MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

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Active Travel, National Parks

Xanterra Has Rare Availability at National Parks; Offering 30% Savings For Limited Time

July 5, 2020 MoralCompass

View from South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Vacationers can stay on the south rim of the majestic Grand Canyon in the renowned and historic El Tovar hotel and receive 30 percent off from Xanterra for a limited time. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

“There is rare availability in the national parks this summer,” observes Betsy O’Rourke, the Chief Marketing Officer for Xanterra, the company that runs the concessions, lodging and many of the activities in national parks including Death Valley, Grand Canyon (South Rim), Zion. There are even the occasional cancellations, and thus availability of lodging in Glacier and Yellowstone.

“The fact is, people come from all over the world to experience the U.S. national parks, and with limited air travel and closed borders this year, those vacationers are not able to come, freeing up rooms in some of the greatest outdoor places on earth.” Now that parks are officially opening, for a limited time savvy travelers can book and save up to 30%.

For example, vacationers can stay on the south rim of the majestic Grand Canyon in the renowned and historic El Tovar hotel and receive 30 percent off for a limited time. Even the legendary Grand Canyon Railway that runs from Williams, Arizona on Route 66 to within footsteps of El Tovar and the South Rim of Grand Canyon is 30 percent off. The same is true at The Oasis in Death Valley, a true American oasis with water bursting from the ground (the resort even has a golf course, the lowest on earth) and bask in a 30 percent savings. And Zion Lodge is also offering 30% off for a limited time.

For information about what’s open, what services will be available, reservations as well as any travel guidelines in this post-quarantine world, access www.xanterra.com.

So, pick your park, save up to 30 percent and take advantage of what nature has to offer, and rare summer openings when the skies are quiet and we’re all looking for someplace great to go that’s outdoors, beautiful and happens to be the trip of a lifetime. Visit www.xanterra.com
for reservations and information.

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Active Travel, camping trips, camping-glamping, luxury travel, National Parks

Moterra Luxury Camper Vans Lets You Pave Your Own Path to Explore National Parks, Wilderness

June 10, 2020 MoralCompass

You’ve probably now heard of glamping – luxury camping. Now Moterra CamperVans offer a novel way to experience the national parks and wilderness by luxury camper van, which also provides amazing self-sufficiency.

With all the luxury of a 50-foot long RV, but, at 19-foot long, the size of an SUV, without the cumbersome size that makes it difficult to drive and park, and even the need to plug into electricity (the vans are powered with rooftop solar panels) or water (they hold 24-gallons of fresh water), their own sink, cooking facility, refrigerator and even their own bathroom facilities (a couple actually have its own shower and toilet, but others have port-o-potty), these camper vans give a new level of mobility. The vans can be used in tent camping spots in National Parks, so you can stay away from the noisy RV parks.

Founded by Gabe Aufderheide and Trevor James who were formerly with Backroads, the company offers these are specially outfitted Mercedes Benz Sprinters, built out by Sportmsobile, in Yellowstone, Wyoming; the Grand Tetons; Utah; Glacier National Park (Montana); and California.

These camper vans come with bluetooth audio, cruise-control and touch-screen navigation. A backup camera, blind spot sensors and lane assist technology make maneuvering a breeze. You don’t have to stay in an RV park, but can go wherever tents are allowed.

The vans come equipped with absolutely everything you need for camping, from sleeping stuff (memory foam pillow!), to cooking (marshmellow skewers) and dining, cleaning supplies, amenities like chairs and table, inflatable solar lights, even bear spray.

There are two models to choose from: The High Roof is perfect for couples- it includes a queen sized bed in the back, as well as a kitchen, sink, indoor shower and portable toilet. The Pop Top, which sleeps four, is perfect for families- it has both a double bed down below, and a double bed up top in the Pop Top! While the Pop Top does not have an Indoor Shower, it offers a solar shower that can be used outside, and it also includes a sink and stove. Both models are rented for $319 a night.

Add-ons available include hammocks & bike racks, services such as pre-bought groceries and airport pick-ups, and packaged and customized tour itineraries.

