| June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada, culminating in National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. National Indigenous History Month represents a meaningful opportunity to learn about the cultures and traditions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples, so we’ve put together 11 ways to engage in Indigenous experiences in British Columbia this summer. More than simply checking out a destination, Indigenous tourism encourages visitors to understand and respect different perspectives of the world, and to experience histories, traditions, and values in an authentic and unfiltered way. BC has the greatest diversity of Indigenous cultures in Canada: of the 12 unique Indigenous language families in the country, seven are located exclusively in BC. Together, there are 204 unique Indigenous communities in BC. Here are a few ideas to start an Indigenous cultural itinerary. |
 naaʔuu expereince at Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort in Tofino | Indigenous Tourism BC/Melissa Renwick New This Summer New Indigenous experiences beckon travelers seeking a cultural experience paired with delicious cuisine: Try Plant Medicine Lemonade – Opened in February 2024, The Ancestor Café in Fort Langley brings traditional Indigenous nourishment to locals and visitors while supporting Indigenous food sovereignty. The eatery is owned by Chef Sarah Meconse Mierau, a member of the Sayisi Dene Nation. On the menu: bison and elk Bannock tacos, handcrafted plant-medicine jams and lattes, and other delicacies made with traditional Indigenous ingredients and enriched with health benefits. Beyond the food, the café features a fair-trade gallery displaying works by local Indigenous artists and brands. Get there: Fly into Vancouver International Airport. From here, Fort Langley is a one-hour drive. A Three-Hour Song, Dance & Cultural Experience – During festivals, weddings, and potlatches, the Tla-o-qui-aht People come together to share a wholesome meal while exchanging wisdom and stories, with the belief that good food facilitates an easier reception to teachings. Visitors can join the tradition at the Best Western Plus Tin Wis Resort in Tofino, where the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation will host naaʔuu (which means “feast” in the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation language), an immersive experience taking place on select dates in June. Following a successful gathering last year, the three-hour experience tells stories from the Nation’s history through song, dance, and traditional carvings, presented during a symphony of cultural delicacies and foraged ingredients. Proceeds from the event go back to the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation to support language and cultural resurgence. Tickets start at $199 per person and can be purchased here. Get there: From Vancouver, fly into Tofino-Long Beach Airport with Pacific Coastal Airlines, or right into Tofino Harbour with Harbour Air. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo or Comox and drive approximately 3.5 hours to Tofino.  Wildlife viewing experience at Spirit Bear Lodge | Indigenous Tourism BCWhere To Stay Indigenous-owned and operated accommodation providers welcome visitors to experience warm hospitality alongside stories and culture—all with a deep-rooted respect for nature: Gorge Harbour Marina Resort – One of the most desirable cruising destinations in BC – Located at the edge of Desolation Sound, on Klahoose Nation land, Gorge Harbour Marina Resort offers an idyllic home base for adventurers eager to explore the sound, Cortes Island, and the Discovery Islands. The resort offers a multitude of overnight options, including a rustic lodge with four rooms, a cottage enclosed by lush gardens, and two self-contained trailers. Summer-specific options include 21 full-service RV sites, six glamping domes, and six tent sites—open for the season now. Summer activities span live music on the waterfront, yoga at the harbour, family movie nights, and more, as well as whale-watching tours offered between May 1 and October 15. Get there: Take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo, then drive 1 hour and 45 minutes to Campbell River. From here, take a 10-minute ferry to Quadra Island, then a 45-minute boat trip to Cortes Island. You can also fly direct to the resort from Campbell River, Vancouver, or Seattle, Washington. Nemiah Valley Lodge – Off-grid & highly requested – Open year round, Nemiah Valley Lodge is located in the Chilcotin region, on Tŝilhqot’in Nation land. Here, guests are immersed in the food, history, and traditions of the Xeni Gwet’in community through local events, cultural experiences, and wildlife viewing. The all-inclusive packages include lodge activities such as lakeside yoga and meditation, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, archery, and more. Note: Nemiah Valley is taking bookings for 2025. Get there: The lodge is a 30-minute floatplane ride from Whistler. Alternatively, take a flight from Vancouver International Airport to Williams Lake (available throughout the summer), and drive 2.5 hours to your destination. The lodge also offers a transfer from Williams Lake. Tsawaak RV Resort – A 2024 Indigenous Tourism Award Winner – Whether you’re seeking a cozy wilderness cabin or a place to park your RV, Tsawaak RV Resort— located in Tofino, on Tla-o-qui-aht Nation land—offers a tranquil space for rest and rejuvenation. Guests can choose from 34 RV sites and 13 longhouse-style cedar cabins—all situated close to Mackenzie Beach and a 30-minute walk from town. The central amenities building offers laundry facilities and vending machines, while the visitor centre houses an art gallery and retail shop. The resort provides easy access to Tofino’s most popular adventures, including surfing, hot springs, and hiking. Get there: From Vancouver, fly into Tofino-Long Beach Airport with Pacific Coastal Airlines, or right into Tofino Harbour with Harbour Air. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Vancouver to Nanaimo or Comox and drive approximately 3.5 hours to Tofino. Spirit Bear Lodge – Located in the largest, temperate coastal rainforest in the world – Wildlife viewing and cultural experiences take centre stage at Spirit Bear Lodge, located in Klemtu, on Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation land. The lodge’s all-inclusive adventures are anchored by visits to cultural sites of the Kitasoo Xai’xai People, who have lived for thousands of years in the Great Bear Rainforest—the largest temperate coastal rainforest in the world. Guests can search for the elusive Spirit bear, watch grizzlies roam lush estuaries, see whales and other marine life, and explore the remnants of ancient villages. Spirit Bear Lodge is open from August to October, with limited reservations available. Get there: Board a flight at Vancouver International Airport with Pacific Coastal Airlines to Bella Bella. You’ll be met by Spirit Bear Lodge staff and shuttled to the dock, where a lodge boat will take you on the two-hour journey to Klemtu.  A group with Takaya Tours, rowing a traditional First Nations canoe in Deep Cove | Destination BC/Hubert KangWhat To Do Indigenous tour operators lead visitors into their traditional territory, providing a new perspective of local wildlife, plants, and waters: Guided nature adventures led by the local Nation – Explore Ahousaht territory with Ahous Adventures, which is owned by a nation that has stewarded the lands and waters of Vancouver Island since time immemorial. The popular hot springs tour cruises the coast and inlets of Clayoquot Sound, with guides pointing out wildlife along the way. Once onshore, guests take a 30-minute walk via wooden boardwalk through old-growth rainforest, leading to the healing mineral waters of the hot springs. Throughout the journey, guides will discuss the history and cultural significance of Hot Springs Cove, a site that has been used for centuries by the Ahousat Nation for medicinal and spiritual benefits. Dates: Tours are available throughout summer and beyond. Cruise an Island Archipelago – Sidney Whale Watching, serving Sidney (just 30 minutes from Victoria, BC) and the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island, is owned and operated by the Tsawout First Nation, with whale-watching experiences taking place on the traditional territories of the W̱SÁNEĆ Nation. The three-hour whale watching tour cruises through the Gulf Island Archipelago, winding past orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles hunting for salmon. Sidney Whale Watching has a 95% whale-sighting rate throughout the year; if guests don’t spot a whale, they are welcome to join another tour free of charge, anytime. Dates: Whale-watching tours take place daily between March and October. Take a cultural tour in a 35” canoe – Takaya Tours, based in Whey-ah-wichen, or Cates Park, in North Vancouver, leads guests through the territory of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Guests can paddle the protected waters of Indian Arm in replica ocean-going canoes, while guides share songs and stories of ancient villages. There’s also an option to add a rainforest walking tour to your paddling adventure. Dates: The Cates Park location is open between May and September for guided tours, as well as rentals of kayak, surf-skis, and stand-up paddleboards. BC Tourism Industry Awards Best Indigenous Tourism Operator Winner 2024 – Homalco Wildlife & Cultural Tours, which stewards the grizzly bear population in Bute Inlet—the ancestral home of the Homalco Nation—welcomes visitors to discover the area’s longstanding cultural and historical significance. The company’s full-day bear-watching and cultural tour leads guests to viewing areas that showcase grizzlies feeding on spawning salmon, along with plenty of opportunities to whale watch and bird watch. Guests can also wander through Aupe, an uninhabited Homalco village site. Dates: Tours are offered between August and October. 2023 Yelp Travellers Choice – Sea Wolf Adventures, which leads tours in the Broughton Archipelago and the Great Bear Rainforest, on Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw Nation territory, combines cultural experiences with grizzly- and whale-watching safaris. The Grizzly Bears of the Wild tour connects guests with the iconic grizzly inhabitants of the Great Bear Rainforest, with bonus viewings of Pacific white-sided dolphins, eagles, orcas, and other wildlife. The full-day tour departs from Port McNeill, and includes Indigenous interpretations of local landscapes, as well as stories about the Musgamakw Dzawada’enuxw People. Dates: Tours run from May 31 through October. For more information on authentic Indigenous experiences in British Columbia visit www.indigenousbc.com. For more travel features, visit: goingplacesfarandnear.com Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel goingplacesnearandfar.wordpress.com moralcompasstravel.info travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/ goingplacesfarandnear.tumblr.com/ instagram.com/going_places_far_and_near/ instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/ ‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures Twitter: @TravelFeatures |
Category Archives: Active Travel
Vacations Offering Unexpected Ways to Explore Nature’s Top Lava Volcanic Destinations
These vacations offer unexpected ways to explore nature’s top magma shows
Iceland
Iceland is one of the most volcanically active areas on the planet, with 130 volcanoes. Last week the fifth eruption since December at the Sundhnjukar mountain ridge sent lava 150 feet into the air, but locals and tourists stayed safe while flights continued to operate. Volcanic activity is a fact of life in Iceland, where people have learned to live with the drawbacks and the advantages. After all, that constant geological activity is the reason the island has so much natural beauty to see from geothermal pools to incredible mountains.
The unexpected way to observe Iceland’s volcanoes: by sea.
