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

Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Adventure Travel, Outdoors Travel

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

August 1, 2024 MoralCompass

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

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

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

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

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

Top Rafting Adventures Recommended for Solo Travelers:

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

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

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

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

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

For more travel features, visit:

Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

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

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

June 6, 2024 MoralCompass

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

Under Canvas, a leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, and Backroads, a leading luxury active travel company, are tripling their collaborative adventure experiences available to travelers across U.S. National Parks over the next two years. In addition, the expanded line-up this year includes an all-new, glamping-only itinerary in Southwestern Utah with stays at both Under Canvas Bryce Canyon and Under Canvas Zion.

After first establishing a relationship in 2019 with trips in Montana’s West Yellowstone, and subsequently operating successful glamping tours in Tennessee and South Dakota, Under Canvas and Backroads are poised to further expand their trip selection for outdoor enthusiasts with more than 185 scheduled trips through 2025. From the scenic beauty of the Black Hills of South Dakota to the dramatic red rock and hoodoo vistas of Southwest Utah, to the ancient Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, these world-class trips allow guests to enjoy a Backroads active adventure by day and by night continue to immerse themselves in nature with Under Canvas’ upscale glamping retreats. These properties embrace their natural setting, while featuring indoor luxuries, allowing guests to discover the outdoors in comfort and style.

Backroads is renowned for its expert Trip Leaders and flexible active vacations that offer travelers flexibility on each day of every trip. Ample support provided by multiple Backroads vans allows for a variety of daily route options suitable for differing levels of ability. The company’s collaboration with Under Canvas pairs three favorite multi-adventure trips with accommodations at Under Canvas’s stunning camps offering gorgeous tents, furnished with plush king-size beds, luxe linens and ensuite bathrooms. In addition, a stay at Under Canvas includes onsite complimentary programming such as live acoustic music, daily yoga, stargazing, outdoor games and nightly s’mores around the firepits, as well as a lobby tent that acts as a social, communal hub for café-style dining and lounging.

Backroads trips staying at Under Canvas properties in 2024 include:

Utah’s Bryce & Zion Glamping Multi-Adventure Tour for Couples, Friends, and Solos, featuring accommodations at Under Canvas Bryce Canyon and Under Canvas Zion.
Black Hills & Badlands National Park Multi-Adventure Tour for Couples, Friends, Solos, and Families with Teens and Kids (aged 9+), featuring accommodations at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore.
Great Smoky Mountains Multi-Adventure Tour for Families with Teens and Kids (aged 9+), featuring accommodations at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains.
Yellowstone, Tetons & Big Sky Multi-Adventure Tour for Couples, Friends, Solos, Families with Teens and Kids (aged 9+) and Families with Older Teens and 20-somethings, featuring accommodations at Bar N Ranch with access to Under Canvas complimentary programming.

“Since opening our first camp more than 10 years ago near West Yellowstone, Under Canvas has dedicated itself to inspiring connections with extraordinary places, people and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors,” said Libbie Rice, Chief Commercial Officer of Under Canvas. “We have enjoyed our collaboration with Backroads over the years, and we’re excited to elevate our collaboration, aiming to offer even greater opportunities for active travelers to immerse themselves in the best of outdoor adventure and connect with nature through our two brands.”

“Guest feedback from our South Dakota trips with Under Canvas has been terrific,” said Tom Hale, Backroads Founder, President & CEO. “Backroads guests love the experience of sleeping in the deluxe glamping tents and sharing tales of the day’s activities over s’mores by the campfire in the evening—it’s really the perfect ending to an adventure-filled day. Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, sleeping under the stars is a great way to enjoy a Backroads national park vacation. The trips have been a popular addition to our summer schedule, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Under Canvas far into the future.”

Backroads trips featuring Under Canvas properties are all available for immediate booking. For more information, visit backroads.com or call 800-462-2848.

For more travel features, visit:

Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Active Travel, Adventure Travel, camping-glamping-RVs-adVANturing, Outdoors Travel

Time-Stressed Workers Will Benefit from These Epic Rafting ‘Shortcations’

May 17, 2024 MoralCompass

Western River Expeditions and its Moab Adventure Center division, gurus of epic rafting vacations in the American West, offer a potpourri of wilderness immersions for time-stressed souls who can commit only a few days to their well-being.

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The gurus of epic rafting vacations in the American West offer a potpourri of wilderness immersions for time-stressed souls who can commit only a few days to their well-being.

Western River Expeditions and its division Moab Adventure Center, recently selected as two of the top rafting companies in the U.S. by the readers of Newsweek Magazine, have fine-tuned their “shortcations” that offer most — if not all — of the time-out benefits of longer escapes.

“Recent findings show that 40 percent of working Americans take only 4.4 vacation days a year,” reflected Brandon Lake, CMO and co-owner. “With this in mind, we have ‘shortcation’ river rafting trips that even for a day or two will help set your batteries on high-speed recharge.”