All-inclusive packages consist of:

Moterra Campervan Rental and cleaning fee
Day-by-day personalized Itinerary with directions and destination info.
Pre-booked campsites, handpicked and booked in advance where possible, or GPS locations for off-the-grid dispersed camping spots.
Scenic Routes that take you to the heart of the action while minimizing road traffic.
Individualized suggestions depending on your preferences for hiking, scenic attractions, restaurants and activities.
A wide range of activities to make the trip your own, like white-water rafting, wildlife safaris, road biking, horseback-riding, kayaking and scenic floats.

For example, a 10-day/9-night Mighty 5: Utah’s Desert National Parks is priced from $5499, providing two-days each in Zion National Park, Bryce National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.

A six-night/seven-day package offers the highlights of Yellowstone National Park and The Grand Tetons National Park (from $3699).

Moterra operates out of Jackson, WY, Whitefish, MT, Salt Lake City, UT and San Francisco, CA.

Moterra Camper Vans, 2950 West Big Trail Drive, Jackson, Wyoming, 307-200-7220,
[email protected], gomoterra.com.

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Active Travel, bike trips, camping-glamping, National Parks

Escape Adventures Offers 6-Day Camping + Cycling Tour of Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

June 5, 2020 MoralCompass

Escape Adventures is offering a six-day camping and cycling trip in Grand Teton National Park & Yellowstone National Park. This tour is designed for travelers of all fitness levels and appropriate for families with older children.

(Las Vegas, NV) – Escape Adventures is offering a six-day camping and cycling trip in Grand Teton National Park & Yellowstone National Park. This tour is designed for travelers of all fitness levels and appropriate for families with older children. Guests will witness magnificent peaks, enormous canyons, glacial lakes, lots of wildlife, and American West icons like Old Faithful. Daily cycling routes range in length from 14 to 59 miles. E-bikes are available upon request. Tours are being offered June – September 2020 and start at $1,695 per person.

Highlights include:

Riding Geneva Pass, Salt Pass, and Teton Pass

Visiting Intermittent Spring, the largest rhythmic spring in the world

Cycling through Star Valley and Snake River Gorge

Spotting grizzly bear, bald eagles, elk, bighorn sheep, bison and more

Viewing Isa Lake at 8,262 ft.

Hiking from Artist Point down to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River

Riding from Teton Village to the quaint, Old West town of Wilson, WY

“Guests will cycle through a geothermal Disneyland, sweeping past a phantasmagoric succession of percolating mud pots, hot springs and belching fumaroles, including Morning Glory Pool, Biscuit Basin, and the Grand Prismatic Spring,” said Escape Adventures Director, Jared Fisher.

Specialized bicycles are provided and equipped with carbon fiber frames and disc brakes designed for a smooth, comfortable ride. For those who may not be as fit or need a little help up the hills, electric pedal assist bikes are available. All road bike trips include a Garmin GPS device to help navigate through each day safely and smoothly.

Escape Adventures utilizes high-quality camping gear, including a tent, sleeping pad, raised cot, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, full size pillow, and ground tarp. Trip Leaders will ensure equipment is set up properly each night. Most campgrounds feature indoor facilities and showers.

Expect three delicious meals a day consisting entirely of freshly prepared foods, including organic fruits and vegetables, as well as meats. Escape Adventures also offers energy snacks aboard its support vehicles and can accommodate vegans or vegetarians.

“There is nothing better than rolling into camp to fresh made chips and salsa, homemade guacamole, and Dutch oven enchiladas,” said Fisher. “Then making your way to a sweet and inviting campfire, sharing your favorite anecdote or image from the day’s activities while marshmallows roast.”

Escape Adventures has operated adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world since 1992. Building on over 100 destinations, Escape Adventures caters to the full spectrum of active traveler, respective to fitness level and activity type, from road cyclist to mountain biker to electric biker, hiker, and multi-sport enthusiast, and from first timer to friends and family groups of all ability levels.

For more information visit, https://escapeadventures.com/tour/grand-tetons-yellowstone-road-bike-tour/#overview or contact Escape Adventures at 800-596-2953.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, National Parks, rafting trips

Western River Expeditions Re-Opens with Limited Availability on Previously Sold-Out 2020 Grand Canyon Rafting Trips

June 5, 2020 MoralCompass

Western River Expeditions is offering limited availability on previously sold-out
2020 Grand Canyon rafting trips.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – With the official announcement from Grand Canyon authorities that river operations will again resume on June 14, many are looking to get a spot on an epic outdoor adventure this summer.