The land of fire and ice and the midnight sun is an island, so the best way to experience it is to sail around it. Small ship line Windstar Cruises circumnavigates Iceland on a 7-dayAround Iceland cruise with just 312 guests on board, visiting five towns on the island in addition to the capital of Reykjavik. These small towns are easy to explore and have opportunities for scenic outdoor adventures (like treks to waterfalls). And the bonus of being on a ship if/when a volcano erupts nearby? You sail somewhere else.
Mount Etna in Sicily
Mount Etna is one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, recently making headlines for puffing volcanic vortex rings into the sky. You can hike up the slopes of this volcano, or observe it easily from a distance, Aperol spritz in hand.
The unexpected way to view Mount Etna: on a bike.
VBT offers Sicilian guided biking tours, with additional highlights like biking past volcanic coastlines, staying in an 18th century palace, and joining Sicilian truffle hunters on a search for the culinary prize
Kīlauea and Mauna Loa in Hawaii
Kīlauea and Mauna Loa are two of the world’s most active volcanoes and are located in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park on the island of Hawaii (aka the Big Island). There are 150 miles of trails within the park through craters and lava tubes, making up-close volcanic exploration possible.
The unexpected way to engage with Hawaii’s volcanoes: on a multi-island itinerary.
Holiday Vacations offers a Hawaii Four Island Holiday that spends time in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park but also includes inter-island flights and accommodations on Kauai, Maui, and Oahu, with their own volcanoes to explore as well.
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
Yellowstone is a volcano, and the magma chamber under the park influences its natural features including all those famous geysers and hot springs. In fact, the park has the world’s largest collection of hydrothermal features with more than 500 geysers – that’s half of the world’s total.
The unexpected way to experience it: by snowcoach.
Winter is the park’s quietest season, but it’s one of the best times to visit. The park’s interior is accessible only by commercial over-snow transportation, and Yellowstone’s snowcoaches are essentially the ultimate 21st-century (heated) sleigh. Some of the best geyser viewing and photography opportunities arise in the dead of winter, when the snow-white landscape provides the contrast that makes thermal wonders appear even more dramatic. Stay at one of the resort’s wintertime lodges to fully experience the winter magic.
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Under Canvas, Backroads Team on New Glamping Adventures in National Parks
Under Canvas, a leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, and Backroads, a leading luxury active travel company, are tripling their collaborative adventure experiences available to travelers across U.S. National Parks over the next two years. In addition, the expanded line-up this year includes an all-new, glamping-only itinerary in Southwestern Utah with stays at both Under Canvas Bryce Canyon and Under Canvas Zion.
After first establishing a relationship in 2019 with trips in Montana’s West Yellowstone, and subsequently operating successful glamping tours in Tennessee and South Dakota, Under Canvas and Backroads are poised to further expand their trip selection for outdoor enthusiasts with more than 185 scheduled trips through 2025. From the scenic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota to the dramatic red rock and hoodoo vistas of Southwest Utah, to the ancient Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, these world-class trips allow guests to enjoy a Backroads active adventure by day and by night continue to immerse themselves in nature with Under Canvas’ upscale glamping retreats. These properties embrace their natural setting, while featuring indoor luxuries, allowing guests to discover the outdoors in comfort and style.
Backroads is renowned for its expert Trip Leaders and flexible active vacations that offer travelers flexibility on each day of every trip. Ample support provided by multiple Backroads vans allows for a variety of daily route options suitable for differing levels of ability. The company’s collaboration with Under Canvas pairs three favorite multi-adventure trips with accommodations at Under Canvas’s stunning camps offering gorgeous tents, furnished with plush king-size beds, luxe linens and ensuite bathrooms. In addition, a stay at Under Canvas includes onsite complimentary programming such as live acoustic music, daily yoga, stargazing, outdoor games and nightly s’mores around the firepits, as well as a lobby tent that acts as a social, communal hub for café-style dining and lounging.
Backroads trips staying at Under Canvas properties in 2024 include:
- Utah’s Bryce & Zion Glamping Multi-Adventure Tour for Couples, Friends, and Solos, featuring accommodations at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon and Under Canvas Zion.
- Black Hills & Badlands National Park Multi-Adventure Tour for Couples, Friends, Solos, and Families with Teens and Kids (aged 9+), featuring accommodations at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore.
- Great Smoky Mountains Multi-Adventure Tour for Families with Teens and Kids (aged 9+), featuring accommodations at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains.
- Yellowstone, Tetons & Big Sky Multi-Adventure Tour for Couples, Friends, Solos, Families with Teens and Kids (aged 9+) and Families with Older Teens and 20-somethings, featuring accommodations at Bar N Ranch with access to Under Canvas complimentary programming.
“Since opening our first camp more than 10 years ago near West Yellowstone, Under Canvas has dedicated itself to inspiring connections with extraordinary places, people and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors,” said Libbie Rice, Chief Commercial Officer of Under Canvas. “We have enjoyed our collaboration with Backroads over the years, and we’re excited to elevate our collaboration, aiming to offer even greater opportunities for active travelers to immerse themselves in the best of outdoor adventure and connect with nature through our two brands.”
