Berkeley, CA – Backroads, a leader in active travel, urges parents to book their family’s summer vacation now while the best selection of trips and dates are still available. Busy families know that come March, summer calendars fill up fast with activities, events and commitments, and managing the logistics can feel like a full-time job. With over three decades of experience handling all the details of family travel, and with expert Trip Leaders ready to bring the magic, Backroads helps parents get that summer vacation piece effortlessly into place. Backroads’ latest release of Family Trips includes adventures in the US, French Alps, Netherlands & Belgium, Croatia & Slovenia and beyond.
Backroads Family Trips offer just the right combination of flexibility and activity options for kids of all ages, as well as for parents and grandparents to ensure that everyone has a great time exploring and bonding over a shared love of travel. And as the only travel company offering Family Trips for three distinct age groups―Families with Kids & Teens, Teens & 20s, and 20s & Beyond―Backroads makes it easy for everyone in the family to connect with travelers their own age, a wonderful dynamic that makes Backroads trips even more unique.
“Summer vacation is a great time to get away, reconnect and create family memories together,” said Tom Hale, Founder, President and CEO of Backroads, “and I understand how challenging it can be for families to fit fun into their busy schedules. At Backroads, we’re excited to bring the family fun in 2025 and make it easier than ever for families to find a trip that’s right for them.”
Backroads Multi-Adventure Family Trips —some with and some without biking—feature a combination of activities from hiking and watersports to horseback riding, rock climbing, zip-lining and more. Check out a sampling of Backroads’ new 2025 summer trips for families:
For more information—including last-minute Spring Break trips—travelers can visit https://www.backroads.com/why/traveler/family and check out Backroads’ entire collection of Biking, Multi-Adventure and Walking & Hiking Trips for families.
DENVER, CO –Ikon Pass goes on sale for the 25/26 winter season on Thursday, March 13, 2025, providing access to more than 60 mountain destinations across the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan
“Buy your 25/26 Ikon Pass this spring at its lowest prices of the year, with the most discounts and offers, and unlock more joy for an entire winter. This season, the better the pass, the better the perks, with access to over 60 of the world’s most iconic mountain destinations,” said Erik Forsell, Chief Marketing Officer, Alterra Mountain Company.
WHAT’S NEW FOR 25/26
A Cross-Border Snow Paradise in Austria
Ischgl has been added to Ikon Pass for the 25/26 season, the seventh Ikon Pass destination in Europe. Ski or ride 1,273 acres across Austria and Switzerland and experience joie de vivre in this Tyrolean alpine town.
Ischgl is one of Europe’s most dynamic ski destinations, where Austria meets Switzerland for a seamless cross-border experience. For deep powder and big mountain lines, head to Val Gronda where a giant cable car brings guests into an untouched backcountry zone, where skiers and riders can drop in on open bowls and long descents. Known for its long season with snow from November to May, a modern lift system, and legendary après-ski, Ischgl delivers the ideal mix of sport, lifestyle, and entertainment, capped off by its Top of the Mountain concerts, featuring global music icons.
Expanded Access at Arapahoe Basin
For the 25/26 season, Arapahoe Basin in Colorado will now have unlimited access with no blackouts on Ikon Pass. Ikon Base Pass will remain at 5-day access, also with no blackouts.
Another change is that Windham Mountain Club in New York is no longer available on any Ikon Pass product for the 25/26 season.
PASS HOLDER DISCOUNTS & BENEFITS
Peak Perks – The Better the Pass, the Better the Perks
Plus up the power of the pass with Peak Perks, a tailored collection of benefits tiered for each pass, including mountain discounts, access to additional mountains, experiences and savings on the brands skiers and riders love. Please visit herefor complete details, terms & conditions apply.
More Buy Now Ride Now – 2025 Spring Access for New Pass Holders Buy now and get unlimited spring skiing at up to 17 mountains, with immediate access at select destinations. New for 25/26 – upgrade from an Ikon Base Pass and get an extra week of spring skiing at select destinations.
New Ikon Pass Holders
Starting March 13 – Get immediate unlimited spring skiing access at Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Solitude, Snowshoe, Stratton, Sugarbush, Schweitzer, Crystal Mountain, and Blue Mountain, Canada
Starting March 31 – one week earlier than spring 2024 – Get access to Arapahoe Basin, Winter Park, Steamboat, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, Tremblant, and Deer Valley (no reservations required)
New Ikon Base Pass Holders
Starting March 13 – Get immediate unlimited spring skiing access at Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Solitude, Snowshoe, Stratton, Sugarbush, and Blue Mountain, Canada
Starting April 7 – Get access to Winter Park, Steamboat, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Palisades Tahoe, and Tremblant
2025 spring access is not available on any 25/26 Ikon Session Pass
More Heli Discounts Get up to $2,000 CAD to be used toward a CMH Heli-Skiing and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing adventure during select dates throughout the 25/26 winter season. (Terms & conditions apply.)
More Free Summer Bike Park Days
This summer, Ikon Pass will now come with two free bike park lift tickets to use at their choice of select destinations: Mammoth Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, Snow Valley, Steamboat, Aspen Snowmass, Taos Ski Valley, Sun Valley, Schweitzer, Snowshoe, Panorama, RED Mountain, Sun Peaks, Revelstoke, Snowbasin, Solitude, Brighton, Stratton, Killington, Loon Mountain, Sugarloaf, The Highlands, Blue Mountain, PA, and Grandvalira Resorts Andorra. (Ikon Base Pass will continue to receive one free bike park lift ticket; benefit is not valid on Ikon Session Pass. Terms & conditions apply.)
