Jetsettersblog

All of the newest games consoles can now be used to keep fit with the release of the GZ Pro-Sport, from fitness innovators Gamercize.

Gamercize GZ Pro-Sport for Xbox 360

Gamercize GZ Pro-Sport and GZ Power Stepper for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii

Gamercize GZ Pro-Sport for PlayStation 3

Gamercize GZ Pro-Sport and GZ Endurance Cycle for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii

Gamercize GZ Pro-Sport for Fitness at Home

Gamercize Commercial Gym Pods

Configured with Xbox 360 Elite and PlayStation 3, with bespoke Southampton Football Club branding

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND, – This release completes a product range offering mini exercise equipment, such as steppers and cycles, as add-ons for games consoles and computers. The specialist fitness machines provide genuine cardiovascular exercise, capable of burning the highest number of calories per hour out of all popular video game exercise systems.

The Gamercize concept requires exercise to keep the game from pausing, using the distraction of playing a game to make it easy to work out for longer without giving up.

Gamercize products are designed to inspire young and old to take the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle, as well as provide a fitness top up for active people with little free time. The equipment can be used with existing or future games, ensuring sustainable use and appeal for all.

Successfully trialled in schools and health clubs in the UK, the Gamercize has proved six times more engaging than exercise alone and twice as popular as a dedicated video game racing bike.

The concept was conceived in 2004 when, now company director, Richard Coshott designed the first Gamercize for his children. They played games for only as long as they kept exercising, which proved successful in increasing their fitness and willingness to be more active in general. Following successful grant of patent the company was formed and products have been sold worldwide to consumers on all continents.

The GZ Pro-Sport will be officially launched later this month, in partnership with Southampton Football Club, where commercial installations for PlayStation3 and Xbox 360 will be unveiled simultaneously in two Southampton City Council leisure centres.

About Gamercize

Gamercize, a British company behind world-wide patented electronic fitness accessories for PC, Xbox 360, PlayStation3, Wii, PS2, Xbox and Gamecube. The company aim is to encourage fitness through motivation and enjoyment, by innovation in technology. Gamercize is a member of the Fitness Industry Association. Its website is http://www.gamercize.net/

TROPICAL ADVENTURES
TEL: 800-832-9419
info@tropicaladventures.com
: http://tropicaladventures.com/

Saving Sea Turtles on Scenic Beaches

CARTAGO, —Vacations in a destination that include walking along incredible beaches and the exhilarating experience of releasing baby turtles into the ocean are the highlights of a Tropical Adventure in Costa Rica. What’s the catch? Fulfillment and giving back—a volunteer vacation. Families, couples, corporate groups alike find the two sea turtle programs enriching and worthwhile.Costa Rica

The day at the beach will include walking the beach at night; digging holes to bury the eggs; and cleaning banana plants and driftwood off the beach to protect the baby turtles. Saving sea turtles is rewarding; the program title speaks for itself. The fulfillment component is significant as participants will find the opportunities to not only perform tasks toward an important mission, but they will be experiencing a program in one of the richest biological areas in the world. Costa Rica’s Caribbean Zone and the Corcovado National Park has been proclaimed by National Geographic as the most biologically intense place on Earth.

The Gandoca Sea Turtle Project, in the Caribbean Zone, is available from mid-February through mid-August. Before the project began, the poaching rate was over 95% but with the presence of night patrols and the hatcheries on the beach, the survival rate has increased to over 90%. The Corcovado Sea Turtle Project is an opportunity to work with five different species of sea turtles (the Olive Ridley, the Lora, Black Turtle, Leatherback and the Hawksbill). Travelers will be among the fortunate few to see the breathtaking region south of Corcovado National Park, where five percent of the world’s bio-diversity can be found.

All packages include accommodations, three meals daily, ground transportation from airport (SJO), country information and orientation, Spanish language lessons (additional cost), project training (where applicable), in-country support, assistance in planning sightseeing excursions and activities, medical insurance, and the volunteer program.

While in , guests of the Tropical Adventures learning vacations can explore someCosta Rica leisure activities as well:

Rafting in the rainforest, from , the San José Caribbean

Try Canopy Tours (zip line), hiking, aerial tram, windsurfing on the . Relax in the wildly popular Tabacon Hot Springs center and get a massage in theArenal jungle Lake

Spot wildlife in the very best place in ,Costa Rica Tortuguero National Park

Caribbean Canopy Tour – see a magical hilly rainforest is, with great views

Adventurous tour to tropical and amazing waterfall inside the Talamanca Indigenous Reservation, an area most tourists never see (guided tour includes transportation by ATV or scooter).

Observe 35 different coral species (fire coral and the red and black coral, unique to the area), the largest Coral reefs in . Enjoy great hiking trails with lots of wildlifeSouthern Central America

Explore, experience, and expand horizons with a Tropical Adventure. For more information on exciting learning vacations, contact Tropical Adventures at 800-832-9419 or log on to the web at http://www.tropicaladventures.com/

NatureAir S.A.
TEL: 506-299-6000
ahuntley@natureair.com
http://www.natureair.com/

Costa Rica’s NatureAir offers discounted tickets for children

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica— How about a “green” family vacation in the rainforest surrounded by breathtaking flora and fauna, warm sandy beaches, and of course the Majestic Arenal Volcano? NatureAir the world’s first carbon neutral airline is making it easier for families to bring their children to Costa Rica. NatureAir would like to announce that all children ages 2-11 years old can fly with NatureAir at 25% off the ticketed price.

