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.
Latin Trails ( www.latintrails.com ) offers a Pacaya Samiria wildlife cruise on board the expedition company’s newest riverboat, the 8-passenger M/V Cattleya.
QUITO, ECUADOR – Latin Trails has introduced a Pacaya Samiria wildlife cruise on board the expedition company’s newest riverboat, the 8-passenger M/V Cattleya. Guests can choose between a 4- or 5-day cruise.
This intimate Amazon river adventure begins and ends in the Peruvian Amazon city of Iquitos, exploring in depth the Pacaya Samiria wildlife reserve, known as one of the largest protected areas in all of the Amazon river basin. Highlights of this amazing journey include:
– Visiting where the mighty Amazon originates
– Sightings of river dolphins, caiman’s, birdlife, monkeys and even jaguars are a possibility
– Hiking under and above the canopy of primary forest
– Exploration of small streams and oxbow lakes on board private skiffs
– Peruvian fine dining with wine included at all meals
– Guided shore excursions
– Visits to local communities and experience of tribal life of the river people
– Visit to a Manatee nurturing and rescue center
Guest can enjoy carefree exploration of the natural wonders of the rainforest as they navigate the Amazon river tributaries enjoying Cattleya’s distinct amenities, including the spacious staterooms with River views through panoramic windows, king-size beds and private facilities. Meals are served in one seating, featuring the Peruvian gourmet cuisine. Daily shore excursions and educational lectures help guests make the most of the surrounding wilderness.
“It is one of the most intimate expedition style river cruises in the world,” said Marcel Perkins, CEO, Latin Trails. “With this new program, we can enhance the meaning of privacy for FIT travel. It will allow our guests to enjoy nature one to one.”
Detailed information about the Cattleya including availability can be found at: www.amazoncruises.travel
Latin Trails is a boutique cruise and tour operator based in Ecuador and Peru, it operates the most exclusive fleet of oceangoing yachts and riverboats in the Galapagos Islands and Amazon basin. The expedition Company is also known for its handcrafted itineraries around Ecuador and Peru offering highly personalized trips backed up by a 24/7 “adventure concierge” service. The Company also offers family friendly exploration of the Amazon at the Hakuna Matata Amazon lodge in Ecuador.
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer and Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (both D-CA) have introduced legislation to expand the Martinez, California historic site that celebrates the life and legacy of John Muir. The John Muir National Historic Site Expansion Act would authorize the National Park Service to acquire land that is being donated through a trust, which would improve access to the park and provide more for visitors to see and do at the site.
“John Muir was the father of the National Park Service and he worked tirelessly to preserve our country’s public lands for future generations,” Senator Boxer said. “This bill will honor his legacy by improving public access to this historic site, providing more for visitors to do, and connecting the site to the Bay Area Ridge Trail.”
“With the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service, it would be a fitting tribute to honor John Muir by expanding the site where he lived, wrote and brought to life the conservation movement. Today we have over 400 National Parks, and I am honored to represent the place where this idea was born and where it developed into a model to be copied throughout the world,” said Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11).
Although the land is being donated by the Muir Heritage Land Trust, Congressional approval of the acquisition is necessary because the acreage of the donated land parcel exceeds the percentage of land that the Park Service is allowed to acquire administratively.
The 44-acre addition would include lands once part of the estate of John Swett, a former California Superintendent of Public Education who helped found the California Teachers Association, and was a neighbor and friend to John Muir in the Alhambra Valley Hills.
Muir is considered the “father of the National Park Service.” He was a lifelong conservationist who helped create Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks, and was a founder of the Sierra Club. The John Muir National Historic Site, which stretches across 330 acres currently, includes the home where Muir lived until he died in 1914.
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) joined Boxer and DeSaulnier as an original cosponsor of the legislation.
Former Congressman George Miller (D-Martinez) first introduced the bill on November 13, 2014, and it passed the House in December 2014.