Additional new benefits and discounts are now available only on Ikon Pass. Offers not valid on Ikon Base Pass or Ikon Session Pass. (Terms and conditions apply.)
NEW: Gravity Haus Elevate your mountain lifestyle with 20% off a Gravity Haus membership. With locations in Steamboat, Winter Park, Aspen, Jackson Hole, and soon Big Sky, Ikon Pass holders can enjoy perks, lodging discounts, fitness, recovery, co-working and gear, while connecting with fellow adventurers that fuel a passion for exploration.
NEW: WHITESPACEPrimed for performance. Crafted for control. Discover why Shaun White’s WHITESPACE is the exclusive snowboard partner of Ikon Pass with special 20% savings on boards crafted for riders, by riders.
NEW: 4FRNT Skis & Gear4FRNT is hooking Ikon Pass holders up with 20% off a one-time purchase of award-winning 4FRNT branded gear.
NEW: SIXT Car Rental Save up to 20% off car rentals with SIXT, the preferred rental car company of Ikon Pass. Pass holders can save on ski trips and anywhere else their travels may take them.
NEW: Bonus Mountain Access Ikon Pass holders now get two free days at bonus mountains across North America including Wild Mountain and Buck Hill Ski & Snowboard Area in Minnesota, Cranmore Mountain Resort in New Hampshire, and Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Massachusetts.
The North Face Elevate your adventures with 20% off gear at thenorthface.com.
Blenders Save up to 40% on Blenders’ cleanest and coldest sunglasses, snow goggles, and helmets at blenderseyewear.com.
Under Canvas
As an Ikon Pass holder, seize an exclusive discount on any immersive experience from Under Canvas, the leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality. Choose from 14 extraordinary destinations with safari-inspired accommodations, including Moab, Zion, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and more.
US Ski & Snowboard Team Get 30% off the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team’s Insider Fan Program. Help support the athletes and get exclusive access at domestic World Cup events, athlete meet-and-greets, partner discounts, custom swag, and more.
IKON PASS COMMUNITY MEMBER BENEFITS
Renewal Discount
For a limited time, renewal discounts are offered to 24/25 Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders for the 25/26 season, with savings of up to $100 ($130 CAD).
Ikon Pass Travel For a limited time, save up to $200 on every winter 25/26 vacation booked before May 2, 2025 with Ikon Pass Travel, an exclusive trip planning site for pass holders.
Ikon Pass Travel is an online travel planning service exclusively for members of the Ikon Pass community that offers the ability to seamlessly explore and book all aspects of adventure across Ikon Pass destinations. Browse and compare airfare, hotels, and activities across Ikon Pass destinations to create a vacation package or be matched with an Ikon Pass Travel specialist. (Terms and conditions apply.)
Ikon Pass First Tracks Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders can access untouched powder and corduroy before the lifts open one designated morning per month in January, February, and March 2026 at participating destinations during the 25/26 winter season. (Ikon Pass First Tracks is not available on the 25/26 Ikon Session Pass.)
Payment Plan with Affirm
For a limited time, lock in an Ikon Pass with Affirm for as low as $0 down and 0% APR, and split the payments over 3, 6, or 12 months. (Terms apply.)
Child Pass Promotion
For a limited time, save up to $200 ($280 CAD) on Child passes with the purchase of any Adult pass. To provide additional value for families looking to ski and ride together, Ikon Pass holders can purchase up to two discounted Child Ikon Passes or Child Ikon Base Passes for children ages 5-12 with the purchase of an Adult Ikon Pass or Adult Ikon Base Pass.
Confidence to Buy
No Hassle Deferral: If a 25/26 Ikon Pass holder decides not to use their pass after purchase, for any reason, by December 11, 2025, they can elect to defer their pass to receive a full credit for the purchase price of their unused 25/26 Ikon Pass to be used toward the purchase of a 26/27 Ikon Pass. Additional coverage options can be purchased through Spot Insurance. (Terms and conditions apply.)
IKON PASS BY THE NUMBERS* Destinations: 61 Continents: 5 Countries: 11 States: 16 Canadian Provinces: 4 European Countries: 5 Total Acres: 268,957 Trails: 7,486 Lifts: 1,689
Ikon Pass goes on sale for winter 25/26 on March 13, 2025. For more information visitwww.ikonpass.com.
Operated by Alterra Mountain Company, the Ikon Pass unlocks adventure at iconic and unique destinations including Aspen Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park, Copper Mountain Resort, Arapahoe Basin, and Eldora Mountain Resort in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Sierra-at-Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Valley in California; Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming; Big Sky Resort in Montana; Alyeska Resort in Alaska; Stratton, Sugarbush Resort, and Killington in Vermont; Snowshoe in West Virginia; The Highlands and Boyne Mountain in Michigan; Crystal Mountain and The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington; Mt. Bachelor in Oregon; Sun Valley and Schweitzer in Idaho; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; SkiBig3 in Alberta, Canada; Revelstoke Mountain Resort, RED Mountain, Cypress Mountain, Panorama Mountain Resort and Sun Peaks Resort in British Columbia, Canada; Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine; Loon Mountain in New Hampshire; Camelback Resort and Blue Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania; Taos Ski Valley in New Mexico; Deer Valley Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird and Snowbasin in Utah; Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley in France; Dolomiti Superski in Italy; Grandvalira Resorts Andorra in Andorra; Kitzbühel and Ischgl in Austria; Zermatt and St. Moritz in Switzerland; Thredbo and Mt Buller in Australia; Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt in New Zealand; Niseko United and Arai Snow Resort in Japan; and Valle Nevado in Chile. Special offers are available at CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing, the world’s leading heli-skiing and heli-accessed hiking operations. For more information, please visitwww.ikonpass.com.