Snagging seats on 2020 Grand Canyon rafting trips was impossible just a few months ago. However, pandemic-driven cancellations by international travelers has opened up seats for some of Western River Expeditions’ 2020 departures.

“Select departures June through September of 2020 now have limited availability,” said Brandon Lake, company CMO. “Normally last-minute inquiries would be directed to 2021 or even 2022 selections. This is an incredible opportunity for those who are making last-minute plans and feel like an outdoor adventure may be the best choice for a summer adventure this year.”

Vacations that embrace fresh air and the healing powers of nature can work wonders on pandemic-driven nerves. “On these iconic expeditions our guests immerse themselves in a remote world that provides a much-needed escape from civilization,” explains Lake. “A trip through the Grand Canyon becomes not only a celebration of the river and its untamed surroundings, but of life, providing a way to reconnect and refresh.”

This is Western River Expeditions’ promise for a true trip-of-a-lifetime far removed from the stress and challenges of today’s world. The more time spent on the river, the more the canyon reveals its sublime mysteries.

Western River Expeditions’ 6 or 7 Day Grand Canyon Rafting Vacation carries guests 188 river miles in custom-designed J-Rig rafts, maneuvering Class III-V rapids and each day descending deeper into geologic time, before a helicopter transports them back to the rim.

Their Grand Canyon 4 Day River & Ranch Tour and Grand Canyon 3 Day Lower Canyon Trip brings visitors down 100 river miles over Class II and III rapids. But first there’s a scenic helicopter ride to access the put-in. Guests on the 4-Day tour enjoy a pre-excursion overnight at Bar 10 Ranch on the North Rim of the Canyon, complete with horseback riding and optional ATV adventures.

Western River Expeditions for nearly 60 years has operated five-star-quality river rafting vacations. This year they are also applying their decades of professionalism to pandemic-related challenges. (For more details on Western River Expeditions’ protocols see https://www.westernriver.com/covid-19.)

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 one of the largest licensed outfitters in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020/2021 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866-904-1160 (Local: 801-942-6669) or visit http://www.westernriver.com/.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, family-friendly adventures, Multisport adventures, National Parks, Outdoor travel experiences, rafting trips, river rafting, travel in a time of pandemic

Western River Expeditions Draws on 60 Years Experience to Devise Protocols to Keep Families Adventuring this Summer

May 23, 2020 MoralCompass

Western River Expeditions is applying decades of professionalism to pandemic-related challenges. Here are some of many steps this company is taking to counter COVID-19 fears so families can continue to experience outdoor adventures this summer.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Where in the world – and how – will families vacation this summer?

Given months of pandemic-driven lock-down orders, stay-at-home summer vacation won’t be high on many lists. What will be attractive will be vacations that embrace fresh air and the healing powers of nature that can work wonders on family spirits and recovery.

Western River Expeditions (https://www.westernriver.com/ for nearly 60 years has operated top-quality river rafting vacations for individuals, families and friends. This year they are also applying their decades of professionalism to pandemic-related challenges. Here are some of many steps this company is taking to counter COVID-19 fears.

Screening Employees: Every day before work, each employee must pass both a temperature and pulse oximeter screen, and then answer a detailed questionnaire.
Screening Guests at Check-in: Guests exhibiting temperatures of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to travel with Western River Expeditions at the time they planned; instead, they will receive an “Adventure Credit” which allows the guest and any members of the group who were currently living at the same physical address during any of the 7 days prior to the trip to use the full paid value of their trip as a credit for a future trip at a later date.
Screening while on Multi-Day Trips: All trip participants and guides will have a daily temperature and pulse oximeter checks and fill out a daily review of symptoms questionnaire.

In addition, there are new protocols in place should someone experience COVID-19 symptoms during a trip. In such case, steps will be taken to protect other guests from exposure during the remainder of that trip. There also will be protocols for toilet facilities, hand washing stations and social distancing (when feasible) as well as reduced number of guests per raft.

