Based at Lakutaia Lodge, anglers will fish the southernmost rivers of Chilean Patagonia in the UNESCO Cape Horn biosphere reserve on remote Navarino Island on Frontiers International Travel’s heli-fishing trip (courtesy Frontiers International).
Gibsonia, PA — Frontiers International Travel has introduced a luxury heli-fishing adventure to the only helicopter trout fly-out fishery in South America. Based at Lakutaia Lodge, anglers will fish the southernmost rivers of Chilean Patagonia in the UNESCO Cape Horn biosphere reserve on remote Navarino Island. Untouched trout waters abound with roads and paths of scarcity preserving the pristine nature of the region. The trip includes a night at the historic Hotel Jose Nogueira in Punta Arenas, round-trip lodge charter, and all fly-out fishing in one of the world’s most unique locales. Available January 15-April 15, an eight-day program starts at $7,600 per person. Custom group quotes are available, with only nine fly-out anglers allowed per week. For more information, visit http://www.frontierstravel.com/lakutaia-lodge or call Hank Ingram at 800-245-1950.
“The intimate landscape insures a chance to catch big Brown, Rainbow, Brook and Sea Run trout, accessible only by helicopter fly-in,” said Frontiers President Mike Fitzgerald. “This program is a mixture of Navarino Island’s rivers, creeks and lakes in one of the world’s most beautiful and wild regions.”
The Lakutaia Lodge features 22 comfortable rooms nestled among the indigenous flora and fauna of this southern most wilderness region. The cuisine embraces local seafood and coveted Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
Founded in 1969, Frontiers specializes in the finest worldwide fly fishing and shooting destinations, photographic safaris, as well as customized Elegant Journeys.
Join Big Chill Adventures on a trip designed to highlight Greenland and follow in the footsteps of Hans Poulsen Egede, a Dano-Norwegian Lutheran missionary (photo by M Cambiar).
There are not as many undiscovered places as there used to be, but following in the footsteps of some of the great explorers is a fantastic way to discover a new adventure. From the Silk Road to the seas of the Antarctica, here are five historical routes that you can follow today.
Shackleton’s Footsteps– Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton was a polar explorer who led three British expeditions to the Antarctic, and one of the principal figures of the period known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. With shipping restricted by impenetrable pack ice to just two brief months each austral summer, few people have ever visited the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. Join Adventure Life on a 30-day voyage, helmed by skillful sailors and knowledgeable guides, to experience nature on a scale so grand there are no words to describe it. http://www.adventure-life.com/new-zealand/cruises/2961/in-the-wake-of-scott-shackleton
Greenland Explorer– Hans Poulsen Egede was a Dano-Norwegian Lutheran missionary is credited with revitalizing Dano-Norwegian interest in Greenland after contact had been broken for hundreds of years. Join Big Chill Adventures on a trip designed to highlight all that Greenland has to offer, including calving glaciers, palatial icebergs, dogsledding, hut camping with Inuit people, wildlife viewing, a speed boat tour of the fjords surrounding Nuuk, kayaking amongst icebergs, mountain biking primitive trails, and helicoptering to a supra glacial lake. http://bigchilladventure.com/trips/greenland-june-2017/
Follow the Silk Road– Marco Polo is probably the most famous Westerner who traveled the Silk Road. Silk, spices, teas, precious metals and jewels, carefully lashed to pack camels, once made their way from one world to another along this route. Visit Kashgar, one of the most exotic cities in the world, skirt the infamous Taklamakan Desert on camelback, and admire the breathtaking views across 12,000-foot Torugart Pass on MIR Corporation’s most comprehensive Silk Road offering. http://www.mircorp.com/trip/chinese-turkestan-central-asia/
Visit Amazon Tribe– Despite the fact that indigenous people had been living in the Amazon for at least 10,000 years; the Amazon River was “discovered” by a Spanish explorer and conquistador, Don Francisco de Orellana. Gondwana EcoTours offers a 10-day tour of Ecuador that visits the Achuar, a tribe of 6,000 indigenous people still living traditionally in small Amazon communities along the Ecuadorian and Peruvian border. http://gondwanaecotours.com/tour/amazon-rainforest-ecotour/
Hannibal Expedition– Hannibal led the military forces of Carthage that fought against Rome in the Second Punic War. Join Ride & Seek on a ride of historical proportions cycling in the footsteps of Hannibal from Barcelona to Rome. Biking some of Europe’s most iconic and picturesque touring routes through Spain, France and Italy, this epic journey has it all. Traverse some of the iconic climbs of the Grand Tours, roll through the vineyards of the Languedoc, Provence, Piedmont and Tuscany, and sample the delights of the diverse gastronomy to be found along the route. http://www.rideandseek.com/epic/hannibal
(BJORKLIDEN, Sweden) – Off the Map Travelinvites families to experience their own winter wonderland with an exploration of Sweden’s spectacular ice formations and a hunt for the Northern Lights, all from inside a cozy igloo. Led by Sweden’s top Arctic adventures guides, the new Arctic Ice Adventure transports guests by snowmobile sled deep into the Arctic wilderness. Here they will spend some the day in a pre-built igloo and also learn how to build their own, contributing to an ongoing igloo building project.
