Skyscanner: Americans to Boost Travel in 2023 But Seek Out Value, Experiences, Sustainability

According to Skyscanner survey of Americans, more travelers intend to travel in 2023 but look for value and experiences and will seek out travel companies like Alpaca Expeditions, which offers Inca Trail treks to Machu Picchu, Peru, a World Heritage Site, based on offering responsible, sustainable travel © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

New research from global travel site Skyscanner reveals that US vacationers are expecting another strong year of travel despite economic uncertainty, but price-led decision making will drive change in 2023. With 86% of US travelers planning to spend the same if not more on travel abroad next year, how they are going to spend will differ. The extent of these changes is revealed in Skyscanner’s detailed Travel Trends 2023 report. 

Key trends to come out of the report show that US travelers don’t want the vacation to stop on a Monday morning, but to work where they could vacation and work too. US travelers are also craving experiences grounded in nature and wellbeing. A way to reset and feel normal again. Expect friends to ditch each other in favor of solo adventures, indulge in sneaky smartphone travel searches in the workplace and vacationers navigating the cost-of-living crisis to ensure their time away remains a priority.  

For travel in 2023, there’s a lot we want to do differently and some bold expectations on what future travel will entail. Future gazing sees one in three people expecting vacations amongst the stars to be a mainstream reality in their lifetime, while closer to home, advances in supersonic technology could re-define short-haul travel. 

Naomi Hahn, VP of strategy comments, “It is clear that we’re hungrier than ever to discover something new – even though we might have less in our pockets next year. The aftermath of a pandemic has made travelers look for ways to make up for lost time and create new experiences and memories. 

“Consumers are putting value first, post pandemic. The squeeze on personal spending has shown that consumers will still prioritize getting away but are increasingly shopping around on metasearch platforms like Skyscanner. They are also employing simple travel hacks to ensure they get the most for their money, like being flexible in terms of dates and destination. The year looks set to be a year of new discoveries as emerging, pocket friendly destinations come to the fore.” 

Skyscanner commissioned its deep-dive research into consumer attitudes and behaviors, combined with proprietary search and booking insights, to reveal its travel predictions. Skyscanner’s report, Travel Trends 2023: The year of price-driven decisions analyzes survey data from 2,000 consumers in the US as well as extensive search and redirect data to provide unique insights into travel plans for 2023 and beyond.  

Key trends revealed:  

Travel remains a priority: Consumers today look to make better, more informed decisions about their discretionary spend, recent polling revealed: 46% of consumers are planning the same number of vacations in 2023 as 2022, and 41% are thinking of even going on more trips next year. Just 6% are planning to vacation less in 2023. The rising cost of living is still a concern, but 62% have decided to prioritize vacations next year over other big-ticket items.  

Shift in spending: 86% of US travelers are planning to spend the same if not more on travel abroad next year, while only 5% are planning to spend less. Travelers are increasingly demanding greater ticket transparency, as well as taking control of the value in their airfares, unbundling of price to build packaged airfares that suit their needs.   

Best value destinations for 2023: Skyscanner, which helps travelers compare pricing or choose travel based on budget, can also reveal the destinations that have seen the biggest price drops since pre-pandemic are: 

1. Madeira, Portugal – 22% price drop   
2. Sofia, Bulgaria – 18% price drop  
3. Brussels, Belgium – 13% price drop 

Skyscanner’s 2023 hotlist: Travelers are increasingly on the hunt for less popular places that offer undiscovered experiences and unlock better value breaks. In fact, Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ search is regularly in the top searches post pandemic. Check out some of the destinations that have seen the biggest increase in searches: 

Family hot list: 

• Jacksonville, USA (570% increase in searches)  
• Izmir, Turkey (168% increase in searches)  
• Madeira, Portugal (123% increase in searches)  

Couples’ hotlist:  

• Minneapolis, USA (409% increase in searches)  
• Preveza, Greece (316% increase in searches)  
• Santiago de Compostela, Spain (289% increase in searches)  

Solo traveling is no longer a niche; over one half of travelers (54%) are looking to escape solo next year. Divorcees (78%) ranked among the highest in their readiness to embark on a solo vacation in 2023 and look set to form a new trend of travelers who are ‘solo and self-focused’.  With an increasing number of friendship apps launched and platonic versions of dating apps growing in popularity, there is also the opportunity to hook up with new travel friends and companions. 