“Guest feedback from our South Dakota trips with Under Canvas has been terrific,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder, President & CEO. “Backroads guests love the experience of sleeping in the deluxe glamping tents and sharing tales of the day’s activities over s’mores by the campfire in the evening—it’s really the perfect ending to an adventure-filled day. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, sleeping under the stars is a great way to enjoy a Backroads national park vacation. The trips have been a popular addition to our summer schedule, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Under Canvas far into the future.”
Backroads trips featuring Under Canvas properties are all available for immediate booking. For more information, visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.
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New Direct Flight from Lima Accessing Huarascan National Park Among Tourism Improvements in Peru
For the past six years, tourists visiting Huaraz had to get there by bus or car during an 8-hour long journey from Lima.
Beginning July 1, LATAM airlines is launching direct flights connecting the country’s capital Lima with the city of Huaraz in the Ancash region. The flight will take approximately an hour and will operate Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sundays on an Airbus A319 aircraft (with capacity for 12 passengers in Premium Economy cabin and 126 in Economy). Tickets can be purchased at LATAM.com with an average economy ticket price around $50.
Huaraz, often called the adventure capital of Peru, is the gateway to Ancash, a region of the country best known for its wide range of outdoor adventure experiences including climbing, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, horseback riding and camping.
Easily accessible from Huaraz, the peaks of Huascaran, Huandoy and Alpamayo are within the highest tropical mountain range in the world, the Cordillera Blanca. The area is a dream for those serious about mountaineering, but there’s plenty for those looking for less of a challenge. You can find more information on climbing in Huaraz here and trekking in Ancash here.
Huarascan National Park offers glacier-topped peaks surrounding turquoise blue lakes, astonishing flora and fauna biodiversity, as well as 33 archeological sites that connect travelers with Peru’s history. In addition to its natural wonders, Huaraz offers a rich local culture, with vibrant markets and traditional festivals that reflect the region’s native heritage.
Commercial flights to Huaraz were halted six years ago, but renovations to the airport in August 2023 allowed the reintroduction of the route to being in July.
Here’s what else is new in Peru:
HOTELS
Motto by Hilton, Cusco has announced its South American debut with the opening of Motto by Hilton Cusco. A more than $5 million investment in the center of the city, the 58-key property pays homage to Cusco’s past.
Doubletree by Hilton Lima San Isidro opened in March 2024.
Santa Cruz Lodge has partnered with Casa Andina. Santa Cruz is located 45 minutes from the center of Caraz, Ancash. Guests can immerse themselves in experiential tourism.
The Legend Paracas Resort: Destination by Hyatt will make its South American debut this year with the acquisition of The Legend Paracas Resort. Located about three hours south of Lima, the ocean-front property offers panoramic views of Paracas Bay and rugged desert hills. The 124-suite resort is currently undergoing a phased enhancement project to elevate guestrooms, create new dining options and redesign public areas. The revamped resort is expected to reopen in June 2024.
Casa Andina, a Peruvian hotel chain, will open a new hotel in Madre de Dios in 2024. The location is in Peru’s Amazon rainforest near Manu National Park in the remote Madre De Dios region. This is the chain’s 44th property of reasonably priced boutique properties throughout Peru. Casa Andina was named one of the “sexiest new hotels for 2024” by CNN Travel.
Novotel Punta Sal Beach Resort to open its first location in Peru in Q4 2024. The $25.5 million dollar resort will be located south of Punta Sal on one of the longest beaches on the Peruvian coast. The property will have 182 suites, a gym, two swimming pools, jacuzzi and spa, and will offer activities such as surfing, mountain biking, diving, swimming with turtles and whale watching. The development will have a special focus on the environment to promote sustainability.
RESTAURANTS
Señor Honey opened in April 2024 in the Miraflores district. Its offerings include burgers, cocktails and snacks made with spicy honey, inspired by authentic New York flavors.
EXPERIENCES / EXPEDITIONS
Veuve Clicquot and Belmond team up to launch Solaire Journey (October 2024): Leading luxury hospitality brand, Belmond, has partnered with the prestigious champagne house, Veuve Clicquot, to launch the Solaire Journey for discerning travelers. This premium train voyage is set to debut in Peru October 21 to 26, 2024, offering a remarkable adventure from Cusco to Arequipa aboard the Hiram Bingham and Andean Explorer trains. Along the way, guests will discover iconic landmarks, including Machupicchu, the La Raya mountain range, Lake Titicaca and the floating Uros Islands made entirely of cattail reeds. The Solaire Journey promises a one-of-a-kind experience in Peru with guided tours and exclusive Solaire activities enhanced by Veuve Clicquot champagne pairings and unforgettable fine dining experiences.
Abercrombie & Kent to launch Peruvian Amazon river cruise in 2025: Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has announced the launch of a new Peruvian riverboat set to make its maiden voyage in April 2025. Travelers will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon aboard the exclusive 22-passenger luxury vessel. Three, four and seven-day itineraries will combine river and land excursions, including Machu Picchu. The river cruise is a joint venture between A&K and expedition yacht company Ecoventura.
Amazon Canoe Challenge expedition to take place June 2-10. Navigate the Amazon by canoe or SUP through a series of overnight checkpoints. Paddle independently during the day, and camp out on the river overnight.
Alpaca Expeditions’ new women’s-only Sacred Valley & Salkantay Tour to Machupicchu will launch June 22 – 28, 2024.
