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.
Snorkeling with sea turtles is one of the highlights of Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic’s Galapagos trip. Late summer departures also include special opportunities to participate in conservation, as well as take advantage of free airfare from Miami.
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has launched their first, annual celebration of conservation in Galápagos –Conservation in Action |Galapagos – a series of late summer departures that will offer guests an enriched conservation experience and the “credentials” to make them a first-class Galápagos ambassador.
Lindblad is committed to protecting the pristine archipelago, and has raised with their guests more than $6 million to support conservation and education programs in the region through the Lindblad-National Geographic Fund (LEX-NG Fund). Conservation in Action |Galapagos was created with the initial goal of raising $250,000 for a new conservation initiative that will complement their long-standing stewardship efforts – while educating guests about the various programs available.
Now, guests can make a personal impact while having an extraordinary time: Lindblad will donate $1,000 per person towards Galápagos conservation for any new reservation made for travel to Galápagos from August 15 to September 26, 2015. Guests can also take advantage of free roundtrip air from Miami to Galapagos during those dates (up to $1,250 per guest value), valid on new bookings only and subject to availability.
In addition to the hallmark highlights of a Galapagos expedition – snorkeling with sea turtles, penguins, and sea lions; hikes among colonies of wildlife and birds unfazed by your presence; observing rare giant tortoises in the wild, and exploring the waters of the Galápagos by kayak, glass-bottom boat, or Zodiac, Conservation in Action |Galapagos guests will have the opportunity to:
Transform trash into treasure to support local artisans. Guests will work with our Paper to Pearls team to learn an engaging, purposeful skill that benefits the human community of Galápagos—and make beautiful beads out of paper for artisans to turn into jewelry for local sale.
Meet artist-in-residence Carlyn Iverson, an accomplished natural history artist/instructor, on board National Geographic Endeavour to learn how to truly see and represent the creatures of Galápagos. Carlyn will hold drawing classes in the field—the only place on Earth where wild animals calmly pose for their portrait—and provide expert instruction during the expedition. (on the August 21, 28; September 4, 11, 18, 25 departures.)
See Galápagos’ nature through the lens of your camera. Become a conservation ambassador for Galápagos and share the wonders with the world—your personal community of friends, family, and social groups—through your photos with our Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor. Develop your talents, or learn new skills, as well.
Rates for the 10 day/9 night voyages aboard the 96-guest National Geographic Endeavour begin at $6,290 per person and on the 48-guest National Geographic Islander at $6,760 per person based on double occupancy in a category 1 cabin.
For reservations or additional information on Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyages to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on Earth, visit expeditions.com, call 1-800-EXPEDITION (1-800-397-3348) or contact your travel advisor.
Historic Hotels of America has launched a new Super Site that lets you follow your American Dreams and choose from a variety of different vacation ideas, including family getaways, road trips, national parks and lands, culinary destinations, urban adventures, and more (http://americandreams.historichotels.org/index) featuring more than 260 historic hotels across the United States from Puerto Rico to Hawaii.
“Exploration has always driven the American Dream. It’s this inquisitive spirit that has helped write our history books, shape America’s iconic landmarks and pave new roads to make way for memorable journeys,” said Lawrence Horwitz, Executive Director – Historic Hotels of America and Historic Hotels Worldwide. “In honor of 350 years of travel, Historic Hotels of America has launched an all-new Super Site — American Dreams. This second Super Site follows on the heels of the Romance Super Site, which Historic Hotels of America launched in early February.”
When visiting the American Dreams Super Site homepage, a number of navigational tools help travelers peruse the site’s many inspirations. The main navigation: The site is divided into six content sections — Family Vacations, Road Trips, Heritage & Culture, Culinary Destinations and Urban Adventures — with each of these pages showcasing article thumbnails. When a consumer clicks on the image, they navigate to that feature story. These stories include hotel advertorials, which solely feature participating hotels, and topical editorials, which highlight select destinations based on editorial content.
Focus your family vacations in and around historic hotels. Most historic hotels include family-fun recreation and kid-friendly attractions. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a family vacation, Historic Hotels of America offers up everything from family beach vacations to amusement park thrills.
