Specialist ‘Americans in Normandy’ Battlefields tour launched, $714*

A new specialist European vacation is offering US veterans, their families and military history enthusiasts the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding into the American involvement into World War Two and the Normandy landings.

Launched by the UK’s leader in Battlefields tours with specialist guides, Leger Holidays, the five-day trip will re-trace the steps of the US Invasion Force as it played a vital role in securing the success of the Allied liberation of Europe.

After arriving in Normandy on day one, day two will focus on the Omaha Sector which saw the American 1st and 29th Infantry Divisions as they fought on the beach which will forever be known as ‘Bloody Omaha’.

Day three focuses on the exploits of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions who paved the way for the 4th Infantry landing on Utah Beach. On day four the tour moves on to Operation Cobra and the battle for the Falaise Gap.

The trip will also include visits to the American Military Cemetery (above Omaha Beach) and the American Cemetery at St. James (Brittany), providing an opportunity for visitors to pay their respects to America’s fallen heroes.

The fully escorted five-day vacation includes travel by luxury Silver Service coach, four nights’ accommodation at the three-star Mercure Caen Côte de Nacre hotel situated on the outskirts of Caen, continental breakfast and information and commentary from one of Leger’s specialist expert Battlefields guides.

Silver Service coach travel includes porterage in all hotels, a smaller more personal group, free personal headphones, choice of music, on board DVD player and satellite navigation display.

An ideal short break for people who are in the UK visiting family and friends, the tour departs from 400 joining points across the UK. Departure points also include Heathrow Airport, Dover and central London. Prices start from £359 ($714*) per person departing 15 or 29 September 2008 or 29 March 2009.

For further information about Leger Holidays call +44 845 458 5599 or visit the dedicated website www.normandybattlefields.co.uk

Please note: Participants must arrange their own travel to the UK to join the tour. Click the banner below for Leger tours.

Phoenicia Fact Sheet The search is on for keen sailors to take part in an ambitious expedition which aims to recreate the first circumnavigation of Africa believed to have been completed by Phoenician mariners almost 3,000 years ago.

The Phoenician Ship Expedition will set sail this summer from the ancient Syrian port of Arwad, which is where the 70 ft replica vessel is being built.

Led by Philip Beale who successfully headed the Borobudur expedition in 2003-04 sailing a replica 8th century Indonesian trading vessel from Indonesia to West Africa, this latest venture is more ambitious and will see the ship cover 17,000 miles over 12 months before she arrives in London.

“You don’t have to be Ellen MacArthur to take part in this project, although she’d be most welcome. We’re looking for people who have a sense of adventure and curiosity to be part of a small team in what will inevitably be challenging circumstances. We want a multination crew and obviously not everyone can take so long away from work and family commitments so we’d welcome applications from people who could come for part of the voyage” said Beale.

The Phoenicia team are in need of specialist skills such as medical, culinary, IT and photographic expertise as well as experienced and novice sailors. Applications forms are available to down load from the projects website www.phoenicia.org.uk

ROW Adventures
208.765.0841
ian@rowadventures.com
www.rowadventures.com

COEUR D’ALENE, ID–Superlative Idaho, a multisport adventure vacation from ROW Adventures, has been named to National Geographic Traveler magazine’s 2008 Tours of a Lifetime. The magazine’s editorial team combed the world to find the 50 most authentic, innovative, best-guided and most sustainable trips for its third annual list.

Superlative Idaho traverses the Gem State from south to north and is one of just two U.S. trips featured. Highlights include a three-day whitewater rafting trip through Hells Canyon, North America’s deepest gorge; hiking Mount Borah, Idaho’s tallest peak; and sea kayaking Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest and deepest lake. Air taxi transportation throughout the trip offers outstanding views of Idaho’s diverse topography and wilderness.

“We were thrilled to discover that many outfitters share our vision that travel should ultimately not be acquisitive and superficial but connect us more deeply to the planet and to the people in it,” said Norie Quintos, senior editor at National Geographic Traveler magazine. “The other wonderful thing we discovered is that one doesn’t necessarily have to rough it to travel authentically and sustainably.”