Sustainability; Sustainable travel continues to grow in consideration for travelers’ decision making: for more than 1 in 4 (24%) it’s even more important now, than prior to the pandemic. With price-led decision making and sustainable travel both top of mind, 11% are considering new, alternative destinations for their next trip.

Nature first; Wildlife spotting appears in the top 3 travel activities planned for vacations, suggesting the pandemic’s emphasis on getting outside for walks and connecting with the local environment is now transferring as a key component of travel plans.  Interacting with the environment and watching animals has mood-boosting properties.  Skyscanner recommends getting amongst green nature and experiencing the meditative effects of Shinrin-yoku, a new wellness trend that literally means ‘forest bathing’ in 2023. 

Making work work for you (and your wallet): 45% of Americans surveyed plan to work while on vacation next year (“bleisure travel”), a strategic move for which the top reason is ‘it means I get more time in destination’ (59%). Cross-referencing the long list of countries that now offer digital nomad visas with their cities’ cost of living index unearths a selection of savvy options for 2023. All cheaper than London’s cost of living index, Skyscanner’s favorites include: 

1. Mexico City, Mexico – Skyscanner has also seen a 591% increase in searches 
2. Zagreb, Croatia – Skyscanner has also seen a 344% increase in searches 
3. Madrid, Spain      

Sneaky smartphone searches & social media’s influence; 2 out of 3 US travelers now use a mobile device to plan or book their next trip, with the most popular moment being during work hours or lunch break. Celebs are the number one source of travel inspiration in the US with Instagram being the most FOMO inducing – 52% of travelers stated they’re more likely to book a trip if they’ve seen it on the platform.  

• So, for those wanting to get ahead of the Insta trend, Skyscanner can reveal their top spot for 2023 is Amman, Jordan (based on least amount of Instagram hashtags cross referenced x 195% increase in Skyscanner searches). 

Future travel; 2053 will mark 150 years of the Wright Brothers first airplane flight, a lot has changed since then and travelers are expecting significant developments to be mainstream when hitting that milestone in 30 years’ time.  

• One in three people (34%) expect to vacation amongst the stars in their lifetime, climbing aboard space craft for Earth sight-seeing day trips to the edge of space and longer trips beyond 
• Advances in supersonic technology could re-define short-haul travel and Skyscanner’s report reveals 32% of travelers believe it will be a mainstream flight option in the future 

Skyscanner’s new consumer research also reveals hot new trends around destinations and embracing “me-time”. From solo to supersonic travel, working while wandering the globe and social media’s influence on vacation selection, check out these and other findings in the full Travel Trends 2023: The year of price-driven decisions report.

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner is a leading travel marketplace dedicated to putting travelers first. Skyscanner helps millions of people in 52 countries and over 30 languages find the best travel options for flights, hotels and car rental every month. Skyscanner is available on desktop, mobile web and its highly rated app has over 110 million downloads. Working with 1200 travel partners, Skyscanner’s mission is to lead the global transformation to modern and sustainable travel.   

According to Skyscanner’s executives, the most popular search is for “anywhere. Our mission is to inspire.”

