The Lodge at Chaa Creek Offers All-Inclusive Package to Winner of “Rainforest & Reef Vacation Sweepstakes”

Interested in a free, fun-filled trip to explore the Maya temples and snorkel in pristine Belizean waters? 

The Lodge at Chaa Creek, BelizeThe Lodge at Chaa Creek, Belize’s award-winning luxury eco-lodge in the jungles of Central America is offering all inclusive vacation packages to the lucky winners of its “Rainforest & Reef Vacation Sweepstakes.”

From September 1, 2010, through October 2, 2010, the Lodge at Chaa Creek is inviting interested travelers to submit a 300 word essay, explaining: “Why you want to vacation in Belize at the Lodge at Chaa Creek.” To be eligible, participants must follow the Lodge at Chaa Creek on Twitter or Facebook, and submit the essay via email to marketing@chaacreek.com.

The winning essay will be published anonymously on the Chaa Creek Travel Blog. All other qualified entries will be placed in a drawing and four prizes are to be given away including one complimentary stay ($3,479 value), and one trip each at a 50-percent, 40-percent and 30-percent discount.

For more information about the sweepstakes, visit the Chaa Creek Travel Blog.

Source: Belize Tourism Board (http://www.travelbelize.org/)

Belize all-inclusive vacation packages from $700 per person

Table Rock Jungle, a jungle lodge immersed in Belize’s rainforest right outside of the town of San Ignacio, is announcing a special three-night, all-inclusive vacation package for just $700 per person.

The package includes all meals; accommodations; tours of the ATM Caves, the Caracol Maya site and canoeing; tubing and swimming at Big Rock Falls, as well as ground transfers to and from the Belize International Airport.

A five-night package is also available with the same inclusions mentioned above, as well as tours of Barton Creek Cave and the Maya sites of Xunantunich and Tikal. The five-night package is offered for $1185 per person.

For more information visit www.tablerockbelize.com. 

Source: Belize Tourism Board

Belize Blue Crab Beach Introduces Travel Specials for Spring and Summer

The Blue Crab Beach, a family-friendly adventure hotel located in Placencia, Belize, is launching several different specials, designed to fit a wide range of budgets. Guests booking six nights at the hotel will receive a seventh night free and children under the age of 16 stay for free. A 10 percent discount is also available for returning visitors, on top of the current 20 percent taken off the hotel’s summer rates. And, groups booking three rooms or more will receive an additional 10 percent off their accommodations.

For more information on travel specials offered by Blue Crab Beach, visit www.BlueCrabBeach.com.  

Source: Belize Tourism Board

Affordable Luxury on this Arizona Adventure from Austin-Lehman

From Sedona to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Arizona’s scenery is nothing short of spectacular.

Join Austin Adventures - Adventure Travel and climb Red Butte for 360-degree views of Grand Canyon National Park; trek deep into the canyon, descending through 40 million years of geological time; marvel at the rock art of the Wupatki ruins and stop for shopping in Sedona’s Tlaquepaque village. By night, savor festive Southwestern cuisine before slipping off to dreamland in the comfort of your deluxe lodge or luxury campsite.

Value Promise:
“On this special itinerary you’ll enjoy all the action, surprising luxury, expert care and over-the-top service that we’ve built our reputation upon - at an unprecedented price! By utilizing a deluxe camp near the rim of the Grand Canyon for three nights before moving to a sumptuous lodge high above Sedona for the last two, we’ve created one of our most value-packed offerings yet.” – Dan Austin, Co-Founder and Director

Arizona: Grand Canyon & Sedona High Desert Country Adventure – Click Here for more information

Prices:
All inclusive at $1,798 per adult ($250 single supplement)
2009 6 Day/5 Night Trip Dates:
March 29-April 3, April 26-May 1, October 18-23, October 25-30

Source: Trusted Adventures (http://www.trustedadventures.com)

Ecoventura Offers a “Fuel’s on Us!” promotion on September Cruise Departure

Discover the Galapagos For Less This Fall With EcoVentura’s Discounted September Promotion

The small ship, travel company, Ecoventura is doing what it can to soften the blow of rising fuel prices. On its Sept. 28-Oct. 5, 2008 departure the company is waiving the usual $125 per person fuel tax surcharge.