The company will also implement specific guidelines that address everything from life-jacket use and sanitation, to meal prep and service, use of shuttle vans, number of people per shuttle vehicle, sanitation of rafts, dry bags, cots, sleeping bags and all associated equipment. For more details on Western River Expeditions’ specific protocols please see https://www.westernriver.com/covid-19

Western River Expeditions hopes to still operate late spring and summer 2020 trips, subject to the easing of government-mandated closures. Three suggested trips ideal for families are:

Desolation Canyon, a five-day trip through breathtaking Desolation Canyon and Gray Canyon on the Green River in central Utah. Trips are scheduled to depart June 7 through Aug. 12 with a minimum age of five years old. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon
Southwest Sampler, a four-day adventure that includes an off-road Hummer Safari, Arches National Park tour and overnight rafting trip as well as a stay at Moab’s Marriott SpringHill Suites. Departures are scheduled May 26 through Aug. 26. If National Park closures affect the operation of the Arches National Park tour, guests will explore another stunning location in Moab. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/moab-utah-vacation-sampler
Grand Canyon, the three-day option still has some limited space on certain dates from June 21st through September. Conveniently departing and returning to Las Vegas, NV, this 100-mile journey is suitable for families with kids as young as nine. For details see: https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-river-trip

Other adventures from Western River Expeditions include:

Utah’s Cataract Canyon Classic 4 Day: Unless otherwise advised, we are currently planning to operate all scheduled departures for our 4-Day Cataract Canyon Expeditions June 2 through August 25. We are accepting reservations now for any of these dates. This spectacular 4-Day Colorado River trip runs 100 miles from Moab to Lake Powell through Canyonlands National Park. A flight returns guests to Moab over Canyonlands.

Cataract Canyon Express 2 Day: Unless otherwise advised, we are currently planning to operate all scheduled departures for our 2-Day Cataract Canyon Expeditions June 1 through August 25. We are accepting reservations now for any of these dates. This faster-paced 2-Day Colorado River trip runs 100 miles from Moab to Lake Powell through Canyonlands National Park. Large whitewater rapids are a big part of this adventure!

Upper Grand Canyon 6 or 7 Day: Trips starting June 14 and later are currently scheduled to operate. Select trips June through September have limited availability. If you are unable to find your desired date, please add your name to our 2020 Waitlist for Grand Canyon 6 & 7 Day Expeditions. The upper 188 miles of the Grand Canyon offer some of the largest whitewater rapids in North America and a plethora of side canyon attractions.

Lower Grand Canyon 4 Day with Bar Ten Ranch: We plan to operate all 4 day departures from June 21st through September. Limited space is available on select departures in 2020. If you are unable to find your desired date, please add your name to our 2020 Waitlist for Grand Canyon 3-4 Day Expeditions. Adding one day and a night at the Bar Ten Ranch before dropping into the 3-day river expedition is a popular way to extend your Grand Canyon experience.

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 one of largest licensed outfitters in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, Western River Expedition was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020/2021 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

Follow Western River Expeditions:
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WesternRiverExpeditions
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/WesternRiver
On You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/bestraftingvacations?
On Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Arctic/Antarctic Travel, Digital Travel, Uncategorized, Virtual Travel

New Virtual Tour of the Arctic Bath and Hot Air Ballooning over the Arctic – Free

May 3, 2020 MoralCompass

The new Virtually Visiting Arctic holiday travels to the region of Northern Sweden around Lulea where guests will join a tour of the Arctic Bath, the new floating hotel and spa; experience the remote wilderness of the Aurora Safari Camp; and go for a spectacular hot air balloon ride over the Arctic tundra.

Virtual travel experts Virtually Visiting have created their second four-day virtual holiday showcasing two of the Arctic’s most anticipated experiences from the comfort of your own home. It begins April 30 and it’s free!

The new virtual holiday travels to the region of Northern Sweden around Lulea where guests will join atour of the Arctic Bath, the new floating hotel and spa; experience the remote wilderness of the Aurora Safari Camp; and go for a spectacular hot air balloon ride over the Arctic tundra.

