Amtrak Winter Park Express 2019 Season Has Begun

THE third season of the "Amtrak Winter Park Express" started with its first departure from Denver Union Station on January 4, arriving at Winter Park Resort and delivering 300 happy skiers and riders directly to the slopes.

The train will continue to run every Saturday and Sunday as well as the first two Fridays of every month through March 31. New this year is a sightseer lounge car complete with food and beverage service.


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Get Fit For Your Upcoming Trip

FIT For Trips, the industry leader in travel fitness, introduces four to twelve-week programs to help get travelers ready for their 2019 vacations. “After the holidays are behind us, you find a lot of New Year’s resolutions in gyms all across America.” Explains Marcus Shapiro, owner and director of Fit For Trips. “Many of these people are excited to get in shape and healthy for an upcoming vacation in the new year.” Getting in shape and travelling more is annually on American’s top 10 resolutions list.

The four to twelve-week programs offered by Fit For Trips begin with an easy online form with questions about medical history, current and past exercise history, home or gym training, available equipment and trip details (if applicable). Not all Fit For Trips clients have a vacation planned some just want a kick start.


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Aussies seek more from their ski holidays

AUSTRALIANS are seeking holistic snow holidays with unique experiences and cultural immersion alongside thrilling snow sports, according to sales insights released today by Club Med, in-line with the all-inclusive provider’s #ski season opening. 

An increased number of Australians are signing up for the emotions that you can only experience on a snow holiday, such as the liveliness that comes with fresh mountain air on your face, the freedom of smooth ski runs, the wonder during après ski adventures, and the content from feasting on delicious, well-earned, mountain fare. 

Almost all rooms in Club Med’s newest Japanese resort, Tomamu Hokkaido, have been booked through to March 2019, with a huge 37% of those Aussies who skied Japan with Club Med last year returning for 2018. And Club Med’s European resorts are more than 75% full at the start of ski season.

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Poland's only signature golf course to celebrate in 2019

MODRY LAS Golf Club has rounded off an impressive record-breaking season that has laid the groundwork for a special anniversary year in 2019. With bookings up and new facilities taking shape, the Gary Player-designed course will celebrate its 10th anniversary in style. 

The Polish resort, which was officially opened by Player in 2009, has collected a host of international awards during its first decade in operation. Now in its ninth year, Poland’s only signature course recorded a 20% increase in associated accommodation bookings and a similar hike in stay-and-play packages.

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Adventure Travel Trends for 2019

AS experts in adventure travel, K E Travel have weighed in what we think will be popular in the year of travel ahead. We've seen rises and falls and our iexperts have identified 10 travel trends for 2019 

1. Cosmic events will be in the spotlight - More and more travellers are visiting the most distant reaches of the planet, and the chance to see the rare event of a solar eclipse is now more accessible than ever, with a 34% increase in bookings to the Polar Regions and Patagonia in 2018.

2. More travellers will take on the self-guided challenge - In the last year, tour operators have seen a 20% increase in self-guided holidays. Adventurers want to take the reins, pick their own departure dates and go at their own pace, with the assurance help is on hand if needed. 

3. Adventure travel will embrace the new ‘slow travel’ trend - With daily life only ever becoming more hectic and well-being at the forefront of the modern zeitgeist, travellers are increasingly seeking adventures which allow them to enjoy a leisurely pace, relax, and reconnect with the idea of exploration and travel.

4. Cruises will offer more active options - Whilst more travellers want to slow down, they don’t want to stand still either. Active cruises are the answer, which offer the opportunity to intersperse a relaxing journey with options for adventure.

5. Solo travel will continue to rise - Google searches for “solo travel” were at the highest they've ever been in 2018. Travel companies are now building catered products to not only accommodate, but celebrate the solo traveller. 

6. Adventure travel will go cross-borders  - With Europe’s most popular destinations only getting busier, adventure travel is looking to lesser-visited countries and seeing what else is out there.

7. New visa regulations will give rise to emerging destinations - As a booming adventure travel industry puts the spotlight on lesser-visited destinations, countries are taking note and making it easier for them to get there.

