This Just In:
My favorite small ship cruise line (formerly operating as American Safari Cruises) sets sail in 2013 under a new name, Un-Cruise Adventures, with new ships, new departures in Alaska, Mexico’s Sea of Cortés and the Hawaiian Islands, and an exciting new Pacific Northwest itinerary.
What hasn’t changed is their signature blend of spontaneous flexibility, access to hidden ports, active adventure, and private-yacht feel —a.k.a the Un-Cruise experience.
From luxury camps in Latin America and Africa island hopping to the dancing green glow of Norway’s Aurora Borealis and a Brazilian World Cup warm up, travel trends seem to get more intrepid and exotic by the year.
To help you blaze new trails in the new year, custom travel company, Kensington Tours, polled its team of global Destination Experts to see what trends they saw on the horizon for travel. Here’s their lineup of top 10 adventures for 2013.
1. Asian Safaris – Dragons, Tigers, Orangutans & More
One wild trend that is on the 2013 hotlist - More families are requesting animal safaris in Southeast Asia than ever before. Borneo’s orangutans, Cambodia’s elephants, Thailand’s tigers, Laos’ gibbons and Indonesia’s komodo dragons, these animals add another dimension to the temples and treasures of these culturally rich countries.
2. Glamping – The Glam In Latin American Camping
Take some of Latin America’s wildest destinations, a large dose of fresh air, mobile tents and evening campfires, add porters to carry your gear, breakfast mimosas, and a personal chef – this is what glamping is all about.Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Patagonia all have a growing collection of luxury mobile camps for those who love the great outdoors but don’t want to miss out on prerequisite holiday pampering.
An Interview with Michael and Betsy West of The Wayfarers.
Taking inspiration from his passion for the English countryside - its history, environment and people - in 1984, Englishman Michael West co-founded The Wayfarers, a Britain based company providing custom crafted walking holidays and tours.
Today, the company hosts visitors in some of the world’s most scenic landscapes, where they offer an insider’s view of local life and lore, dine at fine inns and local restaurants, and make cultural interactions— with native artists, musicians, artisans, naturalists, vintners and farmers, for example—an important part of the experience.
Earlier this year Michael and Betsy West traveled to Argentina and Chile seeking the perfect itinerary for the Wayfarers’ first foray into South America. The result? A new 2013 Patagonia walk.
I caught up with the Wests recently to get the inside scoop on the upcoming adventure.
Why Patagonia?
In the words of Bruce Chatwin: “Patagonia is the farthest place to which man walked from his place of origin” It is the ultimate wayfaring destination.
From getting up close and personal with the lions in their natural habitat of the Kalahari Desert, to zip lining the rainforests of Costa Rica and island hopping the Galapagos, there’s still time to book a summer vacation.
Inspire your family with action-packed, mind-opening adventures to the South Africa’s Whale Coast, Peru’s mystical ruins of Macchu Picchu, and the other-worldly wildlife of the Galapagos.
Here are five summer getaways specially created for families by private guided tour company, Jacada Travel:
South Africa Family Explorer: 12 nights
Leave the mundane behind as you embark on the family trip of a lifetime across South Africa. Enjoy a customized itinerary that combines guided tours of the Kalahari Desert¹s game reserves, safaris and exotic wildlife in Madikwe, with peaceful summer afternoons on Cape Town¹s beaches, and breathtaking views of the Whale Coast.
Waterfalls, Beaches, and Wildlife in Brazil: 14 nights
The largest country in Latin America certainly offers much to be explored. From the depths of the Missiones rainforest to the glittering beaches of Buzios, the visual and cultural diversity of Brazil is endless. This trip includes visits to the world¹s wonders such as the Iguassu Falls, exploration of Rio de Janeiro¹s historical richness, and daily interaction with the country¹s welcoming locals. With Jacada¹s insider knowledge into the country, be prepare to be immersed in a culture that is vibrant, fun, and exciting with peace of mind that your family is in good hands.
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Discover a New Aloha with NEW American Safari Cruises in Hawaii
To celebrate American Safari Cruises’ inaguaral season in the Hawaiian Islands, a $300 per couple value-added travel credit* is being offered on Hawaii reservations made between June 1 and July 29, 2011, for travel between October 26, 2011 and May 3, 2012.
American Safari Cruises’ 36 passenger Safari Explorer is the only small-group expedition yacht offering overnight cruises in the Hawaiian Islands. Guests sail one-way on an active luxury adventure between Maui and the Big Island that includes exclusive cruise visits to Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi and Molokini.
Unstructured itineraries leave time for seeking wildlife, engaging in active adventure and exclusive cultural experiences on the following two Hawaiian itineraries:
Hawaiian Seascapes: 8 days/7nights
Hawaii’s traditional shores: 11 days/10 nights