Alterra Mountain Company is a family of iconic year-round mountain destinations, the world’s leading heli-skiing operations, and Ikon Pass – the premier ski and snowboard season pass offering access to more than 60 iconic mountain destinations around the world. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado and born out of a shared love of the mountains and adventure, the company has brought together some of the world’s most aspirational brands, including: Steamboat, Winter Park and Arapahoe Basin in Colorado; Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort and Snow Valley in California; Stratton Mountain and Sugarbush Resort in Vermont; Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia; Tremblant in Quebec and Blue Mountain in Ontario, Canada; Crystal Mountain in Washington; Schweitzer in Idaho; Deer Valley Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah; and CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures and Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing in British Columbia. Also included in the portfolio are Alpine Aerotech, a worldwide helicopter support and maintenance service center in British Columbia, Canada, Aspenware, the ski industry leader in technology services and e-commerce, and Ski Butlers, the global leader in ski and snowboard rental delivery. For more information, please visit www.alterramtn.co.
Williston, VT – VBT Bicycling Vacations andCountry Walkers, leaders in active vacations for more than 50 years, unveiled six new European Itineraries to England, Scotland, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland for 2025.
From cycling through the British Isles and exploring medieval Portuguese villages to hiking the Swiss Alps and soaking up the rich history and cultures of northern Spain, each itinerary offers the perfect blend of active adventures that go deep into a specific region, allowing travelers to explore under their own power so they can truly experience the local culture. An added bonus: VBT guarantees access to e-bikes on 99% of itineraries, so guests can get the extra help they need to take in more of the great outdoors.
“Similar to 2024, all signs indicate Europe will be highly sought after in 2025, which is why we are excited to introduce new itineraries across the continent to capitalize on this demand,” said Timo Shaw, President of Country Walkers and VBT Bicycling Vacations. “We know our guests enjoy learning about a destination through its people, history, culture and cuisine, and we’ve designed all of our itineraries to include hyperlocal, authentic, and meaningful experiences that truly connect them to the people and places they encounter along the way.”
VBT Bicycling Vacations and Country Walkers offer five active travel styles: Guided Walking and Self-Guided Walking (Country Walkers) and Guided Biking, Self-Guided Biking and Guided Bike & Boat (VBT Bicycling Vacations). All itineraries include multilingual trip leaders, local restaurants, and small, family-owned accommodations that exude the local culture in the most authentic ways.
The new tours complement a robust offering of over 101 itineraries to more than 29 countries in 2025 and include:
VBT Bicycling Vacations
England & Scotland: Lake District to Edinburgh(guided biking).With VBT’s insider access to remote corners of the British Isles, you’ll be led over hill and dale through some of the most coveted regions of England and Scotland, including the rugged, scenic Lake District, the remote and pristine expanse of Kielder Forest, and the sweeping vistas of the Honister Pass. Highlights include riding to the ancient Neolithic monument at Castlerigg Stone Circle, strolling atop Hadrian’s Wall to see the excavations at Vindolanda Roman Fort & Museum, and savoring Scotland’s national dish, haggis, accompanied by Scottish whiskey. Starting at $5,595 for 7 days, per person, double occupancy (May – October). Positive Impact: VBT makes a donation on behalf of every tour participant to a local chapter of the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association, ensuring walkers in the fells are able to receive help from mountain rescue teams if necessary.
Italy: Sardinia, Carloforte, Sulcis & Chia(self-guided biking). While other travel companies focus on Sardinia’s heavily trafficked northeast seaboard, VBT offers an off-the-beaten-path itinerary with flexibility and support, focusing on the island’s unsullied west coast instead of the usual tourist traps. VBT’s local experts have plotted out an itinerary of unhurried coastal byways with little car traffic, with all the flexibility in the world to pedal at your own pace. Highlights include a ferry ride to San Pietro Island for a two-night stay in charming Caloforte, exploring Sant’Antioco Island’s ancient archeological site at Sulci, and a stay in the seaside town of Torre dei Corsari near the beach with the tallest sand dunes in Europe. Starting at $2,695 for 6 days, per person, double occupancy. Positive Impact: VBT makes a donation on behalf of each guest to Wine to Water, an international organization providing access to clean drinking water and emergency supplies in water-challenged regions.
Italy: Umbria, Spello, Montefalco & Assisi (guided biking). VBT’s deep Italian roots mean guests will enjoy the best biking experience along Umbria’s most scenic, low-traffic cycling routes. Highlights include an epic spin through the “green heart” of Italy including the stunning hilltop city of Assisi and many hidden gems with authentic local flavor, the charming medieval village of Scheggino for black truffles and local olive oil tastings, exploring medieval Montefalco and Bevagna, tasting traditional dish torta al testo during a home-hosted lunch at a cozy agriturismo, savoring a delicious dinner with perfectly paired wines at a famous enoteca, and stays in gothic Spello and an authentic Italian castle near Perugia. Starting at $4,995 for 7 days, per person, double occupancy. Positive Impact: VBT makes a donation on behalf of each guest to Wine to Water.
