Category Archives: Adventure Travel

Active Travel, Adventure Travel, camping-glamping, Nature Travel, Responsible Travel, river rafting

Western River Expeditions Offers Tips on Adventure Travel to Costa Rica

In the heart of the Costa Rica jungle sits the Pacuare Lodge, a remote rainforest paradise. Western River Expeditions guests raft in with a small group and, once at the lodge, find themselves surrounded mostly by dense jungle and the sounds of the nearby river.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – When it comes to a vacation in Costa Rica, the experts advise that “you gotta know the territory.” But how can you if you’ve never been there?
 
Follow the tips of Western River Expeditions, soon to enter its 59th season of award-winning adventure travel. Here are a few of many questions this company suggests you ponder before booking a Western River Expeditions’ 9-Day Costa Rica Vacation Package. 

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?  This is the question that everyone asks and the answer is, “It depends!” Mid-December to April can often be drier, but due to this, and the fact that it’s a popular time to get away to warm destinations, the crowds can be greater. During May through the first half of December, daily rainfall is more common. It’s a period the locals refer to as “the green season.” During this period, you might experience different wildlife and fewer crowds. Generally, the rain doesn’t last all day and guests find periods of lovely sunshine each day as well.
 
But here’s a little secret! In some years, visitors reap the rewards of Costa Rica’s “Little Summer” (Veranillo de San Juan or Little Summer of Saint John) in July. Because of a little-known weather phenomenon that in-the-know wildlife lovers are keen to, July is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica. The secret is a drier break after the rains of May and June that yield flowering trees and fruits, which attract a lot of wildlife.
 
Do you appreciate crowds or are you looking for something more secluded?  The time of travel will affect the crowd levels in popular destinations such as Arenal and Manuel Antonio, but Western River Expeditions has built in to its Costa Rica itinerary a few days of blissful seclusion. In the heart of the jungle sits the Pacuare Lodge, a remote rainforest paradise. Guests raft in with a small group and, once at the lodge, participants find themselves surrounded mostly by dense jungle and the sounds of the nearby river. A hike along centuries-old trails to the top of the Talamanca Mountains brings a visit with the Cabécar Indians, the largest indigenous group in Costa Rica. This is only one of the eight lodge-based activities to choose from. Extending a stay at the lodge (optional) gives visitors even more time to participate in the various experiences offered.
 
When is the best time to go rafting in Costa Rica?  The Pacuare River (rated among the top 10 rivers in the world by National Geographic) offers 38 Class II-IV rapids over 16 river miles with the caveat that the excitement varies by how high and fast the river is flowing. During the dry season of January to April whitewater rafting in Costa Rica is more sanguine than during the misting and green months of May through December. That said, there can always be unpredictable rainfall any time of year that raises the water levels – and the excitement levels.
 
Is birding a passion?  From a bird watching tour at the Pacaure Lodge, to the Mistico Hanging Bridges tour which boasts over 200 species of birds, to the Manuel Antonio National Park which is home to more than 180 different species visitors will find plenty of rare picture taking opportunities.
 
Interested in surfing?  Experienced surfers appreciate the bigger waves of September and October on the Pacific Coast. Adrenaline-seeking travelers wanting to take optional surfing lessons while in Manuel Antonio (highly recommended), might appreciate the somewhat tamer surf during the remainder of the year.
 
Do you love authentic wildlife viewing?  You’ll likely find wildlife in Costa Rica no matter when you choose to visit. One of the top destinations on the Western River 9-Day Costa Rica itinerary is the Manuel Antonio National Park. Home to a variety of mammal species, it is a thrill to be personally greeted by multiple curious Mono Titi monkeys on a day tour.

 
“Our guests experience Costa Rica by the activities they choose, such as river rafting, zip lining over the rainforest canopy and a 3km walk over 15 bridges suspended from the ground to the treetops. But guests are also taken to the base of the Arenal Volcano where they can soak in therapeutic cascading hot springs, through the sights and sounds of primitive rainforests and jungles as well as to Manuel Antonio National Park (named one of the world’s 12 most beautiful national parks by Forbes). This park is home to 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds. Here on the Pacific Ocean are the sandy beaches and gentle surf that fulfill the requirements of a great vacation,” said company CMO Brandon Lake. 
 
The basic rate is from $3,705 per person, double inclusive of transfers, hotels, activities, 11 meals and most activities. Western River Expeditions’ core Costa Rica program can be arranged for just two people or for up to 25 and can be customized by lengthening or shortening the trip and by adding or deleting activities. Year-round departures on a space-available basis can be tailored to travelers’ schedules.
 