2008 marks the third consecutive year that ROW Adventures has had a trip named “Tour of a Lifetime.” The full list is in the May/June issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine. “Idaho is one of the unsung states in the west,” said Peter Grubb, founder of ROW Adventures. “With more than 3,500 whitewater river miles, dozens of mountain ranges and the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states, Idaho has tremendous adventure travel appeal. Superlative Idaho showcases some of the many great destinations available right in our own backyard.”

Trips accommodate up to 12 guests and have limited departures in July and August. Visit http://www.ROWadventures.com  for a detailed itinerary and trip dates.

About ROW Adventures

Since 1979 ROW Adventures has been sharing the excitement of adventure travel with guests from around the world. With an eclectic collection of destinations that span the continents, our adventures are artfully crafted, meticulously organized and enthusiastically conducted. Whether you’re whitewater rafting in Idaho, yachting in Croatia, barging in France or trekking in Algeria, you’ll benefit from our deep experience and responsible travel ethics. For more information, please call 1-800-451-6034 or visit www.ROWadventures.com

Arabic ReleaseSama Airlines is preparing for the Summer, increasing flights and launching new destinations

• Expectation of increased demand for travel market in the Kingdom more than 15% this summer.

• Sharm Al-Sheikh is Sama’s 10th new international destination

• Sama are also inaugurating a new route between Jeddah and Amman

• Fares start from 310 SR to Sharm Al-Sheikh, and from 380 SR to Amman

• Daily flight to Sharm Al-Sheikh and Amman

• Increased the number of flights between some international and domestic destinations to meet strong summer demand

• Sama flies to 10 international destinations with more than 24 different routes.

Riyadh - Sama Airlines, the newest low-fare carrier in Saudi Arabia, has added Sharm Al-Sheikh in Egypt as it’s tenth international destination and the third point in the Egypt after Alexandria and Asiut. Moreover, Sama is inaugurating a new route between Jeddah and Amman in Jordan, Sama’s second Jordanian route after Riyadh-Amman. The first flight will be on Tuesday 10th Jun 2008 from Jeddah to Amman, and then on Thursday 12th Jun 2008. This announcement is part of Sama’s preparation for the next summer season.

Mr. Samer Atawi, Sama Chief Commercial Officer said: “As part of Sama’s preparation for the next summer season, we are pleased to inaugurate flights to Sharm Al-Sheikhadding to Sama’s increasing network of international destinations. Flights will depart on a daily basis two per week from Riyadh and five from Jeddah. In addition, Samais launching a new route between Jeddah and Amman in Jordan, with daily flights and we are also increasing the number of flights between Riyadh and Amman to 6 flights per week. According to our studies, we are expectingdemand for travel market in Saudi Arabia for domestic and international flights this summer to increase by more than 15% compared with last summer.

We have also increased the number of flights between some destinations such as Riyadh-Dammam, Jeddah-Dammam, Riyadh-Alexandria, Riyadh-Amman, and Jeddah-Alexandria. Furthermore, to facilitate and simplifythe travel arrangements for our guest passengers, we have coordinated with our partners to provide options for accommodation in several hotels with discounted and competitive low-prices when they book through our website www.flysama.com”

Sama Airlines will operate a daily flight between Jeddah and Sharm Al-Sheikh, and two flights per week (every Tuesday and Thursday) between Al-Riyadh and Sharm Al-Sheikh at fares starting from 310 SR. The daily flights between Jeddah and Amman, and 6 flights per week between Riyadh and Amman will be at fares starting from 380 SR. The travel demand between Saudi Arabia and Egypt and Jordan is the highest in the region, reflectingextensive family connections, visiting friends and family, or for tourism or business.

Sama flies to 13 domestic destinations (Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Abha, Jizan, Hail, Arar, Jouf, Tabouk, Rafha, and Bisha) and 10 international destinations across the Middle East (Abu-Dhabi, Sharjah, Amman, Damascus, Latakia, Aleppo, Beirut, Alexandira, Asiut and Sharm el Sheikh). Sama offers various ways for booking, such as the website (www.flysama.com) or Call Centre 9200 05588, or Sales Centre in all the main cities (Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Madinah, Abha) and the Airports, or our Authorised Travel Agents (Inside Saudi Arabia and outside). With various option for paying (Cash, Credit Card, Sadad).