Portugal & Spain Bike & River Cruise: Douro (guided bike & boat). On VBT’s newest guided bike and boat tour through the Douro Valley River, guests unpack once and disembark to cycle the back roads and scenic countryside of Portugal and Spain. Enjoy invigorating rides through historic fincas and small medieval villages, past lush vineyards and rural landscapes, including Marialva and its splendid 12th-century hilltop castle. Other highlights include tastings at an exclusive wine cellar in Pinhão, exploring the “Golden City” of Salamanca with its stunning cathedrals and ancient bridges, savoring fresh seafood and farm-to-table produce and cured meats, and luxuriating in the amenities of the intimate river cruise ship the MS Emerald Radiance. Starting at $7,095 for 8 days, per person, double occupancy. Positive impact: VBT makes a donation on behalf of each guest to Wine to Water.
Country Walkers
Spain: Landscapes from the Camino de Santiago(guided walking). Soak up the rich history and cultures of northern Spain while exploring scenic local paths and highlights from the Camino de Santiago. Country Walker’s team has selected from over 50,000 miles of trails lacing the Iberian Peninsula to curate the very best of this trail network. Starting in the heart of Basque Country, a walk along the Camino’s Northen Way brings guests to the spectacular coastal scenery of Cantabria. Walk the most idyllic segments of the Camino’s French Way, visiting the charming, thatched huts of O Cebreiro, tasting traditional Galician orujo, and exploring a local vineyard perched above the Ribeira Sacra Canyon. Enjoy a scenic slice of the Camino’s Finisterre Way while walking among fragrant pines and eucalyptus into Santiago de Compostela, followed by an opulent evening at the incomparable Hostal dos Reis Católicos located on the Plaza del Obradoiro next to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Starting at $4,695 for 8 days, per person, double occupancy. Positive impact: Country Walkers makes a donation on behalf of each guest to Wine to Water.
Switzerland: Zurich, Lucerne & the Alps(guided walking). Country Walkers’ newest walking tour of Switzerland includes Zürich, Lake Lucerne, and the best of the Swiss Alps to immerse guests in the alpine spirit. Highlights include an enchanting boat ride on Lake Lucerne; traveling by train, gondola, and cog rail past the famous peaks of Jungfrau, Mönch, and Eiger; hiking along rugged mountain ridges, stopping to appreciate sparkling waterfalls and fields of edelweiss and gentian; discovering the tradition of Swiss alpine cheese-making while hiking the famous “Cheese Trail” and stopping for a tasting at a local farm; and enjoying warm Swiss hospitality in traditional settings, where mouth-watering farm-to-table fare, luxurious spas and saunas, and the cheerful chorus of alphorns form the capstone of this epic walking adventure. Starting at $5,995 for 6 days, per person, double occupancy. Positive impact: Country Walkers makes a donation on behalf of each guest to Wine to Water.
For additional details and travel inspiration, visit www.vbt.com (or call 1-855-202-1008) or www.countrywalkers.com (or call 1-800-234-6900).
A Backroads private Canadian bike tour (photo: Backroads)
Berkeley, CA – Backroads, a leader in active travel, introduced Private Reserve, a collection of trips and dates available exclusively for private bookings for a limited time, through December 31. These hand-picked Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure trips offer departures for the company’s most sought-after European locations during the highly requested travel months in the fall. Destinations include Portugal’s Algarve & Alentejo, Spanish Pyrenees to Costa Brava, German & Austrian Alps, Scottish Highlands, the Dolomites and Basque Country.
Backroads Private Reserve caters to the unique needs of private groups, giving them first access to some of the company’s most popular European trips before opening the dates to the public. With competition for travel dates—especially in September—at an all-time high, Backroads decided to offer a block of departures solely for private bookings.
The company has been running trips for private groups for over four decades and recognizes the logistics involved in coordinating and booking a trip for multiple people with different schedules. Private Reserve gives private groups more options for active travel and more time to get members onboard, and offers a remarkable experience for groups, including smaller parties.
While Backroads has over 6,000 dates available for booking, more people than ever are choosing to go private and these new dates are expected to fill fast.
Private Reserve trips for 2025 are available for booking now through December 31, 2024; on January 1, 2025, any unreserved dates will open to the general public.
“We know the effort it takes to corral your private group, choose a destination and settle on a workable date. We also know what it feels like when everything finally comes together, only to fall apart when you discover that trip has been booked by someone else in the meantime,” said Backroads Founder, President and CEO Tom Hale.
“We created Private Reserve to give private groups first crack at those hard-to-get locations and dates—especially those coveted September departures—giving organizers a little more breathing room and less competition for preferred dates. And with our online private trips search tool, reserving that ideal date for your group is a snap.”
For more information on Backroads’ Private Reserve trips, visit Backroads.com or call 800-GO-ACTIVE.
Backroads was founded in 1979 by Tom Hale and has been a leading innovator in active and adventure travel for over 45 years, offering expertly planned active adventures highlighting the unique character of each destination. The company offers multiple ways to go active: Biking, Walking & Hiking and Multi-Adventure tours; Private Trips, Women’s Adventures and Family Trips designed for three distinct age groups: Families with Kids & Teens (best for ages 7–17; all kids 4+ welcome); Families with Older Teens & 20s (for ages 17+; younger siblings 14+ welcome); and Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond (for ages 20+; younger siblings 17+ welcome), plus Active Ocean & River Cruises and Dolce Tempo trips for travel at a more relaxed pace but still decidedly active. Backroads also offers Safari, Culinary, Home Base and Snow Adventures. For more information, visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.
