|
|
|
|
|
Home > Travelwatch |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 New stories, April 1, 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What's on the
Travel News Menu for YOU Today
Senior travel nature vacations,
cruise and barging vacations, volunteer vacations worldwide &
much more! Would you like to be notified of each bi-monthly issue as it is launched? Click here to add your email to our TravelWatch newsletter notification list. [See our Privacy Policy]
1. 2012 marks the 200th anniversary of the rediscovery of the magical ruined city of Petra, Jordan, chosen as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. A highly-awarded adventure tour company has created a unique trekking and jeep safari itinerary to celebrate this milestone, to be offered several times this year.
2. An  international hotel and resort chain demonstrates its commitment to healthy travel for guests with complimentary top-line bicycles, guided hikes, dogs as walking companions, organic gardening and more.
3. Five historic inns in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida have announced incentives for guests to come stay from May through December 20. How does a bottle of champagne and a sailing cruise sound for motivation?
4. Here is a new travel club concept for inquisitive travelers who like to have a hand in planning as well as participating in original trips to explore the world with like-minded adventurers. Check this one out.
5. The Mexican state of Baja California is a safe and exciting destination to experience diverse nature and colorful culture along a remarkably unspoiled coastline. A one-stop information and trip planning Baja website makes it easy to consider a visit and make it happen.
See more fast-breaking Travel News! |
|
|
|
|
A Unique Trekking Adventure Highlights Petra Anniversary |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trekkers near Petra from the top. Peter Potterfield |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the rediscovery of Petra, US-based Wildland Adventures is offering an awe-inspiring journey by foot and 4x4 jeep through the spectacular natural beauty and cultural heritage of Jordan. At the heart of this 12-day tour is a 50 mile, six-day trek along the traditional trails of the Bedouin from the Dana Nature Reserve to the back door of Petra. The exclusive entry and private view of the "Rose-Red City" is a spectacular reward at the end of the trek, never to be forgotten. |
|
|
|
|
"Led by Jordanian guide Yamaan Safady who spent months personally planning the route, this trail offers the only trek to Petra that follows ancient footpaths of the nomadic Bedouin tribes who have lived in the region for centuries," says Kurt Kutay, founding director of Wildland Adventures.
The Bedouin Trek to Petra traverses spectacular desert, wadis (canyons), lush green oasis, jagged mountains, and ancient archeological sites among the oldest in the Middle East. Participants will be rewarded for their efforts as they pass through the huge red rock-hewn tombs and buildings of Little Petra, and then arrive at the impressive Monastery above Petra. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jordan's green landscapes are also enjoyed by trekkers.
Peter Potterfield |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Yamaan actually lived with the local indigenous Bedouin for three months to establish mutual respect with the tribes and ensure the authenticity of this ancient trading route," says Kutay. "We tap into the experience and knowledge of the nomadic tribes and our travelers experience Jordan through the eyes of the ancient goat herder, frankincense trader, and even the occasional Roman invader!" |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Traditional Bedouin tent accommodation is offered during most nights of the trekking segment of the tour. Wildland Adventures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The crew for this fully-outfitted trek comes from local Bedouin families. Every evening on the trek, guests lounge on overstuffed pillows and colorful carpets under a canopy, in a Bedouin-style tented camp where stories from the day's hike or Bedouin poetry and local songs and dance are often shared. Meals are prepared in a communal tent where participants may also learn about traditional Bedouin cooking. Opportunities for guests to meet and interact with local people and communities are spread throughout the trip: in the Ajloun Nature reserve, trip participants share lunch with a local family who has tilled the soil for generations, and visit the Orjan Soap House, a cottage workshop run by local women who make a variety of olive oil soaps. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On the first night, guests stay in Feynan Ecolodge.