Travel to Hershey, Pennsylvania, experience and Explore Hershey Park, an amusement park full of candy land thrills. After a day of fun, check into Hershey Park’s official resort, The Hotel Hershey®, built by chocolate magnate Milton S. Hershey in 1933. Or, travel to Tennessee and hop on board at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, a train-themed hotel. Once an operating train station in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the 106-year-old terminal station was converted into a beautiful hotel in 1973, where guests can opt to sleep in one of 48 authentic Victorian train cars.
Pack up the car for a road trip, or scenic drive and stay in a historic hotels (http://americandreams.historichotels.org/road-trips). For example and long before the “interstate” was born, road trippers looked to Route 66 to venture across America. This 2,448 mile stretch is among America’s most famous roads, connecting a number of states between Chicago to California, with historic hotels along the way. Every road trip, whether spontaneous or planned, needs a few essential items — an adventurous route, road trip music and a reservation at Historic Hotels of America.
There are plenty of historic hotels located along Route 66, with comfortable lodging and fantastic amenities. In Oklahoma City, Skirvin Hilton provides respite for the weary road traveler. This 1911 beauty was named after its founder, oil tycoon William Balser “Bill” Skirvin. Meanwhile, Colcord Hotel, the city’s first skyscraper, is another overnight stop in Oklahoma City. For a one-of-a-kind Historic Hotel experience, stray an hour away from Route 66 to stay at La Fonda in Santa Fe. Well worth the extra miles, you’ll experience an authentic Pueblo-style inn.
Discover and Explore parks, lands, and heritage sites in and around historic hotels across the nation (http://americandreams.historichotels.org/national-parks). America is filled with innumerable treasures. Here’s a nod to the many parks, forests, monuments and byways that have long captured the hearts of the American traveler. For example, he Appalachian Mountains offer up the east’s breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway and a myriad of national parks, protected forests many with nearby historic hotels. Scattered throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains, quant towns greet America’s road trippers, like Banner Elk, North Carolina, where the population barely peaks 1,000. In Banner Elk, The Mast Farm Inn provides a historic country retreat for travelers. The main inn features charming rooms with four-posters beds, claw-foot tubs and endless farmhouse charm.
At the other end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the boarder of North Carolina and Tennessee. Just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in Asheville, North Carolina, one of the country’s most celebrated resorts calls the Blue Ridge Mountains home — The Omni Grove Park Inn. This AAA Four Diamond Property is listed on Fodor’s “Top 10 Luxury Spa Resorts” and in Travel + Leisure’s rankings of “Top Spa Resorts” in the world.
Interested in ghost stories and the paranormal? Make your vacation truly memorable. Add a little heritage and a dash of culture by visiting one of many attractions near Historic Hotels of America (http://americandreams.historichotels.org/heritage-culture). Take in a nostalgic festival, visit a national monument or explore a historic battlefield. Your adventure awaits. We have legendary stories to share at Historic Hotels of America.
Many historic hotels are rumored to have played host to more than just their paying customers. Whether or not you believe these ghosts stories, one thing is certain — these friendly hauntings leave guests talking about their hotel experience for years! Known as “America’s most haunted hotel,” the ghost stories are plentiful at 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa. It’s said that one of the Irish stonemasons, known as “Michael,” plunged to his death after falling from Room 218 during hotel construction. Guests report a number of strange activities from this room.
The inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining,” The Stanley has lots of haunting appeal, especially when guests tour the creepy underground tunnel that runs beneath the hotel. But that’s not the hotel’s most haunting aspect. The hotel’s original owner, F.O. Stanley is known to haunt the hotel. He and his wife have been seen dressed in formal attire on the main staircase and in other public areas, and Flora’s piano occasionally echoes in the ballroom.
Experience culinary destinations, spirits, wine, food, festivals and trails throughout the country (http://americandreams.historichotels.org/culinary-destinations). There’s nothing like local flavor to add a little extra zing to your trip. From food festivals to fine dining, from Sonoma’s Wine Country to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Historic Hotels of America tips its glass to these culinary destinations. Interested in the latest vintages in the heart of Napa Valley? Nestled into the heart of Napa Valley, the Napa River Inn stands out as an upscale boutique hotel. The inn adjoins the historic Napa Mill, which offers dining, shopping and 7,300 square feet of outdoor reception space in the Riverbend Performance Plaza for wine-induced celebrations.
