Tuesday, January 27, 2009

New Washington Islands Adventure-Who woulda thunk?

NHB Has a great new experience that they just released for 2009;

Discover the San Juan Islands. A close up nature safari through Washington's colorful San Juan Islands!

Trip Overview-Watch for orca whales in their natural environment as we cruise among the islands Hike through old-growth forest and survey the North Cascades from atop Mt. Constitution Kayak the sheltered waters of Orcas Island, paddling among seals, otters and bald eagles

The San Juan Islands lie like a scattering of deep green emeralds against the sapphire waters of an inland sea. In the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains, the archipelago is protected from heavy Pacific weather, enjoying 250 sunny days a year. One of the earth’s most aesthetic marine environments, the islands teem with wildlife. Orca whales and Stellar sea lions cavort in the saltwater reaches, myriad sea birds nest on rockbound shores, and black-tailed deer browse pastures of tall grass and wildflowers. Our immersion into island life happens at a peaceful rhythm, as we encounter nature up close on foot and at sea.

ASK YOU TRAVEL AGENT ABOUT IT TODAY!!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Belize Canopy Lodge

There is a new rainforest treetop lodge in Belize that is raising the bar on canopy experiences in the southern part of the country. Located in a very remote part of Belize, this place offers caving, mountain biking, day and nighttime safaris, and guided tours of archaeological sites. They even stayed true to the Eco movement by utilizing Eco-smart vehicles for your transfers to this 12 treehouse retreat. You can even join an archaeological snorkeling trip to ancient Mayan sites. Looking for something new? Ask your travel advisor about Machaca Hill Rainforest Canopy Lodge.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Tribal Experiences

If you're looking to expand your boundaries a bit and get a true experience at the heart of a destination, try spending time with indigenous peoples in some of the most exotic destinations in the world. Conde Nast recently had a list of living among different native cultures which I felt was extraordinary. What I enjoyed was that although there are many different experiences offered all over the world by tour operators, lodges, and conservation groups, this list was comprised of cultures which play the role as stakeholder, deciding when how and why to bring people into their environment. "There approach to integrating travelers into their culture is as diverse as the culture themselves. "

In Nanavut, 30 miles north of the Arctic circle, you can experience the Inuit tribe by staying at the Bathurst Inlet Lodge. Hike with local guides and float in the inlet on a 40 foot Blue Loo pontoon searching for Arctic wildlife. In the Himalayan foothills of Yunnan, the Naxi are known for their hospitality. Staying on a traditional farm, you can trek into the valley and experience these truly traditional people.

The belief that everything in nature has a soul is the foundation for the Achuar, in the rainforest's of Ecuador. The lagoon-side lodge offers canoeing, fishing, and day long walks to search for hundreds of birds. Ecuador also offers experiences with the Cofan and Quichua cultures as well. The options are endless and extraordinary all over the world. India, Laos, South Africa, Panama, Venezuela, and even Sweden offer wonderful Eco-lodges paired with incredible "red carpet" cultural experiences. If you're looking for something adventurous and open minded, I encourage you to expand your boundaries by appreciating some of the most fascinating people on earth.