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

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dude ranches, family-friendly adventures

Austin Adventures Adds Collection of Top Guest Ranches for 2021

October 14, 2020 MoralCompass

*In partnership with Best Ranches in the West, Austin Adventures has added 14 first- class guest ranches to its offerings for 2021.*

BILLINGS, MT – Challenging times call for creative solutions. Looking to expand its award-winning portfolio of naturally self-distancing, nature-based, small group vacations for adults and families, Austin Adventures only needed to look to its own backyard for the perfect solution – the Western guest ranch vacation.

In partnership with Best Ranches in the West, Austin Adventures has added 14 first- class guest ranches to its offerings. Founder and President Dan Austin and his Montana-based team drew from their personal knowledge and regional experience having hosted and operated adventures throughout the West for the past 40 years. With careful vetting and personal experience, they have bestowed their highest mark of approval on each property in this exclusive group of all-inclusive guest ranches situated in some of the most spectacular settings in the West.

In 2020, many North American guest ranches saw a surge of bookings from families needing to come up with safe alternatives to their cancelled cruise and international vacation plans. Austin recognized this trend early and in January began the steps to include ranch vacations in its 2021 line-up. It was, “a long overdue addition” in Austin’s words.

Knowing safety will be top priority to today’s traveler, Austin emphasizes the natural and healthy style of this type of vacation alternative that also embraces carefully planned and recently enacted COVID-19 mitigation protocols:

All are in wilderness-adjacent locations that are isolated and remote
Chef-prepared, fresh and locally sourced foods and wines of the region
Opportunities to indulge in a variety of outdoor recreational activities
The natural social-distancing that horseback riding provides
Adhering to the highest standards of housekeeping, service and maintenance
A rare feeling of exclusivity with VIP pampering, service and experiences
The ability to combine a ranch stay with a road-trip to avoid flying

Austin Adventures’ Guest Ranch Collection for 2021 will include these highly coveted ranch properties across the West:

Tanque Verde Ranch – Tucson, AZ
White Stallion Ranch – Tucson, AZ
Tombstone Monument Ranch – Tombstone, AZ
Rancho de la Osa – Sasabe, AZ
Kay El Bar Ranch – Wickenburg, AZ
Latigo Guest Ranch – Kremmling, CO
Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch – Loveland CO
Western Pleasure Guest Ranch – Sandpoint, ID
Running Y Ranch Resort – Klamath Falls, OR
Zion Mountain Ranch – Zion National Park, UT
Spring Creek Ranch – Jackson, WY
Brush Creek Luxury Ranch Collection – Saratoga, WY
The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch – Shell, WY
Paradise Guest Ranch – Buffalo, WY

“We look forward in the months ahead to welcoming to our portfolio other outstanding properties that meet our criteria,” Austin adds. The Guest Ranch Collection is expected to grow with the addition of one or two new offerings a year.

Guest ranch vacation packages will be available for booking through the adventure specialists at Austin Adventures. See: https://www.austinadventures.com/guest-ranch-collection/. To research and reserve any of Austin Adventures offerings, call 800-575-1540 or email [email protected]. For a full roster of Austin Adventures’ 2021 trips, covering seven continents, visit http://www.austinadventures.com.

Based in Billings, Montana, Austin Adventures has spent 40 years building an international reputation as a top provider of luxury, small group, multisport tours for adults and families to the world’s most captivating destinations. With cruises and accommodations on seven continents, they have been acknowledged twice by Travel + Leisure Magazine with the prestigious World’s Best Awards along with other national media accolades and distinctions. Austin Adventures has perfected the art of creating itineraries featuring exceptional regional dining, distinctive accommodations, incredible guides and exhilarating activities, all while keeping all-inclusive rates and services the norm. In addition to scheduled group departures on all seven continents, Austin Adventures has developed a reputation as the leader in customized trip planning and execution, all backed by the industry’s best money-back satisfaction guarantee. Austin Adventures is a Virtuoso Preferred Tour Operator.