For more then 200 years, generations of Bourbon brewers handed down secret-family recipes and time-honored processes that shaped today’s legendary Kentucky distilleries. Experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and check into a Historic Hotel of America to enjoy more Kentucky history. Not far from the Bourbon Trail is The Seelbach Hilton, the height of Kentucky luxury. During the roaring 1920s, The Seelbach was the most glamorous spot for cards, attracting infamous gangsters, like Al Capone and the Beer Baron of the Bronx, during Prohibition.
Urban Adventures
Bustling city centers located throughout the United States from New York to San Francisco are a great way to experience famous cultural icons, museums, and history while staying at nearby historic hotels (http://americandreams.historichotels.org/urban-adventures). Choose from 11 hotels in Washington, DC. The Jefferson, DC is a luxury hotel that celebrates and embodies the spirit of one of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson. Just four blocks from The White House, this downtown hotel affords a treasured account of its significant history alongside thoughtfully appointed accommodations, opulent meeting rooms, and gracious hospitality and service.
Discounts from Historic Hotels Worldwide
National Trust for Historic Preservation members save up to 30% off best available rates at participating Historic Hotels Worldwide. HistoricHotelsWorldwide.com promotes heritage and cultural travel by featuring a prestigious collection of historic treasures, including historic hotels, castles, chateaux, palaces, monasteries, haciendas and other historical lodging properties spanning twelve centuries.
Historic Hotels of America is the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation® for recognizing and celebrating the finest Historic Hotels. Historic Hotels of America was founded in 1989 by the National Trust for Historic Preservationwith 32 charter members. Today, Historic Hotels of America has more than 260 historic hotels. These historic hotels have all faithfully maintained their authenticity, sense of place, and architectural integrity in the United States of America, including 44 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Historic Hotels of America is comprised of mostly independently owned and operated properties. More than 30 of the world’s finest hospitality brands, chains, and collections are represented in Historic Hotels of America. To be nominated and selected for membership into this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old; has been designated by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Historic Landmark or listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places; and recognized as having historic significance.
For more information, visit HistoricHotels.org. To receive the free Discover & Explore e-newsletter each month with advance notice about Insiders Savings, special discounts, epic package, and up and coming events in historic hotels in 30 countries, plus free or reduced rate admission to historic and cultural sites, click here.
To view the Historic Hotels of America 2015 Annual Directory eBook, click here or visit HistoricHotels.org/Directory to download the app.
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Samuel Alschuler, a Jewish photographer lent Lincoln his own velvet-trimmed coat for this photo taken in Urbana, Illinois, on April 25, 1858, just as Lincoln would begin his Senate campaign against Stephen Douglas. Lincoln would again sit for Alschuler two years later, after he was elected president.
Marking the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln’s assassination, the New-York Historical Society is presenting the exhibition Lincoln and the Jews, on view through June 7, 2015.
Through several never-before-exhibited original writings by Lincoln and his Jewish contemporaries, the exhibition will bring to light Lincoln’s little-known relationship with the Jewish community and its lasting implications for Lincoln, for America, and for Jews.
The exhibition is inspired by the publication of Lincoln and the Jews: A History (Thomas Dunne Books, March 2015), by Jonathan D. Sarna, Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University, and Benjamin Shapell, founder of The Shapell Manuscript Foundation.
Lincoln and the Jews illustrates how America changed as its Jewish population surged from 3,000 to 150,000, and how Abraham Lincoln, more than any of his predecessors, changed America in order to accelerate acceptance of Jews as part of the mosaic of American life.