Visit Skyscanner.com

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Bromley Introduces ‘SuperDuper’ Package for Kids; Start Fun, Start Free events; Massive Snowmaking Upgrades

Bromley has a variety of terrain that will satisfy everyone from first-timers to those looking for an adrenaline rush © 2014 Dave Leiberman/news-photos-features.com

Bromley Mountain, Vermont, is removing the cost factor from that tricky trial period of learning to ski & snowboard. This season’s Start Fun, Start Free events have been set for December 21, 2014, January 19, 2015 and March 15, 2015, when up to 75 guests, ages 6 and up can enjoy a day on snow, free of charge. Registrants will receive an all-day Learning Zone lift ticket, an all-day Rental of ski or snowboard equipment, and instruction in the Learning Zone from 10:30am until noon. Call 802/824/5522 to pre-register.

Following the “free” theme, Bromley is introducing the Super Duper Ski Package, partnering its Kidsrule Mountain Camps program with Elan skis. This $599 package includes 6 Kidsrule lessons, a free pair of Elan Starr skis with Quick Trick bindings, a coupon for great deals on boots, poles and accessories, plus a Bromley Season Pass! (The Season Pass isn’t new… since Kidsrule’s inception in 2011/12, every child that completes 6 Kidsrule lessons receives a full Season Pass.) The package saves $223 on lessons alone, the free skis retail for about $220, plus the value of a season pass (check bromley.com for the current rates). Limited packages available; click here for full details.

Snowmaking Efficiency Upgrades – More SNOW! This winter season, Bromley is adding 74 brand new high efficiency HKD tower guns, complete with hoses, and scrapping our 59 remaining energy-hog ground guns. The 100% efficient equipment eliminates the need to rent diesel powered air compressors (a first in Bromley snowmaking history!) and adds permanent tower gun coverage to four trails. One of the reasons Bromley was able to scrap the ground guns was Efficiency Vermont, which offered a new incentive for Vermont Ski Resorts (more on the statewide initiative here) last spring. “Get rid of all your inefficient guns, and receive really, really, REALLY good incentives to purchase new, state of the art high efficiency equipment.”

Other new and exciting happenings in the Bromley snowmaking world include: Collaborating with HKD to develop a new design for a portable tower gun. One side-effect to surrendering the ground guns is a loss of flexibility in gun placement for tricky spots, steep spots, spots the tower guns just don’t go. In order to maintain portable options, 6 of the new tower guns will be just 6’ tall, mounted on a stable tri-pod (instead of a sled, like other portable tower guns) with specially developed nozzles to allow moisture coming out of these shorter guns the appropriate “hang-time” necessary for making good quality snow with tower guns.

Is it possible to further maximize efficiency? In partnership with Efficiency Vermont, Vermont’s Sun Mountain plans to find out by installing the first Snowmaking Energy Index (SEI) in the United States this winter. This system will allow Bromley’s snowmakers to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of its snowmaking system in real time, giving its team the ability to adjust variables allowing for maximum output, best quality snow and lowest energy consumption possible at all times.

Bromley is also the first resort in Vermont to install an Intelli-Flow Controller, giving the option to increase snow output by maximizing available air from the compressors based on real time environmental factors. For greater detail on snowmaking improvements, check Bromley’s snowmaking blog.

Bromley Mountain is located at 3984 Vermont Route 11, Peru, Vermont, six miles east of Manchester. For information, visit bromley.com, 802-824-5522.

 

See:

BROMLEY MOUNTAIN, CELEBRATING 75th ANNIVERSARY, STILL PINNACLE OF ‘CLASSIC VERMONT’ SKIING FOR FAMILIES

 

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Enter Peru Sweepstakes from Garnet Hill, Heifer International by March 12 to win trip for two to Cuzco

One grand prize winner who enters the Gift® in Peru Sweepstakes from Garnet Hill and Heifer International will be awarded an all-inclusive trip for two to the ancient Incan Empire capital of Cuzco. There, they will experience the vibrant local culture and have an opportunity to participate in Heifer International’s local alpaca project in the Andean region near Cuzco, an initiative designed to end poverty in the region and foster sustainable development. The winner will engage with a Heifer family and see first-hand the breadth and depth of Heifer’s impact in combating poverty and will also receive a $1,000 Garnet Hill gift card. The sweepstakes runs now until March 12, 2013.

