Jetsettersblog

Moab, Utah is the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Dead Horse Point State Park, the Colorado River and the beautiful La Sal Mountains.

Add to this the many attractions found within 200 miles, such as the Hovenweep & Natural Bridges National Monuments, Capitol Reef & Mesa Verde National Parks, Lake Powell and Monument Valley and the itinerary combinations that include Moab become virtually endless.

Once in Moab, daily itinerary possibilities are even more plentiful, making it possible to plan day after day without duplication. In addition to exploring the national and state parks, Moab offers an abundance of activities to enjoy, including hiking, mountain biking, road biking, four-wheeling, atving, canyoneering, canoeing, kayaking, white-water rafting, horseback riding, rappelling, bouldering, rock climbing, golfing, ballooning, skydiving and scenic flights.

The amazing scenery and activities make Moab a one-stop adventure destination for all levels, beginner to advanced, young to old, physically challenged to the extremely physically fit.

Whether you are seeking excitement, relaxation, or a combination of both, activities can be tailored to fit your group and can be enjoyed for a few hours, half a day, full day or several days. Due to Moab’s generally mild weather, most of these activities can be enjoyed year round. While river activities cease in the winter, they are replaced with amazing cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and sledding in the majestic La Sal Mountains. Rising to13,000 feet and creating a beautiful contrast to the red rocks of the desert floor, the La Sals also provide a cool respite from the summer heat.

A great three day summer itinerary could include a day hiking or biking an alpine trail, a day rafting the cool Colorado river, and a the third day enjoying an early morning hike in Arches National Park, such as the ranger led Fiery Furnace trail.

With so many things to see and do, the combinations are endless and choosing what to include could be the most challenging aspect of your itinerary. Do you fill one day with the excitement of white water rafting and the next relaxing at a spa after a round of golf; or go for the tranquility of a morning horseback ride and a thrilling hummer 4×4 tour in the afternoon?

For those seeking the more extreme activities, there is mountain biking on the famous Slick Rock Trail, rappelling from Morning Glory Arch, or paddling your kayak through the rapids of the mighty Colorado River. Many companies offer “package deals” making it easy to coordinate multiple activities into your daily itinerary.

The diversity of Moab’s cuisine is truly amazing and it easy to plan meals without duplicity. Choose from American, Southwestern, Mexican, Italian, Thai and Chinese, as well as world class gourmet served up in historical buildings. Moab’s two breweries will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds, while the quaint diners, delis and coffee shops fill in with specialties including smoothies, vegetarian dishes and delicious homemade sandwiches for picnic lunches.

Great evening entertainment for large groups can be found as well with old west fun at Bar-M Chuckwagon (featuring the Bar M Wranglers), with an authentic, high-energy western dinner show full of folklore, humor and audience participation in a western village setting. For a night to remember, enjoy a cowboy style chuckwagon dinner and a slow moving evening boat ride on the Colorado River. Canyonlands by Night offers one of the most unique sound and light shows in the world and is one of only two such shows that are performed on the water.

Complete your daily itineraries with a stroll along the Mill Creek Parkway or a nature walk in the Matheson Wetlands. Main Street shopping, museum hopping, art rock touring, or driving one of Moab’s three Utah Scenic Byways, should also be included, as should a wine tasting tour of Moab’s vineyards.

Detailed information on group friendly restaurants, meeting spaces, as well as additional itineraries, can be found at www.moabutah.info  or by contacting the Moab Area Travel Council at 1-800-635-6622.

For more information on the National Parks and other activities visit our tourist information website www.discovermoab.com

Guest ranches vary in the experiences they offer but they all share an opportunity for guests to sample a taste of the Old West.

Whether it’s mounting up for a trail ride, taking a roping lesson, participating in a cattle drive, heating up a branding iron or just sit back, take a break and enjoy the atmosphere, Kansas and Oklahoma guest ranches offer a chance to earn your spurs.