Value-minded travelers might also be pleased to know that late September and October also coincides with lower off-season rates on international flights to Ecuador as well as flights from the mainland to the islands.

An Ecoventura spokesperson, Doris Welsh, notes that this week is a prime time to visit the islands. Late September falls into the garúa season, or dry season, that continues from now to November. Wildlife activity is up and temperatures are on average 10 degrees cooler with highs in the mid-70’s.  

“Aside from our money saving promotion, the benefits to visiting this time of year include being present as sea bird chicks (including boobies and waived albatross) are hatching; sea lion pups are being born and the marine mammals are active,” says Welsh. “There is a good chance you will see whales and dolphins.”

“The Galapagos Penguins continue to delight swimmers and snorkelers with their antics at the surface and torpedo-like movement underwater. Sea lions are in estrus stage and harem-gathering males are barking and fighting on the shore. Most species of sea birds remain quite lively at their nesting sites,” notes Welsh.

While enjoying an Ecoventura cruise, guests also travel with the peace of mind that their carbon footprint is being completely offset through company actions.  

In 2006, Ecoventura became the first Carbon Neutral operation in the Galapagos (and Ecuador). Carbon emissions from the company’s four yachts (and offices including business travel) are reduced and then offset by contributions to a portfolio of projects through the US-based company NativeEnergy.

Ecoventura is a family-owned company based in Guayaquil, Ecuador, with sales offices in Quito and Miami. In operation since 1990, the cruise company transports 3,000+ passengers annually aboard a fleet of three expedition vessels; identical, superior first-class 20-passenger motor yachts with 10 double cabins. The company also operates the Sky Dancer, a 16-passenger dedicated dive live-aboard offering 7-night weekly itineraries visiting the northern islands of Wolf and Darwin. All of its vessels have been purposefully retrofitted to meet or exceed the highest possible environmental standards.

To reserve a cabin on the special September departure or to receive a copy of Ecoventura’s 2008 catalog call toll-free 1.800.644.7972, or e-mail info@galapagosnetwork.com. To access current rates, schedules and itineraries you can log onto www.ecoventura.com/.

Source: Widness & Wiggins 

Explore The World's Historic Waterways and Save with Lindblad Expeditions

The world’s great rivers and waterways have sparked the imaginations of countless artists and writers, and have prompted explorers to set out on some of history’s greatest expeditions. Join Lindblad Expeditions and take this same inspired and adventurous approach in exploring Europe’s winding Danube River, Egypt’s treasured Nile, the great lochs (lakes) of Scotland and the Columbia and Snake Rivers in the American West.

Autumn on the Danube Aboard River Cloud: Prague to Budapest and Budapest to Regensburg

12 Days/ 10 Nights
Departures: Sep.-Oct. 2008
Receive $1,000 off OR complimentary airfare select voyages.
Using the beautiful ship River Cloud as a base, take in the wonders of this historic region set in the most colorful of autumn landscapes. Accompanied by passionately caring Historians, venture into the fascinating cities of Prague, Budapest, and Vienna as well as smaller cities and towns like Regensburg, Germany; Dürnstein, Austria and Bratislava, Slovakia.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

Egypt: Exploring the Treasures of the Nile

10 Days/8 Nights or 15 Days/13 Nights
Departures: Oct.-Dec. 2008
Explore ancient and modern Egypt in the company of outstanding Egyptologist guides. Choose either the 10-day or  15-day journey, each featuring a Nile voyage aboard the 42-guest Triton, unquestionably one of the finest ships in Egypt. Stay in remarkable hotels too. Convenient private charter aircraft allow you to bypass airport crowds.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

Heart of the Highlands: An Exploration of Scotland

15 Days/ 12 Nights
Departures: May-Aug. 2008
Receive $500 off on select voyages.
Discover secluded villages, ancient sites, verdant landscapes and engaging people for an intimate perspective on Scottish life, past and present aboard the 48-guest luxury yacht, Lord of the Glens. Venture through lochs, glens and stately castles of Scotland’s Highlands and islands of the Inner Hebrides, a region of thriving seabird colonies, dramatic cliffs and glorious vistas.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

In the Wake of Lewis and Clark

7 Days/ 6 Nights
Departures: Sep.-Nov. 2008
Receive 15% or 25% off select voyages.
In the company of our knowledgeable Historians and Naturalists, watch the story of Lewis and Clark come alive as you are elevated more than 700 feet through a series of 8 locks to navigate the rivers. Venture all the way inland from the Pacific Ocean and the temperate rain forest of the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, to the high desert country of eastern Washington.

