Ged Caddick’s Terra Incognita Ecotours Company Changes Lives of Travelers, Communities

Gerard “Ged” Caddick, founder Terra Incognita Ecotours, with Jane Goodall.

Charitable vacations are very popular right now as more and more people long to give something back to the incredible places they visit in exchange for the once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list experience these places give to them.

One of those offering life-changing charitable vacations is Ged Caddick who launched his ecotour company, Terra Incognita Ecotours. with the dumbfounding mission – to give his profits away! With a Masters Degree in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Florida, Ged has always been motivated by his passion for making a difference.

After successfully working in wildlife conservation, he launched Terra Incognita Ecotours, a Florida-based travel company with a massive, but simple mission – to give back.

Nine years later, Ged has donated more than $130,000 to charities in more than 7 countries, literally changing lives each and every time he gets on an airplane.

“The business model I created for Terra Incognita isn’t based on profits, like most businesses are. We measure success by how much we’re able to give away – the more the better,” says Ged.

So how does he do it? Every ecotour isn’t just an adventure of a lifetime – it’s a way for travelers to give back to the communities that so graciously host them for a day, a week or even a month. With destinations like Belize, Borneo, Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Rwanda, Madagascar and Tanzania, Ged’s ecotours attract travelers who want to visit the most exotic parts of the globe with an expert guide to show them the way.

“My clients want an incredible experience, but they are thoughtful and responsible,” says Ged. “They want to visit communities in the most remote parts of the world and not just take an experience with them, they want to give something back, too. A percentage of every person’s tour goes directly and immediately back to a conservation partner in the areas we visit.”

Ged doesn’t just donate a check at the end of each year. He takes all of his travelers right to the organization to which they are contributing. In Rwanda, his tours visit the Gorilla Doctors, a non-profit group of veterinarians responsible for keeping the highly endangered Mountain Gorilla population healthy

Ged doesn’t just donate a check at the end of each year. He takes all of his travelers right to the organization to which they are contributing. In Rwanda, his tours visit the Gorilla Doctors, a non-profit group of veterinarians responsible for keeping the highly endangered Mountain Gorilla population healthy. They also visit the genocide museum to learn about the country’s past, giving his guests a glimpse of the enormous and seemingly insurmountable obstacles Rwandans have overcome in just 20 years.

“I was humbled by the experiences on my Rwandan adventure,” says Susannah Smith, a recent ecotour traveler. “Not only did Ged show us wild gorillas, which is an awe-inspiring experience in and of itself, but he introduced us to Rwandans – people who have experienced unimaginable tragedy, but remain welcoming, warm and overwhelmingly friendly. I got more out of the trip than I ever could have imagined!”

Terra Incognita’s ecotours do more than just give back financially. Every planned tour gives meticulous attention to environmental and sustainable responsibility. Ged’s guiding principles are to minimize impact and to build and foster environmental and cultural awareness and respect. He provides positive experiences for both visitors and hosts.

“The Mountain Gorilla hikes could be difficult,” explains Susannah. “But since we only carried a day pack, we felt like we could carry our own packs. Ged explained that he had hired porters to carry our packs – not because we needed the help, but to support the local economy. In a country where most families survive on only $2 per day, being a porter is a lucrative career. When we heard other travellers opting not to hire a porter, we told them what Ged had explained to us, and they hired a porter right away. It’s the small things that make a big difference.”

“The more I give, the more it encourages others to give. The inspiring people in each of the incredible countries we visit need the money more than I do. They’ve faced hardships I could never image; yet they are still so warm and welcoming. I can’t think of a better way to earn a living.”

About Terra Incognita Ecotours

Gerard “Ged” Caddick founded Terra Incognita ECOTOURS in 2004 after more than 15 years of working in the Expedition Travel industry. Ged has led many trips for Lindblad Expeditions, International Expeditions, World Wildlife Fund, National Geographic Society and the American Museum of Natural History as well as many College Alumni groups, the National Audubon Society and the Smithsonian Institution. He also lived in Belize, Central America for a number of years in the late 1980’s and worked in the conservation of endangered species for twelve years before becoming involved in the expedition travel industry. It is this mix of expedition travel (a.k.a. ecotourism) and conservation that has helped to shape Terra Incognita Ecotours.

