Ellen Barone

Here’s a travel tip for those of you who’d like to pack a little karma on your next adventure…

Let’s say you’ve decided to go trekking in Timbuktu, touring the wine country in South Africa, or celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Great! Now, before you go, leave a little room in your rucksack (or designer suitcase…if that’s more your style) and visit StuffYourRucksack.com. The site lists crucial items (e.g. boy’s clothing for a youth organization in Rawanda) needed by non-profits across the globe. Simply enter your destination in the search engine, then pick up a few things to deliver in person.

“How many times have you been travelling and visited a school or community or local charity that you would love to help? The school needs books, or a map or pencils; an orphanage needs children’s clothes or toys. All things that, if only you’d known, you could’ve stuffed in your rucksack. But once you get home you forget, or you’ve lost the address, or worry that whatever you send will be stolen before it even gets there…” That’s why we’ve set up StuffYourRucksack.com - Kate Humble.
 
Hummm? With the name Humble, it sounds like there’s more than a little karma behind Kate’s passion. Thank you Kate!

 

Feelin’’ like a kid again? Happens every time you hop on a bike.

Check out these favorite rides from the all-inclusive multi-sport adventure experts at Austin Lehman Adventures

•The ride from Pine Creek into Montana’s Paradise Valley, where they filmed “The Horse Whisperer.” End with a dip in the thermal springs at Chico.
Montana Canyons, Calderas, & Cowboys Adventure

• A 24-mile stretch on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula along Granite Creek to the historic Gold Rush town of Hope. Waterfalls and wildflowers adorn the route.
Alaska - Best of the Greatland

•Starting from Osprey Lake high above the valley floor, descend the Trans-Canada Trail through shady stands of towering Ponderosa Pines following the abandoned Kettle Valley Railway into British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
Okanagan Valley - Canada’s Wine Country

•Take a morning bike ride through Antelope Flats starting from the front door of the Spring Creek Ranch under the granite spires of Wyoming’s Grand Tetons.
Wyoming/Grand Teton – Valley Floors to Jagged Peaks Adventure

•In Peru’s Sacred Valley, bike off-road to the Inca site of Moray (nine mile ride) then on to the ancient salt pools and mines of Maras (four mile ride).
Peru - Land of the Inca

•Experience South Africa’s Cape Point Nature Reserve and bike along a network of back roads keeping an eye out for Cape mountain zebra and indigenous fynbos plants. You’ll circumnavigate the southernmost point on the continent.
South Africa Safari & Multisport Adventure

To view all of the Top 10 Bike Rides visit:
http://www.austinlehman.com:80/pages/july_2008_rides/297.php

About Austin Lehman Adventures (ALA):

ALA includes the full use of its bikes in the trip price. The company features Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo front-suspension mountain bikes, customized as a road/mountain bike hybrid. Guests may choose the pedaling distance they are most comfortable with and a sag wagon always provides back-up and a break when needed.

ALA manages all of the arrangements in its selected destinations. Small groups are held at 12 guests. Rates include first-class accommodations, most meals, expert guides, entry fees, multisport activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding and more, ground transportation and luggage service. Not included is round trip air to the host city.

To get a copy of the 2008 catalog as well as information on ALA’s 40 unique luxury, multisport, adult and family active adventure travel itineraries call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinlehman.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto http://www.austinlehman.com.

Source: Widness & Wiggins

Fig trees, vineyards and olive groves.  Risotto, gelato and chianti. Is there any better treat for the senses than Italy? Now, cyclists can enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Italy up close, with Ciclismo Classico’s six-day wanderlust “Under the Tuscan Sun.”

This trip takes travelers to many of the sites seen in Diane Lane’s famous film, such as Cortona.  Stroll down Etruscan, medieval and Renaissance villages.  Zigzag through tiny towns on a picturesque road lined with fig trees.  Explore picture-perfect hilltop towns and ancient abbeys. 

Traveling by bike allows travelers the freedom to venture off the beaten path, meeting local people and experiencing local culture, and classic Tuscan fare, including fresh pastas and vegetables.  This Tuscan adventure departs September 7th and October 2nd, rates start at: $2,895, per person.