Add to this the chance to explore and learn about magical ice caves and ice formations; catching dinner by ice fishing; listening to ancient stories about the Arctic; enjoying refreshments served in ice glasses and Aurora hunting from your remote Arctic igloo, and no matter your age, you’ll experience a frosty, fun and educational experience befitting Elsa or Anna in Frozen.
“Ice, snow, igloos and Northern Lights are iconic to the Arctic region, with films and TV series regularly bringing them to us from afar,” said Jonny Cooper, Northern Lights and Arctic travel expert from Off the Map Travel. “The Arctic Ice Adventure brings it all to life in a way that parents and children can experience it together.”
Available February 11-26, 2017, this new experience is included in a five-day family friendly Aurora adventure to Swedish Lapland priced from £1299 per person based on 2 adults and 2 children staying on a half board basis, excluding flights. Travelling with Off the Map Travel (www.offthemaptravel.co.uk ) the itinerary includes all transfers and activities including an Aurora hunt; a lesson in igloo building; a “Lights over Lapland” photography tour with marshmallows to toast over the fire in the tepee; Swedish fika; a dogsledding adventure into the Arctic wilderness; an Aurora spotting evening at Låktatjåkko Mountain Lodge in the giant snowcat with waffles and hot chocolate; and Arctic Ice Adventure at a local igloo on the frozen lake exploring ice formations and caves; and Sami storytelling.
The Arctic Ice Adventure can be added to any tailor-made Off the Map tour to Scandinavia such as a five-day Narvik Mountain Experience in Norway featuring a Northern Lights hunt at the Njalasouka Lavvu, a boat trip on the famous fjords, a “Lights at the Lodge” experience, a trip to Polar Park to meet the native animals of Scandinavia and experience a ‘wolf kiss’ and a night in the exclusive Wolf Lodge, and a Northern Lights dogsled trip.
Off the Map Travel
Off the Map Travel is a team of travel experts who work with experiences and destinations that allow people to explore hidden wonders of the world. Specializing in soft adventure and viewing of the Northern Lights, Off the Map Travel creates tailor-made itineraries that offer a distinctive vacation based on first-hand experience. Off the Map Travel vacations anticipate all travelers’ needs with pre-planning and customization. Each bespoke itinerary is tailored to the ages of participants, creating experiences for families, groups, couples and singles that are comfortable and luxurious, with activity levels appropriate for all participants.
What are the top adventure travel destinations for 2017? According to data from adventure tour search and review website Stride Travel, they include up-and-coming Cuba and classics such as Thailand. Here are seven tours highlighting Stride’s top destinations for the next year.