Click here to learn more about this itinerary.

About Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions is a pioneering expedition travel company providing voyages in Galápagos, Antarctica, Baja
California, Alaska, the Arctic, and beyond. The company works in partnership with the National Geographic Society to
inspire people to explore and care about the planet by providing innovative marine expedition programs and by
promoting conservation and sustainable tourism around the world.

Source: Lindblad Expeditions 

Zephyr Adventures Drops Prices for Family Tours

Montana-based adventure travel company Zephyr Adventures has dramatically reduced the prices for kids on its Family Adventures, with the price of its Yellowstone multisport family adventure down 38% from last year for kids.

Zephyr Adventures owner Allan Wright says the price drop is not in response to the country’s recent economic worries. “We have been planning this price decrease since the fall,” says Wright. “This is more a long-term plan to make guided family tours more affordable than it is a short-term response to the economy.”

In the world of travel, families have a number of options with a range of prices.  Road trips in the family minivan can be relatively inexpensive, especially if camping is on the agenda.  On the high end, organized guided tours with hotels, meals, activities, and guides can run thousands of dollars for a vacation – per family member.

“We just came to the realization that our family tour offerings were unaffordable for most families,” explains Wright. “And yet the concept of an organized family tour is so fantastic, it didn’t make sense to restrict this to just higher-income families.”

So Zephyr Adventures dropped its prices for kids and, in some cases, for adults.  The five-day Yellowstone Multisport Adventure, priced last year at $1600 per person, is now priced at only $1400 for adults and $1000 for kids staying in the same room.

Zephyr manages to do this by being local and remaining small.  The company is based near its Family Adventure destinations, right outside Yellowstone in Red Lodge, Montana. Zephyr also drastically reduced office expenses by going “virtual,” with all employees working from a home office.

All Zephyr’s family trips include such activities as river rafting, horseback riding, hiking, canoeing, and watching for wildlife.  “Our tours still come loaded with historic National Park lodging, expert guides, great meals, and fun activities,” says Wright.  “Only now, our Yellowstone tours are priced $600 to $1700 less per child than the tours of our competitors.”

Kids are always attended by professional guides and tend to bond with other youth participants within the first hour. Parents are free to participate with their kids or spend time with other adults, going for an extra hike or relaxing with a glass of wine.

For more information about Zephyr Family Adventures visit  http://www.zephyradventures.com/types-family.htm

Fantastic Savings on Safari in South Africa from The Mantis Collection

“MANTIS MADNESS”*

Fantastic Savings on Safari in South Africa

 
The Mantis Collection, a group of luxury private game reserves and boutique accommodation in South Africa offers great savings with “Mantis Madness.”  This package, available from May 1, 2008 until September 30, 2008, gives you a bonanza of choices, including two nights at a five star Game Lodge and three nights at a boutique hotel or retreat — with lots of extras!

With the purchase of two nights accommodation at a Mantis Collection Game Reserve, including Shamwari Game Reserve, Jock Safari Lodge and Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, three additional nights will be included (with breakfast), at any one of the following eight luxury establishments.  The Last Word Retreats; charming boutique retreats in and around Cape Town made up of The Constantia, The Franschhoek, The Bishops Court, and The St. James; Lake Pleasant Living in Knysna, Bushman Sands Hotel & Golf Course in the Eastern Cape, and the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town.  Drinks are included at The Last Word Retreats.

The rate for this five-night package is $940 per person if the choice is Shamwari or Jock Safari Lodge and $880 per person if the choice is Sanbona.

