Moab Adventure Center, a major tour company, addresses the ying and the yang of the popularity of Moab, Utah for travelers.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT– Taking ownership – and
responsibility – for a pet, a cause or even a place comes after people feel
vested in the pet, cause or place. Take a place called Moab, Utah, for example.
Every year this region known as the red rock playground is a joyful discovery
for thousands of first-time visitors. But as the word continues to spread about
this breathtaking destination, a new set of challenges arises.
On one hand, it’s a blessing to local businesses and economy that this remote
region of Utah along the Colorado River is so popular. On the other hand, with
every sound of an ATV and even with the quieter pace of a mountain bike or step
of a hiking boot comes the potential to erode the playground’s fragile
infrastructure.
“When our guests depart the river after a rafting adventure, or hike out of a canyon
after canyoneering or
step off a horse after horseback riding, or float over all of this
beauty in a hot air balloon, they’re
forever changed. And they ‘get’ why we ask them to become stewards of this landscape,”
says Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions that
guides guests through the rapids of the Colorado River. A sister company, Moab Adventure Center, arranges activities for
people staying for a day or a week in or around Moab.
“I don’t think we have a problem of too many people, but we do have challenges
on how to disperse them at certain times of day and in busy months,” says
Merrill. “Our challenge is to showcase the region in the spring, fall and
winter. The beauty doesn’t go away – but the crowds do.”
The region is expanding infrastructure to keep up with visitor demand. In 2020
an additional 500 lodging rooms are scheduled to come on line. However, since
this infrastructure was approved, both city and county have created moratoriums
on new nightly rentals, including turning a spare bedroom into an Airbnb. To
help disperse visitors, regional and state marketing efforts are trying to
divert people to a myriad of iconic sites beyond the bucket list Arches
National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
“Some long-time locals want the town to go to sleep again. Others value the
fact that things are going well here. Fairly recent transplants bring along a
not-in-my-backyard attitude and want to shut the door behind them. I understand
all these sentiments,” Merrill says. He notes that Western River Expeditions
does have approval for occupancy in a building that will house up to 64
employees, helping the company retain valuable seasonal employees and reducing
the demand on local housing.
Jason Taylor is operations manager for the company’s Utah and Moab-specific
programs. His messaging to Western River Expeditions and Moab Adventure Center
guests echoes that of the Moab Area Travel Council. Additional sustainable
practices include giving guests who are on multi-day outings steel vacuum water
bottles they can take home with them, thus eliminating plastic. Recycling and
using energy-efficient tools are imbedded into the protocol, as is the
importance of hiring locally.
In addition, a major part of what Western River Expeditions and Moab Adventure
Center are doing, according to Brandon Lake, VP and Co-Founder of Moab
Adventure Center, is to help guests understand how to create a low impact
during their guided exploration of the area. “Guides who can teach guests how
and where to hike, ride and drive in our fragile landscapes can make a major
difference in reducing impact over those who explore these same areas on their
own without understanding the damage they may be doing.” This is one of the
many benefits to choosing a local tour company to help you experience Moab.
For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020 catalog, questions, availability
and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit
the website at: 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.
Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/) is
a division of Western River Expeditions and the largest single tour provider in
Moab, UT. Located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT the center is a one-stop
resource for a myriad of outdoor adventures. It also boasts a 2,000-square-foot
retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing and souvenirs. For
information and tour reservations call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163.
E-bikes now put bike tours of the Green Mountains of Vermont within reach (c) Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarnandnear.com
Always popular cycling tours have gotten an extra charge in recent years with the addition of electric bikes, allowing guests to ride hills with ease or get a boost to keep up with others. E-bikes are now available as an option on tours around the globe, from the Green Mountains of Vermont to the Tuscan countryside and Taiwan’s coastline. They’re even making their way off road and onto trails on e-mountain bike tours among the dunes of Namibia and the Alps in Switzerland. E-bikes mean there are no excuses for not taking a tour because you are afraid you can’t do the hills, the knees aren’t what they used to be.
Here are seven bike tours where you can find an electric ride:
E-MTB Safari in Namibia: Pedal across vast plains and seas of sand dunes, along dry streambeds and rocky jeep tracks, and past shipwrecks and surf on the Skeleton Coast on H+I Adventures’ new E-MTB Safari in Namibia. From the saddle of an e-mountain bike, watch for elephants, giraffes, zebras and oryx, and connecting with local communities along the way.
Natchez Trace Path: Biking the Natchez Trace is a cyclist’s dream come true, and why Cycle of Life Adventures offers it four times a year. The ancient path through Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi began as a wildlife and Native American trail, and has a rich history of use by explorers, trappers and traders, post men and Civil War soldiers. An e-bike will ease the few days where the mileage may seem overwhelming.
Tuscan Countryside: On Tourissimo’s cycling tour of Tuscany, Italy, visit some of the region’s most iconic destinations, from Cortona, the delightful hill town made famous by Frances Mayes in her bestselling novel “Under the Tuscan Sun,” to the abbeys, thermal springs and wineries in the countryside outside Pienza. Upgrade to an e-bike capable of covering 70 miles on a charge to go the distance.