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Active Travel, Adventure Travel, family-friendly adventures, Multisport adventures, National Parks, Outdoor travel experiences, rafting trips, river rafting, travel in a time of pandemic

Western River Expeditions Draws on 60 Years Experience to Devise Protocols to Keep Families Adventuring this Summer

May 23, 2020 MoralCompass

Western River Expeditions is applying decades of professionalism to pandemic-related challenges. Here are some of many steps this company is taking to counter COVID-19 fears so families can continue to experience outdoor adventures this summer.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – Where in the world – and how – will families vacation this summer?

Given months of pandemic-driven lock-down orders, stay-at-home summer vacation won’t be high on many lists. What will be attractive will be vacations that embrace fresh air and the healing powers of nature that can work wonders on family spirits and recovery.

Western River Expeditions (https://www.westernriver.com/ for nearly 60 years has operated top-quality river rafting vacations for individuals, families and friends. This year they are also applying their decades of professionalism to pandemic-related challenges. Here are some of many steps this company is taking to counter COVID-19 fears.

Screening Employees: Every day before work, each employee must pass both a temperature and pulse oximeter screen, and then answer a detailed questionnaire.
Screening Guests at Check-in: Guests exhibiting temperatures of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to travel with Western River Expeditions at the time they planned; instead, they will receive an “Adventure Credit” which allows the guest and any members of the group who were currently living at the same physical address during any of the 7 days prior to the trip to use the full paid value of their trip as a credit for a future trip at a later date.
Screening while on Multi-Day Trips: All trip participants and guides will have a daily temperature and pulse oximeter checks and fill out a daily review of symptoms questionnaire.

In addition, there are new protocols in place should someone experience COVID-19 symptoms during a trip. In such case, steps will be taken to protect other guests from exposure during the remainder of that trip. There also will be protocols for toilet facilities, hand washing stations and social distancing (when feasible) as well as reduced number of guests per raft.

The company will also implement specific guidelines that address everything from life-jacket use and sanitation, to meal prep and service, use of shuttle vans, number of people per shuttle vehicle, sanitation of rafts, dry bags, cots, sleeping bags and all associated equipment. For more details on Western River Expeditions’ specific protocols please see https://www.westernriver.com/covid-19

Western River Expeditions hopes to still operate late spring and summer 2020 trips, subject to the easing of government-mandated closures. Three suggested trips ideal for families are:

Desolation Canyon, a five-day trip through breathtaking Desolation Canyon and Gray Canyon on the Green River in central Utah. Trips are scheduled to depart June 7 through Aug. 12 with a minimum age of five years old. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/desolation-canyon
Southwest Sampler, a four-day adventure that includes an off-road Hummer Safari, Arches National Park tour and overnight rafting trip as well as a stay at Moab’s Marriott SpringHill Suites. Departures are scheduled May 26 through Aug. 26. If National Park closures affect the operation of the Arches National Park tour, guests will explore another stunning location in Moab. For details see https://www.westernriver.com/moab-utah-vacation-sampler
Grand Canyon, the three-day option still has some limited space on certain dates from June 21st through September. Conveniently departing and returning to Las Vegas, NV, this 100-mile journey is suitable for families with kids as young as nine. For details see: https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-river-trip

Other adventures from Western River Expeditions include:

Utah’s Cataract Canyon Classic 4 Day: Unless otherwise advised, we are currently planning to operate all scheduled departures for our 4-Day Cataract Canyon Expeditions June 2 through August 25. We are accepting reservations now for any of these dates. This spectacular 4-Day Colorado River trip runs 100 miles from Moab to Lake Powell through Canyonlands National Park. A flight returns guests to Moab over Canyonlands.

Cataract Canyon Express 2 Day: Unless otherwise advised, we are currently planning to operate all scheduled departures for our 2-Day Cataract Canyon Expeditions June 1 through August 25. We are accepting reservations now for any of these dates. This faster-paced 2-Day Colorado River trip runs 100 miles from Moab to Lake Powell through Canyonlands National Park. Large whitewater rapids are a big part of this adventure!

