Category Archives: Adventure Travel

Gondwana Ecotours Introduces Safari Supporting Maasai,  Serengeti Conservation

Gondwana Ecotours’10-day Great Migration Serengeti Safari offers travelers a chance to witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration while actively contributing to the preservation of local communities and the environment.

(Homer, Alaska) — Gondwana Ecotours is proud to announce its 10-day Great Migration Serengeti Safari, an extraordinary journey into the heart of Tanzania’s wilderness. This adventure transcends the typical safari experience, offering travelers a chance to witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration while actively contributing to the preservation of local communities and the environment. This tour is designed for those who seek not just adventure, but a meaningful connection with the land and its people.

“This Great Migration Serengeti Safari is designed to minimize its environmental footprint, featuring activities that operate sustainably and contribute to the preservation of the Serengeti’s delicate ecosystem,” said Gondwana Ecotours Founder Jared Sternberg. “We work closely with local partners who share their commitment to environmental stewardship, and travelers are educated on the importance of cultural and environmental stewardship, empowering them to become responsible ambassadors for the planet. This safari is more than a wildlife spectacle; it’s a transformative experience that demonstrates how travel can be a force for good.”

A cornerstone of this safari, priced starting at $7,495 per person, is the exclusive access it provides to a Maasai community where Gondwana Ecotours is the only operator visiting. This isn’t a staged cultural performance, but an authentic opportunity to engage with a traditional way of life. Travelers are welcomed into the village, where they’ll learn about the Maasai’s deep connection to the land, their enduring traditions, and their vital role in local conservation efforts. This immersive experience fosters genuine understanding and respect, creating lasting memories and a profound appreciation for Maasai culture.

“Guests don’t just witness the Great Migration—they gain a deeper understanding of the challenges facing the Maasai people, wildlife, and the Serengeti ecosystem,” said Sternberg. “As part of the experience, Gondwana donates on behalf of each traveler to Friends of Serengeti, which funds initiatives that address conservation, vocational programs, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat protection.”
 
Gondwana Ecotours’ commitment to responsible tourism goes beyond cultural immersion. The company is dedicated to giving back, ensuring that every journey contributes to the well-being of the communities visited. A significant portion of tour revenue is directed towards carefully selected local nonprofits that support sustainable development and conservation initiatives. Furthermore, Gondwana prioritizes partnerships with local businesses, micro-businesses, and nonprofits that champion environmental practices, fostering a network of sustainable tourism.

“From eliminating 600+ single-use plastic bottles per trip to working with a locally owned operator that pays above-average wages, every element of this tour is designed to reduce impact and uplift local communities,” said Sternberg. 


Trip Highlights:

  • EXPERIENCE Tanzania’s most famous and diverse National Parks – from beautiful bushlands to the endless expanse of the Serengeti plains.
    • EXPLORE Ngorongoro Crater on an early morning game drive, home to Africa’s densest lion population and some of the last black rhinos in the world.
    • WITNESS one of the most spectacular mass migrations on earth! 
    • VISIT the Maasai, one of Africa’s most famous, friendly and unique tribes. Experience their culture, learn their traditions, and sing and dance with them.
    • VIEW wildlife from a guaranteed window seat in our pop-top Land Cruiser. Your expert safari guides will take you off the main roads looking for cheetahs, leopards, lions, elephants, and more.  
    • SAVOR delicious meals at our lodges and picnic lunches in picturesque locations such as under massive Baobab trees

Gondwana Ecotours specializes in small-group, guided tours to bucket-list destinations around the world. Sustainability is front of mind, and we are constantly working towards reducing our environmental footprint, both globally and locally. Our itineraries are carefully curated to include unique and fun activities that are grounded in meaningful encounters with nature, wildlife, and local culture, and that are physically suitable for most travelers. Touch down with a bush plane in a remote National Park to safely observe grizzlies in the wild. Encounter some of the last remaining mountain gorillas while your visit contributes to their preservation. Watch the Northern Lights dance in the sky with an Aurora Guide who can help explain the phenomenon and capture the moment. Witness the Great Migration on a Safari in Tanzania guided by local safari guides. Carefully walk on an incredible growing glacier in Patagonia. Explore the magnificent fjords of Western Norway.

Moe information at  https://www.gondwanaecotours.com

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12 Getaways for Rejuvenation this Spring

Tortuga Beach, Santa Cruz, the Galapagos.The adventurous 11-day Darwin Discovery Tour in Ecuador combines the incredible Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.

The season of renewal is here, and with it, the perfect opportunity to revitalize your mind and body. Research shows that nature is a powerful stress-reducer and well-being booster. Spring’s mild weather and vibrant scenery make it the ideal time to embrace these benefits. Ready to recharge? Here are 12 travel ideas to inspire your spring rejuvenation.