True love of his subject has been revealed by a contemporary travel guidebook author whose research, far from visiting the country in question, seems to have drawn heavily on a ‘chick’ in the Colombian Consulate.

Touching though this tale of cultural exchange may be, the veracity of the travel guide genre as a whole has not benefitted from such revelations. Stories of guide ‘authors’ lifting information from existing competitors’ publications, citing the same economically expedient rationale as the unrepentant louche lothario mentioned above, are not uncommon. During the nascent beginnings of Bradt Travel Guides, Hilary Bradt has often recounted amoral ‘advice’ given by an existing established publisher along the lines of ’stay in the UK and get your information from a travel agents’ brochures, its quicker, cheaper and easier!’ Needless to say this kind of nonsense only served to further spur Hilary on in her endeavours to make Bradt the fearless indie publisher that it is today.

New Titles

Iraq: Then & Now

If you thought tourism to Iraq was dead, a collateral victim in a war long supposed to have been won, think again. On 1st May 2008, five years to the day since George W Bush’s ‘Mission Accomplished’ speech, Bradt Travel Guides published Iraq Then and Now: a guide to the country and its people. ‘Iraq Then’ explores the rich history and culture of one of the world’s oldest civilisations while ‘Iraq now’ looks in depth at the period from the rise of the Baathists to the present day. Guide sections feature The North, Baghdad and the Sunni Triangle, and The South.

In addition to the detailed information on the country’s historical and cultural context, Iraq Then and Now offers a balanced view of the events of the past five years. Saddam’s secular rule was brutal and despotic, but during his rise to power there were also many improvements: legislation was passed giving women equal pay, substantial progress was made in controlling infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis, and the number of students in technical fields increased more than 300%.

The authors take a reasoned and objective look at the 2003 war and the events of the past five years, with reports from major British newspapers and journalists, opinion polls from both the UK and US and extracts from Iraqi blogs.

Publication - Out Now! See More…

Algeria

Now there’s a choice… You can either buy the Lonely Planet guide to Algeria or Bradt’s Algeria… Do you feel lucky? After a decade of isolated but brutal civil unrest, peace is holding and tourism is emerging. From the northern coastal strip with bays reminiscent of southern Italy to the desert towns of the south, Algeria has a great deal to offer visitors. Jonathan Oakes’ new guide opens the doors on Algeria’s World Heritage sites, free of thronging crowds, and explores significant evidence of the country’s Roman past; the ruins of Timgad are among the best-preserved in the world, together with those at Tipasa overlooking the Mediterranean and within easy reach of Algiers. Heading into the desert, 8,000-year-old cave paintings and the epic landscapes of the Haggar Mountains are just some of Algeria’s resurgent highlights.

Publication - Out Now! See - More…

Wildlife of the North Atlantic

The latest addition to Tony Soper’s successful wildlife series, North Atlantic: A Guide to the Wildlife, is beautifully illustrated throughout with watercolour paintings by renowned wildlife artist Dan Powell. This full-colour guide covers the surface wildlife that inhabits the waters of the North Atlantic. As a practical guide, it’s an ideal companion for anyone at sea or exploring the coast between Brittany and the British Isles, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland and Maine. Sail the region and experience the company of gannets, fulmars, pigeons, leaping dolphins and sociable seals.

Publication - Out Now! See - More…

Belarus

Nigel Roberts’ book is the first dedicated English-language guide to Belarus, an inaccessible, unknown and misunderstood European country. Focussing solely on the Republic of Belarus allows a rare opportunity to study a country and its people as they really are, before the rest of the world catches on. Anyone with an interest in history and sociology will be fascinated by the continuation of traditional rural pastimes and industries; for environmentalists there are vast areas of marshes, lakes and rivers, all particularly important wildlife habitats.

Publication - Out Very Soon! - See - More…

Colombia

This new guide has involved exhaustive in-country research by author Sarah Woods, and since the advent of President Uribe, security has improved dramatically effecting a surge in tourism following years of lawlessness. As well as a strong focus on the country’s cultural attractions, the guide will appeal to visitors interested in Colombia’s renowned biodiversity - the country has more plant and animal species per square km than any other. A well-developed infrastructure allows easy access to its historic colonial cities and a whole range of emerging eco-tourism initiatives.