Designed by Virtually Visiting, the experience will be released over four days from Thursday, April 30 through Sunday May 3. It can be experienced on Virtual Reality goggles or via computer, tablet or phone. (If you can’t “travel” on those dates, the experiences will stay live on the site for you to watch at your convenience.)

New experiences will be released each morning lasting from 5 to 20 minutes each. Each experience has been filmed to allow guests to get a true feeling of the adventures with expert guides throughout.

“This is the second full virtual holiday we have released with the aim of putting you, as the guest, right in the action. You’ll experience the tours as if you were actually there,” says Jonny Cooper, founder of Virtually Visiting. “This new tour is a really exciting opportunity to visit the Arctic Bath, one of the most anticipated and distinctive spa and wellness experiences, launched this winter, and soar above the Arctic wilderness on a hot air balloon ride. Both are new experiences this year, with two very different views of the Arctic.”

This tour will begin on Thursday April 30 with guests virtually arriving into the coastal city of Luleå and the capital of Norrbotten County. Just 70km north of Luleå is the Aurora Safari Camp, the first stop for the tour. Here guests will join Fredrik Broman on a tour of the camp including a traditional Sami Lavu (teepee) where they will learn about the camp and the nature that surrounds it, and soak up the warmth sitting around the fire and chatting.

On day two, Friday May 1, a triple treat awaits. Guests first join guide Fredrik Broman on a nature walk to the Arctic Circle learning about the complex balance of animals and plants as they thrive in the varied Arctic conditions. The afternoon offers a different perspective of the Arctic, soaring above on an Arctic Hot Air Balloon flight, newly introduced this year. Get ready to sit back, and relax as you take off from a frozen lake and rise above Europe’s last true wilderness. To end the day, guests arrive at Arctic Retreat, a traditional Arctic luxury log cabin deep in the Lapland wilderness, where your host will take you on a tour before leaving you to enjoy the countryside from an outdoor Jacuzzi.

The highlight of the four-day holiday is revealed on Saturday May 2 when you’ll join local guide Peter Engström on a tour of the long-anticipated Arctic Bath. Opened to guests in December, this floating hotel and spa is the world’s first Arctic floating spa, delivering wellness, mindfulness and cleansing treatments through spa partners Kerstin Florian. The Arctic Bath Hotel and Spa, designed by architects Bertil Harström and Johan Kauppi, freezes into the ice of the Lule River in the winter and floats on top of the water in the summer. The tour will cover the accommodations and main spa building while informing about the local connection to history, culture and nature.

As the trip nears its conclusion, there is time for one last experience on Sunday May 3. As you head back towards Lulea the trip will stop off for a nature encounter like no other, meeting the moose. Guests join local guide and founder of Cape Wild, Thomas Dahlquist, to meet “Zigge” and “Zebbe,” learning about these lovable creatures and feeding them. As heavy as 1400 pounds each, the moose at Cape Wild are gentle giants who love to be petted and fed snacks.The trip concludes after a short trip back to Lulea.

Virtually Visiting founder, Jonny Cooper, adds, “We really want to give people a true-to-life experience of these amazing activities and experiences led by some of the best and most knowledgeable guides in the region. We hope this will transport visitors to the region – so set the mood, turn off your heat, grab a wool hat and join us for our next virtual adventure.”

To join the free four-day Virtual adventure from April 30-May 3, visit https://virtuallyvisiting.com/360-journeys/.

But, don’t worry, the tour will stay online if you can’t visit on those dates exactly, or if you need to time-shift to meet your schedule.

For more information on these and other virtual travel experiences, visit www.virtuallyvisiting.com or email [email protected].

Virtually Visiting was set up by a group of travel and technology experts who believe in the power of travel and the good that it can bring to the world. Understanding that the planet is an ever-changing place and that travel is not always accessible, Virtually Visiting has combined advances in technology with their passion for travel. The result is real tours and experiences available online to everyone, everywhere. www.virtuallyvisiting.com. [email protected]

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, expeditionary cruises, Expeditionary Travel, Uncategorized

AdventureSmith Makes It Easy to Explore Remote Northernmost Reaches of North America By Land and By Sea

May 3, 2020 MoralCompass

AdventureSmith Explorations, a leader in small ship cruises and wilderness expeditions, makes it easy to explore the northernmost reaches of North America by land and by sea, promising opportunities for epic wildlife encounters, unforgettable landscapes and fascinating cultural and historical learning experiences.