Alps by E-MTB: Climb mountain passes and descend to lush valleys on H+I Adventures new E-MTB Tour of Switzerland. Riders will put the country’s seamless transport system to use accessing backcountry singletrack and perfectly built flow trails as they traverse the beautiful Graubünden region by e-mountain bike. Refuel with mid-ride rösti, then unwind with a glass of wine and dinner made with local flavors.
Mediterranean Islands Ride: E-bikes are a great option on Ride & Seek Bicycle Adventures epic cycling tour across Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. Split into three week-long stages, the tour explores the Mediterranean islands’ history, food, architecture and traditions, as well as their strikingly rugged interiors, white beaches and emerald waters.
Vermont Covered Bridges: Ride through more than a dozen covered bridges on a tour of Vermont with Cycle of Life Adventures. This iconic ride passes through Montpelier, Stowe, Middlebury and Woodstock, climbing from river valleys over the Green Mountains. The optional e-bike rental will help flatten out the roads.
E-Bike Taiwan: On Grasshopper Adventures’ Bike Taiwan tour, guests cycle the length of the country from the northern capital, Taipei, to the southern tip. Along the way, they take in the beauty of east Taiwan’s rugged Pacific coast, exotic hot springs and valleys like the stunning Taroko Gorge. Grasshopper is the first tour operator to offer e-bikes to cyclists in Southeast Asia.
Discover Sri Lanka over nine days, cycling 285 km from the capital, Colombo, through the lush highlands and rainforests down to the southern coast on Grasshopper Adventures new bike tour.
(Bangkok, Thailand) — Discover Sri Lanka over nine days, cycling 285 km from the capital, Colombo, through the lush highlands and rainforests down to the southern coast on Grasshopper Adventures new bike tour. Along the way, enjoy some of South Asia’s best biking, hike through national parks, take a jeep safari to see leopards, monkeys and elephants, relax in luxurious hotels, and indulge in mouthwatering Sri Lankan cuisine. Departures are available in January, February and March of 2020 starting at $2,850 per person double. Pedal-assist e-bikes are an available for an additional $385. For more information, visit https://www.grasshopperadventures.com/multi-day-cycling-tours/sri-lanka-by-bike-tour/
“Sri Lanka is a small island with a big heart known for its highland tea plantations that we will spend days riding through,” said Adam Platt-Hepworth, Grasshopper Adventures CEO. “We will also explore the city of Kandy with its sacred Buddha Tooth Relic, tour Yala National Park where we’ll see elephants, monkeys and leopards, and spend some time on the southern coast.
Tour Highlights:
Visiting The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Taking a Sri Lankan cooking class
Cycling through tea plantations
Sampling local delicacies like fresh dates and dried corn crackers
Touring Yala National Park by Jeep and seeing elephants, monkeys and
leopards
Trekking to World’s End Lookout
Hiking UNESCO World Heritage Sinharaja Rainforest
Descending by bike from the beautiful tea country hills to the southern
coast
“This is the perfect tour to see the best of Sri Lanka in just
over a week,” said Platt-Hepworth. “You’ll get a taste of the
highlights and hidden treasures and be blown away by the diversity this small
island nation boasts.”
Grasshopper Adventures is a cycling and active travel specialist, headquartered
in Bangkok. They host more than 25,000 travelers of all ages and abilities on
tours in Japan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, China,
Uzbekistan, Taiwan, Bhutan and Myanmar. https://www.grasshopperadventures.com
(Bangkok, Thailand) — On this new cycling tour of Taiwan, Grasshopper Adventures guests will bike the length of the country, from the northern capital, Taipei, to the southern tip. Bikers will ride past emerald-colored rice paddies and Taoist temples dedicated to the sea-god Matsu. Along the way, they’ll take in the sheer beauty of Eastern Taiwan’s rugged Pacific Coast, with pristine beaches, exotic hot springs, and gorgeous valleys, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taroko Gorge. The 9 Day/8 Night tour starts at $3,150 and covers 355-435 km. The terrain varies from gently undulating to steep ascents and descents over the coastal mountain range. Pedal assist E-bikes are available for $495 surcharge. For more information, visit https://www.grasshopperadventures.com/multi-day-cycling-tours/bike-taiwan-tour/.
“This classic cycling route takes us from Taroko Gorge down
along the coast and into the lush East Rift Valley before we re-emerge on the
rugged Pacific East Coast,” said Adam Platt-Hepworth, CEO of Grasshopper
Adventures. “Along the way, we’ll hike to the beautiful Shakadang Stream,
cycle narrow paths through banana palms to the coast for a beach-side rest
stop, and pedal into the little-visited East Rift Valley full of vibrant rice
paddies and small communities.”
Offering unparalleled scenery and challenging terrain,
Taiwan draws more and more visitors from across the globe each year. Riders
will visit the striking Saoba Monuments and hike along the Walami Trail to spot
wildlife. They’ll take a rest day to enjoy the beach of Dulan before the final
leg of the ride along the dramatic coastal cliffs and then inland across the
mountains to Kenting in the tropical south.
“Whether marveling at the sheer power of the Pacific Ocean, soaking
away the stresses of life in one of the island’s numerous hot springs, or
slurping down a hearty bowl of delicious noodles, Taiwan assaults the senses
and leaves guests hungry for more,” said Platt-Hepworth.