Upper Grand Canyon 6 or 7 Day: Trips starting June 14 and later are currently scheduled to operate. Select trips June through September have limited availability. If you are unable to find your desired date, please add your name to our 2020 Waitlist for Grand Canyon 6 & 7 Day Expeditions. The upper 188 miles of the Grand Canyon offer some of the largest whitewater rapids in North America and a plethora of side canyon attractions.

Lower Grand Canyon 4 Day with Bar Ten Ranch: We plan to operate all 4 day departures from June 21st through September. Limited space is available on select departures in 2020. If you are unable to find your desired date, please add your name to our 2020 Waitlist for Grand Canyon 3-4 Day Expeditions. Adding one day and a night at the Bar Ten Ranch before dropping into the 3-day river expedition is a popular way to extend your Grand Canyon experience.

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 one of largest licensed outfitters in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, Western River Expedition 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 the past sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020/2021 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

Follow Western River Expeditions:
On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WesternRiverExpeditions
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/WesternRiver
On You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/bestraftingvacations?
On Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/westernriver/

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cruises, family-friendly adventures, small ship cruising, Uncategorized

Spend Spring Break with CroisiEurope; Book by Nov 30 for 5% Discount

November 26, 2019 MoralCompass

In 2020, take the kids on an alternative spring break that will bring classroom learning to life. Discover art and history or wildlife and nature on board a CroisiEurope cruise. From the historical seaside cities of Rochefort and La Rochelle in France’s Aquitaine Region to Africa’s diverse flora and fauna, there’s a new adventure for every type of traveler waiting to be discovered.

Travelers who book a 2020 cruise before November 30, 2019 can receive a discount of up to 5% off per person, per trip with the special code: EARBOOUS.

Cruise through the Aquitaine region from Bordeaux to Royan: Explore the heart of Southwestern France through vineyards, historical sites and idyllic landscapes. Prices for this 7-day trip begin at $2,362 per person.
Hike along the borders of France, Germany, and Switzerland: Take in the beautiful scenery of Strasbourg, Basel, Breisach, and Rhinau on foot for a unique travel experience. Prices for this 6-day trip begin at $1,673 per person.
Travel to the ends of the earth in South Africa: From Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, discover incredible wildlife, take in the breathtaking scenery, and indulge in local flavors of Africa. Prices for this 9-day trip begin at $7,315 per person.
Discover the Spanish Coast, the Algarve Region, and Lisbon: Eat your way through famous cities like Barcelona, Cartagena, and Malaga and enjoy a guided tour of Portugal’s “City of Light,” Lisbon. Prices for this 11-day trip begin at $6,725 per person.

Cruises include all excursions, activities, meals and drinks served on board.

Information and bookings at www.croisieuroperivercruises.com, 800-768-7232.

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

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

November 14, 2019 MoralCompass

*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

November 14, 2019 MoralCompass

*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.

Free Air for Adults: Book by Dec. 31, 2019 and receive free airfare from Seattle to Alaska on select 2020 Alaska departures. Guests will receive free round-trip airfare on Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness, Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka to Juneau and Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau to Ketchikan, or free one-way airfare on Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska & British Columbia and A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii.

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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family-friendly adventures, international travel

London Tour Operator Evan Evans’ Family Friendly Offerings Include Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Royal Windsor Steam Express & Castle Tour

October 11, 2019 MoralCompass

On Evan Evans’ Royal Windsor Steam Express with Castle Tour, travel from Waterloo to Windsor in style onboard the Mayflower, a beautifully restored traditional British steam train from the golden age of rail travel.

LONDON – Evan Evans, one of London’s oldest and largest tour operators, takes the pressure out of where to go and what to do when vacationing with family in London with such magical offerings as a walking tour of Harry Potter film locations, and a trip on the Royal Windsor Steam Express with Castle Tour, traveling from Waterloo to Windsor in style onboard the Mayflower, a beautifully restored traditional British steam train from the golden age of rail travel.

