Discovery Adventures Unveils New Tour Line-Up for 2012

(Toronto) — Discovery Communications, the world’s number one nonfiction media company and G Adventures announced today their new trip line-up for Discovery Adventures in 2012, highlighted by eight all new tours added to their line of 37 trips. Each of these expertly-guided new trips—to Vietnam, Ecuador, Jordan and Nepal, as well as revamped trips to Tanzania and Southern Africa— includes breakfast daily, comfortable accommodations and an array of additional inclusions. Trips range in length from eight to 16 days, allowing adventurers to explore volcanoes at the equator, take a dip in the Dead Sea, find their inner spirit in Nepal or experience the cultural treasures of Vietnam. “For over 25 years, Discovery Channel has provided viewers with action packed programming dedicated to the adventurer and explorer inside us all,” said Elizabeth Bakacs, Vice President of Licensing, Discovery Channel. “With Discovery Adventure’s line-up of 37 trips, including two brand new destinations,... Read More →

Update from Volcanoes Safaris on Rwanda Gorilla Permit Prices

Following consultations with the Tourism Chamber and the Rwanda Association of Tour Operators, the Rwanda Development Board have announced an amendment to the gorilla permit price increase implementation. All gorilla permits purchased before 1st June 2012 for tracking in 2012 will stay at US$500. All permits purchased after this date will be sold at the new rate of US$750. Gorilla permits for tracking in 2013 will be sold at US$750 regardless of the time of purchase. Normal gorilla purchasing procedures have now resumed. We thank you for bearing with us during this process and apologise for any inconvenience it may have caused. Please don’t hesitate to contact Volcanoes Safaris with any queries.  Read More →

Float Momma Down the Grand Canyon This Mother’s Day: Western River Expeditions Will Pamper with VIP Attention

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – A grand way to gift a favorite mom this Mother’s Day is to put her on a raft and float her down the Grand Canyon. Rafting pioneer Western River Expeditions has such an experience up its sleeve on two six day / five night departures May 8 and 9, said Brian Merrill, CEO. “Beyond the gift of gazing up at surreal scenery from the comfort of Western’s custom J-Rig raft, exploring hidden waterfalls, delighting in delicious riverside meals and sleeping under endless stars, each mom will be treated like royalty with a number of special surprises and a complimentary “Canyon Gift” on both Mother’s Day launches. The entire trip promises to be a gift she’ll never forget and one that will bring the whole family together in an amazing way,” said Merrill. See: http://www.westernriver.com/trips/grand6day/mothers-day.php The pros of rafting in May include mild daytime temps (in the 70s and 80s), blankets of spring flowers, thundering waterfalls... Read More →

Rekindle the romance…in China

Valentine’s Day: There is arguably no trip more important than one’s honeymoon. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, WildChina sat down compiled our favorite romantic experiences in China to share with you… SUNSET IN HANGZHOU Sample imperial cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as you watch the sunset together in your private courtyard in Hangzhou at the Amanfayun, for an intimate evening. HORSEBACK RIDING IN YUNNAN Surrounded by Lijiang’s incredible mountain scenery, horseback ride side-by-side at serene Lashihai Lake. HELICOPTER RIDE OVER HONG KONG Buzz above Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour in a private helicopter tour. Take in amazing views of this subtropical metropolis that few ever experience.  Read More →

Irene Lane of Greenloons Dispels Confusion Surrounding Recently Minted Seal of Approval, Eco-Certification

Vienna, VA – What does qualified third party eco-certification, a recently minted “green” seal of approval, mean to travelers? In a newly released certification guide, Irene Lane, founder of eco-travel services trail blazer Greenloons, explains that slogans like green, sustainable, local and eco are being used to seduce consumers. “But are these terms always truthfully applied?” she asks. “Unfortunately not, and that’s where the confusion lies. The lure of playing in the billion-dollar annual eco-travel market means an oversaturation of loosely applied and misunderstood labels that often set the consumer up to pay higher prices often associated with eco-tourism.” However, she adds, “Those tourism suppliers who are eco-certified by qualified third parties meet environmental and socio-economic standards for sustainability, responsibility and ethics. Supporting these efforts doesn’t have to mean you’ll be paying more.” A PDF download of Lane’s paper “A Consumer... Read More →