Following are adventures of only three or fewer nights available for the upcoming 2024 rafting season. These journeys begin and end in the red rock playground of Moab, Utah, except for one home-based from Las Vegas, Nevada, and one leaving from Merlin, Oregon.

Cataract Canyon Express 2-Day/1-Night Rafting Trip: Cataract Canyon, the section of the Colorado River that flows through the heart of Canyonlands National Park, may be the nation’s premier river trip in terms of excitement and diversity. This 2-day adventure is offered May through July when traditionally the river offers the most thrilling rides. Customized, high-speed rafts add to the excitement of dropping through the canyon into a series of nearly 30 whitewater rapids along this 100-mile journey. The $955 per person rate (ages 12 and up) includes transfers, rafting, hiking, one night of camping under the stars, and meals. For details on the 2-day trip, please see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/cataract-canyon-express

Cataract Canyon 4-Day/3-Night Rafting Trip: This longer version of the 100-mile river adventure is offered May through September with a choice of conveyance depending on the level of thrill-seeking: J-Rig, Oar Boat, or Paddle Raft. On off-river excursions there’s time to explore Native American ruins and pictographs. Guests seal memories of the canyon with a stunning return flight over Canyonlands National Park. The per-person rate is $1,935. The youth rate is $1,425, minimum age 12 in May and June; age 10 July through September. Rates include transfers (including the scenic flight), rafting, hiking, three nights of camping under the stars, and meals. For details on the 4-day trip, please see https://www.westernriver.com/cataract-canyon-rafting

Lower Grand Canyon 3-Day/2-Night River Trip: This April through September adventure that is based out of Las Vegas traverses 89 of the river’s lower miles with enough class II and III rapids to keep everyone on their toes. Hidden waterfalls and pools carve their way down to the river frequented by Blue Heron, hawks and eagles. The per-person rate is $1,895 for ages 9 and up. Rates include a flight to the river, a scenic helicopter flight into the depths of the canyon; bus transfers from the river back to Vegas; rafting, two nights of camping under the stars, hiking, and meals. For details on this 3-day trip, please see https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-river-trip

4-Day/3-Night Moab Vacation Southwest Sampler: This adventure, available from June through August, combines the best of the red rock playground of Moab, Utah, with a 2-night stay at the Moab Marriott and one night camping on the Colorado River. This is one of Western’s most popular family experiences. First up is a morning exploration of Arches National Park with a van and walking tour alongside knowledgeable guides. Then comes an afternoon exploration of red rock country in an off-road Hummer Safari. The following two days guests will raft through class I and II rapids on the Colorado River and experience the fun of camping overnight on the river. This adventure is open to families with children ages 5 and up. The per person rate is $895; $765 for ages 5-15. Rates include transfers to listed activities, two nights of hotel accommodations in Moab, rafting, one night of camping under the stars, and meals while on the rafting adventure. For details, please see https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/southwest-sampler

4-Day/3-Night Rogue River Lodge to Lodge Raft Trip, Oregon: This journey, available from May through September, offers the advantages of lodge – instead of tent – accommodations. The Rogue begins near Crater Lake in the Cascade Mountains and runs westerly through southern Oregon to the Pacific Ocean. This river remains so remote that boats still deliver the mail in some regions where the river is the only road. Wildlife sightings may include river otters, deer and black bears. Guests raft this legendary waterway along 45 miles, with whitewater classified class II-IV. There is a choice of Oar Boat, Paddle Raft, or Inflatable Kayak. The per-person rate is from $1,990 for adults and $1,920 for ages 7-16. Price includes rafting, hiking, meals, and lodging. For details, please see https://www.westernriver.com/rogue-river-lodge-trip

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2024 catalog, for questions, availability and reservations, call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/. For information on Moab Adventure Center programs, call 866.904.1163 or visit https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/.

Founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey, Western River Expeditions annually escorts more people on rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon. In 2023 it was chosen by the readers of USA Today 10Best as the #2 rafting company in the nation. In 2024 it was selected as one of the Top rafting companies in the U.S. by the readers of Newsweek Magazine. The company is also the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past nineteen consecutive years (2004-2022).

Moab Adventure Center is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. Located at 225 South Main St. in Moab, the center has a 2,000-square-foot space booking tours and selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs. In April 2024, it was also voted as one of the Top Five rafting companies in the nation by the readers of Newsweek Magazine.

For more travel features, visit:

Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

Let RTC Know You’re Participating

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Active Travel, bike trips, cycling trips, Outdoors Travel, Uncategorized

Rails to Trails Conservancy Invites You to Celebrate Trails Day April 27 & Win Prizes!