Cuba: With Cuba now more accessible to Americans, the Caribbean country is seeing an influx of travelers. One of the easiest ways to get there remains on an Adventure Life cruise. This unique land-and-sea exploration visit the country’s cultural centers and wild coastal sites – walk and socialize in the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Old Havana and Trinidad, and snorkel the diverse marine and reef ecosystems of Cayo Largo and Jardines de la Reina. http://www.adventure-life.com/caribbean/cuba/cruises/11462/cuba-by-land-and-sea-cultural-heritage-and-natural-wonders
Romania: After touring Bulgaria, cross into Romania to explore the painted monasteries and medieval towns of Transylvania – including Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad Dracul – with Mir Corporation. This trip visits the Palace of the Parliament and Curtea de Arges Monastery in Bucharest. http://www.mircorp.com/trip/bulgaria-romania-frescoes-fortresses
Belize: Fly fish and spin fish for tarpon, snook, permit and bonefish on the rivers, channels and flats of Belize on trips with Frontiers. If you want to take a day off from fishing, these jungle lodges also offer mountain biking, birding, zip lining, cave tubing and snorkeling. http://www.frontierstravel.com/belize/hosted-trips
Machu Picchu, Peru: Hike the last section of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, then higher to Huayna Picchu, and the capture colorful culture of Peru on this Travel Vision Journeys photography tour. Also included are Cusco, the Imperial City of the Incas, and the fertile Sacred Valley. http://travelvisionjourneys.com/tour/peru
Iceland: With more than 100 salmon rivers, countless trout and char fishing opportunities, plus glaciers, geysers, hiking, biking, whales and birds, Iceland is full of adventure – and Frontiers knows where to find it in this largely uninhabited country. http://www.frontiersiceland.com
Thailand: Explore the Grand Palace and floating markets of Bangkok, visit the oldest temple in Chiang Mai and help feed and bathe elephants at a nearby sanctuary, then swim and snorkel hidden lagoons and relax on the beaches of Phuket – this Adventure Life tour includes the best that Thailand has to offer. http://www.adventure-life.com/thailand/tours/4966/best-of-thailand
Greece: An Adventure Life cruise of Greece includes swimming in crystal blue waters off Kythira, as well as exploration of unique archaeological site of Delos and the volcanic caldera of Santorini. Enjoy Mykonos’ cosmopolitan life on an afternoon and evening off. http://www.adventure-life.com/mediterranean/cruises/11168/classical-greece
UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rapa Nui National Park (photo credit: Zegrahm Expeditions)
NEW YORK—Members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) offer travelers ease of access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the globe. From well-known sites such as Stonehenge and Victoria Falls, to unparalleled access to places like Iran’s historic cities of Pasargadae and Persepolis, USTOA members continue to recognize the importance of these sites and include them in packaged travel options for travelers across the world. UNESCO showcases and protects the world’s most cherished cultural and natural wonders while adding new World Heritage Sites to the prestigious list each year. This year’s World Heritage Committee decision to add 24 culturally significant sites brings the list total to 1,031 sites throughout 163 countries.
“By including UNESCO World Heritage Sites in their itineraries, USTOA members offer travelers a exceptional way to experience some of the world’s most fascinating and bucket list worthy sites,” said USTOA President and CEO Terry Dale. “Each year our members are excited to learn about new inductions and look for ways to include them in future expeditions.”
Following is a sample of USTOA member tour operators offering a chance to explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the globe.
Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island, is home to an impressive cultural landscape and intriguing Polynesian history. Zegrahm Expeditions offers explorers a 20-day journey from Tahiti to Easter Island to experience Rapa Nui National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during its “Tahiti to Easter Island: Marquesas, Tuamotus & Pitcairns” trip. Travelers discover the shrines and ancient figures, known as moai, built by the Polynesian society who settled on Rapa Nui around 300 AD. This tropical vacation also offers stunning views of volcanoes and the chance to snorkel amid vibrant reefs. Available November 5, 2017 from $19,980 per person.
Alexander + Roberts is bringing travelers to Iran for unparalleled access to 11 of Iran’s 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites during the “Persian Moments Private” itinerary. During this 13-day private tour, guests will visit the only bazaar in the world recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as well as discover Pasargadae and Persepolis, cities of the Achaemenid Empire. Available in 2017 and 2018.
Guests on African Travel Inc.’s 10-day “Southern Explorer” tour will hike alongside the mighty Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Other highlights include dining in the home of a local Capetonian family, discovering breathtaking scenery at the Cape of Good Hope and searching for the “Big Five.” Available throughout 2016, prices start at $3,895 per person.
Adventures by Disney’s“Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos Family Vacation” visits three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Angkor Archeological Park, the world’s largest religious monument; Luang Prabang, a town with rich architectural and artistic heritage; and Hoi An, an ancient trading port. Starting at $5,599 per person and available June through August 2016 with more departures in December, the adventure is rounded out by a Tuk-Tuk Temple Treasure Hunt, cooking class and an interactive experience with a Tai-Chi Master.
