Jetsettersblog

NEW DESTINATIONS AND TRAVEL TRENDS FOR 2012

Gecko’s Adventures are all about providing the best authentic experiences for passengers on a budget and in 2012 those experiences will include three fantastic new tours to the Galapagos, which will satisfy even the most insatiable wildlife enthusiast.

Galapagos Panorama – 10 Days
Highlights:
Isla Mosquera Island
Isla San Cristobal: Punta Pitt
Isla San Cristobal: Cerro Brujo and Leon Dormido
Isla Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station, Lonesome George and the Highlands
Isla Isabela: Tintoreras
Northern Island of Rabida and Cerro Dragon
Black Turtle Cove and Sombrero Chino

Galapagos Escapade – 7 Days
Highlights:
Isla Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station, Lonesome George and the Highlands
Isla Isabela: Tintoreras
Northern Island of Rabida and Cerro Dragon
Black Turtle Cove and Sombrero Chino

Glimpse of Galapagos – 6 Days
Highlights:
Isla Mosquera Island
Isla San Cristobal: Punta Pitt
Isla San Cristobal: Cerro Brujo and Leon Dormido
Isla Santa Cruz: Charles Darwin Station, Lonesome George and the Highlands
-ENDS-

For full details on all Gecko’s Adventures destinations please visit: http://www.geckosadventures.com

Experiential tour operator Myths and Mountains is proud to announce a host of new tours for 2012, which will give travelers a chance to experience remote cultures across the globe in a way rarely available through commercial tours.

Rooted in the ethics of adventure and exploration, Myths and Mountains staff work closely with the communities and cultures of the countries they operate within. This local connection allows them to create tours that veer far off the beaten path, leaving clients with memories of places few tourists ever get to experience.

Openings are available on each of these tours for writers or editors interested in a story featuring Myths and Mountains

Eat your heart out on a culinary tour of India

Throughout this 20-day whirlwind tour, travelers will visit bustling cities like Calcutta, Chennai, and will tour cultural and historical sites like the towering Sri Meenakshi Temple, which is one of the most impressive in Asia. They will tour the spice plantations of Thekkady, and explore the region’s transportation waterways by houseboat. In Cochin, they will experience the foods and traditions of India’s Jewish and Christian minorities.

Each night’s meals are prepared by some of the best chefs in India, many of whom are the descendants of the very chefs that first discovered the country’s best flavors generations ago.

Experience the beauty of Patagonia

This 13-day tour gives travelers a chance to experience one of the world’s last great wild places in every way imaginable. Over the course of the tour, clients will soak in the scenery of the Southern Andes from canoes, four wheel drive vehicles, motor boats, and on foot. The tour explores some of the best sights in Argentina and Chile, and will spend full days exploring Torres Del Paine National Park, Tierra Del Fuego, Perito Moreno Glacier, and the many fjords that dot the Austral coasts.

Travelers will stay each night in the very best accommodations available and, while in Buenos Aires, will even be treated to a “tango dinner,” where they can watch and even learn the region’s most famous dance.

Learn the crafts of Lao culture

On this nine-day tour of Southeast Asia, travelers will have the opportunity to learn the arts and crafts locals have spent centuries perfecting. Clients will be taught skills like papermaking, dying, weaving, and cooking local dishes from local experts in their villages.
Travelers will hunt of orchids and learn the medicinal value of local plants in Pha Xay, explore the museums and temples of Bangkok, and practice traditional Lao meditation in Wat Nakhoun.

“…what does not allow me to sleep well is, not the strength of our enemy army, but crossing these immense mountains”.

An opportunity has arisen for a journalist to take part in this epic adventure 12-20 February 2012. This historic route is taken on horseback and suitable for bold novice riders with a sense of adventure.

Follow in the footsteps of San Martin as he crossed the Andes to free the people of Chile in 1816.

For more information please visit www.unicorntrails.com/latinamerica/chile/chiletoargentina-acrosstheandes/

If you are a staff journalist on a quality, national print newspaper or relevant magazine, or a freelance journalist who has already secured a commission from one and are interested in the trip then please contact: Gemma Johnson on 01767 600606.