Visit www.ecotours.com for more information.

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ET African Journeys Mama Hope Fund-Raising Trek up Mount Kilimanjaro Features Gourmet Feast by Chef Pierre Thiam at World’s Highest Pop-up Restaurant

African safari and tour provider ET African Journeys has partnered with Mama Hope, a non-profit organization that invests in projects that bring food, security, clean water, education and health care to African communities in need, to offer the Mama Hope Kilimanjaro Expedition, a hike to benefit Moshi, Tanzania’s St. Timothy’s School. Departing on Tuesday, July 30th, this one-of-a-kind trek up Africa’s highest mountain boasts an amenity that no other tour provider offers: a gourmet feast prepared by world-renowned African Chef Pierre Thiam at the world’s highest-altitude pop-up restaurant. Chef Thiam will open the temporary restaurant at a base camp at 12,500 feet above sea level exclusively to celebrate the fund-raising climb. After summiting Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame route, climbers will descend to the base camp restaurant to dine on Chef Thiam’s specially-prepared African regional cuisine, while enjoying views of the surrounding forests and grasslands.

Following the hike, travelers will spend two days volunteering at St. Timothy’s School, a school and children’s home built by Mama Hope and partnering organization, The Tanzania Children Concern, to educate Tanzanian orphans. Mama Hope’s community-centered development approach enabled St. Timothy’s to employ over 600 workers from the local community in the construction of the school.

“We are now focused on funding the construction of a boarding house on the St. Timothy’s compound, which will give the region’s orphans a home as well as an education,” said Mama Hope founder Nyla Rodgers. “This trip is a wonderful way to get Americans to come to Africa and get involved with a very worthy cause.”

“Adventurers who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro don’t typically need much enticing, but this trip offers so much more than the satisfaction of the climb,” added ET African Journeys Vice President of Business Development Gilad Goren, who conceived of the trip concept with Rodgers. “It’s a chance to raise funds for a great cause, volunteer at a school and meet the children they are helping and, as an added perk, enjoy possibly the most unique dining experience of their lives, forgoing trail mix for a gourmet meal prepared by Chef Thiam.”

The Mama Hope Kilimanjaro Expedition is available for $3,500, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting St. Timothy’s School. Price includes lodging, Kilimanjaro climb and gourmet meal. For more information, call 800-662-5406 or visit www.etafricanjourneys.com/mamahope.

Mama Hope works in close partnership with local African organizations to connect them with the resources required to transform their own communities. The organization’s projects are managed for and by partner communities themselves to ensure sustainability. With a mission to fund the completion of schools, health clinics, children’s centers, clean water systems and food security projects.

ET African Journeys is a joint venture by Ethiopian Airlines and Group IST to create exciting, original, thematic, educational and cultural travel programs to Ethiopia and beyond. Working with the most experienced providers in the region, ET African Journeys is able to offer a diverse range of quality tour products at competitive prices to both the individual traveler and the group organizer. Ethiopian Airlines is the only non-stop service between the East Coast of the United States and the East Coast of Africa and is one of the largest and most modern air carriers on the African continent.

Dominica, the ‘Nature Island’, Celebrates Spring with Hike Fest, Jazz’N Creole, DomFesta Artisan Showcase

From music to hiking to the island’s artisan history, Dominica offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to the island from April to June. Known for its many festivals, the Nature Island has something for everyone year ’round.

Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic), a spectacular green island of rugged mountains, lush rainforests and rushing rivers in the Eastern Caribbean, is a haven for adventure travelers seeking a unique vacation experience.

DOMFESTA Celebrates Dominica’s Artisan History

From April into early June, the Dominica Festival of the Creative Arts—or Domfesta—showcases the island’s varied arts and culture. Visitors to the Nature Island during this annual festival witness the talents of hundreds of local artists. Playwrights, poets, artists, singers and musicians all come together to present their interpretations of Dominica’s rich heritage in the arts. Held throughout the island, communities from north to south and east to west demonstrate their history and future by presenting village feasts, theatrical plays, art expositions, poetry and drumming festivals, as well as creole competitions and concerts. A highlight of this two-month festival is the Golden Drum Awards, which recognizes organizations and individuals for their contributions to the arts and culture of Dominica.