Tour Highlights:
Cycling through the dramatic Taroko Gorge on part of the
famous King of the Mountain route
Viewing monkeys, deer, eagles and Formosan black bears on a
hike into the Central Mountain Range on the Walami Trail
Pedaling through the lush East Rift Valley into the jungle
then past gorgeous beaches to Dulan
Soaking up the sun and swimming in the bright blue waters of
the Pacific Ocean
Grasshopper
Adventures is a cycling and active travel specialist, headquartered in
Bangkok, Thailand. They host more than 25,000 travelers of all ages and
abilities, on tours ranging from one day to two weeks in Japan, Sri Lanka,
Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, China, Uzbekistan, Taiwan, Bhutan
& Myanmar. https://www.grasshopperadventures.com
Iceland and Greenland specialist Iceland ProCruises has released their 2021 Brochure which includes a price decrease for their “Best of Iceland” itinerary; no price increase on all other sailings and a new route for Greenland Cruises.
Reykjavik, Iceland – Iceland
and Greenland specialist Iceland ProCruises has released their 2021 Brochure
which includes a price decrease for their “Best of Iceland” itinerary; no price
increase on all other sailings and a new route for Greenland Cruises.
The itinerary for 2021 includes ten trips of the expedition ship OCEAN DIAMOND around Iceland, three trips “Best of Iceland” and two trips to Greenland. For all trips there is an early bird discount of 20 percent for bookings through 31st December 2020.
The company’s premier
itinerary – the circumnavigation of Iceland, is offered on ten departure dates
from mid-May to mid-august and one in early September. These trips with the
OCEAN DIAMOND are soft expedition cruises and are accompanied by an Icelandic
expedition team, who all speak English and German. The journey begins and ends
in Reykjavik. Ports on the circuit are Stykkisholmur, Isafjördur, Siglufjördur,
Akureyri, Skjalfandi Bay, Seydisfjördur, Djupivogur and Vestmannaeyjar. The
ten-day (nine-night) trip is available from $2,320 per person.
The voyage “Best of
Iceland” will take guests to and from Reykjavik on the OCEAN DIAMOND for
seven nights around the island. The tour visits Stykkisholmur, Isafjördur,
Akureyri, Skjalfandi Bay, Djupivogur and on the Westman Islands. The eight-day
(seven night) trip sails September 6-19 is available from $1,840 per person.
The Iceland and Natural
Wonders of Greenland cruise will now combine Greenland’s East coast and West
coast. The new destination, East Greenland, is one of the most isolated areas
in the world. To the west, the massive central icecap rises 8,000 feet. To the
east is the open ocean, strewn with drifting sea ice from the North Pole. This
seclusion is the reason why traditions and culture run deeper here than
anywhere else in Greenland. Untouched nature with huge fjords and mighty
icebergs dominates the landscape. There are two trips to Greenland with flights
to and from Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) and Keflavik included in the price. The
Natural Wonders of the West Coast of Greenland is available August 7 to 18 from
Reykjavik via East Greenland to Narsarsuaq. From Greenland’s capital Nuuk, the
route leads to Ilulissat with its ice fjord before cruising onward via
Uummannaq to the destination port of Kangerlussuaq. The twelve-day trip (11
night) is available from $3,195 per person. The second itinerary travels from
Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik August 18 to 29 and is available from $3,195 per
person.
There is still
availability for cruises in 2020 around Iceland and Greenland. When booking
until 31st December 2019 the early bird discount of 20 percent applies.
Bookings may be made with a local travel agency or directly at +1 678 701 5830. More information at www.icelandprocruises.com, including rates and schedules for 2021.
Iceland ProCruises is part of the Iceland ProTravel group which is located in six
countries and a leading tour operator for incoming travelers to Iceland. Their
office in Iceland includes: Iceland ProCruises, Iceland ProTravel–a local DMC,
Iceland ProTravel Services and Iceland ProFishing. Gudmundur Kjartansson, a
native Icelander, and Ann-Cathrin Bröcker from Luxembourg, owners of the whole
Iceland ProTravel group have over twenty years of combined experience in
Icelandic tourism.
Off the Map Travel, Northern Lights travel experts have added an environmental twist to their popular all-day Aurora itinerary in Svalbard, using e-snowmobiles powered by renewable energy from the Arctic winds and the Midnight sun, guests while searching for the Northern Lights.
(Longyearbyen, SVALBARD) — Off the Map Travel, Northern Lights travel experts have added an environmental twist to their popular all-day Aurora itinerary in Svalbard, making it the lowest impact Arctic Northern Lights adventure ever. Using e-snowmobiles powered by renewable energy from the Arctic winds and the Midnight sun, guests indulge their green sensibilities at any hour of the day while searching for the Northern Lights in the eco-friendly “Truly Green Aurora” holiday.
The new adventure is
based in Longyearbyen on the island of Svalbard at 78° North, an island
designated as a Sustainable Destination. The itinerary is recommended from
November to January when the skies over the island are almost permanently
black, forming a perfect backdrop for searching the Aurora both daytime and
nighttime. www.offthemap.travel
“Although the Northern
Lights are a natural phenomenon and are never guaranteed, you need clear, dark
skies to optimize your chances to see them,” notes Jonny Cooper, Arctic travel
expert and founder of Off the Map Travel. He explains, “Svalbard’s dark skies
and extended Aurora viewing are due to the sun’s being at least 6 degrees below
the horizon. This means it can be dark all day so the Northern Lights can
appear at any time. In effect, the sun never rises.”