It is important to match the appropriate ranch with the appropriate visitor – as all ranches and visitors are not created equal. We recommend travelers in Europe, United Kingdom and Ireland to book ranch holidays through ranch holiday specialist like Argus Reisen at www.argusreisen.de, CANUSA at www.canusa.de , America Unlimited at www.america-unlimited.de , W&O Travel at www.wandotravel.com, and Ranch Rider at www.ranchrider.com.

Flying W Ranch Cedar Point, KS

Located on 9000 acres in the heart of the Flint Hills, this working cattle ranch is headquartered at the 1890′s family ranch house. It is typically for this ranch to have 25 horses, 300 cow-calf pairs, and 3,000 stocker cattle annually. This ranch offers plenty of hands-on working cowboy interaction with grand vistas and relaxation, with an emphasis on sharing the beauty of the last great expanse of tallgrass prairie in the world. Guest accommodations are in the modern bunkhouse with five rooms. www.flying-w-ranch.net

High Point Horse Ranch Seminole, OK

Located east of Oklahoma City, the High Point Horse Ranch specializes in performance horse training and professional riding lessons with specific discipline styles in reining, westernpleasure, halter and trail riding. All levels of riders are welcome.High Point’s brick ranch house provides comfortable space for up to five guests in a family-like atmosphere in a guest apartment with king bed and private bath, or a guest queen room with shared bath. Guests enjoy daily riding lessons, horseback riding, guided open-range trail rides, cowboy campfires, fishing, and barbecued meals. www.highpointhorse-ranch.com

Hitching Post Ranch at Black Mesa Kenton, OK

Nestled between the high mesas just outside Kenton, at the far western tip of the Oklahoma panhandle, and the legendary Robber’s Roost and Coronado Rock are just ‘up the road’. Visitors will experience life on a family working ranch that is 124 years old . There is always fence to fix, calves to brand and cows to move and feed. Bed & Breakfast accommodations are offered in a log cabin cottage near the ranch headquarters. Cattle drives with overnight campouts are in May and September. www.blackmesacountry.com

Island Guest Ranch Ames, OK

This 5,000-acre, working cattle ranch is located on a island in the Cimarron River. Oklahoma’s oldest guest ranch, owned by a 4th generation ranching family. Open to guests between April and September, their all-inclusive vacations are family-oriented and include lodging, meals and ranch activities. Attractions at the ranch include horseback riding, square dancing, powwows, fishing, swimming, hiking, trap shooting and trolley rides pulled by a team of Belgian draft horses. All activities are supervised.

Guests also have the opportunity to try their hand in team penning (a real cowboy chore) and instructions in roping. www.islandguestranch.com

Meadowlake Ranch Sand Springs (Tulsa), OK

Enjoy a week-long or weekend getaway at this 300 acre scenic ranch just outside of Tulsa. The property offers rolling hills, prairie meadows, creeks, waterfalls, spring-fed lakes, hardwood forests and limestone bluffs.

Guest can fish, hike, canoe, swim, ride horses, throw tomahawks, learn to rope a straw calf, shoot a bow & arrow, and shoot a wild west replica six-shooter and lever action rifle. Accommodations are in three lakeside log cabins each with a two person whirlpool tub, fireplace, king-size bed, full kitchen, and private bathroom. www.meadowlakeranch.com

Moore Ranch Bucklin (Dodge City), KS

A working Longhorn ranch in southwest Kansas, just south of historic Dodge City. Visit the ranch and experience the cowboy way of life. Help gather cattle horseback, roundup horses, learn to rope, brand cattle and cook in Dutch ovens. Wildlife observation and hiking are available. Accommodations are offered in seven one-room cabins. Trail Cattle Drives of 35-65 miles are held every spring and fall. www.longhorn-cattle.com

Sun Rock Ranch Junction City, KS

Explore the legacy of the western frontier and a real ranch experience. Situated on the western edge of the Kansas Flint Hills, this authentic working horse and cattle ranch was built in 1877, and is a family owned operation that welcomes guests with an informal and friendly environment. Experience ranch activities including horseback riding, riding lessons, fishing, camping, working cattle, imprinting newborn foals (hands-on TLC for new horse babies), hayrack rides, bonfire roasts, children’s hand-led horse rides, and walking/hiking trails. www.sunrockranch.com

