Survival School Search

Whether you sail, hike or ski, you’ll enjoy nature more by being prepared. When selecting a wilderness-skills course, consider these factors. By Laurel Kallenbach for Experience Life Length and level of training. One- or two-day courses offer an outdoor-preparedness overview, whereas longer courses (four days to three weeks) delve deeper so you can hone real skills. Physical challenge. At minimum, you must be able to hike a few miles a day with a light pack. For rigorous or high-altitude trips, train in advance for several months. Courses that simulate emergency hardships (hunger, thirst, extreme temperatures) require physical and mental prep. Terrain and conditions. Most courses teach skills that focus on deserts, mountains, woodlands or extreme weather conditions. Consider a course that supports your favorite activities (winter safety for skiers, summer survival for backpackers). Cost. Outfitters charge $100 to $200 per day. Budget for extras such as a knife, compass or... Read More →

Fifty “Eco-Friendly” Ways to Experience the Unforgettable Nature of an O.A.R.S. Adventure

Angels Camp, California – O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists), announced today the release of their 2010 full-color catalog featuring “50 ways to experience the unforgettable nature of an O.A.R.S. adventure.” Recognized by National Geographic Adventure Magazine as “The Best River & Sea Outfitter on Earth,” O.A.R.S. has been a leader in the whitewater rafting and adventure travel industry for 40 years. The California-based, eco-conscious organization provides exceptional whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, hiking and multi-sport adventures throughout the western U.S., Canada, Latin America and Fiji. Beyond the stunning photography and the robust selection of nature-based adventures, what is most remarkable about the new O.A.R.S. catalog is the company’s demonstrated commitment to reducing their impact on the environment. This year O.A.R.S. downsized their print run and reduced the number of pages in their catalog in favor of better paper rather than more paper and... Read More →

&Beyond Making a Positive Difference to Health

In addition to its founding values of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People, &Beyond strongly believes in promoting the wellbeing of its staff and the local communities. Launched in 2003, ‘Positively &Beyond’ is an initiative designed to train &Beyond staff to counsel and care for people with life-threatening diseases, including HIV/Aids. The programme is run by Neil Orr, a research psychologist, and David Patient, who, after 26 years, is one of the longest documented HIV-positive survivors in the world. The week-long course is based around the benefits of natural vitamins and minerals, affordable foodstuffs and the power of positive thinking. It takes into account that in Africa many people living with HIV/Aids come from impoverished rural areas, and focuses on affordable prevention and treatment. The course teaches how to counsel those living with incurable diseases, how to identify unresolved feelings that pose obstacles to wellness, how to make... Read More →

Support and Track the Snow Leopard

World Big Cat Safaris, the privately-owned specialist safari-company, has launched a pioneering 15-day trip to Ladakh in the Indian Himalaya, in search of the rare snow leopard. The trip, for a group of up to 9 travellers, begins in Delhi on February 15 2010 and is priced from £2,950pp (2 sharing) or £3,600 for solo travellers. Leading the group is Dr Yash Veer Bhatnagar, director of The Snow Leopard Trust and a world authority on the rarest and most beautiful of wild cats. The time of year and the location offer the best chance to see the critically endangered snow leopard, of which 4000 – 7500 are estimated to live in the mountain regions of Central Asia. In winter months they move to lower altitudes in pursuit of prey, and the Ladakh region sees the highest number of sightings. Other wildlife likely to be seen by the group includes Golden Eagle, Argali (impressively horned wild sheep), Bharal (blue sheep), Red Fox and Tibetan Magpie. On arrival in Dehli (international flights... Read More →

Cox & Kings Explores the Wilder Side of Jordan

TAMPA, FL (Nov 23, 2009)–Tour operator Cox & Kings announces a new Private Travel Journey “Hidden Treasures of Jordan.” The tour introduces Jordan to visitors who are looking to connect with the country’s untouched and undiscovered side–both its nature and people. Not only does the tour cover musts for a first time visitor, but also features stays at two new eco-lodges, benefiting local communities and assisting conservation efforts of several nature reserves within the country. The rugged landscape of the Dana Nature Reserve, extending from the top of the Jordan Rift Valley to the desert lowlands of Wadi Araba, is carefully managed for sustainable use of natural resources and a minimal environmental footprint. The area contains a varied plant life, nearly 150 species of bird life and over 200 recorded mammals and reptiles, including the ibex and mountain gazelle. On a day trek, one will see the occasional Bedouin family herding their goats, camels and... Read More →