Showcasing more than 80 artifacts documenting the connection between Lincoln and Jews – including letters, official appointments, pardons, and personal notes, as well as Bibles, paintings and Judaica – Lincoln and the Jews traces the events in Lincoln’s life through the lens of his Jewish friends, such as his fellow lawyer and politician Abraham Jonas and his enigmatic chiropodist (podiatrist) and confidant Issachar Zacharie, as well as Lincoln’s profound interest in and connection to the Old Testament. The exhibition paints a portrait of a politician and president who worked for the inclusion of Jews as equals in America – a leader truly committed to “malice toward none.”
“With so many museum exhibitions focused on Lincoln, especially as we commemorate the sesquicentennial of the Civil War, the obvious question that arises in the wake of announcing a new exhibition on Lincoln is, ‘Is there anything new to convey?’” stated Dr. Louise Mirrer, President and CEO of the New-York Historical Society. “Indeed, the story of Lincoln and the Jews will be unknown to most visitors, and even to those who know something of it, the treasure trove of evidence they will find in this show regarding Lincoln’s profound sense of human equality will offer much that is new.”
Presented in collaboration with the Shapell Manuscript Foundation, the exhibition is premiering at the New-York Historical Society before traveling to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, Illinois. The exhibition is guest curated by Dr. Ann Meyerson, independent museum curator, under the leadership of Benjamin Shapell. Harold Holzer, the Roger Hertog Fellow at the New-York Historical Society and chairman of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, serves as Chief Historical Advisor.
Exhibition Highlights
Visitors to Lincoln and the Jews move chronologically through Lincoln’s life, beginning with items and documents from before his presidential inauguration and ending with his untimely death in 1865.
Lincoln’s relationship with Abraham Jonas, a Jewish member of the Illinois State Legislature whom Lincoln called “one of my most valued friends,” will be explored in the show, with an 1860 letter on view from Jonas that warns of an assassination plot before Lincoln’s first inauguration, rumors of which Jonas learned from his extended family in the South. Also on display is the illustration of a Hebrew flag that Abraham Kohn, a leader of the Jewish community in Chicago, bestowed upon then-president-elect Lincoln shortly before his departure from Springfield for his inauguration in Washington. Quoting the Book of Joshua, it urged Lincoln to “Be strong and of a good courage… Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Lincoln often took unpopular stands in defense of Jews and Judaism, and the exhibition explores Lincoln’s two most important wartime interactions with the Jewish community. One was his role in amending the chaplaincy law so that Jews and other non-Christians might serve as chaplains; he also appointed the first-ever Jewish military chaplains in the United States. The other was his countermanding of General Ulysses S. Grant’s notorious General Orders No. 11 that expelled “Jews as a class” from the territory then under his command. Lincoln had the order revoked as soon as he learned of it, explaining that he did “not like to hear a class or nationality condemned on account of a few sinners.” Lincoln also supported the promotion and decoration of Jewish Civil War soldiers. On view in the exhibition will be dueling pistols presented to the Civil War hero Edward S. Salomon by the Citizens of Cook County, Illinois in 1867. Salomon led the so-called “Jewish Company” from Illinois and was commended for his battlefield bravery, exhibited at the Battle of Gettysburg and beyond.
In 1862, just as he was preparing to deliver the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet, Lincoln was treated by podiatrist Issachar Zacharie, who soon became a close confidant. Lincoln entrusted Zacharie with several secret missions, even sending him to New Orleans to promote pro-Union sentiments among his Jewish “countrymen.” Zacharie also worked to win Jewish voters to Lincoln’s side in the 1864 election. In return, when Savannah was restored to the Union, he sought Lincoln’s permission to visit his family there. In a remarkable 1865 letter bluntly titled “About Jews,” which is on view in the exhibition, Lincoln instructed Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to grant passage for Zacharie. He also ordered a hearing for a dismissed Jewish provost marshall (head of the military police) whom, he wrote, “has suffered for us & served us well.” In an era when anti-Semitism was commonplace, Lincoln openly sided with these Jews, against the advice of his Secretary of War.
Special Programs
• Toward Appomattox: The Last Gasp (April 8): A discussion with renowned authors and historians William C. Davis, James M. McPherson, and Harold Holzer will assess both the high cost of war and the debatable cost of peace.
