Tirol’s Eagle Walk: Make Way for Emotions

What a wonderfully walkable country!

If walking is your great love, you’ll meet your match on Tirol’s Eagle Walk.

“Those who walk a lot know their way around,” the German poet and aphorist Peter Sirius (1858-1913) once said. And right he is. Hiking is the best way to experience, enjoy and appreciate a country and its people, to discover its charm and character. Hiking in Tirol’s mountains allows you to discover the country’s soul. Those who do the Eagle Walk truly explore Tirol’s beauty. Consisting of 126 stages over a distance of 1480 kilometers with a total elevation gain of 87,000 meters, this walk of a lifetime takes you to Austria’s nooks and crannies, it’s most beautiful spots and most valuable cultural treasures.

Osttirol has joined the Eagle Walk!

Since 2007 Osttirol also boasts its own small Eagle Walk. One part of Osttirol’s Eagle Walk takes you to the foot of Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner. Grossglockner is centrally located on the trails that lead from Matrei in an easterly direction towards the famous Kals region, and has always held a special allure for hikers and mountaineers. The other part of the Eagle Walk leads from the National Park town of Matrei in a westerly direction to Virgental and the magnificent Umbal Falls, where the water of the Isel River cascades down the rocks. Leisure walkers can stick to the trails in the valley while more experienced hikers will prefer the hut-to-hut walks high above Virgental and near the ice world of the Venediger group.

The Eagle Walk trail is finished!

With the opening of the regional routes in the southern valleys of the Inntal in the summer of 2007 the Eagle Walk is now complete and it has been a great success since its opening.

You can now find Eagle Walks in Paznaun, Kaunertal, Pitztal, Ötztal, Stubaital, Zillertal and Tannheimer Tal. Other routes give access to Kaiserwinkel, the Kitzbühel Alps, the Tuxer Alps and Osttirol. The nice thing about the Eagle Walk is that it is as easy or as difficult as you want it to be. Both the young and old, the fit and not so fit can enjoy hiking as it is a joyful, healthy and an invigorating activity.

The Eagle Walk Stamp Card

Join in the hiking fun: no matter where in Tirol you are you will be near an access point to the Eagle Walk!  In order to earn the popular Eagle Walk Pin you need to collect a minimum of 5 stamps (= 5 Eagle Walk stages) in your stamp book. Every year, enthusiastic

Eagle Walkers have the chance to win one of 100 short break stays in the Heart of the Alps which are raffled off by Tirol’s hiking specialists, the Tirolean Hiking Hotels.

The Eagle Walk Folder of the Tirol Tourist Board

The Tirol Tourist Board published a new 87-page Eagle Walk brochure which provides detailed information on the hikes and includes a foldable map with data on the individual stages, the stamp card for the quiz of the Tirolean Hiking Hotels and a short description of each hike. The “Eagle Walk – Hiking in the Realm of the Eagle” brochure leads you to all the wonders and treasures Tirol has to offer and whets your appetite for hiking. Information: www.adlerweg.tirol.at

National Parks Are In Spotlight: Austin-Lehman Adventures Shares Advice for Planning 2010 Visits

BILLINGS, MT, Sept. 30, 2009 – National Parks are hot! With an economy that has people vacationing closer to home, a new Ken Burns film on PBS and an upcoming 100th birthday celebration for Glacier, “World’s Best” tour operator Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) is predicting a banner year.

“National Parks are going to be huge in 2010,” says Dan Austin, ALA’s co-founder and director. “Our pre-bookings are way up which mirror’s USA Today’s recent report that overall attendance at National Parks in 2009 is up five percent over last year. As experts in national park adventures we are positioned well to take full advantage of the increased interest and desire.”

According to National Park Service spokesman Jeffrey G. Olson, “parks could see more than 288 million visitors for 2009, topping the previous records 1987 and 1999.” Ken Burns’ 6-part “America’s Best Idea” that debuted on PBS Sept. 27 is expected to help keep interest high.

Austin-Lehman Adventures, that Travel + Leisure readers voted the 2009 “World’s Best Tour Operator,” announces its 2010 tour line-up of 15 small group adult and family itineraries visiting 10 of America’s most iconic National Parks. Included is a new trip to Glacier National Park that celebrates its centennial in 2010.

Says Austin, “We hope the film inspires people to take a National Park vacation. But it‘s a well documented fact that most park visitors never get more than 100 yards from their car or tour bus. That’s where ALA’s insider’s knowledge on where to go and what to do will make it possible for guests to get up close and personal with each of the parks we visit.”