If you think you can help with the above query please reply to the author direct. You’ll find contact details below. Simply click on the email address or phone the number given.

allows guests to lend their voices and images to conservation in Chilean Patagonia

While photos add credibility to bragging rights of amazing journeys, Patagonia Sur’s Preserving Patagonia photography workshop, March 3 – 10, 2012, provides guests the added opportunity to elevate environmental awareness by capturing on film the ongoing need for conservation of the Chilean Patagonia.

With the growth of social media, conservation travellers can make huge impacts when supporting causes with their own stories and images. Preserving Patagonia is one of a series of Seedlight Workshops, which connects photographers with a passion for the environment to urgent, compelling stories that environmental organizations need help telling. Participants learn to use advocacy photojournalism to elevate environmental awareness through the creation of powerful imagery, reminding the viewer of the importance of protecting the planet.

Limited to 12 participants, the eight-day, seven-night workshop costs $5,800.00 USD per person (based on double occupancy, single rates available upon request).

Reservations may be made by visiting www.patagoniasur.com  or by emailing reservations@patagoniasur.com

Preserving Patagonia has been designed to teach amateur and professional photographers documentary and travel photography techniques that will create a portfolio of stunning imagery of Chilean Patagonia’s pristine wilderness.

Led by award-winning environmental documentarian, Bridget Besaw, the week-long workshop takes place amidst her six-month project of documenting the preservation and stewardship of Patagonia’s Aysén region, in conjunction with the Patagonia Sur Foundation.

Patagonia Sur’s Valle California and Melimoyu sites will serve as home base for participants.

Valle California is framed by snow-capped mountains and encompasses more than 10 miles of the El Tigre River (a pristine tributary of the Palena River), crystalline mountain lakes and neighbors the 118,000-acre Lago Palena National Reserve. Melimoyu lies at the nexus of the southern edge of the Valdivian temperate rain forest and the northern edge of the sub-Antarctic rainforest. This one-of-a-kind ecosystem is home to a combination of species not found anywhere else on Earth.

Equally unparalleled is the area’s marine life: blue whales congregate just off the coast to deliver their young, and plentiful dolphins, penguins, seals and sea lions complete Melimoyu’s extraordinary ocean offerings. Accommodation is provided by modern, beautifully appointed rooms in Melimoyu and yurts in Valle California, all with en-suite bathrooms and a light footprint.

Included in the workshop fee is return transportation between Purerto Montt, Chile and La Estrella; all food, beverages and overnight accommodation; daily excursions led by Patagonia Sur’s expedition team; expert advice by Besa;, complimentary use of Leica equipment; and assistance of the Patagonia Sur’s travel concierge to help book and organize trips. As well, complimentary laundry services will be made available, so guests don’t have to worry about getting dirty while searching for that perfect angle.

And thanks to the added collaboration with Leica Camera, guests will have access to top-flight camera equipment, including their flagship M9 and M9-P digital rangefinder cameras and the entire portfolio of M lenses.

About Patagonia Sur:

Patagonia Sur is a for-profit conservation venture that invests in, protects and enhances scenically remarkable and ecologically valuable properties in Chilean Patagonia.

A leader in eco-tourism experiences, Patagonia Sur has developed sustainable lodging on two of its properties, Valle California and Melimoyu where guests may enjoy all the amazing outdoor activities Chilean Patagonia has to offer.

As well, an innovative blend of conservation and capitalism, Patagonia Sur seeks to deliver competitive financial returns to investors by preserving pristine ecosystems and the traditional culture of Patagonia in perpetuity by developing and nurturing a diverse portfolio of self-sustaining and environmentally sensitive businesses. www.PatagoniaSur.com

AdventureSmith Explorations is offering five new Central and South American cruises, thanks to the relaunch of renovated Sea Voyager, starting in March.

The 60-passenger expedition ship will offer eight- to 12-night cruises from a per diem of $365 per person, double.

Included are all meals, pre- and post-cruise hotels stays, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees.