Shamwari, in the malaria-free Eastern Cape, is set on 25,000 hectares within five eco-systems, supporting many forms of plant, animal and bird life.  The Reserve has been recognized by the World Travel Awards for ten consecutive years as The World’s Leading Conservation Company and The World’s Leading Safari Company.  Sanbona features two game lodges and 54,000 hectares of land with 6,500 plant species, 150 bird species and a wide variety of game, including the “Big Five.”  Jock Safari Lodge, set within the Kruger National Park, offers game drives within the Park and the best possible insight into African wildlife.

The Constantia is a five star boutique hotel situated in the Cape’s most beautiful wine valley. The Franschhoek , also a five star boutique hotel is situated right in the heart of the gourmet capital of South Africa; The Bishop’s Court, is an elegant hotel that offers spectacular mountain views; and the St James, a five star seaside retreat overlooks the trendy and vibrant fishing village of Kalk Bay.

Located on South Africa’s spectacular Garden Route, Lake Pleasant Living offers self-contained one and two bedroom suites with kitchenette and lounge. There is a Spa, vanishing-edge swimming pool and a myriad of nearby activities.  The luxurious Table Bay Hotel, one of the finest hotels in Cape Town, is set on the exciting Victoria and Alfred Waterfront of Cape Town, central to all the attractions of the city.

To view the Mantis Collection properties visit www.mantiscollection.com

Reservations for Mantis Madness may be made online at  www.mantiscollection.com or by e-mail reservations@mantiscollection.com

*Mantis Madness is available at the following Shamwari Game Reserve lodges at the rate quoted above:  Riverdene, Long Lee Manner and Bushmans River lodge
 
*Rates are based on the exchange rate between the US dollar and the South African Rand as of 02/07/08
 
* Rates based on double occupancy                                                                

SOURCE: Montgomery Communications 

International Expeditions Announces $1,000 Per Couple Savings to the Amazon

Book By December 31 For Over 15% Off One of the Greatest Voyages in Natural History

International Expeditions, the world leader in nature travel, announces special $500 per person savings ($1,000 per couple) on its February 29, 2008 10-day Amazon Voyage. In addition to enjoying over 15% off regular fares on one of the greatest voyages in natural history, guests on this departure will travel twice as deep into the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve. New for 2008, International Expeditions has added an extra night on the river, taking guests further and deeper into the Amazon than any other outfitter.

The per person price for the February 29 departure – when booked by December 31, 2007 – is $2,698 for lower deck cabins and $2,798 for upper deck cabins, including $500 savings. Prices include all accommodations, most meals, local transportation, guides, and group transfers. Airfare is additional but can be booked by International Expeditions.

International Expeditions’ first forays back in 1980 were to Peru’s Upper Amazon. Supporting conservation projects across the globe even before the word “ecotourism” was coined, the company brought some of the very first leisure travelers to the heart of the Amazon.

Today guests explore the wilds of Peru with a like-minded group of fellow passengers, traveling in comfortable style aboard an elegant and intimate 28-guest riverboat, specially designed to sail the upper Amazon Basin, the most diverse ecosystem on Earth. Intrepid travelers are offered rare access to the deepest parts of the jungle to experience the most unusual wildlife sightings. Here they witness the ever-changing panorama of the rainforest and search for more than 100 kinds of birds, pink and gray Amazon River dolphins, eight species of monkeys, sloths, giant otters, and nocturnal animals such as caimans and capybaras.

Throughout the journey, knowledgeable, highly trained and sharp-eyed guides and an expedition leader lead excursions, lecture and look after guests’ well being.

In addition to hikes, daily outings through the nature reserve includes explorations on small excursion boats for access even further into the heart of the vast wetlands. Along the way, guests have the rare opportunity to visit small villages and get a poignant glimpse into daily life along the river. They can visit local schools, hand out donated supplies to local children, assist with community projects or join in a game of soccer.

About International Expeditions:
Founded in 1980, International Expeditions is the world leader in nature travel, specializing in small group and independent journeys to the most exhilarating destinations around the globe. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, International Expeditions is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits.

For more information, call an International Expeditions destination specialist at 1-800-633-4734, see your travel agent, email nature@ietravel.com, or visit the website at www.IEtravel.com/amazon.

SOURCE: Spring, O'Brien & Co.