• Lincoln’s Last Speech: Wartime Reconstruction and the Crisis of Reunion (April 14): A talk by Louis P. Masur, author and Distinguished Professor of American Studies and History at Rutgers University, will trace the evolution of Lincoln’s ideas and the debate over reconstruction policies during the war.
• Antebellum New York (May 19): Architectural historian Barry Lewis provides a look at the city in the decades leading up to the Civil War, as Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee knew it, before the country was plunged into war.
• Lincoln and the Jews (June 2): Celebrated historian Jonathan D. Sarna, Joseph H. & Belle R. Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University, discusses Lincoln’s remarkable relationship with American Jews and how it impacted his presidency, his policy decisions and, as a result, broadened America. Moderated by Harold Holzer.
The Shapell Manuscript Foundation is an independent educational organization dedicated to the collection and research of original manuscripts and historical documents. The Foundation’s focus is on the histories of the United States and the Holy Land, with emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries. The collection includes original manuscripts and documents of leading political figures and world-renowned individuals such as American presidents, Mark Twain, Albert Einstein, Theodor Herzl, and more. For more information, visit www.shapell.org.
The New-York Historical Society, one of America’s pre-eminent cultural institutions, is dedicated to fostering research and presenting history and art exhibitions and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, New-York Historical has a mission to explore the richly layered history of New York City and State and the country, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history.
New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West (77th Street), New York, NY 10024, 212-873-3400, nyhistory.org.
Austin Adventures’ list of 2015’s most compelling “Maycations” range from domestic tours that allow travelers to hike the colorful canyons of Zion National Park to international adventures that include snorkeling along Spain’s beloved Costa Brava.
BILLINGS, MT –According to the adventure travel consultants at Austin Adventures there is no bad time to travel between April and June; however the month of May is optimal for most spring-time travelers.
“We’ve been in the business of planning vacations for more than 40 years now, and May has always been a popular travel month for guests afflicted with ‘spring fever,’” says Dan Austin, founder and president of Austin Adventures. “The savviest of travelers know this shoulder season month offers favorable weather and the best value in terms of selection and pricing, but sometimes, they need help choosing their destination.”
For that reason, the award-winning adventure travel company, which offers trips to all seven continents, has compiled a list of Maycations—timely vacations to take during the month of May. They range from domestic tours that allow travelers to hike the colorful canyons of Zion National Park to international adventures that include snorkeling along Spain’s beloved Costa Brava.
2015’s Most Compelling “Maycations”
Bryce Canyon and Zion National Parks – Seeing southern Utah’s red rock formations is a surreal experience, especially during May when the wildflowers are in full bloom. May tends to be drier than March and April, but water levels are still high (thanks to melting snow), so expect to see breathtaking waterfalls.
Havasupai – Spring is the perfect time to take a dip in Arizona’s most sacred spring-fed travertine pools. Hike to Havasu Falls before summer’s monsoon season, and enjoy low humidity and comfortable hiking temperatures—highs in the mid-80’s and lows in the mid-50’s.
Machu Picchu – May could not be a more convenient time to complete one of the world’s most famous mountain treks. Experience Machu Picchu in all its glory at the start of the country’s dry season and just before the summer visitors arrive in droves.
Dalmatian Coast – The Adriatic Coast is spectacular in the summer; however, flights to Europe cost more during July and August and rooms can be hard to come by. Consider exploring this 350-mile stretch of shore during May – when temperatures are perfect for outdoor adventures, prices are lower and you’ll enjoy more personalized service.
Catalonia – With its warm yet relatively mild temperatures, May is the perfect time for a multisport vacation in northeastern Spain. Bike the secluded Via Verde, snorkel along the Costa Brava and hike in the foothills of the Pyrenees without the hassle of high temperatures and humidity.
Provence – Fall in love with the most seductive region of France months before the locals go on holiday. The warm days lend themselves to al fresco dining which is perfect for admiring the lush, green countryside from the comfort of a roadside café.
Romantic Road – There’s no better time than May to ride along the Middle Ages’ most famous and scenic, trade routes. May marks the beginning of the region’s unofficial “festival season” so it’s not hard to come by cultural entertainment, authentic food and unforgettable German beer!