G Adventures launches The Geluxe Collection, featuring 5 Peru tours beginning August 2024.
TRANSPORTATION
The new Jorge Chávez International Airport in Lima will open in December 2024. This $2 billion dollar airport will replace the old Jorge Chavez airport with plans to serve 30 million passengers a year. The airport will feature a four-level terminal with large commercial spaces, parking lots, an extensive area with hotels and restaurants and cutting-edge technology for passenger transit and baggage management.
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Time-Stressed Workers Will Benefit from These Epic Rafting ‘Shortcations’
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The gurus of epic rafting vacations in the American West offer a potpourri of wilderness immersions for time-stressed souls who can commit only a few days to their well-being.
Western River Expeditions and its division Moab Adventure Center, recently selected as two of the top rafting companies in the U.S. by the readers of Newsweek Magazine, have fine-tuned their “shortcations” that offer most — if not all — of the time-out benefits of longer escapes.
“Recent findings show that 40 percent of working Americans take only 4.4 vacation days a year,” reflected Brandon Lake, CMO and co-owner. “With this in mind, we have ‘shortcation’ river rafting trips that even for a day or two will help set your batteries on high-speed recharge.”
Following are adventures of only three or fewer nights available for the upcoming 2024 rafting season. These journeys begin and end in the red rock playground of Moab, Utah, except for one home-based from Las Vegas, Nevada, and one leaving from Merlin, Oregon.
Cataract Canyon Express 2-Day/1-Night Rafting Trip: Cataract Canyon, the section of the Colorado River that flows through the heart of Canyonlands National Park, may be the nation’s premier river trip in terms of excitement and diversity. This 2-day adventure is offered May through July when traditionally the river offers the most thrilling rides. Customized, high-speed rafts add to the excitement of dropping through the canyon into a series of nearly 30 whitewater rapids along this 100-mile journey. The $955 per person rate (ages 12 and up) includes transfers, rafting, hiking, one night of camping under the stars, and meals. For details on the 2-day trip, please see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/cataract-canyon-express
Cataract Canyon 4-Day/3-Night Rafting Trip: This longer version of the 100-mile river adventure is offered May through September with a choice of conveyance depending on the level of thrill-seeking: J-Rig, Oar Boat, or Paddle Raft. On off-river excursions there’s time to explore Native American ruins and pictographs. Guests seal memories of the canyon with a stunning return flight over Canyonlands National Park. The per-person rate is $1,935. The youth rate is $1,425, minimum age 12 in May and June; age 10 July through September. Rates include transfers (including the scenic flight), rafting, hiking, three nights of camping under the stars, and meals. For details on the 4-day trip, please see https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-rafting
Lower Grand Canyon 3-Day/2-Night River Trip: This April through September adventure that is based out of Las Vegas traverses 89 of the river’s lower miles with enough class II and III rapids to keep everyone on their toes. Hidden waterfalls and pools carve their way down to the river frequented by Blue Heron, hawks and eagles. The per-person rate is $1,895 for ages 9 and up. Rates include a flight to the river, a scenic helicopter flight into the depths of the canyon; bus transfers from the river back to Vegas; rafting, two nights of camping under the stars, hiking, and meals. For details on this 3-day trip, please see https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-river-trip
4-Day/3-Night Moab Vacation Southwest Sampler: This adventure, available from June through August, combines the best of the red rock playground of Moab, Utah, with a 2-night stay at the Moab Marriott and one night camping on the Colorado River. This is one of Western’s most popular family experiences. First up is a morning exploration of Arches National Park with a van and walking tour alongside knowledgeable guides. Then comes an afternoon exploration of red rock country in an off-road Hummer Safari. The following two days guests will raft through class I and II rapids on the Colorado River and experience the fun of camping overnight on the river. This adventure is open to families with children ages 5 and up. The per person rate is $895; $765 for ages 5-15. Rates include transfers to listed activities, two nights of hotel accommodations in Moab, rafting, one night of camping under the stars, and meals while on the rafting adventure. For details, please see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/southwest-sampler
4-Day/3-Night Rogue River Lodge to Lodge Raft Trip, Oregon: This journey, available from May through September, offers the advantages of lodge – instead of tent – accommodations. The Rogue begins near Crater Lake in the Cascade Mountains and runs westerly through southern Oregon to the Pacific Ocean. This river remains so remote that boats still deliver the mail in some regions where the river is the only road. Wildlife sightings may include river otters, deer and black bears. Guests raft this legendary waterway along 45 miles, with whitewater classified class II-IV. There is a choice of Oar Boat, Paddle Raft, or Inflatable Kayak. The per-person rate is from $1,990 for adults and $1,920 for ages 7-16. Price includes rafting, hiking, meals, and lodging. For details, please see https://www.westernriver.com/rogue-river-lodge-trip
For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2024 catalog, for questions, availability and reservations, call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/. For information on Moab Adventure Center programs, call 866.904.1163 or visit https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/.
Founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey, Western River Expeditions annually escorts more people on rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon. In 2023 it was chosen by the readers of USA Today 10Best as the #2 rafting company in the nation. In 2024 it was selected as one of the Top rafting companies in the U.S. by the readers of Newsweek Magazine. The company is also the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past nineteen consecutive years (2004-2022).
