Coast to Coast tours are scheduled for May 5-20 and Aug. 25 through Sept. 9. The company offers 12 itineraries with 25 departures, six to 16 nights in length. The tours offer a choice of six to 16 nights and include the Lake District, Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, Wales, Cornwall, the Cotswolds and a London/Cotswolds combo. Inclusive prices begin at just $2,850 per person, double occupancy, for six nights.

On board of our very comfortable gullet we set sail to discover the Amalfi Coast, one of the most popular tourist attractions of Italy which has enchanted travellers from all over the world.

Art and tradition characterise the various towns perched along the rocky coastline, surrounded by terraced hillsides steeped in vineyards, citrus and olive groves.

Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello are to name but a few of the places we visit along the way in this compelling journey through art, nature and culture.

By foot we enjoy numerous beautiful villages embedded in the mountain overlooking the sea, in areas where nature is almost untouched. Back on the boat, the cuisine is inspired by ancient recipes from the nearby fishing villages.

The local specialities are the fresh fish of the day, pasta and local cheeses etc, complimented by seasonal vegetables and all the aromas of the Mediterranean maquis

departure for Amalfi : July 6th guaranteed , Aug 31st, Sept 28th guaranteed , Oct 26th

Walking & Gullet: Volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands – Full Board
From €1380 Full board

Walking & Gullet: Volcanoes of the Aeolian Islands – Fulll Board

On board our gullet we discover the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands, tracing the steps of history from the active volcanoes to the seas and ash and lava deserts. The Aeolian archipelago is made up of seven islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi.

All the islands are different and full of contrasting scenery: from the black sand beaches of Vulcano and Stromboli to the pristine white sand of Lipari, and from the eruptions of Stromboli to the fumarole of Vulcano.

The constant beautiful blue sea is one of the exceptions to this vision of the archipelago.

departure for Aeolian Islands: June 8th guaranteed , Sept 7th, Oct 5th

Fabien Rolland
www.onefootabroad.com
Founder & Managing Director
+353 443 3973
fabien.rolland@onefootabroad.com

Save 10% per person on Premium Vancouver Island Bike Tours

Comox Valley, BC – Kermit the Frog famously sings the line, “It’s not easy being green”. At Island Joy Rides we respectfully disagree. For us, it’s quite the opposite. Touring Vancouver Island from the seat of a bicycle is an inherently easy and green thing to do. This is one of the main reasons we launched the company.

Here are a few green bike facts* that we find pretty interesting:
• For every 1 mile pedaled rather than driven, about 1 pound of CO² is saved.
• On-going use of a bicycle has virtually NO carbon footprint.
• Cycling reduces air pollution — bicyclists emit few poisonous gases
• A four-mile bicycle trip keeps about 15 pounds of pollutants out of the air
• Cycling reduces water pollution — bikes don’t drip brake fluid, anti-freeze, etc.
• Cycling reduces noise pollution — even without a muffler bikes are quiet *Source – International Bicycle Fund

Considering these tidbits and the fact that many communities in North America are about to celebrate Bike to Work Week, we want to encourage people of all ages and fitness levels to get out and ride. One of the ways we’re doing this is by offering a 10% saving on all of our multi-day, June bike tours (those that still have space). These guided tours are perfect for couples, singles, or friends looking for a unique way to explore beautiful Vancouver Island. From cycling to wine-tasting, gourmet meals to ocean kayaking, eagles to seals – guests will undoubtedly return home feeling inspired, rejuvenated, reconnected, and green! And we should stress, guests do not need to be serious bikers to join us – we provide full support.

Our all-inclusive cycling experiences start and finish at either the Old House Village Hotel and Spa or Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa, both award-winning accommodations in the Comox Valley. The June tours offered are our five-day Edge of the Islands, our five-day West Coast Foodie, and our three-day Weekend Getaway. Some of the tours coincide with unique Vancouver Island events, such as the BC Shellfish Festival and include hotels, meals, snacks, bikes and all accessories, guides, van support, wine tastings, vineyard tours, maps, t-shirts, and ferry fees. Each tour also includes its own unique activities. For instance, West Coast Foodie incorporates a First Nations traditional canoeing experience followed by a seaside feast – making it a wonderfully West Coast adventure. (Specific dates for tours are available on our website). Bookings must be received by Friday, June 7th.