The tour utilizes four distinguished properties selected for panache, location and comfort. In the gateway city of San Jose is Hotel Grano de Oro. At Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort guests enjoy a swim-up bar, local and international gourmet cuisine and they are positioned to explore the geology of Arenal Volcano and nearby hot springs. While on the Pacuare River guests enjoy Pacuare Lodge (National Geographic Traveler World’s Best Ecolodge). Tulemar Bungalows (a Travel + Leisure World’s Best award winner) in Manuel Antonio National Park offers and ocean and beaches.
 
For vacation package details please see https://www.westernriver.com/costa-rica-vacation-package.
 
For more on how Costa Rica weather varies from season to season, see https://www.westernriver.com/costa-rica-vacation-package/weather.
 
To request a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020 catalog and for questions, availability and reservations, call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669), or visit the award-winning website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.
 
Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).
 
Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for sixteen consecutive years.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Responsible Travel

Travelers to Moab, Utah, Encouraged To Take Responsibility For Protecting Environment

Moab Adventure Center, a major tour company, addresses the ying and the yang of the popularity of Moab, Utah for travelers.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT– Taking ownership – and responsibility – for a pet, a cause or even a place comes after people feel vested in the pet, cause or place. Take a place called Moab, Utah, for example. Every year this region known as the red rock playground is a joyful discovery for thousands of first-time visitors. But as the word continues to spread about this breathtaking destination, a new set of challenges arises.
 
On one hand, it’s a blessing to local businesses and economy that this remote region of Utah along the Colorado River is so popular. On the other hand, with every sound of an ATV and even with the quieter pace of a mountain bike or step of a hiking boot comes the potential to erode the playground’s fragile infrastructure.
 
“When our guests depart the river after a rafting adventure, or hike out of a canyon after canyoneering or step off a horse after horseback riding, or float over all of this beauty in a hot air balloon, they’re forever changed. And they ‘get’ why we ask them to become stewards of this landscape,” says Brian Merrill, CEO of Western River Expeditions that guides guests through the rapids of the Colorado River. A sister company, Moab Adventure Center, arranges activities for people staying for a day or a week in or around Moab.
 
Merrill’s team is taking a lead in inviting its guests to “Do It Like a Local.” This is the Moab Area Travel Council’s engaging video campaign showing guests how to vest themselves in Moab’s future by being respectful visitors. See https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiCq99E3e2EQkpbJIq0pnAw
 
“I don’t think we have a problem of too many people, but we do have challenges on how to disperse them at certain times of day and in busy months,” says Merrill. “Our challenge is to showcase the region in the spring, fall and winter. The beauty doesn’t go away – but the crowds do.”
 
The region is expanding infrastructure to keep up with visitor demand. In 2020 an additional 500 lodging rooms are scheduled to come on line. However, since this infrastructure was approved, both city and county have created moratoriums on new nightly rentals, including turning a spare bedroom into an Airbnb. To help disperse visitors, regional and state marketing efforts are trying to divert people to a myriad of iconic sites beyond the bucket list Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park.
 
“Some long-time locals want the town to go to sleep again. Others value the fact that things are going well here. Fairly recent transplants bring along a not-in-my-backyard attitude and want to shut the door behind them. I understand all these sentiments,” Merrill says. He notes that Western River Expeditions does have approval for occupancy in a building that will house up to 64 employees, helping the company retain valuable seasonal employees and reducing the demand on local housing.
 
Jason Taylor is operations manager for the company’s Utah and Moab-specific programs. His messaging to Western River Expeditions and Moab Adventure Center guests echoes that of the Moab Area Travel Council. Additional sustainable practices include giving guests who are on multi-day outings steel vacuum water bottles they can take home with them, thus eliminating plastic. Recycling and using energy-efficient tools are imbedded into the protocol, as is the importance of hiring locally.
 
In addition, a major part of what Western River Expeditions and Moab Adventure Center are doing, according to Brandon Lake, VP and Co-Founder of Moab Adventure Center, is to help guests understand how to create a low impact during their guided exploration of the area. “Guides who can teach guests how and where to hike, ride and drive in our fragile landscapes can make a major difference in reducing impact over those who explore these same areas on their own without understanding the damage they may be doing.” This is one of the many benefits to choosing a local tour company to help you experience Moab.
 
For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.
 
Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon.
 
Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/) is a division of Western River Expeditions and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT. Located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT the center is a one-stop resource for a myriad of outdoor adventures. It also boasts a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing and souvenirs. For information and tour reservations call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, expeditionary cruises, Uncategorized

Iceland ProCruises Publishes 2021 Itineraries; Offers 20% Discounts

Iceland and Greenland specialist Iceland ProCruises has released their 2021 Brochure which includes a price decrease for their “Best of Iceland” itinerary; no price increase on all other sailings and a new route for Greenland Cruises.

Reykjavik, Iceland – Iceland and Greenland specialist Iceland ProCruises has released their 2021 Brochure which includes a price decrease for their “Best of Iceland” itinerary; no price increase on all other sailings and a new route for Greenland Cruises. 

The itinerary for 2021 includes ten trips of the expedition ship OCEAN DIAMOND around Iceland, three trips “Best of Iceland” and two trips to Greenland. For all trips there is an early bird discount of 20 percent for bookings through 31st December 2020.

The company’s premier itinerary – the circumnavigation of Iceland, is offered on ten departure dates from mid-May to mid-august and one in early September. These trips with the OCEAN DIAMOND are soft expedition cruises and are accompanied by an Icelandic expedition team, who all speak English and German. The journey begins and ends in Reykjavik. Ports on the circuit are Stykkisholmur, Isafjördur, Siglufjördur, Akureyri, Skjalfandi Bay, Seydisfjördur, Djupivogur and Vestmannaeyjar. The ten-day (nine-night) trip is available from $2,320 per person.

The voyage “Best of Iceland” will take guests to and from Reykjavik on the OCEAN DIAMOND for seven nights around the island. The tour visits Stykkisholmur, Isafjördur, Akureyri, Skjalfandi Bay, Djupivogur and on the Westman Islands. The eight-day (seven night) trip sails September 6-19 is available from $1,840 per person.

The Iceland and Natural Wonders of Greenland cruise will now combine Greenland’s East coast and West coast. The new destination, East Greenland, is one of the most isolated areas in the world. To the west, the massive central icecap rises 8,000 feet. To the east is the open ocean, strewn with drifting sea ice from the North Pole. This seclusion is the reason why traditions and culture run deeper here than anywhere else in Greenland. Untouched nature with huge fjords and mighty icebergs dominates the landscape. There are two trips to Greenland with flights to and from Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) and Keflavik included in the price. The Natural Wonders of the West Coast of Greenland is available August 7 to 18 from Reykjavik via East Greenland to Narsarsuaq. From Greenland’s capital Nuuk, the route leads to Ilulissat with its ice fjord before cruising onward via Uummannaq to the destination port of Kangerlussuaq. The twelve-day trip (11 night) is available from $3,195 per person. The second itinerary travels from Kangerlussuaq to Reykjavik August 18 to 29 and is available from $3,195 per person.

There is still availability for cruises in 2020 around Iceland and Greenland. When booking until 31st December 2019 the early bird discount of 20 percent applies.

Bookings may be made with a local travel agency or directly at +1 678 701 5830. More information at www.icelandprocruises.com, including rates and schedules for 2021.

Iceland ProCruises is part of the Iceland ProTravel group which is located in six countries and a leading tour operator for incoming travelers to Iceland. Their office in Iceland includes: Iceland ProCruises, Iceland ProTravel–a local DMC, Iceland ProTravel Services and Iceland ProFishing. Gudmundur Kjartansson, a native Icelander, and Ann-Cathrin Bröcker from Luxembourg, owners of the whole Iceland ProTravel group have over twenty years of combined experience in Icelandic tourism.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Arctic/Antarctic Travel, ecotourism, star gazing trips, Uncategorized

Off the Map Travel Introduces ‘Truly Green Aurora’ Arctic Northern Lights Holiday by Eco-Friendly EBike/Snowmobile

Off the Map Travel, Northern Lights travel experts have added an environmental twist to their popular all-day Aurora itinerary in Svalbard, using e-snowmobiles powered by renewable energy from the Arctic winds and the Midnight sun, guests while searching for the Northern Lights.

(Longyearbyen, SVALBARD) —  Off the Map Travel, Northern Lights travel experts have added an environmental twist to their popular all-day Aurora itinerary in Svalbard, making it the lowest impact Arctic Northern Lights adventure ever. Using e-snowmobiles powered by renewable energy from the Arctic winds and the Midnight sun, guests indulge their green sensibilities at any hour of the day while searching for the Northern Lights in the eco-friendly “Truly Green Aurora” holiday. 