YARDLEY, Pennsylvania – Global Traveler’s annual online charity travel auction, where you can bid for airline tickets, five-star hotel stays, car rentals and travel gear, runs through May 1. For the fifth consecutive year, 100 percent of the proceeds benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Log on to globaltravelerusa.com/auction and bid on a number of travel items, including business-class airline tickets, 5-star hotel stays and travel products. Prizes include two round-trip business-class tickets on Air Canada, Asiana Airlines, China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, La Compagnie, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines and United. Hotel stays are available at Dorsett Shepherds Bush, The Langham Chicago, Montage Beverly Hills, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi and many more. Additional items up for grabs this year are 1 million points from IHG Rewards Club, a one-week rental from Hertz and luggage sets from Briggs & Riley and TravelPro.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (lls.org) is dedicated to finding a cure for blood and lymph cancers. LLS awarded more than $750 million in research funding for all blood cancers.
Global Traveler, the only AAM-audited US-based magazine for the international business and leisure traveler, is a business travel and lifestyle publication with an AAM paid circulation of 109,000+.
FXExpress Publications, Inc., based in Yardley, Pennsylvania, is a privately held company publishing Global Traveler, China Global Traveler, eFlyer USA; eFlyer Asia, Trazee Travel and several annuals; and also operating globaltravelerusa.com, globaltravelerusa.com/blog, china-globaltraveler.com and trazeetravel.com.
BikeToursDirect is offering a safari of Namibia by bicycle and train to learn first-hand about “the greatest wildlife recovery story ever told.”
Travelers will soon be able to see Namibia’s leading conservation efforts and diverse wildlife from two unique perches—the saddle of a bike and the comfort of their private chartered train, the Desert Express. On this Namibia Bike and Train Tour, offered through BikeToursDirect, based in Chattanooga, TN, they’ll also learn first-hand from conservation leaders why the World Wildlife Fund has called Namibia “the greatest wildlife recovery story ever told.”
During the 12-night tour, which departs August 11, 2015, from Nambia’s capital city of Windhoek, travelers will experience the country’s vast beauty while enjoying the highest standards of comfort and service. They will visit the Fish River Canyon (Africa’s longest), traverse the apricot colored dunes of the Namib Desert, and have the chance to see mountain zebras and desert elephants, along with giraffes, rhinos and lions.
“It’s probably the most impressive and memorable setting I’ve cycled in,” says Jim Johnson, president of BikeToursDirect. He recently biked in some of the same areas this tour explores: “The landscapes were breathtaking: vast deserts with some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, remote coastlines, and deep chasms offset by towering mountains.
“And this tour will transcend even that amazing experience. You’ll get to see Namibia’s unique landscapes and extensive wildlife from the unique vantage points of bicycle and train, and it’s a rare opportunity to spend time with many of the individuals responsible for making the country such a conservation success story. It will be the trip of a lifetime.”
After cycling each day, tour participants sleep on the train or in scenic lodges along the route. The train travels the longer distances during the night, making it possible to see more of the country and allowing plenty of time during the day for bike trips.
Two knowledgeable guides accompany the participants aboard the train and on each day’s easy rides, which average less than 25 miles/40 km per day, and a support vehicle is always nearby to shorten the riding or give a helping hand. Participants may also choose to stay aboard the train, a great option for non-cycling companions who sign up for the tour.
Throughout the tour visit, participants will meet many key players behind Namibia’s conservation success story, including John Kasaona, a leader in the drive to reinvent conservation in Namibia by turning former poachers into protectors of endangered species.
Participants will also hear how tourism has made the country’s conservation success possible by generating sustainable income for local communities—and why their travel here helps improve the lives of the nation’s people and save the lives of its wildlife.
The Desert Express holds a maximum of 48 guests in 24 compartments, each accommodating up to three passengers. Each compartment is fully air-conditioned and heated and has a private bathroom. Passengers can also relax in an elegant lounge, a unique bistro bar and a spacious restaurant that will serve the best in Namibian cuisine. Expansive windows throughout the train help travelers experience the full Namibian views.
Namibia was the first African country to incorporate protection of the environment into its constitution, and the government gave people living in communal areas the opportunity to manage their natural resources through the creation of communal conservancies. These conservancies – as well as governments, nonprofit organizations and other entities – have restored populations of lions, cheetahs, black rhinos, zebras and other native wildlife to the world’s richest dry land. Through initiatives such as ecotourism, restoration has generated sustainable income for their communities.
