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

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Adventure Travel, Cultural Travel, ecotourism, Indigenous Tourism, Uncategorized

wukalina Walk Named One of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places

August 17, 2024 MoralCompass

wukalina Walk, a member of Discover Aboriginal Experiences, has been named one of TIME‘s 2024 World’s Greatest Places.

Vetted by TIME‘s editors and correspondents around the world, this exclusive list features 100 extraordinary destinations to explore, stay and visit. The award by TIME is highly coveted and reaches a global audience of 120 million (via TIME‘s print magazine, website and socials). Editors choose with an eye towards those offering new and exciting experiences.

wukalina Walk is a multi-award winning Indigenous/palawa-owned tourism experience. Led by Aboriginal guides, the walk offers a rare window into Tasmania/lutruwita’s Aboriginal culture. For the first two nights, hikers sleep at the architecturally designed standing camp, krakani lumi (resting place), in domed-ceiling huts designed to reflect the shape of the palawa shelters that once lined the east coast of Tasmania/lutruwita. The third night is spent in a beautifully repurposed and restored lightkeeper’s cottage at the most northern end of larapuna (Bay of Fires).

A group of up to 10 people are led on foot by Aboriginal guides to learn about land and sea Country. wukalina guides have lived experience and thousands of generations of Ancestral connections to the knowledge they share. They share their knowledge and perspectives as they lead travellers through bushland and along the coastline of wukalina (Mt William National Park) and larapuna (Bay of Fires). Hikers learn about the colonial history of Tasmania/lutruwita, and the brutal treatment of the palawa people. But the tour highlights their resilience, strength of culture, language and the ongoing connection that the palawa community has to Country.

wukalina Walk is a proudly Blak-owned business and different to anything else offered in Tasmania, and anywhere in the world. wukalina Walk was winner of the 2023 Australian National Tourism Awards for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience.

“Sharing our stories and our history on cultural homeland is an integral part of the experience,” said Clyde Mansell, Tasmanian palawa Aboriginal Elder and founder of wukalina Walk.

“It also allows us to increase employment, involve our young people and contribute to our self-determination, by creating more opportunities for the palawa community.”

“We’ve had comments over the years where guests have said it’s changed their lives and their whole thinking about how they should relate to Aboriginal people,” said Mansell.

Discover Aboriginal Experiences is a flagship suite of extraordinary Australian Aboriginal-guided experiences. Travelers learn about and connect with the diverse histories, cultures and languages of Aboriginal peoples, which date back more than 65,000 years.

Each member in this collective is considered a leader in Aboriginal tourism, with more than 200 experiences from over 48 businesses around Australia, all led by Aboriginal guides. Please see the following pages for further details on other experiences in the collective.

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Adventure Travel, bike trips, cycling trips, Uncategorized

Three New Routes Added to the US Bicycle Route System, Now 20,000 Miles Headed to 50,000

August 12, 2024 MoralCompass

*While cycling USBR 95 along the California coast, stop off at the Piedras Blancas Viewpoint for a closeup view of elephant seal rookery. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Missoula, Montana – Adventure Cycling Association has announced major expansions to the United States Bicycle Route System, including three completely new routes, bringing the total to top a major benchmark of 20,000 miles.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System is a developing national network of officially designated, numbered, and signed routes that use existing roads, trails, and other facilities appropriate for bike travel. It will eventually encompass 50,000 miles of routes and open new opportunities for cross-country travel, regional touring, and commuting by bike. It also benefits communities by providing new bicycle routes, enhancing safety, and increasing tourism and economic activity.

The three new routes are USBR 51 in Arkansas, USBR 76 in Wyoming, and USBR 85 California. USBR 76 will be Wyoming’s first U.S. Bicycle Route. Additionally, Florida extended USBR 15 to go north-south through most of the state and California extended USBR 95 to finish the coastline.

“State departments of transportation are focused on delivering a safe, multimodal transportation system that offers mobility for all,” said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. He noted that AASHTO is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization representing state DOTs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. AASHTO and Adventure Cycling formalized their nearly two-decade partnership of designating new bike routes by signing a memorandum of understanding in February 2021.

“The recent additions to and expansion of the USBRS network by Arkansas, California, Florida, and Wyoming further highlight the active transportation benefits that flow from partnership between AASHTO, state DOTs, and the Adventure Cycling Association,” Tymon said.

Digital maps for all designated U.S. Bicycle Routes are available to the public for free on the Adventure Cycling Association website.

With the new designation and realignments, the U.S. Bicycle Route System now boasts over 22,000 miles of routes in 35 states and Washington, D.C. At least 25 states are currently developing additional U.S. Bicycle Routes.