For more information about Island Joy Rides and all our bike experiences please visit www.islandjoyrides.com  or call 250-830-8522 (local) or 1-855-830-8522 (toll free).

Island Joy Rides offers premium guided and self-guided single and multi-day bike tours that highlight the quaint villages, wineries, farms, spas, local food scene, culture and natural beauty of the Comox Valley, Campbell River, Quadra Island and surrounding region on Vancouver Island, BC. Our commitment to small groups and personal attention to guests of all ages and skill level, ensure an engaging and memorable experience. Season: mid-June to mid–Sept. Private bookings can be accommodated year-round. Signature tours include: West Coast Foodie and Edge of the Islands.

Nestled on 32 landscaped acres, the park offers wide open spaces and grassy areas perfect for a game of backyard cricket or simply spreading out and soaking up the Gold Coast sun. The perfect base for exploring the Gold Coast and its stunning hinterland, BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is ideally situated for every holiday adventure. Kids will love that the theme parks are just a short walk away from the park, while the Harbour Town shopping district is close by for those looking for a little retail therapy. For the outdoor adventurer, the beach is just a ten minute walk from the park and Mt Tamborine is a short 20 minute drive away, where walks along palm-fringed creeks and stunning waterfall views await.

The park is home to an impressive range of facilities including a resort style pool with a 1.5 story waterslide and poolside cabanas, spa, giant inflatable screen for outdoor movies, BMX track, tennis court, pedal cars and much more.

Throughout school holidays, the park offers activities to keep the kids entertained and give Mum and Dad some downtime to enjoy a meal at the park’s onsite restaurant and cafe. Kids’ activities include interactive wildlife talks, cooking classes, craft making and face painting. There’s even the chance to feed the park’s own chickens and collect their eggs which are turned into a wholesome breakfast at the cafe. Guests staying on a Sunday will be treated to a free pancake breakfast, while kids enjoy free ice blocks on summer afternoons.

Park owner Theo Whitmont, who has owned three BIG4 Holiday Parks in the past, purchased the park three years ago and has invested significantly in upgrading the existing facilities and adding new accommodation including 11 five star villas.

“We strive to create a unique holiday destination in a competitive local market. The extensive facilities, wide open spaces and impeccable service are what set us apart from other Gold Coast accommodation providers,” says Theo.

“We’re the only holiday park on the Gold Coast where you can bring your dog, walk to the theme parks, camp by the riverside and see native wildlife including koalas and kangaroos right outside your tent or cabin. We have created a really unique offering and we believe that’s why people often extend their bookings and keep coming back,” adds Theo.

Accommodation options at BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park range from spacious ensuite and powered riverfront sites, to luxury villas and cosy cabins. The park also offers a valet parking service for all guests including a golf buggy ride to your cabin or site, and staff can even park your caravan or motorhome so all you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your holiday.

Visit BIG4.com.au to research locations and book your next holiday to experience Australia by BIG4.

For further information, images or to arrange an interview contact:
Morgan Bailey | Account Executive | PR Edge
P + 613 8416 6770 | F + 613 8416 6779 | M 0420 967 109

About BIG4 Holiday Parks
BIG4 Holiday Parks is a Franchise Group comprising 180 holiday parks across Australia. The group provides a range of high-quality accommodation options from powered ensuite sites for caravan and motorhomes to luxury cabins. With a consistently high standard across all its parks, BIG4 has set the standard of holiday park experiences and is the recognised industry leader. BIG4 Holiday Parks’ BIG4 Club has over 170,000 members who enjoy discounts on accommodation bookings as well as ongoing benefits and discounts with BIG4′s partner organisations. Being a BIG4 Member means you’ll not only get savings on BIG4 accommodation, but also access a whole host of other holiday benefits thanks to BIG4′s Local Member Benefits program. BIG4 has also established strong relationships with other leading global holiday park brands including reciprocal membership benefits with TOP 10 Holiday Parks in New Zealand as well as a master licencing agreement with North America’s Kampgrounds of America (the leading campground operator in North America and Canada) for the Australian, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and East Timor markets. For more information on BIG4 Holiday Parks visit  www.BIG4.com.au    Protect your trip with trip cancellation insurance from Seven Corners at www.sevencorners.com