TRUCKEE, CA – AdventureSmith Explorations, a leader in small ship cruises and wilderness expeditions, makes it easy to explore the northernmost reaches of North America by land and by sea, promising opportunities for epic wildlife encounters, unforgettable landscapes and fascinating cultural and historical learning experiences via trips in Canada, Alaska and their greater Arctic regions.

“North America offers 9.54 million square miles of diversity, and its northernmost territories showcase some of the most remote and pristine landscapes on Earth,” said Todd Smith, founder of AdventureSmith Explorations. “We pride ourselves in introducing our passengers to regions along the Pacific and Arctic oceans. Our fleet of small ships and wilderness lodges access hard-to-reach and often remote regions where guests can step back millennia into a natural world.”

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to be lifted, travel to such remote places on small-ships scrupulously sanitized, will be an option.

“This crisis will end someday. When is anyone’s guess. But life will go on and people will seek travel again. Destinations that offer seclusion, distance from urban areas, few people and abundant nature will be more in demand than ever. This is exactly what this is all about. Planting seeds for the future which we all hope is still a reality for summer and fall travel,” the company says.

“AdventureSmith is closely monitoring the unique situations and status reports from all of their travel destinations, suppliers and partners – on a daily basis. They only will recommend travel when they, health organizations and experts deem it safe to do so. In the meantime they are being as understanding and flexible as possible with trip deposits, final payments, cancellations and postponements. Their goal is to give the consumer peace of mind that their travel investment won’t be lost for any related COVID-19 reason.”

These are AdventureSmith Explorations’ top picks of North America by Land and Sea scheduled for the upcoming 2020 and 2021 seasons. Each itinerary allows guests to embark and disembark in North America.

By Land

Classic Polar Bear Adventure spends six to seven days based in historic Churchill, Canada, near the world’s greatest concentration of polar bears. While the bears await the freeze of Hudson Bay and the start of seal hunting season, up to 16 guests on each departure are safely and comfortably positioned to observe these creatures from inside a Polar Rover, the world’s premier tundra vehicle (built for 35 passengers). This adventure begins with a charter flight from Winnipeg, the gateway airport, to Churchill. Departures are several times weekly throughout October and November 2020.

Camp Denali & North Face Lodge Adventure offers the flexibility of spending from six to 10 days exploring one of the world’s greatest wilderness regions. Denali National Park is six million acres inhabited by grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves. Naturalist guides lead day hikes with time left over for paddling, picking blueberries and biking. Guests have the option to stay at two different remote lodges on this exciting land tour from early June through mid-September 2020.

Arctic Watch epitomizes “getting away from it all” over 10 days in the Canadian Arctic 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Activities emanate from the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge and a world-class beluga whale observation site on Somerset Island in Nunavut, Canada. Guests participate in Arctic safaris with possibilities of spotting polar bears; they may also fish, paddleboard, fat bike, ride ATVs searching for musk ox and ring seals, and they can kayak with opportunities to see beluga (white) whales. Five itineraries are planned in July/August 2020 and four in July/August 2021.

By Sea

Many inquiries that come into the AdventureSmith office are from potential clients who have never experienced a small ship cruise. To answer questions on why small ship cruising may be the best option for certain travelers, the staff prepared a Small Ship vs Big Ship blog. Some of these points found in the blog are clearly highlighted when looking through the following itineraries AdventureSmith showcases that embark from some of the highest-latitude North American shores.

The Northwest Passage follows the fabled sea route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Adventures are for nine to 17 days. Accommodation is aboard the 200-passenger, purpose-built polar ship, Ultramarine, debuting this season. In 2021 the program will include a weather-dependent, small-group, 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion, as well as a helicopter transfer to a landing site. (The rate includes roundtrip charter flights between Toronto and Resolute Bay in Nunavut, Canada.)