Publication - Out Very Soon! See - More…

New Editions

Montenegro

Montenegro has vastly improved its infrastructure and now offers superb eco-adventure and sports facilities. From natural history and mountain walks to seaside breaks and hidden monasteries, the new edition of Annalisa Rellie’s guide covers every aspect of this often embattled republic. Comprehensive coverage on planning and preparation combines with expanded information on major archaeological sites plus an additional chapter, Borders and Beyond, looking at out-of-country excursions.

Publication - Out Now! See - More…

Nigeria

Nigeria encourages visitors to cast aside the country’s reputation for crime and corruption, and experience the hospitality and generosity of its people. Over three times the size of the UK, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. The guide provides a detailed look at the country’s rich history, from the slave trade to numerous coups plus its vibrant and diverse culture as represented in its music, dress, arts and festivals. Centre of extremes, Lagos is covered in detail with plenty of tips for expats. If it was easy it wouldn’t be nearly so worthwhile

Publication - Out Now! See - More…

Cayman Islands

The latest edition of Cayman Islands provides in-depth coverage of each of the country’s three distinctive islands. As well as renowned diving and snorkelling, away from white-sand beaches and world class conch-eating competitions, travellers can search out iguanas, mysterious caves and even ghostly spirits from the islands’ ancient past. The guide includes historical background together with up-to-date information on natural history for those who want to dig deeper and unlock the true spirit of Cayman.

Publication - Out Now! See - More…

Other News

Far flung destinations have an undeniable magnetic attraction for certain nationalities. Britons aside, Italians must be amongst the world’s most inquisitive travellers, a nation whose character requires them to search out hidden corners of the world, plant olives, grow vines and teach the local population to make pasta and pizza properly. Against this background it makes sound commercial sense for Bradt to have signed a deal with Italian publisher FBE Edizioni to translate and publish Bradt guides in Italian. This is a major step forward for Bradt and as Managing Director, Donald Greig explains ‘launching Bradt in Italian under our own brand is in line with our plans to gain broader consumer recognition, especially in those territories where Bradt guides are currently sold in English. We’re delighted to be working with FBE, a successful travel publisher with whom the Bradt brand sits very comfortably’.

For the very first time, Bradt’s inimitable style of guidebook, which recently proved a winner with Wanderlust readers, will now be available to Italian travellers in their native language. The first seven guides to be published in Italian are Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Madagascar and Slovakia. Further titles scheduled for later this year include Borneo, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Maldives, Seychelles, Slovenia and Yemen.

And Finally…

Travel Writing Competition

The closing date for The Independent on Sunday/ Bradt Travel-Writing Competition 2008 is 16th May. This year’s competition entries are to be themed around ‘The Heart of the City’ and submissions must contain a strong travel element. First prize is a holiday for two to Kyrgyzstan, the winning story being published in The Independent on Sunday’s The Compact Traveller section and the author will earn a further commission for a story based on their experiences in Kyrgyzstan. The maximum entry length is 800 words and the competition is open to all writers, published or unpublished. The competition also includes a prize category specifically for unpublished writers. More details - More…

Hilary reports, ‘I’m afraid the only person who managed to spot me en route was the photographer who’d been recording our departure at Land’s End and who subsequently noticed us wandering around, lost, in Truro. However, there were some creative comments on the Guardian’s blog including: “I believe I saw Hilary on a bus in Somerset. She was rocking back and forth in her chair repeating, ‘What a breakfast. ‘ I just presumed that like many people travelling on buses off peak that she was on day release from a home. Now can I have my free Brandt guide please. Whatever the hell that is.”‘

Montenegro, 2nd: The Bradt Travel Guide  This is the first full-length guide published in English to explore all the attractions of the little-known country of Montenegro. From natural history and mountain walks to seaside breaks and hidden monasteries and churches, this book covers every aspect of the history of this often embattled republic and the wide-ranging variety of its cultural heritage., Travel - Foreign ; Europe - Eastern, Montenegro, 2nd: The Bradt Travel Guide

Stop dreaming about that Mediterranean Cruise and take one this summer with Small Families, the UK’s leading operator for single parent holidays!

It is offering three separate itineraries in August; all start and finish in Palma, Majorca.

They give the opportunity to visit some of Southern Europe’s most famous cities such as Genoa, Marseilles, Barcelona, Messina, Valencia, Palermo and Naples.

