And here's to 2019

Here's to wealth, health, happiness and more holidays in 2019!

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Joburg makes TripAdvisors list of Top 10 Destinations in Africa

JOHANNESBURG has made TripAdvisor’s top ten list in the Travelers’ Choice Awards for Best Destinations in Africa.

Joburg’s 2018 TripAdvisor citation reads as follows: “#Johannesburg is the place to go to mix big-city culture, shopping, dining and nightlife with outdoor adventures, up-close wildlife encounters and visits to historical sites. Explore caves and nature reserves, or visit a traditional village by day, then enjoy dinner at a hip café or five-star restaurant. And if you’re a shopper, bring an extra, empty suitcase. With malls, open air markets and places that blend the two, you’ll find plenty of unique souvenirs.”


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Picture Credit: By Dylan Harbour - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16658161

World’s first carbon-neutral travel company

SETTING the sustainability bar higher than it had ever been set before, Natural Habitat Adventures became the world’s first carbon-neutral #travel company in 2007. Now, in 2017, Nat Hab celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its carbon offset program, a groundbreaking endeavor that has since offset more than 34.5 million pounds of CO2 for guests’ nature adventures in destinations all around the globe. 

As the #conservation travel partner of World Wildlife Fund, Nat Hab noted early the impacts of globetrotting clients on a changing climate. The EPA estimates that about 14 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are travel-related. Offsetting carbon emissions became mission critical for this nature travel company. 

Nat Hab’s carbon offsets encompass every aspect of each adventure—from vehicles on safari in Africa and the American Southwest, to marine diesel in the Galapagos, to energy consumed in lodges all around the world. Carrying through on this promise involves complex calculations—but it’s a commitment that remains core to Nat Hab’s company values as a world leader in conservation travel.

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Over the rainbow

THE Vinicunca Mountain, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, is no longer a secret tucked in the central Andes of #Peru. It has become an alternative attraction to the famed Machu Picchu citadel, and nowadays you can find day tours to visit this geological wonder. In fact, it’s becoming one of the top activities to do while in Cusco.

Locals say that the Rainbow Mountain used to be covered in glaciers that melted due to global warming, thus its late touristic discovery. The minerals in the Rainbow Mountain caused the sandstones to acquire a red rust-like color that contrasts the yellow, maroon and turquoise stripes, caused by the presence of other minerals combined with weathering; truly a geological wonder.

The Rainbow Mountain is now more accessible than ever thanks to http://RainbowMountain.Center, where you can book a day trip that leaves from Cusco early in the morning and arrives four hours later to the towns of Chilca or Japura situated at the bottom of the mountain. From there you’ll hike five miles for about two or three hours until you reach the peak. It sounds easy, but it’s actually challenging due to the elevation (17,000 feet).

Getting to the top of the Rainbow mountain involves a steep hike that could be extremely challenging for individuals who are not fully acclimatized to the altitude. It’s recommended you spend at least a couple of days in Cusco prior to the excursion.

Horse rentals and muleteers are also available for travelers not wanting to hike in high altitude. Locals rent horses to take you and your gear up and down covering 98% of the entire trek. There are 2 very steep sections that everyone has to hike on their own for about 10 minutes each in order to protect the horses from exhaustion.

Once you reach the Rainbow Mountain, the most scenic view is to trek to the top of the opposing mountain in order to take the classic Rainbow Mountain picture that is currently so popular in social media. From this summit, you can see the entire Red Valley below. Venturing into the Red Valley below makes you feel as if you are in a completely different planet as the vibrant red and yellow rocks and multi-color sediments create a truly unique environment unlike any other on planet earth.

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Microadventures in Turkey

MICROADVENTURES are becoming increasingly popular for time-crunched travellers looking for their next adrenalin fix. With many European adventure destinations becoming overcrowded and overdone, intrepid travellers are now looking for advice on where to escape the crowds, get active and embrace the outdoors in the new year.

Located on the refreshingly remote southwestern coast of #Turkey, Sarigerme’s enviable location between the stretching turquoise sea and spectacular mountains makes it the ultimate, crowd-free outdoor playground. This land of adventure is just a mere four-hour flight from the UK.

White water rafting… Stretching 229 kilometres and offering a number of different routes, the nearby Dalaman River promises wet and wild fun for rafters of all abilities. Besides being a white water hotspot, there are also many secluded spots along the riverbank where travellers can stop and take in the impressive waterfalls, caverns, craggy mountain ridges and colourful forests.

Sea kayaking… The Lycian shore is one of the most irresistible in the entire Mediterranean. Kayakers can explore a heavenly labyrinth of secluded coves, remote peninsulas, hidden islets, and rugged cliffs, and if they are lucky, bump into endangered Loggerhead turtles, known as Caretta Caretta, that come to the Sarigerme shores every year to nest. Swoon-worthy Göcek Bay’s beautiful beaches and idyllic islands are just a short paddle away.