To compliment this eco
Arctic adventure, guests will also journey into the wilderness on a snowshoe
trek and hunt for the Aurora while driving a dogsled. The activities and
experiences minimize travel impact and encourage connection with the
environment and culture. The new holiday is in line with the reason Svalbard
and Longyearbyen were designated a prestigious Sustainable Destination where
travel experiences are designed to care for nature, culture and environment as
well as strengthen local social values.
“The new eBikes are
snowmobiles that use electric motors that are great for the environment as well
as totally quiet permitting a closer connection with local wildlife and
nature,” states Cooper. “The quiet engine allows for gentle searching of the
Northern Lights, reindeer, ptarmigans and polar foxes. Exploring some of the
most uncharted areas of our planet has never been more eco-friendly,” he adds.
As with any itinerary
from Off the Map Travel, every adventure can be tailor-made to fit the wishes
and requirements of any guest. As an example, a 4-day, 3-night A Truly Green All Day
Aurora itinerary with Off
the Map Travel, is priced starting from $1407 per person, not including
flights. This includes private transfers and three nights at Funken Lodge on a
B&B basis, Northern Lights evening at Camp Barentz, use of an
electric snowmobile under the Aurora, dog sledding under the Aurora,
snowshoeing to an ice cave, and a tour to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, an
underground bunker where seeds, nuts and plant species are stored and protected
against global crisis. https://www.offthemap.travel/green-aurora/
Off the Map Travel is a team of travel experts who work with
experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of the
world. Specializing in soft adventure and viewing of the Northern Lights, Off
the Map Travel creates tailor-made itineraries that offer a distinctive
vacation based on first-hand experience. Off the Map Travel vacations
anticipate travelers’ needs with pre-planning and customization. Each bespoke
itinerary is tailored to the ages of participants, creating experiences for
families, groups, couples and singles that are comfortable and luxurious, with
activity levels appropriate for all participants. www.offthemap.travel
On Dec. 4, 2021, there will be a total eclipse of the sun in Antarctica, a region most can only dream about. But Adventure Smith Explorations, an international expert in small ship expedition cruising, has announced limited availability for voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula to witness this phenomenon that will only be seen in the south polar region.
TRUCKEE,
CA – On Dec. 4, 2021, there
will be a total eclipse of the sun in Antarctica, a region most can only dream
about. But Adventure Smith Explorations, an international expert in small ship
expedition cruising, has announced limited availability for voyages to the
Antarctic Peninsula to witness this phenomenon that will only be seen in the
south polar region.
Vessels accommodating from 102 to 170 passengers are specifically appointed to
maneuver the ice-bound waters of Antarctica for positioning in the center of
the moon shadow during the eclipse.
Itineraries of 20 to 24 days will utilize in-depth technology to find the best
possible viewing area, hoping to ensure an unobscured sun.
Departures are round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with explorations of the
Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, the ultimate polar
wilderness. These eclipse cruises aim to be in the Weddell Sea to witness the
phenomena among giant tabular icebergs and sea ice.
For some passengers the eclipse will be the expedition’s highlight. However,
the ongoing adventure into spring in Antarctica will leave everyone in awe over
some of the world’s most impressive scenery, including icebergs of every size
and description, and Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Waters
rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. Penguins form
large nesting colonies on land.
Antarctica cruises, already once-in-a-lifetime experiences, become even more so on
the following small ships in December 2021. Following are the scheduled
departures for eclipse viewing:
Nov. 25-Dec. 14, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard the brand-new 170-guest Janssonius; per person double
rates from $16,400.
Nov. 26-Dec. 15, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard the brand-new 170-guest Hondius; per person double
rates from $16,400.
The Plancius, Janssonius and Hondius are purpose-built expedition vessels
designed exclusively for polar cruises. These ships offer top-tier activity
gear and exploratory educational travel programs, with guests spending as much
time ashore as possible.
23-Day
Voyage
Nov. 20-Dec. 12, 2021 – Antarctic Wildlife Adventure, aboard 114-guest Sea Spirit; per person double rates from $18,395. Complementing the strong
credentials of the ship’s team of marine biology, history, geology and
ornithology specialists will be Paul M. Sutter, astrophysicist, author,
speaker, producer and on-air host. His first book, Your Place in the
Universe; Understanding Our Big, Messy Existence, was published by
Prometheus Books in 2018. He is the author of over 50 articles on astrophysics
and serves as Chief Scientist of the Center of Science and Industry in
Columbus, Ohio.
On these National
Geographic cruises, photography experts will share information about special
equipment you’ll need if you want to create an image of the eclipse, like solar
filters. And the onboard National Geographic photographer and certified photo instructor
will prepare guests for the special challenges of shooting an eclipse from a
ship, where tripods and long exposures don’t work on what amounts to a moving
platform. A naturalist team and guest speakers will provide insight and
background on eclipses and other astronomical features one might encounter in
the Southern Ocean and Southern Hemisphere.