During Globus’“The Best of Southern England” seven-day tour, guests get the chance to visit some of the most recognizable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Stonehenge, the City of Bath, Westminster Palace, Westminster Abbey and Saint Margaret’s Church. Historical and beautiful, this trip starts at $1,549 per person land only.
For further inspirations or to search for dream travel itineraries and destinations, visit www.ustoa.com/dream.
Representing more than $13.5 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow nearly 8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.
The &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge opened near Victoria Falls on August 1, following an extensive multi-million dollar rebuild. Situated in a 123,500-acre private wildlife concession on the Zambezi River, the lodge is set to provide the most luxurious accommodation and most unique wildlife experiences in the area.
&Beyond Matetsi River Lodge consists of two camps of nine suites each, including a family suite at each camp. With one camp fully open and operational on August 1, the remaining camp is scheduled to open in September.
Highlighting the area’s cultural heritage, Matetsi is decorated with traditional abstract carvings of wood and stone, and features a strong copper theme in homage to the mineral riches of the region. The lodge boasts a generous Safari Shop and state-of-the-art gym, as well as a massage sala and conference facility. A 66-foot-long rim flow swimming pool stretches along the river’s bank.
A sole-use private villa, &Beyond Matetsi River House, adds exclusive accommodation for private groups of up to eight. The four-bedroom villa boasts its own kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a private veranda overlooking the Zambezi, a swimming pool and its own fire pit. It comes with a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef and butler.
Located on one of the largest wildlife concessions in the area and boasting extensive river frontage, &Beyond Matetsi offers the most rich and exclusive game viewing experience in Victoria Falls. Guests are in for exceptional game drives led by highly trained &Beyond guides, including consistent sightings of zebra, giraffe and buffalo, as well as the big herds of elephant that Matetsi is justly renowned for. Wild dogs and hyena are spotted on a regular basis and large prides of lion have made the reserve their home. Cheetah, and leopard, as well as the elegant sable and roan antelope are also among the species seen at Matetsi.
“Having originally been involved in the conversion of the Matetsi concession from wildlife hunting to photographic safaris, we are very excited to be relaunching Matetsi to the world,” says Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO. “Not only does this well-loved reserve offer an outstanding guest experience for its stunning location on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, but it also allows them the opportunity to tour the world-famous Victoria Falls in true &Beyond style, using our own vehicles and guides. The lodge itself will without question also set a new standard in Zimbabwe and at Victoria Falls.”
With the lodge situated in close proximity to the World Heritage Site of Victoria Falls, a complimentary tour of the Falls is included in the rate for a stay of two nights or more at &Beyond Matetsi River Lodge. The activity is an interpretive tour accompanied by an &Beyond guide, and includes the opportunity to explore the paths around the Victoria Falls Park, visit the Livingstone statue, and learn about how the Falls were created. Afterwards, guests enjoy a decadent high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel.
Extensive planning and reserve management has taken place on the concession for almost two years, encouraging wildlife to thrive in this ideal riverside location. As part of the ambitious project, 14 new waterholes have been created on the reserve, using strategically placed troughs and solar pumps. Additional pumps were placed at existing boreholes to ensure a steady water supply. A new network of roads has opened up the reserve for game drives, while bush clearing programs have limited the encroachment of fast-growing plant species, increasing the habitat for plains game.
The wildlife population has also benefitted from increased security efforts, with both armed National Parks staff and privately sourced employees being utilized for anti-poaching patrols.
For more information, or to book log on to www.andBeyond.com or contact your preferred travel specialist.
With summer temperatures rising, many travelers have started looking for ways to escape the heat. Below are six favorite “beat-the-heat-adventures” for 2016.