Enjoy Dominica’s Many Hiking Trails During Hike Fest

Hike Fest is the ultimate opportunity to experience Dominica by walking with nature on the Nature Island. Held the first three Saturdays in May (4th, 11th, and 18^th), Hike Fest offers treks through Dominica’s pristine, untouched natural trails that follow routes ranging from easy to moderate to difficult. Some of the routes form part of the Waitukubuli National Trail, 115 miles of trails spanning the entire length of Dominica.

Hikers are amazed by the spectacular scenery, hidden beaches, cozy bays and fascinating rock formations that jut out into the sea. Visitors experience agricultural farmlands, parrot habitats and countless panoramic viewpoints including the French neighboring islands of Martinique to the south and Guadeloupe to the north. Hike Fest is the definitive way to embrace the exhilarating Atlantic breeze and be enchanted by the calming sound of the ocean, all the while exploring the natural wonders and hidden gems of the Nature Island of the Caribbean, Dominica.

Jazz ‘n Creole: Five Musical Days in May

Visitors indulge in an experience that is authentically Dominican by joining locals for Jazz ‘n Creole from Wednesday, May 15, to Sunday, May 19. The festival culminates with a daylong mainstage event that includes a fusion of jazz and creole music, scrumptious food and a celebration of local culture. This rhythmic event is held at Historic Fort Shirley, Cabrits National Park in Portsmouth. Built in the 18th century to protect Dominica from invasion by the British and French, Fort Shirley is one of the most impressive military installations in the West Indies.

This fun-filled, family friendly event is set to a homegrown musical masterpiece with festival goers being serenaded by the uniquely Dominican combination of jazz and creole.

Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is a haven for adventure travelers seeking a unique vacation that includes: hiking and adventure, cultural events/festivals, diving and water sports, whale/dolphin watching and canyoning adventures. Dominica lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. Air travelers can connect to Dominica on American Eagle, BVI Airways, LIAT or Seaborne Airlines (beginning April 2013) from the surrounding hubs of Puerto Rico, Antigua, British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Barbados and St. Lucia.

Learn more about Dominica and the many exciting activities on the Nature Island by visiting www.discoverdominica.com, contacting a travel professional or calling Discover Dominica Authority toll-free from the U.S. and Canada at 1-866-522-4057.

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Nomadico Travel Promotes Eco-Friendly Trips to Ecuador, Peru