8. Travellers will look for smaller guided groups- KE has seen more travellers seek low-impact, small group numbers, with trips of less than 12 passengers selling most in 2018. 

9. Travel destinations will make a comeback - When once popular destinations suffer the threat of terrorism, or recover from a major disasters or events, reductions in the number of visitors are inevitable. However it’s when these situations start to settle that travellers are itching to return. In 2018 compared to 2017 KE has seen bookings to Turkey increase by a staggering 475%.

10. Non EU countries in Europe more popular than ever  - With only a few months to go until Brexit, the information of how it will affect travellers is still not clear. The uncertainty of EU travel has no doubt influenced travel to non-EU destinations such as Georgia, Albania and Norway. 



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Breaking into Switzerland

SIX Senses Crans-Montana marks the first resort and residential project in #Switzerland for Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas.

Slated to open in 2021, the resort and residences will both be managed by the hotel group. With its sumptuously furnished 47 apartments and 17 residences, Six Senses Crans-Montana will be a unique comprehensive offering in what is one of the finest and most beautiful ski areas in the Alps – as desirable in the height of summer for walking and cycling as it is during the ski season.

The property is nestled in the heart of the spectacular Swiss Alps and has been built to blend harmoniously with its surroundings, providing residents and guests with stunning views and the perfect place to relax and retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.



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Lake Victoria expands to 18 holes

LAKE Victoria Serena Golf Resort & Spa in Uganda launched its newly extended 18-Hole golf course in October 2018 during the Serena Open. Designed by Golf Plan USA, it boasts sweeping views of the lake with a rare finishing hole on an Island green. It is Uganda’s first Clubhouse with a fully-fledged Pro Shop. 

Serena also holds 2 sports camps for children to nurture the sport. Non-golfers can opt instead for nature walks, picnic cruises on Lake Victoria, visits to the neighbouring Chimpanzee Island - or simply relax at the Maisha Spa where a range of different massage and beauty treatments can be enjoyed. The 45,070 m² Marina can accommodate up to 24 boats, each with a service station for electricity and water.

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Time to shine again for Christmas Island

CHRISTMAS Island’s tourism industry finally has the opportunity to shine again. This week, the island’s Immigration Detention Centre (IDC), which opened its doors in 2008, will scale back to ‘hot contingency’ status, which means it will be closed to detainees, and only operational should the need arise. 

Tourism operators on the tropical island, located 2600 kilometres north-west of Perth, hope this change in status of the centre means the spotlight can once again be shone on the island’s extraordinary natural wonders. “Our industry has had to endure many challenges during the past ten years,” reports Lisa Preston, Chair of the Christmas Island Tourism Association, adding “it’s great to be able to finally start getting our positive messages out into our markets”. Earlier this week, the tropical island celebrated its 60th anniversary as an Australian Territory.

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An African adventure on two wheels

ADVENTURE tourism is the fastest growing sector of the travel industry today, and cycling is emerging as one of the most popular ways for adventure tourists to experience a destination while staying active. SpiceRoads also recently launched e-bikes in Vietnam and Sri Lanka, and the #EastAfrica destination launch is part of a wider plan to deliver eye-opening and pioneering #cycling experiences in emerging and challenging #adventure destinations.

SpiceRoads Cycling, one of the world’s leaders in cycle tours in emerging destinations, has just launched 3 new countries in their lineup of adventure cycling destinations: Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda. The launch covers 2 new adventure cycling tours, Cycling Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean, a 9 day Tanzania touring trip, and Cycling Uganda & Rwanda: The Heart of Africa, a 15 day off-road tour combining Rwanda and Uganda. Both tours capture the essence of the destinations- amazing landscapes, unparalleled wildlife experiences, authentic local encounters- while providing SpiceRoads’ signature of fantastic cycling.