For intrepid explorers who can’t wait until 2021 to experience Antarctica,
AdventureSmith Explorations announces availability with some rate savings on the
following Antarctic expeditions in the 2019-2020 season.
Antarctic Peninsula – 5 percent savings if cruise for 2019, 2020 and 2021
seasons is booked by Dec. 1, 2019.
Antarctic Latitudes – save 15 percent on 2019-2020 cruises if booked by Nov.
30, 2019; and save up to $1,700 per person on 2020-2021 cruises if booked by
Dec. 31, 2019.
Founded in 2003,
AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of
Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd
Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler‘s prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists
list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions.
For details on all of
AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and
for 2019-2020 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit
the company website.
Poseidon Expeditions, specialists in Arctic cruises, offers opportunities aplenty in the high Arctic wilderness between Norway and the North Pole to see reindeer as well as the King of the North, polar bear in their natural habitat. On Arctic Wildlife Safari and Bet of Svalbard cruises, guests can observe and learn such fun facts about these animals.
PROVIDENCE, RI– In an ancient ice age the
four-legged critter we associate with Santa’s sleigh lived as far south as
Tennessee. Whether those reindeer picked up a southern drawl is still up for
debate.
What’s non-debatable is that Rangifer tarandus or reindeer
(aka caribou), meaning snow shoveler, was so named by the Mi’kmaq, who were
among original inhabitants of the Atlantic Provinces of Northern Canada.
The specialists in Arctic cruises, Poseidon Expeditions, offers opportunities
aplenty in the high Arctic wilderness between Norway and the North Pole to see
reindeer as well as the King of the North, polar bear in their natural habitat.
On Arctic Wildlife Safari and Best of Svalbard cruises,
guests can observe and learn such fun facts about these animals as…
A reindeer’s hide is covered with hair follicles that are hollow and that trap air that provides insulation.
Their noses warm the air before it reaches the lungs.
In the winter, facial hair grows long to the mouth, protecting muzzles while grazing in snow.
Its body temperature adjusts to just above freezing to avoid losing body heat in extremely cold conditions.
Both male and female reindeer sport antlers.
They vocalize through air sacs in their neck, males warning other males away from girlfriends and females communicating with their young.
The knees of one subspecies of reindeer make a clicking noise while walking, sounds that allow a herd to stay together in a blizzard.
And about the polar bear?
Adult females often weigh between 500 and 600 pounds; males are double these weights. Cubs enter the world at around one pound, females reaching full weight at age five and males by age 10.
Ask anyone what color a polar bear is and they’ll reply “white” with total confidence. The fact is, their fur is actually transparent and holds no color. It only appears white because it reflects visible light. The transparent fur also traps in the sun’s heat to help keep the polar bear warm.
When polar bears swim, they use their large front paws to propel themselves through the water and their back legs to steer. They can actually move pretty fast at approximately at 6 mph, closing their nostrils when under water.
They can go days, even weeks, without eating. When they reach a week or more without food, their metabolism slows down and goes into starvation mode until the next meal.
Polar bear cubs learn to freeze or “play dead” while momma bear hunts for food. If they’re caught moving, mom will discipline them, with a smack to the head.
Two-thirds of polar bears could disappear by 2050 due to disappearing hunting grounds, or sea ice. They are now compelled to swim such long distances that they are drowning from exhaustion.
While cruising around seldom-visited, natural preserves of the far north, guests may also experience polar wildlife from the perspective of a kayak. Imagine paddling with bearded seals, large and peaceful creatures that are often encountered at close range reposing on ice floes in sheltered bays and fjords. Harbor seals and ringed seals can be seen from a kayak as well. Sometimes massive walrus can also be seen.
Guests may also access beluga whales via kayak. Paddling with these gentle and intelligent creatures in the wild — hearing their breaths and feeling their inquisitive gaze upon you — is a life-changing experience, especially if it happens to be a pod of over a hundred beluga whales swimming in long procession past and underneath the kayaks.
Poseidon Expedition’s sea kayak guides are well versed in the wildlife viewing and protection protocols developed by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).
The rates for 2020 Arctic Wildlife Safari, West Spitsbergen & Polar Ice Edge, are discounted: May 31-June 8, June 7-June 15, June 14-June 22 from $5,895 to $5,305; June 21-July 1 from $7,295 to $6,566 and June 30-July 11 from $8,095 to $7,286. On the June 7 departure guests receive a bonus, the opportunity to mingle with a polar bear expert from the Cincinnati Zoo.
Best of Svalbard, Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge cruises offers three departures in June and July 2020. Children under age 12 travel at half the regular rate when sharing a double-occupancy cabin with an adult. Per person double rates are from $10,095 double in a main deck suite.
For inquires and reservations in North America, or to request a catalog, contact the company’s Providence, RI, sales and reservation office at www,poseidonexpeditions.com or call 347-801-2610, or contact your travel agent.
With offices in the US, UK, Germany, Russia, Cyprus and China, Poseidon Expeditions is a leading provider of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. The company is committed to safe and environmentally responsible polar travel. It is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).