African Homesteads Wins Global Gold at International Property Awards

New York – The African Homesteads at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, took top honors last week at the International Property Awards ceremony in San Diego. The African Homesteads won global gold in the most prestigious category, Best International Property, beating out finalists from the competition’s six geographical regions–Africa, Europe, Middle East, UK, Americas and Asia-Pacific. The International Property Awards are the largest celebration of the residential and commercial property industry worldwide. Designed as the ultimate retreat for owners to share with family and friends, the 15 exclusive African Homesteads represent luxury value at the top end of the property market. Priced from US$6 million for a 70-year lease, each four-bedroom, 8,600-square-foot Homestead occupies a private 10-acre site, but owners have traversing rights over the full extent of the 56,800-acre Big Five Reserve. Expansive wooden verandahs and a large infinity... Read More →

Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards Recognizes Rivers Fiji For It’s Preservation of Cultural Heritage Practices

Angels Camp, California – Rivers Fiji, an O.A.R.S. (Outdoor Adventure River Specialists) affiliate organization, has been highly commended in the “Preservation of Cultural Heritage” category at this year’s Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards. Rivers Fiji, a whitewater rafting and multi-sport outfitter committed to sustainable tourism practices in the Fiji Islands, was selected as one of the top 35 companies out of more than 2000 nominations worldwide. The Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards are the most prestigious and competitive of their kind in the world. They are a collaboration of the online travel directory responsibletravel.com, UK media partners Telegraph Travel and Geographical Magazine and World Travel Market (WTM). WTM hosted the awards ceremony earlier this month. The central tenet of the awards is that all types of tourism can and should be operated in a way that respects and benefits destinations and local people. Rivers Fiji is the result of one of many... Read More →

Hiking in the French and Spanish Pyrenees

Self-Guided French Pyrenees Hiking and Historic Tour de France Adventure: July 18 – 28, 2010 Book by December 1 to Secure Accommodations Overview Bredesen Outdoor Adventures will be offering a special one-time, 10 night/11 day, self-guided departure from July 18 – 28, 2010 that melds the best of our two existing French Pyrenees self-guided hiking itineraries with an opportunity to view two legs of the Tour de France as it passes through the Pyrenees. During this anniversary year of the Tour de France you’ll have an opportunity to see history in the making as the Tour celebrates its 100th year in the Pyrenees. This trip is rated moderate to strenuous. Summary Ten nights, half board (breakfast and dinner). Minimum two star hotels and likely one three star hotel, all with private bath; friendly, traditional accommodations in beautiful settings with very good food Local transport and baggage shuttle included. Price: $2,300 USD per person double occupancy. Minimum 2 people. No... Read More →

Gap Adventures Introduces New Ways to Explore the World with 2010 Trips

Toronto – Travelers looking to expand their horizons in new and interesting ways can look to the world’s leader in adventure travel for fresh experiences in 2010. Gap Adventures leaves no stone unturned and no corner of the world unreachable by adding dozens of new destinations, a new trip style and an expanded list of activity options. From the winter meccas of Sweden and Finland to the jungles of Guyana and deserts of Tunisia, nine new countries make their debut including the Philippines, Syria, Burma, and the Netherlands. These new destinations boast carefully-crafted adventures – increasing Gap Adventures’ worldwide offerings by 185 new trips in 2010. To complement the expanded trip offerings, Gap Adventures also has something new in store for the 18- to 30-something crowd. YOLO (You Only Live Once) is a new trip style giving recent graduates and young professionals the freedom to determine how they want to experience exotic destinations without exceeding their... Read More →

“A Guide to Best Practices for Archaeological Tourism” Now Available for Free

On October 22, 2009, during the ATTA’s Adventure Travel World Summit in Québec, Canada, the ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSTITUTE of AMERICA (AIA), ARCHAEOLOGY MAGAZINE, and the ADVENTURE TRAVEL TRADE ASSOCIATION (ATTA) announced the completion of a manual of good practices for anyone interested in visiting archaeological sites. The guide outlines practices that allow for proper, sustainable archaeological tourism, giving visitors the opportunity to fully experience ancient sites while minimizing any negative impact. The guide is an important resource for tour operators who wish to incorporate archaeological sites in their tour packages, for tour guides who lead people through the sites, for tourists who want to see these sites first hand, and for site managers charged with the maintenance and protection of sites. In conjunction with adequate and properly funded site management plans, these guidelines will help ensure that the public enjoy the experience of visiting ancient places for generations... Read More →