With nearly two decades of National Park guiding experience, ALA’s senior guide Matty Kirkland knows where to go to experience the parks in their most undisturbed, pristine state. He offers his insider’s advice on five off-the-tourist-map places to explore.

1) Yellowstone – The Bechler-Falls River Basin in the southwest corner offers some of the most beautiful waterfalls plus therapeutic soaking in Mr Bubbles hot spring as the ground shakes underneath.

2) Grand Teton – The new Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve is a 1,106-acre refuge within the park on the southern end of Phelps Lake. The sights once reserved for a legendary family are now open to the public by accessing an eight-mile network of meadow and forested trails.

3) Glacier – This is the only place in the continental U.S. that still has all of the predators that were present when the Europeans first arrived in North America. The Coal Creek area is so remote few marked trails exist, yielding a true wilderness experience.

4) Zion – Grab a bike and pedal Kolob Terrace Road slicing through the middle of the park between Zion Canyon and Kolob Canyons, dropping 4,400 feet in 18 wild, traffic-free miles.

5) Fisher Towers near Arches – Located 20 miles northeast of Moab, UT, it is one of the least-visited but most scenic landscapes along the Colorado River. An easy 4.4 roundtrip hike reveals strange monoliths grouped together like petrified skyscrapers from some prehistoric city.

ALA destinations include iconic national parks and backcountry regions of North, Central and South America as well as southern Africa and Europe. New trips slated for 2010 include cycling trips in South Dakota’s Black Hills (including a visit to Wind Cave National Park), Utah’s Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, Montana’s Glacier Park, Wyoming’s Grand Tetons and a Greek Isles trip that features multisport adventures such as kayaking, hiking, biking and cultural exploration.

For a copy of the new 68-page 2010 vacation catalog, call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinlehman.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries go to: http://www.austinlehman.com.

For more information and photos on Austin-Lehman Adventures or for owner interviews please contact:

Sara Widness / 802-234-6704 / sara@widnesspr.com or

Dave Wiggins / 303-554-8821 / d.wiggins@comcast.net

About Austin-Lehman Adventures:

Austin-Lehman Adventures, with a 35-year legacy dating back to 1974, provides high-end adventure vacations on four continents. ALA has built a stellar reputation on small group active travel, limited to 12 guests (18 on family departures), exceptional dining, distinctive accommodations and all-inclusive rates and services. ALA focuses solely on destinations in North, Central and South America, Europe and southern Africa. Founders Dan Austin and Paul Lehman believe the best way to enjoy the natural beauty, culture and history of a place is to experience it as a local; close-up, at one’s own pace far off the usual tourist track. In addition to its scheduled group departures, ALA also offers customized trip planning for families, solo travelers and adults-only. To back up its strong commitment to the highest levels of guest service, ALA offers all its travelers a money back guarantee, a rarity among adventure travel companies.

Austin-Lehman Adventures – Recent Kudos and Awards:

-2009 “World’s Best Tour Operator” Travel + Leisure

-2008-2009 “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth!” National Geographic Adventure

-2006, 2007, 2008 Recipient of “World’s 25 Best New Trips!” National Geographic Adventure

-2008 Recipient of “15 Best Bike Trips” Bicycling Magazine

-2007 Recipient of “50 Tours of a Lifetime!” National Geographic Traveler

Country Walkers Turns a Focus on Value with New Adventures for 2010

Five new walking adventures fill the calendar for Country Walkers plus free local wine and beer, guaranteed departures, and added savings

Waterbury, VT (September 2009) – In a travel industry gone cautious, Country Walkers is moving forward in 2010. The world leader in small group walking adventures, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, is pulling out significant stops with 5 new tours across 4 continents as well as a renewed emphasis on value for new and returning guests. New destinations include Northern Ireland, the Piedmont region of Italy, Brazil’s Pantanal, Tablelands, & Amazon, Turkey’s Lycian Way & Ephesus, Yosemite & Lake Tahoe in California.

What else can guests look forward to from Country Walkers in 2010? Start with authentic local flavor by the mug and the glass, with complimentary artisanal beer and wine to accompany all dinners on every trip. Continue on to guaranteed departures – long a staple of Country Walkers, but now newly significant in light of the fact that many travel providers have discontinued guaranteed departures to cover their bottom lines. Country Walkers has also held most of its tour prices where they were during 2009.

Every 2010 Country Walkers trip reservation made prior to December 15, 2009 receives a 5% savings. Returning guests can combine that savings with the 5% they already receive for a total savings of 10%.