For seven days, the grand prize winners will work hand in hand with Heifer to foster sustainable development in the community while experiencing the country’s colorful culture through exclusive guided tours. To learn more or to enter the Pass on the Gift® in Peru Sweepstakes, visit garnethill.com.

“We have designed a trip that will be inspirational and transformative, not only for the vibrant and historic culture of Cuzco, but also for the opportunity to work alongside and break bread with a Heifer International family. The winner will participate first hand in one of Heifer International’s projects in Peru that, like all of the organization’s global initiatives, aims to significantly improve the livelihoods of families and communities,” said Marleen New, Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations for Heifer International

The trip includes an introduction to Heifer International’s alpaca projects in the Andean region near Cuzco. The winner will participate in and learn about all facets of alpaca care including feeding, tending to pasture and the business associated with the sale of their exceptionally soft wool to make blankets, ponchos, hats and carpets which ensures a sustainable way of life for struggling families.

For Heifer International, development is about creating a world free of hunger and poverty, where families in need thrive under their own energy and entrepreneurial spirit—on their own terms.

“This really is the trip of a lifetime. It’s a remarkable opportunity for the winner to play a role in helping to end hunger and poverty for a Heifer family,” Wendy Thayer, public relations manager for Garnet Hill, added. “Garnet Hill is thrilled to offer such an authentic way for our customers to engage with our partner in Cuzco.”

Heifer International began activities in Peru in 1963 and continues to support urban and rural communities and small-farmer organizations to improve their quality of life. Peru’s diverse cultural patterns are based on solidarity and reciprocity. Thus, Heifer’s approach to sharing resources is a key element to achieve just and sustainable development. Today, Heifer Peru works in Piura, Lambayeque, Cerro de Pasco, Lima, Junin, Huancavelica, Cuzco, Apurimac and Puno, and has assisted more than 40,000 families. Heifer’s partnership with Garnet Hill began in 2009.

To learn more or to enter the Pass on the Gift® in Peru Sweepstakes, visit garnethill.com.

Heifer International’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in more than 40 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For more information, visit www.heifer.org, read the blog, follow on Facebook or Twitter, or call 1-800-696-1918.

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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 Develops New Collection of Itineraries Incorporating Philanthropic Initiatives

Travcoa, a world leader in luxury travel, is continuing its support of socially responsible travel by launching a new collection of philanthropic-focused journeys for 2013.

Collaborating with social enterprises and NGOs (non-governmental organizations), the new collection will engage Travcoa guests in outreach programs that support and empower community self-reliance, health, education and the conservation of traditional cultures, wildlife and natural resources. These life-changing experiences will enable Travcoa guests to contribute positively to the destinations they visit, and in turn rewarding them with a source of deep personal fulfillment.

“The benefits of philanthropic-focused travel are multi-faceted,” stated Jerre Fuqua, President of Travcoa. “Many of our guests already contribute to important causes in their daily life and they also want to make a difference in the communities they visit. By traveling with Travcoa, our guests will discover that together they can help support the local economy and impact the lives of the people they meet. Travcoa’s expanded philanthropic efforts will engage and inspire our guests through active and authentic encounters that focus on key issues facing the places we visit. These journeys will provide our guests with an opportunity to ‘give back’ while they travel.”

Travcoa is aligning 2013 product development with suppliers that engage in sustainable initiatives and work respectfully with indigenous communities and conservation-focused organizations. The company’s goal is that by the end of 2013 at least 50 percent of their suppliers be actively involved in socially responsible initiatives, and that an equal percentage of Travcoa itineraries incorporate at least one project visit per journey.