Licenses will be available through the department online system and over the counter at department offices beginning Jan. 9.

Any person who did not hold an ibex hunting license for the 2012-13 season is eligible to purchase one of these licenses.

The cost of the license is $111 for residents and $1,630 for nonresidents.

This hunt is necessary because the ibex population is beyond the carrying capacity of the habitat. The bag limit will be two female or immature male ibex.

Any hunter who harvests two ibex and has them verified by a conservation officer or at a Game and Fish Office, will be entered into a drawing for an either-sex ibex rifle hunt during the spring of 2014. All hunters must verify their harvests within five days.

All hunters must have a customer identification number to purchase these licenses.

For information, please visit the department website at www.wildlife.state.nm.us  or contact Kevin Rodden at the department’s Las Cruces office at (575) 532-2100.

CARDIGAN BAY NORTH, by Welsh outdoor writer Sioned Bannister, is published this week at just £4.99.

It’s the second in a ground-breaking new series of ten planned popular guides to the finest circular walks along the whole of the Wales Coast Path published by Northern Eye Books: www.northerneyebooks.co.uk.

These eye-catching, generously illustrated and cleverly structured books give walkers the ten finest routes for each of the main sections of the Wales Coast Path, in a full colour, pocketable A6 format.

With clear information, an overview and introduction for each walk, expertly written numbered directions, enhanced Ordnance Survey mapping, superb panoramic photographs, and interpretation of points of interest along the way, these guides set a new standard in clarity and ease-of-use.

Featured circular routes include: Porthmadog & Moel-y-Gest, Portmeirion, Ynys Llanfihangel-y-Traethau, Harlech Beach & Llanfair Cliffs, Shell Island, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Barmouth & Arthog, Aberdyfi, and Borth & Wallog.

Other titles currently available in the Top Ten Walks: Wales Coast Path series include: Llyn Peninsula. Titles coming soon will include: North Wales Coast, Isle of Anglesey, Cardigan Bay South, Carmarthenshire & Gower, and South Wales Coast.

Attractive, sales-boosting counter-top displays that hold all ten titles will be widely available from the distributors in 2013.

Publication date: December 1st 2012.

Available to order from: Sales and Marketing Department, Welsh Books Council, Unit 16, Glanyrafon Enterprise Park, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3AQ | Tel: 01970 624455 | Fax: 01970 625506 | tom.ferris@cllc.org.uk

Or direct from the publishers, Northern Eye Books (01928 723744).

The announcement in the Autumn Statement marks the second time that APD has been upwardly adjusted in 12 months, and follows on from an eight per cent increase in April of this year.

These hikes have been greeted with dismay by travellers who typically take overseas trips. According to Blue Chip Holidays’ research of over 800 customers conducted in the past week, the likely outcome is a further fall in such trips and an increase in holidays here in the UK. Its findings revealed that almost 18 per cent of those asked said that in the last year APD rises had put them off foreign travel. A further 38 per cent said that they had chosen UK self-catering holidays over overseas trips to save money.

These findings are supported by the Airport Operators Association (AOA), which has released its own study suggesting that passenger numbers will fall as a result of the hike. The survey consulted 26 UK airports for their opinion on the anticipated increase and one in four said that they expect passenger numbers to fall by more than five per cent next year. 73 per cent of airports declare themselves ‘very worried’ by the government’s plans.