Lofoten Islands & Western Fjords of Norway – Experience the midnight sun in Norway’s Lofoten Islands, one of the world’s most beautiful archipelagos. Explore dramatic scenery north of the Arctic Circle. Embark on a Midnight Sun Cruise and search for whales and other life. Visit millennium-old archeological sites, tour a reconstructed Viking longhouse and kayak quiet waters north of the Arctic Circle. http://gondwanaecotours.com/tour/the-lofoten-islands-and-western-fjords-of-norway/
Explore Chile North to South – Experience Chile’s main highlights on this journey starting in the North and ending in the South of the country. Explore the arid Atacama Desert, stroll Santiago’s streets, and adventure in the Lakes District near Puerto Varas. Finish your Chile tour with hiking in the remote Torres del Paine National Park. Add on an extension to Easter Island to round out your Chilean exploration. http://www.adventure-life.com/chile/tours/3801/chile-north-to-south#dates
Iceland and The Diamond Circle – Visit incredible waterfalls, lakes, mountains and experience stories of trolls and elves. This six-day tour travels by 4WD car from Reykjavik through the Skagafjordur Region to the highlights of the Diamond Circle in the north, returning to Reykjavik by plane. Long nights and clear skies provide high chance of Northern Lights sightings. http://bigchilladventure.com/trips/iceland-sep2016/
South Greenland Cruise – Board the historical Rembrandt van Rijn on this 8-day South Greenland cruise. During your journey, visit the famous medieval Norse Cathedral, see where Viking Eric Red lived, spot white-tailed eagles and other wildlife, bathe in a hot spring surrounded by icebergs, and admire beautiful Arctic scenery. http://www.adventure-life.com/arctic/cruises/4963/south-greenland-viking-trails#dates
Nova Scotia Bike/Hike Tour – Enjoy scenic rides and hikes amid pristine beaches, marshland, quaint villages, and beautiful vineyards. Highlights include: absorbing the region’s history at UNESCO World Heritage Sites; cycling a variety of picturesque paved roads and trails; wildlife viewing opportunities; exceptional local cuisine and fresh seafood; and four-star accommodations. http://ciclismoclassico.com/trips/nova-scotia-bike-tour/
Fly Fish Alaska – Bristol Bay Lodge offers fishing for all five species of Pacific salmon, leopard-spotted rainbow trout, Dolly Varden trout, arctic char, grayling and northern pike. The most unique aspect of this operation is the exclusive overnight out-camps. No other lodge can offer this unique rotation schedule which combines day and overnight fishing trips, first-class accommodations and attentive service. http://www.frontierstravel.com/bristol-bay/
Midcoast, Maine — With the addition of creative new specialty cruises, growth in the fleet and a special parade to celebrate Acadia National Park’s Centennial, the Maine Windjammer Association (MWA) has lots of new offerings for visitors in 2016.
This year, brand-new specialty cruises include bluegrass and beer aboard Ladona, a sail and kayaking cruise aboard Lewis R. French and a wellness cruise aboard Victory Chimesthat includes massage therapists, art therapists and yoga instructors.
2016 also welcomes a new member to the MWA fleet: the 82-foot schooner Ladona. Launched in 1922 as a private yacht, she spent her early years cruising the eastern seaboard and, in 1923, winning her class in the Bermuda Cup. Other adventures included a stint as a US Navy submarine patrol, a fishing dragger, a sail-training vessel, and now a Maine windjammer. After a nearly two-year restoration, Ladona will provide guests with the opportunity to experience vintage cruising once again.
For visitors looking to experience that once-in-a-century sailing opportunity, the MWA is hosting a parade through Somes Sound on August 2nd as part of the Acadia Centennial Celebration. Guests can sign up to sail for the week, or just show up in the Park and enjoy spectacular views of the windjammers as they sail in company through the Northeast’s only fjard with its towering 600-foot cliffs.
“Every trip is different and every trip is a wellness cruise where you slow down, reconnect to nature and enjoy your fellow travelers,” says Captain Linda Lee of Schooner Heritage.
Captains know that some guests want to indulge their passions or dive deeper into their hobbies which is why they’ve created specialty cruises that include activities like wine tasting, photography, knitting, lighthouse tours, full moon cruises, and live music cruises. Children will enjoy pirate adventures while older kids may enjoy sharing a weekend away with Dad.
With nine windjammers sailing from mid-May to October, there are 227 trips to choose from, ranging from in length from 1-8 days. Average prices range from $188-$250 per day, everything included, depending on the length of trip, ship and season.
There are specialty themed cruises all season long and the various vessels have their own specialty, plus there are festivals and events throughout the season (favorite are the tie-ups, when all the vessels come together).
But my absolute favorite experience is the annual Great Schooner Race, hailed as the largest annual gathering of historic landmark sailing vessels and one of the oldest races of its type in the United States – this year, the 40th, takes place on July 8. It is a spectacular event, and utterly thrilling to be aboard one of the 20 schooners. The race is usually a part of the cruise, so you don’t miss out on the other experiences that are hallmarks of a Maine Windjammer sailing.