Here’s a closer look at what is NEW on the map from Country Walkers for 2010:

Northern Ireland: Trip lively for 7 days on this all-new adventure along the stunning coast of Northern Ireland. Highlights include kayaking on the Strangford Lough Canoe Trail; a visit to the Tollymore Forest; and the bizarre basalt columns of Giant’s Causeway. A stay at Bushmill’s Inn and a private whiskey tasting from the world’s oldest legal distillery, kick things up a notch. Country Walkers is one of very few tour operators that travel to Northern Ireland, and the only one with walks in the Mournes. $3,798. Departures in 2010: July 5, August 9 and August 30.

Italy: Piedmont: Country Walkers has been in Italy for years, yet this is the company’s first foray into Piedmont, the birthplace of the “slow food movement.” Kick off your walking shoes and refuel with truffles from Alba; world-renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wines; honey and cheese from local artisans; and a picnic in the shadows of Monviso. The 7-day tour also follows the ancient Salt Road through hazelnut groves and fruit orchards. $4,298. Departures in 2010: September 11 and October 2.

Brazil: Pantanal, Tablelands & Amazon: Three distinct ecosystems welcome guests on this adventurous amble across the state of Mato Grosso in Western Brazil. The 10-day trip of walking, horseback riding and boating takes in the Pantanal Wetlands, the Cerrado (savannah) and the ever-amazing Amazon rain forest, with exotic flora and fauna on wide-eyed view. $3,589. Departures in 2010: June 19, July 17, August 17, with a special departure September 11 with renowned photographer, Richard Koegl.

Turkey: The Lycian Way & Ephesus: Starting and ending in Istanbul, the 9-day adventure takes in the Antalyan Peninsula and the stunning Mediterranean coast, replete with Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains; as well as Ephesus, the Greco-Roman archeological marvel. Country Walkers puts the emphasis back on walking on this adventure along the Turquoise Coast. $4,698. Departures in 2010: September 23, October 14.

California: Yosemite & Tahoe: This 6-day adventure covers two of California’s most renowned destinations: Yosemite National Park and Lake Tahoe. Enjoy backcountry explorations of Tioga Pass, Gaylor Lakes, Mount Dana, and the Tuolumne Meadows. In Tahoe, stride trails through fragrant forests, along the rim of the lake, and Emerald Bay – a National Natural Landmark and site of Vikingsholm, one of the area’s most extravagant mansions. Enjoy 3 nights at The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite, a National Historic Landmark and one of the country’s most distinct resort hotels. $3,598. Departures in 2010: May 16 and September 5.

For more information on Country Walkers’ 2010 catalog, or to make reservations, please contact (800) 464-9255, or visit www.countrywalkers.com.

ABOUT COUNTRY WALKERS

Country Walkers, based in Waterbury, Vermont (www.countrywalkers.com) was established in 1979 and is the world’s premier small group walking tour provider. Country Walkers offers well-crafted itineraries for Walking à la Carte, Classic Walking, Hiking and Private vacations. All trips highlight superb cuisine, outstanding tour guides, and authentic accommodations.

TUI Travel PLC is a collection of extraordinary travel companies. It operates from 17 major source markets, has 8 million customers and 72 brands. For more information visit tuitravelplc.com.

Hurtigruten Expands Expedition Offerings in Greenland, Spitsbergen and Antarctica for 2010; Early-Booking Savings Available on Most Departures

Two New 2010-11 Brochures Detail Expedition and Norway Offerings

New York, September 2009 — Next year is shaping up to be a banner year for Hurtigruten as it continues to set the standard for expedition cruises – offering journeys to the world’s most remote destinations – as well as maintaining its dominant Norway position.  A new  2010-11 brochure has just been released detailing the expanding passenger expedition cruise choices in Greenland, Spitsbergen and Antarctica.  A second brochure has also been released that provides specifics on all of the Norway offerings including new theme cruises and shore excursions.  Early booking savings are available on many of the cruises – with additional details available online at the company’s web site, www.hurtigruten.us.

The 60-page Explorer Voyages brochure outlines Hurtigruten’s portfolio of adventure expeditions to both ends of the world — pristine environments, unique wildlife and stunning vistas are combined with the opportunity to learn from experts in numerous disciplines including geology, marine life, environment, history and culture.  Hurtigruten takes its commitment to safeguarding these remote destinations and belongs to both AECO and IAATO – organizations that demand its members maintain responsible travel safeguards so future generations will continue to enjoy similar access and experiences.