Brian Scannell |
|
|
|
|
|
Prices start at US$4,995, per person, based on double occupancy and a minimum group size of six. Travel dates for 2012 include: April 30 - May 11, and Oct. 11- 22, November 10-21 and December 8-19, with other departures to be added as interest picks up on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Rated by National Geographic Adventure as the
#1 Best 'Do-it-all' Outfitter on Earth, Wildland Adventures, www.wildland.com, has guided travelers through fragile natural and cultural environments for 25 years, currently offering over 130 unique itineraries in 28 countries. |
|
|
|
|
|
Dog Walking, Bicycling, Organic Gardening, Hiking? A Global Hotel Chain Makes It Easy to Stay Healthy While Traveling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
| To help guests get motivated to stay active and healthy while traveling, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, www.fairmont.com, offers everything from nutritious gourmet menus to fun activities that get the blood moving. Whether it's cultivating onsite organic gardens, offering complimentary bike rentals or letting guests borrow fitness gear when they forget their own, Fairmont is making it "no excuse" simple fun to stay in shape. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guests enjoy a guided Mountain Heritage Hike at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Canadian Rockies. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Right: Guests enjoy free use of BMW Cruise Bikes at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Bermuda.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other hotels have "hired" friendly Canine Ambassadors who are available for a walk or run when guests want extra security or the friendly companionship of a dog on a walk. In Quebec, Jordy, a Black Labrador Retriever at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu and Gracie, a Golden Labrador at the Fairmont Tremblant, are the perfect companions when guests need to get motivated to be outside. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jordy, a black labrador retriever at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu in Quebec City, is the perfect walking companion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Around the world, Fairmont Hotels offer complimentary BMW Cruise Bikes for guests, encouraging active travelers to explore the vibrant cities and stunning landscapes of distinctive locales. Additionally, many Fairmont hotels offer their own unique opportunities for travelers to stay active and healthy. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies revived the time honored Swiss Mountain Guides tradition in 1997, offering new alpine adventures for all skill levels. Mountain Heritage Guides take guests for ice canyon hikes or snowshoe walks during the day or by moonlight, and teach about the magnificent geography of the area. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fairmont knows that staying active is only half the battle when trying to be healthier on the road, which is why the brand's chefs have stepped up their dedication to nutritious cooking inside the kitchen and out. Onsite herb gardens and beehives are popular initiatives with Fairmont chefs who want to offer healthy, local cuisine to diners. In Canada, The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, the Fairmont Palliser in Calgary and The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Alberta are installing their own beehives, joining five other Canadian Fairmont properties already proudly offering their own home-cultivated honey for use in their restaurants and bars. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adopted by a growing number of Fairmont Hotels, cultivation of beehives on their properties allows healthy home-grown honey to be served. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fairmont's new Lifestyle Cuisine Plus program is another way their chefs are keeping guests healthy. Menus cater to guests with specific diet-dependent conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and celiac disease, as well as unique dietary preferences including macrobiotic, raw and vegan diets. Utilizing nutrient-rich ingredients, clean cooking methods and local food products, diners at Fairmont can be sure dishes are wholesome, balanced and full of taste.
Images courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. |
|
|
|
Celebrate St. Augustine, Florida's 447th Birthday |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Most cities and countries only mark anniversary celebrations in significant milestone years, but when you are America's 'Oldest City' and the birthdays are already up to an impressive 447, each one should be a milestone! At least the five Inns of Elegance in St. Augustine seem to think so as they come up with yet another reason to visit what this editor considers to be one of the most enticing parts of the US (see our web magazine's feature article, Sleeping with History in Northeast Florida to discover why it is such a treat!). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Schooner Freedom sails from the municipal marina in historic downtown St. Augustine. Hookey Hamilton |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From May 1 through December 20, 2012, two people can stay at any of the Inns of Elegance and enjoy as their guests a two-hour sail along the historic St. Augustine bay front aboard the Schooner Freedom, weekends and holidays excepted. Sunday to Thursday, take a step back in time while cruising the beautiful waterways that will be a highlight of any visit to the area. A complimentary bottle of champagne at your choice of inn begins the adventure, package valued at US$100 (champagne and cruise). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
In a quiet location in the city's historic district, St. Francis Inn is the city's oldest inn, and on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. St. Francis Inn |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Originally built in 1914, the elegantly-restored Casablanca Inn offers 23 suites and rooms
in its bayfront location. Casablanca Inn |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The tall ship 72-foot Schooner Freedom is a U.S. Coast Guard-certified sailing vessel, a replica of the blockade runners that cruised these famous waters in the 19th century. She was built in Norfolk, Virginia in 1982 by famed Naval architect Merritt Walters. Guests may choose either a two-hour evening sail to witness the dazzling sunset tinting the city's skyline or a midday cruise through the Matanzas River soaking up the sun and watching for dolphins and manatees. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| The Inns of Elegance, dated between 1791 and 1918 in age, represent a celebrated collection of historically-restored bed & breakfast inns each offering a gourmet breakfast, outstanding accommodations with personal and attentive service, picturesque settings, and award-winning properties with period furnishings. Reservations and Information: www.innsofelegance.com. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bayfront Westcott House is a fine example
of Victorian architecture popularly-built between 1885 and 1900. Westcott House
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New Travel Club for People with Time, Flexibility and a Spirit of Adventure |
|
|
|
|
|
Most travel clubs are simply about finding beds for a lower price, but here is something new. Created after the model of a golf club, there is no other travel club like this one, as Arizona-based founder Carmen Cain likes to say, "a pioneering experiment." She is the passion and energy behind the concept of the Ancient Civilizations Time Travel Club, www.ancientcivilizationstimetravelclub.com. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Left: "The Enigma of South American Cultures" includes Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Patagonia and Chile. Arvid Balaramay
Right: "Summary of the Great Ancient European History" explores migrations between Africa and Europe, bridged by Gibraltar where Europe's only Barbary macaques have stood guard for millennia. Tim Seed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Throughout my life I have read interesting historical books about what ancient people have done and how they have lived all over the world," she recalls. "Invariably, I get the urge to travel in the footsteps of those people to the places the book mentions in order to recapture the sensations I've imagined while reading. Each of ACTTC's expedition itineraries has been sparked by just such a well-researched and respected book. For example, I prepared the itinerary for the Anasazi trip in the Southwest U.S. after reading the book, House of Rain, about that truly mysterious civilization. I have now been to the Anasazi archaeological sites and territory many times and I have friends among the Hopi and Navaho Indians who have shared the stories of what they know and believe about the Anasazi heritage."