In addition, travelers can save up to $2,000 per couple if they book their cabin on any of the Sea Voyager departures by Jan. 31.

The discount amount depends on the time of year, the cabin type and the itinerary.

Onboard are a lounge, a bar, a fitness and massage rooms, a library with Wi-Fi, a dining room, a buffet, fore and aft deck space, and a platform for getting on and off of Zodiacs.

The five new itineraries are a nine-day Panama to Costa Rica Pacific cruise, a 10-day Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean cruise, a nine-day Panama to Colombia Caribbean cruise, a nine-day Columbia Caribbean cruise, and a 13-day Panama to Ecuador Pacific cruise.

From colourful festivals to unique local celebrations, World Expeditions and their European division UTracks choose their favourite events around the world for 2012…

JANUARY: VIETNAM
TET NGUYEN DAN – VIETNAMESE NEW YEAR 23 January 2012
WHY: Festive atmosphere, street gambling and dragon dances: Tet Nguyen Dan (literally meaning “the first morning of the first day”) is the biggest and the most sacred festival in Vietnam and is celebrated nationwide. An occasion for family reunions, it marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and the arrival of spring, with the Vietnamese taking extreme care to start the new year out right: they buy new clothes, paint and clean their homes, pay off all debts and make amends to rid themselves of all bad feelings!
BOOK IT: Treat your family to the Vietnamese New Year celebrations with World Expeditions’ luxury 13-day Vietnam Family Explorer. Departs on 22 January, from £1,250 per adult (£790 per child).

FEBRUARY: LAOS
LAO ELEPHANT FESTIVAL 17-19 February 2012
WHY: Saddle up – who could pretend to have visited Laos, the ‘Land of a Million Elephants’, without meeting one of these superb animals? The Elephant Festival is organised to raise awareness of the need for action to protect the Asian elephant as part of Laos’ vital cultural and natural heritage. Expect to see colourful elephant processions, elephant bathing, mahout demonstrations, ancient Baci ceremonies, traditional Monk blessings, night markets and of course the prestigious ‘Elephant of the Year’ contest.

BOOK IT: Make sure you are in Laos on time for the Elephant Festival with World Expeditions’ Best of Laos and Cambodia (15 days) that departs on 16 February. From £1,550 per person.

MARCH: INDIA

HOLI – FESTIVAL OF COLOURS 8 March 2012

WHY: Let the spirit of revelry overtake you… Although it is the least religious of Hindu holidays, Holi (“the Festival of Colours”) is probably one of the most exhilarating ones in existence. Celebrated all over India since ancient times, it welcomes the arrival of spring, commemorates various events in Hindu mythology and is a time of disregarding social norms and indulging in general merrymaking: participants hold a public bonfire, spray friends and family with coloured powders and water and go absolutely crazy!

BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ compact Delhi to Kathmandu trip (7 days) will make sure you are in Jaipur, the capital of the desert lands of Rajasthan, for Holi. Departs on 7 March, from £590 per person.

APRIL: HOLLAND
QUEEN’S DAY 30 April 2012

WHY: Europe’s biggest street party! Every year on 30 April the Dutch celebrate their Queen’s Day. It is by far the most widely celebrated holiday in the country (Amsterdam alone welcomes two million party-going visitors) and the entire nation dresses in orange, the royal colour. Grab a bargain at one of the many garage or car boot sales (street trading laws are relaxed for 24 hours), there are street performers on every corner and cafés see their outside terraces in full swing, with live music pulling in the customers.
BOOK IT: Celebrate Queen’s Day in Holland with UTracks’ compact 4-day Tulip Tour. Departs on 28 April, from £430 per person.

MAY: UK
GLOUCESTERSHIRE CHEESE ROLLING 28 May 2012

WHY: For hundreds of years the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling has been taking place on this steep hillside. Although traditionally by and for the residents of the local village of Brockworth, the event now sees people from all over the world taking part. A guest roller starts the race by releasing a 7-8lb round of cheese down a treacherous slope and competitors then hurl themselves down the slope after it. The first person to arrive at the foot of the hill (usually after numerous tumbles) is the winner and gets the cheese!
BOOK IT: Book UTracks’ self-guided A Week in the Cotswolds (8 days, NEW FOR 2012) which departs daily and plan it around the Gloucestershire Cheese Rolling. From £556 per person.