BikeToursDirect serves as a central resource for bicycle tours worldwide, representing 125 tour companies with over 500 tours in 71 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. BikeToursDirect offers a variety of resources to help travelers search for and choose tours and handles the entire booking and payment process. Learn more at http://www.biketours.com.
Natural Habitat Adventures has created a safari expedition for travelers to learn about Namibia’s endangered black rhinoceros
BOULDER, CO– Natural Habitat Adventures has created a safari expedition led by World Wildlife Fund (WWF) scientists and rhino conservation experts for travelers to learn about Namibia’s endangered black rhinoceros.
Namibia: In Search of the Desert Rhino, offered this fall and next, provides a chance to track this rare animal that survives in the Namib Desert, one of the harshest environments on Earth. The trip is the second in the “In Search Of” series developed by Nat Hab and WWF, which began in 2013 with “In Search of the Snow Leopard” in Mongolia.
Guests will travel alongside local researchers, WWF experts and personnel from Save the Rhino Trust, learning firsthand about crucial measures WWF has pioneered in tandem with local community groups to protect the desert rhino and other threatened species. With the support of the Namibian government, such efforts have made Namibia a global conservation leader.
“These are unprecedented opportunities to meet with experts that have been arranged specifically for this trip and are not included on any standard Namibia safari,” said Ben Bressler, founder and president of Nat Hab.
The desert rhino remains critically endangered because of rising demand for rhino horn, largely among Asian consumers who believe it has value in folk remedies; this has driven poaching to record levels.
The new 10-day safari starts at $9,895 per person, double (single supplement $2,295) with departures Sept. 29 and Oct. 17, 2015 and 2016. The rate includes scheduled light aircraft flights, accommodations, airport transfers, meals, non-alcoholic drinks at camps and in vehicles, house alcoholic beverages in camps, services of a Nat Hab Expedition Leader, local guides and lodge staff, some gratuities, all permits, entrance fees and taxes. See: http://www.nathab.com/africa/namibia-in-search-of-the-desert-rhino/
Guests, limited to 12 per trip, will track the desert rhino and other desert-adapted species, including elephant, by vehicle and on foot throughout Namibia’s vast wilderness expanses. Varied habitats, from the arid wastes of Damaraland to the savannas and saltpans of Etosha, sustain a surprisingly diverse and vital wildlife population.
Private reserves, such as the Palmwag and Ongava concessions, are central to the experience. From the Ongava Reserve adjacent to popular Etosha National Park guests can view an abundance of wildlife without the presence of other visitors. Certain activities prohibited in national parks are offered as well, such as guided bush walks for an intimate perspective on the landscape and its wild inhabitants, and night drives in search of nocturnal animals.
One of Namibia’s top naturalist guides, Franco Morao, guides this special safari. A Namibia native, he has worked at camps and lodges throughout the country and holds a Level 3 national guiding certificate, the highest achievement possible in Namibia. In addition, as with all Nat Hab Expedition Leaders, Franco has received additional resources and training provided by WWF’s leading scientists, including those on the forefront of rhino conservation.
Guests travel in light aircraft, private mini vans, and top-of-the-line 4×4 safari vehicles with a window seat for each person. Flight transfers between destinations maximize time with wildlife. Accommodations are a highlight in their own right, with a focus on isolated, small-scale luxury camps featuring spacious individual tents with private verandas for secluded viewing.
The safari begins and ends in Namibia’s capital, Windhoek. From here guests travel to Desert Rhino Camp in the heart of the private million-acre Palmwag Concession in far-northwest Namibia. Few safari locales offer the privacy and isolation found amidst this expansive tract of desert wilderness. Several freshwater springs support healthy populations of wildlife including the camp’s namesake and the trip’s primary focus — the desert-adapted black rhino (Diceros bicornis bicornis). The largest, free-ranging black rhino population anywhere in the world lives here, as well as desert-adapted elephant, endemic Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, oryx, springbok and greater kudu. Namibia’s second-largest predator population thrives here, too, with more than 100 lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena. Birds are also abundant, including a number of southern African endemics.
Nat Hab and WWF have been working together since 2003 to provide conservation travel adventures exemplified by the “In Search Of” series.