Greenland — six different itineraries, ranging from 8 to 15 days, visit untouched regions of the world’s largest island as well as journeys that take in Iceland and Canada.  Highlights include walking tours of Inuit villages and towns with tongue-twisting names — Qeqertarsuaq, Ukkusissat, Ilulissat, Uummannaq and Ittoqqtoormiit; East Greenland – a region rarely visited by a cruise ship and rich in unspoiled scenery; abundant wildlife that includes numerous species of whales, seals (numbering about 2 million), walruses, polar bears, musk oxen, Arctic foxes and hundreds of bird species; and visits on some itineraries to Northeast Greenland National Park – the largest national park in the world at 1.5 times the size of France.  On-board Expedition Leaders and experts teach guests about the biology, history and geology and interaction with local people ensure a better understanding of the island’s importance and lasting memories.  15 optional excursions, several new for 2010, round out these unique cruises.  Sailings depart from May through September and range in price from $5,133 to $14,969 per person, double, if booked by Dec. 31.

Antarctica — one of the most popular of Hurtigruten’s destinations, there are few Hurtigruten guests who are not immediately taken in by the little fellas in tuxedos, always out and ready to welcome new friends to their year-round home.  And the penguins are just a small part of the experience as Antarctica offers dramatic scenery, countless species of bird and marine life, and haunting landscapes.  Seven itineraries are offered in the 2010-2011 season, running from November through February, and ranging from 10 to 19 days.  All of the cruise itineraries begin and end in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital and the land of the tango.  Early-booking fares good through Dec. 31 range from $6,251 to $16,047 and include roundtrip air between Buenos Aires and the boarding port in Ushuaia.

The 10-day “Antarctica Discovery” focuses solely on the White Continent, spending six days visiting several of its islands, bays and harbors, while the two 13-day expeditions spend eight days and sail into more remote areas of Antarctica: “Weddell Sea Adventure” heads as far into the Weddell Sea as possible, retracing the 1901-04 Swedish Expedition; and “Polar Circle Quest” visits the far south Marguerite Bay, off limits to most ships and home to Emperor penguins.  The 15-day “Chilean Fjords” combines Antarctica with five days in the seldom visited Tierra del Fuego region including Diego Ramirez, Cape Horn, Puerto Williams and Magdalena Island.  A special 17-day Christmas/New Years voyage, “Shackleton’s Christmas,” is a celebration not to be missed – combining visits to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands and Antarctica with traditional carols, Norwegian glogg, Santa Claus and a New Year’s Eve dinner and midnight party.  The two 19-day “Shackleton’s Antarctica” do a similar trip substituting the festivities with two additional days of exploration.

Spitsbergen — the land where polar bears reign supreme also offers towering glaciers, spectacular fjords, Arctic deserts, the Midnight Sun and a wealth of both marine and land animals and migratory birds.  Midway between Norway and the North Pole, Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Svalbard archipelago and offer no roads to link communities – making Hurtigruten’s four different itineraries of six and nine days the best way to take in the never-ending vistas.  The June-August season offers 16 departures aboard the MV Polar Star or MS Fram, two highly-regarded expedition ships.  Prices run from $1,145 to $8,242 if booked by Dec. 1, and include round trip air from Oslo to Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen.

The six-day “Polar Encounters” heads to the remote northern and eastern regions of the island, where expedition leaders take guests ashore to see extreme Arctic sights such as ice-filled Hinlopen Strait, Nordauslandet Island and historical, near-polar settlements of Barentsburg and Ny-Alesund.  The nine-day “Svalvard Explorer” encompasses the entire west coast all the way up to the 80th Parallel North, visiting the stunning Hornsund Fjord, Bear Island and Lilliehook Glacier, to name a few stops, while the nine-day “Kingdom of the Polar Bear” duplicates much of the six-day sailing, adding extra stops and focusing more heavily on seeking out the “King.”  A second “Kingdom of the Polar Bear” itinerary adds a near-circumvention of the glacier-covered island of Nordauslandet and a landing at Andreeneset, where the remains of the ill-fated 1897 Andree Balloon Expedition were found in 1930.

Information, brochures and reservations can be obtained from Hurtigruten Inc., (800) 323-7436; fax (954) 486-9340; for brochures (800) 582-0835, 24 hours a day; www.hurtigruten.us.

Gillies and Zaiser
10 Nytko Drive, Suite 115
Pomona, NY 10970-2646
HTN-31-September, 2009

Boundless Journeys Announces Move toward Paperless Communications

Boundless Journeys Announces Move toward Paperless Communications

STOWE, Vermont—Boundless Journeys has announced a change of marketing plans for 2010. Traditionally, the award-winning small group tour operator has published an annual catalog to whet the travel appetites of their adventurous clients. For the coming year, however, focus has been shifted to their newly redesigned Web site, www.BoundlessJourneys.com, in lieu of a paper catalog.