A recent survey showed that guided tours are making a comeback among younger travelers, who value local expertise as they explore and immerse themselves in destinations. From cycling in Spain and Utah to hiking in New Zealand and Italy, Western dude ranch adventures and traditional gulet cruises in Turkey, here are 12 guided tours to excite active travelers.
1. New Zealand Guided Hiking: Explore New Zealand’s North and South Islands on foot on a new 15-day small-group tour from Adventure Life. Watch for glow worms in Waitomo’s caves, experience Māori culture and geothermal wonders in Rotorua, trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, enjoy the golden beaches and native forest of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, take in the glacial landscape of the Southern Alps and spot marine wildlife in Milford Sound. https://www.adventure-life.com/new-zealand/tours/18055/new-zealand-uncut-north-south-islands
2. Girona Road and Gravel Riding: Join The Cycling House on a seven-day tour of world-class roads or less-traveled gravel paths surrounding the beautiful walled city of Girona, Spain. Girona has become a cycling mecca thanks to the many professionals who call it home between grand tours, and gravel riding there has grown tremendously in recent years, with miles of dirt roads ready to be explored. Enjoy cycling routes along the rugged Costa Brava, through farmlands and vineyards, and into the foothills of the Pyrenees, as well as accommodations in a large villa, chef-prepared meals with authentic Spanish ingredients and a few favorite local restaurants. https://thecyclinghouse.com/
3. Cruising Ancient Turkey: Travel along the coast of ancient Caria and Ionia aboard a traditional gulet and visit some of Turkey’s most important and more intimate archaeological sites on Peter Sommer Travels’ eight-day Cruising to Ephesus tour. Led by an expert guide, explore the remains of the port town of Iasos, the mountaintop sanctuary of Zeus at Labraunda, the vast ruins of Miletus, the huge Temple of Apollo at Didyma and the beautifully wooded Priene. The highlight of the tour is the magnificent Ephesus, with its monumental squares, marble roads, 25,000-seat theater, impressive Library of Celsus and remarkable Terrace Houses. https://www.petersommer.com/tours/ephesus-cruise-turkey
4. Historic Arizona Ranch Stay: Located north of Phoenix, the Kay El Bar Guest Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been hosting travelers for more than 100 years. Explore the cactus forests, slot canyons, sandy washes and rocky ridges of the Sonoran Desert and the Hassayampa River on a guided horseback ride or UTV tour, try cattle work, sport shooting or archery, or go for a hike, then unwind with a swim in the pool or a cold drink in the adobe lodge. https://www.kayelbar.com/
5. Guided Big Sky Wonders: In Big Sky, Montana, use The Wilson Hotel as a basecamp for a variety of adventures outside the northwest corner of Yellowstone National Park. When they aren’t hiking, mountain biking or skiing, guests can arrange guided tours of Yellowstone National Park’s natural wonders and wildlife in summer and winter, go fly fishing or rafting on the clear waters of the Gallatin River, or experience the thrill of dog sledding or snowmobiling. https://thewilsonhotel.com/
6. Alaska Northern Lights Adventure: On Gondwana Ecotours’ eight-day Alaska Northern Lights Adventure, guests will get a dose of local culture by day, then photograph the aurora borealis at night. Highlights of the tour include dogsledding through snowy forests, taking curling lessons from locals, enjoying a meal with homesteaders, soaking in a geothermal hot spring, learning how to photograph the aurora borealis, snowshoeing on private land, having tea with a family of reindeer herders and more. https://www.gondwanaecotours.com/adventure-tours/northern-lights-tour-fairbanks-alaska/ 7. Luxury RV and Bicycle Tours: Escape Adventures is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Blacksford Luxury RV Rentals to offer multi-day guided cycling tours by luxury RV. Using Blacksford RVs on a new selection of road and mountain biking tours, Escape Adventures will be the only travel operator to offer this elevated experience that perfectly blends the comforts of home with the thrills of active travel. The first itineraries being offered are six-day multi-sport trips in Canyonlands and Arches national parks and Moab, Utah, by road or mountain bike. Thrill seekers lacking outdoor experience or family groups will find this tour a perfect mix of adventure and tempo. https://escapeadventures.com/lodging_type/luxury-rv/
8. Play Cowboy in Big Horn Mountains: Ranchlands is excited to formally open the 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch in the Bighorn Mountains of northern Wyoming. Guests will immerse themselves in ranch life, explore the surrounding areas on horseback, fly fish, hike and experience the natural world in this unique landscape. Accommodations are designed for guests to be as close to nature as possible, but with all the comforts of home. Large safari-style tents are stylishly furnished with full-size beds, bedside tables, dressers and chairs. And meals are prepared by a private chef and incorporate Ranchlands beef, local produce and dairy whenever possible. https://ranchlands.com/pages/explore-the-paintrock-canyon-ranch 9. Amazon and Galapagos Getaway: This adventurous 11-day journey combines two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions, the incredible Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest. Scalesia Galapagos Lodge and Finch Bay Hotel will provide a comfortable base for the guided Galapagos Islands tour, with guests exploring Isabela and Santa Cruz islands and taking a yacht to other nearby islands. Guests will then visit Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest from the comfortable Sacha Lodge, going into the jungle on guided tours to discover colorful birds, fascinating reptiles, many species of monkeys and a variety of other wildlife. https://www.scalesialodge.com/programs/ 10. Rafting Montana: Looking for exciting Yellowstone whitewater rafting, breathtaking Montana scenery and awesome river rafting guides? Choose from a half-day whitewater trip, full-day whitewater trip, scenic float or overnight Montana whitewater trip for thrilling and exhilarating rafting adventures. Flying Pig Adventures’ river experts ensure each trip is safe and enjoyable for all ages and experience levels. https://www.flyingpigrafting.com/white-water-rafting-yellowstone
11. Trekking Amalfi and Capri: Experience the pure magic of Italy’s Amalfi Coast and the enchanting nearby island of Capri on this seven-day hiking tour offered by Tourissimo. The fragrant lemon groves and vibrant flowers, the gentle breeze of the Mediterranean Sea, the verdant woods, and the picturesque towns perched on cliff slopes will captivate guests, much like the Sirens’ song that lured Ulysses’ sailors in Homer’s “Odyssey.” https://www.tourissimo.travel/amalfi-capri-positano-hiking
12. Jackson Hole Glamping: Wyoming’s Fireside Resort offers 25 pint-sized, luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus a short distance from Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, making it the perfect place to post up for a spring getaway. Snowshoe across Grand Teton National Park, enjoy a snowmobile tour with Scenic Safaris, or sit back and relax around a cozy fireplace. https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com/
Escape Adventures and Blacksford Luxury RV Rentals have formed a new partnership to offer multi-day guided cycling tours via luxury RV in national parks.