A bit of magical realism can be fun for the whole family when you follow in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizard on the enchanting 3-hour Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour of London. The magic starts at Westminster tube station and then it’s on to the real-life locations that provided the inspiration for some of the most iconic locations in the wizarding world of the Harry Potter film series. Visit exciting locations from the film series, including Diagon Alley, Platform 9 3/4s, and discover the inspiration behind the sites, as our expert guide brings the magic to life. The tour includes Evans Evans’ personal headsets which guarantee a more immersive and intimate experience. Tours start at $25 for children/seniors and $33.75 for adults.

The Royal Windsor Steam Express with Castle Tour rolls out the red carpet to royalty. Travel from Waterloo to Windsor in style onboard the Mayflower, a beautifully restored traditional British steam train from the golden age of rail travel. Relax on this fantastic steam train to Windsor and let the romance of steam travel whisk you away to a town steeped in royal heritage. Windsor Castle is set within 13 acres and boasts more than 1,000 impressive rooms. Founded in the 11th Century by William the Conqueror, you’ll learn about how Windsor Castle has withstood siege, been used for official entertaining as a royal court by King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and as a home to 39 monarchs, including the UK’s reigning Queen Elizabeth II who enjoys many of her private weekends at the Castle. Unravel the spectacular history of Windsor Castle, the largest inhabited castle in the world. Enjoy visits to the magnificent State Apartments, Semi-State Rooms, Grand Reception Room, Queen Mary’s Doll House, and beautiful St George’s Chapel, where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married in May 2018. Depending on the day and time of your visit, you might be lucky to witness the Changing of the Guard at Windsor Castle. The ceremony sees the guards marching through Windsor town and into the castle for the guard change. Tours start at $80 for children and $92.50 for adults. In April 2020, families can take the steam train to Windsor and visit the famous LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort on the new ‘Royal Windsor Steam Express with LEGOLAND’ tour. With over 55 rides, live shows and attractions set over 150 acres of parkland plus a fully LEGO themed hotel on site, the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort is a family destination that is not to be missed!

You can discover over a thousand years of history at England’s most beautiful medieval castles and also visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare and the historic city of Oxford on our Warwick Castle, Shakespeare’s England, Oxford & The Cotswolds tour. Set against the River Avon within 64 acres of landscaped parkland, Warwick Castle once belonged to the most powerful man in England, The Earl of Warwick. This action-packed family attraction has a full program of entertainment throughout the year, such as meeting with figures of Warwick’s historic inhabitants inside the state rooms, including Countess Daisy, young Winston Churchill and many more. Go for a walk on the ramparts and up to the top of the mound where you’ll get a breath-taking view of the castle and grounds. You can also relax in the peacock garden by the Conservatory with the gentle sound of a water fountain and live peacocks walking around you. For a unique history lesson, you can view a trebuchet (a medieval catapult) that fires a rock across the grounds of the Castle. In Stratford-upon-Avon, you’ll visit the 16th-century half-timbered house where Shakespeare was born in 1564 and grew up. Families will enjoy a fascinating insight into tales of his family life and admire rare artefacts on displays from the Shakespeare Trust’s world-class collections. On the tour’s final stop, explore ‘The City of Dreaming Spires,’ and the oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of Oxford. You’ll enjoy a walking tour with our expert guide, and maybe spot filming locations shot for countless movies and TV series over the years, including the Harry Potter film series. Tour options start at $77.50 per person.

Evan Evans is one of the longest-established and largest sightseeing companies in London, operating since 1933. The company offers a range of tours of Britain, from majestic palaces and castles and quaint country villages to the historic cities of Bath, Oxford and Canterbury.

For more information and reservations, visit www.evanevanstours.com
or call Evan Evans at (0)20-795-0177.