JUNE: PERU
INTI RAYMI – FESTIVAL OF THE SUN 24 June 2012

WHY: Daytime expositions, street fairs, dancing in the streets and live music from the best of Peruvian musical groups: Inti Raymi (“the Festival of the Sun”) is a weeklong celebration marking the beginning of a new year. Originally celebrated by the Incas, today it is the second largest festival in South America, after the carnival of Rio de Janeiro, with hundreds of actors chosen to represent historical figures. The greatest honour? Being selected to portray the Sapa Inca, the Emperor of the Inca Empire, or his wife Mama Occla.

BOOK IT: Book World Expeditions’ Peru – Raft, bike and hike (14 days) that departs on 24 June and get to Peru on time for the Inti Raymi celebrations. From £1,590 per person.

JULY: MONGOLIA
NAADAM – THE THREE GAMES OF MEN 11-13 July 2012

WHY: Inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Naadam is a true test of manhood in such traditional games as horse racing, archery and wrestling. The most widely watched festival among Mongols, it enjoys special popularity comparable to that of football in Europe, baseball in the US or sumo wrestling in Japan. It is believed to have existed for centuries, although today it formally commemorates the 1921 revolution, when Mongolia declared itself a free country.

BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ special Trans Siberian Adventure Naadam Festival (23 days) departure on 2 July costs £3,690 per person.

AUGUST: FRANCE
CORSO DE LA LAVANDE – LAVENDER FESTIVAL 3-7 August 2012
WHY: Corso de la Lavande (“the lavender festival”) is a significant colourful local affair – and a wonderful excuse to visit Digne-les-Bains, the self-styled “capitale de la lavande” and one of the most visually striking regions of Provence! Here, the local lavender harvest is celebrated during the first week of August in a half-a-century old festival. The town comes alive as parades with elaborate floats and presentations of folklore culminate in a grand ball, all devoted to this abundant crop.

BOOK IT: Celebrate Corso de la Lavande with UTracks’ self-guided Best of Provence (8 days). Departs daily from April to October, from £790 per person.

SEPTEMBER: ETHIOPIA
MESKEL – FINDING OF THE TRUE CROSS 27 September 2012

WHY: Meskel is Ethiopia’s most colourful Christian festival – but even for non-believers, it offers a dazzling excuse to celebrate with bonfires and parties! Thousands of locals and visitors get together to watch priests, nuns and parishioners sing, clap, beat drums and dance as they put on a unique show for the crowd. Meskel commemorates the recovery, 17 centuries ago, of the cross on which Jesus was crucified and the Ethiopian Church still claims to have its own piece, hidden from public view at the remote monastery of Gishan Mariam.

BOOK IT: Make sure you are in Ethiopia to celebrate Meskel with World Expeditions’ special departure of the Ethiopia Explorer (16 days) on 21 September. From £2,220 per person.

OCTOBER: BHUTAN
JAMBAY LHAKHANG FESTIVAL 29 October – 2 November 2012

WHY: A hugely popular religious festival, Jambay Lhakhang takes place every autumn at one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Jambay Lhakhang is known for its two special events: ‘Mewang’ (the “fire blessing ceremony”), where locals run underneath a huge flaming gate made out of dry grasses with ambers and piles of burning grasses falling on their head; and ‘Tercham’ (the “dance of treasure”), where dancers with their face covered by a mask perform a dance completely naked.

BOOK IT: World Expeditions’ dedicated departure for Land of the Thunder Dragon – Jambay Lakhang Festival (13 days) is on 25 October 2012. From £1,890 per person.

