A new bill in Congress will, if passed, enable communities
across America to connect their trails, sidewalks and bikeways to the places
that people want to go – by bike or walking – within and between communities.
But our U.S. Representatives need to hear from us to make it happen.
The Connecting America’s Active Transportation System Act,
co-sponsored by Reps. Jared Huffman (Calif.-2), Daniel Lipinski (Ill.-3) and
Chris Pappas (N.H.-1), will provide $500 million in direct funding annually to
help communities and regions across the country build connected
active-transportation systems to ensure people can get where they want to go
safely by foot, bike or wheelchair.
This proposal, coupled with increases in funding for
Transportation Alternatives and the Recreational Trails Program, would
provide critical resources for communities to build safe, convenient and
accessible places for people to walk, bike and roll.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s top policy priority is to
create this game-changing opportunity to build a trail and active
transportation system to serve the nation.
“Our research has found that wise investments in connecting
trails, sidewalks, bikeways and other active transportation systems are
creating returns of more than $34 billion in health,
environmental and economic benefits around the country,” said Kevin Mills,
Rails-to-Trails Vice President of Policy. “And that return could even be quadrupled as
more communities have the opportunity to connect their active transportation
systems.
“People across the country want to be able to safely walk
and bike where they need to go. The Connecting America’s Active Transportation
System Act is a major leap forward because it would reshape federal
transportation law to recognize that communities nationwide need safe,
connected trail and active-transportation networks.
“Urge your representative to sign on to the Connecting
America’s Active Transportation System Act.”
By Bill Chalmers & Pamela L. Chalmers, GreatEscape Adventures
Los Angeles, USA – Getting a kick taking an adventure used to be easy: visit South Atlantic’s remote St Helena, scuba dive Mexico’s underground river Cenote, hike up Mount Etna. Been there.
Nowadays, travelers looking for the next great adventure rush must: traverse Karakorum Highway, spend a night at Everest Base Camp, or swim with jellyfish in Palau. Done that.
But for those of us that: have zip-lined across the Grand Canyon, hiked Tasmania’s Overland Track, and are frankly sick of sand in every orifice after Burning Man. What’s next?
You may be among the World’s Most Interesting People, but for jaded travelers who have supposedly done everything and have nothing left on their Bucket Lists, here’s your what’s next eight over-the-top adventures from The World’s Greatest Travelers.
1. A long way to go to maybe be eaten alive! But, head to Cape Town, South Africa and go cage diving with Great White sharks. Come face-to-face with the world’s meanest badest coldest predator along the shark-abundant shores of South Africa. You will be sunk in a cage and given a poker stick for protection. Chances are, you’ll be okay. You’ll probably even see whales and dolphins too—being the smart mammals, they are always interested in watching stupid human tricks.
2. Take A Blind Date with the World – really! – by joining the 2020 edition of The Global Scavenger Hunt. This real-life Amazing Race-like event is for savvy globetrotters who want to test their travel IQ in a competitive setting where they will circumnavigate the globe in 23-days visiting ten countries as a participant in the annual travel adventure competition that crowns The World’s Greatest Travelers. Not for anal Type-A planners though, because you won’t know which country you are going to until you actually get to the airport! It’s the ultimate magical mystery tour. Their 2020 event takes place between April 17 and May 9, 2020. Applications now being accepted. I dare you…
3. Bike from sea-to-sea across a country. No, not across Canada (9,525+ km), but the more manageable country of Nicaragua that is only 568 km (352 miles) from the Pacific Ocean’s San Juan del Sur to Pearl Lagoon on the Atlantic Ocean side. The amazing 13-day mountain bike expedition will take you to volcanos, colonial towns, national parks, rainforests and lakes, as you share the road with trucks, cows, horses, pigs, and chickens. Do it now before the Chinese slice the nation in two ala Panama!
4. For the culinary daredevil in you, while you are in the geographic neighborhood, take in the wild-west of food: a pop-up jungle-to-table extravaganza in the Bolivian Amazon basin along the Beni River. Once every few years, local “back to nature” chefs converge to prepare exotic semi-illegal outside the villages dishes like: crocodile fillets in a coca leaf broth, grilled giant tapir meat served with a cocktail of fermented kecho fruit and cacao beans with a spicy chili pepper twist, paiche (a really big fish—a carp really) served with figs and spicy-sweet beetle larvae. They might also conjure up a purplish fungue—that may or may not have hallucinogenic effects, along with steamed giant river turtles. Caiman sushi anyone?
