Jetsettersblog

While Visiting Olympic Peninsula, Make Port Angeles Your Home Base

PORT ANGELES, Wash.–With the best access to Hurricane Ridge, the most popular attraction of Olympic National Park, Port Angeles is home to year-round ferry transportation to Victoria, Canada, and during the summer months, the San Juan Islands.

Ideally situated for all the Olympic Peninsula has to offer, it is easy to see why Port Angeles says it is “The Center of It All.”

Port Angeles offers unique shopping and a tremendous variety of restaurants. Many of the recreational activities for which the area is famous can be enjoyed in and around this charming community.

Specialty shops can be found for kayaking, hiking, camping, biking, fishing, scuba diving and skateboarding. In the winter months, skiing, snow shoeing and snow boarding sales and rentals are available.

www.OlympicPeninsula.org

Wild Planet Adventures
CONTACT: Josh Cohen
TEL: 415-250-4055
E-MAIL: josh@wildplanetadventures.com
http://www.wildplanetadventures.com

Wildlife is abundant, and so are the savings, when travelers reap the rewards of Costa Rica’s “Little Summer” in July.

A little-known weather phenomenon that wildlife lovers in-the-know keep to themselves, July is one of the best times to visit Costa Rica.

Flowering trees and fruits attract the most abundant wildlife of the year, and the break in the rainy season provides ideal viewing conditions.

Wild Planet Adventures’ Ultimate Wildlife Eco Tour offers the most affordable value in Costa Rica—as much as twice the value per day of most other competitive tour operators, including all activities and all meals.

With prices beginning at $285 per person, per day, Wild Planet Adventures offers an incredible value and includes all meals, all activities (including naturalist guides and exclusive wildlife viewing activities), all accommodations, all transportation in Costa Rica, and all admissions.

Smart savings, coupled with Wild Planet’s unique itinerary and exclusive access, provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Costa Rica.

Wild Planet offers 5 departures in July to take advantage of this extraordinary wildlife viewing season.

During this time, tourism dollars offer an increased impact, allowing local naturalist guides to maintain consistent employment and providing funds for non-profit entities, such as the Sloth Rescue Center—which offers exclusive access to Wild Planet Adventures—where travelers can interact with wildlife specialists and meet over 100 unbelievably cute rescued sloths.

In addition to exclusive activities that increase the odds of seeing exotic mammals such as tapir, great green macaws, monkeys, and even jaguars, the “Ultimate Wildlife” itinerary highlights the biodiversity of Costa Rica’s many ecosystems—

a paradise of unspoiled beaches, cloud forests, whitewater rapids, volcanoes and hot springs—that spreads through 12 ecological zones.

Both 9- and 14-day tours are available, including wildlife viewing in eight National Parks and Wildlife Preserves, whitewater rafting, cloudforest canopy tour, sea kayaking with dolphins, snorkeling the magical Bioluminescence after dark, beaches on both coasts, hot springs, volcanoes, and a scarlet macaw migration.

Lodging is provided in one-of-a-kind rainforest and jungle lodges.

For a detailed itinerary and booking information, visit

www.wildplanetadventures.com

or contact trips@wildplanetadventures.com

OCOTAL BEACH, NICARAGUA —Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge, one of Latin America’s leading eco-resorts and agro-tourism operations located south of Granada, the oldest city in the Americas offers guests a “Sunset Cruise.”

Built by their own ship-builder, Juan Paisano, a local craftsman, the 48-foot turbo-diesel Argonauta is constructed entirely from local woods grown on the property.

Completely hand-made, the Argonauta can accommodate around 15 passengers.

Although the boat is available at any time of day for fishing and other seaworthy pursuits, Morgan’s Rock has found that the “Sunset Cruise” has proved most popular.

Current rates, which include food and beverages, are $600 for four hours and $1,200 for eight hours; amortized between the guests.

Other boats available to guests for fishing and other water sports are a 6-passenger central console 30-foot Commodore Pursuit;

a 5-passenger Seacraft Superfly, an 8-passenger, 28-foot Eco One and a 6-passenger, 17-foot Zodiac.