April 20, 2024 MoralCompass

On Celebrate Trails Day, Rails to Trails Conservancy calls on America to walk, bike and be active outside to showcase the joy and impact of trails

Biking the Great Allegheny Passage trail with Rails to Trails Conservancy, which hopes to connect 150 trail networks into a Great American Trail, 3,800 miles across the continent © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

WASHINGTON, DC—Rails to Trails Conservancy, the nation’s largest trail, walking and biking advocacy organization, is calling on people across the country to get outside on trails this spring to celebrate the many ways that trails and connected trail networks bring joy and impact to people’s lives. Central to RTC’s call to action is Celebrate Trails Day on April 27, 2024, with hundreds of events nationwide to inspire more people to make trails, walking and biking part of their everyday lives.

Held on the fourth Saturday of April, Celebrate Trails Day was started by Rails to Trails Conservancy in 2013, to encourage people across the country to get outside and enjoy the nation’s exceptional trails and trail systems.

Celebrate Trails Day is more than a day outside, it is an opportunity to experience and share the joy and impact of trails. The nation’s 41,000+ miles of multi-use trails bring incredible value to our everyday lives, contributing to the well-being of people, places and the planet. It is RTC’s ultimate goal to link the 150+ trail networks that currently exist into a Great American Trail, spanning 3,800 miles across the continent.

Around the country, Rails to Trails’ partners are planning group rides, nature walks, family-friendly festivals, volunteer cleanups and other community events for Celebrate Trails Day. Explore these events and find more inspiration for your day on the trail, including ideas to help you design your own trail adventure and our virtual event series where we host conversations with partners about the ways trails contribute to big issues in our lives.

So far, more than 150 events are planned along trails, but you can also create your own celebration.

“There is unmatched potential in trail networks to make walking and biking part of our everyday lives, unlocking all of the good that happens when we are active outside, in the places where we live,” said Brandi Horton, RTC’s vice president of communications. “That’s why RTC is uniting everyone in a common appreciation for trails—and the impact of connecting trails in our communities. Our time on the trail is so much more than a day outside.”

Biking the Wallkill Valley RailTrail over the Rosendale Trestle, part of New York’s 750-mile long Empire State Trail that connects Battery Park to the Canadian Border, and Buffalo to Albany on the Erie Canalway © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Here are five reasons to get outside on trails, says RTC:

It’s one of the best seasons for outside adventures with milder weather across the country—perfect for time on the trail. People can find their perfect trail using RTC’s free trail-finder app, TrailLink.
It’s good for our bodies and the planet. Having spaces to walk and bike near where you live makes it more likely that you will be physically active, which is important for our bodies and our minds. And, when we swap out short car trips for walking and biking trips, we burn calories instead of carbon!
It can be a safe way to get around without a car. Currently, people who walk and bike are increasingly likely to be seriously injured or killed in crashes with cars and trucks. Connected trail networks separate people from vehicles, making it a safer transportation option for more people.
It’s the right time to let elected officials know that trails matter to you. On Celebrate Trails Day and every day, our time on the trail is an act of advocacy sending a message that trails are important to people across the country. As Congress and local officials make decisions about ways to invest infrastructure resources, getting outside on the trail is an important way to build support.
There are more places to walk, bike and be active outside than ever! With more than 41,000 miles of multiuse trails—where you can walk, run, ride, skate and more—and over 150 trail networks emerging, there are safe places to walk, bike and be active outside in every single state and hundreds of communities across the country.

Participate for a chance to win a prize pack

Let Rails to Trails Conservancy know you’re planning to participate in Celebrate Trails Day on April 27, 2024, and you’ll be automatically entered to win a prize pack, featuring:

A MHS Uno 2-Bike Kit courtesy of Saris
A $400 gift card courtesy of Burley
A Cabezon set courtesy of Deuter
A bike bell courtesy of Mirrycle
A Dagger OSMO™ 3P Lightweight Backpacking tent courtesy of NEMO Equipment
A Black Hole® Pack 25L and an Ultralight Black Hole® Mini Hip Pack 1L courtesy of Patagonia Old Town
A trike courtesy of Catrike
And more great gear!

Find creative ideas for getting outside, visit RTC’s Celebrate Trails Day website and follow #CelebrateTrails on social media.

Explore the nation’s 41,000+ miles of multi-use trails using TrailLink™, RTC’s free trail-guide website and app.

Celebrate Trails Day is the annual celebration of the spring trail season, recognized on the fourth Saturday in April. The national day of celebration is organized by Rails to Trails Conservancy, the country’s largest trails, walking and biking organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong. RTC is dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors.

Follow #CelebrateTrails on social media for updates and connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more travel features, visit:

Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS: TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE ABOVE LONG LAKE, IN NEW YORK’S ADIRONDACKS IS STELLAR

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

camping-glamping, New York State tourism, Outdoors Travel

New York State Parks and Historic Sites Celebrate Centennial

April 18, 2024 MoralCompass

*Watkins Glen State Park. New York State is celebrating the centennial of its parks and historic sites system with programs and events throughout 2024. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the centennial of the State Council of Parks creation on April 18, 1924. Landmarks across the state are being illuminated in Parks green and centennial gold and a special centennial flag will be raised at parks and historic sites across the state to commemorate the day.

