halong Bay, where some 1,900 islands and islets create a marine landscape of limestone pillars. At Hue, the former royal capital, monuments, tombs and pagodas reveal a vanished feudal empire. In a region rarely visited by tourists, guests cycle around Hoi An Town, following small paths linking rarely-visited villages, rice fields, shrimp ponds and coconut palms. Privately hosted meals and carefully selected lodgings enhance this carefully textured journey. Available year-round, this trip is priced from $1,972 per person double.
Thailand – Chiang Mai Cycling and Culture 7N Tour: Thailand unfolds while biking on average 45 kilometers daily over eight days. In Bangkok guests lodge overlooking the Chao Phraya River and pedal seldom-visited neighborhoods rife with open air markets and tea shops. A flight north to Chiang Mai reveals Doi Saket and the Lost City of Wiang Kum Kam, once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Guests have the fun of overnighting at a resort with treehouse accommodations. A morning cycle along Sri Lanna National Park secures a boat ride and transfers into kayaks, and perhaps a swim. This adventure is available from $1,250 per person double.
Cambodia – Siem Reap & Angkor Watt Cycling: This is a five (or three)-day stand-alone tour or it can be combined as an add-on with another cycling vacation in Southeast Asia. Guests bike from 25 to 65 kilometers daily. After touring the temples of Angkor Wat, guests bike into the countryside where children practice English on visitors. One stop is at a floating village; another stop is the Roluos Group, a series of Pre-Angkor temples; and yet another stop is at the ancient ruins of Beng Melea, undiscovered and untouched for centuries and only recently accessible to the public. This tour is available year-round. The per person double rate is from $393.
Seikman notes that these new biking programs, along with new self-guided walking tours in Japan, round out Pure Adventures’ calendar that now offers bicycle vacations year-round somewhere in the world.
For more information on all of Pure Adventures guided, self-guided and supported, self-directed tours, call: 800-960-2221 or 480-905-1235, Email: [email protected], or visit online: http://pure-adventures.com.
Pure Adventures was created to meet North America’s growing demand for high-quality, self-guided cycling tours. Pure Adventures leverages and utilizes local expertise for route development, sites to see, people to meet, where to eat, and shop and experience life as a local would. Pure Adventures award-winning tours are competitively priced and meticulously planned with substantial behind-the-scene support creating a unique combination that makes a bicycle adventure more easily accessible to today’s active traveler.
The company pioneered self-guided tours in Europe in 1994. Tours span Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, and Switzerland. Twenty programs are available in the American West.
Pure Adventures was recently recognized with a Best of Travel 2015 award by OUTSIDE Magazine for their California tours that elevated that state to the top destination in the category of Best Road Biking.
Winter doesn’t have to mean hibernation or a break from travel or active vacations. In fact, it’s the perfect time to explore a balmy locale by bicycle, says BikeTours.com. This year, escape winter’s wrath in a warm and inviting cycling destination.
BikeTours.com, which offers more than 450 tours operated by local tour companies in 70 countries worldwide, suggests these seven hot active vacation destinations that offer great cycling, warm weather, unique culture, and charming villages and towns:
Algarve, Portugal
The popular and leisurely Algarve Coastal Route tour spends a week along Portugal’s coast, featuring charming old fishing towns and beautiful beaches. From $860 with daily departures available.
Catalonia, Spain
The 8-night Best of Catalonia Cycle Tour takes you along a converted railway from Ripoli in the Pyrenees to Sant Feliu de Guixols on the Mediterranean Sea. Stunning scenery, pine and cork forests, and bucolic farmlands dot the landscape. From $1,476 for self-guided (private guided tours also available). Daily departures available.
Rajasthan, India
The 10-night Land of the Maharajas tour carries travelers through the princely states of India—along dusty roads, beneath towering camels, and alongside women adorned in brilliant colors. From $2,580 with daily departures available.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia
The 4-night Angkor Wat Experience tours the beautifully haunting and sprawling temple complex in Cambodia and is the perfect add-on tour to any trip in Southeast Asia. It’s also a fantastic main event, boasting one of the most remarkable and impressive sights in all of Asia. Sitting on more than 500 acres, it is truly best seen and experienced by bicycle. From $635 with weekly departures available.