More on Ciclismo Classico > Click here

Source: Adventure Travel Media Source

Wild Discounts and Extras on Costa Rica and Galapagos Adventures!

Late summer and fall bring great deals and savings at Wildland
Adventures. Mingle with the exotic inhabitants of Darwin’s enchanted
archipelago. Or head to the Costa Rican rainforest where summer lingers
year-round. Choose from these unforgettable vacation options:

• See the Galapagos for $200-$1,000 less!

Commune with exotic and bizarre wildlife on Wildland Adventures’ 11-day
Galapagos Wildlife Odysseys. Also ask about their family departures
with low child rates.

The Diamante - $3345 ($200 discount) August 18-28, 2008 >Click Here

The Samba - $2195 ($1000 discount) August 28-September 3, 2008 >Click Here

• Costa Rica Sports Adventure - Complimentary Wild Turtle Viewing
Book this active, outdoor adventure and receive a complimentary Turtle
Nesting nighttime walk or a Baby Turtle Hatching tour on the August
9-15, September 13-19, October 18-24 or November 22-28 departures. Only
two rooms left on the August departure so hurry! >Click Here

Call 800-345-4453 to Book!

More on Wildland Adventures, >Click Here

Complimentary Hotel Night on All Tibet Adventures!

Book a trip to Tibet with Myths and Mountains and your hotel night in
Chengdu or Beijing is on them! Choose from three extraordinary
itineraries or plan a private custom trip just for you and your family
and friends.

• What: One free hotel room in your gateway city pre or post trip.

• When: Offer good on travel now through September 30, 2008

• Where: Choose from these set trips or plan your own private escape:

Everest Base Camp >Click Here
20 Days / 19 Nights - August 3-22, 2008

A Buddhist Legacy >Click Here
11 Days / 10 Nights - August 31-September 10, 2008

A Cultural Sampler >Click Here
10 Days / 9 Nights - August 9-August 18, 2008

Call 800-670-6984 to Book.

More on Myths and Mountains >Click Here

Travel with Austin-Lehman this Fall and Enjoy Savings on Your Transportation Expenses.

Has the rising cost of fuel, airfare or airline fees impeded yourvacation plans?
Austin Lehman Adventures understands your frustration, which is why theye’re
offering to take a chunk out of your travel costs.

What: Receive a $300 travel credit per person toward the travel expenses you incur to get to your host city

When: Book by 8/01/2008 and travel by 10/12/2008

Where: Choose from -

• Okanagan Valley - Canada’s Wine Country Adventure
  Departure Dates for this Promotion: Sep 07, 2008 & Sep 14, 2008
  
  Price: $2,998
  
  Trip Length: 6 days/5 nights
  
  
• Utah Bryce Zion - Red-Rock Wonders Adventure
  Departure Dates for this Promotion: Sep 28, 2008, Oct 05, 2008, & Oct 12, 2008
  
  Price: $1,898
  
  Trip Length: 6 days/5 nights
  
  
• New Mexico - Poblanos, Peaks & Pueblos Adventure
  Departure Dates for this Promotion: Sep 07, 2008 & Sep 14, 2008
  
  Price: $1,998
  
  Trip Length: 6 days/5 nights
  
  
  How: Call 1-800-575-1540. 
  

More on Austin Lehman Adventures > Click here

Source: TrustedAdventures.com

iExplore announced today their list of Top Ten Summer World Travel Destinations for Cultural Exploration as determined by vacation purchases of its adventure and experiential travelers.

1. The Pyramids, Egypt
The largest man made structures in the world and are one of the most lasting symbols of ancient civilization.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru
Recently named one of the world’s new seven wonders; this remote Inca citadel has perhaps the most dramatic setting of any ruin in the world.

3. Thailand
Thailand is a rush to traveler’s senses: a bustling, exotic, and vivid culture that never ceases to amaze visitors.

4. Madagascar
Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world is a land unlike any other. Madagascar is an enticing destination for those who find its lack of modern conveniences, tourist infrastructure and efficient transport system an interesting proposition rather than a problem.