Tatanka Guest Ranch Stroud, OK

Just north of historic Route 66, Tatanka Guest Ranch is nestled on 1000 acres of pristine Oklahoma countryside. The ranch is conveniently located less than an hour from Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and offers a place to escape from the city and get back to western style basics without forsaking modern conveniences. The ranch has 10 uniquely designed cabins and a 2 bedroom guest house. Features include a lodge, pavilion, recreation room, playground, 8 stocked ponds, horses and a 15 acre lake. Meals and lodging available for individuals. www.thetatankaranch.com

Tiger Mountain Ranch Henryetta, OK

At Tiger Mountain Ranch, visitor experiences are tailored to individual interests. Go cowboy, go native or go both! Experience the soul of the tribe and cowboy way of life with bead-working, leather crafting, singing, storytelling, traditional dance, art, riding, roping, and working cattle. American Indian artisans and cowboys with knowledge and practice in the ways of their ancestors are on hand to provide guests with a journey back in time. Accommodations in the ranch lodge is equipped with five bedrooms and bathrooms, private theater and a pub-style game room with billiards, darts and a big-screen television. The stone tile wraparound deck sits majestically on a 25-acre private lake stocked and ready for kayaking and fishing. Fishing boats, horses and kayaks are provided. www.tigermountainranch.com.

To learn more about western experience, unique restaurants, events, and attractions in Kansas and Oklahoma please visit www.TravelKS.com  and www.TravelOK.com  

 Follow us at Facebook.com/TravelKS, and Facebook.com/TravelOK or Twitter.com/TravelKS and Twitter.com/OklahomaTourism.

The Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas, is offering the “Sunny Side Up Package” for families. The package includes accommodations, daily breakfast in the AAA Four Diamond-rated Hill Country Dining Room, and milk and cookies.

Summer rates start at $189 for two adults and two children under age 12 through Aug. 31. Taxes and a 12 percent daily resort charge are not included.

For more information, call 866-572-7369 or visit www.bartoncreek.com

Hurtigruten is offering seven Antarctic itineraries during the 2011-12 season.

The 12- to 20-day expedition voyages — with departures from Nov. 3 to Feb. 23 — are operated by the Fram. Fares range from $6,190 to $17,105 per person, double.

Itineraries include “Shackleton’s Antarctica,” which follows in the historical sailings of Sir Ernest Shackleton, and “Chilean Fjords & Antarctica,” a voyage that takes in Tierra del Fuego. Lecturers include ornithologist Manuel Marin and Rudolph Thomann, a conservationist with a doctorate in natural sciences. For more information, call 877-301-3117 or visit www.hurtigruten.us

Aspen/Snowmass, Colo…There’s nothing like traveling with your best girlfriends to a destination that offers everything from action to relaxation. Aspen/Snowmass is ideal for women of all ages with all kinds of interests.

The Ultimate Bachelorette Party Destination – With over 150 flights into Aspen/Pitkin County Airport each week, the ladies will have no problem arriving in Aspen/Snowmass to hit the town. Stay in a luxury suite at The Little Nell or pile all your girlfriends into a rented condo through Stay Aspen/Snowmass. Hit the slopes hard or simmer in a spa.

Indulge in Matsuhisa’s renowned sushi menu or or chow down on a slice from New York Pizza. Check out hot spots like the Sky Hotel’s 39 Degrees for fancy cocktails or The J-Bar for beers on tap. Whether you want to be pampered or party, indulge or chill out, Aspen/Snowmass has it all – ski, shop, spa, party, dine – all while mingling with the beautiful people.

Aspen Divas: Ski and Life Coaching for Women– Hosted over two different sessions, February 24th – 28th and March 2nd – 6th, 2011, this intimate, women’s-only ski camp offers participants on-hill instruction and off-hill life coaching.

The goal of this camp is to bring women together to explore and honor the psyche of what allows each woman to perform at her best. Fostering a trustworthy atmosphere, coaches and participants work together to tackle skiing skills and the best ways of transferring those skills to life’s everyday situations. Taught by Aspen’s Team Diva- some of Aspen’s best female instructors and experienced life/executive coaches- this is the premier women’s campo in the ski industry.