Sea Wolf Glacier Bay Adventure is for only 12 guests who appreciate that the Sea Wolf small ship is locally owned and staffed by local pros, the best resource when it comes to insider experiences. Guests transfer from Juneau to Gustavus, Alaska, for embarkation. New bookings on departures for May 16, May 30, June 13 or July 4, 2020, come with a per person savings of $300. There are frequent departures from May through August 2020.

Alaska’s Glaciers & Whales is an eight-day immersion through the Inside Passage aboard the 84-guest Safari Endeavour expedition ship, complete with a hot tub, premium spirits, wine and beer. This is a well-rounded cruise with a strong focus on glaciers and icescapes, with ample dollops of culture and wildlife. Departures are from May through August 2020.

Across the Bering Sea transports guests from Nome or Seward, Alaska, over 13 or 22 days into or near the Arctic Circle. The 102-guest National Geographic Orion offers luxurious onboard amenities that welcome passengers home after they explore on the 13-day program a remote Siberian coastline and venture past the Arctic Circle. Farther on the Wrangel Island Reserve (a federally protected nature sanctuary administered by Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) is home to the highest density of ancestral polar bear dens, the world’s largest population of Pacific walrus and a variety of plant life. A 22-day alternative cultural- and wildlife-focused itinerary sails through Alaska’s Katmai coast then along the coast of Russia through Kamchatka. Six departures are scheduled from June through August 2020 and five from June through August 2021.

For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2020-2021 reservations, call 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit the company website.

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, a distinction that he still enjoys to this day.

AdventureSmith offers thoughts and policies on their website. See:

https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/resources/coronavirus/

https://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/trips/covid-travel-update/

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Antarctica, Arctic/Antarctic Travel, Digital Travel, expeditionary cruises, Virtual Travel

Poseidon Expeditions Thwarts Cabin Fever With Polar Ice – Via Video

May 3, 2020 MoralCompass

Poseidon Expeditions offers up an online travel menu of virtual expedition cruises in the mystical worlds of ice — Antarctica in winter, and in summer, the wild Arctic and even the geographic North Pole. Experiences include, among others, kayaking among the icebergs, safe encounters with whales and polar bears and a helicopter flight over the Top of the World.

PROVIDENCE, RI– Right now snuggling up in an armchair with travel videos is the best antidote to what the Germans call Fernweh or yearning for places far away. As the world is still in travel lock-down mode, most of us long for the day we can freely explore the world once again.

Today most of us can’t travel much farther than our corner grocery store. But there is relief to this cabin fever. Poseidon Expeditions offers up an online travel menu of virtual expedition cruises in the mystical worlds of ice — Antarctica in winter, and in summer, the wild Arctic and even the geographic North Pole. Experiences include, among others, kayaking among the icebergs, safe encounters with whales and polar bears and a helicopter flight over the Top of the World.

“If you have the travel bug fever, we recommend treating symptoms with polar ice – via our extraordinary videos,” said Steve Wellmeier of Poseidon Expeditions.

Poseidon has also introduced a “Relaxed” reservation policy for new bookings for the 2021 Arctic and 2021-22 Antarctic seasons aboard the 114-passenger Sea Spirit. For these new bookings in 2021-22 the deposit is reduced from 20% to 10%, and travelers have two months before the deposit is due. For Poseidon travelers booked on 2020 Arctic programs, please find coronavirus-related updates at: https://poseidonexpeditions.com/info-for-travelers/coronavirus-info/

Here’s a selection of Poseidon Expeditions’ destination videos:

East Greenland
https://poseidonexpeditions.com/info-for-travelers/video/arctic/east-greenland-in-1-minute/ (1:13)

Franz Josef Land
https://poseidonexpeditions.com/info-for-travelers/video/arctic/franz-josef-land-in-1-minute/ (1:36)

North Pole
https://poseidonexpeditions.com/info-for-travelers/video/north-pole/on-top-of-the-world-north-pole-cruise/ (18:34)

North Pole by Helicopter
https://poseidonexpeditions.com/info-for-travelers/video/north-pole/north-pole-ruise-helicopter-footage/ (2:42)

Svalbard: Where Does the Ideal Adventure Lead
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjC8-Gn3mE0 (1:00)

Antarctica
https://poseidonexpeditions.com/info-for-travelers/video/antarctica/antarctic-cruise-highlights/ (1:33)