Gift your adventure seeker the gift of a visit to India with andBeyond to explore the mountainous region of Ladakh and search for snow leopards
Stuck for a special gift for your animal-lover lover? Your art aficionado? Music buff or theater devotee? How about a snow leopard expedition for your adventure seeker? Think about giving the uniquely personal gift that keeps giving: the gift of a travel experience. The holidays is a time of wish fulfillment, so what better gift that tapping into that bucket list. Here are some ideas for the gift of getting away, no matter the time of year:
For the Animal-Lover
Winner: andBeyond Pangolin Adventure
Pangolins are mini (and adorable) dinosaur-like
mammals. While not commonly known in the U.S., these native African anteaters
are covered in keratin scales, which are highly valuable to poachers, making
them the most trafficked mammal in the world. The species used to roam freely
in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, but have been locally extinct
for decades. andBeyond Phinda
Private Game Reserve has committed to
reintroducing the species to the area, and there are already three thriving in
their new environment. Conservation-minded travelers can have the
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with these elusive
creatures with andBeyond’s Pangolin Conservation Experience and assist in
replacing tags and monitoring behavior. Rates from $3,504 per group (up to six
people).
Runner-Up: Nayara’s Sloth Sanctuary
Ever wonder what it would be like to sleep all
day? And all night? Of course you have. Humans are naturally lazy. But not as
lazy as sloths. The slowest mammal on earth loves to hang around in Cecropia
trees. Spot them in the wild at the new Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica, which opens December 20. As a part of
Nayara’s commitment to reforestation, the acres surrounding the resort are
being replanted with thousands of trees, including the Cecropia trees, so that
the sloths can continue to thrive. Take a slow, leisurely stroll around the
property to see these fabulous animals in in-action. Rates start from $1,200
per night.
For the Art Aficionado
Winner: La Reserve Paris
Mona-who? Been there, done that. The
latest must-see at the Louvre celebrates much more than the Instagram
overloaded Mona Lisa. Open through February 24, the Leonardo da Vinci
exhibition honors the 500th anniversary of the Renaissance man’s death. Though
almost sold out, guests of La Réserve Paris can skip the line by booking the Leonardo da
Vinci package, including two VIP
fast-track tickets to the exhibition and da Vinci inspired cocktails at Le Bar.
Package rates start at $1,330.
Runner-Up: Belmond La Residencia
It’s P-art-y time in Mallorca! Deia,
the hillside village on the island’s northwest coast, is an artsy town
welcoming painters, sculptors and writers for inspiration. Among Mallorca’s
most famous former residents is Joan Miró, and Belmond La
Residencia is home to the
largest exhibition of his paintings
in a hotel anywhere in the world. Thirty-three of his
original artworks
will be on display in Café Miró, the hotel’s bistro, until September 2020. The
hotel lawn is also one of Spain’s largest outdoor sculpture gardens, and it
features Tete (1975), a Miró bronze head. After taking in
the art, enjoy Belmond La Residencia’s “Tea with Miró,” which is inspired by the artist’s signature use of bold
colors and abstract line drawings. The tea is served on an exclusive tea set
made of La Cartujade Sevilla porcelain with a design based on Miró’s 1952 work, Sans titre. The setwill
be available for purchase in the on-site boutique. Rates start at $470 per
night.
Fore! The Golfer
Winner: Belmond Royal Scotsman
Hit the links with Belmond Royal Scotsman as the
train travels through the heart of the Highlands from tee time to tee time.
Golf enthusiasts can customize the two- to seven-night journeys by adding
rounds at Scotland’s renowned courses such as Gleneagles, Royal Donorch Golf
Club, Castle Stuart Golf Links and Kingbarns Golf Links. A veritable ‘country
house on wheels,’ the Royal Scotsman will also make stops at local distilleries
including Strathisla Distillery, the oldest working distillery in the Scottish
Highlands. Journeys start at $3,158 per person for the two-night Taste of the Highlands itinerary.
Runner-Up: Dromoland
Enjoy a golf experience fit for a king at
Ireland’s Dromoland Castle. Set on a 450-acre
estate, the 15-century castle’s parkland course is the perfect place to hone
golf skills. Take a lesson at The Academy, the on-site golf school helmed by a
resident PGA pro. What’s more, Dromoland can coordinate private transfers and
tee times at Ireland’s famed links courses, including nearby Lahinch,
Ballybunion, Tralee and the new Adare Manor. Rates start at $355 per
night.
For the Adventure Seeker
Winner: andBeyond Snow Leopard Expedition
Known as ‘Little Tibet’ or the ‘Roof of the
World’, the mountainous region of Ladakh is situated on the northern border of
India and is home to the snow-capped Himalayas, cobalt lakes and an abundance
of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard. The species, listed as
‘vulnerable’ and rare to find, lives in this high-altitude cold desert
environment and can be seen during winter months. Conservation-minded,
experiential safari outfitter andBeyond offers travelers the opportunity to
explore this wilderness with the region’s most experienced guides, offering the
rare opportunity to meet a snow leopard, if luck strikes. The 12-day Snow Leopard
Expedition sets off in small
group set-departures in January, February and March 2020. Rates start from
$6,891 per person, including a $200 donation to the Snow Leopard Conservancy.