5. Great Wall, China
The only man made structure that can be seen from space spans more than 4,000 miles across mainland China.

6. Jerusalem, Israel
The old walled city of Jerusalem, a holy site of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, is dominated by historic sites such as the Dome of the Rock, Wailing Wall, and church of the Holy Sepulchre.

7. Taj Mahal, India
The world’s most famous testament of love. This white domed mausoleum made of the finest stones in Agra, India is the finest example of Mughal architecture and Muslim art and recognized for its beauty the world over.

8. Tunisia
Tunisia, the smallest country in North Africa, has a lot to offer travelers including Mediterranean beaches, the Sahara desert, to sets from the film Star Wars.

9. Vietnam
Only in Vietnam is the past and the present encapsulated so perfectly.

10. Japan
Ancient temples and futuristic cities; mist-shrouded mountains and lightning-fast bullet trains; kimono-clad geisha and suit-clad businessmen: Japan offers all of this and more.

iExplore offers guided tours to most of the above destinations. Call 1-800-IEXPLORE (1-800-439-7567) for details and pricing.

Founded in 1999, iExplore (http://www.iexplore.com/) is the leading online resource for adventure and experiential travel, serving over 1,300,000 visitors per month at its website.


Source: iExplore, Inc.

Are you seeking the camaraderie of a fitness-oriented and pampering of a women-only vacation?  Check out this new “girlfriends getaway” Cinque Terre walking tour from The Wayfarers. 

 

An energetic walk that covers mule tracks by road, and hills via stone steps, Cinque Terre offers an immersion into the area called by many the most beautiful part of Italy and one that is best visited by foot. Accommodations are in a former 16th-century Franciscan monastery with a state-of-the-art Wellness Spa and in a hotel with its own sandy beach.  Priced at US $3795 per person, based on double occupancy, the seven-day/six-night walk takes place on September 21-27 (women only) and October 5-11 and includes 6-8 miles of walking per day.  A single supplement is priced at $470.   

 
A World Heritage site, Cinque Terre or “Five Lands” sits near Genoa in Liguria, in a corner of Northern Italy originally forged by the Romans as trade routes. Linking five enchanting villages set in the cliffs and harbors of the Italian Riviera, the pathways and rocky terraces of the area offer views of pastel houses that reach from hilltop to the blue Ligurian Sea, terraced vineyards, and olive groves. A food mecca, the region is synonymous with olive oil, basil, pesto and the dessert wine Sciacchetra.  Of particular interest to women, the Walk features a tour of Rapallo’s lace museum; lunch in elegant Portofino; shopping in Sestri Levante, a town known for its fine linens; a crossing of the Riviera di Levante by boat, rail and cable car; and a visit to a mountaintop monastery. Days are punctuated by meals of local delicacies, wines and limoncello between walks covering three to five miles. Dinner is a lavish affair preceded by a cocktail hour designed to further foster conversation and friendship.
 
The Wayfarers, named one of the “Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, marks its 25th season with 83 diverse Walks through 15 countries.  All Wayfarers Walks are US dollar guaranteed, so travelers can book with no worries about fluctuating exchange rates.  The Wayfarers 2008 schedule includes Walks in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland and the United States.
 
About The Wayfarers
Offering an eco-aware “walking” holiday of both culture and fitness, The Wayfarers’ newest Walks/hikes include South Africa, Slovenia, New Zealand and California. A new women’s-focused program with Girlfriend Getaways and Mother/Daughter walks adds shopping, museums, spa treatments, and more.  Other popular walks are the Founders’ Walk on the Isle of Wight, Croatia, Austria, Amalfi Coast, and Czech Republic.  Now in its 25th season and named one of the “Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, The Wayfarers offer exclusive entrées into homes and gardens otherwise closed to the public, graceful accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and meetings with local residents. Walks range from 5-12 days and are rated easy to challenging, with distances of 4-5 miles, 6-10 miles or 12-15 miles per day.

For information and booking visit  www.thewayfarers.com or call 800- 249-4620.  

 

 

Source: The Wayfarers

Check out Outside magazine’s picks for the best new trips, gear you’ll need in your carry-on, and essential tips, Web sites, gadgets, and more and navigate ‘08 in style.