Company founder and president, Matt Holmes, explains the decision was made for several reasons. “By becoming more Web focused, we’ve been able to eliminate what we decided was a redundant resource. Why print a catalog when there is a much more comprehensive resource available that allows better service at a greater value to our clients? We are also members of The International Ecotourism Society and Sustainable Travel International, and have a responsibility to make decisions that continually move us toward less resource use, less waste, and a smaller carbon footprint, while still delivering the service and tools our clients want to help them plan their next great adventure.” He adds, “We’ve considered making this move in past years, but only recently do we feel the Web has allowed us to provide our clients the information they need at a level that matches – or exceeds – that of our catalog.”

Focusing on the Web is also allowing Boundless Journeys to adapt to the changing needs and habits of the company’s travelers. The newly redesigned www.BoundlessJourneys.com will function as the core informational tool for prospective travelers; available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering interactive components allowing clients to ask questions online and get immediate answers (during business hours), and staying current throughout the year are a few advantages offered by the site. Travelers can also sign up for Boundless Journeys’ monthly e-newsletter and weekly travel specials by submitting their e-mail at www.BoundlessJourneys.com or simply e-mailing info@boundlessjourneys.com.

Of course, Boundless Journeys still prefers to do some things the old-fashioned way. “Clients can still pick up the phone and talk to one of our staff in person without going through a crazy answering system. We pride ourselves on making the trip planning process as easy, fun, and hassle-free as possible.“

About Boundless Journeys
Boundless Journeys is an award-winning small group adventure tour operator, selected as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic ADVENTURE, February 2009; and a “World’s Best” tour operator by Travel + Leisure, August 2009.

With a diverse collection of locally guided, small group itineraries around the world, Boundless Journeys offers “The World’s Great Adventures.” The adventure trips 2-16 guests are active, ranging from leisurely cultural explorations and wildlife safaris to challenging trekking in remote regions ― with plenty of easy to moderate walking and sea kayaking in between. For more information, please call 1-800-941-8010 or visit http://www.BoundlessJourneys.com.

Boundless Journeys
CONTACT: Karen Cleary
TEL: 800-941-8010
E-MAIL: info@boundlessjourneys.com
WEB:  www.boundlessjourneys.com
Click Here for Media Kit.

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Mexico

Ay, Caramba! You’ve gone on that long awaited vacation to Mexico and all of sudden you 1. Are sick 2. Had your money stolen or 3. Are stuck alone on a roadside! At World Nomads we’re lucky to have lots of friends in the travel industry, we polled them to give you the very best tips staying safe in Mexico.

1. Learn the Lingo.
A little bit of Spanish goes a long way! Try your hardest with the locals and it will get you a lot further than simply trying to get them to understand English.

Daniel Radcliffe,  Volunteer HQ

2. Drink responsibly.
The variety of tequila is simply overwhelming, so was the hangover! Drink responsibly and test new alcohols cautiously and with friends that can watch out for you. No matter what your friends say don’t eat the worm in the Tequila bottle!!

Mat Lewis, i-to-i
3. Stay alert!
If you get far off the beaten path (for example, deep in the Copper Canyon) and see fancy late-model pickups and gated driveways, know that you’re in a drug growing and trafficking area and get the hell out of there.

Josh Steinitz, Nile Guide
4. Check the water.
Don’t drink the water also means don’t drink the ice! Check with your hotel or restaurant if the ice is made with purified water, same goes for anything that would be washed in water during preparation like salads.

Christina Tunnah, World Nomads
5. Get directions.
Rural roads can be bad. Very, very bad. Make sure your vehicle can handle them. The last thing you want is your rental to break down, your cell phone doesn’t work and no one speaks English. Check with the locals on which routes are the safest to take.

Kathy Dragon, Travel Dragon

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It always helps to know a little bit of the local language, so have a quick study of the below:

¡Hola! = Hello
Buenos Dias = Good Day
Buenas Noches = Good Night
Gracias = Thank You
De Nada = You’re Welcome
¿Cuanto Cuesta? = How Much?
¿A Que Hora? = At What Time?
¿Donde esta el baño? = Where is the bathroom?
¡Emergencia! = Emergency!
¡Ayudame por favor! = Help me please!

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Keen to learn more?

If you want to learn more Spanish in prep for your trip, check out our FREE Spanish Language Guides. If you’re determined to nail more than just the basics, check out our latest Spanish Language Guide PLUS iPhone app with over 500 phrases!