American Road Trip 2.0: Nothing is more rejuvenating than jumping in your car and heading out on an American road trip, and AdventureGenie is the world’s first AI-powered, end-to-end system for planning one. It offers the most immersive, innovative, and intelligent adventure travel planning tools available. Whether starting from a curated GenieTrip or creating a fully customized and personalized journey from your own ideas, AdventureGenie’s got you covered. https://adventuregenie.com/

Bentonville Biking Adventure: On this six-day family mountain biking tour of Bentonville, Arkansas, guests will have the option to explore over 140 miles of bike trails while staying in a luxurious vacation home equipped with an oasis pool, water slide, hot tub, and a fleet of bikes and tools. Escape Adventures trip leaders will prepare meals and provide itineraries based on age and skill level. Highlights include the Slaughter Pen trail system, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Hobbs State Park, Coler Park and Bella Vista. https://escapeadventures.com/tour/bentonville-mountain-bike-tour/

Yellowstone Fly Fishing: Take an expertly guided float down the Yellowstone River on one of Flying Pig Adventures’ custom rafts while you enjoy the spectacular scenery, the abundant wildlife, and world-class fly fishing. Just outside Yellowstone Park, the upper stretches of the Yellowstone River are lightly fished, but hold large numbers of native cutthroats, rainbows, and brown trout. Private access to the river allows guides to take guests where the fish are without fighting the crowds. https://www.flyingpigrafting.com/yellowstone-fly-fishing

Darwin Discovery Tour: This adventurous 11-day journey in Ecuador combines the incredible Galapagos Islands and Amazon Rainforest. Using Scalesia Galapagos Lodge and Finch Bay Hotel as a base, guests will explore Isabela and Santa Cruz islands, and take a yacht to other nearby islands. Next, visit the Amazon, and from the comfortable Sacha Lodge, head into the jungle on expertly guided tours to discover colorful birds, fascinating reptiles, many monkeys, and an array of other wildlife. https://www.scalesialodge.com/programs/

Turkish Archaeology Cruise: On Peter Sommer Travels’ Cruising to Ephesus tour in Turkey, follow the shores of Caria and Ionia in a traditional gulet, and visit ancient cities with an archaeologist as guide. Starting in Bodrum, explore the remains of the port town of Iasos, the mountaintop sanctuary of Zeus at Labraunda, the huge Temple of Apollo at Didyma, the vast center of Miletus, the wooded setting of Priene, and magnificent Ephesus, with its expansive theater, ornate library and remarkable Terrace Houses. https://www.petersommer.com/tours/ephesus-cruise-turkey

Alaska Northern Lights: On Gondwana Ecotours’ Alaska Northern Lights Adventure, guests will get a dose of local culture by day and photograph the Aurora Borealis under the massive Alaskan sky by 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/

Machu Picchu Multisport: With Adventure Life, travel from Cusco, Peru, to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, enjoying active excursions and accommodations at lodges along the way. Hike to the ancient Sacsayhuaman and Q’enqo archaeological sites, kayak or paddleboard at Lake Piuray, bike from Maras to Ollantaytambo, go ziplining or horseback riding in the Sacred Valley, then ascend to and tour the Machu Picchu citadel itself. Rains typically taper off by April, before high-season arrives in June. https://www.adventure-life.com/peru/tours/18040/lodge-based-machu-picchu-multisport-adventure

Wine Country Weekend: Just north of San Francisco, the winding Russian River meets the dramatic Pacific coastline, shaping if not sheltering a world all its own. Escape Adventures offers an idyllic three-day road biking tour in this romantic landscape, quilted with a colorful patchwork of old growth redwoods, fruitful vineyards, historic towns, and beautiful gardens. https://escapeadventures.com/tour/napa-valley-weekend-road-bike-tour/

Jackson Hole Tiny House: Wyoming’s Fireside Resort offers 25 luxuriously outfitted tiny house rental units designed by Wheelhaus just a short distance from Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole ski slopes, making it the perfect weekend getaway. https://www.firesidejacksonhole.com

Arizona Ranch Getaway: Visit Rancho de la Osa in Arizona for classic dude ranch activities, and Southwestern color and charm amid spring’s high-desert bloom. Try horseback riding, archery and shooting, or go hiking and birding at neighboring Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, then enjoy fresh, hearty, and healthy meals highlighting regional cuisine, and spend the night in accommodations once visited by the likes of Zane Grey and Eleanor Roosevelt. https://www.ranchodelaosa.com/