Moab Adventure Center is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. Located at 225 South Main St. in Moab, the center has a 2,000-square-foot space booking tours and selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs. In April 2024, it was also voted as one of the Top Five rafting companies in the nation by the readers of Newsweek Magazine.
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5 Montana National Parks Tours
Here are a 5 exciting ways to explore Montana and its most popular National Parks.
Explore Yellowstone and Glacier by RV: Discover the natural beauty of Yellowstone, Glacier, and more with the comfort and convenience of a new Winnebago RV, you’ll have the freedom to travel at your own pace and experience the great outdoors like never before. Based in Bozeman, MT, Blacksford’s brand new, luxury RVs and camper vans are low-mileage and impeccably maintained, ensuring a safe and worry-free trip. They offer flexible pick-up and drop-off times, all the amenities you’ll need for a fantastic vacation, and support to ensure a seamless rental experience.
Saddle and Paddle Yellowstone: Flying Pig Adventures’ 3-night Yellowstone tour gives guests the opportunity to experience the park like never before. The thrill of witnessing one of nature’s most iconic environments, tackling rough terrain on horseback, and battling Class III rapids cannot be found anywhere else. From fly fishing, to horseback rides, to Yellowstone whitewater rafting, guests will be talking about their unique experiences for years to come.
Cycle Glacier National Park: The Big Sky meets six days of big smiles on Escape Adventures’ epic Glacier National Park/Going-to-the-Sun Road bike trip. Based in Montana’s 1,583-square-mile Glacier National Park, with its 375 historic properties plus six historic landmarks, riders will cycle into some of North America’s most breathtaking landscapes, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. At each stop, each slow pass, guests will learn a little more about the “Crown of the Continent” ecosystem.
Big Sky Luxury Adventure: In Big Sky, Montana, The Wilson Hotel serves as a base camp for adventure whether it’s winter or summer. Guests can ski and snowboard Big Sky Resort’s expansive 5,850 acres of terrain in winter, and hike nearby shaded forests and wildflower-filled meadows, raft or fly fish the clear waters of the Gallatin River, and experience the adrenaline rush of lift-served mountain biking in summer. At the end of the day, The Wilson offers spacious, sophisticated accommodations steps from on-site amenities and Big Sky Town Center.
Glamping Cowboy Retreat: Ranchlands is excited to formally open the 80,000-acre Paintrock Canyon Ranch in the Bighorn Mountains. 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-sized beds, bedside tables, dressers, and chairs. Meals are prepared by a private chef and incorporate Ranchlands beef, local produce, and dairy whenever possible. The ranch makes a great base camp for a Yellowstone National Park adventure.
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Rails to Trails Conservancy Invites You to Celebrate Trails Day April 27 & Win Prizes!
On Celebrate Trails Day, Rails to Trails Conservancy calls on America to walk, bike and be active outside to showcase the joy and impact of trails
WASHINGTON, DC—Rails to Trails Conservancy, the nation’s largest trail, walking and biking advocacy organization, is calling on people across the country to get outside on trails this spring to celebrate the many ways that trails and connected trail networks bring joy and impact to people’s lives. Central to RTC’s call to action is Celebrate Trails Day on April 27, 2024, with hundreds of events nationwide to inspire more people to make trails, walking and biking part of their everyday lives.
Held on the fourth Saturday of April, Celebrate Trails Day was started by Rails to Trails Conservancy in 2013, to encourage people across the country to get outside and enjoy the nation’s exceptional trails and trail systems.
Celebrate Trails Day is more than a day outside, it is an opportunity to experience and share the joy and impact of trails. The nation’s 41,000+ miles of multi-use trails bring incredible value to our everyday lives, contributing to the well-being of people, places and the planet. It is RTC’s ultimate goal to link the 150+ trail networks that currently exist into a Great American Trail, spanning 3,800 miles across the continent.
Around the country, Rails to Trails’ partners are planning group rides, nature walks, family-friendly festivals, volunteer cleanups and other community events for Celebrate Trails Day. Explore these events and find more inspiration for your day on the trail, including ideas to help you design your own trail adventure and our virtual event series where we host conversations with partners about the ways trails contribute to big issues in our lives.
So far, more than 150 events are planned along trails, but you can also create your own celebration.
“There is unmatched potential in trail networks to make walking and biking part of our everyday lives, unlocking all of the good that happens when we are active outside, in the places where we live,” said Brandi Horton, RTC’s vice president of communications. “That’s why RTC is uniting everyone in a common appreciation for trails—and the impact of connecting trails in our communities. Our time on the trail is so much more than a day outside.”
Here are five reasons to get outside on trails, says RTC:
- It’s one of the best seasons for outside adventures with milder weather across the country—perfect for time on the trail. People can find their perfect trail using RTC’s free trail-finder app, TrailLink.
- It’s good for our bodies and the planet. Having spaces to walk and bike near where you live makes it more likely that you will be physically active, which is important for our bodies and our minds. And, when we swap out short car trips for walking and biking trips, we burn calories instead of carbon!