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Read more stories from WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com provides travel insurance and travel safety services to residents over 150 countries. Find out why WorldNomads.com is an essential part of every adventurous traveler’s journey.

When bears attack! Practical tips for staying safe in the wilderness

One of my favorite quotes from Hunter S. Thompson is “Civilization ends at the waterline. Beyond that, we all enter the food chain, and not always right at the top.” I feel the same can be said for those who venture into the wilderness.

WorldNomads.com‘s roving medical and adventure expert Dr. Erik McLaughlin MD shares these practical tips to help you enjoy the North American wilderness from the top of the food chain.

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Adventurers who enjoy hiking, tramping, cycling, climbing and outdoor pursuits should always be prepared for conditions they cannot control.  You can run into stronger, nastier and faster animals than yourselves… and it’s vital to know what to do.

Perhaps the most frightening animal to outdoor adventurers is the bear.  I have a very healthy respect for bears of all types.  Common sense should be used by those traveling through bear country and all bears should be considered dangerous.

Bear safety when you are camping:

• Avoid camping in known bear feeding areas or movement routes
• Keep garbage away from your campsite and do not camp in areas with garbage
• Sleep in a tent and keep a flashlight inside
• Keep sleeping bags partially unzipped for a quick get-away
• Strongly consider carrying pepper spray or if properly trained, carry a firearm
• Store food properly and keep it in bear-proof containers or hung in a tree, away from you
• Cook and store food  at a site away from your sleeping area
• Try to change clothes after cooking and leave them with your food, away from your sleep area
• Do not keep food, trail mix or energy bars in your tent or pockets when you sleep

When you are hiking or traveling:

• Make lots of noise while moving so a bear is aware you are approaching
• Do not rely on bear bells alone to produce adequate noise
• Be aware of wind direction; an “upwind” bear cannot smell you
• Heavy forested areas, rushing water, rain or fog can all act to decrease sound transmission.  In these places be extra loud
• Do not approach bears or any wild animal too close, especially not for a photograph or “better view”
• If you observe signs of bears in the area (tracks, droppings or fresh prey carcasses) consider them to be close by
• Avoid berry patches, elk grounds or streams with spawning fish because bears like to eat there

If you see a bear:

• Allow the bear to see you are there. As a human, you are not one of their favorite meals
• Avoid sudden movements or yelling
• Do not climb a tree or attempt to run
• Do not stare at the bear or make eye contact; look to one side or the other
• Do not attempt to hide
• Avoid standing next to objects such as tree stumps, bushes or things which will cause the bear to think you are anything but “human shaped”
• Speak to the bear in a clear, calm voice to allow the bear to identify you as human

If attacked:

• Do not run, climb trees, fight back or scream
• Do not hold out an arm to ward of an attack
• Drop to the ground and cover your head, in a fetal position
• Curl into the smallest ball you can make yourself
• Interlock your hands behind your head, covering your ears and use your elbows to protect your face
• After you think the bear has left, try to move as little as possible while looking around
• Try to see which way the bear went and travel in the opposite direction

If you are attempting to carry either a firearm or pepper spray, ensure you are properly trained to use these items.  Fatal accidents can result from improper use or inadequate training.

Tips for avoiding other animal attacks

• Avoid sudden movements around animals
• Never pet an unknown dog
• Never pet or kiss an animal, avoid petting them on the head
• Do not reach into animal cages
• After preparing food, wash your hands before touching an animal
• Never leave children alone with animals
• Do not try to take food or toys from an animal
• Do not try to separate fighting animals

Perhaps the greatest danger from an animal attack or bite comes from the initial trauma of the bites or scratches.  After the initial blood loss has been controlled and first aid has been rendered, there should be concern for infection.  Often times, antibiotics are indicated following an animal bite, especially wild animals.

Rabies is always a concern and victims of animal attacks should speak with their health professional immediately about treatment or prevention following a bite.  Frequently, stitching or tightly closing an animal bite will only serve to trap dangerous bacteria in the wound.

Finally, after being bitten, do not forget to check the status of your last tetanus shot.

Bear scare gadgets

Before hitting the trails in North America, you might like to whack these into your hiking pack…

Bear pepper spray

Bear bells
Further reading about

Travel Safety

Bear attacks

Surviving a mountain lion attack

Read more stories from WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com provides travel insurance and travel safety services to residents over 150 countries. Find out why WorldNomads.com is an essential part of every adventurous traveler’s journey.