Catch the wind… Unlike other beach destinations along the Turquoise Coast, Sarigerme’s unique position between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas welcomes a cool sea breeze that creates the ideal waves for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Visitors can sign up to lessons and courses and learn how to discover the sea in style.

Scuba diving… For those searching for their next aquatic adventure, Sarigerme boasts fantastic diving conditions with warm temperatures ranging from 20-30°C and clear visibility for 20-40 metres. Divers can explore ancient shipwrecks and ruins, colourful reefs and hidden caves. This part of the Mediterranean Sea also offers visitors the chance to see diverse underwater creatures including turtles, barracudas, rays and groupers.

Paragliding… Down the coast from Sarigerme, Ölüdeniz is one of the best spots in Europe for solo and tandem paragliders. For the ultimate flight, adrenaline junkies make the brave leap off Babadağ Mountain from where they will enjoy breath-taking views of the big blue from above.

Horse riding… With a number of equestrian clubs and ranches in the area, Sarigerme is a top choice for a horse riding holiday. With professional and friendly instruction, travellers can grab the reigns of beautiful Turkish horses and trot through fields of fragrant flowers, climb into the surrounding mountains and breathe in the fresh forest air. 

Caving, rock climbing abseiling… With over 40,000 caves and caverns, Sarigerme is a paradise for potholing and caving, offering adventurers the chance to see crumbling hidden churches, secret underground lakes, cisterns, stalactites and stalagmites. The cave network is not for the faint hearted, particularly because cavers will often be sharing the dark corners with friendly families of bats. For those who prefer to explore in the light, travellers are welcomes to try rock-climbing and abseiling in Sarigerme’s rocky mountain surrounds.

Hiking… A trip down the coast leads to Saklikent, which means ‘hidden city’ in Turkish. Here, travellers will find a secret paradise which spans 18 kilometres in length and 300 meters in depth, making Saklikent Gorge one of the deepest canyons in the world. The gorge is so steep and so narrow that sunlight often cannot reach it. In order to reach Saklikent Gorge, the Xanthos River has to be crossed which is guaranteed to get heart beats pumping. For those looking for an easier alternative, there are also wooden boardwalks positioned above the river leading to a picturesque riverside restaurant.

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Explore the golden state

LITTLE Passports, the award-winning children’s media brand, and Visit California have joined forces to create memorable and exciting adventures that celebrate the state of #California.

Through this new partnership, Little Passports developed printable activities and interactive online content, including a dynamic California map for curious kids and adults looking to learn more. The content, available on littlepassports.com/visit-california, includes educational information about the Golden State, fun games and puzzles, all designed to inspire exploration.

In February, Visit California launched its family campaign, “Kidifornia” – where kids rule, and encouraged kids to bring their parents along for the trip of a lifetime. A growing number of bucket list-worthy theme parks, museums, national and state parks, and beaches make Kidifornia the perfect location for any type of family vacation.

Additional pillars of the partnership will be announced later this year, including a sweepstakes to win an all-inclusive family trip to California. Little Passports activities will also be available in California Welcome Centers.

For more kid-friendly travel guides and vacation ideas the whole family can enjoy, go to visitcalifornia.com/family.

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"Do Fall" new campaign from Illinois Office of Tourism

AS FALL quickly approaches, travelers looking for new ways to experience the season’s vibrant colors should look no further than #Illinois. Visitors willing to step out of their comfort zone are rewarded with stunning views from new perspectives – from soaring above fall foliage during sunset to gliding through golden tree tops.  The Illinois Office of Tourism kicks off its new “Do Fall” campaign, featuring the six most thrilling ways to experience the season throughout the state. 

1. Canoe down the Mississippi River in Alton with a backdrop of burnt orange leaves and limestone bluffs. Big Muddy Adventures offers a series of half-day and full-day canoe trips on the river from Pere Marquette State Park to Alton. Afterwards, celebrate your excursion with a visit to the Old Bakery Beer Company, an organic craft brewery in downtown Alton.

2. Zip line through the fall foliage in southern Illinois. Fly across 83 acres of Shawnee National Forest for a bird’s-eye view of the autumn colors. The Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour is Illinois’ first tree-based, eco-friendly zip line consisting of eight zip lines and three aerial suspension bridges. At Aerie’s Resort in Grafton, experience an unforgettable two-hour canopy tour along the Mississippi River.

3. Soak in an aerial view of fall foliage during a hot air balloon ride in Galena. Galena On The Fly offers hot air balloon rides from sunrise to sunset, year-round. While in the air, families have 360-degree views over three different states. Back on the ground, tour one of the oldest vineyards in Illinois and taste award winning wine at Galena Cellars.