The new adventure is based in Longyearbyen on the island of Svalbard at 78° North, an island designated as a Sustainable Destination. The itinerary is recommended from November to January when the skies over the island are almost permanently black, forming a perfect backdrop for searching the Aurora both daytime and nighttime. www.offthemap.travel

“Although the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and are never guaranteed, you need clear, dark skies to optimize your chances to see them,” notes Jonny Cooper, Arctic travel expert and founder of Off the Map Travel. He explains, “Svalbard’s dark skies and extended Aurora viewing are due to the sun’s being at least 6 degrees below the horizon. This means it can be dark all day so the Northern Lights can appear at any time. In effect, the sun never rises.”

To compliment this eco Arctic adventure, guests will also journey into the wilderness on a snowshoe trek and hunt for the Aurora while driving a dogsled. The activities and experiences minimize travel impact and encourage connection with the environment and culture. The new holiday is in line with the reason Svalbard and Longyearbyen were designated a prestigious Sustainable Destination where travel experiences are designed to care for nature, culture and environment as well as strengthen local social values.

“The new eBikes are snowmobiles that use electric motors that are great for the environment as well as totally quiet permitting a closer connection with local wildlife and nature,” states Cooper. “The quiet engine allows for gentle searching of the Northern Lights, reindeer, ptarmigans and polar foxes. Exploring some of the most uncharted areas of our planet has never been more eco-friendly,” he adds.

As with any itinerary from Off the Map Travel, every adventure can be tailor-made to fit the wishes and requirements of any guest. As an example, a 4-day, 3-night A Truly Green All Day Aurora itinerary with Off the Map Travel, is priced starting from $1407 per person, not including flights. This includes private transfers and three nights at Funken Lodge on a B&B basis, Northern Lights evening at Camp Barentz, use of an electric snowmobile under the Aurora, dog sledding under the Aurora, snowshoeing to an ice cave, and a tour to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, an underground bunker where seeds, nuts and plant species are stored and protected against global crisis. https://www.offthemap.travel/green-aurora/ 

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 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. www.offthemap.travel

For more information on tailor-made Off the Map Travel itineraries visit www.offthemap.travel; call 646-701-0041; email [email protected] or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube or Pinterest

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Antarctica, Arctic/Antarctic Travel, cruises, expeditionary cruises, Expeditionary Travel, Uncategorized

AdventureSmith Explorations Offers 2021 Solar Eclipse Viewing on 7 Antarctic Cruises

On Dec. 4, 2021, there will be a total eclipse of the sun in Antarctica, a region most can only dream about. But Adventure Smith Explorations, an international expert in small ship expedition cruising, has announced limited availability for voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula to witness this phenomenon that will only be seen in the south polar region.

TRUCKEE, CA – On Dec. 4, 2021, there will be a total eclipse of the sun in Antarctica, a region most can only dream about. But Adventure Smith Explorations, an international expert in small ship expedition cruising, has announced limited availability for voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula to witness this phenomenon that will only be seen in the south polar region.
 
Vessels accommodating from 102 to 170 passengers are specifically appointed to maneuver the ice-bound waters of Antarctica for positioning in the center of the moon shadow during the eclipse.
 
Itineraries of 20 to 24 days will utilize in-depth technology to find the best possible viewing area, hoping to ensure an unobscured sun.
 
Departures are round-trip from Ushuaia, Argentina, with explorations of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, the ultimate polar wilderness. These eclipse cruises aim to be in the Weddell Sea to witness the phenomena among giant tabular icebergs and sea ice.
 
For some passengers the eclipse will be the expedition’s highlight. However, the ongoing adventure into spring in Antarctica will leave everyone in awe over some of the world’s most impressive scenery, including icebergs of every size and description, and Antarctica’s best wildlife viewing opportunities. Waters rich with krill are home to a variety of whale and seal species. Penguins form large nesting colonies on land.
 
Antarctica cruises, already once-in-a-lifetime experiences, become even more so on the following small ships in December 2021. Following are the scheduled departures for eclipse viewing:
 
20-Day Voyages

     Nov. 23-Dec. 12, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard 116-guest Planica’s; per person double rates from $16,400.

     Nov. 25-Dec. 14, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard the brand-new 170-guest Janssonius; per person double rates from $16,400.

     Nov. 26-Dec. 15, 2021 – Polar Solar Eclipse, aboard the brand-new 170-guest Hondius; per person double rates from $16,400. 