“It’s satisfying to see the USBRS network grow and know that we are playing a part in making long distance bicycle travel more accessible to more people through these routes,” said Jenn Hamelman, Director of Routes. “None of this would be possible without new and long-standing partnerships with state departments of transportation and local advocates.”

The nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association promotes bike travel and is the only organization that coordinates national development of the U.S. Bicycle Route System. Adventure Cycling staff offer technical assistance, volunteer coordination, and outreach to help states achieve official designation of routes. You can see a map of the corridor plan or photos of USBR 15 in Florida here.

The U.S. Bicycle Route System and the Adventure Cycling Route Network are quite different from the Great American Rail-Trail being promoted by the Rails to Trails Conservancy. Both the USBRS and ACRN use existing infrastructure to route cyclists between destinations while the end goal of the Great American Rail-Trail is to establish a 3,700 mile route across the country, east to west, from Washington D.C. to Washington state, entirely using paths and trails separate from automobile traffic.

More information about the U.S. Bicycle Route System: adventurecycling.org/usbrs

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, bike trips, camping trips, camping-glamping, camping-glamping-RVs-adVANturing, National Parks, Uncategorized

Escape Adventures Partners with Blacksford to Offer Guided RV Cycling Tours in National Parks

August 9, 2024 MoralCompass

*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

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Adventure Travel, Outdoors Travel

Western River Expeditions Leans in to Solo Travel Trend with River Rafting Trip Incentives

August 1, 2024 MoralCompass

*Western River Expeditions, renowned for guided river rafting experiences, reports a growing trend that benefits solo travelers looking for last-minute adventure opportunities this season.*

SALT LAKE CITY, UT– Western River Expeditions, renowned for guided river rafting experiences, reports a growing trend that benefits solo travelers looking for last-minute adventure opportunities this season.

“We’re experiencing an unprecedented increase in last-minute bookings, often just two to three weeks before departure,” says Brandon Lake, CMO and co-owner of Western River Expeditions. “This trend is creating more opportunities for solo travelers to join our trips, as there are still available spots on various dates.”

To encourage solo travelers who may have delayed their vacation planning or found themselves without travel companions, Western River Expeditions offers several compelling reasons to embark on a solo adventure:

Unplug and Reconnect: In today’s fast-paced world, particularly during election-year media frenzy, the need for solitude and offline experiences is more significant than ever.
- No Single Supplement: Unlike many guided tours, Western River Expeditions does not charge solo travelers a single supplement.
- Minimal Preparation: Packing is straightforward, with all necessary camping and dining gear provided.
- Meet Like-Minded Travelers: Solo travelers have the unique opportunity to connect with others who share their sense of adventure.

Top Rafting Adventures Recommended for Solo Travelers:

Colorado River 4-Day Cataract Canyon Adventure: Based in Moab, Utah, this four-day journey through Canyonlands National Park features stunning sandstone landscapes and exhilarating class III – V rapids. The adventure begins at “The Confluence,” where the Green and Colorado Rivers meet, carving a 100-mile chasm through the park. Departures are available from May through September, with rates starting at $1,935. More information can be found at Cataract Canyon Rafting.

Main Salmon River Adventure: This five-day expedition through central Idaho’s rugged mountains offers class III – V rapids, scenic hikes and hot springs. The Main Salmon River, designated a National “Wild & Scenic River,” drops 3,000 feet over its 100-mile course, making it a favorite among river runners. Trips run from June through August, with rates starting at $2,150. A four-day version is also available. Learn more at Main Salmon River Rafting.

Hells Canyon Expedition: Explore the deepest river gorge in North America on this five-day journey down the Snake River, which forms the border between Oregon and Idaho. This trip includes the largest whitewater rapids in the Pacific Northwest and traverses lands once inhabited by the Nez Perce. Departures are available from May through September, with rates starting at $2,090. Details are available at Hells Canyon Rafting.

For personal reviews from solo travelers who have experienced Western River Expeditions, visit Best Solo Travel Experiences.

For the 2024-25 catalog, questions, availability, and reservations, call toll-free at 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit Western River Expeditions.

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

Discover the Remote Wonders of East Greenland with Secret Atlas

July 31, 2024 MoralCompass

*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, visit https://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.

Discover more about Secret Atlas at www.secretatlas.com.