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Adventure Travel, family-friendly adventures, National Parks, Nature Travel

Austin Adventures Offers Special Incentives, Live Webinar during March ‘Family Appreciation’ Month

March 10, 2019 MoralCompass

For the second year in a row, Austin Adventures, a leading family adventure company, is dedicating the entire month of March to “*Family Appreciation,” with special incentives and giveaways, plus an interactive child & parent “Take a National Park Vacation” webinar*

BILLINGS, MT –For the second year in a row, Austin Adventures, a leading family adventure company, is dedicating the entire month of March to “Family Appreciation,” with special incentives and giveaways, plus an interactive child & parent “Take a National Park Vacation” webinar that all ages will want to attend.

“Between work, school, athletic and social schedules, planning and scheduling a family vacation has never been more challenging, often to the point of missing the opportunity all together to create lasting bonds and memories within the family,” explains Dan Austin, president and founder of the company which has been taking families to national parks and around the globe for 35 years. “Austin Adventures is fully committed to helping anyway we can. Our goal is to take the stress out of vacation planning and then deliver an experience second-to-none.”

On Tuesday, Mar 12, 2019 at 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT Austin Adventures invites kids and parents to a live webinar focused on helping families (especially the kids) with their vacation planning. Anyone considering a small group vacation tour now or in the future is encouraged to attend. For information and to register click here.

The seminar will be hosted by Kasey Austin, Outside Magazine 2014 Family Guide of the Year. Making a cameo appearance will be Dan Austin, company visionary and travel industry legend. Together, The Austin Family has set the bar for family adventure travel for decades, so much so, they are often referred to as “the First Family of Adventure Travel”.

During this informal and informative webinar focused on the younger generation, Kasey will offer tips and insights on planning and visiting America’s National Parks along with other popular family destinations.

As an incentive to register and attend, every family that participates will receive a coupon worth $250 off their next Austin Adventures family vacation. Plus, all participating kids (age 6-12) whose parents end up booking a 2019 family national park adventure will receive a logo-embossed backpack (on Day 1 of the trip) packed full of swag (logo water bottle, trip journal, field guide, hacky sack, stickers and more).

“I had so much fun sharing my passion for our National Parks last year, I couldn’t wait to do it all again this year. Sharing the parks with the next generation of adventurer really is my passion. I am looking forward to sharing what we know and have learned from our 35+ years of taking families deep into our national parks,” said Kasey Austin.

“Dan and I will draw from our own experiences and help families with real time information that can assist them in making the most of a park vacation, whether with us or on their own. There will be a follow-up email survey as well as ample time for questions and answers.”

The webinar will help Austin Adventures kick-off their second annual “Family Appreciation” Month. Dedicated to celebrating and encouraging family vacations worldwide, this observance comes on the heels of the company’s 2nd wildly successful “Alumni Appreciation” month held in December, 2018. Throughout the month there will be dedicated e-newsletters and blogs on family travel, special incentives, travel agent promotions and for extended families, an offer of a free trip for one guest in groups of ten or more booked.

To assist in vacation planning, Austin Adventures also offers a free Insider’s Guide to Planning the Perfect Family Adventure. See: https://www.austinadventures.com/free-family-travel-guide/.

Austin Adventures has led the field when it comes to family adventures (twice being acknowledged by Travel + Leisure Magazine as the #1 Tour and Family Tour Operator in the World). For 2019, there are over 40 family adventures planned across the globe. Here is a sampling of some of the more popular National Park itineraries on the current Austin Adventures roster. All adult rates are per person, double occupancy.

Grand Canyon National Park: 6-days/5-nights from $2,998; children from $2,398.

Alaska- Kenai Fjords National Park: 6 days/5 nights from $3,698; children from $3,328.

Bryce & Zion National Parks: 6 days/5 nights from $2,798; children from $2,518.

Yellowstone National Park: 6 days/5 nights from $2,898; children from $2,318.

Grand Teton National Park: 6 days/5 nights from $3,298; children from $2,968.

Yosemite National Park: 6 days/5 nights from $3,698; children from $2,958.

Glacier National Park: 6 days/5 nights from $3,298; children from $2,638.