All cabins have sea views, air conditioning, TV, telephone and radio.

The ship has three restaurants, four bars, bathing pool, kids club, theatre, beauty salon and you will be in the company of other single parent families.

Departures are available from 18 airports across the UK.

Prices for a seven night cruise, inclusive of breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks, most drinks and the services of a Small Families host throughout the holiday are £2,000 for an adult and one child sharing a cabin, additional children under 12, £650 and £785 over 12.

For more information call 01763 226567 or visit

www.smallfamilies.co.uk
www.singleparent.travel

Holidaymakers already booked to Europe or the Mediterranean later this year, can give themselves a bonus early Christmas present with an amazing 7-night Mediterranean cruise offer aboard the 4-star Costa Concordia that costs from just $699pp twin-share – including a choice of onboard dining options, nightly entertainment in a theatre extending through three decks, and onboard tips.

And children up to 18 years who share a cabin with adults will cruise for free – paying just their port charges.

This enticing offer from ecruising.travel is available on Costa Concordia’s 7-night sailing from Rome’s Port Civitavecchia on November 9 this year and can be booked online on www.ecruising.travel

Costa Concordia visits Savona, Barcelona, Palma De Mallor, Tunis, La Valletta, Palermo and returns to Civitavecchia… an itinerary she’ll sail every Sunday from May 4 to November 23, with prices varying from $899pp twin-share through to peak-season $1999.

The 4-star ship has 5-restaurants, 13 bars, four pools including two with retractable all-weather roofs, 5 Jacuzzis, a water chute, sports court, jogging track, and Wellness Centre with gym, Thalasso pool, sauna and steam room.

There’s also a casino, disco, internet café, library, giant on-deck movie screen, shopping centre, video arcade, and children’s club and splash pool.

AVAILABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE DOWNLOAD ON SPIRALFROG

SpiralFrog was selected by the non-profit organization, Keep a Child Alive (KCA), to be the exclusive download partner for the documentary of Alicia Keys’ month-long journey through Africa.

NEW YORK, NY, - SpiralFrog, Inc., (www.spiralfrog.com) the free and legal, ad-supported web-based music service, today announced it was selected by the non-profit organization, Keep a Child Alive (KCA), to be the exclusive download partner for “Alicia in Africa: Journey to the Motherland,” the documentary of Grammy Award-winning musician and Keep a Child Alive (KCA) Co-Founder, Alicia Keys’, month-long trip to Africa to visit communities affected by HIV and AIDS.

Keep a Child Alive is the non-profit organization that engages the public for a-dollar-a-day to buy the life-saving anti-retroviral drugs that keep children and their families alive in Africa. Alicia’s commitment to the fight against AIDS is contagious and she is leading the effort to spread the message of KCA, “Start a Virus to Stop a Virus,” virally, so she has selected a number of prestigious interactive media partners to help get the message out. Running April 9 - May 19, the full-length film will be available for download exclusively at SpiralFrog.com with information provided and donations accepted at www.AliciainAfrica.com

“We are proud to support the efforts of Keep a Child Alive and Alicia Keys,” said Matthew Stern, vice president of marketing for SpiralFrog. “This is a powerful and important story to tell. We hope to help make a difference in the lives of the African children affected by AIDS by driving donations to AliciainAfrica.com.”

“We have received extraordinary support from the music and entertainment industries,” says Leigh Blake, founder of Keep a Child Alive. “We are incredibly grateful to those organizations and celebrities who demonstrate their support by helping us generate awareness and donations for the families and children battling this disease everyday.”

SpiralFrog is enlisting the help of its advertisers in further spreading awareness by creating turn-key, cross-platform sponsorship packages. The exclusive availability of ‘Alicia in Africa’ on SpiralFrog will include promotion on American Idol on April 9th, advance screenings of the documentary on college campuses, viral marketing and an email marketing campaign that will reach over 20 million people. Additionally, Alicia Keys will also be embarking on her US tour in more than 30 cities to let Americans know where to find the film and how they can help. SpiralFrog will be promoting the exclusive availability to download the film on the ground at each of these events.