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Adventure Travel, Eco-friendly resorts and hotels, ecotourism, Nature & Wildlife, Nature Travel, Uncategorized

New Darwin Galapagos + Amazon + Yacht Adventure

June 18, 2024 MoralCompass

An adventurous 11-day journey combines two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions, the incredible Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest. Guests will explore Isabela and Santa Cruz islands and take a yacht to other nearby islands. Starting in the highlands of Isabela, guests will explore some of the island’s most fascinating areas, including the Charles Darwin Research Station © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

(Quito, Ecuador) — This adventurous 11-day journey combines two of Ecuador’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions, the incredible Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest. Guests will explore Isabela and Santa Cruz islands and take a yacht to other nearby islands. Scalesia Galapagos Lodge and Finch Bay Hotel will provide a comfortable base for this guided Galapagos Islands tour. Starting in the highlands of Isabela, guests will explore some of the island’s most fascinating areas, including the Giant Tortoise Reserve and Charles Darwin Research Station. Guests will then visit Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest, and from the comfortable Sacha Lodge, head into the jungle on expertly guided tours to discover colorful birds, fascinating reptiles, many species different monkeys, and an array of other wildlife. The Darwin & Orellana Discovery Tour starts at $6,915 per person double.

The tour includes:
3-nights at Scalesia Lodge – Isabela Island
3-nights at Finch Bay Hotel – Santa Cruz Island
1-night at Quito Airport Hotel – Quito
3-nights at Sacha Lodge – Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest

Scalesia Galapagos Lodge is situated in the highlands of Isabela Island on the slopes of a volcano, about 20 minutes from the town of Puerto Villamil. The modern, luxurious, safari-style tent resort is in the middle of a 40-acre forest with a spectacular view of the coast of Isabela Island, the Pacific Ocean, and other Islands of Galapagos dotting the horizon.

The award-winning Finch Bay Hotel enjoys a peaceful and magical beachfront location in Puerto Ayora, on Santa Cruz Island. The hotel makes the ideal base for exploring the natural diversity and attractions of the island – including Tortuga Bay beach – and for taking day trips to nearby islands, aboard its own, specialized yacht. The hotel also implements best practices in sustainable tourism.
Located in a 5,000-acre private ecological reserve, Sacha Lodge provides a safe and comfortable base to experience the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. Highlights include exploring the forest on rainforest walks, canoeing the lake, the Sacha Lodge butterfly house, visiting the Yasuni parrot lick, and walking high in the trees on the 940-foot (275-meter) long canopy walkway. As this is a private reserve, the wildlife is well protected. It’s not uncommon for different monkeys to even play on the boardwalk or cross through the canopy over your comfortable accommodations.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, bike trips, Cultural Travel, cycling trips, hiking, Uncategorized

Travel Deal: Walk, Hike or Bike to Get 15% Off Tours with Explore Worldwide

June 12, 2024 MoralCompass

*Lisbon, Portugal. Explore Worldwide is offering a limited time, pre-summer promotion on walking, hiking and biking holidays such as Lisbon to Algarve © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

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.

Travelers can book these active adventures to trending destinations like the Baltics for guided walking through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, or walking through the Azores. Cycle the Dalmatian Coast or from Lisbon to Algarve with an E-bike option in Portugal. Or trek the Dolomites or week-long trek in Picos de Europa National Park in Spain.

For a full list of tours and insider experiences click: https://exploreworldwide.com/active-travel-sale.

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.

More information at www.exploreworldwide.com, 888-233-5210.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, cruises, cycling trips

Backroads Announces New Greece & Croatia Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour Among 100 Trips for 2025

June 11, 2024 MoralCompass

Backroads introduced a new Greece & Croatia Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour from Athens to Dubrovnik for 2025 aboard Emerald which features a bike ride to the ruins of Delphi © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

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

Antarctica Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour
Chile Patagonia & Fjords Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour
Croatia Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour (NEW for 2024)
Galápagos Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour
Iceland Ocean Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour (NEW for 2025)
Greece & Croatia Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour (NEW for 2025)
Tahiti Ocean Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour

Backroads Active River Cruise Adventures

Bordeaux River Cruise Bike Tour
Danube River Cruise Bike Tour – also available for Families | Full Ship Celebration*
Danube River Cruise Multi-Adventure Tour (NEW for 2025 & Available for Booking May 2024)
Dutch & Belgium Waterways River Cruise Bike Tour
Galápagos, Andes & Amazon River Cruise Walking & Hiking Tour – also available for Families
Portugal’s Douro River Cruise Bike Tour
Rhine River Cruise Bike Tour – also available for Families | Dolce Tempo Easygoing E-Bike Tour
Seine River Cruise Bike Tour
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Mekong River Cruise Bike Tour

*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.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, camping-glamping, camping-glamping-RVs-adVANturing, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Outdoors Travel, Uncategorized

Under Canvas, Backroads Team on New Glamping Adventures in National Parks

June 6, 2024 MoralCompass

Grand Teton National Park. Under Canvas, a leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, and Backroads, a leading luxury active travel company, are tripling their collaborative adventure experiences across US national parks © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

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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