D&E Women – Located in downtown Aspen, is the only women-specific snowsports shop of its kind offering both hard and soft goods for skiing and riding, as well as the newest fashions and hottest brands for lounging around or a night out on the town.

Ski brand designs by companies such as Burton, B by Burton, Volcom, Holden, and Nikita meet upscale trends from Diesel, Free People, Arbor Clothing and an all organic line. Complete with skis, boards, boots, outerwear, street wear, shoes, glasses, bags and jewelry, D&E Women is your one-stop shop for looking fabulous and in-style on your vacation to Aspen/Snowmass.

Best Spas in Ski Country –The mountain lifestyle, while invigorating and rewarding, can nonetheless be harsh on the skin, and body. So why not pamper yourself at one of Aspen’s premier spas? 02 Aspen offers a variety of beauty treatments from massage and acupuncture, to facials and waxing; also offering a variety of Yoga and Pilates classes, 02 is a local’s favorite for rejuvenation. Remède Spa located downstairs at the St. Regis Aspen, offers an exquisite menu of body treatments and massage therapy, and some of best beauty treatments around. With incredible beauty offerings at spas all over town, there is definitely no excuse to not indulge in

Best New Year’s Eve Destination – So, you and your girlfriends want to get all dressed up but have nowhere to go? Aspen is the place to ring in the New Year with some of the swankiest soirees at nearly every club and restaurant in town. Fireworks light up the town as they burst over Aspen Mountain while you pop the first champagne of the year.

Aspen Expeditions – Experience the thrill & freedom of free flight with a tandem paragliding flight over Aspen or Snowmass with Aspen Expeditions. With no prior experience necessary, you can soar over the Aspen/Snowmass valley below with one of their USHGA certified tandem pilots. Aspen Expeditions can also take you to backcountry terrain where you’ll launch safely from an out-of-bounds ski run on one of Aspen/Snowmass’s four ski areas and sail the skies with a sea of the Rocky Mountains at your feet. Truly an unreal and unique experience!

Legendary Dining and Nightlife – Whether you’re 21, stuck on 30 or remember Aspen before the streets were paved, the legendary nightlife at Aspen/Snowmass has something for you. With over 100 bars and restaurants, the world is your oyster! Enjoy the wide variety of the world class cuisine and unique cocktails created by the very best.

World-Class Shopping – Those with the best of taste are drawn to Aspen’s world-class shopping. With more than 225 boutiques, there’s no wonder Aspen/Snowmass is renowned for its shopping! Boutiques from Fendi, Prada, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, MAX and Christian Dior, to local favorites including, Radio, Ute Mountaineer, and Aspen Sports. Get up to par on the latest and greatest beauty products at The Cos Bar, a skincare and make-up boutique that has scoured the earth for the most advanced products and treatments available.

Extreme Skiing/Riding – Whether you’re taking on the new Canopy Cruiser double-black diamond terrain on Aspen Highlands or looking for air on Snowmass’s Hanging Valley Headwall, there is plenty of challenging terrain for die-hard female skiers/riders. Ask an ambassador or a local to show you where The Dumps, Walsh’s or Trainor’s are on Aspen Mountain. Don’t forget to hike the infamous Highland Bowl at Aspen Highlands, which requires a 30 minute hike to the 12,392 summit where you drop into some of the best in-bounds terrain in America.

More Women’s-Only Ski and Snowboard Clinics– Since women’s bodies and balance respond differently to equipment and terrain than most men, the award-winning Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen/Snowmass developed Women’s Edge, a unique four-day program offered throughout the season. Designed for women, by women and taught by Level III PSIA-certified pros. The program includes video analysis, an on-mountain picnic, adventures to surrounding Aspen/Snowmass ski areas and much, much more.