“We are proud to say that NatureAir is the only airline in Costa Rica to offer this wonderful discount for children. As a way to help families out year round this is not a limited time offer, because we know the traveling to Costa Rica as a family is an unforgettable experience,” said Alexi Huntley Commercial Director for NatureAir.

NatureAir is not only making it possible for parents to keep more money in the bank, it’s also helping them limit their carbon footprints. 100 % of its carbon emissions are compensated through the protection and reforestation of tropical forests in southern Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity zones of the Osa Pensinsula. Since 2004, NatureAir has compensated for roughly 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide thru the protection of more than 400 acres of tropical forest. The company has also been able to reduce emissions by replacing light bulbs, limiting copy paper, recycling, and improving it’s flight plans in order to conserve more fuel, an improvement of roughly 4% in fuel efficiency per hour of flight.

While road travel is very difficult in Costa Rica, the thrill and ease of flying is unbeatable. Nature Air’s planes are fitted with panoramic windows that allow unobstructed views of the volcanic activity, tropical waterfalls and even simultaneous views of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Instead of spending hours in the car children can be running through the sand in under an hour.

For a complete list of schedules and prices visit http://www.natureair.com/  or call 800-235-9272.

About NatureAir

Since its inception in 2000, NatureAir has grown from flying 18,000 passengers annually to more than 150,000 in 2007. The company got its start with one plane and 17 employees. Now it has a fleet of eight planes and more than 150 employees.

In 2004 the company became 100% carbon neutral. Since 2004, NatureAir has compensated for roughly 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide thru the protection of more than 200 hectares of tropical forest. It’s the only twin-engine airline in Costa Rica with both scheduled and chartered flights, and offers 74 daily flights to 17 destinations in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Panama.

NatureAir is a proud member of the World Heritage Alliance, International Ecotourism Society and the Rainforest Alliance. The airline has been recognized as a model of sustainability by the global ecotourism industry. It has also been given the honor of a highly recommended company in the category of best transport and technology in low carbon at the 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards. In addition, National Geographic Adventure named NatureAir was named as one of the top 35 greatest environmental ideas that have changed the world.

For more information visit: http://www.natureair.com/

Orange Torpedo Trips
TEL: 503-227-3606
eweiseth@orangetorpedo.com
http://www.orangetorpedo.com/ GRANTS PASS, Oregon—In today’s highly competitive and stressful workplace environments, more employers are choosing to take their hard-working employees out of the office and hosting corporate retreats in order to motivate, inspire, or simply say “thank you” to employees. Orange Torpedo Trips, a company that specializes in adventure rafting trips in the rivers of the Northwestern U.S. can help businesses with the “people factor” by offering professionally guided, motivational retreats. There is no better way to make teammates of out co-workers than by sharing breathtaking scenery and a little heart-pumping adventure on a rafts built for groups.

Costa Rica Nature Adventures
TEL: 506-224-0505 OR 506-225-3939
Toll free from US 1-800-963-1195
luz@crna.co.cr
http://www.costaricanatureadventures.com/  
http://www.pacuarelodge.com/

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica— Visitors usually come to Costa Rica for an outdoor activity—and whitewater rafting is invariably top of mind to adventure seekers. Costa Rica Nature Adventures is one of a select group of visionary companies whose dedication and commitment to Costa Rica whitewater rafting has helped lift the sport to the widespread prominence it enjoys today. A river rafting pioneer, Costa Rica Nature Adventures has continually been on the forefront with new and innovative ideas that have enhanced the sport’s public image, and has promoted safety standards and improvements to make rafting a much safer and enjoyable experience. Their one day Pacuare Whitewater Rafting Tour is currently the most popular such tour in Costa Rica, enabling guests to experience the thrill and excitement of world-class whitewater rafting and still be back at their hotel in the afternoon

One of the top-rated wilderness experiences in the world, the Pacuare River, flows through the Pacuare Protected Zone—25,000 acres of incomparable beauty that begins near the town of Siquirres and descends down the Talamanca Mountain Range. This wild and picturesque river flows deep inside the remarkable primordial rainforest, coursing through a wilderness of dense vegetation that covers the sides of steep gorges and rises above the riverbanks. The rainforest’s thick undergrowth provides shelter to jaguars, ocelots, monkeys, sloths, and numerous other species of mammals and birds.

When not careening down rapids, visitors are tucked away inside luxurious Pacuare Lodge, the first jungle eco-lodge on the banks of the Pacuare River. Completely surrounded by tropical rainforest, the lodge is engulfed by nature in its purest and most primitive state. The lodge provides relaxing accommodations with activities for everyone including families, couples, singles and seniors in addition to award-winning honeymoon packages. The Pacuare Lodge is world famous for its esteemed service and hospitality, as well as its focus on protecting the environment.  Read the Jetsetters Magazine feature about Rafting the Pacquare.