The brand new collection of philanthropic- and Corporate Social Responsibility-focused journeys will go hand-in-hand with projects that Travcoa and its guests currently support:

• The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya — Travcoa sponsors an infant elephant on behalf of each guest traveling on the Grand Safari: Kenya & Tanzania Escorted Journey.

• The Gandhi Ashram School in Sikkim — Guests on the Festivals of Bhutan Escorted Journey visit the school, and Travcoa makes a donation to the organization.

• Huilloc Community in the Urubamba Valley — Travcoa makes a donation on behalf of guests who visit the community while traveling on the Hiram Bingham’s Hidden Peru Escorted Journey.

• The Lotus Children’s Center in Mongolia — Guests on the Sands of Time: Mongolia & the Gobi Desert Escorted Journey visit the school, and Travcoa makes a donation to the organization.

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 travelers who prefer private travel on a date of their choice; and Tailor-Made Journeys crafted to individual traveler specifications. For information, visit www.travcoa.com/.
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Adventure travel leader Gap Adventures offers discounts on tours exploring SE Asia, West Africa, Ecuador, Morocco & Costa Rica

Adventure travel leader Gap Adventures is offering discounts on tours exploring South East Asia, West Africa, Ecuador, Morocco & Costa Rica, but you need to book soon:

South East Asia (ATBH, AVRL, ATCM, ATPC): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off a variety of South East Asia 12 to 15-day excursions, exploring Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Experience contrasting landscapes and cultures, visiting temples, caves, waterfalls, markets, and more, with opportunities to enjoy homestays in Mekong or Don Khong. (Promo Code: SEASIA15A, Travel by December 31, 2011)

West Africa (DGGU, DGWA, DVVT): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off a selection of 13 to 29-day tours exploring the captivating region of West Africa. Get really off the beaten track as you witness authentic voodoo ceremonies, come face-to-face with witches, and experience the Tonga Oracle. The Ghana Untouched tour was recently selected as one of National Geographic Traveler’s Top Tours of a Lifetime (Promo Code: WESTAFRICA15A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

Costa Rica Quest (CRQ): Book by July 12 and receive 10% off this best-selling Gap Adventures trip. Soak in the warm waters of local hot springs surrounded by a tropical canopy, search for the elusive quetzal bird in the cloud forest, and watch the sun set over the Pacific during this action-packed, nine-day tour of Costa Rica’s highlights. This 9-day trip is perfect for adventurers with limited time who want to explore active volcanoes, follow a trail to the base of a waterfall, melt away in thermal springs or bliss out on a beach (Promo code: CRQ10A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

Highlights of Morocco (DCHM): Book by July 12 and receive 20% off this amazing 14-day journey from Casablanca to Marrakech. Hit Morocco’s highlights even if time’s a little tight. Wander through kasbahs, ancient medinas, spice markets, and cities pulsing with energy on this comprehensive trip. Climb onto a camel and explore the edge of the Sahara before admiring the views from the heights of the Atlas Mountains. Experience the energy of Imperial cities as you explore souks stuffed with exotic wares. Then take a moment to appreciate this amazing adventure as you camp under the stars among some of the world’s biggest sand dunes (Promo code: DCHM20A, Travel by December 31, 2011)

The Ecuador Experience (REE): Book by July 12 and receive 15% off Gap Adventures’ Ecuador Experience. For travelers who want to sample the region’s highlights without sacrificing some of its lesser-known gems, this adventure offers a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore. Travel from the Avenue of the Volcanoes to relaxing Pacific beaches and mountain hot springs in Ecuador. Visit the Amazon and a shaman for an incredible introduction to indigenous culture and witness lush jungles and exotic wildlife on this 18-day adventure in nature. Feel like a local during an Amazon homestay, and relax on Ecuador’s sun-kissed beaches (Promo code: REE15A, Travel by December 31, 2011).