Brian Atkinson, Photographer, Visits Seascape – Costa Rica

Brian Atkinson, a well known photographer from New Brunswick participated on a multi-day Seascape sea kayak expedition from Curu in December. Brian captures the spirit and sense of place: “If I had closed my eyes before getting to Tambor and tried to imagine a tropical adventure, a tropical vacation, it wouldn’t have been much different from Tambor. Great accommodations built out of teak, a deep-blue pool, thatched-hut bar, tall palm trees, swinging hammocks and the sound of the sea- and quiet, very quiet and with only a few other guests around all was set for a good bout of rest and relaxation. Much needed after a demanding photo shoot in Honduras. So needless to say the time at the Tambor Tropical was the best in easy living but it was the time out on the Bay of Curú that gave me the memories, even two months later, that I keep thinking about. We had time for a three-day, two night camping excursion with Bruce and it couldn’t have been better. Sunny skies, calm waters and pelicans... Read More →

View The Tour de France AND Ride Your Own TDF Tour: July 16-23, 2012

The Pyrenees is the world’s most fascinating cycling destination. Stage 16 on July 18 will be one of the toughest mountain stages of the 2012 Tour de France. Pro cyclists will ride over 4 incredible mountain passes: Aubisque, Tourmalet, Aspin and Col de Peyresourde. On July 19, Stage 17 will finish with a mountain climb to the ski area of Peyragudes. The full area is surrounded by spectacular mountain and rural roads, and legendary climbs. On this 2012 Tour de France Watch and Ride bicycle tour, You will ride many of the most famous mountain climbs, as well as a few lesser known but equally spectacular. This 7-day cycling tour also comes with an optional 3-day to ride a lesser known area of the Pyrenees, and watch Stage 14 over Col de Peguere. This steep Wall is featured for the first time in the 2012 Tour de France, and promise to be a huge challenge to all. Don’t miss your chance to ride these legendary climbs and then cheer on the world’s best cyclists as they compete... Read More →

Spend Valentine’s Day on the Camino

If you are looking for a Valentines break with a difference then walking The Finisterre Way could be for you. This romantic 4 day trek starts in Santiago de Compostela and finishes on the cliffs of Cape Finisterre. For a long time this path was labelled “The Edge of the World” by the Celts, who thought it was the westernmost point of the World. The trek begins on February 10th in Santiago, where you will spend your first night in the 4* hotel, San Francisco Monumento, situated right in the city centre. This hotel offers a calm and quiet atmosphere, as well as a great location which will allow you to enjoy the beautiful historic centre. While here, you can relax in the heated swimming pool and jacuzzi while admiring the views of Monte Pedroso. The next day, you will begin walking to the Cape Finisterre, passing through the most peaceful and beautiful scenery of Galicia. The trip will see you finish up in stunning Fisterra’s Bay, where you will be treated to a light meal,... Read More →

Austin-Lehman Adventures’ “Sensational Seven” Cycling Routes of Europe Great for a Do-It-Yourself Weekend Escape or As Part of a Weeklong Escorted Tour

Billings, MT – Award-winning tour operator Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA-http://www.austinlehman.com/), the active travel company setting adventure vacations standards in The Americas, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, shares its favorite pedal routes through Europe gleaned from over 38 years of operating small group cycle tours. ALA’s European expert and cycling director, Ron Van Dijk represents a legacy dating back to 1974 as the first European tour operator to offer cycling tours to American travelers. “It was a fun challenge for me to go back through nearly four decades of cycling to pick my all time favorite pedal routes of Europe. I call them my Sensational Seven,” explains Van Dijk. “I hope to inspire others to slow down, get on a bike and enjoy a Europe adventure on two wheels either on their own or with a small group tour such as those offered by ALA.” Austin-Lehman Adventure’s European bike tour season begins in April of each year and runs through October. An advantage... Read More →

International Singer Diego Torres Visits Iguazu Grand

Last December Iguazu Grand had the honor of welcoming international singer, Diego Torres. Upon arrival, Mr. Torres held a press conference in the foyer of the newly opened Grand Salon, where he was met by the local media. The conference went well; Mr. Torres answered all questions and even added comments about his fond memories of Puerto Iguazu, the Falls and El Dorado, where he filmed the movie The Fury. He also said he was traveling to New York to welcome the New Year in Times Square, a very important event for the singer’s career. After a restful night in a suite at the Panoramic Hotel, he enjoyed the pool and hotel bar. He held a celebrity book signing, took pictures and thanked the hotel staff. The Iguazu Grand food and beverage department catered the meals for Diego Torres and his staffduring his stay. The two hour concert, sponsored by the Duty Free Shop, consisted of guest appearances by musicians, singer and dancers.  Read More →

Next Page »