Throughout 2024, New York State Parks is marking the 100th anniversary with a range of programs and events. Celebratory initiatives include ‘Blazing A Trail,’ an interactive timeline chronicling the agency’s history and influential figures; an exhibit in the New York State Capitol’s State Street Tunnel currently on view; the Share Your Story project, which invites people to tell their own stories relating to Parks and Sites; the  Centennial Challenge, which encourages people to win prizes by participating in various activities at parks and sites; and the release of the Centennial Collection merchandise, which includes t-shirts, hoodies, mugs and more. Additional initiatives will be announced throughout 2024.

“Our State Parks and Historic Sites system is a treasure for New Yorkers and visitors alike, and today we celebrate 100 years of memories,” Governor Hochul said. “The system we have today started with visionary leadership, and it has grown over the decades to encompass more than 250 properties covering 360,000 acres of land. As Governor, I will continue this legacy as we honor the history of our parks today and throughout the year.”

New York’s modern State Parks and Historic Sites system was created when Governor Alfred E. Smith and the State Legislature established the New York State Council of Parks on April 18, 1924. Creation of the Council built on state actions begun in the late 19th Century to protect places of natural significance, establish the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves, create the Palisades Interstate Park Commission by the New York and New Jersey legislatures in 1900, and form the Reservation on the St. Lawrence, which today includes many state parks in the Thousand Islands Region.

In 1970, state legislation that created the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also upgraded the former Division of Parks into an independent agency, known as the New York State Office of Parks and Recreation. Further legislation in 1972 gave the agency direct control of New York’s park lands, with the State Council of Parks and regional commissions retaining an advisory management role. The agency’s name was updated in 1981 to the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to reflect the agency’s mission to protect New York’s historic heritage.

State Park Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “New Yorkers united 100 years ago to create one of New York State’s greatest environmental legacies – our State Park and Historic Site system. Our agency is looks forward to working with Governor Hochul, the State Legislature, our many partners across the state, and our visitors to build and sustain this legacy over the next century.”

State Council of Parks Chair Bryan Erwin said, “For 100 years, New Yorkers have enjoyed their very own version of the National Park System. Through war, peace, recessions, and boom times; through pandemics, heat waves, cold snaps, balmy springs and crisp autumns. Through generations of Irish, Italian, Jewish, African American, Puerto-Ricans, Dominicans, Chinese Americans and all the rest of our neighbors: we all of us, no matter what the current backdrop of our lives, are able to enjoy what was bestowed on us a century ago. I’m so grateful that our leadership in Albany, led by this Governor, has invested in our parks so they will remain the critical part of our lives, and our childrens’ lives, forevermore.”

“For the last century, New York has led the nation in creating an unparalleled state park system that continues to play a vital role in providing New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds with affordable and inspiring outdoor opportunities,” Scenic Hudson President Ned Sullivan said, “Scenic Hudson’s partnership with the state and others has allowed us to help create or enhance one-of-a-kind destinations, including Sojourner Truth State Park, Walkway Over the Hudson, Franny Reese State Park and Olana State Historic Site. We look forward to building on this legacy with Governor Hochul and the State Parks team to create innovative ways to connect people with nature and each other.”

Open Space Institute’s Chief Conservation and Policy Officer Kathy Moser said,“The Open Space Institute is honored to join our partners in New York State to protect, enhance, and expand our incomparable State Parks. Over the last 50 years, OSI has added nearly 40,000 acres to our State Park system – more than ten percent of the total acreage – as well as numerous other initiatives to make our parks more welcoming and accessible for all. Protection of our state’s abundant natural beauty and cultural heritage is a gift for people today and countless future generations. We could not be more proud to join with Governor Hochul and New York State Parks to celebrate the Centennial Celebration, and we look forward to the next 100 years.”

State Senator Jose M. Serrano said, “As chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation, I recognize that it is critically important to connect people to nature and to keep our green spaces accessible and welcoming. My sincere thanks to the dedication of the Governor, the Legislature, and parks staff, as we have seen a continued reimagining of our parks system that reinforces the many benefits of parks and historic sites.”

“Today, we stand on the shoulders of the visionaries who, a century ago, recognized the importance of preserving our natural landscapes and historic sites in the state of New York,” Assemblymember Daniel J. O’Donnell said, “So, as we illuminate our landmarks and raise the centennial flag, we not only celebrate the past 100 years but also reaffirm ourselves to carrying on the legacy that our forefathers established, and ensure these spaces are preserved and enriched for generations to come.”

Today, Commissioner Pro Tempore Simons is marking the occasion by raising a State Parks centennial flag at Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in Newburgh and attending a lighting ceremony at Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs.