About Gap Adventures

Gap Adventures is a world leader in the adventure travel industry offering small group adventures on all seven continents and beyond to more than 100,000 global travelers annually. The award-winning trips, which focus on culture, nature and active travel, are ideal for those with a sense of adventure – people who want to leave the beaten path and authentically immerse themselves in a local culture or environment to experience the real world in a sustainable manner. Demonstrating its ongoing cultural, social and economic commitment to responsible tourism, Gap Adventures established the Planeterra Foundation, as a way the company and its travelers can give back to the communities visited. For more information, visit www.gapadventures.com and www.planeterra.org.

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Eco-Friendly Rail Vacations For Earth Day–And Every Other Day

Traveling by rail isn't just good for the environment and the wallet, it also is a unique adventure, giving a special perspective of scenery. Here, Alaska's train, from Denali National Park to Talkeetna © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Go “green” and save with vacations that are kind to the environment and the pocket book

Chicago, Illinois – April 18, 2011 –

With Earth Day around the corner, the environment—and our role in protecting it—is top of mind as we’re reminded of our social responsibility be it in every day activities or in coordinating the annual family vacation. Travelers interested in planning an eco-friendly getaway need not look further than a train package from Vacations By Rail. The Chicago-based travel company specializes in train vacations to popular destinations throughout the world that decrease one’s carbon footprint and the impact of travel on the environment while offering a unique vacation experience.

Within the United States, Vacations By Rail incorporates travel aboard some of Amtrak’s most iconic trains including the legendary California Zephyr, historic Empire Builder, and stunning Coast Starlight. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, domestic travel by train is 20% more efficient than air travel and 28% more efficient than travel by car on a per-passenger-mile basis.

Similarly, train travel within Canada has been made even more environmentally-friendly with the use of greener locomotives along VIA Rail’s transcontinental rail routes as well as eco-friendly maintenance practices among other green innovations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Train travel is also more energy efficient, using less fuel per passenger mile than cars or airplanes. With the price of gasoline expected to reach unprecedented rates per gallon this summer, it is also an affordable mode of transportation for upcoming vacations. Handing over driving and navigation duties to the railroad, travelers can experience parts of the country accessible by no other means of transportation when riding the rails, enjoying a unique perspective of nature and its unspoiled beauty.

Go green with Vacations By Rail. Select from hundreds of vacations that include historic rail routes, eco-friendly trains, breathtaking scenery, unique sightseeing, and National Parks. Visit www.vacationsbyrail.com or speak with a rail specialist at 877-929-7245.

About Vacations by Rail:
Vacations By Rail is the leading seller of rail travel and tours in North America and the trusted authority on rail vacations. Travelers can choose from the largest selection of independent rail vacations, escorted rail tours, and luxury rail journeys around the world.  Vacations By Rail also provides virtually every European rail pass and ticket to meet customers’ European travel needs. For more information on Vacations By Rail and the company’s products, visit www.vacationsbyrail.com or call 877-929-7245.

Vail Cascade Resort marks Earth Day with renewed focus on sustainability

Vail, Colorado in summer offers opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities. Vail Cascade Resort is committed to sustainable travel © 2011 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

The Vail Cascade Resort recognizes Earth Day on Friday, April 22 with a renewed focus on protecting the environment, fostering education regarding environmentally friendly actions and recognizing leaders within the resort who support sustainable living practices.  In celebration of Earth Day, associates have the opportunity to participate in “green initiatives” such as flower and herb garden planting on property, highway and river clean-ups, and encouragement to carpool, walk or ride a bike to work.

Additionally, Vail Cascade Resort general manager Brett Schoenfield has issued the following proclamation:

“Over the past three years, the Vail Cascade Resort has adopted the Destination Earth program with the knowledge that the resort’s customers and associates all benefit from a healthy, sustainable environment.   The property has a designated ‘green team’ onsite and has made a commitment to pursuing the following ideals:

• Sourcing environmentally responsible services and products locally, and purchasing organic, Earth-friendly and recycled supplies whenever possible.
• Purchasing fresh and sustainable foods locally grown, whenever possible.
• Creating partnerships with other organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to preserving the environment.
• Encouraging associates to apply eco-friendly practices in their daily operations.