Aspen Skiing Company operates the four mountains in the Aspen/Snowmass area – Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlandsand Buttermilk – as well as the award-winning Ski & SnowboardSchools of Aspen/Snowmass. The area offers unparalleled nightlife and off-slope activities as well. Aspen/Snowmass is accessible by two of the most convenient airports in the mountains – Aspen/Pitkin County Airport (ASE) (3 miles from Aspen) and Eagle County Airport (EGE) (70 miles from Aspen).

For more information on Aspen Skiing Company, please call 800-525-6200 or 970-925-1220, or visit the company’s website at www.aspensnowmass.com

Kurland Hotel, which is close to Plettenberg Bay, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape and Le Quartier Français in Franschhoek, is offering a package allows guests to stay for four nights and pay for three at Kurland Hotel on South Africa’s Garden Route.

The package includes luxury or superior rooms, full breakfast, non-alcoholic beverages, daily use of the Café Complet with pastries, cakes, teas, coffee as well as various activities available on the estate including quad biking, mountain bikes, Shetland pony rides for kids ages 6 years old and younger and use of the spa facilities. Transfers to Nature’s Valley Beach are also included. The package is offered July 1 to Dec. 19.

At Le Quartier Français, guests have the opportunity to stay for three nights and pay for two in the Auberge Suites with full bars in the suites, includes full breakfast, VIK children’s pack on arrival, Wii console and an invitation to meet the chef to design their own menus and chocolate tasting, as well as transfers within Franschhoek Village.

Guests can also stay for four nights and pay for three at Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, offering a big five safari experience in the Eastern Cape, and are able to choose from all the luxury lodges on the property.

The package is fully inclusive of all meals, local beverages and safari activities. Guests must book at least two of the three properties in order to qualify for the free nights. Children under the age of 12 years stay free of charge at all three properties. Advanced bookings are essential.

Use code LQF/KUR/KWA11FOR8 when booking with each property individually.

For reservations, call 044 501 1111 or email info@kurland.co.za  For more information, visit www.kurland.co.za

The Discovery Cove marine attraction in Orlando, Fla., unveiled its newest area, The Grand Reef. The new reef features multiple levels of exploration, from shallow waters to deeper swimming adventures and white sandy beaches, to snorkeling among canyons inspired by reefs from around the world.

Visitors just need to get their feet wet to enjoy The Grand Reef, or they can choose to go deep. They can step into tranquil, shallow waters to discover a below-the-surface world teeming with sea life, or they can snorkel in deeper waters as thousands of exotic fish and graceful rays swim around them. Families can seek discoveries along the water’s edge or cross a bridge to see sharks swimming below. They’ll play hide-and-seek with thousands of beautiful fish, from small colorful wrasses to large spotted eagle rays.

Further out in the reef, various habitats create the feeling of swimming alongside venomous lionfish and sharp-toothed reef sharks, each safely behind glass. Guests can take paths and bridges to the reef’s islands and hidden grottos as they delve into the reef from above, around and below.

Guests can also take part in The Grand Reef’s SeaVenture experience, an underwater walking tour. Wearing dive helmets, guests find up-close excitement around every corner, each step yielding a new discovery. They’ll come across lionfish and sharks (safely behind massive panoramic windows), one-on-one touches with unique animals and schools of fish and gentle rays swimming by. SeaVenture is a once-in-a-lifetime, undersea experience available for a nominal fee.

Discovery Cove is a full-day experience where guests can swim with dolphins, hand-feed exotic birds, snorkel through fresh and salt water lagoons and relax on pristine, white-sand beaches. In addition to the park’s one-of-a-kind animal interactions and lush natural beauty, Discovery Cove delivers superlative, personalized service, and unlimited access to an unparalleled array of first-class amenities. Seasonal rates for Discovery Cove’s Dolphin Swim Day Resort Package start at $199 (rates for Day Resort Package without dolphin swim experience and guests ages 3 to 5 start at $129). Prices vary seasonally. For reservations or more information, call 877-434-7268 or visit www.DiscoveryCove.com

U.S. News Media Group released its rankings of the Best Hotels in the U.S., covering luxury hotel properties across 49 travel destinations in the United States. The new rankings are available online at http://travel.usnews.com