San Jose, Costa Rica
The 9-night Costa Rica Multi-Sport Adventure takes travelers cycling, hiking, zip-lining, sea kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding and more through its infamously beautiful landscapes. From $1,500 with weekly departures.
Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
The 6-night Yucatan Bike Adventure through the Yucatan Peninsula is the perfect antidote to winter, offering cycling, snorkeling and ziplining in beautiful weather, while staying at luxurious and upscale accommodations each evening. From $1,985. Departures in January, April and October-December, 2016.
South Island, New Zealand
Travelers experience the majesty of Aoraki and Mt. Cook and the sweeping tussocklands of the Mackenzie Basin during the five-day New Zealand Alps to Ocean tour out of Christchurch. The tour features cycling on quiet rural roads through gentle hillsides and flat easy riding on New Zealand’s South Island, the 12th largest island in the world. From $1,191 with departures January-April and October-December, 2016.
(Prices may vary due to currency fluctuations and are valid as of December 11, 2015.)
BikeTours.com represents local tour companies with more than 450 tours in 70 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and the Americas. A team of tour advisors helps travelers choose, plan, book, and go on the tour of their dreams. Learn more at www.biketours.com.
Insight Vacations®, a leader in premium escorted journeys, is facilitating travel to America’s national parks which are commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service this year.
“Although it’s too late for independent travelers to book the coveted hotels inside the National Parks – rooms sell out years in advance – Insight secures the most scenic hotels in prime locations among the treasured landscapes of Yosemite, Mesa Verde and Yellowstone National Parks,” the company said.
The new 2016/17 USA, Canada & South America brochure features tours visiting 30 national and state parks. Here are some favorites:
Yellowstone National Park: Gorgeous and seemingly limitless, Yellowstone is the quintessential National Park. Most famous for its geysers and hot springs, Yellowstone also offers more than 3,400 sq. ft. of sprawling forests and meadows. This park is home to the country’s largest collection of elk and bison as well as flourishing populations of wolves, grizzlies, antelope and moose. Go there on: “American Parks Trail”– Nine days reliving the rustic Wild Wild West. Other highlights include Grand Teton National Park, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial.
The Grand Canyon: Even the most spectacular photos don’t do this view justice. One of the world’s seven natural wonders, this masterpiece has been crafted for the better part of two billion years (about half of the Earth’s total lifespan). The mighty Colorado River continues to carve through 277 miles of the canyon below, while the top rims play hide-and-seek with the clouds. Go there on: “Wonders of the American West”– 10 days exploring the American West’s most exquisite natural wonders and dazzling panoramas. Additional stops include Point Imperial, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Mesa Verde National Park, Anasazi Heritage Center, Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Bryce Canyon National Park and Zion National Park.
Zion National Park: The climbing white-and-red cliffs of Zion Canyon make it one of Utah’s most vibrant natural landscapes. Zion enjoys a lower elevation, so lush vegetation thrives and majestic rock formations are offset by hanging gardens and meadows of mesa-top wildflowers. Go there on: “Enchanting Canyonlands”– Seven days exploring the colorful panoramic stage of the American Southwest. Enjoy ample time at each destination, including Bryce Canyon National Park, Lake Powell, Monument Valley, Glen Canyon Dam, Oak Creek Canyon and Sedona.
For more information, visit www.insightvacations.com. For reservations, contact your travel agent or call Insight Vacations at 888-680-1241.
The Milestone Hotel is featured in Insight Vacations®, “The British Royale,” an elegant foray into British high society.