Nomadico Travel, which specializes in cultural eco-friendly trips to Latin America that provide enriching cultural interaction with the local people while including visits to historical sites and physical activities, is promoting itineraries to Ecuador and Peru.
In Ecuador, travelers can choose from six different experiences, which cover all types of experiences from walking tours to more rigorous expeditions including trekking, kayaking, rappelling and more.
Amazon Lodges –
Huaorani Adventure – an unforgettable experience that offers an opportunity to interact firsthand with the Huaorani people – Ecuador’s most isolated and perhaps most intriguing indigenous tribe. The Huaorani eco-lodge is in the midst of a primordial jungle where one can kayak, hike, camp and visit Huaorani villages during the day with the help of a bilingual naturalist guide.
Kapawi Adventure – one of the most remote, ecologically responsible and cultural sensible Amazon Jungle Eco-lodges in the world. A visit to this Amazon Jungle Lodge contributes to sustainable socio – cultural communities and the protection of a unique natural environment. Explore the Pristine Amazon, take a evening trip down the Kapawi River, bird watch in Claylick, hike along the Pitzacocha and Pama trails discovering the many ways the rainforest benefits the Achuar people, test your skills at a blowgun contest, hear a tutorial on Achuar face painting, learn about Arutam, the spirit of the forest, and more. The Kapawi lodge is couples friendly and family friendly. It’s a community owned ecolodge that supports an indigenous population.
Galapagos –
For the walker/hiker, Nomadico offers several walking tours in the Galapagos islands. With the Multi – Island Adventure, travelers leave the crowds behind and spend time actively exploring the islands in a path less traveled, kayak along the Cristobal Island Bay, and snorkel at Leon Dormido, and more.
The Isabela Walking Tour offers the exploration of Isabela, the largest of the Galapagos islands, covered in over 60% of the flora and fauna of the archipelago and is the only one straddled by the equatorial line. Find different species of parrots, macaws on one of the best natural attractions, the Claylick and visit one of the Achuar communities.
In Quito – visit the colonial centre of Quito, see the Plaza de Independencia, XVI and XVII century churches, including the monastery of San Francisco, a building begun only 5 days after the founding of the city. Lunch is served, tat the rim of the extinct Pululahua volcanic crater, then the Ethnographic Museum, situated right on the Equator.
In Otavalo whether by foot, riding a horse or biking along mountain trails participants see the beautiful patchwork quilt of local farms, gorges humming with birds, the humid high mountain cloud forests, as well as waterfalls and the cool clear mountain lakes of the Mojanda region; visit indigenous markets, the Raptor Rescue center, Inca ruins, and kayaking through Volcanoes Lakes, then dine on traditional Ecuadorian dishes prepared with fresh organic products and grains directly from the farm.
Highlights of the Cotopaxi Highland Adventure include adventure biking, ziplines Over Mountain Valleys, riding with the Chagras. This expedition is designed for the more adventurous traveler with horseback riding, mountain biking, trekking, hiking, mountain climbing, rappelling, bird watching, camping, as well as cultural exchange with the local communities available, as well as a visit to an ecological reserve on the slopes of the Mt. Pasochoa volcano, known for its forests, rivers and spectacular waterfalls, high in the Andean forest.
The Cloud Forest itinerary includes hiking above the Clouds, first Class bird watching, Cock-of-the-Rock Lek, and biking in the Forest. The lodge has 3 cabañas and sits on 44 hectares (110 acres) of land.
Nomadico offers Peruvain vacations including
Inca Trail
The Inca Trail is Peru’s best-known hike, combining a stunning mix of Inca ruins, mountain scenery, lush cloud forest and rich subtropical jungle. Dee over 345 species of orchids, numerous birds such as hummingbirds, waterfowl and the majestic Andean Condor, the spectacled bear – a shy, herbivorous animal that is extremely rare and close to extinction. The Inca Trail is a mountainous jungle hike leading to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu. The 45km trek is usually covered in 4 days, arriving at Machu Picchu at daybreak on the final day before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon. Also included are Inca ruins at Sacsayhuaman, Q’enko, Pucapucara and Tambomachay, as well as exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas visiting the tradition market town of Pisac and the fascinating Inca fortress at Ollantaytambo.
Nomadico Travel is committed to preserving the local cultures and environments of the countries they visit. They work hard to support locally owned hotels and lodges that have environmentally friendly practices. They employ local tour guides that give travelers an insider’s perspective, and donate a portion of profits to support indigenous rights campaigns and non-profits that protect the precious environments of Latin America.
For more information and to book travel, visit http://www.nomadicotravel.com, or call 855 996 6623.
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Terra Incognita Ecotours gives travelers India experience that also supports wildlife preservation

 

India is an amazing tourist destination where the most and least adventurous of travelers can experience an exotic culture that will leave them inspired, says Ged Caddick, founder of Terra Incognita Ecotours who has been enchanted with India for most of his life. It was one of his first ecotourist destinations when he launched his charitable ecotour company 10 years ago. This spring, Ged is gearing up to launch his best India trip yet – all while making a huge difference to wild tiger conservation.

“Our ecotours are designed to give back in a big way to the places we visit,” explains Ged. Every traveler donates a percentage of their trip cost directly to WWF – India, the organization tasked with the critical conservation efforts to save one of the most endangered and majestic mammals on earth – the tiger.”

Ged’s ecotourists spend 11 days visiting two of the countries’ national parks searching for – and observing – wild tigers. Corbett National Park and Bandhavgarh National Park are renowned for their tiger habitat and incredible wildlife viewing.

“We guarantee our tourists will see endangered tigers,” says Ged. “Because we employ only the most knowledgeable local guides, they know where to find the tigers and safely take us to them. Nothing on earth compares to the first time you look directly into the eyes of a wild tiger. Words simply can not explain the experience.”

Ecotours.com attracts travelers who want an adventure of a lifetime, but want to make a difference as well.