The U.S. News hotel rankings are based on the aggregate opinion of published travel experts and the overall customer satisfaction expressed in guest reviews across the web. The highest-ranking hotels are appreciated by both experts and users for their exceptional quality. Among the 852 luxury hotels analyzed by U.S. News, 86 properties with the highest overall ratings were named to a selective list of the Best Hotels in the U.S. (online at http://travel.usnews.com/Hotels/USA)

The 10 highest-rated hotels overall are: Elysian Hotel Chicago – Chicago; Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Maui, Hawaii; Trump International Hotel & Tower, Chicago; Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco; The Fairmont Olympic Hotel, Seattle; The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville; The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park, New York, N.Y.; Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas; Trump International Hotel & Tower, New York, N.Y.; The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, Fla.

The full hotel rankings methodology can be found here: http://travel.usnews.com/methodology

South Carolina’s tourism agency has redesigned its culinary web site, bringing popular features to the forefront and making it easier for browsers to find the culinary details they need when considering or planning a trip to South Carolina.

Building off the state’s already strong online presence, the culinary site at www.SavorSouthCarolina.com  opens up with photos of signature food and beverage like Frogmore Stew found in restaurants across the Lowcountry and craft beer from the Blue Ridge Brewing Company in Greenville.

The website also has tab-easy access to information on chefs, restaurants, cooking schools, recipes, festivals and gourmet shops, and features bold columns highlighting what’s new on the culinary scene, what’s been discovered by South Carolina’s food blogger and which restaurants and festivals are highlighted for the week.

The web site follows the same template used for the state’s primary tourism web site at www.DiscoverSouthCarolina.com. In addition to the new website, travelers can get more culinary news for South Carolina by subscribing to the e-Flavors newsletter at www.discoversouthcarolina.com/plan-your-trip/enewsletters/default.aspx

For more information on South Carolina, visit www.DiscoverSouthCarolina.com

Papillon Airways and Forever Houseboats have partnered to offer three-day houseboat stays with a helicopter tour at three destinations in the Southwest. The first two days are aboard Forever Houseboat’s signature 59-foot or 70-foot Millennium houseboat. The company sends a crew to beach and anchor the houseboat.

On the final day, travelers take a tour aboard Papillon’s EC-130 B4 EcoStar helicopter.

Each Forever Houseboat features private staterooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living area, flat-screen televisions, climate control, roof-top sun deck, water slide and, on the 70-foot Millennium models, a big hot tub on the top deck.

The 59-foot Millennium XT sleeps a maximum of 10 people in four queen-sized staterooms and one queen-sized sleeper sofa. The 70-footer sleeps 12 people in four queen-sized staterooms and two queen-sized sleeper sofas.

There are three commissionable experiences. The Grand Canyon West package sets sail from Callville Bay Resort & Marina on Lake Mead in Southern Nevada, 45 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. On the helicopter tour, guests will see Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Grand Wash Cliffs and extinct volcanoes, and descend 4,000 feet into the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. Guests will touch down by the banks of the historic Colorado River. The flight tours the Las Vegas Strip before returning to McCarran Airport. The package is priced from $4,975 in total, not per person.

The Eldorado Canyon package starts in Lake Mead. The helicopter tour flies to Eldorado Canyon, Southern Nevada’s oldest and richest gold mine. After a tour of the mines, guests can explore the desert landscape via Jeep, quads or horseback. The price begins at $4,575.

The Antelope Valley begins in Lake Powell’s Antelope Point Marina in Page, Ariz. For the final day, Papillon will give a tour on a Cessna 208 of Lake Powell and Monument Valley. The price begins at $5,395.

Each package includes roundtrip ground transportation from all major Las Vegas resorts for tours originating at Lake Mead’s Callville Bay Resort & Marina and transportation to Antelope Point Marina from all Page, Ariz., hotels. Packages also include boat and helicopter accommodations for up to seven people on the helicopter and nine on the Cessna 208. By calling the marina 72 hours in advance of arrival, guests can arrange to have their houseboat’s kitchen and bar pre-stocked.

For more information, visit www.papillon.com or www.foreverhouseboats.com