TRAVEL NOW, FOR THE FUTURE: Lindblad Expeditions Gives Guests a Gift For the Future - A Fund for Wild Places Offers Conscientious Travel to Galápagos Islands, Baja California and Central America
Lindblad Expeditions (LEX), the expedition travel pioneer, has announced an unprecedented drive to raise funds and awareness around conservation efforts in the Galápagos Islands, Baja California and Central America. This campaign – TRAVEL NOW, FOR THE FUTURE – highlights Lindblad Expeditions’ organizational commitment to preserving the planet’s wild and wonderful places through responsible tourism and long-term stewardship.
Launching today , Lindblad Expeditions is extending its commitment to long term support of conservation in the Galápagos Islands, Baja California and Central America by donating $250 per guest to local conservation initiatives. To qualify for the donation program, guests must book their travel between November 20, 2007 and January 31, 2008 and travel must be completed before June 30, 2008. All donations resulting from this offer will be made in the name of the guest who books travel. And, in certain destinations, local NGOs will match that contribution – increasing the impact of the funds donated in the name of Lindblad guests.
The TRAVEL NOW, FOR THE FUTURE campaign is an extension of Lindblad Expeditions’ ongoing efforts to inform and educate travelers about global conservation efforts. Through establishing local relationships and collaborating with respected conservation partners, Lindblad Expeditions has built a robust travel philanthropy program which supports environmental education, conservation and community projects. Lindblad Expeditions’ conservation efforts have resulted in tangible results – in the past 10 years alone, the company, with its guests, has raised more than $5 million for global
environmental issues. Local organizations with whom the company has in-depth working relationships include the Galápagos National Park , the Charles Darwin Research Station, the Mexican Fund for the
Conservation of Nature and MarViva. For information on Lindblad’s grant-making history with these organizations, visit www.expeditions.com/conservation.
Lindblad Expeditions’ spirit of philanthropy reflects the core values of Sven-Olof Lindblad, the company’s founder and president. Earlier this year, Lindblad accepted the 2007 Tourism for Tomorrow Global Tourism Business Award, presented annually by the World Travel & Tourism Council, on his company’s behalf. The coveted award recognizes Lindblad Expeditions for “outstanding leadership as a global model for environmental stewardship.”
Said Lindblad, “I’ve spent a lifetime in search of places that provide exciting, inspiring and meaningful travel and I know first-hand how important it is to safeguard their future. I can’t think of a better gift to our guests than the gift of joining us in the long term preservation of these wild and wonderful places that need support, more now than ever.”
TRAVEL NOW, FOR THE FUTURE is just one arm of Lindblad Expeditions’ new initiatives to raise awareness and money for conservation and sustainable tourism projects around the world. Earlier this year, Lindblad Expeditions launched a new joint Fund for Exploration and Conservation in conjunction with its partner, the National Geographic Society.
For 50 years, Lindblad Expeditions has explored the world’s wildest places, discovering, with curious travelers, the wonder and joy of inspiring, meaningful travel aboard our expedition ships. The company believes conservation and environmental efforts, such as this campaign will enable travelers to continue to explore these beautiful places of wonder for many more years. Additional information about TRAVEL NOW, FOR THE FUTURE can be found on Lindblad’s website (www.expeditions.com/future).
About Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions is an expedition travel company providing voyages in the Galaápagos, Antarctica, Baja California, Alaska, the Arctic, and beyond. Sven Lindblad has received international recognition, including the 2007 Global Tourism Business Award, 2007 Seafood Champion Award, U.N. Programme Global 500 Award, and recognition from HRH, Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg for his dedication to the conservation and environmental stewardship of the Galaápagos archipelago. The company has also been named #1 Small-Ship Cruise Line (Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Value Awards 2006); “The Best Ships in the World” and “The Best Itineraries” (Condé Nast Traveler: Truth in Travel Awards 2006).
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SOURCE: Lindblad Expeditions
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Noahs Ark is to blame. The concept of couples seems seared into our genetic coding. But sometimes folks who are single want to take that exotic journey even though they cant find someone to travel with.
Asia Transpacific Journeys (http://www.AsiaTranspacific.com), an award-winning US-based Asia travel and tour operator, suggests that solo travelers join a small group tour.
Traveling on a group program can provide another layer of support and assistance for all travelers, but for those going solo it also means joining others with whom you have a lot in common right off the bat says Marilyn Downing Staff, Founder and President.
Asia Transpacific Journeys has been refining its small group and custom itineraries for over two decades to assure that everyone, single or coupled, feels comfortable in exotic environments.