The Maine Windjammer Association represents the largest fleet of traditional sailing vessels in North America. From May to October, the windjammers offer three- to six-day sailing adventures to vacationers seeking an authentic sailing experience that includes great scenery, wildlife, delicious meals and plenty of time to go ashore and explore.
For more information about the historic vessels of the Maine Windjammer Association, visit www.sailmainecoast.com.
SAUSALITO, CA – It is one thing to see a sloth at a zoo or rescue center, but how many kids can boast seeing more than a dozen along with multiple troops of wild monkeys during a jungle hike on just the second day of their vacation? Such an experience can inspire a child to eventually become a biologist, start a green business, or just live his or her life more respectful of nature and connected to the wonders of life.
This is the magic behind Wild Planet Adventure’s award-winning Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife Eco-Tour which features prime-time family-focused departures in July and December. “This adventure,” explains company founder Josh Cohen, “is specifically intended to inspire young minds and expose them to astonishing natural wonders and thought provoking adventure, while surrounded by passionate, enthusiastic guides and field scientists who are making a difference in the world by following their dreams.”
The 9-, 10.5- and 14-day itineraries, crafted by Cohen have been designed to, “put families in front of more wildlife than any other eco-tour offered today.” Days include expert-led wildlife excursions in up to eight national parks and wildlife reserves, cloud forest canopy bridges and zip-lines, whitewater rafting, wildlife-spotting float trips, smoking volcanoes, bubbling hot-springs, sun swept beaches on both coasts, a sloth rescue program, scarlet macaw migration, hands-on learning at a wildlife rescue center, sea-kayaking with dolphins, snorkeling at night in the bioluminescence, night hikes for nocturnal animals and much more.
As Cohen explains it, “Wild Planet’s activities are expressly designed to create lasting impact on the entire family. We want to inspire kids of all ages to reach for their dreams and expand their horizons. This consciousness is self-evident in every aspect of our Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife itinerary.”
Included is a specially arranged experience at La Selva Biological Reserve. La Selva is the largest field station of the Organization for Tropical Studies, where 64 universities from all over the world offer graduate and undergraduate courses in tropical rainforest biology. La Selva hosts approximately 300 scientists and 100 university courses every year. Wild Planet has negotiated a special program here where guests hike the trails of La Selva’s private reserve with biologist guides with the opportunity to interact with researchers and even peek into the labs, conditions permitting.
Cohen likes to recall the time, when on a recent trip, a 13 year-old traveler was completely enthralled upon meeting a biologist who was researching how female red and blue poison arrow frogs return after a year to a site where they previously laid their eggs. Learning how the frogs are able to remember the exact location of oviposition in the dense rain forest and even identify their own offspring out of thousands of young frogs impacted that child far more than any textbook could.
Young travelers are also treated to Wild Planet’s special Sloth Rescue program where they can interact with animals, scientific researchers and wildlife experts. There is also a special hands-on “voluntourism” segment at a wildlife rescue center, complete with feeding.
Authentic, in-depth and non-commercial excursions into Costa Rica’s parks and reserves are led by Wild Planet’s gifted naturalist guides, over 90% of whom are trained biologists. Itineraries are specifically designed to take full advantage of the extreme biodiversity Costa Rica has to offer. Strategically comprehensive, itineraries include both lowland and mid-elevation rainforests on both coasts, cloud forests on top of the continental divide, gallery forests surrounding the rivers, volcanoes, hot springs and both northern and southern climes, all while while maintaining a comfortable pace.
“Such diversity is nearly impossible to arrange on one’s own,” explains Cohen, “as it requires precision execution in order to arrive at certain destinations at just the perfect moment.” An example of this is a visit to Carara National Park when the group arrives at the ideal time to see the evening migration of scarlet macaws returning from the coastal mangroves. Cohen believes that the wide variety of eco-systems they visit is one of the key reasons his “Ultimate Wildlife” eco-tour can boast significantly higher wildlife sighting statistics than conventional tours.