- It can be a safe way to get around without a car. Currently, people who walk and bike are increasingly likely to be seriously injured or killed in crashes with cars and trucks. Connected trail networks separate people from vehicles, making it a safer transportation option for more people.
- It’s the right time to let elected officials know that trails matter to you. On Celebrate Trails Day and every day, our time on the trail is an act of advocacy sending a message that trails are important to people across the country. As Congress and local officials make decisions about ways to invest infrastructure resources, getting outside on the trail is an important way to build support.
- There are more places to walk, bike and be active outside than ever! With more than 41,000 miles of multiuse trails—where you can walk, run, ride, skate and more—and over 150 trail networks emerging, there are safe places to walk, bike and be active outside in every single state and hundreds of communities across the country.
Participate for a chance to win a prize pack
Let Rails to Trails Conservancy know you’re planning to participate in Celebrate Trails Day on April 27, 2024, and you’ll be automatically entered to win a prize pack, featuring:
- A MHS Uno 2-Bike Kit courtesy of Saris
- A $400 gift card courtesy of Burley
- A Cabezon set courtesy of Deuter
- A bike bell courtesy of Mirrycle
- A Dagger OSMO™ 3P Lightweight Backpacking tent courtesy of NEMO Equipment
- A Black Hole® Pack 25L and an Ultralight Black Hole® Mini Hip Pack 1L courtesy of Patagonia Old Town
- A trike courtesy of Catrike
- And more great gear!
Let RTC Know You’re Participating
Find creative ideas for getting outside, visit RTC’s Celebrate Trails Day website and follow #CelebrateTrails on social media.
Explore the nation’s 41,000+ miles of multi-use trails using TrailLink™, RTC’s free trail-guide website and app.
Celebrate Trails Day is the annual celebration of the spring trail season, recognized on the fourth Saturday in April. The national day of celebration is organized by Rails to Trails Conservancy, the country’s largest trails, walking and biking organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong. RTC is dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors.
Follow #CelebrateTrails on social media for updates and connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Escape Adventures Introduces Guided Bikepacking Tour of North Dakota’s Maah Daah Hey Trail
(Las Vegas, NV) — Escape Adventures is offering a 5-day camping and mountain biking tour of the 144-mile-long Maah Daah Hey Trail System (MDH) in North Dakota, showcasing some of America’s most breathtaking terrain. Majestic plateaus, jagged peaks and valleys, large expanses of rolling prairie, and rivers intertwine to offer the adventurous outdoors enthusiast a taste of pure, unadulterated badlands.
Located adjacent to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, the MDH is one of the lengthiest stretches of continuous trail in America. Hailed as an IMBA epic, the MDH unfolds on 95% singletrack. The guided tour starts at $1,499 per person double. For more information, visit https://escapeadventures.com/tour/maah-daah-hey-singletrack-mountain-bike-tour/.
“From the northern unit to the ultra-charming, cowboy-pohttps://escapeadventures.com/tour/maah-daah-hey-singletrack-mountain-bike-tour/et town of Medora, we spend five days riding what’s commonly called the most stunning stretch of The Northern Plains,” said Escape Adventures Director, Jared Fisher.
From rolling prairie to endless red-baked buttes, the MDH crisscrosses the least commercial unit in the National Park Service. Accordingly, no national park outside Alaska is better suited for pure, backcountry trekking and wildlife encounters. A day on the trail might bring riders face-to-face with bison, elk, bighorn sheep, wild horses, pronghorn antelope, coyote, and wild turkey.
The MDH is comprised of nine trail units of varying size and difficulty. From north to south, they are the Wolf (8.8 miles), Long X (5.8 miles), Summit (3.8 miles), Overlook (0.3 miles), Maah Daah Hey (144 miles), Bennett (3.2 miles), Cottonwood (6.9 miles), Ice Cave (1.5 miles) and, Buffalo Gap (18.9 miles).
Full Itinerary:
Day 1-2: Meet in Medora. Shuttle to trail just outside Theodore Roosevelt National Park. An introductory ride takes guests on a great sampling of the Badlands. Ride Bennett Trail through high prairie grasses and wooded draws. Spend the evening under a bright blanket of stars, taking in the coyote calls that punctuate the night sky.
Day 3-4: Ride Devil’s Pass. Spectacular views across the Little Missouri River Valley eventually give way to the river itself. Camp near Teddy’s own Elkhorn Ranch. Continue on to Buffalo Gap and Wannagan Creek where riders enjoy quick descents on buff singletrack mixed with petrified Cypress trees. Camp near Wannagan Creek.
Day 5: Ride Buffalo Gap along the outskirts of the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Finish in Medora.
All internal land expenses and services are covered in the cost of the tour. All transportation, food preparation, meals, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, group supplies and community gear are included. Backcountry permits, licenses, park fees, reservations, and accommodations are also included, along with at least two professionally trained trip leaders, a mobile first aid and mechanic station, spare bikes, and support vehicles.
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 100 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. https://escapeadventures.com/
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Leading Tour Companies Have Short-Term Sale on Bucket-List Itineraries
Intrepid travelers looking to save big on 2024 bucket-list travel need look no further than tour companies Trafalgar, Contiki, Costsaver, Insight Vacations and Brendan Vacations. These travel brands are offering discounts on itineraries across the world, from Italy to New Zealand to Morocco, but only for a few weeks.