Sun Safety: How to Beat the Burn this Holiday

A lot of European beach-goers have heard of Croatia.  Warm water, beautiful beaches and great food make Croatia one of the “Dream holiday” destinations.  A little bit of precaution can help that perfect beach holiday from turning into a sunburned and uncomfortable week of redness.WorldNomads.com‘s roving medical expert Dr. Erik McLaughlin MD talks through sun safety, skin protection and burn treatment you’ll need for a painless trip to sunny Croatia.

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Sunburns

The main cause of sunburns is not the sun itself but the ultraviolet energy.  Just to complicate matters, there are three main types of ultraviolet (UV) energy, designated A, B and C.  Erythema is what your skin gets after a day in the sun, which is redness, some slight swelling and pain.  Doses of UV energy and its effect on the skin are measured in units called minimal erythema doses (MED).  This MED represents the smallest does of UV energy to cause that “sunburn” appearance.

Beachgoers are typically exposed to 15 MEDs of UVB and 4-5 MEDs of UVA.  Almost all of UVC is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere.  There is increasing evidence that shows both UVA and UVB can be harmful to human skin and both can cause skin cancers.

UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are largely the cause of aged skin and wrinkles.  UVB is generally responsible for most “sunburn” effects and has traditionally been thought of as the cause of most skin cancers.  Ideally, persons in the sun should be protecting themselves with a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB.

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Sunscreens

Sun protection factor (SPF) is the ability of a sunscreen to protect skin from ultraviolet induced erythemas (sunburn).  This SPF number is calculated based on the length of time it takes to cause one MED in protected versus non-protected skin.  Basically, SPF is the amount of time it takes to causes a sunburn in someone with sunscreen protection versus someone who is unprotected.  At present, most sunscreens protect largely against UVB only, although there are some products that are beginning to protect against both UVA and UVB.

SPF:                 % UVB absorption

2                                  50.0

4                                  75.0

8                                  87.5

15                                93.3

30                                96.7

50                                98.0

Chart from “A field guide to wilderness medicine” by Paul Auerbach, pg. 69

Clearly, one can see that UVB protection increases with the higher SPF and use of SPF 30 is becoming more and more advised.

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How to Apply Sunscreen

• Apply liberally to all areas of exposed skin including backs of hands,  ears, nose and tops of feet

• Apply 15-30 minutes before swimming or water exposure

• Reapply immediately after exiting the water

• Using sunscreen and DEET based insect repellent will reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen by approx. 35%

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What is in the sunscreen?

The ideal sunscreen spread onto your skin easy, does not cause allergy, pimples and does not stain clothing.  PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) is the most common cause of sunscreen dermatitis and effects 4% of people.  Creams and lotions spread on the skin well.  Oils spread very easily but may cause pimples.  For extreme conditions a wax or ointment will help resist skin chapping.  Aerosols are often wasteful and leave parts of the skin over coated and others under protected due to difficulty in ensuring even spray.

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Sun protective clothing

Clothing that has been tested and proven to block the UV energy is designated by the term Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) which is identical to SPF for sunscreen.

The tightness of the fabric’s weave is most important in determining how effective it will be in blocking UV energy.  A good example of this is Lycra which can block nearly 100% of UVR when relaxed but only 2% when stretched tight.  A typical white cotton tshirt has a UPF of about 5-9.

Wide brimmed hats are especially good for protecting the face, head and ears.  Sunglasses should be labeled to protect against UV energy and side shields do work in decreasing the amount of UV absorbed by the eyes.

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Treating a Sunburn

Sunburns are largely self-limiting and will typically resolve on their own.  Treatment is largely centered on relieving symptoms.  Skin moisturizers and cool compress or cool water baths may help decrease the pain.  There is little evidence to suggest tradition treatments such as baking soda, aloe and oatmeal are effective pain relief but there is also a lack of decent studies.  Oral pain control can be achieved with either aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen.  After a day in the sun, dehydration is also a factor and adequate water intake should also be assured.

Read more stories from WorldNomads.com to help keep you travelling safely. WorldNomads.com provides travel insurance and travel safety services to residents over 150 countries. Find out why WorldNomads.com is an essential part of every adventurous traveler’s journey.

Off the beaten track in New Zealand

New Zealand isn’t exactly world-famous for many things. In fact, if you ask your average person to locate it on a world map, they’re likely to point somewhere in Europe or Africa (hint: it’s down near Australia). However, this little island nation is world-renowned for one thing – hiking.

This little pocket-sized paradise is home to some of the most amazing walks you’re ever likely to see, stuff that’ll knock the socks off even the most well travelled toes, with the most famous trails like the Milford and Routeburn drawing throngs of people from across the globe.