While Downing Staff believes that joining a group trip can be a smart idea for the solo traveler, she suggests considering the following:
- Destinations that are more off the beaten path can work better in a small group program, where logistics and language barriers can be daunting to the solo traveler.
- Visiting large, expansive countries such as China, India and Mongoliawith cross-country flight travelcan sometimes be easier with a group than trying to book the same or similar trip on your own.
- Groups often have a number of solo travelers; but dont assume this means theyre single. Some may travel without their spouse, who, for example, may not like to travel as much, or they couldnt get their schedules to mesh.
- The camaraderie and support of a small group often facilitates wonderful exchanges, both within the group members and with the locals themselves.
Asia Transpacific Journeys offers a 2008 roster of scheduled small group departures and custom itineraries to 20 countries throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim.
About Asia Transpacific Journeys
Asia Transpacific Journeys is a Boulder, Colorado-based tour operator specializing in custom journeys and small group trips to Asia and the Pacific region since 1987. Outstanding service, long-standing connections in Asia and deeply insightful cultural interpretation make them the operator of choice for the American Museum of Natural History, The Harvard and Yale alumni associations, the World Wildlife Fund, and discerning individuals, their families and friends.
Asia Transpacific Journeys is the recipient of three Top Travel Specialists awards for 2007 from Condé Nast Traveler magazine. In 2007 it was also honored as a Worlds Best Tour Operator by National Geographic Adventure. For more information, visit www.asiatranspacific.com
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Ever sit on the couch watching The Amazing Race, and say: "I could do that!"...Well, now you can!
GreatEscape2008, the around-the-world travel competition is looking for fifty globetrotting adventurers to take A Blind Date With The World? and compete for the annual title of The World's Greatest Traveler(TM).
The Global Scavenger Hun(TM), scheduled for next spring can be your ticket to fulfilling a dream adventure by offering the most intrepid of global travelers a three-week around-the-world travel adventure. Travelers will race from Los Angeles to New York--the long way!
For three magical weeks, 25 Teams of two will travel the globe visiting at least 10 countries scattered across 4 continents like Indiana Jones' (and Jane's) hot on the path of the Holy Grail. Teams earn points by completing a series of cultural-oriented scavenges (finding Buddha's tooth in Sri Lanka; explaining Thai cooking flavors; visiting King Tut) and challenges (take a photo of a wild orangutan in Indonesia; enter a camel race in India; learn to belly dance in Turkey) in exotic destinations. A cultural immersion at its best, the event is designed to be a rally rather than a flat out race. The object is to test each Team's ability to combat not only the inevitable jetlag, but language difficulties, LGIUM
Teams and single travelers alike, looking to participate are asked to visit The Global Scavenger Hunt's official website GlobalScavengerHunt.com and enter online or call 310.281.7809. Travelers will be interviewed for suitability and asked to help in the events fundraising goal of raising a million dollars for charities like: KIVA, CARE, Doctors Without Borders, UNICEF and Partners in Health.
JUST THE FACTS:
What? A 10-country, 4-continent, 3-week around-the-world global scavenger hunt travel adventure competition that will send players on A Blind Date With The World™. A combination of a race/rally, contestants will be doing things, solving riddles, following cryptic clues, answering travel trivia and looking for physical hints to discover unique and extraordinary items as they are culturally immersed in our Global Village. Previous events where held in 2002, 2004, 2005.
Who? Limited to Twenty-five Teams of two will compete for The World's Greatest Travelers™ crown in this first of its kind global race/rally. The annual travel competition is open to anybody who thinks they have the international savvy and know-how to compete on an international gameboard.
When? The competition begins again on April 11th, 2008 from some get-away on the West Coast of North America and will end three weeks later on May 3rd in New York City.
How? Each person will pay or raise $9,900 to participate in the three week event and for the chance to be crowned The Worlds Greatest Travelers™ and other prizes. That entry fee includes all their international air travel and first class hotels in each exotic scavenger hunt destination over the 23-day event.
Why? Along with the world-class fun, prizes and trophies, GreatEscape2008® has a goal of raising $1 million for worthy international charitable causes with GreatEscape Foundation.
Where? A circumnavigation of the globe. A true around-the-world (RTW) event from Los Angeles to New York City -- the long way! Countries to be explored on four continents that may be included in GreatEscape2008® The Global Scavenger Hunt; are: New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Nepal, India, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Italy, Slovenia, France, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Hungry, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, Austria, Andorra, Spain, Peru, Argentina, Mexico and Canada.