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Climb the iron road

A North Lake Tahoe area-based guide service, will soon begin construction of two Via Ferrata climbing routes up Tram Face at Squaw Valley Resort. The routes will allow even those with no climbing experience the opportunity to safely scale the iconic rock face, exploring high alpine terrain while taking in the beautiful vistas.

Via Ferrata, an Italian term meaning Iron Road, is a protected climbing route with permanent steel anchors and cables that allow participants to be safely connected to the rock 100% of the time. All climbs will be led by Alpenglow Expeditions' experienced team of AMGA (American Mountain Guide Association) trained guides who will teach participants how to navigate the rock face while introducing basic climbing techniques.

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New adventure experiences in Rwanda

TRAVELLERS will soon be able to enjoy high-flying paramotoring and some seroius mountain biking routes in #Rwanda as part of new #adventure #experiences unveiled by Visit Rwanda.

Paramotoring is a form of paragliding where the user wears a motor on their back which provides enough thrust to fly through the air using an adapted paraglider or a paramotor wing.

Aimed at those seeking to explore the natural beauty of Rwanda’s stunning landscapes in a new exhilarating way. This brand-new adventure tourism experience will be expanded over the next few months and visitors will be able to enjoy paramotoring in the historic, cultural town of Huye, the picturesque lakeside towns of Rubavu and Karongi and at one of the best-preserved mountain rainforests in Africa, Nyungwe National Park.

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Montana: A hikers paradise

WITH over 15,000 miles of trails ready to be explored, it's no wonder Montana is a hiker's paradise. No matter the season, #Montana is the perfect place to #hike and discover all the unspoiled beauty this state has to offer, but the most underrated season to experience breathtaking beauty is autumn. Crisp mornings, red and gold hues around every bend, and trails that are less traveled make #autumn the ideal time to hike in Montana.

Sluice Boxes State Park - The trail follows the Belt Creek flow through the soaring cliffs of Belt Creek Canyon, and crossing the creek is part of the route you'll follow. This hike showcases the stunning contrast of autumn colors from Chokecherry, Aspen and Cottonwood leaves against the light rock of the cliffs.

Ross Creek Cedar Grove Scenic Area, Kootenai National Forest - Imagine standing in the towering presence of ancient Western Red Cedars – some of which are 12 feet in diameter and 175 feet tall. The Ross Creek Cedar Grove Scenic Area offers a self-guided interpretive nature trail through a unique forest ecosystem. 

Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park - offering incredible views above and below ground. While the expansive limestone caverns are a favorite, you won't want to miss the above-ground opportunities to explore 10 miles of trails. 

Custer Gallatin National Forest Beartooth District - known for its rugged mountains and sub-alpine tundra plateaus, Custer Gallatin National Forest Beartooth District, close to Red Lodge, is home to stunning scenery, fantastic trails and epic views of fall foliage. For a truly memorable hike, plan a day on the Stillwater River Trail #24. Begin the hike in the shelter of the Stillwater River Canyon as you follow the Stillwater River, the highest elevation point is a little more than two miles from the trailhead and provides a breathtaking view of Sioux Charley Lake below.

Wild Horse Island State Park - Hiking in the fall is the perfect opportunity to enjoy jaw-dropping scenery and abundant wildlife viewing. At over 2,100 acres, Wild Horse Island is located on the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi. This island park is surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Flathead Lake and can only be accessed by water.

Elephant Back Mountain Trail, Yellowstone National Park - The trail takes you on a loop through the dense Lodgepole pine forests to a stunning overlook. You'll want to bring a camera to capture the panoramic views of Yellowstone Lake; the beautiful yellow and red hues of surrounding deciduous trees create an incredible contrast against the dark green conifers.

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Barcelona by bicycle

A surprising electric bike journey will bring you through famous sites and hidden treasures of the Old Town, the Fishermen Port and the Montjuic Hill to discover the strong relationship between #Barcelona and the Sea.

The tour, offered by BikeSquare in collaboration with E-bike Rent Barcelona, will bring you through the Gothic city centre, to admire the Roman ruins of the ancient Barcino, then to the charming medieval district of El Born, where you can enjoy the marvellous Santa Maria del Mar Church (the “Cathedral of the Sea”), the narrow streets and the cosy atmosphere.  Here you'll have a chance to taste the famous pintxos, the typical tapas of the Basque Country, famous for its exceptional gastronomy and wine.