Runner-Up: Ponant Emblematic Antarctica Cruise
Journey to the ends of the earth, but make it
luxury. Swap icicles in your eyelashes for a champagne toast on an Antarctic
iceberg with Ponant, the leader in polar cruising. Each trip to the
southernmost continent challenges adventure seekers with the trip through the
Drake Passage – the 600-mile stretch of ocean between South America and the
Antarctic peninsula that boasts some of the roughest seas in the world. Keep an
ear out as the captain will often stop and redirect the ship to point out
passing whales, Gentoo and Adelie penguins, and crabeater seals. Once in
Antarctica, expedition guides and naturalists will lead daily Zodiac excursions
with visits to research stations and former whaling stations. Rates start from
$13,310 per person for the 11-day / 10-night Emblematic
Antarctica journey.
For the Theater Goer
Winner: Chatwal, New York
Do you like your theater with a little side of
murder mystery? If so, you’ve come to the right place – The Chatwal, New
York. Designed in 1905 by iconic American architect
Stanford White – who was famously killed by his mistress’s husband atop Madison
Square Garden – The Chatwal was once home to the prestigious Lambs, America’s
first professional theatrical club. The Chatwal continues to play homage to its
history as the epicenter of Broadway. A dedicated theater concierge can offer
access to the most sought-after shows; and guests can enjoy a pre-theater
dinner at Geoffrey Zakarian’s The Lambs Club at The Chatwal. Rates start at
$595 per night based on double occupancy.
Runner-Up: Westbury
Theater buffs visiting The Westbury in Dublin can explore the history of Ireland’s stage with
the complimentary Theatre Walking Tour every Thursday morning. The 90-minute
stroll begins in the vibrant Georgian Quarter and brings guests to key sites
around the city, including a behind-the-scenes look at the famed Abbey Theatre,
which has nurtured the talents of Irish playwrights like William Butler Yeats.
The tour also includes a lesson on ancient Irish storytelling at the Setanta
Wall, and a look at the drama-inspired artwork within the National Gallery.
Rates start at $277 per night.
For the Movie Buff
Winner: GoldenEye
The 25th James Bond movie, which will mark
Daniel Craig’s final appearance as 007, is heading back to Jamaica. In
celebration of the April 2020 release, movie buffs can retrace the island life
of Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming. The author was a former British intelligence
officer and discovered Jamaica during a WWII mission in 1942. Four years later,
he purchased 15 acres of under-developed tropical land and named it GoldenEye
to pay homage to his naval operation that first brought him to the island. He
resided at GoldenEye every January and February for more than two decades and
wrote a new Bond novel each winter for a total of 14 books. His beachfront
bungalow, which is now called The Fleming Villa with five bedrooms, is part of
the 52-acre GoldenEye resort. Fleming’s
writing desk and sunken garden where he would entertain the likes of Noël
Coward and Katherine Hepburn are available for guests to enjoy. Rates start at
$6,365 per night.
Runner-Up: Park Hyatt Tokyo
Guests of Park Hyatt Tokyo can channel Bill Murray while sipping on a whisky flight in
the hotel’s 52nd floor New York Bar. Famed as the location of Sofia
Coppola’s Lost In Translation, the bar’s signature L.I.T cocktail
with Japanese sake and peach liqueur can be enjoyed to the soundtrack of live
jazz while overlooking the sparkling city skyline. Rates start at $600 per
night.
For the Romantic Beach Bum
Winner: Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
“Love Island” – not just a reality show,
but something that could actually be your reality. Give the
gift of an ultimate couples’ vacation in the Maldives. When it debuted in
July, Waldorf Astoria Maldives
Ithaafushi became the first
luxury resort to open near the capital of Malé in the last decade. The journey
to tranquility begins with a yacht ride from the airport to the resort. The 122
accommodations include 39 beach villas, each of which features a swimming pool
and a private alcove on the beach with an outdoor hammock and two sunbeds.
Surround yourself with sand and surf on a nearby sandbar, available for a wine
pairing dinner or a yoga class. Rates start at $1,700 per night.
Runner-Up: Belmond Cap Juluca
Set on the white sands of Anguilla’s Maundays
Bay, known as one of the most pristine beaches in the Caribbean, each room
at Belmond Cap Juluca has its own private slice of sand complete with a dedicated
beach butler. Guests of the newly renovated property can soak in the Caribbean
sun and sway to live calypso and reggae at the Cap Shack, a laid-back beach bar
with a vintage ’80s food truck serving up everything from fish tacos to rum
punches and poke bowls. Rates start from $725 per night.
For the #InstagramFamous Friend
Winner: Dalloway Terrace
Off to Europe for the festive season? Why not
hit two countries in one – visitors to The Bloomsbury in London will be treated to a Merry Swissmas
celebration. The hotel’s heated, al fresco restaurant, Dalloway Terrace, has
launched a collaboration with the alpine resort town of Gstaad. Stroll from
Regent’s Park into snow-dusted pine garlands and frosty foliage. Gstaad’s Swiss
traditions overwhelm the terrace, with bespoke “Scherenschnitte” (Swiss paper
cuttings) on display around the restaurant. Guests can warm up with Foxford
woolen blankets and warming cocktails like an alpine toddy – a hot toddy with a
chamomile twist. Cocktails are delivered to the table with a Retro Viewer that
allows guests to gaze upon the picturesque mountains of Gstaad between sips.