Other lighting events will be held today at:

One World Trade Center in Manhattan
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge in South Nyack
- Kosciuszko Bridge in Brooklyn
- H. Carl McCall SUNY Building in Albany
- State Education Building in Albany
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building in Albany
- Empire State Plaza in Albany
- State Fairgrounds Main Gate and Exposition Center in Syracuse
- Niagara Falls State Park
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority/Long Island Railroad East End Gateway at Penn Station in Manhattan
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station
- Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park in Poughkeepsie
- Olana State Historic Site in Hudson
- Staatsburgh State Historic Site
- Lorenzo State Historic Site in Cazenovia
- Letchworth State Park in Castile
- Robert Moses State Park in Babylon
- Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh
- Fort Ontario State Historic Site in Oswego

1 Million Visit NYS Parks for Total Solar Eclipse

Just how revered New York State parks are, was clear during the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024.

From April 6 to April 9, nearly one million visitors showed up to New York State Parks to witness and celebrate the total solar eclipse, an increase in attendance of more than 45 percent compared to the same days in 2023. On April 8 alone, New York State Parks welcomed more than 326,500 visitors, an over 52 percent jump in attendance compared to last year.

12 state parks reached full capacity on April 8:

Cayuga Lake (Seneca County)
Chimney Bluffs (Wayne County)
Crown Point (Essex County)
Cumberland Bay (Clinton County)
Fair Haven State Park (Cayuga County)
John Brown Farm (Essex County)
Point Au Roche (Clinton County)
Robert Whele (Jefferson County)
Selkirk (Oswego County)
Seneca Lake (Seneca County)
Southwick Beach (Jefferson County)
Stony Brook State Park (Steuben County)

Governor Hochul opened campgrounds at State Parks within the path of totality early to accommodate visitors for the total solar eclipse, which were 100 percent booked the night of April 7 and 93 percent booked the night of April 8. To welcome visitors, New York State Parks and Historic Sites hosted numerous eclipse-viewing gatherings on April 8. Additionally, scientists, subject matter experts and astronauts from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) provided programming and exhibits at Niagara Falls State Park through April 8.

The New York State Thruway Authority and New York State Department of Transportation recorded significant increases in vehicle travel, and the New York Power Authority provided nearly double the charging miles for electric vehicles when compared to the previous week. Governor Hochul was one of 45,000 visitors who experienced Monday’s celestial event at Niagara Falls State Park.

On April 7 and April 8, the New York State Power Authority reported that EVolve Stations dispensed over 260,000 miles of driving, which is over 115,000 more miles dispensed than the same days the previous week.

From majestic Niagara Falls to the mighty Adirondacks, New York was one of the best places on earth to witness this once-in-a-generation celestial event,” Governor Hochul said. “We planned for more than a year to welcome a record number of visitors during the total solar eclipse, and those preparations helped this event go off safely and successfully.”

In October 2022, Governor Hochul convened an Interagency Task Force comprised of nearly two dozen state agencies and authorities to prepare to welcome the influx of visitors the state expected for this once-in-a-generation event. New York State agencies involved in the Interagency Task Force reported record services provided to residents and travelers.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023.

For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app  or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on  Facebook,  Instagram, X (formerly Twitter) and the OPRHP Blog.

NEW YORK’S WATKINS GLEN STATE PARK IS SPELLBINDING

For more travel features, visit:

Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Adventure Travel, National Parks, Outdoors Travel

Celebrate Canyonlands NP 60th Anniversary with Moab Adventure Center

February 7, 2024 MoralCompass

For those who can only spare a few hours on the river, Colorado River Jet Boat Fun Run for $139 per person is a three-hour, 64-mile jet boat excursion with canopy-covered seating into spectacular river scenery bordering Canyonlands National Park.

MOAB, UT– In 1964, 257,640 acres of high desert in Utah were formally designated by President Lyndon B. Johnson as Canyonlands National Park. Some 10,000 years ago Native Americans lingered here long enough to signal their presence through drawings (petroglyphs) on rock walls. Only 2,000 years ago hunter-gatherer tribes created granaries to store their harvests. Many granaries still survive. Early European settlers gazed farther west, leaving this geologically challenging world as the hideout for a handful of outlaws.

Today, with its 60th anniversary upon us, Canyonlands National Park remains the least visited among Utah’s “Big 5” national parks despite offering some of the best rafting, hiking, jeep tours, mountain biking and canyoneering in the country. In 2024, Moab Adventure Center is making it easier than ever to access some or all of the vast park.

One of the most overlooked (and most breathtaking) districts of Canyonlands National Park is the River District. Carving its way through this unmatched landscape is the mighty Colorado River. Kam Wixom, Marketing Director for Moab Adventure Center, reports “a remarkable surge in popularity” with their 96-mile, 2-day Cataract Canyon Express raft trip (per person rate $955) or Cataract Canyon 4-Day Expedition (per person rate $1935) through class III-IV rapids in the heart of Canyonlands National Park. Rates include transfers, hiking, camping, meals and whitewater rafting (plus scenic flight on 4-day trip).