Piedmont Wine + Hiking: The Langa and Roero regions of Piedmont are in one of the most important wine production areas in Italy and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2014. This Tourissimo hiking tour of Piedmont takes guests to the heart of these regions, over rolling hills covered with endless vineyards, and past ancient castles and hidden hilltop hamlets. Travelers will see how connected the local people are to the land, and how they take pride in everything they produce. https://www.tourissimo.travel/piedmont-barolo-hiking

Big Sky Spring: In Big Sky, Montana, spring can bring adventures ranging from snowy to sunny. Using The Wilson Hotel as your base, ski the slopes of Lone Peak a final time in March and April, then, as the snow melts and temperatures warm in May and June, hike or bike the wildflower meadows and mountains surrounding town, go fly fishing or whitewater rafting on the famed Gallatin River, or explore the natural wonders and wildlife of Yellowstone National Park. https://thewilsonhotel.com/

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Alpaca Expeditions Offers Women-Only Treks to Machu Picchu, Peru

Alpaca Expeditions is offering women-only treks to Machu Picchu, Peru that are led by female guides and porters. Alpaca Expeditions has long advocated for women’s opportunity in the trekking operations © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

March is National Women’s History Month so it is most appropriate to highlight Alpaca Expeditions’ for a women-only expedition to Machu Picchu in Peru. The tour, Women-Only Salkantay & Sacred Valley 7 Day Tour to Machu Picchu,  was created through the company’s commitment to empowering women through exploration and cultural immersion. 

Alpaca Expeditions’ offering a women-only trip to Machu Picchu has only female guides and porters (Alpaca Expeditions was a leader in advocating for female porters, as well as sustainable, responsible tourism) who will lead female guests through Peru’s mesmerizing landscapes, captivating history and awe-inspiriting ruins. 

The Salkantay Trail is a spectacular multi-day hiking experience with a mix of scenery, terrain, glamping and community options that are not available on the classic Inca Trail expedition. This trek is very much off-the-beaten path, alternative trek that also goes to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. Trekkers will not see many other hikers or groups on the trail, adding to the intimacy of the experience in the vastness of the Andes mountains. Highlights also include Peruvian wine tasting, cooking class, the weaving women’s collective and a coffee tour. 

The trip is a mix of glamping and tent camping. Guests will enjoy two nights in glass cabañas with panoramic views of the snow-capped Salkantay mountain range and one night in Lord of the Rings-inspired Hobbit Houses exclusive to Alpaca Expeditions. Hot tubs, showers, and a nearby glacial fed river complement the mystical Hobbit House experience. Two nights are tent camping, one within the Salkantay Mountains, and the second at an exclusive campsite overlooking the ruins of Machu Picchu at Llactapata. The final night is at a hotel in the mountain village of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Sacred Vally and Salkantay Ultimate Hiking Tour to Machu Picchu – 7 days is $995 per person. Group size is 8-12. Custom tours with groups of 6 or more are available. Dates are available May – October 2025. 

To learn more visit: https://www.alpacaexpeditions.com/salkantay-trek-to-machu-picchu-7d-6n-only-women/ 

See our series featuring Alpaca Expeditions Inca Trail trek:

VISIT TO PERU’S SACRED VALLEY IS BEST WAY TO PREPARE FOR INCA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU

INCAN SITES OF PISAC, OLLANTAYTAMBO IN PERU’S SACRED VALLEY ARE PREVIEW TO MACHU PICCHU

ALPACA EXPEDITIONS’ INCA TRAIL TREK TO MACHU PICCHU IS PERSONAL TEST OF MIND OVER MATTER

DAY 1 ON THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU: A TEST

DAY 2 ON THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU: DUAL CHALLENGES OF DEAD WOMAN´S PASS, RUNCURACCAY

DAY 3 ON THE INCA TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU: TOWN IN THE CLOUDS, TERRACES OF THE SUN & FOREVER YOUNG

DAY 4 ON THE INCA TRAIL: SUN GATE TO MACHU PICCHU, THE LOST CITY OF THE INCAS

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Backroads Introduces New Active Adventures for Families for Summer

Backroads, a leader in active travel, has introduced several family summer programs including a Croatia & Slovenia Family Multi-Adventure Tour © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

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 AlpsNetherlands & BelgiumCroatia & 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 & TeensTeens & 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 informationincluding 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.

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12 Guided Tours That Appeal to Active Travelers

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/ 

Rafting on the Gallatin River, Big Sky, Montana, just outside Yellowstone National Park © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.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/

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

wukalina Walk, a member of Discover Aboriginal Experiences, has been named one of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places (photo: Jillian Mundy)

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

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

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

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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Discover the Remote Wonders of East Greenland with Secret Atlas

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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