“Supporting artist initiatives and organizations like Keep a Child Alive is important to us,” said Joe Mohen, chairman and founder of SpiralFrog. “Our members are active and aware and want to know what is happening in the world. This is a serious issue and we are proud to play a part in spreading the word and opening the eyes of many who may not know how devastating the impact of AIDS is in Africa.”

“Keep a Child Alive is an amazing charity and we applaud every effort they make in helping to change the world,” said Mel Schrieberg, CEO of SpiralFrog. “Alicia Keys’ efforts with the organization are noble and extraordinary. We hope to help their efforts by offering this film to watch again and again, and motivate active support.”

When downloaded from SpiralFrog, “Alicia in Africa” will play on multiple formats, including PCs and Macs.

About SpiralFrog

Headquartered in New York, SpiralFrog (www.spiralfrog.com) is a Web-based advertising-supported music experience that combines music discovery tools with free and legal downloads of audio and video content licensed directly from the catalogs of the world’s leading music owners. With more than 2.6 million monthly uniques, over 900,000 registered users, 1.1 million songs and 4,000 music videos, SpiralFrog offers music-lovers a compelling alternative to illicit file-sharing and pirate sites, with a secure environment for them to satisfy their unyielding passion and thirst for music and entertainment information at no cost.

About Keep a Child Alive

Keep a Child Alive is a charitable and educational foundation committed to accelerating action to combat the global AIDS pandemic. With more than 28 million dead and 15 million orphaned, the disease continues, wiping out whole societies, threatening economic infrastructures and creating tragic family devastation. KCA provides life-saving medication, social support, and orphan care, to keep these children and families alive. KCA also develops global awareness campaigns targeted at boosting funding for the fight against HIV/AIDS. For just a dollar a day, you can help save the life of a child or a parent who cannot afford essential treatment and care in some of the world’s poorest countries. http://www.keepachildalive.org

Boutique Safari Operator Now Offering Carbon Neutral Travel

BOULDER/ DENVER, CO - Africa Adventure Consultants continues to lead the industry with innovative safari design, and now they are pleased to announce the launch of a comprehensive effort to reduce carbon emissions as well. Africa Adventure Consultants has joined forces with Sustainable Travel International (STI) on its pioneering TravelGreen™ program, which allows Africa Adventure Consultants to offer carbon neutral safaris to travelers. Africa Adventure Consultants is STI’s first African safari operator partner implementing a sophisticated program that offers carbon offsets on every safari the company sells.

“Carbon neutral” means the point at which greenhouse gas emissions have been identified, measured, reduced where possible, and 100% of the remaining emissions have been offset through high quality renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. Total greenhouse gas emissions are a factor of the air travel to get to Africa as well as the style of safari people enjoy. Sustainable Travel International assists in determining the total greenhouse gas emission per traveler, and Africa Adventure Consultants then absorbs 50% of that amount and provides the option for the traveler to offset the remaining 50%.

“We’ve found that our clients not only appreciate our initiative to protect and preserve the delicate ecosystems of Africa, but appreciate being given the voluntary opportunity to contribute directly as well.” said Kent Redding, President of Africa Adventure Consultants. “Earlier this year we worked to make our Denver office 100% carbon neutral, we continue to carefully select game areas in Africa that operate under sensitive environmental standards and now feel that Carbon Neutral travel is the next logical step. What does this mean for our clients? We are providing a way to travel to Africa with a limited negative impact on the environment.”

Africa Adventure Consultants also works with their African partner companies to reduce CO2 emissions by implementing solar and wind power schemes, reduce wood burning, protect land to create carbon sinks, and more.

Proceeds from purchased offsets are invested by Sustainable Travel International into high-impact sustainable development projects, including reforestation, renewable energy and energy conservation. These projects, which also benefit local communities, are located throughout Africa and other regions. Sustainable Travel International provides carbon offset projects that are independently verified by third-party sources.

The projects must verifiably reduce greenhouse gas emissions according to the CDM Gold Standard, consistent with the principles of the Kyoto Protocol, or meet the standards set forth by the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Alliance. In 2007 Sustainable Travel International received the highest ranking in an independent study of carbon offsetting programs commissioned by the environmental group Clean Air-Cool Planet.

About Sustainable Travel International

Sustainable Travel International is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote sustainable development and eco-friendly travel by providing programs that help travelers and travel-related companies protect the environmental, socio-cultural and economic needs of the places they visit, and the planet at large.