Then a ride along the Port Vell to escape the crowds at Montjuic Hill, while exploring the Olympic stadium and the Olympic Swimming pool, enjoying spectacular views of the whole city.  On the way down stop in front of one of the most emblematic symbols of Barcelona, the Columbus Statue and then cross the “Rambla del Mar” bridge and on the other side a Turkish Goleta will be waiting. 

ebike.bikesquare.eu/en/barcelona



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Picture Credit: By Giorgio Galeotti, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org 52837569

Taking it easy

E-BIKES have become popular with commuters in Europe and North America, but they are an attractive option for #cycling #holidays. Riders with less experience, lower fitness, recovering from injury, or with less confidence in their abilities can enjoy trips and destinations without worrying about being able to keep up. Even more experienced riders can benefit from riding an e-bike on a tour that is particularly challenging.

Sri Lanka e-bikes are SCOTT Cross-E Sub 20 bikes, while select Vietnam tours feature Giant Explore E+ bikes. The new e-bikes can be hired per tour, as an alternative to standard mountain, road, or carbon bike hire. Both models of e-bike use “pedal assist” technology, which engages the bike’s motor once the rider begins to pedal. The more the rider pedals, the more the motor is activated, making e-bikes great for tackling climbs or comfortably cruising at speed.

SpiceRoads Cycling are cycle touring specialists based in Bangkok, Thailand. Founded in 1995, SpiceRoads leads over 10,000 passengers per year on active cycling adventures in 32 destinations worldwide.SpiceRoads offer cycling tours to suit every type of cyclist, from road enthusiasts, to leisure cyclists, to day trippers, to mountain bikers.



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World Expeditions expands Africa offerings

WORLD Expeditions’ has expanded its #Africa range of trips, launching 16 new itineraries, including family trips, alternative routes on Mt Kilimanjaro as well as treks in Uganda, Morocco and Ethiopia, a new trip taking in two Ethiopian cultural festivals and exciting new combinations of walking, cycling and wildlife safaris.

World Expeditions has a long history having pioneered the first commercial treks of Mount Kilimanjaro‘s Remote Northern Circuit and Shira Routes, while keeping the choices diverse with the Lemosho, Machame and the Rongai routes also on offfer. 

Interest in mountain trekking has expanded from just Kilimanjaro to include Mount Kenya, new trekking routes in Uganda’s Mountains of the Moon – the Rwenzoris, Morocco’s High Atlas and the Simien Mountains of Ethiopia.

Two new family trips – the South Africa Pilanesberg Family Safari and the Eastern Cape Family Safari are designed specifically for adventurous families, with shorter transfers and plenty of opportunities for big game spotting.

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Explore the beauty of Mt. Everest

THE Everest Base Camp Trek is the best trekking region in #Nepal. Starting from Lukla, a gentle two-day trek up the Dudh Koshi valley leads to the famous Namche Bazaar along the way you can enjoy Nepali and Buddhists culture. Fascinating to know that half of the world population might have a dream to see world highest mountain “Mt. Everest” at 8, 848 m / 29, 028 ft high, once in a life time to experience at its closest the tallest peak on earth.

In Mt. Everest there are some major festivals celebrated in the Khumbu region which are Mani Rimdu and Dumje. Mani Rimdu, which falls in either October or November and is perhaps the most famous festival of the Sherpa people, celebrated for three days interspersed with various ritualistic dances. 

www.excitingnepal.com

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Be Brave . . .

HAMILTON Island is challenging guests to strengthen their bravery muscles with BRAVE – an exciting new weekend workshop, which has been announced as part of the iconic destinations annual events line-up to be held on Hamilton Island between June 22 – 25, the inaugural BRAVE weekend is designed to inspire and provides guests with the opportunity test their potential.