Holland – Head to Holland in mid-May, and you can walk among millions of blossoming flowers at Keukenhof—a.k.a. the “Garden of Europe.” The theme for this year’s eight-week-long event is Van Gogh, 125 Years of Inspiration.
For adults and families looking for award-winning itineraries matched with unbeatable customer service, Austin Adventures offers an array of scheduled group departures to each of the above destinations. Trips range in price from $1,648 per person for a 5-Day/4-Night Havasupai Hiking Tour to $4,798 for a 9-Day/8-Night Machu Picchu Vacation Package.
Natural Habitat Adventures won OUTSIDE’s Best of Travel 2015 award for Best Splurge in travel for its Base Camp Greenland Adventure
BOULDER, CO — OUTSIDE has selected Natural Habitat Adventures, a premier nature travel company, to receive its Best of Travel 2015 award for the company’s Base Camp Greenland Adventure, the Best Splurge in travel.
OUTSIDE launched its travel awards series in 2012, and it has quickly become one of the most prestigious awards in the adventure travel industry. Nat Hab was honored as Best Outfitter worldwide in 2013, and the company is excited to make the list again in 2015.
“We’re thrilled that OUTSIDE recognizes the effort and meticulous planning that go into our trips. This has surely been the case with Base Camp Greenland,” said Ben Bressler, founder and president of Natural Habitat Adventures. “We think it is indeed worthy of a splurge!”
From newly revealed travel territories to the best deals, OUTSIDE’s Best of Travel 2015 celebrates the destinations and travel providers that inspire people to participate in an active lifestyle. The entire list of winners appears in OUTSIDE’s April issue (on newsstands March 17), and online at www.outsideonline.com/bestoftravel.
The Best Splurge, according to OUTSIDE, is to experience Greenland’s Arctic wilderness via an all-inclusive stay at Natural Habitat’s Base Camp Greenland (www.nathab.com/alaska-northern-adventures/greenland-nature-adventure). Base Camp Greenland is a new ecolodge near the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet in East Greenland, one of the most isolated places on Earth.
Here, pods of whales feed in the bay in view of the camp. Icebergs, spawned from massive glaciers, glitter in the late-night sun. Beneath granite peaks that tower over deep fjords, Greenland’s east coast – known as the “Arctic Riviera” for its mild summer climate – offers some of the best kayaking and hiking conditions in the North.
Guests will experience the stunning Arctic landscape in supreme comfort, along the lines of a luxury safari camp. More expedition lodge than “camp,” Base Camp Greenland provides accommodations in deluxe double tent cabins with individual verandas that survey the panoramic view.
Each spacious cabin is warmed by an individual heater, though long summer days are typically mild, sunny and dry. Cabins have twin beds outfitted with warm duvets and comfortable pillows, writing desks with chairs, a carpet runner, and an en suite dry toilet and sink. Showers are taken in separate bathhouses segregated by gender. Excellent meals are prepared by the camp chef and served in the dining/lounge tent.
A hallmark of Base Camp Greenland is its eco-conscious construction and operation. In such a pristine environment, a minimal footprint is imperative. A true low-impact eco-camp, lodge facilities are set up for two months in the summer and taken down each year. Camp solid waste is removed and disposed of in a biodegradable manner– nothing is left on site. Only biodegradable soap is used in the kitchen and showers. Interior lighting is powered by small individual solar panels.
Base Camp Greenland trips are 9 days in duration and begin at Iceland’s Keflavik International Airport outside of Reykjavik. The 2015 departures are Aug 1, 10, 18, 26, and Sep 2. Rates start at $8,995 per person based on double occupancy, plus internal air of $926 (subject to change).
To determine this year’s travel award recipients, OUTSIDE’s adventure travel veterans scoured the globe to identify the coolest mountains to climb, food to eat, rivers to float, guides to hire, beaches to lounge on, and lodges to luxuriate in. The result is 40 breathtaking options—from the guides to show you around, to the cameras to capture it all, to the places to stay, to the best place to grab a snack at a food truck along the way.