For those who can only spare a few hours on the river, Colorado River Jet Boat Fun Run for $139 per person is a three-hour, 64-mile jet boat excursion with canopy-covered seating into spectacular river scenery bordering Canyonlands National Park. Snacks and drinks are served along with commentary by the guide/pilot. Keep an eye out for a petrified forest, fossil beds, spectacular rock cliffs, Indian ruins, petroglyphs and arches. See: https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/jet-boat-colorado-river

To grasp the grandeur and enormity of all of Canyonlands, Moab Adventure Center can arrange a one-hour Canyonlands National Park Airplane Tour. The flights are year-round and scheduled to depart daily at 9 a.m. All guests have window views and headsets to enjoy the commentary of a professional pilot on a 125-mile flyover that includes regions inaccessible to hikers. The per-person rate is $249 ($187 ages 12-3). An 80-minute Arches and Canyonlands Airplane Tour also departs year-round daily. The per person rate is $329 ($247 ages 12-3). See https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/moab-air-tours for details.

Moab Adventure Center also maps out 4×4 Jeep Rentals for up to five passengers (including driver) available for one-day or multi-day use. The vehicles are brand-new modified Jeep Rubicons, considered the best and most capable jeep to explore the trails. Jeep Rubicons feature an automatic transmission, a 3-inch lift kit, oversized tires, seat belts for 5, and free satellite radio. A per-vehicle daily rate of $330 includes a book of trail maps, a cooler of water and ice, and 150 free miles daily. GPS signal monitors in every Jeep means you are never really lost in the backcountry surrounding Moab. Complimentary airport and in-town shuttles are included. See https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/moab-jeep-rentals-rubicon

This National Park Service site https://www.nps.gov/cany/index.htm is a starting point for a pre-visit discovery of Canyonlands. It even includes time management touring tips for those with one hour or several days to spend in one or more of NPS’ designated regions – called sections – of Canyonlands. Please see https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/itineraries.htm

Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/) an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab and Fredonia, AZ. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, Utah. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main St., Moab, UT 84532. For information and reservations please visit https://www.moabadventurecenter.com/ or call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163. The center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear, clothing, maps and souvenirs.

For more travel features, visit:

Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

ecotourism, festivals & events, National Parks, Nature Travel, Outdoors Travel

Explore the Cosmos at Death Valley Dark Sky Festival, March 1-3

February 6, 2024 MoralCompass

Join scientists and park rangers to learn about the cosmos and how Death Valley National Park has been used as an analog for the exploration of distant worlds during the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival March 1-3, 2024. (Photo courtesy: Xanterra Travel Collection)

There’s no better place to explore the wonders of space than from one of the darkest locations in the United States. Join scientists and park rangers to learn about the cosmos and how Death Valley National Park has been used as an analog for the exploration of distant worlds during the Death Valley Dark Sky Festival March 1-3, 2024.

Death Valley National Park is one of only eight (8) designated “gold tier” International Dark Sky Parks in the country where stargazers can see the Milky Way with the naked eye (something that’s not possible from most people’s homes due to light pollution). The National Park Service, alongside the Oasis at Death Valley, has taken measures to greatly minimize light pollution in the area so no special telescopes are needed (though they are recommended for an otherworldly experience).

Accommodations and restaurants are extremely limited in the park. Not only does The Oasis at Death Valley offer two properties with modern luxury and family-friendly accommodations, but it’s also ideally positioned with clear nights the norm, a lack of settled land, and the exterior lights of the resort dim by design. Ideal for stargazing, yes, but also for travelers in search of astronomical sights – constellations, planets, deep-sky objects, celestial events like lunar eclipses and meteor showers, and even actual galaxies like the increasingly hard-to-spot Milky Way.

The Death Valley Dark Sky Festival is a collaboration between Death Valley National Park, non-profit Death Valley Natural History Association, NASA‘s Goddard Space Flight Center, Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Ames Research Center, SETI Institute and California Institute of Technology. All Death Valley Dark Sky Festival programs are free and open to the public. Some of the programs are specifically targeted for families with children. For a full list of programs and lodging options visit the park’s website at nps.gov/deva.

Located 120 miles northwest of Las Vegas and 295 miles northeast of Los Angeles, The Oasis at Death Valley is distant enough from the major cities in the Southwest to provide unobstructed views of the night’s sky, yet close enough for city dwellers to escape for the weekend. Guests can reserve a private stargazing party to create the ultimate night sky experience. In addition, Furnace Creek Stables on property offers a moonlight tour which is a unique way to stargaze.