The weekend features three different itineraries for guests to select: Skyfall – featuring a 60 meter abseil from the top of the Reef View Hotel hosted by Eagle Rock Adventures, Deep Dive – an opportunity to learn to dive on the Great Barrier Reef with EXPLORE Hamilton Island and Lionheart – an itinerary featuring a series of talks designed around the notion of learning taking courage. 

Each of the itineraries have been carefully curated to provide guests with a choice of physical and mental activities, designed to motivate and encourage them to achieve something they may not have imagined before attending BRAVE.

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Picture Credit: By Copyright (c) 2004 Richard Ling, commons.wikimedia.org

In the heart of Central America

BOASTING a variety of ecosystems and a vast amount of protected land, Honduras is home to a wealth of nature and wildlife both above land and under the ocean. The country presents numerous unparalleled experiences: nature, including the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve, designated a Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO; several archeological sites such as Copan, declared a Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO; adventure with river rafting and rappelling through the protected jungles; diving in pristine reefs on the Caribbean coast and connecting with authentic culture including several indigenous groups who have preserved their customs and tradition.

One of the most spectacular cities of ancient Maya civilization and a monumental archeological site, Copan is a ruins complex known for its beautiful stone temples, altars, hieroglyphs, and stelae. It was one of the most important civilizations during the Classic period, from A.D. 250-900, and the site of significant advances in mathematics and astronomy until it was suddenly abandoned. 

Fortress of San Fernando de Omoa in Cortés is an 18th-century Spanish fort, built for protection from pirates raiding from the Atlantic Ocean. In 1779, it was the site of the Battle of San Fernando, a short siege between British and Spanish forces shortly after Spain joined the American Revolutionary War as an American ally. In 1959, the Honduran government committed to a restoration project and the fort has become one of the most popular tourist spots in the country.

Combining two of Honduras' most impressive qualities, archeology meets nature at Los Naranjos Eco-Archeological Park, offering archeological remains and protected natural land. Located on the northern shores of Lake Yojoa, excavations in the 1930s and 1960s lead to findings from varied time periods with artifacts marked as early as 800-400 B.C. and as late as A.D. 950-1250. 

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Undiscovered Cape St Francis

CAPE St Francis is a largely undiscovered seaside village in South Africa’s Eastern Cape - offering pristine beaches that are never over-crowded and a coastline boasting exceptional natural beauty – perfect for indulging in plenty of wholesome, outdoor fun. It’s not called the “Adventure Coast” for nothing”!

The mild winter climate of the Eastern Cape most often delivers balmy, windless days, perfect for hitting a hiking trail, strolling along the dunes, cycling the village streets or surfing the Seal Point waves for which Cape St Francis is most famous, as the beachfront comes alive with wetsuit clad surfers and a cool laid back vibe. 

A short walk from the main beach is the historical Cape St Francis Lighthouse and SANCOB, a rehabilitation centre for rescued seabirds where the kids can get close to African Penguins and other marine birds while around the corner is the Wildside, offering stunning ocean edge walking trails, rock pools filled with sea creatures, amazing flora and possible otter sightings. St Francis Bay is also just 10 minute drive away for retail therapy, golfing and adventures along the Kromme River. 

www.capestfrancis.co.za

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Polar Explorers

WHAT does it take to guide over 500 people to the North and South Poles? The answer is 25 years of experience and hundreds of days skiing in the world’s most extreme environment, where an average day "at the office" includes enduring minus forty degree temperatures and keeping everything you don't want to freeze on your body.

On April 14, PolarExplorers, the world’s leading polar expedition guiding company, will kick off their 25th anniversary. PolarExplorers’ reputation has been built over hundreds of expeditions and thousands of cold, frozen miles in some of the planet’s least forgiving environments.

To celebrate their 25th anniversary PolarExplorers is offering several exciting expeditions including a ski expedition from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole, a ski traverse of the Greenland Icecap, Last Degree Ski Expeditions to both the North and South Poles, a ski traverse of Europe’s largest glacier, and numerous other polar expeditions. 

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