For information on Base Camp Greenland trip and all the tours offered by Nat Hab along with descriptive itineraries, date availability and reservations, call 800.543.8917 or visit www.nathab.com. Click HERE to order a copy of the 2015 catalog.
Jame Mosque in Yazd is a 12th c mosque still in use today (c) Joe Staiano, Meaningful Trip
“My god, Iran is one of the most magical places I’ve ever traveled to, with some of the friendliest people on the planet,” says Joe Staiano, founder of Meaningful Trip, a Seattle-based tour company, after visiting Iran last May.
His experience motivated him to organize this year’s “Founder’s Trip” around a single departure of a 13-day tour through Iran, May 3-15, 2015.
“Iran offers 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the history of Persepolis, amazing museums, world-famous gardens such as Eram Gardens, tantalizing Persian cuisine, and some of the warmest and most hospitable people on the planet,” he says.
The tour visits Shiraz, Presepolis, Esfahan, Yazd, Kerman and Tehran, and features a village homestay, cooking class and a unique overnight in a desert caravanserai.
“As founder, I personally vet all local tour operator partners. I check for safety, safety of routes and locations along the itinerary, quality of transport, cleanliness of hotels, I was in Iran in May of 2014. I found it to be one of the safest countries I have ever visited. (and I have been to 80 countries).”
About 2,500 Americans visit Iran in a year, but all have to be part of an authorized tour. Two other US tour companies include MIR Corp and Caravan Serai, which offer two-week tours for around $4,500 – 6,000.
“Americans must first get an ‘Authorization Number’ issues from the tour agency. Then, they can apply for visitor Visa. Meaningful Trip will help facilitate this ‘Authorization Number’,” Staiano says.
This is Meaningful Trip’s first organized program into Iran, and is limited to 14 participants.
The tour price of $2,595 includes accommodations in four-star lodging, most meals, English-speaking female guide, entry fees.
Meaningful Trip is a pioneer in responsible travel with 20 years experience – operating trips to India, Nepal, Colombia, Baja Mexico, Vietnam, Turkey. A portion of each trip goes to support women’s empowerment, poverty, health, education and hunger programs. Meaningful Trip is one of only six USA tour operators to sign ECPAT’s Code of Conduct to help fight trafficking and exploitation of children.
ANN ARBOR, MI – Journeys International, one of the first adventure travel companies to offer trips designed specifically for families, announced its top 10 family destinations for 2015:
Costa Rica
Peru
Panama
China
Japan
Thailand
Tanzania
South Africa
Galapagos (Ecuador)
Indonesia
Journeys for Families, a division of Journeys International, has trips specifically designed for kids, teens and multi-generational travelers.
“Firsthand research, feedback from our clients, and the expert knowledge of our on-the-ground guides indicate that these 10 destinations offer the very best opportunities for family travelers in 2015,” said Robin Weber Pollak, President of Journeys International. “These countries provide unique, safe, hands-on culture and wildlife experiences that will engage explorers of any age.”
Family travel is being called the “hot” travel trend for 2015, but Journeys for Families has been guiding families in destinations all around the world for decades.
“This is not a new trend for us; Journeys for Families is the expert in family travel and has been for years,” said Sally Grimes-Chesak, Director of Marketing and Family Programs. “Our itineraries focus on providing activities that interest both kids and adults, while allowing the oh-so-important but oft-ignored downtime that is key to a good family trip. We aim for ‘home base’ hotel stays that minimize moving and repacking during the trip. And, our hand-picked guides possess a unique energy and excitement that makes kids feel right at home.”
Journeys is especially excited about three trips designed specifically for families with teenagers, Costa Rica Adventure for Teens, Wild Indonesia for Families with Teens, and Incas & Amazon for Families with Teens.
“Most companies have family trips that focus on the younger kids, but rarely plan specifically for teenagers,” Grimes-Chesak said. “We understand that different ages of kids require different itineraries, and we built these three trips specifically around the interests and needs of older kids.”
In 2015, Journeys for Families has over 20 itineraries in 18 destinations, and a total of nearly 30 family group departures scheduled. Plus, itineraries can be customized and planned around the dates that work for the travelers.