(Las Vegas, NV) — Escape Adventures and Blacksford Luxury RV Rentals have formed a new partnership to offer multi-day guided cycling tours via luxury RV. By utilizing Blacksford RVs on a new selection of road and mountain biking tours, Escape Adventures will be the only travel operator to offer this elevated experience that blends the comforts of home with the thrills of active travel. Blacksford’s service includes airport transfers, vehicle orientation, 24/7 roadside support, and even a complimentary National Parks pass.
The first itineraries being offered are six-day multi-sport trips in Canyonlands, Arches, and Moab via road bike or mountain bike. The tours start at $4,274 per person (including RV rental) and can be adapted to accommodate group-size or varied skill levels. Thrill seekers lacking outdoor experience or family groups will find this tour a perfect match of adventure and tempo. For more information, visit https://escapeadventures.com/lodging_type/luxury-rv/
“We’ve always considered ourselves pioneers of the adventure travel industry,” said Escape Adventures Founder, Jared Fisher. “We’ve done a lot of innovative things over the past 30 years, like spearheading the Aquarius Trail System and being the first mountain bike outfitter to offer tours on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. These luxury RV multi-sport tours are yet another example. This is a perfect way for our clients who love camping tours to kick it up a notch.”
Blacksford offers a variety of luxury RV rentals with the amenities and space to serve unique needs. Clean, reliable, and road trip-ready, these vehicles allow guests to take the comforts of home to America’s most beautiful outdoor destinations. Each RV rental is packed with fresh linens, cozy blankets, and quality cookware. Guests will love the like-new amenities, pristine interiors, plus a few added perks, all at no extra fee. Lear more about what’s included.
Moab’s backcountry provides the perfect setting for a multi-sport RV adventure. At Arches, guests will hike through a geological wonderland, where natural exhibits of pinnacles, arches, pedestals, and balancing rocks seem to defy the laws of physics. Contrasting colors, textures, and landforms distinguish the many vegetation zones of this canyon country, each offering its own kind of adventure. At Dead Horse Point and Island in the Sky, expansive views of maze-like chasms typify the biking experience along the acclaimed mesa and singletrack. Moab’s vertical landscape offers guests a fantastic introduction to canyoneering, and while the Colorado River’s power is present everywhere throughout this adventure, nowhere is it better realized than on an exciting day of river rafting.
“We’ve transformed the RV rental business with our blend of affordable luxury, comfortable amenities, and attentive customer service,”‘ said Blacksford CEO Becky Goodell. “This partnership with Escape Adventures feels like a perfect match. We’ll share insider travel tips, answer any questions, and ensure guests are road-ready with a comprehensive vehicle orientation. We’re here to make the experience smooth and worry-free.”
Since 1992, Escape Adventures has been blessed to shape and lead adventure travel vacations through some of the most awe-inspiring natural destinations in the world. Building on over one hundred destinations, Escape Adventures caters to the full spectrum of active travelers, 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, Escape Adventures looks forward to many new and exciting adventures with you. https://escapeadventures.com/
Blacksford RV Rentals offers brand new, premium RV and camper van rentals in Las Vegas and Yellowstone/Bozeman, Montana. Its Phoenix location will open October 1, 2024. Each rental is fully equipped and designed to cater to your every need, providing a hassle-free, comfortable, and reliable road trip experience. The rental service includes unlimited mileage, all-inclusive pricing, flexible pick-up and drop-off times, all the amenities you will need for your vacation, and 24/7 support to ensure a seamless rental experience. https://www.blacksford.com
Secret Atlas has launched a new Expedition Micro Cruise to explore Greenland.
Did you know Greenland is the largest island on the planet but only has a population of 56,000 inhabitants, making it one of the most sparsely populated places on Earth? The lucky few who visit Greenland rarely make it to Scoresby Sund due to only being accessible from August – to October, but Secret Atlas has launched a new Expedition Micro Cruise to allow small, intimate groups to explore the stunning fjord system, towering icebergs, elusive wildlife and the remote community of Ittoqqortoormiit.