 

Click here to read the full article

 

 

THE WAYFARERS’ NEW FALL CINQUE TERRE WALK IS PERFECT FOR A GIRLFRIENDS GETAWAY FOR ALL AGES
Guaranteed in US Dollars
 
Enjoy the camaraderie of a fitness-oriented and pampering vacation with the Wayfarers’ new “girlfriends getaway” Cinque Terre itinerary.  An energetic walk that covers mule tracks by road, and hills via stone steps, Cinque Terre offers an immersion into the area called by many the most beautiful part of Italy and one that is best visited by foot. Accommodations are in a former 16th-century Franciscan monastery with a state-of-the-art Wellness Spa and in a hotel with its own sandy beach. 

A World Heritage site, Cinque Terre or “Five Lands” sits near Genoa in Liguria, in a corner of Northern Italy originally forged by the Romans as trade routes. Linking five enchanting villages set in the cliffs and harbors of the Italian Riviera, the pathways and rocky terraces of the area offer views of pastel houses that reach from hilltop to the blue Ligurian Sea, terraced vineyards, and olive groves. A food mecca, the region is synonymous with olive oil, basil, pesto and the dessert wine Sciacchetra.  Of particular interest to women, the Walk features a tour of Rapallo’s lace museum; lunch in elegant Portofino; shopping in Sestri Levante, a town known for its fine linens; a crossing of the Riviera di Levante by boat, rail and cable car; and a visit to a mountaintop monastery. Days are punctuated by meals of local delicacies, wines and limoncello between walks covering three to five miles. Dinner is a lavish affair preceded by a cocktail hour designed to further foster conversation and friendship.
 
Priced at US $3795 per person, based on double occupancy, the seven-day/six-night walk takes place on September 21-27 (women only) and October 5-11 and includes 6-8 miles of walking per day.  A single supplement is priced at $470.   
 

The Wayfarers, named one of the “Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, marks its 25th season with 83 diverse Walks through 15 countries.  All Wayfarers Walks are US dollar guaranteed, so travelers can book with no worries about fluctuating exchange rates.  The Wayfarers 2008 schedule includes Walks in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland and the United States.
 
About The Wayfarers
Offering an eco-aware “walking” holiday of both culture and fitness, The Wayfarers’ newest Walks/hikes include South Africa, Slovenia, New Zealand and California. A new women’s-focused program with Girlfriend Getaways and Mother/Daughter walks adds shopping, museums, spa treatments, and more.  Other popular walks are the Founders’ Walk on the Isle of Wight, Croatia, Austria, Amalfi Coast, and Czech Republic.  Now in its 25th season and named one of the “Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, The Wayfarers offer exclusive entrées into homes and gardens otherwise closed to the public, graceful accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and meetings with local residents. Walks range from 5-12 days and are rated easy to challenging, with distances of 4-5 miles, 6-10 miles or 12-15 miles per day.   www.thewayfarers.com, 800- 249-4620.                   

One travel company sticking to its commitment to affordable travel,  Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA), set its rates last year and they’’re holding to these in 2008, even though the cost of gas, lodging and meals, among others, has sky-rocketed.

“”This makes traveling with one of our small groups to, for example, British Columbia, a value compared to piecing the same components together by you,”” says Dan Austin, founding partner and Director.

“But there is some fleece, the warm fuzzy kind, involved,” he says. “We’’re giving away fleece vests to folks who book any of our Canadian adventures from now through the end of May. The North End “all climate wear” vest retails for $65.”

““We’’re using this as a booking incentive to remind folks that you need not cross an ocean for a truly exotic vacation with an international feel,”” he says.

Matt Delany, the company’s British Columbia specialist, says that this easy-to-access, culturally and naturally textured region is an emerging destination for ALA who specializes in immersive, multi sport adventures for families and adults.

His favorite highlights on trips in and around the Whistler region include:

• •Hiking through the coastal temperate rainforest into Joffre Lakes to witness the hanging Matier Glacier melting into aquamarine waters of the lake below.
• •Rafting the Elaho River in the Paradise Valley, fed by cascades and waterfalls from four pristine glacial systems.
• •Gazing out from the alpine heights of Whistler to the distant Coastal Range, surrounded by massive ice fields, towering peaks and vibrant wild flowers.