“Twelve clients signed up for the first exploratory trip, and together with some of the world’s foremost snow leopard experts they journeyed to the far-western edge of Mongolia to visit two national parks where WWF Mongolia is performing important snow leopard research. Our guests were so moved by the experience that they came home and raised more than $20,000 for further snow leopard research in the region,” said Bressler, who hopes that this trip will similarly raise awareness about the black rhinoceros.
Natural Habitat Adventures is a world leader in responsible adventure travel and nature-based ecotourism. Since its founding in 1985, the company has offered eco-conscious expeditions and wildlife-focused small-group tours to the planet’s most remarkable nature destinations. Inspired and created from years of scouring the planet for the singular and extraordinary, Nat Hab’s itineraries are artfully crafted experiences that are far from “typical.” Trips are guided by professional naturalist Expedition Leaders, and Nat Hab enjoys a longstanding reputation for hiring some of the world’s best guides. Conservation is at the forefront of everything NHA does, and its philosophy is simple: tourism must work with and benefit local communities, which will in turn find value in protecting natural resources and wildlife. NHA is proud to be the travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, sharing a mutual commitment to travel as a means of helping to protect the world’s wondrous natural places.
For trip information, descriptive itineraries, date availability and reservations, call 800.543.8917 or visit http://www.nathab.com/. Click HERE to order a copy of the 2015 catalog.
The tour operator Say Hueque takes guests through San Pedro de Atacama, said to be the best place in the world to view the uncompromised brilliance of the night sky.
BUENOS AIRES — The Argentina and Chile tour operator specializing in authentic experiences for independent travelers, Say Hueque, offers a tour through San Pedro de Atacama, said to be the best place in the world to view the uncompromised brilliance of the night sky.
Called Atacama (Chile) and Uyuni (Bolivia), this six-day/five-night program is from $710 per person double. Guests will discover San Pedro de Atacama, a small town located in the world’s driest desert (think little adobe houses and cozy restaurants) enroute to exploring one of Chile’s most spectacular landscapes. The Atacama Desert is one of the only places in the world where there is near-perfect visibility of the night sky. Here guests will explore Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) with caves and hills configured of salt. They will also visit geysers in the Andes and salt flats in Bolivia.
The Atacama Desert receives no more than a millimeter of rain annually; its remote location and the high altitude combined with few clouds makes the sky viewing (day and night) spectacular. There is also virtually no radio interference which makes it optimal for observatories. The Atacama Desert currently hosts six celestial observatories including Alma Observatory which is the largest of its kind on Earth.
There are three trips visitors can choose from, depending on the desired length of time. The shortest trip is six days and the longest is 16 days. Each tour takes a different route through Atacama and Uyuni but each takes time in the desert to enjoy the sky.
Included in the six-day journey are transfers, three nights in San Pedro de Atacama, a three-day 4WD Adventure to Uyuni with lodging in shared huts, Moon Valley tour, Geysers tour, daily breakfasts and some meals, a bilingual guide (English / Spanish) during the excursions in San Pedro de Atacama and the services of a Spanish-speaking driver on portions of the itinerary (http://sayhueque.com/argentina_tours/atacama_uyuni/atacama.php)
“We are a group of Argentine travel professionals who are passionate about our country,” Say Hueque owner Rafael Mayer explains. “We have hiked in Patagonia, felt the mist of Iguassu Falls on our smiling faces, walked along glaciers and cruised the deep blue lakes of South America. We have visited hundreds of hotels, sampled hundreds of restaurants and discovered the best wineries around, so we know exactly where to get a delicious steak, a sublime Malbec and a comfy bed along the way.”
Established in 1999, the Buenes Aires-based company creates customized tours for independent travelers throughout Argentina’s and Chile´s national parks and cities. Popular destinations and experiences include Buenos Aires, Iguassu Falls, Perito Moreno Glacier, hiking in Patagonia, wine tasting in Mendoza, horseback riding at traditional estancias and glacier cruises.
Say Hueque adopted its name from the last tribal chief that surrendered to the Europeans in their conquest of the American lands, in 1885. The Great Cacique Say Hueque was the leader of a powerful tribe that occupied the region of central Patagonia. Their cultural influence is still very strong at some locations close to the Andes Range.