Commenting on the findings Alan Taylor, Managing Director of Blue Chip Holidays, which has over 800 four and five star holiday homes in the South West and Isle of Wight, said, “The Chancellor’s announcement of a further hike in APD is clearly going to weigh on the minds of travellers, especially in these financially challenging times. Confronted with the possibility of hundreds of pounds being added to the cost of an overseas holiday, you can bet that travellers will think twice about the pound in their pocket and what value they can get for that here in the UK.”

The positive news for the domestic holiday home sector is that customers who choose not to holiday overseas intend to spend the money they save here in the UK. 25 per cent of those polled in Blue Chip Holiday’s survey said they’d upgrade their accommodation to somewhere really special while almost 24 per cent said they’d choose to use the money saved to truly treat themselves on their holiday in the UK. Almost 30 per cent said they’d use any money saved to take an additional domestic break in the UK.

From one of the hottest outdoor music venues to an off-the-grid backcountry hut, the Colorado Tourism Office highlights eight of the best spots for stargazing in the state.

For more ideas and inspiration or to order a free copy of the 2012 Official State Visitors Guide, visit www.colorado.com.

Chimney Rock National Monument in southwest Colorado’s San Juan National Forest is the country’s newest National Monument, having received its official designation from President Obama on September 21, 2012.  It’s also one of the best places to go stargazing in the western United States.  More than 5,000 acres of beautiful high desert terrain surrounds Chimney Rock’s striking rock formation from which it gets its name. The U.S. Forest Service offers complimentary Full Moon Programs, which allow visitors the opportunity to watch the full moon rise, learn about the Ancestral Puebloans and archaeo-astronomy theories, and participate in Night-Sky Archaeo-Astronomy Programs and sunrise outings.

• Red Rocks Park & Amphitheater is used to seeing stars all the time. U2, Dave Matthews Band and Coldplay are a few of the acts who have performed at this spectacular natural, open-air amphitheater.  Located just outside of Denver, it’s also an amazing location to spend an evening stargazing. The wide, terraced stairs of the amphitheater are perfect to lay down a blanket and enjoy the heavenly bodies as they come into view.
• Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, located just outside of Montrose in southwest Colorado, offers numerous opportunities to turn one’s eyes heavenward and channel one’s inner Galileo. The sky in and near the park is considered a ‘dark sky site’ because there is little-to-no light pollution to impair star viewing. Ranger-guided stargazing programs are offered throughout the year, as well as an Astronomy Festival each summer.

The UFO Watchtower in Alamosa, Colorado boasts miniscule light pollution and is an ideal stargazing site.  Local legend has it that the San Luis Valley is an extraterrestrial hotbed, with dozens of unexplained flying object (UFO) sightings rumored to have occurred in the area since 2007. At the UFO Watchtower, there’s little or no light competition obstructing one’s view.

• The OPUS Hut tucked in between 13,000-foot mountain peaks, at an altitude of 11,800 feet, is an incredible backcountry respite. At night, visitors feel as though they can reach out and touch the stars and planets that are visible in the night sky. Rates, which include dinner and breakfast, are just $70 per night. The Hut offers solar powered electricity and hot water, two wood-burning stoves, indoor plumbing and restrooms. Amazing backcountry skiing and snowshoeing are available nearby.
• Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, Colorado offer several unbeatable stargazing areas. The Rocky Mountain Nature Association offers Trek Adventures at Dusk, a custom educational experience specifically for children led by a local naturalist is available via an evening snowshoe tour or bus tour.At the Estes Park Memorial Observatory visitors can explore the night sky with a Mead 12 inch LX200 Schmidt-Cassergrain telescope in a private observation session or during a pre-scheduled public viewing.
• Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins, so-called because of a bizarre rock formation that resembles an actual horse’s tooth, offers an uninterrupted view of sparkling night skies. A short hike to Horsetooth Rock boasts a view of Fort Collins on one side and rugged mountains framed by Horsetooth Reservoir and the night sky on the other.
• Gunnison Valley Observatory is the largest public telescope in Colorado. At an elevation of more than 7,700 feet and with virtually non-existent air and light pollution, Gunnison boasts near-perfect stargazing conditions. The entirely volunteer-operated observatory and its powerful telescopes allow visitors to get closer to the stars and planets than ever before.