Morgan’s Rock Hacienda & Ecolodge features fifteen hand-detailed private bungalows made of exotic tropical hardwoods with decks open to spectacular views of the ocean and forest and feature a king-size bed, a sofa bed, hammocks and an open-air shower.

The restaurant, which features all local produce grown on the resort’s farm and fish caught by its own boats, overlooks a beautiful pool and the Pacific beyond. Morgan’s Rock is easily reached by American, Delta, TACA and Continental who all fly to Managua with arranged transfers.

www.morgansrock.com

Eco Paraiso
CONTACT: Denaly Barrera
TEL: + 52 (55) 51 35 13 39 ext 13
E-MAIL: sales@ecoparaiso.com
WEB: www.ecoparaiso.com

CELESTUN, Mexico— Hotel Eco Paraiso, located within the Special Biosphere Reserve of Celestun on the northern Gulf of Mexico, on the Yucatan Peninsula can offer couples looking for a different, very special experience, a traditional Mayan wedding ceremony.

The eloquent and emotive ceremony, performed on the beach by a Shaman priest is in accordance with ancient Mayan wedding customs. A civil ceremony, including legal documents, can be incorporated.

The Mayan Wedding package includes two nights’ accommodation in an oceanfront junior cabana suite, all meals and non-alcoholic beverages, a massage for the couple, a candle-light dinner with a bottle of champagne, a welcome cocktail and transfers plus all details covering the ceremony in traditional dress, flowers, special décor and music plus relevant items coordinated by a wedding planner.

The rate for the Mayan Wedding is $2,500 per couple including tax. An additional $500 is required to cover a civil ceremony. Extra nights for the honeymoon and for wedding guests are $ 320 per couple, including all meals and taxes.

The “Eco-Chic” hotel, which features 15 individual cabana suites all with private terraces, complete with hammocks, providing expansive views of the Gulf of Mexico, was carefully created within the ecologically sensitive area.

Situated feet from 3 miles of pristine, shell-filled beach, the area is a main feeding ground for the Pink Flamingo, Pelicans and many other sea birds as well as a breeding ground for sea turtles.

The property includes the newly constructed Restaurant Xixim and bar El Santuario plus a fresh water pool overlooking the Gulf.

The resort offers multiple choices for local tours to allow guests to explore the archaeological wealth and unique ecosystem of the Yucatan.

Hotel Eco Paraiso is best accessed through the international airport in Merida, which has flights direct from the U.S. as well as through Mexico City with a 90-minute arranged transfer.

GRANTS PASS. Ore.–Southern Oregon has always been known for great whitewater rafting along with its very well known Pinot Noir wines.

Hosted by Rogue Wilderness Adventures, the best in Oregon Pinots and Oregon whitewater will come together over the weekend on the Rogue River.

Rafting 34 miles through the wild and scenic Rogue River canyon, wine enthusiast will camp one night and stay at a historic lodge the next.

The Rogue Wilderness staff will create a gourmet dining experience riverside and build the menu around a collection of Oregons finest pinots.

Cost: $899 3 Day Camp/Lodge Wine Experience;

Date: July/August 2010 TBA; www.wildrogue.com

Bush and Beyond
CONTACT: Elizabeth Bean Crookston
TEL: 647-344-9492
E-MAIL: info@bush-and-beyond.com
WEB: www.bush-and-beyond.com

NAIROBI, Kenya– Bush and Beyond, the central booking and reservations office for a selection of small luxury camps and lodges in Africa, recently announced that they have added two new properties in to their extensive portfolio: Lukula Selous Camp and Mara Plains Camp.

Lukula Selous Camp is located within the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania which is one of the largest wildlife sanctuaries anywhere in the world. Selous is world renowned for its wild character and large populations of elephant, buffalo, lion and African wild dog.

Lukula Selous is a private photographic sanctuary of over 300,000 acres that only allows one group into the entire area at any one time.

The camp is built right on the banks of the Luwego River and spread out amongst a large shady riverine forest characterized by fig and sausage trees. The camp has only four luxurious and spacious tents which provide an authentic and stylish wilderness retreat and experience.

The focus here is on experience. This is not a camp that just offers morning and afternoon game drives. At Lukula, the key is connecting with the landscape and its wildlife – this can be from 4×4 vehicles, on foot, and in an inflatable kayak or canoe.

Mara Plains Camp is a small, high quality, six-roomed camp under canvas that is located within the private Olare Orok Conservancy and just a few hundred meters to the north of the Masai Mara National Reserve boundary.

The camp is situated along the Ntiakatek River with views of the surrounding plains and riverine forest.

The camp caters for only 12 guests in six spacious and comfortable ensuite canvas rooms built on raised decks.

The camp has been designed and built to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Mara Plains believes in keeping the experience intimate and personal, so there are no set camp schedules and set meal times. The day’s activities and meals are tailored around the guest’s preferences and wildlife activities of the moment.

As the camp is located within a private conservancy, your guests are allowed to enjoy nature-based walks and exciting night game drives.

Kentucky Adventure Travel
CONTACT: Gil Lawson
TEL: 502-564-8110 ext 168
E-MAIL: gil.lawson@ky.gov
WEB: http://www.kyunbridledadventure.com

FRANKFORT, Ky. – The Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority has approved a loan to Kentucky Zipline Adventures to construct a zipline canopy tour in Clay City.

Kentucky Zipline Adventures is planning to offer six lines ranging from a few hundred to over 1,500 feet in length. Participants wear a harness that is attached to the zipline and travel at tree-line level. The company currently operates similar businesses in New Hampshire and Jamaica.

The authority last month approved a $250,000 loan for the new business, which plans to open in 2010 and operate eight months out of the year.

“The Kentucky Zipline Adventure in the Red River Gorge is just one more way for Kentuckians and tourists alike to appreciate the beauty of Kentucky,” said Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear.

“I am excited to see unique economic development opportunities arise through our commitment to adventure tourism and the new zipline is a prime example of the endless possibilities that can jumpstart our rural economies.”

“We are extremely excited to bring our unique zipline adventure experience to Kentucky,” said Randy Farwell, one of the owners. “For us, one of the most critical components of an interactive, outdoor adventure such as this is the natural environment that surrounds each of our locations.

Our tours are specifically designed to create an experience that is not only exciting, but also reflects the natural beauty of the surrounding area.”

The Daniel Boone National Forest and Red River Gorge are the perfect setting for a world class zipline canopy tour, he said.

“This loan will allow us to create 15 to 18 job opportunities and help bring more visitors to Powell County. The help and support of the Kentucky Tourism Development Finance Authority and the entire tourism community has been amazing,” Farwell said.

According to Elaine Wilson, executive director of Adventure Tourism with the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, ziplining “will be an exciting way for adventure enthusiasts to discover and rediscover the Gorge area while adding a new dimension of exploration into the natural beauty of Eastern Kentucky and the Daniel Boone National Forest.”

The ziplines will be constructed by Canopy Tours Inc., a New Hampshire firm that has 25 years of experience in this field. Canopy Tours has constructed and consulted on ziplines in 20 states and nine countries.

The installation will meet standards developed by national organizations to ensure the safety of the participants. This includes annual inspections, training for guides and using the proper safety equipment.

For more information contact Gil Lawson at 502-564-8110 ext 168 or by email at Gil.Lawson@ky.gov

River Dance Lodge announces new program with all-inclusive packages that offers Idaho vacations for under $150 per person per day

River Dance Lodge
CONTACT: Peter Grubb
TEL: 800-451-6034
E-MAIL: peter@rowadventures.com
WEBSITE: www.RiverDanceLodge.com

After being awarded to National Geographic Traveler’s “Stay List” of 150 best lodgings in the world, River Dance Lodge has announced all-inclusive packages at the lodge boasting rustic-luxury log cabin accommodations, tasty food, and outdoor activities that include: whitewater rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking and more…all for under $150 per person per day!

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – In the Spring of 2010, River Dance Lodge will open its doors as a new all-inclusive outdoor vacation destination.

Situated on the banks of the Clearwater River and adjacent to the 1.3 million acre Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness area, River Dance Lodge was built in 2005 as Idaho’s first outdoor adventure resort.