Popular destinations offered by the company include Patagonia, Iguacu Falls, Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Atacama Desert, Uyuni Salt Flats and the Salta region as well as many other lesser known but equally captivating marvels. Say Hueque has been recommended by the world’s most popular travel guides such as Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Footprints, and Time Out year after year. The company has partnerships with and membership in Sustainable Travel International (STI), Responsible Travel, the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), ASTA and LATA.
Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations has engaged a fleet of luxury, 150-foot modern yachts to transport 38 to 40 guests per sailing on 17 island-hopping departures along the Dalmatian Coast this season.
TAHOE CITY, CA,– Small ship cruise expert AdventureSmith Explorations has engaged a fleet of sleek, 150-foot modern yachts to transport in style 38 to 40 guests per sailing on 17 island-hopping departures along the Dalmatian Coast this season.
Croatia Island Hopper Cruise aboard the Futura, Prestige, President or M/V Admiral (all very similar in size and amenities) is the only deluxe, small ship cruise on a fully crewed yacht (including expert guides) that focuses exclusively on the 1,100-mile Dalmatian Coast. (Other cruises simply stop in the region as part of a larger Adriatic or Mediterranean itinerary or are only available as a full boat charter with no crew and little guidance.)
“The nature of our Island Hopper itinerary is. yes, to explore the history and culture of Croatia but also to enjoy swimming, hiking in the countryside, kayaking and bicycling,” said Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations Founder and President.
This eight-day/seven-night cruise starts at $1,440 per person, double. The rates (nearly all-inclusive) and dining schedule offer leeway to enjoy regional cuisines and wines over lunches and dinners while strolling through towns, Smith said.
“This is affordable luxury in Croatia. Our combination of deluxe accommodations, superior service and expert guides is rare, especially for prices starting at under $1,500 per person,” Smith said. The rate includes accommodations, daily buffet breakfast and lunch or dinner; a beverage with lunch; drinking water; services of a professional tour manager; guided walking tours; fees for bus transfers and cable cars; visitor taxes, port and national park fees; luggage handling; daily cabin service and free Wi-Fi on board.
The cruise begins and ends in Split with on Day 1 a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A welcome reception and briefing greet guests on their return from visiting Roman ruins. Day 2 is an excursion to Marco Polo’s birthplace, Korcula Island, where appetizers and local vintages are sampled on the tail end of an excursion.
Dubrovnik, the jewel of the Adriatic, is Day 3’s destination after stretching legs in Mljet National Park and on St Mary Isle. Unlike other ships that spend a hurried half day inside Old Town’s walls, Island Hopper guests enjoy a dinner cruise along the shore followed by a guided tour and full day in this historic port. (Smith also recommends a pre or post cruise trip extension to fully appreciate Dubrovnik’s charm.)
Day 5 brings guests to the Peljesac Peninsula, a region known for wines. Here guests enjoy Croatian specialties over a dinner in a rural village. Jet-set Hvar, known for lavish lavender fields and such beauties as a Renaissance cathedral, comes on Day 6 followed on Day 7 by the final stop on the Island of Brac and at the town of Bol. Fishermen and tourists blend together here before the Captain’s farewell dinner on board and the journey back to Split.
AdventureSmith Explorations offers additional cruises on European waters thanks to an expanding inventory of small ships. Two examples are a tour called Classical Greece aboard the 49-guest Harmony V that embodies the best of spring in the islands and on the Mediterranean. The per person double rate for this eight-day cruise is from $2,790. Another is a nine-day luxury cruise of the Cyclades aboard Sea Cloud with an exclusive charter of this historic windjammer. The per person double rate is from $8,790.
A sense of timelessness shrouds the land of Myanmar. Pacific Delight has introduced a 7-night tour showcasing the Buddhist culture-steeped destination.
With demand for Myanmar growing exponentially, Pacific Delight Tours is launching a seven-night package showcasing the Buddhist culture-steeped destination formerly known as Burma. Rates start at $1,599 (land portion) per person, based on double occupancy, for travel April through September 2015.
A sense of timelessness shrouds the land of Myanmar with its tropical plains, Himalayan foothills, teak-filled jungles and the mangrove-lined Ayeyarwady River. Participants will experience Myanmar’s culture firsthand with visits to Amarapura, Mandalay, Sae Ma Village, Bagan, Yangon and a boat excursion on Inle Lake. Travelers will enjoy sights such as the Mahagandayon Monastery, a pagoda sunset visit and tours of each city included in the itinerary.