Westin St. John Resort & Villas, St. John is converting 186 existing hotel rooms in seven buildings located within the resort’s hillside section into 94 two- and three-bedroom villas for sale overlooking Great Cruz Bay. Construction of the first 54 villas began in July 2006 with an expected occupancy in late 2007, and the second phase of 40 villas will begin shortly. The Westin St. John Resort & Villas currently has a total of 92 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas. Owners and guests will have full access to all amenities at The Westin St. John, including the pools, spa, fitness facility, beachside water activities, tennis, Westin Kids Club and hotel restaurants.

Call 888-627-7206 or visit www.westin.com/stjohn  

MOAB, Utah—This summer, those who have always wanted to try a Land Rover vehicle and do some off-road driving can participate in the Land Rover Moab Adventure from April 18-29. For three days, guests will enjoy an exclusive luxury experience – complete with the best in local cuisine and wonderful accommodations for $2,995 per person (double occupancy).

Pricing includes lodging at the Sorrel River Ranch, inclusive of meals and beverages, designated activities and park entrance fees, and the use of a Land Rover while based in Moab. Participants must be 21 years old, and carry a valid driver’s license. Previous off-road experience or Land Rover ownership is not required. Each Land Rover Adventures trip is designed to familiarize off-road enthusiasts with the supreme range of capabilities and technologies that only Land Rover vehicles possess. Space is extremely limited.

For more adventure details on Land Rover Experience programs, visit www.landroverexperience.com , or to discover what else there is to do in Moab, visit www.discovermoab.com , the official source for visitor information about the area.

http://www.discovermoab.com/

Kumuka Worldwide
TEL: 800-517-0867
steve@kumuka.com
http://www.kumuka.com/

NEW YORK— Kumuka Worldwide has experienced extremely high demand for their Oktoberfest tours departing in September 2008. Extra seats have recently been added to existing tours as well as introducing additional departure dates to satisfy the extra demand.

The 19 day European Waltz tour departing from Rome on September 19 includes two nights in Munich to coincide with the Oktoberfest. Extra seats have been added to this tour departure and are expected to sell fast. The tour also visits Venice, Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Berlin and Amsterdam and is priced from $2290 plus an Oktoberfest supplement of $295. An additional departure of the European Waltz has been also been added to the Kumuka website and leaves from Rome on September 21.

The 28 day Central Europe tour has an additional Oktoberfest departure date which is now available on the Kumuka website. This new departure leaves from either London or Paris on September 12 and is priced from $3585 plus an Oktoberfest supplement of $295.

A new Oktoberfest departure for the 17 day European Symphony also departs from London or Paris on September 12 and is priced from $2290 plus an Oktoberfest supplement of $295. The European Symphony tour also includes Interlaken, Annecy, Nice, Florence, Rome and Venice.

About Kumuka Worldwide

Kumuka Worldwide is a leading specialist in adventure travel and has been successfully operating exciting tours for the adventurous traveler for more than 23 years. Since its very first Trans-African trip, it has been focused on providing travelers with authentic and stimulating experiences of the destinations they travel to, while enjoying the value, quality and reliability Kumuka prides itself on consistently delivering. The Kumuka operation now spans six continents, where the wide range of tours focusing on culture, nature and active adventures, are globally accepted as some of the best. Kumuka is able to map out more than 240 itineraries across 60 countries, a number that increases each year with the development of new destinations, activities and adventures for our passengers.

For more details on Kumuka Worldwide see http://www.kumuka.com/ or call 800-517-0867.

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Tourism (IDCEO/IBOT) launched a spring break program designed to encourage travel throughout the state with new planning tools and incentives.

The program offers special Chicago hotel rates as well as Illinois KidVentures-new travel itineraries that will help families plan spring getaways. Travelers considering a trip to Chicago this spring will discover limited-time hotel deals at www.enjoyillinois.com/springbreak

More than 30 Chicago hotels will offer spring rates starting as low as $89, March 17 through April 15, and many will include additional amenities and services such as complimentary breakfast and valet parking. The interactive site showcases eight Illinois KidVentures bookable travel itineraries and will be further enhanced during March to offer downloadable games and a calendar of events. Suggested itineraries include “Safari in the City,” by visiting museums and seeing a Tyrannosaurs Rex, Komodo dragon or an Egyptian mummy; or “Abe’s Adventures” highlighting Lincoln’s old stomping grounds in Springfield.

For more information, call 800-2CONNECT or visit www.enjoyillinois.com/springbreak

Unique Inns, one of North America’s first bed and breakfast innkeeping organizations, added four new member inns, two in California and two in Washington. The new members include the Tallman Hotel and 1801 First Inn, located in Northern California wine country; the Inn at El Gaucho in downtown Seattle; and the Inn at Ship Bay on Washington’s Orcas Island.

Visit www.uniqueinns.com