Kayaking Antarctica
https://poseidonexpeditions.com/info-for-travelers/video/antarctica/kayaking-in-antarcica/ (2:06)

Ship videos

mv Sea Spirit
https://poseidonexpeditions.com/info-for-travelers/video/arctic/m-v-sea-spirit-video-tour/ (4:55)

Nuclear-powered Icebreaker, 50 Years of Victory
https://poseidonexpeditions.com/video-360/ (7:02)
360º virtual reality video experience

Interview with the Captain of 50 Years of Victory, Nuclear-powered Icebreaker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRDolpy54nQ&t=2s (6:02)

Additional Videos can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/user/pxpeditions

For inquiries and reservations, or to request a catalog, contact the company’s North American sales and reservation office at [email protected] or by telephone at 347-801-2610.

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).

Follow Poseidon Expeditions on Social Media:
Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/poseidonexpeditions
Twitter:           https://twitter.com/poseidonexp
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/pxpeditions
Instagram:     https://www.instagram.com/poseidonexpeditions/
Website         http://poseidonexpeditions.com/

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Arctic/Antarctic Travel, expeditionary cruises, Uncategorized

Poseidon Expeditions Suspends March and April 2020 Cruises; Revises Re-Booking, Final Payment and Deposit Policies

March 27, 2020 MoralCompass

Poseidon Expeditions announced that it is suspending cruise operations aboard its 114-passenger expedition vessel Sea Spirit for the balance of March and April 2020. The expeditionary cruise company is rebooking Arctic cruises for 2021.

PROVIDENCE, RI — Poseidon Expeditions announced that it is suspending cruise operations aboard its 114-passenger expedition vessel Sea Spirit for the balance of March and April 2020.

Postponed until 2021 are a sub-charter in the mid-Atlantic and a cruise along the coastline of Portugal, Spain and France. All sales and reservation offices are available to provide assistance to booked and prospective passengers and to answer questions about upcoming Spring and Summer 2020 cruises and future cruises.

“We certainly understand the COVID-19 related concerns and questions from our travel partners and the travelers booked on our upcoming cruises. There’s no question about it: things are changing daily. We are looking at each cruise on the calendar’s horizon, and will factor into our decision-making all issues pertaining to Coronavirus-related bans, travel advisories, flight availability and any other matters that potentially might affect the health and safety of our guests, staff and crew,” said Steve Wellmeier, managing director of the company’s US office.

Following the successful completion of the company’s 2019-20 Antarctic season this past week, the Sea Spirit is currently heading north from Montevideo, Uruguay, where it disembarked passengers March 19.

“At the present time, Poseidon remains committed to its schedule of cruises in the Arctic this season. But we are giving our booked passengers and travel partners the benefit of the doubt in rescheduling their summer cruises. Those passengers with existing reservations for the upcoming season may re-book or transfer their booking to a 2021 Arctic departure, beginning from 60 days and up to seven days prior to the 2020 scheduled departure date. Final payment for 2020 Arctic voyages is pushed back from 90 days to 60 days prior to departure, and deposits on new bookings for 2020 Arctic programs are reduced from 20% to 10% of the cruise fare,” said Wellmeier.

For the next 2020-21 Antarctic season, final payment is due 60 days prior to departure rather than the customary 90 days, and deposits on new Antarctica business are also reduced from 20% to 10% of the cruise fare.

While the Russian Federation recently announced that its borders are closed to all foreign travelers until May 1, the company’s three voyages to the North Pole aboard the nuclear-powered icebreaker 50 Years of Victory remain scheduled for operation, beginning with the July 12-24, program from Murmansk, Russia. Final payment conditions are changed from 90 days to 60 days prior to the departure date.

The company recently updated its Coronavirus Travel Policy, and will continue to do so as the situation warrants.

For inquires and questions, travelers and their agents can contact the company’s North American sales and reservation office at [email protected] or by telephone at 347-801-2610.

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).

Follow Poseidon Expeditions on Social Media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/poseidonexpeditions
Twitter:     https://twitter.com/poseidonexp
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/pxpeditions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poseidonexpeditions/
Website     http://poseidonexpeditions.com/

For more travel features, visit:

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/