The rate, from $1,599 per person, based on double occupancy (single supplements start at $599) includes deluxe accommodations at Hotel Amazing in Mandalay, Inle Resort in Lake Inle, Bagan Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort in Bagan and the Rose Garden Hotel in Yangon.
For an enhanced experience, participants can upgrade to luxury hotel accommodations at Sedona Hotel in Mandalay, Pristine Lotus Spa Resort in Inle Lake, The Hotel Tharabar Gate in Bagan and Sule Shangri-La Hotel in Yangon. The luxury upgrade starts at $1,799 per person, based on double occupancy (single supplements start at $769).
Each itinerary includes initial arrival and departure airport transfers, ground transportation, domestic intra-Myanmar flights, daily breakfast, English-speaking guides, sightseeing and admission fees and the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.
International airfare is not included, but can be purchased from Pacific Delight Tours at competitive rates at the time of booking.
Cambodia Extension: Travelers visiting Myanmar with Pacific Delight Tours can extend their stay in Southeast Asia with a three-day visit to Cambodia to view Angkor Wat, the crown jewel of Khmer architecture, with accommodations at Royal Angkor Resort in Siem Reap. The add-on is available from an additional $249 per person, based on double occupancy (single supplements from $109). Airfare between Myanmar and Cambodia is not included, but can be arranged via Pacific Delight Tours.
Contact Pacific Delight Tours at 800-221-7179 or visit www.pacificdelighttours.com for more information or to book or contact a travel agent.
The Lodge at Verbier, a mountain hideaway in the Swiss Alps, is one of the Virgin Limited Edition retreats.
Sir Richard Branson, the British entrepreneur famous for Virgin Records and Virgin Air and a host of daring and innovative initiatives, has introduced the Virgin Limited Edition collection of unique retreats.
In 1998, during one of Sir Richard Branson’s famous ballooning expeditions in Morocco, his parents found a stunning Kasbah at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, close to Marrakech, and dreamed of turning it into a romantic Moroccan retreat. Richard Branson fulfilled their dream and bought the fairy-tale palace, inclusive of the antiques and art collections from an Italian designer and antiquary. Guests of the Kasbah Tamadot enter a colorful place that seems from “1001 Arabian Nights”. A 3-night package for Christmas and New Years includes all meals and drinks as well as entertainment, treks in the local area and excursions to nearby villages as well as activities for kids; priced from 1.443 Euro per person (www.kasbahtamadot.virgin.com).
The African bush – just the thought of it conjures up some fascinating images of breathtaking wilderness, sunrise safaris and a retreat far away from the city. At Ulusaba, Branson and his team set out to create the most beautiful game reserve in Africa. The Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is in the heart of the Sabi Sand Reserve, close to Kruger National Park. The family friendly Rock Lodge can accommodate 25 guests in its ten rooms. Only 500 meters away there is the Safari Lodge, built along the banks of a dry riverbed. The Safari Lodge can accommodate 22 adults in its 11 rooms. Most of the Ulusaba staff are from surrounding villages, so guests benefit from authentic South African hospitality. Ulusaba promotes from within and supports the local community through their charitable project “Pride ´n Purpose.” The Ulusaba family of 119 individuals includes some of the most qualified rangers and trackers in the reserve, who guarantee the experience of a lifetime on a game drive (www.ulusaba.virgin.com).
When thinking of going on safari in Kenya, one of the first things that come to mind is the Great Migration. Words just cannot describe the majesty of this awe-inspiring spectacle. At Mahali Mzuri, Sir Richard Branson’s Kenyan Safari Camp which opened in summer 2013, guests have a front row seat, not just to the migration, but also to the abundant game guests can see all year round (www.mahalimzuri.virgin.com).
The Lodge at Verbier, a mountain hideaway in the Swiss Alps. In winter, the chalet is hired exclusively and but individual rooms can be booked during the summer months (www.thelodge.virgin.com).
The Virgin Limited Edition includes also the private island Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands, luxurious 100 foot catamaran Necker Belle in the Caribbean, The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant in London, and Mont Rochelle in South Africa, which opened in September 2014.