This trip is designed for kids as young as eight and features distinctive accommodations, meals, transportation, activities, park admissions, and top naturalist guides in an all inclusive price starting at $3,398/person for a 9-day version or $4,998 for the full 14-day itinerary. A 10½ day version is also offered starting at $3,898/person. Group size is limited to 12 due to the special wildlife focus, except for private departures upon special request. See: http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/destinations/?country=costa-rica
There’s still time to take advantage of special family departures June 25, July 16, 21 and 30 as well as Christmas family departures December 17, 24, 26 and 31. Wild Planet strongly suggests booking as early as possible for best airfares.
Recently, Wild Planet Adventures received its fifth “Worlds’ 50 Best Trips” award from the editors of National Geographic Traveler for its “On the Jaguar’s Trail; from the Pantanal to the Amazon” wildlife safari in Brazil. Previous National Geographic Traveler awards went to Wild Planet’s Thailand, Costa Rica, India, Panama wildlife eco-tours and its ultimate African safari in Zambia. Wild Planet Adventures is also recognized by other top travel publications for its wildlife-focused itineraries in Africa, Borneo, Brazil, Costa Rica, Galapagos, India, Laos, Nepal, Panama, Peru, Thailand and Zambia.
This Mother’s Day, spice things up by giving her the gift of travel. Travel expert Adam York has selected eight bucket list adventures that span the spectrum of Moms, but are sure to make this the most epic Mother’s Day ever.
Nicaragua Escape– Retreat to a tranquil hideaway overlooking the white sands beaches of the Pacific Ocean at Aqua Wellness Resort. Mom will enjoy two days in charming Granada City where she will kayak, volcano hike, and zip-line, before heading to her exceptional beachfront retreat. She will relax, play, and decompress in a beautiful rainforest setting.
Alaska Northern Lights– Join Gondwana EcoTours on a Northern Lights tour of Alaska. Mom will get a dose of local culture by day, and by night have the opportunity to photograph the Aurora Borealis under the massive Alaskan sky! She will zip between snow-covered trees on the back of a dog-sled, soak in the mineral-rich waters of geothermal hot springs, walk through the frozen art of an ice-sculpture museum, and sip martinis out of glasses made of ice.
Argentina Wine + Photo Adventure– Mom will join renowned Argentine photographer, teacher, and documentary filmmaker, Ossian Lindholm, on the first-ever photography + high-altitude wine tour of Northwest Argentina. This is a magical journey that is perfect for photographers and wine lovers of all levels. Mom will be immersed in the region’s geography, wildlife, cuisine, and culture.
Barge Cruise through France– Fine wines, delicious cuisine, and a leisurely approach to the enjoyment of each day await Mom on a barge cruise down France’s picturesque waterways. From the rolling vineyards of Burgundy to the tree-lined Canal du Midi in the Languedoc region, Frontiers International Travel’s selection of handpicked vessels provide a range of options suitable for anyone in search of a unique holiday with like-minded people.
Moscow, the Golden Ring and St. Petersburg– Mom will discover where Russian art, architecture and culture began. In between the urban centers of Moscow and St. Petersburg, she’ll experience the Russian countryside. The oldest and loveliest churches in Russia, Sergiev Posad’s wooden crafts, and Fedoskino’s glowing lacquer boxes all put a shine on Russia’s Golden Ring that Mom will never forget.
Cycle Villages of Provence– Take Mom on Ride & Seek’s Provence cycling tour through the most beautiful villages of France as ordained by the group Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. This tour emphasizes authentic cuisine and local wines. There is a wonderful correlation between fine wine growing areas and world-class cycling.
Dude Ranch Retreat– The 25,000 acre Red Reflet Ranch in Ten Sleep, Wyoming is both working ranch and luxury resort. Mom will hike, ride horses, skeet shoot, fly fish, mountain bike, dine on gourmet food, and play cowgirl on this fun-filled getaway. From cattle drives to branding, the true western lifestyle thrives at Red Reflet.
Diamond Circle Tour of Iceland– The land of fire and ice, active volcanoes and glaciers! Countless geysers, hot pots, and fumaroles dot the landscape. These unique features create a landscape filled with incredible waterfalls, lakes, mountains and stories of trolls and elves. On this six-day trip, Mom will travel by 4WD car from Reykjavik through the Skagafjordur Region to see the highlights of the Diamond Circle in the north, and return to Reykjavik by plane.