For more travel features, visit:

Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

cruises, Outdoors Travel

Le Boat Expands Self-Piloting Boat Concept from Europe into Canada in 2024; Save 20% for Booking by Jan. 31

January 11, 2024 MoralCompass

Piloting Le Boat on a canal in France, getting ready to go through a lock. Le Boat, a leader in self-piloted boat rental experiences in Europe and its newest destination, Canada, is offering “Let’s Go Boating in 2024” deals © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Palm Beach, Florida—Le Boat is inviting travelers to be the captains of their own ship in 2024. The company is announcing an array of updates and booking incentives, encouraging adventure seekers and travel enthusiasts to discover the world in an unconventional way as they invite everyone to go boating together in 2024.

Boating Made Easy
Le Boat is committed to simplifying the boating experience with no boat license or prior boating experience required. The Le Boat team provides comprehensive onboard training at the time of check-in for all cruisers before they set sail. A dedicated base team provides guests comprehensive briefings and demonstrations, which allows them to confidently navigate their houseboat vacations. Le Boat cruises are custom designed with the first-time cruiser in mind by featuring simple controls plus bow and stern thrusters to make maneuvering the boat easy. This approach ensures that anyone capable of driving a car can confidently navigate their private boat rental.

Le Boat offers a plethora of destinations across nine countries, including Canada, France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. From serene lakes and rivers to vibrant cities and tranquil countryside, each destination promises a unique and immersive experience.

Le Boat’s New Canadian Destinations and Bases
In the upcoming season, Le Boat adds the picturesque and historic, Trent-Severn Waterway in Ontario Canada to its roster of destinations. This addition allows travelers to navigate 240 miles of waterways while immersing themselves in the beauty of nature stretching from the Bay of Quinte in Eastern Ontario to the eastern tip of Lake Simcoe.

The newly established base in Peterborough, Ontario, on the Otonabee River, ensures convenient access to the Trent-Severn Waterway. Peterborough is also home Lock 21, which is a National Historical Site and boasts to be the highest hydraulic lift lock in the world that lifts boats 65 ft. (19.8 meters) above the Trent Canal. The lift lock is considered an engineering marvel that opened to great fanfare in 1904 and is currently operated by Parks Canada. Lock 21 is also home to the new Canadian Canoe Museum, which is set to open in May 2024.

Rideau Canal, Canada
On this sailing, travelers can combine city adventure with lakes and scenic beauty on a Rideau Canal boating vacation in Canada. On this trip, travelers can explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site from Ottawa to Kingston while sailing on luxury houseboat. Guests can relax as they cruise through the natural landscape, picturesque towns, and lively cities. Rates start at $2,283 for a 7-night sailing.

Book before January 31, 2024 to save up to 10 percent on Canada boat rental vacations.

European Sailings
Le Boat is currently offering booking incentives through the end of the month for European boat rental experiences. Below are a few examples of European trips with Le Boat:

Lot, France
Experience the natural beauty of the Lot River with its tree-lined shores, medieval hilltop towns, and vineyards. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities like cycling, swimming, and fishing, complemented by fine dining and historic châteaux sightseeing. Rates for a 7-night sailing starts at $999.
- Burgundy Franche Comté, France
  Travelers can immerse themselves in the heart of Burgundy, which is known for its fine wines and gourmet cuisine as they sail across the Saône River while exploring lush vineyards and quiet villages. During this sailing, guests will be indulged in a world of sensory pleasures and soul-soothing experiences. Rates start at $919 for a 7-night sailing.
- Aquitaine, France
  Discover the gastronomic delights of sunny Aquitaine, famous for its wines and cuisine. On this itinerary, travelers cruise along the Canal Latéral à la Garonne and the River Baïse as they pass through meadows, orchards, and medieval villages. Guests can relax as they sip wine in the warm sunshine with family and friends while soaking in the vistas that surround them. Rates start at $879 for a 7-nights sailing.
- Shannon and Erne, Ireland
  Explore the unique character of central Ireland along the River Shannon. As guests sail along the river, they can enjoy fishing, golfing, and cycling on the towpath. In addition, travelers can visit villages, medieval churches, and pubs for a relaxing and immersive experience along the route. Rates for a 7-night sailing start at $569.

Book before January 31 and save up to 20 percent on European boat rental vacations.

For more details about Le Boat and 2024 offerings, visit http://www.leboat.com/.

Le Boat, a leader in boat rental holidays in Europe, has more than 55 years of experience in the industry. With 950 boats stationed at a network of over 33 different departure bases across eight European countries, Le Boat arrived in Canada in 2018 and now has a local fleet of 32 boats available for rental on Ontario’s UNESCO Rideau Canal. With no boat licence or previous boating experience required, Le Boat shows you how to captain your boat at your own pace on a flexible itinerary. Boats range in size from one to five cabins (sleeping up to 12 people), and travelers can choose a 3-6 night short boating break or a 7-10+ night holiday. Le Boat’s luxury Horizon Cruiser boat rentals come with bow and stern thrusters, fully equipped kitchens, fresh linens, and bedding, a top deck sun deck with lounge area, BBQ hot plate & much more! Le Boat is a Rainbow Registered company. For more information visit www.leboat.com or www.leboat.ca or call 1-800-734-5491.