“Our tours give directly back to the places we visit,” explains Ged. “In India, we have dinner with the scientists of WWF India who are tasked with saving these magnificent animals from the brink of extinction. It’s a humbling experience to learn everything they go through to save these animals. Often our ecotours inspire a lifetime of charitable giving by travelers to our conservation partner. They develop a bond, a shared personal experience with the plight of these wonderful creatures.”

WWF India scientists have their work cut out for them. They are tasked with reducing human-tiger conflict and working with local communities to develop sustainable alternative livelihoods and reducing pressures on tiger habitat. They are also responsible for minimizing the illegal trade in tiger parts and other wildlife. They build awareness about tiger conservation and strengthen tiger protection by providing need-based infrastructural support to the forest department.

“The support we get from Ged’s ecotours helps us immensely,” says WWF India. “Our charitable partners are the only reason we are able to do what we do to protect this magnificent endangered animal. Without donors like Terra Incognita Ecotours, tigers would be losing their battle for survival in densely populated India.”

Terra Incognita’s Spring India excursion departs Monday March 11 for 10 days/11 nights.

For more information about this life-changing adventure viewing and saving wild tigers, visit www.ecotours.com.

About Terra Incognita Ecotours

Gerard “Ged” Caddick founded Terra Incognita ECOTOURS in 2004 after over fifteen years of working in the expedition travel industry. He earned a Masters degree from the University of Florida in Wildlife Ecology and is passionate about conserving wild places. Ged lived in Belize, Central America for a number of years in the late 1980’s and worked in the conservation of endangered species for twelve years before becoming involved in the expedition travel industry. It is this mix of expedition travel (a.k.a. ecotourism) and conservation that has helped to shape Terra Incognita Ecotours. For more information, visit www.ecotours.com.

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1,000 Places to See Before You Die® Author Patricia Schultz to Guide Tour to Ethiopia

Veteran travel journalist and author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die® Patricia Schultz will be a one-time host of ET African Journeys’ popular “Imperial Ethiopia” tour, from April 25 – May 4, 2013.

Schultz accompanies this “one-of-a-kind” tour of destinations featured in her best-selling travel books. The tour features stops in Ethiopian regions rich in old imperial dynasties and ancient royal and religious architecture. A land filled with historical, natural and cultural treasures, Ethiopia has a long-documented history that stretches back to approximately 1000 BC. “Imperial Ethiopia” introduces travelers to the customs and beliefs of ancient and modern Ethiopian society.

“It is surprising to me that with its mix of rich history, gorgeous scenery and beautiful people Ethiopia isn’t positively overrun by tourists,” said Schultz. “Africa’s best kept secret is hiding in plain sight! Stunning UNESCO sites in the north, and the remote and inaccessible Omo Valley to the south, a whole other world of ancient tribes and fragile cultures visited by very few. I’m excited to get to host this tour with ET African Journeys and introduce more people to this incredible part of the world.”

The tour includes visits to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In Gondar, travelers will visit the seven churches and six castles built by Emperor Fasilides in the mid-1600s, as well as Debre Birhan Selassie Church and the Falasha Village and Synagogue. The tour next takes travelers to Axum for visits to Stealae Park, St. Mary Zion Church and the Sanctuary Chapel, the reputed resting place of the Ark of the Covenant. The third UNESCO site on the itinerary is Lalibela, built as a “New Jerusalem” by Emperor Lalibela in response to the Muslim capture of Jerusalem in 1187. Lalibela is the site of twelve majestic rock-hewn churches, which are still used as places of worship today, and the Nakuto Le’ Abe Monastery, a church carved into a cave.

“Imperial Ethiopia with Patricia Schultz” includes round trip airfare from Washington DC to Addis Ababa, 7 nights of accommodations, all inter-country transportation and flights and all meals.

For more information about “Imperial Ethiopia with Patricia Schultz,” visit http://www.etafricanjourneys.com/1000places

Patricia Schultz is the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller 1,000 Places to See Before You Die®. The books have sold close to 4 million copies in the English language market, with 25 translations available around the world. A veteran travel journalist with 25 years of experience, Schultz has written for guides such as Frommer’s and Berlitz and periodicals including The Wall Street Journal and Travel Weekly. She also executive-produced a Travel Channel television show based on 1,000 Places to See Before You Die®.