The Plancius, Janssonius and Hondius are purpose-built expedition vessels designed exclusively for polar cruises. These ships offer top-tier activity gear and exploratory educational travel programs, with guests spending as much time ashore as possible.
 
23-Day Voyage

     Nov. 20-Dec. 12, 2021 – Antarctic Wildlife Adventure, aboard 114-guest Sea Spirit; per person double rates from $18,395. Complementing the strong credentials of the ship’s team of marine biology, history, geology and ornithology specialists will be Paul M. Sutter, astrophysicist, author, speaker, producer and on-air host. His first book, Your Place in the Universe; Understanding Our Big, Messy Existence, was published by Prometheus Books in 2018. He is the author of over 50 articles on astrophysics and serves as Chief Scientist of the Center of Science and Industry in Columbus, Ohio. 

24-Day Voyages

     Nov. 17-Dec. 10, 2021– National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands, aboard 102-guest National Geographic Orion; per person double rates from $26,600.

     Nov. 17-Dec. 10, 2021 – National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands, aboard the brand-new, 126-guest National Geographic Endurance; per person double rates from $28,750.

     Nov. 18-Dec. 11, 2021 – National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands, aboard 148-guest National Geographic Explorer; per person double rates from $25,890. 

On these National Geographic cruises, photography experts will share information about special equipment you’ll need if you want to create an image of the eclipse, like solar filters. And the onboard National Geographic photographer and certified photo instructor will prepare guests for the special challenges of shooting an eclipse from a ship, where tripods and long exposures don’t work on what amounts to a moving platform. A naturalist team and guest speakers will provide insight and background on eclipses and other astronomical features one might encounter in the Southern Ocean and Southern Hemisphere.
 
For intrepid explorers who can’t wait until 2021 to experience Antarctica, AdventureSmith Explorations announces availability with some rate savings on the following Antarctic expeditions in the 2019-2020 season.

     Antarctic Peninsula  – 5 percent savings if cruise for 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons is booked by Dec. 1, 2019.  

     Antarctic Latitudes – save 15 percent on 2019-2020 cruises if booked by Nov. 30, 2019; and save up to $1,700 per person on 2020-2021 cruises if booked by Dec. 31, 2019.

     National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands – book by Dec. 31, 2019, to receive complimentary roundtrip airfare. 

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Truckee, CA, near the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. A recognized leader in small ship cruising, in 2012 owner Todd Smith first joined the ranks of Condé Nast Traveler‘s prestigious world’s Top Travel Specialists list as the leading expert on small ship expeditions.

For details on all of AdventureSmith Explorations’ small ship cruises, itineraries, availability and for 2019-2020 reservations, please call 866-575-2875 toll-free or visit the company website.
 
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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, Arctic/Antarctic Travel, ecotourism, expeditionary cruises, Nature Travel, small ship cruising, Uncategorized, Wildlife Expeditions

Poseidon Expeditions Offers Close Encounters with Reindeer and Polar Bear On High Arctic Expedition Cruises

Poseidon Expeditions, specialists in Arctic cruises, offers opportunities aplenty in the high Arctic wilderness between Norway and the North Pole to see reindeer as well as the King of the North, polar bear in their natural habitat. On Arctic Wildlife Safari and Bet of Svalbard cruises, guests can observe and learn such fun facts about these animals.

PROVIDENCE, RI– In an ancient ice age the four-legged critter we associate with Santa’s sleigh lived as far south as Tennessee. Whether those reindeer picked up a southern drawl is still up for debate.

What’s non-debatable is that Rangifer tarandus or reindeer (aka caribou), meaning snow shoveler, was so named by the Mi’kmaq, who were among original inhabitants of the Atlantic Provinces of Northern Canada.

The specialists in Arctic cruises, Poseidon Expeditions, offers opportunities aplenty in the high Arctic wilderness between Norway and the North Pole to see reindeer as well as the King of the North, polar bear in their natural habitat. On Arctic Wildlife Safari and Best of Svalbard cruises, guests can observe and learn such fun facts about these animals as… 

A reindeer’s hide is covered with hair follicles that are hollow and that trap air that provides insulation.

Their noses warm the air before it reaches the lungs.

In the winter, facial hair grows long to the mouth, protecting muzzles while grazing in snow.

Its body temperature adjusts to just above freezing to avoid losing body heat in extremely cold conditions.

Both male and female reindeer sport antlers.

They vocalize through air sacs in their neck, males warning other males away from girlfriends and females communicating with their young.