4. Horseback ride through Giant City State Park in Makanda and take in the natural sandstone structures and autumn beauty. Riders are guided by experienced wranglers on a 3.2-mile private trail that winds through the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. Later, explore the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail with visits to family-owned wineries, Alto Vineyards and Blue Sky Vineyard.

5. Bike among the gorgeous trees and riverfront communities down the scenic Great River Trail (GRT) in the Quad Cities. Boasting abundant wildlife and stunning views of the Mississippi River, the trail is a favorite among locals. Afterward, riders can revive themselves with craft brews at the Bent River Brewing Company.

6. Wind your way through a 10-acre corn maze filled with haunted surprises at Jonamac Orchard in Malta, then unwind with Jonamac’s signature hard apple cider or apple wine. For a sweeter challenge, try your luck at the country’s first and largest apple tree maze, featuring 2,500 apple trees at Royal Oak Farm Orchard in Harvard. For pumpkin picking, take a road trip to The Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, one of the largest family owned pumpkin farms in the U.S.
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Adventure ready in Eucador

WINNER of the 2017 “Motorcycle Tour Operator of the Year” award from Luxury Travel Guide, Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental is the country’s first motorcycle tour operator. Working with local, professional guides they design and outfit tours for adventure enthusiasts who wish to explore #Ecuador on two wheels.

Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental, the most experienced #motorcycle #tour operator in Ecuador and provider of the most extensive fleet of rental motorcycles in South America, announced today that it is adding four new motorcycles from the Italian manufacturer SWM to its fleet. The two models selected – the RS 650R and the Gran Milano 440 - will add even more riding options for those seeking that rare combination of off-road / on-road excitement that has put Ecuador on the adventure-riding map.

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Adrenalin adventures in Oman

TRAVELLERS with a sense of #adventure need look no further than #Oman to satisfy the next adrenalin rush. No other Gulf region offers such a diverse range of great outdoor adventures across a striking terrain that travels back 500 million years of geological time.

Desert Dune Bashing - Huge rolling dunes as far as the eye can see makes for a white knuckle ride dune bashing in 4WD’s at Shaqiya Sands- less than 3 hours from Muscat. Take a quad bike or camel over the dunes and watch the world turn pink and orange with a spectacular desert sun set. 

Caves and Canyons - For those who like their adventure on the extreme side, the thrill of rock-climbing and abseiling awaits. Climbers from around the globe are drawn to the high peaks of the Hajar mountains, and to the beautiful sea cliffs along the Omani coast. First-time climbers can attempt one of several Via Ferrata (‘by wire’) routes which keep them permanently attached to a cable via a harness for maximum safety at Snake Canyon, Jabel Shams and Jabal Akhdar. 

Take a Hike  - The challenging terrain of Oman’s ‘Sun Mountain’, Jabal Shams – standing 3009 metres above sea level as the country’s highest mountain peak – is a perfect place to start an adventure tour. 

Wadi Bash - Go off-road and experience one of Oman’s fastest growing adventure sports. Throughout the Sultanate there are many opportunities for travellers to hit the dirt, water and sand dunes in a 4 x 4 wheel drive. 

Snorkel and Scuba - Oman’s magnificent marine environment draws in adventurous travellers with the opportunity to snorkel, scuba dive and kayak in sparkling turquoise waters that support vibrant coral reefs. 

Get Airborne - Kitesurfing is one of the fastest growing and extreme water sports to be enjoyed in the Gulf’s warm waters and Masirah Island has the only kitesurfing academy in the Gulf where you can camp out on the island in Bedouin style tents. 

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Picture Credit: Pintrest

New Travel Website on Northeast India

GREENER Pastures, a boutique #eco-travel outfit based in the remote region of Northeast India has recently relaunched its website. The relaunch of the website comes at a crucial time as more and more travelers both from India and around the world have started to visit Northeast India in increasing numbers. Many who travel the region find it difficult to deal with the lack of information on destinations along with the developing infrastructure.

Co-founder Vaivhav Todi talks about some of the highlights "We really wanted to create something unique with the website that could portray our love for Northeast India. It is disappointing to see that such a breathtaking place has less information available online and that most websites are still to utilize the latest trends in web designing and development. Keeping this as a focus, we have done our best to keep the website light, user friendly and minimal, combining it with journalistic driven content, breathtaking photography and equally fascinating illustrations and colors."

Right from the homepage the website is heavy on beautiful imagery. A section on destinations is present to introduce visitors to the seven different states of Northeast #India, with information on cultures, environment, history, festivals and climate. 

Experiences have been well categorized making it easy for travelers to find the right tour or adventure of their choice. Further, there are numerous beautiful illustrated travel maps that were commissioned to illustrators that portray the geography and feel of the region and the various activities available.

Visit the new website at www.thegreenerpastures.com

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