South Dakota – Black Hills (Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Monuments / Wind Cave NP): 6 days/5 nights from $2,898; children from $2,318.

Banff to Jasper National Parks 6 days/5 nights from $3,098; children from $2,478.

For more information and trip availability, call 800-575-1540 or email [email protected]. For a full roster of Austin Adventures’ 2019 trips, cruises and distinctive accommodations on seven continents visit: http://www.austinadventures.com. To access the 2019 digital catalog or order a print copy, go to: https://www.austinadventures.com/request-catalog/.

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Adventure Travel, Asia/Pacific, Asia/Pacific travel, family-friendly adventures

Backyard Travel Introduces Family Tour through Vietnam, Cambodia

December 13, 2018 MoralCompass

Backyard Travel has introduced a new family tour through Vietnam and Cambodia.

Bangkok, Thailand – Backyard Travel, the online boutique tour operator specializing in insider tours throughout Asia, today announced a fun family adventure through Vietnam and Cambodia. Heading from the ruins of ancient Angkor to the idyllic beaches of Phu Quoc, this all-ages journey is jam-packed with activities for all ages.

Launching from Siem Reap, Cambodia, the 10-day Ruins, Waterways and Beaches Tour begins with explorations through the Angkor Temple Complex, zipping around the ancient city in a remork and refueling with delicious local cuisine along the way. After an exciting homestay experience in the countryside of Banteay Srei, it’s off to Ho Chi Minh City for a thrilling Vespa tour of the city. From there, it’s on to the fascinating Mekong Delta to explore the waterways and glimpse life along the river, before heading to the tropical paradise of Phu Quoc island for two full days of blissful downtime.

“Traveling with children can be challenging, but our family tours are specially designed to make sure everyone has fun,” says General Manager of Backyard Travel Trystan Trestchenkoff. “Our Travel Specialists have years of experience tailoring family trips, and selecting only the best local experiences in every destination.”

For more information about the Ruins, Waterways and Beaches: A Vietnam and Cambodia Family Tour, contact Pete [email protected]

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Yosemite National Park: Best Valley Hikes for First Timers

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family-friendly adventures, National Parks, Resorts

Yosemite National Park Adventures Abound in Spring (with Discounts) at Tenaya Lodge

March 9, 2018 MoralCompass

*Hiking the John Muir Trail in Yosemite National Park in spring. Tenaya Lodge is located a short drives away from the entrance gate. © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com*

FISH CAMP, Calif.— Springtime at Tenaya Lodge at the doorstep to Yosemite National Park features the long-awaited re-opening of the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias, fun new open-air adventure tours by jeep, luxury buses and motorcycles and the opportunity to savor the flavors of the High Sierra at a special craft beer event. What’s more, guests can take advantage of a family-friendly spring package, plus seasonal spa treatments and the return of popular warm weather activities like mountain biking, swimming and guided hikes to create the perfect getaway.

Here are four great reasons to take a spring break at Tenaya Lodge in 2018:

Be the First to Rediscover the Giant Sequoias at Mariposa Grove

Just a short 10-minute drive from Tenaya Lodge, the popular Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias is slated to reopen to the public June 15 after an extensive four-year restoration. Guests will once again be able to walk among the splendor of the big trees, some of which are thousands of years old. Intended to restore the grove’s ecology and increase its resilience, the restoration project also has resulted in an enhanced visitor experience that includes a new parking area and information station, new hiking trails, an accessible boardwalk and modernized restrooms. In celebration of the grove’s reopening, Tenaya Lodge is offering a Big Trees Package that includes overnight accommodations and a giant sequoia sapling for guests to take home and plant as a reminder of their vacation. The package also includes other discounted keepsake souvenirs such as Living Among Giants, a book written and illustrated by local watercolor artist and naturalist Shirley Spencer.

For more information and updates on the official Mariposa Grove opening date, visit www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mariposagrove.htm.