As “Downton Abbey’ winds down its final season, fans can extend their pleasure with a special tour from Insight Vacations®, “The British Royale,” an elegant foray into British high society. This journey, part of the escorted tour operator’s expanding portfolio of new portfolio of Luxury Gold Special Events, is limited to a single departure on Aug. 11, 2016 and guests booking before Feb. 29 will receive a $500 per couple air credit.*
“These popular Special Events represent the ultimate choice for discerning travelers,” said Phil Cappelli, president of Insight Vacations. “Our ‘England Featuring Downton Abbey’ tour sold out in a matter of days, but guests who wish to visit Highclere Castle (famous for its use in the show) can do so on ‘The British Royale’ along with a variety of luxurious experiences themed around the heritage of British royalty. This is a definite departure with limited seating, so interested guests should be sure to book now before it sells out too.”
In London, guests witness Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the pomp and pageantry of the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. A Yeoman Warder leads a private viewing of the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London before drinks and canapés are served in the Hall of Monarchs. The Kent countryside and its fairytale Leeds Castle is explored before continuing on to Canterbury’s 11th century cathedral and Highclere Castle.
Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland welcomes guests into her Alnwick Castle home, featured in the Harry Potter films, for a personal tour of the gardens and a locally-inspired lunch on the grounds. The magnificent Edinburgh Castle highlights elegant 18th century neoclassical façades and the Royal Yacht Britannia provides an insightful view into what life was once like aboard the Queen’s floating royal residence. The tour culminates with a performance of the traditional Military Tattoo set against the floodlit backdrop of Edinburgh Castle.
Along the way, guests dine at private members clubs, private properties and renowned restaurants from London to Edinburgh. Unforgettable private performances and five-star hotels provide the comfort and extravagance consistent with Insight’s Luxury Gold collection.
Insight Vacations® has been designing escorted travel itineraries for more than 38 years. Insight offers over 100 journeys across the European continent, covering more of Europe than any other operator. Insight Vacations also offers carefully curated itineraries in North America, South America, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Morocco, Egypt and Israel.
Luxury Gold by Insight Vacations is a collection of journeys that elevate travel beyond the ordinary. Guests traveling with Luxury Gold stay at the finest hotels, dine on the epicurean regional cuisine at featured Michelin-starred restaurants and enjoy an unmatched collection of once-in-a-lifetime experiences and sightseeing.
Each tour includes the services of an experienced Tour Director who acts as “traveling concierge,” and Signature Experiences that provide revealing look into the history and culture of each destination. The authentic flavors of each country are incorporated through included Signature Dining experiences, Insight hotels are handpicked for their high quality and desirable central or scenic locations and the Insight motorcoach is specially customized to provide Business Class legroom.
Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation’s family of brands, The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit that works to help ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant and preserved for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has supported more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The foundation’s guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities.
TreadRight’s past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society’s inaugural “World Legacy Awards,” helping to combat wildlife crime with WildAid, and empowering individuals with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise.
For more information, visit www.insightluxurygold.com. For reservations, contact your travel agent or speak with an Insight Luxury Gold Specialist at 888-680-1241.
To celebrate its 25th Anniversary, Wild Planet Adventures has created a one-of-a-kind safari, Insider’s Africa: Meerkats, Gorillas, and Africa’s Rare 5
Creatures in the wild don’t magically appear at a safari guide’s whim. But it certainly looks that way for one company that specializes in safaris that require a high level of wildlife expertise, often seeking rare animals and conducted in non-commercial destinations.
Wild Planet Adventures has spent 25 years honing techniques to observe some of the world’s rarest animals in their native habitats. They make special arrangements for exclusive site access and feature exclusive activities that allow silent approach to animals. They bring together scientific researchers and biologist guides to take advantage of wildlife migrations, seasonal courtship, nesting and peak activity times for up-close encounters in virtually unknown destinations.
2016 marks Wild Planet’s 25th anniversary, and Director Josh Cohen wanted to create a special anniversary trip that would highlight Wild Planet’s wildlife expertise with their most ambitious wildlife experience ever.