ET African Journeys is a joint venture by Ethiopian Airlines and Group IST to create exciting, original, thematic, educational and cultural travel programs to Ethiopia and beyond. Working with the most experienced providers in the region, ET African Journeys is able to offer a diverse range of quality tour products at competitive prices to both the individual traveler and the group organizer. Ethiopian Airlines is the only non-stop service between the East Coast of the United States and the East Coast of Africa and is one of the largest and most modern air carriers on the African continent.

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Gift of Travel that Gives Back: Travcoa Offers Series of African ‘Hand-to-Hand’ Itineraries that Give Back to Community

From education to cultural awareness and preservation, travel enriches the lives of everyone it touches. This holiday season, Travcoa, the world leader in luxury travel, is presenting a series of African itineraries that belong to the ‘Hand-to-Hand’ portfolio – journeys which showcase the abundance of African hospitality while contributing to communities throughout each journey.

“Our Africa ‘Hand-to-Hand’ journeys contribute to social enterprise-supported projects that fund education, health, self-reliance, and conservation initiatives,” stated Jerre Fuqua. “These trips are ideal for couples and families interested in sharing a meaningful experience as a holiday gift this year.”

Each of the finely-crafted journeys to Africa feature world-class accommodations and support organizations that contribute to community building projects:

Grandeur of Zimbabwe & South Africa Independent Journey – 18 days from $18,995 per person
In Zimbabwe, Singita Pamushana supports the Malilangwe Trust, an organization that feeds 19,000 children per day in adjoining villages. In South Africa, guests visit the inspiring Uthando Project in the townships of Cape Town, and participate in an interactive tour on a range of topics, including the environment and the care and protection of children, women and the elderly.

Travcoa makes a contribution to Uthando’s projects on behalf of each guest. Also, Singita Sabi Sand sponsors the “Growing to Read” program, which enhances early education efforts, and Singita Lebombo supports the School of Cooking, an organization that develops culinary skills in communities bordering Kruger National Park.

Pure Kenya Independent Journey – 11 days from $5,695 per person
This journey visits the Kalama Wildlife Conservancy where guests stay at Saruni Samburu. The lodge uses all guest revenue to cover operating costs of the conservancy and fund community projects. Guests also visit the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which rescues orphan elephants and rhinos and reintroduces them to the wild. Travcoa adopts an elephant in each guests’ name.

Grand Safari: Kenya & Tanzania Escorted Journey – 15 days from $10,990 per person
During this journey, guests stay at Governors Camp in the Masai Mara Game Reserve. The camp built the region’s first Bio-Gas Project to help the Maasai people conserve the woodlands, rather than use resources for cooking fuel. Travcoa provides a contribution to this project on behalf of each guest. This journey also visits the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, as well as the Amboseli Elephant Research Project.

For more information on Travcoa’s Africa ‘Hand-to-Hand’ journeys, to request a brochure, or to make a reservation, please contact a travel agent or a Travcoa Journey Consultant at 1-800-992-2003, email info@travcoa.com or visit www.travcoa.com.

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Travcoa’s Arctic Itinerary Shines with Northern Lights, the ICEHOTEL and Old World Charm

Travcoa, a leader in luxury travel, invites travelers to celebrate this magic with an enchanting arctic adventure to the snow-covered terrain of Finland and Sweden.

Departing March 7, 2013, guests on Travcoa’s 15-day Lapland’s Magical Northern Lights & Reindeer Safari Escorted Journey will explore the cities of Helsinki and Stockholm; cross the Arctic Circle; cruise on a powerful icebreaker; and travel by dogsled, snowmobile, and reindeer-pulled sleigh through pristine wintry wilderness.

Highlights of the trip include viewing the Northern Lights, a stay in Sweden’s remarkable ICEHOTEL, and participation in the colorful traditions of the annual St. Maria’s Day celebrations.

“This journey showcases the breathtakingly beautiful aspects of northern Sweden and Finland that few travelers ever see,” stated Jerre Fuqua, President of Travcoa. “Guests will not only witness the most spectacular Northern Lights in 11 years as the auroral activity cycle peaks, but will also be able to discover the old-world charm of historic cities, people, and culture of this intriguing northern region.”