In answer to the question “Is a raft trip right for me and the family?” Western River Expeditions says, “If you’ve been eager to get the kids away from an over-civilized world and all its technology and overload, river rafting is a great place to start (hint – no Internet or cell service!).”
Salt Lake City–Rafting pioneer Western River Expeditions advises on the key questions families should ask before embarking on a river rafting vacation.
“In our 50-plus years of operation, Western River Expeditions has created heirloom memories for literally thousands of families,” said Brian Merrill, CEO. “We’re always learning new things about how to engage parents and children both ashore and on the river. And we love it when families take the time to ask us questions before they make reservations for a rafting adventure.”
Merrill and his staff have heard it all from first time river runners, from “will there be flush toilets and room service?” to “I can’t swim, but can I still go?” But they also appreciate that no question is too silly or inappropriate.
Here are the questions they suggest anyone considering a raft trip should ask:
First, “Is a raft trip right for me and the family?” If you’ve been eager to get the kids away from an over-civilized world and all its technology and overload, river rafting is a great place to start (hint – no Internet or cell service!).
“How young can children be?” This question is river-dependent. If the river is relatively tranquil in post-spring runoff, with most rapids being Class III or lower, children as young as five can often be accommodated with Coast Guard-approved age-appropriate life jackets.
“How old can Grandma and Grandpa be?” This is truly more a question of physical ability over age. Western River Expeditions has taken 85-year-olds down the river who can get on and off the boat and hike better than a 60-year-old. Discuss your physical level with your outfitter to help you make the best choice. Note that Western River Expeditions does offer an interesting option for the older crowd. On Grand Canyon trips, Western uses a patented boat called the “J-Rig.” This 37-foot motorized craft offers quite a bit more flexibility in seating and comfort than traditional rafts and can be a great way for Grandma and Grandpa to join a trip.
“Is it mandatory to know how to swim?” Non-swimmers are welcomed on most all river trips. Coast Guard-approved life vests (PFDs – personal floatation devices) are mandatory as well as a safety talk prior to departure. Non-swimmers, however, should have a heart-to-heart chat with their potential tour company before making a reservation for a rafting trip with larger whitewater.
Bottom line: “Is rafting dangerous?” The element of risk (and thrill) that comes with running the rapids is why river rafting is so popular. But there’s perceived risk and then there’s real risk. That’s where professional river guides come in. They are extensively trained to minimize and manage risks. But there’s not much even your guides can do about your sunburn if you forget to put on sunscreen, or if you’re a klutz getting in and out of the boat!
Once you’ve put the above questions to bed, then ponder:
“How many hours will your gang want to spend on the river each day?” Some itineraries involve less time on water, more time at camp and exploring trails. But please come with a flexible attitude. The speed of the flow, location of campsites and how long lunch and day hikes take influence the amount of time floating, swimming and paddling on the water each day.
“What if I’m nervous about whitewater?” Think options. There are rafting trips on calm water and trips with world-class whitewater. The type of boat you’re in also dictates the adventure. You can choose to paddle your own craft (most adventurous), ride in boat with a guide at the oars or with Western, ride atop a patented “J-Rig,” a large, motorized boat with seating up front for the more gung-ho or aft for more protection.
“In camp, how much ‘roughing it’ is there?” Guests sleep each night in a wilderness setting on the river, in a tent or out in the open under the stars (your choice). Your biggest responsibility will be pitching your tent. The guides take care of setting up the loo, food prep and clean up. Camping is usually deluxe, comfortable and easy. Meals are often better than what you have at home.
“What do little ones do at camp?” Think nature-oriented games and special hours for dining for youngsters, supervised by staff trained to work with children. There is truly never enough time for all that both kids and teens want to experience on the river.
When you are ready to make a reservation, let the company know the ages and experience levels of participants. The company will guide you.
For first timers and young families with ages five to 12, Western River Expeditions recommends a five-day trip on Utah’s Green River or Idaho’s Lower Salmon.
For families with children ages nine and up, a three-day trip through the Grand Canyon may be the right fit.
Chances are other families will be on these trips and the children have fun interacting and making new friends.
For a copy of the 2015 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669), or visit: http://www.westernriver.com/.
Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).
For a copy of the 2015 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669), or visit: http://www.westernriver.com/.