The knees of one subspecies of reindeer make a clicking noise while walking, sounds that allow a herd to stay together in a blizzard. 

And about the polar bear? 

Adult females often weigh between 500 and 600 pounds; males are double these weights. Cubs enter the world at around one pound, females reaching full weight at age five and males by age 10.

Ask anyone what color a polar bear is and they’ll reply “white” with total confidence. The fact is, their fur is actually transparent and holds no color. It only appears white because it reflects visible light. The transparent fur also traps in the sun’s heat to help keep the polar bear warm.

When polar bears swim, they use their large front paws to propel themselves through the water and their back legs to steer. They can actually move pretty fast at approximately at 6 mph, closing their nostrils when under water.

They can go days, even weeks, without eating. When they reach a week or more without food, their metabolism slows down and goes into starvation mode until the next meal.

Polar bear cubs learn to freeze or “play dead” while momma bear hunts for food. If they’re caught moving, mom will discipline them, with a smack to the head.

Two-thirds of polar bears could disappear by 2050 due to disappearing hunting grounds, or sea ice. They are now compelled to swim such long distances that they are drowning from exhaustion.

While cruising around seldom-visited, natural preserves of the far north, guests may also experience polar wildlife from the perspective of a kayak. Imagine paddling with bearded seals, large and peaceful creatures that are often encountered at close range reposing on ice floes in sheltered bays and fjords. Harbor seals and ringed seals can be seen from a kayak as well. Sometimes massive walrus can also be seen.
 
Guests may also access beluga whales via kayak. Paddling with these gentle and intelligent creatures in the wild — hearing their breaths and feeling their inquisitive gaze upon you — is a life-changing experience, especially if it happens to be a pod of over a hundred beluga whales swimming in long procession past and underneath the kayaks.

Poseidon Expedition’s sea kayak guides are well versed in the wildlife viewing and protection protocols developed by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

The rates for 2020 Arctic Wildlife Safari, West Spitsbergen & Polar Ice Edge, are discounted: May 31-June 8, June 7-June 15, June 14-June 22 from $5,895 to $5,305; June 21-July 1 from $7,295 to $6,566 and June 30-July 11 from $8,095 to $7,286. On the June 7 departure guests receive a bonus, the opportunity to mingle with a polar bear expert from the Cincinnati Zoo.

Best of Svalbard, Svalbard & Polar Ice Edge cruises offers three departures in June and July 2020. Children under age 12 travel at half the regular rate when sharing a double-occupancy cabin with an adult. Per person double rates are from $10,095 double in a main deck suite.

For inquires and reservations in North America, or to request a catalog, contact the company’s Providence, RI, sales and reservation office at www,poseidonexpeditions.com or call 347-801-2610, or contact your travel agent.
 
With offices in the US, UK, Germany, Russia, Cyprus and China, Poseidon Expeditions is a leading provider of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. The company is committed to safe and environmentally responsible polar travel. It is a member of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, camping trips, camping-glamping

GlampingHub Offers Black Friday-Cyber Monday Sale on Unique Outdoor Lodging Around Globe

A glamping stay in Montana for a wedding © Eric Leiberman/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Glamping Hub is offering its 2nd annual Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale. For every gift card purchased on Glamping Hub’s Gift Card Portal, an additional 20% will be added onto the gift card. This deal will be live on the website from 11/28-12/4; gift cards have a one-year validity. (See: Travel Deals Black Friday 2019 / Cyber Monday Deals (https://glampinghub.com/special/black-friday-cyber-monday-travel-deals/).

Glamping Hub is an online booking platform and leading portal for unique outdoor accommodations across the globe. With over 35,000 accommodations in over 120 countries, Glamping Hub’s mission is to connect travelers with nature in order to create authentic experiences in which travelers can stay in the great outdoors without having to sacrifice creature comforts—camping with added luxuries and five-star amenities. 

Glamping Hub is a third-party booking platform and does not own any of the vacation rentals listed on the website. Guests can find over 27 different types of glamping accommodations to choose from on Glamping Hub from safari tents, tree houses, and cabins to tipis, villas, and domes.

There are several defining factors Glamping Hub looks for in an accommodation in order to determine its eligibility for listing. It must have close access to nature, hotel-quality comfort, and offer guests a unique experience. Glamping Hub’s business model is both transactional and highly scalable. For each transaction made through the website, Glamping Hub collects a 4% commission from the hosts and a 6% to 12% service fee from the guest (depending on the size of the booking), resulting in an average of 10% of the total booking that Glamping Hub retains from each transaction.