Early Bird Priority Ends December 19th!
SOURCE: GreatEscape Adventures, Inc.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Too often travelers have their journey ruined because they've lost their money, credit cards and important documents to thugs and thieves. Before heading off for your next adventure, be sure to check out the info-packed article 'An Expert's Safety Tips for Female Travellers' at JourneyWoman.com, the premier travel resource for women on the Internet. It contains lots of easy, effective advice like (1) why you need to pack a vitamin pill bottle on every trip you take and (2) details about a great new security purse that you will love. Curious? See: http://journeywoman.com/travel101/default.html
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The busy holiday travel season is almost here. At American Airlines, nearly 80,000 employees stand ready to fly you to that long-awaited vacation, that much-anticipated trip to Grandma’s, or even that last-minute business meeting. Wherever you go this year, consider these helpful items and tips from American to make your holiday travels go as smoothly as possible:
As You Pack…
Each ticketed customer is allowed two pieces of checked baggage free of charge. Each checked item may weigh no more than 50 pounds each, and must measure no more than 62 inches (measured length + width + height).
Customers may carry onboard one bag that fits in the overhead bin or under the seat, plus one personal item. Personal items include things such as purses, briefcases or laptops. Note: Carry on restrictions for flights departing the United Kingdom are different. See www.aa.com/baggageinfo for baggage-related information.
Remember “3-1-1.” The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits the amount of liquids, gels and aerosols you may carry on board. Each customer traveling domestically is limited to items that are each three ounces or less, all of which must fit into one, quart-size, clear zip-top bag. For more information, including limitations on international travel, visit www.aa.com/liquids The TSA’s Web site, www.tsa.gov, is also a good source of information.
Hold on to your valuables. Be sure to put all cameras, jewelry, documents, prescription medicine, car keys and other valuables in your carry-on luggage and keep it with you at all times.
Place your name and flight number inside your luggage, too. Include your name, flight number and itinerary inside each checked bag in case the bag tag becomes detached in transit. It will help in returning the bag to you more quickly.
Leave gifts unwrapped – even in checked luggage. Consider bringing gift bags and tissue paper with you instead. TSA personnel may unwrap gifts to check a package’s contents.
Think of kids’ needs. If you’re traveling with small children, prepare their own small backpack filled with crayons, coloring books, inexpensive toys and snacks.
Before Leaving for the Airport…
Bring proper documentation. Traveling domestically? You’ll need a government-issued photo ID. If you’re traveling internationally, don’t forget your passport, as well as other important documents such as visas, tourist cards and the like. Make copies and carry an extra set with you (or electronically scan them and e-mail a copy to yourself); let others back home have a copy, too.
Consider trip insurance. American offers travel insurance at a reasonable cost through AA.com. You’ll receive a refund for the prepaid, nonrefundable portion of your travel costs if your trip gets cancelled or interrupted for a covered reason. See www.aa.com/tripinsurance for details, or call (800) 628-5404.
Check in beforehand at AA.com. At www.aa.com/checkin you can check in up to 24 hours prior to flight, select or change seats, and print out your boarding pass – all of which can reduce time and stress at the airport. Checking a bag? When you arrive at the airport, simply scan the bar code on your boarding pass at a self-service machine to check your luggage.
Sign up for Flight Status Notification. By signing up at www.aa.com/notify, you’ll receive flight arrival/departure times, as well as gate and baggage information – all via e-mail, phone, pager or PDA. Or, alternatively, get gate and flight information ahead of time at www.aa.com/gates.
At the Airport…
In the event of inclement weather and flight disruptions, your itinerary will be automatically rescheduled. Passengers should log on to AA.com, check with agents at the gate or ticket counter, or call American Reservations to obtain flight reaccommodation information or for additional help in arranging a flight. At some larger airports, a special reaccommodation desk may be activated for additional assistance.
Note your parking spot. Eliminate walking in circles upon your return. Instead of trying to remember your parking location or writing it down on a scrap of paper which can get misplaced, take a picture of your location sign with a camera phone or digital camera.
Beat the crowds and arrive early. Allow extra time for traffic, parking and transportation to the terminal. Travelers should plan to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights and two to three hours prior to departure for international flights. Some cities have even earlier suggested check-in times because of lengthy TSA security checkpoint lines. See www.aa.com/airportexpectations for cities where earlier check-in is recommended.
Use Self-Service Check-in machines. If you haven’t already checked in beforehand at AA.com, try one of American’s quick and easy Self-Service Check-in machines. They’re a great time-saver and can be used for both domestic and international flights. You can print a boarding pass, check luggage, select or change seats, confirm flight changes and purchase upgrades or One-Day passes to the Admirals Club ® lounge.