With only 12 guests onboard, Secret Atlas promises an intimate experience with crowd-free expeditions and flexible itineraries led by world-class expedition leaders. This ensures the best chance of seeing muskox, glaciers, and the Northern Lights, which appear from September.
Setting sail onboard the MV Vikingfjord, the Expedition Micro Cruise spends eight days exploring the stunning landscapes of Scoresby Sund including as much time as possible spent off the ship on daily Zodiac cruises and onshore hikes.
Guests are in for a treat at the end of the expedition, sailing up the longest fjord on the planet and past the impressive ice giants of Scoresby Sund before visiting the small and remote community of Ittoqqortoormiit. Made up of only 400 Greenlandic people, Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most isolated settlements in Greenland and a unique opportunity to learn about Inuit traditions.
East Greenland Explorer Fly & Cruise with Secret Atlas
The 10-Day East Greenland Explorer Fly & Cruise with Secret Atlas takes place from August – October and costs from $10,620 (€9,900) per person.Price includes bespoke meet and greet, welcome dinner with Secret Atlas team and eight days cruising onboard the MV Vikingfjord.The price excludes a mandatory exclusive charter flight from Keflavik Airport (KEF) to Constable Point in Scoresbysund (CNP) and overnight accommodation at the Aurora Hotel on arrival and departure, which costs an additional $2,680 (€2,500) per person. To book, visithttps://www.secretatlas.com/tour/east-greenland-cruise/
Secret Atlas Co-Founder and enthusiast explorer Michele D’Agostino said, “When I first entered Scoresby Sund Fjord in July 2018, I immediately understood what a fascinating and unique part of the planet it was. We decided to launch the East Greenland micro cruise to allow a small group of guests the opportunity to experience this remote part of the world authentically and privately, but with minimal impact to the community, wildlife and environment.”
Secret Atlas is a boutique travel company launched in 2019 and run by Explorers for Explorers, on a mission to rekindle the long-gone spirit of exploration. These Expedition Micro Cruises take the smallest group sizes in the Arctic (only 12 guests) and Antarctic (only 48 guests). They are low-impact and sustainable and offer guests an authentic, unrivaled experience free from the crowds of larger vessels.
Travelers can walk, hike or bike to get 15% off more than 700 tour departures through B-corp certified global adventure tour company, Explore Worldwide, during the 10-day pre-summer promotion starting June 17.
Driven by an increase in demand for active adventures (over 40% increase), Explore is tapping into travelers’ adventurous spirit with a selection of tours in Europe and beyond. In fact, drawing the most attention and gaining in popularity are getaways centered around walking and cycling, with cycling seeing growth of 75% year over year.
Available for travelers within United States and Canada, the promotion can be booked from June 17-27, 2024 for travel starting this summer through June 30, 2025 on available departures. Rates starting from $1,200. Explore Worldwide offers travel agents 15% commission rate on bookings. (Additional Terms and conditions may apply.)
Explore Worldwide has over 40 years’ experience in crafting authentic small-group travel experiences around the world with a specialty in cultural experience with an air of adventure (from walking and cycling to trekking and more). With over 350 trips in 100 countries, Explore’s expertly crafted itineraries combined with award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and a commitment to responsible travel. Explore has immersive, sustainable travel in its DNA, as a founding signatory of the Glasgow Declaration and with one of the leading Climate Action Plans in the industry. Earlier this year, Explore not only received B-Corp status, but also completed the biggest carbon-measurement project in the industry to date, and is now working towards reducing the carbon emissions of its tours by 50% by 2050.
Backroads, a leading active travel company, introduced a new Greece & Croatia Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik for 2025 aboard Emerald, Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice award-winner for Small Ship Cruise Line. The trip features a bike ride to the ruins of Delphi, hiking above the UNESCO Heritage Site of Kotor, Montenegro, and kayaking off the shores of the Greek island of Lefkada, among other activities. Additional stops include Itea, Greece; Corfu, Greece; and Sarandë, Albania.
The company is hosting this eight-day, seven-night trip aboard Emerald’s sleek new yachts, the Azzurra and Sakara, the newest featured small ships in Backroads’ Active Ocean & River Cruises collection. The ships’ amenities include an open-air bar, lounge areas, a pool and a gym, along with master chefs known for their gourmet dishes.
Backroads has explored waterways from Europe and Polynesia to Antarctica and the Galápagos Islands on active adventures since 2015, utilizing a selection of small luxury ships that also includes Ponant and AmaWaterways. Poised to expand its active cruise options in 2025, Backroads will also debut a River Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour on the Danube to join its popular Danube River Cruise Biking Tour from Prague to Budapest.
It’s been a decade since Backroads combined the best small ship cruise experiences with the best of active travel and redefined river and ocean cruising. The appeal of unpacking only once with the opportunity to explore multiple regions has spurred year-over-year growth in the company’s Active Ocean & River Cruises category, which includes trips specifically designed for all types of families and children. Today, Backroads remains the only company offering family trips segmented by age.
“When we pioneered the active river cruise space with AmaWaterways in 2015, I had no idea that we’d be reinventing the cruise market,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder, President and CEO. “But looking back, it was a winning combination from the start. Active cruising offers that seamless sense of journey, adventure, leisure and luxury that our guests are looking for—it’s truly a unique and special way to explore the world.”