When planning to go stargazing in Colorado, it’s best to be prepared. Following are a few tips from the pros for having an enjoyable stargazing experience in Colorado.

• Each person in your party should bring a flashlight to guide the way to the stargazing site. Bright LED flashlights are recommended. Because maintaining one’s night vision requires complete darkness, keep flashlights pointed to the ground at all times.
• It can take anywhere from 15-25 minutes for one’s eyes to adjust to dark conditions. Be sure to keep any and all lights off the stargazing site.
• Since stargazing is not an active pursuit, it is best to wear warm clothes or bring layers to add as temperatures drop in the colder months.  A thermos of your favorite soup, coffee or hot cocoa can help keep you warm.
• Many stargazing sites don’t offer comfortable seating, so it is always a good idea to bring a lightweight, folding camping chair.

ABOUT COLORADO
Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state’s breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of seven major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 13 national parks and monuments, and 58 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the 2012 Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, visit www.COLORADO.com  or call 1-800-COLORADO.

Follow Colorado on Twitter at www.twitter.com/colorado  or Facebook at www.facebook.com/visitcolorado.

Visitors to the historic city can now enjoy short, guided walks through nearby Dublin Mountains, an experience that combines history, heritage and stunning views over the city.

Trails & Tales offers casual walkers the chance to partake in a leisurely climb through the beautiful mountains that overlook Dublin and hear about the history and legends of the region.

Taking from just over an hour up to three hours, the walks are suitable for everyone regardless of age or fitness level and require no specialist clothing.

Led by a local guide, whose family has been living in the area since the 1700s, the trails take walkers along ancient pathways through quiet valleys, over boglands and alongside shimmering lakes.

All the while the guide will share stories, recount myths and give an insight into the character and history of the people who have lived in the region for centuries.

Founder of Trails & Tales, Liz McEvoy, says: “Trails in the mountains are traditionally associated with long treks in specialist clothing and we want to dispel that myth. We offer a truly unique experience in a fun and relaxed environment.

“Visitors can submerge themselves in ancient heritage and walk picturesque routes in an ecologically sound way. En route, we stop at scenic points offering panoramic views of Dublin and beyond. At the end of the walk we can have refreshments, including freshly baked scones.”

Walkers are provided with everything they need including a map of the area dating from the 1800s and rain jackets for protection against the famously unpredictable Irish weather.

Dublin Mountains can be reached within half an hour from Dublin City and there are several public transport options for getting there. The Trails & Tales team can also arrange pick-ups.

The mountains are a habitat for all types of wildlife, flora and fauna and also have a scattering of prehistoric monuments.

And it wouldn’t be Ireland without a handy pub.

Among many to be found in the Dublin Mountains is Johnnie Fox’s pub in Glencullen, the highest pub in the country and the perfect place to enjoy a well-earned drink.

Trails & Tales guided walks are available all year round.

www.discoverireland.com
www.trailsandtales.ie

JANUARY

Jan. 13-18
San Diego Restaurant Week

More than 180 of San Diego’s finest restaurants participate in a celebration of the local dining scene with prix fixed menus.

Jan. 27
Carlsbad Marathon and Half-Marathon

The second-oldest marathon on the U.S. West Coast also features a Kids’ Marathon Mile on the day before the big race, as well as a Health and Fitness Expo.

Jan. 21-27
Farmers Insurance Open

The annual PGA Tour men’s golf tournament is played at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, home of the 2008 U.S. Open.

Jan. 26
Big Bay Whale Days & Festival

This free family event offers a wide variety of interactive and hands-on displays to learn about the annual winter migration of the California gray whale along San Diego’s coastline.

FEBRUARY

February-April
Wildflowers Bloom in the Desert

Depending on the timing and amount of winter rainfall, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in San Diego’s East County turns into a wonderland of color when the spring wildflowers bloom.