The St. Maria’s Day celebrations in Hetta, Finland bring travelers and Scandinavia’s indigenous herders, the Sámi, together for a day of traditional dance, local delicacies and reindeer racing. Throughout the journey, guests will enjoy the finest accommodations, including the world-renowned ICEHOTEL located in a small Swedish village just north of the Arctic Circle.

Lapland’s Magical Northern Lights & Reindeer Safari Escorted Journey is priced from $14,390 per person and is limited to a maximum of 18 guests.

For more information, to request a brochure, or to make a reservation, contact your travel agent or a Travcoa Journey Consultant at 1-800-992-2003, email info@travcoa.com or visit www.travcoa.com.

About Travcoa:
Travcoa has been leading luxury adventures and in-depth explorations of the world’s most interesting destinations since 1954. The company offers three types of travel experiences around the globe: small-group Escorted Journeys with comprehensive itineraries guided by professional Travel Directors; pre-designed and priced Independent Journeys for guests who prefer private travel on a date of their choice; and Tailor-Made Journeys crafted to individual guest specifications.

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Quasar Expeditions Launches 8-Day, 4×4 Jeep Driving Adventure in Patagonia

Quasar Expeditions (www.quasarexpeditions.com), a luxury South American tour operator best known for operating small yacht expeditions in the Galapagos Islands, is launching the brand’s next exploratory adventure featuring Jeep_® brand vehicles – a luxurious eight day / seven night 4×4 overland adventure throughout both Chilean and Argentinean Patagonia.

Beginning on December 8,  and running Saturday through Saturday  through the end of May each week, aspiring pioneers will retrace the steps of those centuries before them to discover the natural wonders of the region including among them, famed Torres del Paine National Park, Los Glaciares National Park and the mighty Perito Moreno Glacier.

Modern day Vespucci’s will start their journey in Puerto Natales, Chile (after flying from either Santiago, Chile or driving from El Calafate, Argentina) where they will be met by the Quasar team and handed the keys to a road ready 2013 Jeep_Ò Wrangler Rubicon complete with both a built-in Garmin GPS and an external, innovative GPS Ranger®, which acts as a tour-guide of sorts calling out points of interest along the route and ensuring the pre-programmed hotels and destinations are reached each day. Guests have the option of driving themselves relying on their instincts and the provided technology; driving themselves but accompanied by a dedicated tour guide; or having a dedicated tour guide drive while they just sit back and enjoy.

Regardless of who is in the driver’s seat, Quasar has assembled an exciting and adventurous, yet comfortable and luxurious, eight-day / seven-night driving itinerary where guests spend the days exploring the awe-inspiring surroundings with activities such as light hikes, sightseeing catamaran cruises, horseback riding and bird watching, while at night they relax in the utmost comfort of the chosen hotels and indulge in the various food, wine and spa offerings each boasts. No stretch of driving is more than 3-4 hours on average with most only taking an hour or two. Also, Quasar maintains their dedication to social responsibility by ensuring these are 100% carbon-free adventures through collaboration with the Carbon Fund, as well as having 100 tree forests in Patagonia through a partnership with Reforest Patagonia.

Guests start their journey with welcome drinks and a full program briefing at the award-winning Singular Patagonia, a 100-year old former Cold Storage Plant now restored and renovated into a 57-room luxury retreat along the shores of the Fjord of Last Hope. After settling in and relaxing at the spa, guests will relish in local cuisine like guanaco, conger eel and a variety of pisco sours, before retiring for the night. The next morning guests set out in their Jeep_® Wrangler SUVs across the Argentinean border to the town of El Calafate and then northward across the Patagonian Pampa to the day’s final destination, Hosteria Helsingfors. The next two days will be spent at this rustic retreat located at the edge of beautiful Lake Viedma and across from the mighty Mt. Fitz Roy. Activities include horseback riding or hiking to a secluded blue lagoon at the edge of a glacier.

A full day of marveling at the Perito Glacier and ‘Iceberg Channel’ is in store after departing Helsingfors, followed by a visit to the Glaciarum museum before settling in for a delicious local meal and fourth’s night sleep at Eolo Lodge, cut in the cloth of the true Argentine Estancia tradition. On the fifth day guests can enjoy Eolo’s spa in the morning or venture into town for some souvenir shopping in El Calafate. Later in the afternoon, guests head back west to Chile to the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. The destination for the night is Patagonia Camp, Chile’s first luxury tented camp located at the edge of stunning Lake Toro.