For more travel features, visit:

Going Places @ theisland360.com/travel

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/

Preview 2025 Grand Canyon dates & rates here

instagram.com/bigbackpacktraveler/

‘Like’ us on facebook.com/NewsPhotoFeatures

Twitter: @TravelFeatures

Active Travel, Adventure Travel, family-friendly adventures, Outdoors Travel, rafting trips

The Best Chance to Lock in Space on a 2025 Grand Canyon Raft Trip is Now

November 28, 2023 MoralCompass

*Western River’s reservations team has opened reservations for river rafting itineraries in the Grand Canyon that begin in 2025 as early as April and continue through September.*

SALT LAKE CITY, UT– The scramble for seats on the world’s most coveted river rafting vacations in the Grand Canyon begins on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 6 p.m. Mountain Time (5 p.m. Pacific, 7 p.m. Central and 8 p.m. Eastern), Western River Expeditions announced.

This annual event attract adventure lovers from around the country and around the world, who yearn to bag a seat on a coveted river rafting expedition through Arizona’s Grand Canyon.

“On Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. we’ll be taking reservations online, and at 9 am on Nov. 29, Western River’s reservations team will be available to take calls for river rafting itineraries that begin in 2025 as early as April and continue through the month of September,” explains Brandon Lake, co-owner and company CMO. “We encourage anyone interested to visit https://www.westernriver.com/grand-canyon-raft-trips-2025 and join our email list for updates and reminders.”

This is the widely anticipated opportunity to secure reservations now for what many rafting aficionados consider one of the world’s ultimate river rafting experiences. These early bird booking dates are expected to secure reservations for up to 90 percent of Western River Expeditions’ 2025 Grand Canyon vacations inventory. Historically demand outpaces supply, and within hours of the reservation window opening, many departures are sold out. For trip details, please see visit Western’s Grand Canyon Rafting page.

“People ask us why we are taking reservations now for 2025; why not just focus on 2024?” says Lake. “Due to these high-demand trips, we must look two years ahead. Western’s 6- and 7-Day Grand Canyon trips for 2024 are sold out, and space is very limited in the upcoming season for shorter departures of 3 and 4 days. Travelers interested in possibly rafting the canyon in 2024 are still urged to call Western’s sales office. Because people book so far in advance, cancellations do happen. Getting your name on the waitlist is advised.”

The river rafting season on the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon runs from April into September. The longer 6- and 7-day trips with the thrills of class III-V rapids are open to guests as young as 12. The minimum age is nine for 3- and 4-day trips that come with class II-III rapids. Western’s exclusive J-Rig raft provides accessibility for all levels of rafters on even the largest whitewater rapids in the Grand Canyon. Rafting trips include plenty of hiking in side canyons that allow access to waterfalls, slot canyons, native ruins, rock art, and geologic wonders that the 5 million or so casual hikers from the rim will simply never see.

For details on the trips, Western River Expeditions offers complimentary Expedition Guides in PDF format (https://www.westernriver.com/expedition-guide). The comprehensive guides include river maps, overviews, full itineraries, camping and weather information, details on physical requirements, packing lists, and more.

Grand Canyon trips are always in high demand and fill quickly. To protect the Canyon and maximize one’s enjoyment of nature, the National Park Service closely regulates the number of rafting participants traveling through the Grand Canyon each year, creating space limitations and a scramble for reservations.

For those who are flexible and perhaps miss the boat on Grand Canyon reservations, two lesser-known options to rafting the Grand Canyon include a four-day trip through Cataract Canyon, often referred to as the “The Grand Canyon’s Younger Sister”.

“Utah’s Cataract Canyon, located deep within Canyonlands National Park, is near enough in scale, appearance and proximity to the Grand Canyon that it works the same kind of magic one will find in the Grand herself. Just a short distance upstream on the Colorado River System, this is hands down the best alternative to a Grand Canyon rafting vacation,” explains Lake.

“If you’re planning to travel with kids, an option that families often enjoy even more than Grand Canyon is a spectacular five-day family-oriented journey down Desolation Canyon on the Green River in Utah. This is a mellower but equally breathtaking rafting experience. Like Cataract, it also departs from Moab, Utah, and because it is lesser known, it has good availability for 2024,” he adds.

To access Grand Canyon reservations or obtain a copy of Western River Expeditions’ annual catalog, call toll-free: 866-904-1160 (Local: 801-942-6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

Also, there is still limited availability on select departures in the Grand Canyon as well as some unforgettable experiences in Utah, Idaho, and Oregon. See them all at 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 was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. In 2023 the operator was chosen by the readers of USA Today 10 Best as the #2 rafting company in the nation. The company is also the recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past 19 consecutive years (2004-2022).

For more travel features, visit:

Going Places @ theisland360.com

www.huffingtonpost.com/author/karen-rubin

travelwritersmagazine.com/TravelFeaturesSyndicate/