Contiki: Contiki, the social travel company for 18-35 year olds is offering epic savings on a variety of trips. Travelers can get a taste of cobblestone streets and delicious cuisine with the staple European Explorer at 25% off or witness exotic wildlife from penguins to hippos and wildebeests on the new Sea, Safari, South Africa at 15% off. Anyone looking to do some island hopping in the new year can save 20% on the Thai Island Hoping East itinerary or set out on a USA Road Trip and save 20%. The Big Social Sale is available on a selection of itineraries through Jan. 31, 2024.
Brendan Vacations: Celtic travel expert, Brendan Vacations is offering guests up to 20% off all guided trips for 2024 including the Best of Scotlandand Iconic Ireland and Ashford Castle itineraries. Travelers interested in independent, fully customizable itineraries can save $200 off pp on Self Drive and Locally Hosted Rail experiences, and $250 off pp Private Chauffeur and Lux Self Drive experiences. The Brendan Vacations sale runs through February 15, 2024.
Trafalgar: Select itineraries from global guided vacation company, Trafalgar, are 15-20% off through February 15, 2024. Travelers can save 20% on top itineraries such as the 10-day Best of Morocco itinerary with visits to Casablanca, Fes and Marrakesh. Or Western Discovery, a new itinerary for 2024 that travels across California, Nevada and Arizona over the course of two weeks with visits to the Grand Canyon, Balboa Park, Yosemite National Park, Monterey and more.
Insight Vacations: Premium tour company Insight Vacations is offering 15-20% off select itineraries across the globe through February 15, 2024. Travelers can save 20% and spend two weeks exploring the stunning architecture and rich culture of Hungary, Austria and Poland on Highlights of Eastern Europe. Or save 18% off on Italian Intermezzo and venture throughout Italy from Milan to Rome with stops in the lakes district, Venice, Florence and more.
Costsaver: Travelers can make the most of their adventure Costsaver, the tour company that allows travelers to tailor their travel experience to suit their travel needs. The brand is offering 15-20% off select itineraries across the globe through February 15, 2024. Save 20% off Highlights of Scandinavia and explore the beauty and history of the North in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Or check out and save 20% on Best of Colorado a new itinerary for 2024 that ventures to Rocky Mountain National Park, Denver, Vail, Colorado Springs and more.
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Road Scholar Senior Solo Travel Report Uncovers Trend: Married Women Traveling Solo
Boston, Mass. – Road Scholar, a world leader in educational travel for older adults, has released a report on trends in solo travel that finds a surprising percentage, 60 percent, of its solo travelers in 2022 are married but traveling without their spouse.
Further, 27% of married women surveyed have never traveled with a spouse on a Road Scholar program. When asked why they travel without their spouses, 42% of women surveyed said their spouse isn’t interested in traveling and 40% said they have different interests when it comes to travel.
“I cherish my time to explore and do what I want on my timetable,” says Road Scholar solo traveler Marcia Henderson, 66. “I like to walk, hike, etc. He has knee issues and doesn’t share my passion for nature, culture, and history. It would be an atrocity to not travel just because my spouse doesn’t like it. This is my passion, and he is supportive as I support his golfing.”
Road Scholar compiled data for this study from the community of 80-100,000 adults over 50 who travel with them each year, including a survey conducted earlier this year. They report that nearly 70% of their travelers are women. Compare that to the overall population breakdown in the U.S.- 58% of Americans 65 and older are women- and this suggests that women are generally more likely to travel in their later years.
There are also far more female solo travelers than male solo travelers among older adults: Road Scholar reports that 85% of their solo travelers are women. They gathered data from outside sources to suggest some reasons why so many more women are traveling solo than men, pointing out that nearly half of women over 65 in the U.S. are unpartnered, that there are far more widowed women than widowed men, and that the divorce rate is highest among older Americans and on the rise. But their finding that so many of their solo female travelers are married tells an intriguing story about the behaviors of Baby Boomer women versus men.
“I think this trend is really a mark of the population that we’re serving currently,” says Road Scholar’s PR Director Kelsey Knoedler Perri. “Two-thirds of our participants now are Boomers, and Boomer women are so much more independent than their mothers and grandmothers. It would have been far more unheard of for previous generations of women to be traveling the world without their spouses. And society has shifted to ‘allow’ older women the freedom to do it.”
Perhaps because of the increase in independence among Boomer women, Road Scholar has been seeing a steady increase in solo travel over the past 10 years. As a response to this increasing demand, they shared the exclusive news that they are developing a collection of programs for solo travelers, which they plan to debut in 2024, with departures starting in 2025.
Road Scholar is a world leader in educational travel for boomers and beyond. This not-for-profit organization was founded as Elderhostel in 1975 and has served more than 6 million lifelong learners over the past 50 years. With educational adventures hosted by expert faculty in nearly 100 countries and throughout the United States, Road Scholar truly is a university of the world. Learn more at www.roadscholar.org/about.
Read Road Scholar’s full study on senior solo travel here, and find their programs for solos here.
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