About Africa Adventure Consultants

Denver-based Africa Adventure Consultants organizes safari adventures throughout East and Southern Africa, with destinations including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Victoria Falls. The company sells destinations they know personally and offer guests assurance of strong on-the-ground partnerships with only the best local companies. Africa Adventure Consultants supports a variety of African conservation organizations, community-based tourism programs and humanitarian causes. With an eye on personal service, the principals create customized trips for individuals and small groups.

To learn more, please call 1.866.778.1089.

Top African Travel Providers Promote Sustainable Travel Practices

In 1970, Earth Day founder Gaylord Nelson, then a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, proposed the first nationwide environmental protest “to shake up the political establishment and force this issue onto the national agenda.” The Fazendin Portfolio, representing top African travel companies, takes the conservation of Africa’s delicate ecosystems very seriously and enthusiastically supports the global environmental initiatives that have been successfully implemented since the first Earth Day nearly four decades ago. Tourists are demanding environmentally friendly options and Africa’s finest travel providers are responding with a variety of programs in 2008.

Express Travel Group: The greatest eco-challenge facing Kenya today is finding the perfect balance between utilization and conservation of natural cultural resources to ensure sustainability. Kenya’s tourism is dependent on natural and cultural resources both of which can either be degraded or lost altogether if not properly utilized. Express Travel Group’s “Green Kenya” itinerary takes all this into careful consideration. By fostering exceptional relationships with some of Kenya’s most respected eco-friendly properties, this itinerary combines the best of the classic safari experience with enlightening environmental and community programs.

African Latitude: African Latitude strives to increase working relationships in safari operations with local communities in Kenya and Tanzania. Not only does the company have strong relationships with these communities, but they have created partnerships whereby the Masai people are directly involved with and benefiting from the tourism industry – the ultimate model for sustainable tourism today. The company is now building a community lodge which will bring benefit and employment to the local communities, linking different communities bordering conservation areas and national parks in East Africa and encouraging these communities to create their own conservation projects with the ultimate objective of helping them reap economic benefit from wildlife protection.

Choroa Luxury Safaris: Choroa Luxury Safaris operates luxury mobile safaris in Tanzania, which involves erecting tented camps for each individual safari group and completely removing these camps once the group is done — leaving absolutely no trace and minimal impact on delicate African ecosystems, including the famed Serengeti and Ngorongoro conservation areas.

EcoTraining: Thriving on the foundation that education powers conservation, EcoTraining provides “hands on” travel experiences for adventure travelers across the globe. EcoTraining’s philosophy is that no one can truly appreciate Africa’s wild places without actually spending time in the wild. Whether looking for professional safari guide training or for a learning vacation with a difference and an opportunity to experience the African bush first-hand, EcoTraining strives to educate and instill the great passion for and protection of the African bush in travelers from around the world.

Heritage Hotels: Kipungani Explorer Lamu, the stunning resort on Kenya’s Lamu Island recently announced its commitment to a long-term plan that will ensure that only local staff and materials are used in the development and maintenance of this property. Already considered the finest property on Lamu, this five-star property has proven that it doesn’t require giant generators, imported foods, or state-of-the-art gadgets to keep guests happy. By combining the latest environmental technologies with traditional local knowledge, Heritage Hotels is working to create a model for sustainable ecotourism throughout East Africa.

Dinknesh Ethiopia Tour: The Danakil Depression is considered a “cradle of mankind” for the large number of hominid remains found there. Only the Afrar people have been able to inhabit this difficult region, and continue living today as nomads tending to their livestock. This combination of culture, topography and climate make the Danakil Depression an exotic and mysterious destination for eco-travelers featuring the stunning landscapes and beautiful, enduring people of this remote region of Ethiopia.

The Fazendin Portfolio represents African travel companies providing classic African experiences. From luxury tented camping safari experiences to unique cultural adventures, this collection representing Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and South Africa was developed specifically with the needs and desires of North American adventure travelers in mind. Ever dedicated to environmental conservation, the company recently launched a comprehensive marketing CD including detailed information on the complete representation portfolio which has eliminated the need to print large brochures. To learn more about these eco-friendly travel options in Africa please visit http://www.fazendinportfolio.com/