Try Curbside Check-in. Another great time saver. Check your bag with a skycap at the curb (the fee is just $2 per bag at most airports), and then it’s a straight shot to the Security line and your gate.
Move through Security quickly by being prepared. Have your boarding pass and valid government-issued ID or passport available for Security, and wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off. Take your laptop, portable DVD player or large electronic items out of their cases, and put cell phones and pagers in purses or other carry-on bags before getting in the Security line.
Buy beverages after clearing Security. TSA guidelines prevent bringing standard-size beverage bottles through Security, so buy your beverages in the terminal once you clear the checkpoint. Or, American offers complimentary non-alcoholic beverages onboard its aircraft, and juice and milk are available for children.
Keep children safe and protected. Give your child a passcode that only you and he/she know so your child can’t be tricked by another adult in case you get separated or lost. Make sure your children know the full names of their parents and how to contact them. Keep items with children’s names on them out of sight.
Be at the gate at least 30 minutes before departure. American typically begins boarding aircraft about 30 minutes before flight time for domestic flights (45 minutes for international flights) in order to help ensure an on-time departure.
Onboard the Plane…
Bring along some entertainment. A portable video player, audio player, or reading material can make the time fly while you fly. And don’t forget your headphones. As a courtesy to fellow travelers, it’s always a good idea to use them if you have electronic equipment.
Stay hydrated. Experts recommend drinking plenty of water during your flight.
Prevent ear discomfort in small children. Air pressure changes in the cabin during descent may cause discomfort in small children. Be prepared by having a bottle, pacifier, chewing gum or hard candy with you. Frequent swallowing allows air to flow freely out of and into the ear and sinus cavities, preventing discomfort.
Let your flight attendant help. American has more than 16,000 highly trained, professional flight attendants. If you have a question or special need, be sure to alert them; they’re travel experts and are there to help make your travel experience on American an enjoyable one.
For still more valuable travel information, visit www.aa.com/traveltips. American Airlines is a founding member of the global oneworld® Alliance.
About American Airlines
American Airlines is the world's largest airline. American, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection ® airlines serve 250 cities in over 40 countries with more than 4,000 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in over 140 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com and AAdvantage are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR).
Source: American Airlines
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
For many of us, daily access to Email is akin to our morning cup of coffee - we simply have trouble getting through the day without it. Whether it's a business trip or a vacation, there's a need for access to our Email. No other medium of communication can match Email's speed, convenience, and economy. But how can you stay on top of your Email when you're in Madrid or Osaka, thousands of miles from your office or home computer?
Read below for some of the best advice on the subject from the experts at Magellan's Travel Supplies:
Plan ahead
The secret to getting your Email on the road is to arrange everything before leaving home. You basically have three options: remote access to your work Inbox (often located behind a corporate firewall), a POP3 account, or a Free Web-Based Email provider. In most cases, you'll bring along your own laptop. If so, be sure to read our article How to Stay in Love with Your Laptop.
1. Free Web Based Email Providers
Even with the Internet's evolution toward fee-based services there are still countless web sites offering free Email (Hotmail and Yahoo Mail are popular examples). If you wish to avoid these big providers (which are high profile targets for computer hackers), visit FEPG.NET, which lists hundreds of free Email Providers all over the world and details which features are available from each. How can such a useful service be offered free? That's easy: You're forced to look at the ads. But this seems like a small price to pay for getting your Email worldwide
Web based Email is often a terrific choice for all your personal Email and may be used in place of the service offered by your home Internet Service Provider (ISP) (a POP3 account). Web based Email can be accessed from virtually any computer with Internet access (so you can leave the laptop at home and simply use Internet Cafes or your hotel business center), and you don't have to change your Email address if you switch ISPs or careers.
2. POP3 Access
If you wish to directly connect to either your office Email or the Email box provided by your personal ISP, you need to connect via POP3 (POP means Post Office Protocol). Connecting via POP3 is sometimes problematic. You must know your Email account information, which consists of three parts: your ISP's host name (i.e. mail.ispname.net), your username, and your password. You also need an Email client. Email client is just a fancy name for the software used to read and write Email (such as Eudora or Outlook Express) and often comes free with your computer. You also need to know if your ISP or company restricts POP3 access from the general Internet to their mail server for security reasons. Often, POP3 access is limited. It may work fine when connected from home but disallow access when using a different Internet connection. Contact your ISP or corporate IT Department for POP3 setup procedures.