NOVEMBER: ARGENTINA
FIESTA DE LA TRADICIÓN – TRADITION DAY 10 November 2012

WHY: This is the best opportunity you will have to see the ‘gaucho’ culture and get a feel for country life in Argentina. There are competitions, dances, horse and bronco riding, folk music and asados (“barbecues”), as well as exhibitions of local craftwork including silverware, spurs, stirrups and saddles. The finale involves hundreds of gauchos in their traditional dress – typical bombachas (“baggy jodhpurs”), wide-leather belts, boots and leather hats – parading through the centre of town.

BOOK IT: Book World Expeditions’ 11-day Patagonia Adventure which culminates just in time for Fiesta de la Tradición. Departs on 27 October, from £1,890 per person.

DECEMBER: CHILE
NEW YEAR’S FESTIVAL 29-31 December 2012

WHY: Attracting one million tourists from around the world, this three-day festival culminates with a huge (30,000 explosions!) firework display. Live bands play until the early hours of the morning on Plaza Sotomayor, while local traditions include: eating lentil dishes with 12 grapes to symbolise each month of the year; writing down everything that was bad about the old year and then symbolically burning the paper; going out walking with luggage so that you travel during the year; and wearing ‘lucky’ items, such as yellow underwear.

BOOK IT: Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chile with World Expeditions: Book Chile End to End (18 days) that departs on 31 December 2012, from £3,290 per person.

For more information and bookings please visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk and www.utracks.com  The all-inclusive policy of World Expeditions and UTracks ensures there are no local payments. Prices do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

From close encounters with killer whales in Patagonia to seeking snow leopards in Bhutan, Reef & Rainforest Tours (Tel 01803 866965 www.reefandrainforest.co.uk) has introduced five top wildlife adventures for 2012.

Orcas (killer whales) in Patagonia, Argentina, 12 nights from £3,875
Tigers and snow leopards in Bhutan, 12 days from £3,986
Whale sharks and dolphins in the Philippines, 12 days from £2,865
Wonderful wildlife in South Africa, 12 nights from £2,580
Wild horses and seals in Namibia, 12 nights from £2,820
Orcas in Patagonia, Argentina – Along the vast Atlantic shoreline of Argentine Patagonia, several ocean currents mix, creating a sea rich in plankton, seaweed, fish and jellyfish, which in turn attract large populations of marine mammals and sea birds. It is here at Punta Norte on the Valdes Peninsula that wildlife enthusiasts can visit the only location in the world where orcas use virtual beach stranding as a hunting technique.

The 12 night ‘Orcas of Patagonia’s Wildlife Coast’ escorted tour departs in March 2012 and costs from £3,875 per person including full board accommodation and international flights.

Tigers and snow leopards in Bhutan – A magical Himalayan kingdom, surrounded by India and Tibet and guardian of a rich cultural heritage, Bhutan is a land of dramatic mountain vistas, forested valleys and ancient fortress temples. Visitors can enjoy outstanding birding, with some 400 species of birds including the black-necked crane. Tiger, binturong and golden langur inhabit the narrow belt of lowland forest in the south, whilst snow leopard and takin (a kind of goat/cow, and Bhutan’s national animal) thrive on the high slopes, along with the shaggy domesticated yak. Even if one doesn’t see the big cats (which are very elusive), a visit to Bhutan will nevertheless be a uniquely intriguing experience.

A tailor-made 12-day tour costs from £3,986 per person including full board accommodation and international flights.

Whale sharks and dolphins in the Philippines – Whilst much of the Philippines has suffered from deforestation, the island of Palawan remains largely intact and a beacon of conservation. Almost 400km long and, at its widest, 50km across, Palawan boasts remnant tribes, the world’s longest Underground River – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rare karst landscapes and vast mangrove forests.

Offshore from Puerto Princesa, the vibrant capital, visitors can snorkel with whale sharks, spot dolphins and pilot whales, as well as enjoy nocturnal displays of thousands of fireflies. In the far north, El Nido and Taytay are meccas for snorkellers and marine scenery lovers, and on Busuanga Island, Coron offers fantastic WWII wreck dives to rival those of legendary Truk. Macaques hunt crabs on the tidal flats, endemic Palawan hornbills roost in the trees, and the island’s emblematic bird, the beautiful blue peacock pheasant can be seen skulking in the undergrowth.