|
|
|
|
|
|
"Into the Cradle of Civilization" explores countries from the Persian Gulf to the Mediterranean Sea.
Dino DE Luca |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| The Club's Mission is to create unusual, long-term, no schedule expeditions that track ancient civilizations worldwide. Both before and during the expedition, members will jump in to learn and share about the region's history and prehistory, the latest archaeological finds, native use of medicinal plants, and interesting facts about the wildlife likely to be encountered. Proposed itineraries range from two to three months each; transportation possibilities include air, jeep, riverboat, canoe, ship, horse or camel. Whether staying outdoors and roughing it for a time or enjoying the comforts of a luxury hotel, the goal is for each experience to be informative, stimulating, and definitely fun. |
|
|
|
|
|
One-Stop Resource for Baja, Mexico Travel Information |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travelers looking to find everything they need to know when planning travel to Baja California, Mexico can now look no further. There is a completely current source for information in the form of Baja.com, with the bonus of being able to book every element of a holiday through the website. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dolphins play in the Sea of Cortés near Loreto. The city of 15,000 people was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja Peninsula, serving as the colonial capital. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ideal for kayaking, the San Jose del Cabo estuary is a marshy lagoon covering roughly 2,000 acres. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The new and engaging site offers visitors a comprehensive tool for planning a trip to Baja with travel tips, maps, news and destination guides. Baja.com also offers travelers an on-line booking engine and a customer call center to reserve hotels, vacation rentals, car rentals, activities and more. The site's contributors are experts on Baja, offering firsthand reviews of local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as recommendations for day trips, surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, kayaking, art galleries, whale watching, eco-tours, shopping, attractions and local events. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Baja.com's CEO, Jim Pickell, has taken his experience building online signatures for Fortune 500 companies and venture capital-funded start-ups, and paired it with a lifetime of travel experience and passion for the region to launch a one-stop shop for everything Baja. Along with Baja.com's team of travel specialists, Pickell has compiled expert travel advice about Cabo San Lucas, Rosarito, San Jose del Cabo, La Paz, Loreto, Todos Santos, San Felipe, Mulege, Ensenada and other regions, all from first-hand experience. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In traditional charro (cowboy) dancing, the performers interpret various jumps, turns, and kicking movements depicting the animals and how the cowboys handle them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cabo San Lucas at the southern tip of Baja offers intimate pocket beaches amid dramaticlly
weathered geological formations. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Originally launched in 1995, the website was founded with the goal of raising public awareness through education and outreach, promoting cooperation between communities, agencies and individuals throughout the region and encouraging sustainable economic development planning. The site started with only 20 pages, and over ten years grew to be the most visited website about Baja, averaging 6.5 million readers a year.
Images courtesy of Baja.com. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travel Guard
Travel Guard is travel insurance and assistance
that travels with you. Purchase online for immediate coverage. |
|
|
|
|
|
This
senior travel newsletter is part of the path-breaking Travel
with a Challenge website, a travel magazine hosting
timely articles and advice about educational adventure travel, and
unique destinations for planning stimulating journeys worldwide. Explore
the website via the navigation menu below. See our Privacy
Policy. |
|
|
|
|
|
©2012 Travel with a Challenge
All rights reserved
New material added monthly
Page updated: 1 April 2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contacts:
Editor: alison@travelwithachallenge.com
Advertising: advertising@travelwithachallenge.com
Webmaster: webmaster@travelwithachallenge.com |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