5. I took this serendipity challenge last year and ended up in Madagascar—pre-plague outbreak. Take the 24-Hours to Anywhere Challenge: It is our belief that with today’s growth of regional air carriers that you can be anywhere in the world in 24-hours. So, pick a destination furthest away geographically from you and attempt to get there in 24-hours. On a bet, I recently went from the San Francisco Bay Area to Antananarivo, Madagascar—17,599 kilometers away! SFO to IST (12:55 hours), then IST-ADD (5:30 hours), followed by a flight between Ethiopia (ADD) and Madagascar (TNR) (4:50 hours). I got to Madagascar in 23 hours and 41 minutes—but I did do it on the night we changed clocks! Tip: Bring a really good multi-media playlist.
6. We humans have gazed in wonder at the night skies before words hit paper; and you don’t have to be an astrophysicist to wonder what’s up. Nigh-sky travel (aka astrotourism) are great adventures to take. We suggest two spellbinding panoramas to be found: 1) Head to the Canary Islands international observatory at Roque de los Muchachos on La Palma for some sensational light pollution-free heavenly viewing. Or 2) for some really deep dark-sky space stargazing at a gold-certified Dark Sky Reserve, head to NamibRand Nature Reserve in Namibia where you can sleep out under the cloudless skies of Africa for a look at infinity…or at least some amazing celestial sights.
7. With age comes experience, and over the years we have suggested how to get higher highs: a lost weekend at an infamous Vegas dive bar, visiting a Bolivian pop-up cocaine bar, a Laotian opium den and how best to enjoy Peruvian ayahuasca. For this year’s vibe adventure, forget BC Bud, Emerald Triangle Kush and Colorado Wedding Cake, take a Jamaican Ganja tour. Turned up bright, the tour will take you and other like-minded and bud-tended friends to Rastafariland, with highlights including: Nine Mile, the boyhood home and final resting place of reggae superstar Bob Marley; Ocho Rios to relax and hike in nature; along with several plantations…aka ganja farms. Pick up is around noon, munchies and rum included, but hotel drop off time is vague.
8. Give peace a chance: start travel podcasting and make some faux press credentials, then head to Damascus and interview the loneliest man in the world: Syria’s Minister of Tourism. From 8 million tourists and 40% growth in 2011, to the nasty civil and chemical war, mostly, behind us, Syria is open for business again. You can visit one or two restaurants still open and err, ruins. Their catch phrase: “Syria … come see for yourself“. We know the UN Weapons Inspectors did. A few travel-related glitches though: all legal border crossings are closed, no FAA-approved commercial flights into or out of Damascus, those beach-side cabanas along the Mediterranean beaches are now refugee tents, and crime might be down, but war crimes are up. Sure, it is dark tourism at its finest, but so too is visiting Venice and Barcelona these days. We double-dare you!
As for us, we’ll be going on the around-the-world event, The Global Scavenger Hunt…better destinations, better experiences and better food. Got any novel adventures to share?
The title of The World’s Greatest Travelers and free trip around the world to defend their titles in the 2021 event await the travelers worthy enough to win the 16th edition of the world travel championship. The date for the 23-day 2020 Global Scavenger Hunt is April 17-May 9, 2020. Event participation is open but limited; the $25,000 per team entry fee includes all international airfare, First Class hotels, 40% of meals, and special event travel gear. All travelers are interviewed for suitability and single travelers are welcome to apply. For additional information visit GlobalScavengerHunt.com, or contact GreatEscape Adventures Inc. at 310-281-7809.
In the heart of the Costa Rica jungle sits the Pacuare Lodge, a remote rainforest paradise. Western River Expeditions guests raft in with a small group and, once at the lodge, find themselves surrounded mostly by dense jungle and the sounds of the nearby river.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – When it comes to a vacation
in Costa Rica, the experts advise that “you gotta know the territory.” But how
can you if you’ve never been there?
Follow the tips of Western River Expeditions, soon to enter its 59th season of
award-winning adventure travel. Here are a few of many questions this company
suggests you ponder before booking a Western River Expeditions’ 9-Day Costa Rica Vacation Package.