The next day is spent on a light hike up the French Valley, among lenga tree forests, rivers and bridges to reach the hanging glaciers of the Paine Grande Massif. Guests are welcomed that night at dinner with roasted Patagonia lamb, prepared the true gaucho way. The following day guests do a full day driving tour around the park, stopping at several points to view vibrant Chilean flamingos and black-faced Ibis, overlooks of the three towers after which the National Park was named and finally lunch along the shore of the breathtaking blue lagoon. Guests settle in to their final night at Tierra Patagonia for a relaxing spa afternoon and an exquisite dinner. The voyage comes to an end the following day as guests transfer to the airport for their flights home or where their next adventure may be.

Aspiring explorers have various options when booking Quasar’s 4×4 adventure. Pricing starts at $5200 per person per trip, based on four people in one vehicle driving themselves and increases from there depending on whether a driver or guide is required and how many people are in the vehicle. For a couple, it is $5600 per person based on two people self driving in one vehicle. Children 12 and under receive a 15%discount.

Included in the trip cost is hotel accommodations, meals as noted in, all ground transportation within Chile and Argentina as noted in itinerary, airport transfers to / from Puerto Natales and entrance to the Glaciarum Museum. The services of a Quasar Expeditions tour leader are also included for those choosing that option. Items not included in the above pricing include: international and domestic airfare, park and glacier entrance fees, beverages (with the exception of those included at specific hotels) and fuel for the Jeep_® brand vehicles.

Quasar Expeditions is a leading South American tour operator that has become synonymous with luxury travel in the Galapagos Islands since introducing smaller yacht expeditions to the area in 1986. Born out of founders (and Ecuadorian natives) Eduardo and Dolores Diez’s passion for the untouched natural beauty of the islands, which they first discovered in the 70’s, Quasar has grown into one of the region’s preeminent exclusive travel companies. Quasar’s offerings  include two luxury yachts in the Galapagos, high-end expeditions through Peru,  Amazon jungle adventures and now expeditions through Patagonia.

For reservations, more information and to watch a video of the adventure, visit www.jeeppatagoniaexpeditions.com.

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Hostelzoo.com, hostel price comparison website, opens own backpacker hostel on tropical island

After relocating their HQ to one of Australia’s hidden gems, Great Keppel Island, Hostelzoo are returning the ex backpacker haunt to its former glory with Australasia’s most exclusive island hostel: Hostelzoo Island Eco Backpackers!

Operating hostels and working in the travel industry for over two decades, Hostelzoo knows what makes a hostel special. As the only backpacker-style accommodation in the Keppels, Hostelzoo Island provides new opportunities for travelers looking to get off the beaten path and unwind with a genuine island experience.

Hostelzoo Island is set within an ex-YHA property, known as the GKI Holiday Village. The Village is totally self-sufficient, generating its own electricity and relying on rainwater for living needs. Guests will experience the best of this rustic beach community, while living alongside nature in the island’s sandy surrounds.

The hostel is all about simplicity, accommodating only 12 travelers in two six-bedded dorms. Hostelzoo’s focus is on the backpacker experience instead of a ‘bums in beds’ mentality. With such limited numbers, it’s certainly not intended as a money making venture but as an opportunity for intrepid travelers to get access to what they’ve been missing on the East Coast backpacker trail.

The island has everything the independent traveler requires for their castaway adventure. Activities include wandering 17 secluded white sand beaches, swimming in crystal-clear tropical waters, exploring reefs teeming with marine wildlife and miles of bushwalking tracks.

Hostelzoo founder Scott Ryan said that there had been a lot of misinformation on the backpacker trail about the island. “Great Keppel used to be a popular backpacker haunt but after the closure of the island’s major resort, most people believed that the entire island had closed. These rumours really affected the island’s local accommodation providers. In reality, this place still has a great traveller vibe and we want to share it with as many backpackers as we can.”

Hostelzoo Island is now open and accepting bookings through their price comparison website at Hostelzoo.com. For more information or to contact Hostelzoo Island directly, visit gkibackpackers.com.

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