For details please see Whistler – British Columbia Wilderness Adventure and Whistler Family – Mountains, Meadows & Wildlife Adventure .


Another one of ALA’s BC destinations is Vancouver Island. The programs include kayaking, biking, wine-tasting and touring the world-class Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Follow these links to: Vancouver Island – Beaches, Black Bears, & Boreal Forests  and Vancouver Island Family – Northwest Family Adventure.


All of these 6-day / 5-night multi-sport vacations that combine adventure with high-end accommodations are fully guided and nearly all-inclusive. The per person, double occupancy rates, exclusive of air to/from Vancouver (Whistler trips) or Victoria (Vancouver Island trips), start at $1,998 with child and single supplements available.

ALA manages all of the arrangements in its selected destinations. Small groups are held at just 12 guests with a generous 1:6 guide-to-guest ratio. Rates include first-class accommodations, meals, expert guides, all necessary equipment, entry fees, ground transportation and more.

Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) is also the “go-to” company for planning and setting up a private, custom vacation throughout the Americas and Southern Africa.

To get a copy of the 2008 catalog as well as information on ALA’s 40 unique luxury, multisport, adult and family active adventure travel itineraries call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinlehman.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries you can log onto www.austinlehman.com.

 

Source: Widness & Wiggins PR

For the fisherman at heart, what could be better than hanging out with the boys, casting your reel, kicking back with a drink in hand and waiting for the perfect catch? Add in a boat trip along B.C.’s rugged coastline, staying in a 110-foot luxury boat with nothing but gourmet food, cigars, a hot tub, and plenty of fish to be caught, and you have the “Guys Ultimate Fishing Getaway.” Ocean Explorer Sportfishing’s three-night “Guys Ultimate Fishing Getaway” package is priced at $2929 USD per person and includes roundtrip airfare from Vancouver International Airport, single stateroom accommodation, meals, Cuban cigars, guides, fishing gear and bait.

 
Available from from June through September, the 110-foot MV Ocean Explorer takes the boys and their tackle through the famed Inside Passage between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert, depending on where the fish are biting. Four fully rigged 17-foot skiffs take keen fisherman directly from anchorage to the top secret fishing spots along the coast. Whether it’s trophy chinook salmon, king-size halibut, northern coho, dungeness crab, jumbo prawns, lingcod or red snapper you’re after, the crew aboard the Ocean Explorer guarantees your catch or the next trip is free!
 
While taking a break from fishing, the boys are invited to climb into one of the kayaks provided to explore the nearby inlets and bays and watch for some of the local wildlife that inhabit the area. Pristine water, towering mountains, deep fjords and a temperate climate make the area prime habitat for bald eagles, whales, dolphins and sea lions.
 
The only fishing experience of this kind in the area, the Ocean Explorer boasts nine private staterooms, lounge, a state-of-the-art galley and hot tub ensuring all the luxuries of a home away from home. After a long day on the open water, the men are welcomed with the culinary talents of Executive Chef David Weslowsky. David, the on board chef, serves up unforgettable meals that feature the finest and freshest of Pacific seafood, fruits and vegetables and fresh baked pastries. After a gourmet meal, the “Guys Ultimate Fishing Getaway” is wrapped up with all hands on deck for a nice long soak in the hot tub under the stars and to share fish stories.
 
For more information or reservations for the “Ultimate Guys Fishing Getaway” package, call Adventure West Resorts at 1-877-GO-WEST (1-877-346-9378) or visit www.adventurewestresorts.com/ocean.
 
Adventure West Resorts is a multi-faceted destination experience provider that delivers an authentic Canadian adventure. Experience the unexpected with Ocean Explorer Sportfishing, Adventure Fjord Heli-skiing and Elkin Creek Guest Ranch. For more information and reservations, call 1-877-3-GO-WEST (1-877-346-9378) or visit www.adventurewestresorts.com.

 

 

Source: Ki Communications