Backroads Active Ocean & River Cruises are available for immediate booking for 2024 and 2025
*In 2016 Backroads was the first—and only—company to offer Full Ship Celebrations, cruises exclusively for Backroads guests. Today’s Danube Full Ship Celebration Bike Tour takes over an entire AmaWaterways luxury ship, hosting up to 150 Backroads guests for eight spectacular days of sailing and exploring five countries.
For more information on Backroads Ocean & River Cruise trips, visit our website or call 800-462-2848.
Just off the Bonavista Peninsula, be amazed by the spectacle of whale species like humpbacks, sperm, orcas, and more feeding, migrating and playing on Sea of Whales Adventures whale watching boat tours (Photo: Destination Canada)
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador – From the rolling waves lapping off the coastline to the colorful clotheslines dancing in the ocean breeze, Newfoundland and Labrador is home to the slow way of life, especially when the seasons change. As spring rolls into summer, regular visitors to the province return, including the whales, birds and icebergs that heighten all senses. Visitors can experience the first sunrise in North America, witness the migration and play of whale species that return to the shores each year, and taste food foraged from land and sea. For relaxation, guests can soak in the bounty of the ocean in a bath with seaweed gathered off the coast of Grates Cove, go for a cold-water dip in the many outdoor locations including the North Atlantic Ocean, or sit and listen to the push and pull of the beach rocks as they roll with the waves.
Sea of Whales Adventures
The Atlantic Ocean surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador boasts as many as 22 diverse whale species. Just off the Bonavista Peninsula, travelers will smell the ocean breeze and be humbled by the spectacle of whale species like humpbacks, sperm, orcas, and more feeding, migrating, and playing on Sea of Whales Adventures whale watching boat tours. Family owned and operated since 2009, Sea of Whales Adventures offers three-hour whale watching tours daily from May 15 to October 14 and two-hour tours daily from June 15 to September 3. The two-hour tour rates start at $90 CAD for adults and $60 CAD for children, while the three-hour tour rates start at $110 CAD for adults and $80 for children.
Preserving the Dark Sky
Terra Nova National Park, the first designated Dark Sky Preserve in the province, allows travelers to gaze into the cosmos untouched by light pollution. Under the Dark Sky Preserve Program, the park is committed to protecting and improving nocturnal ecology by adjusting, retrofitting, or eliminating light fixtures while delivering new educational and interpretive programs on astronomy and various dark sky themes. The most popular viewing locations include Sandy Pond, rated to have the darkest skies in the park, Ochre Hill, historically used as a fire-watch station, Blue Hill, the highest point in the park putting guests among the stars, and Visitor Centre, with the starlit sky reflected across the water. New in 2024, UNESCO World Heritage Site Gros Morne National Park is applying to the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada for designation as a Dark Sky Preserve, offering visitors even more unaltered space to bask in the celestial views.
Wild Island Kitchen
Open year round, Wild Island Kitchen offers travelers the chance to dine aside breathtaking seascapes listening to the crashing waves while wild and sustainably caught seafood is cooked over an open fire. The locally owned tour and culinary group provides menus that change daily based on what is foraged and discovered each day, with guides teaching guests how to cook and prepare the cuisine. The “From Sea to Plate” Tour features sustainable, high-quality seafood cooked with water from the sea and cooked over an open fire, and guests can expect four to five courses over a three-hour period. For a shorter, one-hour experience, visitors can book the “Mug-Up” Tour which typically departs at 10 a.m. and includes a trip down the cove for a cup of tea or coffee and an interpretative food journey inspired by traditional coastal delights. Tour rates start at $175 CAD, but guests are encouraged to email experiencetwillingate@gmail.com for specific pricing per tour. Pre-booking is required for both culinary experiences.
Grates Cove Seaweed Baths
In the northernmost part of Newfoundland and Labrador, weary travelers can soak in a seaweed bath at Grates Cave Co. Known for its healing and rejuvenating properties, seaweed is harvested off the coast of Grates Cove and transformed into 7 Fathoms skincare, producing a high-quality, highly bioactive brown seaweed extract suited for personal care. Grates Cove Co. uses the product, densely packed with essential nutrients and minerals, for the fresh seaweed baths in the comfort of the bathhouse overlooking the North Atlantic. The bathhouse is bookable from Monday to Sunday for two-hour time slots from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2-4 p.m., and 5-7 p.m., and the price per couple is $110 CAD + HST (Harmonized Sales Tax).
Maxxim Vacations New Tour
From September 22 to 28, 2024, Maxxim Vacations will host the small group vacation “Newfoundland Through a Mindful Lens,” including a five-day, six-night itinerary designed to inspire travelers with a renewed sense of self and perspective. The tour is hosted by certified mindfulness guide Dr. Brian Dower, a Newfoundland native and retired chiropractor who regularly prescribed mindfulness training to his patients dealing with stress. Dr. Brian will introduce various mindfulness techniques and skills in focused tutorial sessions and then guide participants through opportunities to put the tools into practice. Guests will take hikes along breathtaking ocean trails, join foraging expeditions, and dine on specially prepared meals by award-winning chefs. The tour starts at $4,828 CAD plus taxes and includes six nights of accommodation at select hotels and inns, daily instructional mindfulness sessions with Dr. Brian, guided walks and hikes in St. John’s and Port Rexton, meals including daily breakfast, lunch, and select dinners, five-day ground transportation, a scenic driving tour of St. John’s and the Bonavista Peninsula, a mindful movement session, and more.
For more information on the four provinces, visit these websites or follow on social media:
