Jetsettersblog

Gulf Shores is experiencing a flourishing spring golf travel season and is trending to exceed 2010 bookings due to its competitive marketing approach this year.

Golf Gulf Shores, the CVB-led regional golf tourism association, reports that golf rounds and bookings into the destination so far are ahead of last year’s figures.

Website inquiries are on the rise on www.golfgulfshores.com, and travelers are offering positive feedback on the quality of their recent experiences, with a 100% “intent to return” factor from all reporting visitors in 2011.

Golfers have also responded to the variety of price-point options, offering play at nine quality courses and over 20,000 accommodations units with booking ease.

“We feel that Gulf Shores wants us to bring our group here for our yearly trip,” said one Kentucky visitor in a recent survey.

“Other locations that we have visited wanted us but never showed us the hospitality that we get in Gulf Shores.”

The destination was also lauded for its visitor-friendly website booking tool that produces quick and thorough quotes based on a guest’s own preferences, putting the power in the hands of travelers to customize their stay at very attractive rates.

“Gulf Shores prides itself on its people, and it’s edifying to see that our friendliness and efficiency push us ahead of other destinations,” said Golf Gulf Shores Executive Director Duncan Millar. “Our golfers clearly love it here.”

In response to the recent tragedies in Japan and the surrounding areas in need of support
In the aftermath of the most devastating earthquake Japan has ever experienced followed by an immense tsunami and now nuclear warnings, the time for support for the Japanese in distress has never been more immediate.

Rescue operations world-wide are gathering steam, many have made the journey already with many more needed. TravelPassportVisaCenter.com opened a 24 hour toll free hotline – 800-431-1141- for those emergency response personnel in need of passports to travel to Japan in as little as 24 hours. TPVC is extending business hours and offering weekend assistance to emergency aid workers in need of new or renewed passports nationwide including Alaska, Hawaii, USVI and Puerto Rico.

So far teams from Farifax County, Virginia and LA County in California have members of their search and rescue teams deployed to Japan already underway combing the wreckage for survivors, and they will be joined by many more.

The division of US Department of State handling passport applications processes at a rate of 3-4 weeks, at a minimum.

The “HOTLINE” was opened over the weekend taking calls regarding the passport application process and reserving slots for those emergency workers traveling to Japan much sooner- many within 24 hours.

“It is so important for the help to get there now- it is crucial to get to those trapped and freezing the medical attention needed,” remarked Adam Kranz, owner of TPVC (www.TravelPassportVisaCenter.com .) Unfortunately, Mr. Kranz is no stranger to crisis situations- providing expedited passports in substantially less time to those who traveled to Haiti, Chile and Indonesia when they experienced similar disasters.

The Nusantara, a surf charter boat in Indonesia, delivered water and supplies funded in part by TPVC and staffed by those emergency workers able to travel with current passports.

About TravelPassportVisaCenter.com:

TravelPassportVisaCenter.com is one of the most trusted providers of passport and visa services worldwide- including offering assistance in Spanish. We are officially authorized by the US Department of State and work within the guidelines put forth by the Department of Homeland Security and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. The corporate offices are located in South Florida with satellite offices in Washington DC, Houston, New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

They can be contacted through their website http://www.travelpassportvisacenter.com / or toll free at 877-448-5579.

O.A.R.S.
CONTACT: Steve Markle
PHONE: 209-753-4797
EMAIL: stevem@oars.com
WEB: www.oars.com

ANGELS CAMP, CA – The California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) is reporting an above average snowpack in the Sierra which has river outfitter O.A.R.S. getting ready for an exciting, extended season of thrill-stacked whitewater rafting.

This year’s snowpack is expected to produce higher water levels, faster flows, bigger rapids, and a longer-than-average California rafting season.

The Tuolumne River’s late May and early June season is expected to provide the highest flows of the year, and some of the most exciting whitewater rafting conditions in California’s recent history.

CDWR hydrologists recently confirmed that the water content of California’s mountain snowpack is 124 percent of normal for mid-March.

Recent late-winter storms have dumped more than eight feet of snow in parts of the Sierra, and with more snow predicted, the month of March is more than making up for a dry January and early February.

“We appear to be on a good water supply track as we move toward summer’s peak demand period,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin.

The 2011 season will mark California’s second consecutive year of above average spring snowpack and some outfitters are predicting the best water in more than a decade.

Due to this year’s snowpack, current market conditions, continued interest in close-to-home adventures, and emerging trends toward shorter but more frequent vacations, O.A.R.S. President & Founder, George Wendt is expecting 2011 to be “the best California rafting season since 1983”.

Steve Markle, O.A.R.S. Director of Sales & Marketing had this to say; “With a substantial snowpack and the fact that more California residents are seeking active, high adventure vacations closer to home, we anticipate a record California rafting season.”

O.A.R.S., California’s leading provider of whitewater rafting and adventure travel, offers trips on seven California rivers, including the North Fork of the Stanislaus through Calaveras Big Trees State Park, the Merced and Tuolumne rivers near Yosemite National Park, the North Fork and Middle Fork of the American River near Auburn, as well as family-friendly adventures on the South Fork of the American River near Sacramento and the Lower Klamath River in Northern California.

O.A.R.S. operates in California from April through September with river trips that range from high adventure for adrenaline junkies to gentle floats suitable for children as young as four years.

Since 1969 O.A.R.S. has set the standard in first-class rafting, sea kayaking and multi-sport vacations, with destinations and unparalleled experiences on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world. O.A.R.S. caters to active travelers of all ages and abilities with more than 75 unique itineraries worldwide, including one-day and weekend escapes.

For more information on O.A.R.S. eco-friendly adventures visit www.oars.com , email the company at info@oars.com  or call 1-800-346-6277.

Hunters who have finished with taxes before the deadline can expect to find Idaho’s wild turkey populations in good shape.

The general season youth turkey hunt runs Thursday April 8 through Wednesday April 14. Youths 15 years or younger on April 8, may participate in the youth hunt. All youth hunters must have a valid hunting license and turkey tag.

The general spring turkey hunts open April 15 and runs through May 25. Dates vary for controlled hunts, listed in the Upland Game brochure.

Turkey hunting seasons and rules can be found in printed form at all Fish and Game offices and at license vendors statewide. The brochure is also on the Fish and Game Website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov  in PDF format.

The brochure includes maps showing the general areas of wild turkey distribution across Idaho.

Hunters also can use the convenient Idaho Hunt Planner, found in the hunting section of the Website, where detailed maps are available.

Hunters must have a valid Idaho hunting license and turkey tag. They may buy two turkey tags – on general and one extra tag – for the spring season before May 26.

Resident adults pay $19.75 for the first tag and $12.25 for an extra tag. Discounted tags for youth, seniors and disabled veterans are $10.75. Nonresident turkey tags cost $67.50, except for junior mentored tags priced $10.75.

Turkey hunting requires special attention to safety in the field. Hunting information and safety tips are found at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/apps/releases/view.cfm?NewsID=3094  on the Fish and Game Website.

JUNEAU, Alaska-Established in the winter 1975, the Alaska Folk Festival has grown to become a central event in Juneau’s local music scene and is the oldest and largest festival of its kind in Alaska.

The 37th Alaska Folk Festival will be held April 11-17 in Juneau.

Built on the premise that everyone is an entertainer, no auditions are required for individuals or groups to get their 15 minutes of stage fame.

Many of its founding members are still around and many of their children are continuing the musical traditions of their parents. Each year this annual event celebrates folk music from Alaska, the Northwestern United States, and Canada.

Welcoming artists of all levels, the festival now boasts more than 140 acts, as well as dances and workshops.

The festival is based on a 15-minute-act structure as a way for local musicians to pick up new skills through workshops and performances.

Guest artists also come to town for the event, and though some years have seen big-name acts, most of the guest artists are not household names; they are chosen from a list of recommendations and then voted on by the Folk Fest board.

Vastly entertaining, this popular music festival is free to all (except for the guest artist act), and concerts take place every evening, with afternoon concerts on the weekend.

Enjoy bluegrass, folk, instrumental, singers, storytellers, fusion, gospel, Appalachian swing, and more. The festival takes place April 11-17, 2011 and is free to the public.

For complete details, visit www.AKFolkFest.org

ESTES PARK, Colo.- YMCA of the Rockies is gearing up for summer and what better way to get ready than giving away a yurtcation. Last summer brought the new yurt village to YMCA of the Rockies’ Snow Mountain Ranch.

Centrally located on the 5,100 acre property in Granby, Colorado, the yurts were a big hit and led to the conception of the YURTcation Contest.

To enter, participants must create and submit a short video inspired by yurts to the YMCA of the Rockies Facebook page.

The contest runs until April 25,, 2011 with the winner of a two-night stay in a Snow Mountain Ranch yurt announced April 29th.

Videos can be silly, serious, or anything in between. Visit the YMCA of the Rockies Facebook page for a sample video and to read the official rules.

If you aren’t able to create your own YURTcation video but still want to enjoy a memorable Colorado vacation with YMCA of the Rockies, there are plenty of other options.

Yurts and lodge rooms are currently available for reservations and cabin reservations will be available beginning midnight April 7th.

www.ymcarockies.org

Summer Feet Cycling
CONTACT: Stephanie Parnell
TEL: 832-755-7661
E-MAIL: Stephanie@adventuremedianews.com
WEB: www.adventuremedianews.com

PORTLAND, Maine—Summer Feet Cycling, a bicycle tour company that specializes in high-quality, once in a lifetime bicycling vacations in Maine, Utah, New Zealand, Nova Scotia, and Quebec announced that it will be hosting a Maine cycling and camping tour that will help raise funds for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

“I love the BCM because by advocating for cyclists, they are also advocating for healthy lifestyles, a greener planet, and engagement with our natural environment,” said Norman Patry, Owner of Summer Feet Cycling.

“All of these causes that they represent are causes that I feel are worth supporting which is why we decided to do this fundraiser.”

This trip, which is one of Summer Feet Cycling’s most popular cycling tours is being offered as a camping trip and includes a seven day/ six night trip from Boothbay Harbor to Bar Harbor and then on to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. During the seven days of cycling, travelers will experience some of the best cycling in all of New England.

Guests will travel to some of Maine’s most iconic places, see over a dozen lighthouses, and discover the beauty and charm of Maine’s quintessential small, coastal towns.

Highlights of this Pedal The Coast tour include exploring the Maine coastlines hidden coves and breathtaking scenery by bicycle, enjoying a private sunset sail on a classic wooden schooner, sampling delectable Maine fare like lobster and smoked salmon, fresh blueberries, the local favorite “whoopie pies”, and much more.

Two cycling tour routes are provided for both moderate and experienced cyclists. Dates: September 4-10, 2011. Price: $1195 per person.

For more information about this tour, visit www.summerfeet.net

Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce
CONTACT: Heather Jones
TEL: 207-288-5103 x112
EMAIL: hjones@barharborinfo.com
WEB: www.barharborinfo.com
Taste of Bar Harbor

BAR HARBOR, Maine- The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce is launching the first Taste of Bar Harbor Festival with events May 20-22, 2011, as a way to showcase local and diverse cuisine as well as encouraging people to eat local. Food lovers and residents will have a chance to sample local food and drink at the festival Saturday May 21st 11a-4p in the Newport Drive parking area and participate in other festival events Friday evening and Sunday morning.

Festival highlights include a wine tasting at House Wine Friday evening and a Chef’s table at several restaurants. Cooking classes, a comical servers’ race, and an ice carving demonstration by Chef Lou from the Bar Harbor Inn’s Reading Room contribute to the activities held on Saturday.

During the race, waiters and waitresses will negotiate trays of wine glasses (filled with water) through an obstacle course.

On Saturday, the public can feast on the culinary treats found in the region under a tent off Newport Drive.

Bar Harbor’s retailers will feature their taste of Bar Harbor on the streets of downtown while storefronts will display a taste of their business throughout the day.

At dinner time, participating restaurants will offer food and wine pairings to further enhance the culinary experience.

Finally, the weekend winds down with a jazz brunch Sunday morning.

Wine and beer tastings, cooking demonstrations, and cooking classes will round out the weekend for locals and visitors.

“We are very excited about the Taste of Bar Harbor. It is a great way to promote some of the local fare and flavors of Bar Harbor,” said Chris Fogg, Executive Director of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

Taste of Bar Harbor is a community oriented event that celebrates the creative and flavorful cuisine experience one can have when visiting Bar Harbor.

Bar Harbor has long been a place of inspiration, relaxation, and outdoor activities. To plan your trip, visit:

www.barharborinfo.com

For more information about the Taste of Bar Harbor, contact Heather Jones at 207-288-5103 x112.

The science fiction event has been organised to raise money for victims of the Queensland floods.
SciFi Sydney offers science fiction fans the chance to meet recreations of some of their favourite film characters while raising money for charity.

Visitors will have the chance to get their pictures taken with the likes of Darth Vader, R2D2, a Dalek and K9. All models and outfits have been created by the Sydney Robot Workshop and Novus Ordo Star Wars Costuming groups.

People can also get behind the wheel of a Star Wars Droid or climb inside a Dalek and drive it around the hall.

The event takes place on April 9th 2011 at the Dougherty Community Centre in Chatswood, just 15 minutes’ drive north of Sydney’s central business district.

A trivia competition, spaceship battle game, raffle and bake stall are among the activities that have been organised to boost the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.

Proceedings are scheduled to get underway at 10:00 local time and run until 16:00. Admission is free.

“We want to showcase what the Sydney Robot Workshop and Novus Ordo Costuming groups have to offer and at the same time raise much-needed funds for our country folk who have been hit hard by the floods,” said organiser Mark Hamester.

Star Wars enthusiasts thinking of booking last minute hotels and heading to the event can check out LateRooms.com.au, which offers a wide array of Sydney hotels.

More information can be found at http://www.sydneyrobotworkshop.com

Love and Beauty on the Micronesian Shores of Kosrae
KOSRAE ISLAND, Micronesia- Lovers beware one trip to Kosrae Village and you may be scrambling to leave the urban chaos of the real world forever. Owners Bruce and Katrina fell for the lush rainforest covered cliffs and sparkling cerulean-colored waters of Kosrae Island and never looked back. Kosrae Village is an eco-adventure resort boasting ocean-front cottages, a dive shop and the delicious Inum Restaurant all created in the style of pre-contact Kosrae and built using traditional Micronesian materials and methods. Not to worry modern amenities have been added for the comfort of today’s travelers.

Lovebirds can take advantage of their many packages including the 6-day 7-night honeymoon delight deal for under $1000. Adventurous couples can snorkel stunning coral reefs, wreck dive sunken ships or trek the rainforest in search of ancient Menka and Lelu ruins. Couples wanting to give back are invited to volunteer during the annual coral monitoring project in October. In more of a laid-back relax in the sun mood? The beaches promise days full of sun, surf and relaxation, minus the crowds found in the Caribbean. This is just a taste of the beauty and adventure waiting for guests at Kosrae Village.

Don’t let the distance deter, Continental Airlines offers a special Visit Micronesia fare which commences from Hawaii and Guam. For instructions on finding this fare, stop by the Kosrae Village website or email Katrina at katrinakvr@gmail.com . Fall in love all over again at Kosrae Village.

www.kosraevillage.com