“For our 25th anniversary we wanted to offer a very special safari that would thrill both new and experienced wildlife lovers with access to some of the rarest animals in Africa, a safari packed with unprecedented wildlife opportunities such as the ability to spend four hours with mountain gorillas (most permits only allow one hour). This one-of-a-kind 25th Anniversary safari is our new Insider’s Africa: Meerkats, Gorillas, and Africa’s ‘Rare 5”
This 12-day safari combines South Africa and Uganda; a convenient grouping since South Africa is often a required stop en-route to Uganda. The trip begins in a remote and non-commercial area of South Africa known as the “Green Kalahari.” This virtually unknown savannah lies south of the better-known Kalahari Desert and features dependable rainfall that supports some of Africa’s rarest animals along with rhinos, zebra and giraffe. The “Green Kalahari” is a prized area to track big cats such as cheetah and black-maned lions (Africa’s largest).
But what drew Wild Planet to this little-known destination is an unusual phenomenon; from May to September some of Africa’s rarest nocturnal animals forage during the day instead of night, making it the best place to enjoy close encounters with members of Africa’s “Rare 5”- pangolin, (scaly anteater), aardvark and aardwolf. There are also 2 colonies of habituated meerkats, allowing for exceptionally up-close encounters of one of the world’s most popular and adorable creatures. This is just the kind of specialized wildlife expertise that Wild Planet is known for.
On Day 5 guests depart South Africa for Uganda to enjoy unprecedented access to one of the rarest animals on the planet, the mountain gorilla. Uganda is home to the highest concentrations of primates on earth, and the majestic gorillas are amongst the most coveted of all wildlife encounters. Only 840 mountain gorillas remain, of which at least 60% are in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Here, in typical Wild Planet Adventures’ style, special arrangements allow its guests to spend four times the amount of time that is normally allowed in close contact with mountain gorillas. This extended viewing time allows travelers to intimately experience the gorilla family as they wake up, hunt, patrol, play, fight, copulate, and breastfeed.
“It took some effort to secure the longer gorilla permit,” said Josh Cohen, Wild Planet Adventures founder. “We have arranged for an exclusive, unprecedented four-hour, researcher-guided permit which allows us more intimate time spent with the gorillas than any other safari operating today. Travelers will also join researcher teams for a full day Chimpanzee habituation safari and nighttime walking safari in Kibale National Park (home to over 12 species of primates), enjoy safaris for tree-climbing lions and the “Big 5” in Queen Elizabeth National Park and visit the famous “Mountains of the Moon.” The final highlights are the intricate courtship and mating rituals of the stunning Kob antelope, and a colony of adorable banded mongoose, cousins of the meerkats.”
This is an ideal second safari to Africa for travelers who have already seen the Big 5, even though the trip also includes those must-see animals. So it’s a perfect celebration of Wild Planet’s wildlife expertise for their 25th anniversary.
The per person double rate starts at $9,998. Guests fly by private plane from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Tswalu Kalahari, a private, sustainably operated luxury game reserve. On Day 5 guests transfer by plane to Entebbe, Uganda. Both mid-range and upscale accommodation options are available for the Uganda segment. 2016 Departures are May 16, June 26, July 19, Aug. 21, Sept. 17 (11-day trip) and Oct. 11, 2016, and private departures are also available on custom dates. For information.
25th Anniversary Season
Wild Planet’s 25th Anniversary season is packed with more of its signature wildlife features than ever. Its carbon-neutral safaris emphasize conservation and sustainability. Their expert wildlife guides go the extra mile to increase the chance of wildlife sightings and rare animals in destinations not often accessible to the general public. The company’s comprehensive itineraries balance diverse and complex wildlife habitats with key cultural experiences, allowing travelers the most comprehensive wildlife safaris possible in each destination.
In April 2014 Wild Planet Adventures received its fifth “Worlds’ 50 Best Trips” award from the editors of National Geographic Traveler for its “On the Jaguar’s Trail; from the Pantanal to the Amazon” wildlife safari in Brazil. Previous National Geographic Traveler awards went to Wild Planet’s Thailand, India, Panama wildlife eco-tours and its ultimate African safari in Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is also recognized by other top travel publications for its wildlife-focused itineraries in Africa, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia.