Feb. 12
Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp Quarter

This is the biggest Fat Tuesday celebration on the U.S. West Coast. Parades, music and beads take over downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Feb. 16-17
31st Annual Chinese New Year and Cultural Fair
Festivities in downtown San Diego include Asian cuisine, martial arts and cooking demonstrations, cultural exhibits and traditional Lion and Dragon dances.

MARCH

Mar. 1 – May 12
Flower Fields Ranunculus Season

Fifty acres of beautiful Tecolote Giant Ranunculus come into bloom every spring at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.

Mar. 7-17
20th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival

San Diego’s proximity to Mexico makes it a natural venue for this prestigious film festival, focusing on works by Latinos or about the Latino experience, held at the UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center in Mission Valley.

Mar. 16
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival

‘Tis the luck of the Irish for San Diego when the St. Patrick’s Day Parade sets off from Juniper and 6th Street by Balboa Park. An Irish festival with traditional dancers, music, a beer garden and Celtic village follows the parade.

Mar. 17
ShamROCK 2013

With 40,000 sq. ft. of Astroturf, downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter turns into the rolling hills of Ireland from 4 p.m. to midnight. This St. Patrick’s Day party includes Irish rock bands and pints of green beer; guests must be 21 years or older to attend this ticketed event.

Mar. 23-24
Spring Busker Festival

Seaport Village along San Diego Bay comes alive with a celebration of street performers in a battle of entertainment and one-of-a-kind performances by jugglers, sword swallowers, comedic stuntmen and more.

Mar. 30
Ford California Half-Ironman Triathlon

Athletes from all over the world swim 1.2 miles in Oceanside Harbor, bike 56 miles through neighboring Camp Pendleton and run 13.1 miles back to the finish line at Oceanside Pier in the San Diego North County city of Oceanside.

APRIL

April-October
San Diego Padres Season

The San Diego Padres step up to the plate and begin another exciting, six-month season of Major League Baseball, played in PETCO Park in downtown San Diego.

Apr. 5-7
La Jolla Concours D’Elegance Motor Car Classic

Paying tribute to some of the world’s finest automobiles, the Motor Car Classic highlights over 30 juried classes of automobiles; vintage auto aficionados and collectors compete against the best vehicles in automotive history.

Apr. 6-7
49th Annual San Diego Crew Classic Regatta

Rowers from across the country come to Crown Point Shores on Mission Bay to participate in one of the most distinguished rowing competitions in the U.S.

Apr. 18 – May 5
Annual Del Mar National Horse Show

The most prestigious horse show in Southern California offers more than $300,000 in prize money and attracts more than 3,000 horses to the equestrian complex at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in coastal Del Mar.

Apr. 19-21
49h Annual Lakeside Rodeo

Bareback bronco rides, calf roping and other traditional rodeo competitions, along with food and crafts, bring the Wild West to life in Lakeside in San Diego’s East County.

Apr. 20-21
88th Annual Coronado Flower Show

The nation’s largest flower show under a tent takes place in Spreckels Park in Coronado. Flower exhibits are placed around a central gazebo, which becomes the stage for live entertainment and trophy presentations.

Apr. 21
Fallbrook Avocado Festival

Since the 1960s, tens of thousands of avocado lovers converge in Fallbrook, located in San Diego’s North County, to sample avocados, check-out the crazy cooking contest entries, buy funky avocado-themed gifts and enjoy bands, live entertainment and friendly beer gardens.

Apr. 21
Annual San Diego Earth Fair

Set in Balboa Park, the celebration of planet Earth features a children’s parade, booths, educational exhibits, music and earth-friendly food.

Apr. 27-28
Mission Federal ArtWalk

The free visual and performing arts celebration takes place in downtown San Diego’s colorful Little Italy neighborhood and is the largest art event in San Diego.

Apr. 27-28
40th Annual Adams Avenue Unplugged Festival

The free, two-day festival features 180 musical performances of acoustic music, held on four outdoor stages and 22 indoor stages along a two-mile expanse along Adams Avenue, from the neighborhoods of Kensington to North Park.