Afternoon tea starts at $50 per person.
Runner-Up: Almanac Rooftop
360-degree views of Barcelona, check.
Instagrammable décor, check. Craft cocktails, check. Almanac Barcelona’s Azimuth rooftop bar is open year-round, beckoning guests
with its coral-hued, cocoon-like lounges and cozy blankets during the mild
winter months. The city is known for its gin and tonics, with the clear liquid
and fizzy bubbles the perfect accessory for an Instagrammable rooftop view.
Almanac’s signature ‘Dealer’s Choice’ cocktail is elevated with dry sherry from
Jerez, grapefruit bitters and artisanal tonic water. Rates start from $287 per
night.
For the Foodie Focused
Winner: Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum in
Napa
Give the gift of the CIA. No, not that CIA
– the Culinary Institute
of America at Copia in Napa Valley is
the perfect place for travelers to the region to become immersed in the local
food culture, with daily cooking classes and tastings from local wineries.
Newly opened at the CIA, the Chuck Williams Culinary Art Museum features the
4,000-piece personal culinary collection – including rare special cookware,
bread baking and culinary tools, appliances, and tableware – of the
Williams-Sonoma founder. Admission to the museum is free. Class and tasting
pricing varies with rates starting at $30.
Runner-Up: Shou Sugi Ban House
Get a taste for the flavors that put Noma in
Copenhagen on the map! Chef Mads Refslund, formerly of the world’s best
restaurant, now directs the food and beverage program at wabi sabi-inspired
wellness retreat and destination spa Shou Sugi Ban House in the Hamptons. The plant-based menu is inspired by Nordic,
Japanese and New England cuisines. Located in Water Mill, New York, adjacent to
the Parrish Art Museum, the 13-room property incorporates many forms of
wellness in its multi-day retreats, which include spa and healing arts
treatments, workshops, meditation and movement. Rates start at $550 per person.
P.S. Don’t forget the most important carry-on
items when traveling: chocolate and a face mask. La Maison du Chocolat’s Bars Unhinged ($14) are the perfect plane-size snack (think mini
deconstructed chocolate bars). Guinot’s Newhite Instant Brightening Mask ($77, set of seven) is a travel-size sheet mask that removes
those post-flight dark circles and creates a glow in 10 quick minutes.
Glamping Hub is an online
booking platform and leading portal for unique outdoor accommodations across
the globe. With over 35,000 accommodations in over 120 countries, Glamping
Hub’s mission is to connect travelers with nature in order to create authentic
experiences in which travelers can stay in the great outdoors without having to
sacrifice creature comforts—camping with added luxuries and five-star
amenities.
Glamping Hub is a third-party booking platform and does not own any of the vacation rentals listed on the website. Guests can find over 27 different types of glamping accommodations to choose from on Glamping Hub from safari tents, tree houses, and cabins to tipis, villas, and domes.
There are
several defining factors Glamping Hub looks for in an accommodation in order to
determine its eligibility for listing. It must have close access to nature,
hotel-quality comfort, and offer guests a unique experience. Glamping Hub’s
business model is both transactional and highly scalable. For each transaction
made through the website, Glamping Hub collects a 4% commission from the hosts
and a 6% to 12% service fee from the guest (depending on the size of the
booking), resulting in an average of 10% of the total booking that Glamping Hub
retains from each transaction.
In the
global market, there is an estimated 100,000+ glamping accommodations—with
eight units per site and an average of $320 per night stay—creating a $45
billion (and growing) market. And glamping is not just luxury camping, but also
ski getaways, wine country stays, safari excursions, surf camps, yoga retreats,
and wildlife tours, which increases the outdoor accommodation marked to $200
billion and growing.
Within the vacation rental sector, Glamping Hub is the one of the only platforms that is both transactional and specialized, which is due to a number of factors, including rigorously researched SEO practices, lower rates and costs, organic traction and unique visits, and its marketing tools. In 2016, Glamping Hub received 2.6 million visits, resulting in 12,000 booking requests and $2.1 million in revenue, and by the end of 2018, those figures tripled.
Glamping
Hub is a global team with two offices—one in Sevilla, Spain and the other in
Denver, Colorado—with over 100 employees and interns from over 13 different
countries. Not only does Glamping Hub shine with 90% of guest reviews with
4-star and 5-star ratings, but Glamping Hub has also been featured in many
highly-regarded publications, including The New York Times, the New York Post,
Forbes, TIME, NBC, USA Today, Travel and Leisure, Lonely Planet, O Magazine,
and more.
At Glamping Hub, the accommodation is the destination. In August,
2018, Glamping Hub launched it’s first ever, “This is Glamping Hub” video,
on the homepage to redefine what is glamping. Travelers choose Glamping Hub
because they care about their trips being truly memorable. We’re
different to other websites in that all of our accommodations have been handpicked
and placed in a targeted collection, and support our four core values: Unique,
Experience, To-Gather, and Nature. Glamping Hub’s accommodations are
one-of-a-kind and completely submerged in nature, where our guests can
disconnect from their daily lives and reconnect with each other for an
experience they will never forget.