In the global market, there is an estimated 100,000+ glamping accommodations—with eight units per site and an average of $320 per night stay—creating a $45 billion (and growing) market. And glamping is not just luxury camping, but also ski getaways, wine country stays, safari excursions, surf camps, yoga retreats, and wildlife tours, which increases the outdoor accommodation marked to $200 billion and growing.

Within the vacation rental sector, Glamping Hub is the one of the only platforms that is both transactional and specialized, which is due to a number of factors, including rigorously researched SEO practices, lower rates and costs, organic traction and unique visits, and its marketing tools. In 2016, Glamping Hub received 2.6 million visits, resulting in 12,000 booking requests and $2.1 million in revenue, and by the end of 2018, those figures tripled. 

Glamping Hub is a global team with two offices—one in Sevilla, Spain and the other in Denver, Colorado—with over 100 employees and interns from over 13 different countries. Not only does Glamping Hub shine with 90% of guest reviews with 4-star and 5-star ratings, but Glamping Hub has also been featured in many highly-regarded publications, including The New York Times, the New York Post, Forbes, TIME, NBC, USA Today, Travel and Leisure, Lonely Planet, O Magazine, and more. 

At Glamping Hub, the accommodation is the destination. In August, 2018, Glamping Hub launched it’s first ever, “This is Glamping Hub” video, on the homepage to redefine what is glamping. Travelers choose Glamping Hub because they care about their trips being truly memorable. We’re different to other websites in that all of our accommodations have been handpicked and placed in a targeted collection, and support our four core values: Unique, Experience, To-Gather, and Nature. Glamping Hub’s accommodations are one-of-a-kind and completely submerged in nature, where our guests can disconnect from their daily lives and reconnect with each other for an experience they will never forget. 

Visit glampinghub.com.

Here are more glamping topics:

– Top budget friendly accommodations for 2019 ($100 or less a night) 

– Upcycled glampsites (created from old airplanes, concrete pipes, grain silos, and more)

– Traveling with a purpose: The Breasties x Glamping Hub

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, camping-glamping

Interest in Glamping – Luxurious Camping – on the Rise

By combining the amenities of a luxury boutique hotel with the atmosphere of a wooded campground, Fireside Resort offers Wyoming’s best glamping experience

Interest in glamping – or, “glamorous camping” – is growing among North American leisure travelers, according to the 2019 North American Glamping Report. The report reveals that 30% of North American travelers have taken a glamping trip over the past two years, and 60% of those travelers represent the millennial or Gen Z generations. An array of glamping destinations have popped up around the world in recent years, offering everything from geodesic domes to Airstream RVs to tiny homes. Here are five glamping options in South America, Africa, Russia and the USA that rival anything on the market:

1. Fireside Resort: By combining the amenities of a luxury boutique hotel with the atmosphere of a wooded campground, Fireside Resort offers Wyoming’s best glamping experience. The lodging options reflect the heritage of the valley’s original homesteader cabins, with cozy fireplaces, full kitchens, private furnished decks, and outdoor fire pits. Situated on wildlife-filled acres where moose, elk, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles and deer roam, Fireside Resort is a mere seven miles from Jackson’s bustling town square.

2. Kachi Lodge: On Adventure Life’s High Deserts of Bolivia & Chile tour, explore the extreme geography of Lake Titicaca, mountains, canyons, lagoons and the largest salt desert in the world, Salar de Uyuni. Upgrade your trip and stay in a Kachi Lodge dome, offering the comfort of a luxury hotel room and authentic, inventive dining on the salt flats at the foot of Tunupa Volcano, at an altitude of 11,800 feet.

3. Ryabaga Camp: The Ponoi River in Russia offers some the world’s best Atlantic salmon fishing. At Ryabaga Camp, guests enjoy their own cabin with queen beds and en suite bathroom with hot water, electricity and internet (email access). Gourmet, chef-prepared meals are served in the “Big Tent,” the camp’s social hub. For a true wilderness location, Ryabaga Camp stands alone with its level of service and accommodations. 

4. Kestrel Camp: The American Prairie Reserve in Montana is piecing together what will be the largest nature reserve in the lower 48 states, totaling 3.5 million acres, and restoring habitat and species in the process. APR’s Kestrel Camp offers five yurt-style luxury suites set around a central lounge and dining room serving chef-prepared meals, as well as a safari-style experience with special access to tour the reserve’s ecosystem with personal naturalists.