A tailor-made 12-day tour costs from £2,865 per person including accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and international flights.

Wonderful wildlife in South Africa – From Cape Town to the Kalahari, KwaZulu Natal to the Kruger, South Africa offers a thrilling diversity of landscapes, wildlife and culture. Reef & Rainforest Tours has developed eleven stunning new sample itineraries to give visitors a true flavour of the Rainbow Nation, an unsurpassed selection of the most desirable wildlife journeys possible for this land of contrasts.

The 12 night ‘Self Drive Adventure in South Africa and Swaziland’ tour costs from £2,580 per person including a mix of full board / half board/ B&B accommodation and international flights.

http://www.reefandrainforest.co.uk/south-africa/no2.php

Wild horses and seals in Namibia -Namibia offers a wealth of experiences: dramatic (and at times surreal) landscapes, surprisingly abundant wildlife, diverse cultures, wild coastlines, world-class lodges, good infrastructure and endless wilderness. A land of unspeakable beauty, Namibia can be tackled by self-drive, privately guided tour or fly-in safari. A self-drive adventure can include Namib wild horses in the far south and seals at Walvis Bay as well as more traditional desert wildlife and game-rich Etosha National Park.

The 12 night ‘Complete Namibia Road Trip Adventure’ tour costs from £2,820 per person including a mix of half board/ B&B accommodation and international flights.
http://www.reefandrainforest.co.uk/namibia/no3.php

Not traditionally known as a honeymoon destination, Latin America offers everything a newlywed couple could wish for from their trip of a lifetime. Over the past 12 months specialist tour operator Journey Latin America have seen a 60% increase in the number of couples enquiring about honeymoons in this part of the world and as a result have just launched a collection of brand new honeymoons for couples looking for something a bit more unique than the typical Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius offering.

With the whole of the continent to choose from, Journey Latin America has taken the stress out of booking a honeymoon in Latin America by designing eleven unique itineraries in the areas they feel are most suited for a romantic holiday-of-a-lifetime. Each holiday offers the best accommodation in the most romantic locations and newlyweds will enjoy private excursions to visit the region’s best highlights, travel in private transport and benefit from having all their flight arrangements etc pre-booked. And with the help of a dedicated travel consultant, couples can choose to personalise their trip even further to make their holiday a truly memorable experience.

A few of Journey Latin America’s hot honeymoon picks include:

An Alternative Honeymoon Safari in Brazil, 15 days from £4,069pp
For a relaxing and stress-free honeymoon, but one that is full of adventure, this honeymoon ticks all the boxes. Stay at two of the best lodges in Brazil’s primary wildlife wilderness areas, the Amazon and the Pantanal. Add a couple of days at the stupendous Iguazú Falls on the border with Argentina and stay a few days in fabulous Rio de Janeiro, enjoying its views and sunlit beaches.

Nicaragua, 12 days from £2,026pp
For those looking for something a bit more adventurous and off-the-beaten-track, offering a bit of adventure and discovery, unspoilt scenery with glimpses of wildlife and a little history and culture Journey Latin America propose a honeymoon in Nicaragua, fast gaining popularity among travellers but as yet free of hordes of tourists.

Argentina, 15 days from £4,914pp
For couples looking for something a bit different from their honeymoon: who are not keen on the idea of lying on a beach all day, and would prefer to fill their time with exciting, unique experiences in stunning natural scenery, Argentina will not disappoint. Staying in first-class hotels, feast on sumptuous steaks in Buenos Aires, trek amongst the glaciers of Patagonia, and relax in the beautiful wine region around Mendoza.

Costa Rica, 11 days from £2,384pp
The friendly, peaceful little country of Costa Rica is the perfect choice for a relaxing honeymoon spiced up with a bit of adventure and wildlife watching. This honeymoon holiday includes white water rafting, spotting turtles and exotic birds at a top rated jungle lodge, and long lazy days on a near perfect Caribbean beach; all while based at first class accommodation.