Yosemite Luxury Bus + High Sierra Jeep + Eagle Rider Tours

Just two miles from the south gate to Yosemite National Park, Tenaya Lodge is giving guests one-of-a-kind access to the area’s breathtaking waterfalls, vibrant wildflowers and awe-inspiring views with a trio of new open-air tour options.

For those who want to go luxe, Tenaya’s Mercedes-Benz Open-Air Tour Bus offers the ideal, stress-free option for exploring Yosemite Valley. The only of its kind in Yosemite National Park, the 19-person buses feature panoramic retractable roofs for unique access to the fresh mountain air and stunning views. Offered seven days a week, guests depart from the resort with a local guide and spend the day touring Yosemite Valley with stops at scenic landmarks such as Wawona, Tunnel View, Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan Meadow and Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls. Tours can be booked through the resort concierge. Rates for the spring season start March 16 at $145 for adults, $135 for active military or seniors and $80 for children under 12.

Adventure-seekers in the mood to kick up some dust can opt for the resort’s new Sierra Jeep Tours. Thanks to a recent partnership with Tenaya Lodge, Sierra Jeep Tours provide resort guests with a thrilling exploration of the great outdoors. The tours wind up secluded forest service roads to reach the historic Devil’s Peak fire lookout with expansive views of Sierra National Forest. Jeep tours start at $249 and can be booked online or through the resort concierge.

And, just to satisfy all tastes and desires, coming soon to the property are EagleRider Motorcycle and Slingshot adventures. Visitors can ride the beauty of the Yosemite-High Sierra Region and let the fresh air envelope them from head to toe. EagleRider Rentals, exclusively from Tenaya Lodge, will include Harley Davidson/Indian motorcycles, as well as sleek and sporty three-wheel Slingshots which don’t require a motorcycle license to enjoy.

Discover New Flavors During Tenaya’s Inaugural Craft Beer Weekend

While the resort offers local craft beer all year round, including the signature Tenaya Red IPA by South Gate Brewing company, this spring Tenaya is pulling out all the stops and throwing its inaugural “High Sierra Hops” craft beer event. Beer aficionados can indulge their taste buds in some of the best craft beer the High Sierra has to offer at the weekend event, June 1-3, 2018. A joint venture between Tenaya Lodge and South Gate Brewing Company in Oakhurst, Calif., festivities will include an exclusive beer pairing dinner, live entertainment, games, delicious eats, souvenir keepsakes and, of course, brews. Visitors can come for the day or purchase a weekend package that includes accommodations and VIP to access to the beer dinner.

Special Spring Rates

From now through June 21, 2018, visitors can save 10 percent on rooms when staying two nights or more. Guests can book online at www.tenayalodge.com using promo code SPRING10. Or, families will enjoy Tenaya’s Spring Break Family Package that’s equipped with both indoor and outdoor adventure options. The two-night package includes a seven-day Yosemite National Park Pass, guided hike or ice skating session (dependent on weather) and a complimentary in-room movie experience with all the goods including assorted candies and popcorn. The package is available March 15 through April 15, 2018 and starts at $325 per night.

Kids wearing neon-glowing necklaces (as much to keep track of them, along with periodic coyote yells) examine a small seed by flashlight on the nightly walking tour in the forest around Tenaya Lodge © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite is an all-season resort framed by noble evergreen forest and a rich range of Sierra recreation. The lodge, set adjacent to Yosemite National Park’s South Gate at an elevation of 5,288 feet, offers 302 rooms, suites and mountain cottage accommodations. Tenaya Lodge offers easy access to Yosemite’s iconic attractions and many guests savor the alpine serenity of Ascent Spa at Tenaya Lodge. Resort dining options run the table from casual to candlelit at Sierra, Jackalope’s, Timberloft and Embers restaurants.

Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite, 1122 Highway 41 Fish Camp, CA 93623, 888-514-2167. For more information and reservations, visit www.tenayalodge.com.

Yosemite National Park: Surprising Diversity, Dramatic Scenes Hiking Chilnualna Falls Trail, Wawona

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