Among the visitors have been writers from lofty publications like the New York Times and National Geographic Adventure, who’ve penned superlatives like, “jaw-dropping”, “primordial” and “breathtaking” to describe their experiences.

However, what they and most other hiking visitors to New Zealand don’t realise is that the “great walks”, as these famous trails are known, are just the tip of the iceberg. Beyond their well-beaten paths there’s a whole world of adventure hidden away in the mountains. It’s just a matter of knowing where to look.

Over the last 14 years, the guides at Active New Zealand have explored almost every nook and cranny of the Kiwi backcountry. Here are some of their suggestions of where to begin your search for the ultimate off-the-beaten-track experience:

Siberia Valley

If you’re looking to get into the wilderness but don’t have much time to spare, then a trip into the Siberia Valley is a great way to go. Thanks to a grass airstrip installed by deer cullers in the 1960s, this amazing spot can be accessed by light aircraft, getting you into the heart of Mount Aspiring National Park in swift and thrilling style.

Once on the ground you can relax and explore around Siberia Hut, take a day-trip to the iceberg-filled Lake Crucible, or for the more intrepid, set off on the three-day Gillespie Pass Circuit.

Whichever way you choose to go, when it comes time to return to civilization, the locals have devised an equally adrenalin-charged exit from the wilderness, thanks to a regular jet boat service on the Wilkin River.

Hump Ridge Track

This track on the south coast of the South Island started life as an idea at a 1988 Tuatapere Promotions Committee meeting, aimed to bring visitors to this forgotten corner of the South Island (apparently the little town’s existing hook; “New Zealand’s sausage capital” just wasn’t working). Ten years later the Hump Ridge Track was a reality – and what a stroke of genius it’s proven to be.

The Hump Ridge follows historic logging and forestry trails through towering native conifer forest, alpine wetlands and windswept beaches. At times the going can be quite challenging – requiring six to seven hours of hiking each day, but the rewards are more than worth it.

If you’d like to make things a little easier on yourself, then for a fee, you can have a bag of gear delivered by helicopter to the next hut each night. This means you hike with a tiny pack of essentials, but have all the creature comforts waiting for you at the end of the day – sheer luxury!

Angelus Circuit

Tucked away in the Nelson Lakes National Park, this trail is a brilliant introduction to tramping in New Zealand, with enough facilities to be user-friendly without losing the million-miles-from-anywhere feeling that makes the region so special.

Over three days you’ll experience Tolkienesque beech forests along the shores of Lake Rotoiti, pristine mountain streams, alpine meadows and the stunning alpine amphitheatre of Lake Angelus, a spectacular location for one of the route’s huts… and a “refreshing” spot for a swim if you’re feeling bold.

On a clear day, the Robert Ridge, between Angelus Hut and St Arnaud, can deliver some of the most spectacular ridge walking the country has to offer. This section of trail tiptoes along a moonscape ridge, past alpine tarns and rocky outcrops, all overlooking two glacier-carved lakes. Keep the camera handy here – it doesn’t get much better than this.

Cascade Saddle Route

Be warned, this trip is not for the faint of heart. However, if you’re well prepared and reasonably fit then the Cascade Saddle is a must.

From a trailhead near Wanaka, this route leads you through the picturesque Matukituki Valley to the historic Aspiring Hut, before taking a sharp – and steep – left hand turn towards Glenorchy, climbing for more than a vertical kilometre to the trail’s high point.

The view from here is truly jaw-dropping; with Aspiring Hut barely visible below, Mt Tyndall and Plunket Dome risi from either side of the saddle, beckoning you to try for their summits -  while in the distance the shattered ice of the Dart Glacier creeps towards the valley floor.

On the far side of the valley, Mt Aspiring dominates the skyline. Draped in a flowing white gown of snow and ice, the peak seems close enough to touch, close enough that on a quiet day you could probably hear the chattering teeth of climbers on the summit.

Before you go

If an adventure in the mountains of New Zealand sounds appealing, here are a few websites worth checking out before you go.

Active New Zealand – These guys lead hiking, biking and kayaking tours throughout the country. Their guides offer a wealth of information on the New Zealand backcountry and were integral in writing this featured destination.

The official website of the Tuatapere Humpridge Track – containing all the information you could possibly want to know about this spectacular South Coast trail.

Southern Alps Air – The only way to fly when you’re in Mount Aspiring National Park. Actually there are a few others, but these guys are the best by a long shot.

The New Zealand Department of Conservation. The body charged with the immense task of maintaining all these trails and backcountry huts – Also a great source of information on safety in the New Zealand bush.