Recently returned from her honeymoon in Peru, Head of Product Diana Henderson says ‘Latin America really is a wonderful place for a honeymoon. From a moonlit dinner on a secluded Brazilian beach to star-gazing in the Atacama desert to cruising down the Amazon on a luxury boat, there really is an endless amount on offer to make your trip one to remember. The biggest problem is trying to work out what you can realistically fit in!’.
For more information on Journey Latin America and to see our full range of holidays, please visit www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk  or telephone: 020 8747 8315.

SEATTLE– This fabulous tour by Southern Explorations offers guests the chance to explore the stunning landscapes of Patagonia—without sacrificing creature comforts.

With luxurious accommodation and wines and food that will impress even the most devout oenophiles and gourmands, this Luxury Patagonia & Wineries trip offers an ideal romantic getaway for couples who want to sample a little adventure in addition to savory South American fare.

Guests enjoy a gourmet food tour through the Lakes District and an exotic Mendoza wine tasting tour, sampling the best that Argentina has to offer. Anyone traveling to Buenos Aires and the countryside of Argentina in search of quality varietal wines, both red and white, accompanied by superb cuisine, will find it in abundance on this very special tour. Argentina’s top wine country of Mendoza is located within view of the Andes, making a picturesque setting for your Argentina travel and tastings and the perfect stopover on the way to the Lakes District. Couples stay overnight in luxury on the shores of beautiful Nahuel Huapi Lake and tour Victoria Island and the surrounding areas. While Patagonia may seem too remote for many, this tour affords guests extreme comfort to explore this beautiful region of the world, staying in historic estancias and other distinctive lodgings with Patagonian mountain views in two of the region’s most famous national park: Argentina’s Los Glaciares and Chile’s Torres del Paine. This Argentina adventure gives you the great outdoors in the lap of luxury. 14 days. $8195 per person. www.southernexplorations.com

The South American economic miracle is impacting travel. Described as a “tale of two Americas where travel trends are concerned,” the latest ITB World Travel Trends sees the 2011 South American market as buoyant, whereas international arrivals in North America rose only slightly and U.S. travel abroad was weak.

Boosted by the strong economic performance of countries such as Brazil and Argentina, South America’s domestic and international travel markets registered high double-digit growth. In America, economic uncertainty dampened many U.S. citizens’ desire for travel. Trips to North America increased slightly over the last eight months, whereas international travel remained at last year’s levels. For next year, UNWTO forecasts a 4 to 5 percent increase in international tourists from the Americas, compared with 6.4 percent in 2010.

By contrast, many countries in South America continues to boom.

Even if growth rates have now slowed when compared with previous years, during the past eight months trips abroad by South Americans increased by 15 percent. Brazilians were particularly keen to travel. With the help of a robust domestic economy and strong currency they spent 45 percent more on trips abroad than in 2010. Relatively young, well educated and wealthy travelers are characteristic of South America’s three burgeoning markets, those of Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

The arrival of more low-cost airlines in South America will further increase the number of long-haul trips. Many holidaymakers who travel abroad have also put South America at the top of their wish list. International arrivals increased by 13 percent, while trips to the Caribbean and Central America rose by a lowly 4 percent each.

The difficult economic times currently experienced by many Americans is also reflected in how they take holidays. The focus is increasingly on price awareness and travel bargains. “Staycationers” either remain at home altogether or go on holiday locally.

Only 23 percent of U.S. citizens intend to take more trips abroad next year, 28 percent aim to take less, while 23 percent have no plans at all to travel abroad next year.

The U.S. inbound market registered only slight growth.

During the last eight months, the number of international arrivals rose by only 3 percent, compared with 7 percent in 2010.

The findings are based on the assessments of 50 tourism experts from 30 countries, on a special IPK International trend analysis undertaken in leading source markets, and on core data supplied by the World Travel Monitor, recognized as the largest ongoing survey of global travel trends in some 60 source countries. The findings reflect trends which emerged during the first eight months of 2011.