“Nothing has changed about our commitment to our guests and our core values to the community and environment,” explains Peter Grubb, “We’ve simply refined our focus to reflect people’s need for worry-free vacations that are an outstanding value.

Each package gives guests a daily choice in activities.

They choose from a menu that includes an “Explorer Series” and an “Adventure Series.”

The Explorer Series is perfect for people of all abilities and ages with activities such as easy walks or bike rides on level terrain, gentle float trips or cultural van tours.

The Adventure Series has more active options such as whitewater rafting, longer hikes, or bike rides on more demanding roads or trails.

Each season, new packages are introduced. In the spring, all-inclusive packages are focused around the Lochsa River where guests can experience world famous whitewater rafting.

Summer brings packages with an emphasis on being in the sun, horseback riding, river float trips and mountain biking.

Fall packages focus on enjoying nature’s color change with walking tours, fishing, bike rides and Clearwater River float trips.

Packages are either four or five days long and go from Thursday to Sunday and Sunday to Thursday.

Besides the activities, packages include accommodations and food. Hand-crafted log cabins line the mountain side, each with its own private hot tub. Small cabins sleep four to six people, while the larger cabins accommodate six to ten.

For those who wish a less-active stay, the Serenity Packages include lodging and food only. As well, cabin rentals alone are also possible, subject to availability.

To learn more visit: www.RiverDanceLodge.com ; call 800-451-6034; or e-mail info@riverdancelodge.com

When the Kids Get Restless this Summer, Take Them Underground at Mammoth Cave

Mammoth Cave Hotel
CONTACT: Hailey McDonald
TEL: 970-568-7423
E-MAIL: hailey@atmstravelnews.com
WEB: www.mammothcavehotel.com

Mammoth Cave, Ky. — Mammoth Cave National Park brings out the kid in most people – that curious, wondering side that grown-ups sometimes forget.

With kids, it comes naturally. That’s why the National Park Service offer tours of the world’s longest cave that cater specifically to children.

There are no parents allowed on the Trog Tour. This tour offers an off-trail adventure for children ages 8–12.

Begin with a short hike through the forest down to the Historic Entrance of Mammoth Cave and see how the surface and subsurface are connected.

Then travel off-trail and learn how early visitors ventured through the cave as well as how cavers safely explore today. Unlock the secrets of how the animals of Mammoth Cave survive in this dark underground world.

Children will get a first hand experience of “discovering” a new world as they hike, crawl and belly slide through Mammoth Cave.

Families can join in the exploration together on the Introduction to Caving tour, and hike, climb, and even crawl through parts of Mammoth Cave that most tours never visit.

This tour emphasizes safe caving techniques for beginners, natural cave environment and cave exploration.

At Mammoth Cave National Park, the main attraction is the cave but there is more to the park – hiking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the Green River.

For kids, there are even a few special activities. Children can take advantage of the Nature Track for Kids – a Ranger-led program that draws kids together for fun games and a little something extra. This program teaches kids to consider the role we play in the mother nature.

Kids can also join Junior Ranger Program by requesting a booklet at the Visitor Center Information Desk.

The program entails attending ranger-led activities, doing activities in the booklet to earn “bat points,” to receive their Junior Ranger badge and certificate at the Information Desk.

But it’s not that easy… children will need to use their eyes and ears to gather information.

Many of the park’s resources and facilities are available free of charge, but fees are charged for cave tours, camping and some picnic shelters.

Reservations are recommended for cave tours.

Mammoth Cave Hotel offers accommodations mere steps from the historic caves. Families can choose from:

Heritage Trail rooms from $55/night. Accommodates 2-4 people.
Sunset Terrace Rooms located at the edge for the forest from $99/night. Accommodates 2-4 people.

Single-unit, historic Hotel Cottages from $79/night. Accommodates up to 2 people.
Woodland Cottages $54 – $104.

Accommodates up to 16 people. Rates based on occupancy.

How far into the depths of your memory do you have to go to retrieve that feeling of the sun on your skin, wearing little, and feeling heady from an exhausting day on the beach, topped off with a couple of lip-numbing sun-downers?

We suspect it doesn’t take long to grasp this memory, but its all too quickly replaced with the reality that it’s as cold here as it is in Siberia, and that your only exposure to the sun is one that blinds you whilst driving your car to work.

Don’t fear, travel search engine www.nowfly.co.uk  has access to a huge number of flights and airlines to airports located in sunnier climes and has also put together it’s top five Beachside Beauties on the website. The below are edited versions, but for full details click here:

www.nowfly.co.uk/ZipIt/2-Beachside-beauties.aspx

Shutters on the Beach, Los Angeles

This immaculately designed luxury hotel-cum-beach house comes courtesy of Michael Smith, the latest designer to give the interiors of the White House the once-over. It’s chic but casual, making Shutters the ideal location for a seaside getaway this winter.

All rooms boast private balconies that afford guests beautiful views out over the Pacific, and for those wanting to truly enter into the spirit of la-la land there are Yoga classes on the beach out front every morning. Other than that, though, it’s all about lying on your sun-lounger, drink in-hand, and soaking up the hotel’s boutique charm.

For flights to Shutters on the beach, fly to Los Angeles:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Los-Angeles.aspx

Jumeriah Beach Hotel, Dubai

Built from aluminium and blue-plated glass, this magnificent hotel boasts a pristine stretch of beach and an unparalleled range of watersports.

The iconic 26-floor, wave-shaped building also boasts the Wild Wadi Water Park, Sinbad’s kids club and twenty different restaurants and cafés ranging from German to South East Asian.

In true Dubai spirit, the hotel also has a purpose-built coral reef 2-kilometres off shore to cater to its on-site dive centre. In its own words, Jumeriah “gives itself completely to the pleasures of life”. And so should you.

For flights to Jumeriah Beach Hotel, fly to Dubai:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Dubai.aspx

Fisher Island Club, Miami

Offering all the excitement of South Beach whilst retaining a quiet location within a private residential community, the Fisher Island Club is the last word in exclusivity.

Fisher Island is a private residential community accessible only by ferry, boat or (for the really flash) helicopter. The club’s sumptuous private beach offers breathtaking views towards Miami’s iconic skyline and out towards the Atlantic Ocean, both of which are best viewed through designer shades.

After a hard day relaxing on the sand, the resort’s restaurants serve up a wide range of dishes that will please even the most sophisticated of palettes.

For flights to Fisher Island Club, fly to Miami:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Miami.aspx

Posada del Faro, Punta del Este

With its minimalist white-washed walls, blue doors, hammocks and bamboo sun-shelters, this 12-room resort is the ultimate place to relax.

Posada del Faro is situated in the tiny beachside town of Jose Ignacio, the cool, understated younger brother of renowned South American seaside destination Punte del Este.

A small yet sophisticated fishing village, the town boasts never-ending stretches of sand, splendid restaurants and a heady nightlife. When you’ve drank your fill, return to your stylish sanctuary to heal your hangover in peach and blissful quiet.

For flights to Posada del Faro, fly to Buenos Aires:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Buenos-Aires.aspx

Mövenpick Hotel and Resort, Beirut

With its own private beach and marina, the Mövenpick is the only city-centre hotel in Beirut to boast resort facilities.

Inside there are watersports, two beautiful pools and a Mediterranean beachfront, whilst outside is one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting cities.

When it comes to whetting your appetite, guests can choose between the traditional Lebanese Bourj Al Hamam or the international Mediterranee before finishing off with a nightcap at Hemingway’s Bar & Cigar Lounge.

For flights to Mövenpick Hotel and Resort, fly to Beirut:
www.nowfly.co.uk/cheap-flights-to-Beirut.aspx

About nowfly.co.uk:

Recently selected as one of the best travel websites by the Telegraph online and voted one of the top 10 travel websites for 2009 by the Times Online travel section, the site has just been re-launched. It is still very fast at unearthing fantastic travel deals, but now has a fresh new look, easier navigation and a very clear results page.

www.nowfly.co.uk was established in January 2008. nowfly uses search engine technology to find as many prices as possible for your flight, hotel or car rental query.

We search hundreds of leading, reliable and reputable airline, hotel and travel websites and we aim to present this information as quickly as possible in an easy and logical way.