Schoenfield concluded by stating, “At Vail Cascade Resort, we acknowledge that the Earth’s environment needs our genuine protection and care, and on the upcoming celebration of Earth Day this Friday, we proclaim our continued dedication to the Destination Earth program.”

Vail Cascade Resort was also awarded a “5 Green Keys” designation from Green Key Global, an organization that specifically recognizes eco-responsibility in the lodging and hospitality sector.  A statement regarding the award from Green Key Global noted that the Vail Cascade “is a hotel that exemplifies the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility throughout all areas of operations.  The hotel employs cutting-edge technologies, policies and programs which set an international standard for sustainable hotel operations.”

For more information on Destination Earth, visit www.destinationhotels.com/green-hotels-resorts/.  Green Key Global information is located at www.greenkeyglobal.com. Reservations and more information about Vail Cascade can be found at www.vailcascade.com, or by calling 1-800-420-2424.

Resort Specials:

Summer and autumn in Vail?  You have to see it to believe it, especially with these great rate.  Plus, the longer you stay the more you save and play:

• Stay 1-3 nights, receive 15% off
• Stay 4 nights, receive 20% off
• Stay 5 or more nights, receive 25% off

Book now through November 17, 2011 by calling 1-800-420-2424 and refer to promo code vctaymorew1

Students Worldwide to ‘Fly Ideas’ for Greener Flight, €30,000 Prize in Airbus Competition

University students worldwide can shape the future of flight and win €30,000 (about $44,000) in a global competition launched today by Airbus at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom.

The Airbus Fly Your Ideas (FYI) competition challenges students worldwide to develop new ideas for a greener aviation industry. The biennial contest involves three progressively challenging rounds judged by a panel of Airbus and industry experts. It concludes with a final at next summer’s International Paris Airshow – Le Bourget, France. The winners will share the top prize of € 30,000; the runners-up €15,000 (about $22,000).

Announcing the launch of FYI 2011, Charles Champion, Airbus Executive Vice President Engineering and FYI patron, said: “Fly Your Ideas is a unique opportunity for students to be part of Airbus’ vision for an eco-efficient aviation industry of the future. The competition is designed to stimulate ideas for both a more connected and sustainable world. It also enables Airbus to engage with students and research teams to identify R&T opportunities to balance the increased demand for air travel with a better environment.”

Students of any age, nationality, gender or discipline – from engineering to marketing; business to science; philosophy to design – are invited to take part. Proposals are welcome on all aspects of the ‘Environmental Life Cycle’ – an innovative approach Airbus uses to improve the environmental performance of an aircraft and its production process. It consists of five stages: design; supply chain; manufacturing; aircraft operations and aircraft end-of-life.

FYI 2011 follows the success of the inaugural contest launched in October 2008. Some 2,350 students from over 80 countries took part with the multinational team COz from the University of Queensland, Australia, judged eventual winners at Le Bourget 2009. Their project focused on the use of a pioneering natural fibre composite – made from castor plants – in aircraft cabins.

Benjamin Lindenberger (27), who was part of the FYI 2009 winning team “COz”, added: “Winning the FYI challenge 2009 was a great experience. But the opportunity to work with Airbus experts, gain industry insight and develop transferable skills was just as valuable.”

To enter FYI 2011 students must register as a team of three to five members on the competition website by 30 November 2010. For further information and to register visit: www.airbus-fyi.com

Registration closes November 30, 2010. Project proposals must be submitted by December 10, 2010. Those shortlisted for Round 2 will develop their ideas into more detailed submissions with support from Airbus staff. Five finalist teams will win a VIP trip to Paris in June 2011 and make presentations to an independent jury – including industry experts – who will announce their decision at the FYI 2011 awards ceremony.