When is the best time to visit Costa
Rica? This is the question that everyone asks and the
answer is, “It depends!” Mid-December to April can often be drier, but due to
this, and the fact that it’s a popular time to get away to warm destinations,
the crowds can be greater. During May through the first half of December, daily
rainfall is more common. It’s a period the locals refer to as “the green
season.” During this period, you might experience different wildlife and fewer
crowds. Generally, the rain doesn’t last all day and guests find periods of
lovely sunshine each day as well.
But here’s a little secret! In some years, visitors reap the rewards of Costa
Rica’s “Little Summer” (Veranillo de San Juan or Little Summer of Saint John)
in July. Because of a little-known weather phenomenon that in-the-know wildlife
lovers are keen to, July is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica. The
secret is a drier break after the rains of May and June that yield flowering
trees and fruits, which attract a lot of wildlife.
Do you appreciate crowds or are you looking for
something more secluded? The time of travel will affect
the crowd levels in popular destinations such as Arenal and Manuel Antonio, but
Western River Expeditions has built in to its Costa Rica itinerary a few days
of blissful seclusion. In the heart of the jungle sits the Pacuare Lodge, a
remote rainforest paradise. Guests raft in with a small group and, once at the
lodge, participants find themselves surrounded mostly by dense jungle and the
sounds of the nearby river. A hike along centuries-old trails to the top of the
Talamanca Mountains brings a visit with the Cabécar Indians, the largest
indigenous group in Costa Rica. This is only one of the eight lodge-based
activities to choose from. Extending a stay at the lodge (optional) gives
visitors even more time to participate in the various experiences offered.
When is the best time to go rafting in Costa
Rica? The Pacuare River (rated among the top 10
rivers in the world by National Geographic) offers 38 Class II-IV
rapids over 16 river miles with the caveat that the excitement varies by how
high and fast the river is flowing. During the dry season of January to
April whitewater rafting in Costa Rica is
more sanguine than during the misting and green months of May through December.
That said, there can always be unpredictable rainfall any time of year that
raises the water levels – and the excitement levels.
Is birding a passion? From a
bird watching tour at the Pacaure Lodge, to the Mistico Hanging Bridges tour
which boasts over 200 species of birds, to the Manuel Antonio National Park
which is home to more than 180 different species visitors will find plenty of
rare picture taking opportunities.
Interested in surfing? Experienced
surfers appreciate the bigger waves of September and October on the Pacific
Coast. Adrenaline-seeking travelers wanting to take optional surfing lessons
while in Manuel Antonio (highly recommended), might appreciate the somewhat
tamer surf during the remainder of the year.
Do you love authentic wildlife viewing? You’ll
likely find wildlife in Costa Rica no matter when you choose to visit. One of
the top destinations on the Western River 9-Day Costa Rica itinerary is the
Manuel Antonio National Park. Home to a variety of mammal species, it is a
thrill to be personally greeted by multiple curious Mono Titi monkeys on a day
tour.
“Our guests experience Costa Rica by the activities they choose, such as river
rafting, zip lining over the rainforest canopy and a 3km walk over 15 bridges
suspended from the ground to the treetops. But guests are also taken to the
base of the Arenal Volcano where they can soak in therapeutic cascading hot
springs, through the sights and sounds of primitive rainforests and jungles as
well as to Manuel Antonio National Park (named one of the world’s 12 most
beautiful national parks by Forbes). This park is home to 109
species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Here on the Pacific Ocean are the
sandy beaches and gentle surf that fulfill the requirements of a great
vacation,” said company CMO Brandon Lake.
The basic rate is from $3,705 per person, double inclusive of transfers,
hotels, activities, 11 meals and most activities. Western River Expeditions’
core Costa Rica program can be arranged for just two people or for up to 25 and
can be customized by lengthening or shortening the trip and by adding or
deleting activities. Year-round departures on a space-available basis can be
tailored to travelers’ schedules.
The tour utilizes four distinguished properties selected
for panache, location and comfort. In the gateway city of San Jose is Hotel
Grano de Oro. At Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort guests enjoy a swim-up bar,
local and international gourmet cuisine and they are positioned to explore the
geology of Arenal Volcano and nearby hot springs. While on the Pacuare River
guests enjoy Pacuare Lodge (National Geographic Traveler World’s
Best Ecolodge). Tulemar Bungalows (a Travel + Leisure World’s
Best award winner) in Manuel Antonio National Park offers and ocean and
beaches.
To request a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020 catalog and for questions,
availability and reservations, call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local:
801.942.6669), or visit the award-winning 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 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 sixteen consecutive years.
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.