3. Connecting to Your Company Email System
While you cannot beat the price of the free Email services, many business travelers prefer accessing their Email via full-featured Email software such as Microsoft Outlook. Depending on the size of your company, you may have the ability to connect directly to your company's Email system. Contact your company's IT department to see if they have any of the following:
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN allows you to connect to your company's network via the Internet. This requires you to bring your own laptop configured ahead of time with the correct VPN software. You simply logon to the Internet, start the VPN software and enter your password, creating a secure connection to your company's computer system. Once connected you have Email access and perhaps even access to documents stored on the corporate network.
Web-Based Email Client
If your company does not offer full VPN access, they may offer a slimmed down web-based Email access. This is similar to Free Web-based Email service but connects you directly with your own company's Email server using a Web browser software such as Internet Explorer. While you do not get full access to your corporate network, you often have complete access to your Inbox, Calendar, Contacts and such in your company's Email System. Typically, this does not require any special software, so it can be accessed from any Internet-connected computer. You connect your browser to a website such as http://webmail.yourcompanyname.com, enter your account name and password and you have a browser version of your Email. Like the VPN, any activity (Emails sent, appointments entered, contact information modified, etc.) is synchronized with your desktop system upon your return.
Inbox Forwarding
For smaller and less-sophisticated companies without a VPN or Web-Based Email Client, you may be able to automatically forward your Email to a Free Web-Based Email service. Then simply logon to your Free Web-Based Email to read. Depending on your system, you may have to leave your desktop computer turned on with the Email software running to forward the Email--a distinct security risk if someone has physical access to your computer. With other systems, the message forwarding is handled by the Email server so you need not leave your computer turned on.
Accessing The Internet to Get Your Email
No matter where you are, you will require access to the Internet to get your Email.
Local Access Number
Connecting is easy if you have a laptop computer and your ISP offers a large network of local connection numbers, as do AOL, MSN and Earthlink in the United States. If you travel often you may wish to set up an account with one of these providers simply for use while traveling. Or, consider setting up an account for a short period of time and then close it once your trip is done. Finally, you may choose an alliance of Internet Service Providers, such as IPass (www.ipass.com), which has local access numbers in some 150 countries.
Hotel Connections
Many hotels are adding high-speed Internet access. The prices may run $10-$15 per day (perhaps you can add it to your expense account?). Call ahead to see if your hotel has this access. To use high-speed access, your laptop must be equipped with a Network Interface Card (often called a NIC), as it is not compatible with a standard Modem connection. If your laptop is not equipped with a NIC, they are fairly inexpensive, readily available and easily installable. If your hotel does not offer high-speed access, ask if their phones have a data port for your modem. Traveling internationally? Be sure you have the correct phone and plug adaptors. Europe alone has about 30 different telephone jack connections. Before connecting via modem, check out your hotel's telephone access fees--often a hidden profit center. An hour local call may be as little as fifty cents or hundreds of dollars.
For more information about hotel connections see Magellan's article How to Stay in Love with Your Laptop. For detailed, country-specific information regarding voltage, and electrical and telephone socket patterns, visit http://www.magellans.com, click on "Shop by Destination".
No computer?
Even if you're on the road without a laptop, you're not up a creek without a paddle. There are many places to log on.
Most public libraries have free web access although the hours of operation are often limited. Cybercafes are popping up all over the world. Along with food and coffee, these java joints serve up computers with Internet connections at an hourly rate. To locate cybercafes, use the Cybercafe Search Engine (www.cybercafe.com), which lists more than 4,000 cafes in 140 countries. Before you leave home, look at the Web sites of cybercafes at your destination for directions, hours, and prices. After you arrive, you can also ask at your hotel or local computer store about nearby cybercafes.
Many hotels offer a Business Center for faxing, copies, and document printing. They often have computers available at an hourly rate. If yours does not offer a Business Center, check out the hotel across the street. You don't have to let on that you are not a guest.
There are also Internet kiosks at most major airports, from New York to Singapore. Other possible access points include public libraries, Kinkos, and Mail Boxes Etc. For a list of available public kiosks, visit Laptoplane (www.laptoplane.com).
About Magellan's
Since 1989, Magellan's has been the world's most trusted source of travel supplies. Their current catalog is available FREE by calling (800) 962-4943, or by visiting Magellan's on-line at http://www.magellans.com. Magellan’s is staffed by trained Travel Gear Specialists, ready to answer questions on everything related to travel. All Magellan's products are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Source: Magellan's Travel Supplies
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".