5. Sossus Under Canvas: On Adventure Life’s Namibia Under Canvas tour, climb the sand dunes of Sossusvlei, explore the coastal city of Swakopmund, marvel at the natural wonders of Damaraland and search for wildlife in Etosha National Park. Return each night to a camp like Sossus Under Canvas, where tents are protected from the elements by natural stone walls and roofs built from recycled oil drums, and furnishings are made of recycled metal and wood. The camp is virtually invisible from any distance has a low environmental footprint.

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Adventure Travel, Cultural Travel, family-friendly adventures, international travel

Backyard Travel Offers Cambodia With Kids Tour – Adventures In Siem Reap

Backyard Travel, a boutique private tour operator specializing in tours around Asia, introduced a new family-friendly adventure through magical Siem Reap.

Bangkok, Thailand – Backyard Travel, a boutique private tour operator specializing in tours around Asia, introduced a new family-friendly adventure through magical Siem Reap.

The seven-day Cambodia with Kids tour introduces young explorers and their families to the wonders of ancient Khmer civilization, and the bucolic landscapes that surround Siem Reap.

The journey begins at Angkor Wat, where a private tour gives kids a close-up view of its elaborate Hindu carvings and lets them explore its hidden chambers and halls. Angkor expeditions continue with a walking temple trek that loops around Angkor Thom and the iconic Bayon Temple, with stops at the Terrace of the Elephants and the Pool of Ablutions.

Adventures continue outside of Angkor, with a cycling tour through rice-paddy countryside and a trip to the Tonle Sap lake for lunch in a local stilt house. In Banteay Chhmar, families get to experience village life with a homestay, and learn traditional rice farming, fishing and beekeeping.

On return to Siem Reap, families can enjoy some free time to rest or explore, or choose an optional activity such as zip lining, horse riding, or quad-bike riding. The tour ends on an acrobatic note with a performance by Phare, The Cambodia Circus. 

“Siem Reap is a perfect destination for families,” says Backyard Travel General Manager Trystan Trestchenkoff, “It’s got exciting ancient history, hands-on cultural activities and a whole host of experiences that specifically cater to younger travelers. Pair this with Backyard Travel’s years of experience creating dedicated family tours and you’ve got an unforgettable trip for guests of all ages.”

For more information about Backyard Travel, www.backyardtravel.com

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Adventure Travel, cruises, ecotourism, expeditionary cruises, family-friendly adventures, small ship cruising

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Introduce New Alaska Family Offer: Kids Save up to 50%, Free Air for Adults

Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced a new Alaska Family Offer that makes traveling next summer a lot more economical for families.

Named Top Small Ship Cruise Line in Alaska in Cruise Critic’s 2019 Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards, Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced a new Alaska Family Offer that makes traveling next summer a lot more economical for families.

The special offers include: 

  • Kids Save Up to 50%:  Save on up to two children 22 and under when they travel with two full paying adults on select 2020 Alaska departures: save 50% departing in May and August and save 25% departing in June and July.

Families can choose from a selection of Alaska adventure cruises—ranging from 6 days to epic— that sail among the wildlife-rich islands and channels of Alaska deep into the wildest reaches.  The itineraries go beyond the predictable ports on the new 100-guest National Geographic Quest and Venture, and the 62-guest sister ships National Geographic Sea Lion or Sea Bird.  Hike, kayak, paddleboard, bike, and actively explore. Venture where iconic wildlife gathers—bears, eagles, bubble-netting whales, and more. Witness moving First Nations performances. And sail with a renowned expedition team of naturalists, a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, an undersea specialist, and wellness instructor.

Kids and teens can also participate in National Geographic Global Explorers, Lindblad’s exclusive program for families, and the only one of its kind in Alaska.  Developed in conjunction with National Geographic Education, its designed to help kids and their families develop the attitudes, skills and knowledge of an explorer. 

These offers are valid for new bookings only, are subject to availability, not applicable on extensions, and may not be combined with other offers.   Complimentary air is based on economy group flights and must be ticketed by Lindblad Expeditions. In the case that Lindblad’s group flight is not available at time of booking, we reserve the right to issue a credit.  Free Air offer will be combinable with the new Family Offer, but it is limited to the adults.

For reservations or additional information on Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic voyages to some of the most beautiful and fascinating places on Earth, visit www.expeditions.com, call 1-800-EXPEDITION (1-800-397-3348) or contact your travel advisor. Visit Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.

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