The ultimate women’s mountain bike retreat is coming to Big Bear Lake May 25-28, 2012. Leading the retreat is the queen of everything adventure, ultra endurance mountain bike racer and 7 Summits mountaineer, Karen (Super K) Lundgren. This long anticipated retreat is geared to satisfy riders of all levels.

“We want this to be a safe learning environment for women who may be new to the sport or are looking to increase their confidence set on a mountain bike in a supportive atmosphere,” said Lundgren. “This will be a great opportunity for ladies to build confidence while learning new skills for a more enjoyable experience.”

“Big Bear Lake offers some world class mountain biking and is a unique backdrop for such a great event,” added Lundgren, 46, winner of countless mountain bike endurance and adventure races around the world.

Complimenting some stunning trail riding, participants will enjoy the right amount of pampering with yoga/body, alignment/stretch clinics and the opportunity to Stand Up Paddleboard (S.U.P.). Clinics will include bike fit and nutrition workshops along with a complete video analysis of skills/rides. Also available (optional) will be body composition evaluation, blood analysis and vo2/lactate threshold testing.

Retreat participants will find themselves pushing the limits of their own physical expectations during the day and relaxing and spoiling themselves afterwards with comfortable accommodations, delectable meals and wine tasting to round out the day. This will be unlike any other outdoor event you have ever experienced.

About 4 Seasons Wellness
4 Seasons Wellness, based in Big Bear Lake, is a comprehensive platform offering clients Goals, Training, Testing and Analysis, Complete Customized Supplement/Fuel Package, Retreats and International Guiding. Co-owners, Paul Romero and Karen Lundgren can assist you in reaching your physical and athletic goals and can take you to extreme locations around the world. www.4seasonscoaching.com

About Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a mountain resort community located about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles and surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. Situated at approximately 6800 feet above sea level, the area receives over 300 days of sunshine annually and is an adventurer’s destination with four seasons worth of activities. www.bigbear.com

With airline baggage fees on the majority of the airlines here to stay, more travelers are opting to seek out options that allow them to maximize their capacity with a carry-on. Well, here it is…the bag you have all been waiting for!

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I saw another piece of adventure travel piece of luggage had arrived at our headquarters. All doubt went out the window when I pulled the Gregory Alpaca 22″ Roller out of the box. I received the ‘sunset red’ (it also comes in black) version and anyone that has ever traveled with me knows that I am a big proponent of luggage that stands out for ease of locating on the belt and for describing to airline personnel in the event luggage is misplaced or delayed.

I recently traversed the concrete jungle of Manhattan with this bag in tow. The 4″ oversized wheels and the wide retractable handle made it a fluid travel experience a I made my way from Grand Central Station to Rockefeller Center and beyond.

When flying on smaller commuter jets, it is not unusual to have to check your bag plane side. Many times, I have had to walk out on the tarmac leaving my bag to the elements until loaded. With the bag’s abrasion and water resistant TPU fabric, you won’t have to worry about your contents getting wet or damaged in transit.

The bag’s interior lid contains a large mesh, zippered pocket to help with the inferior organization. The same pocket contains a strap for attaching your keys while you are traveling. The top of the bag also contains a small zippered pocket for travel documents, medications, or liquids needed for quick retrieval when passing through airline security.

The interior is spacious enough for 3-5 days worth of clothing. The temps in New York for my visit were in the low teens and there was more than enough room for my apparel, toiletries, large winter coat, boots and my MacBook Pro and iPad.

I have tested more than 15 bags in the last several years and this bag has quickly become a favorite after only one use.

The bag also comes in a 28″ version (MSRP: $399) to complete the set.

MSRP: 22″ – $349

By John Reed

From International Adventure racers to some of the province’s top senior athletes, the City of Trail is the ultimate host.

Located on the banks of the mighty Columbia River with a history rich in exploration, mining and sport, Trail, British Columbia, in the heart of BC’s West Kootenay region is commanding attention.

Recent host of this summers’ Raid the North Extreme 2011, a six day, 500km adventure race that is part of the Adventure Race World series, and co-host of the BC Senior’s Games, which brought 1000’s of competitors and their families into the region, Trail excels in hosting National level sporting events and, in producing world class athletes.

Former NHL players and Stanley Cup winners Dallas Drake of the Detroit Red Wings, and Adam Deadmarsh of the Colorado Avalanche, along with New York Mets outfielder Jason Bay and sister Lauren (former Canadian National Softball team member, and current pitcher with National Pro softball team – the Philadelphia Force), are just a few of the sporting greats of note who have deep roots in the Greater Trail area.

The city’s tagline “Explore your Trail” is very fitting given the backdoor access to walking and hiking trails found throughout the area. Everything from riverfront Gyro Park, to access to more than 135km of beginner to expert trails keep locals and visitors outside, fit and active. And for those who really like to test their mettle, check out the internationally acclaimed, “Seven Summits” ridgeline mountain bike trail for 32km of some of the best single track riding found anywhere, in nearby Rossland.

So whether you’re thinking about your next holiday, planning a major sporting event or training for the next big race, Trail’s back door access to wilderness and riverfront is not to be missed.

For more information on this great destination contact the Trail Chamber of Commerce at (250) 368 3144
or the City of Trail Parks and Recreation at (250) 368 6484.

Photo Credits:
• Trail at Night-City of Trail (Larry Doell)
• Gyro Park-City of Trail (Brian Findlow)

Happiness is guaranteed this summer in Aruba! Just ranked number two by TripAdvisor travelers in the category of top 25 destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico, the One happy island offers incredible vacation packages for the whole family at its world-renowned hotels and resorts. Travelers are invited to sit back and enjoy a stress-free summer vacation, complete with Aruba’s perfect year-round weather with cooling trade winds and friendly people.

Sparkling blue Caribbean waters, warm tropical sun and breathtaking island scenery are the key characteristics that turn this vacation destination into a must. For a close look at Aruba’s natural wonders and a view into the island’s history, plan a visit to the state-of-the-art Aloe Factory, iconic California Lighthouse, captivating rock formations at Casbari and Ayo, mysterious Bushiribana Gold Mill, and scenic Alto Vista Chapel.

Families can explore the island in a rented Jeep, experience a multitude of water activities or even discover a unique underwater world aboard the Atlantis Submarine. The choices are endless and complemented by cultural and environmental events throughout the year.

Highlighted below are some of the travel packages and family programs being offered this summer:
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2011 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Teva Mountain Games (TMG). What began as a regional, grassroots whitewater competition has transformed into the largest adventure sports festival in the country and serves as the unofficial kickoff to summer in the Rockies. This year’s festival promises to be the biggest and best yet, with a blockbuster four-day schedule that includes new and improved events, concerts and nightlife.

This year, two of the most spectator-friendly events at TMG, the Teva Slopestyle presented by Chipotle big air bike and the Bouldering World Cup presented by Goal Zero competitions have moved to the twilight hour. Slopestyle will take place on Friday at 6 p.m. in Golden Peak, and will feature some of the world’s best freeriders defying the laws of gravity for a panel of judges, followed by a Best Trick bonus round for more cash prizes. Friday evening will now also include food, concessions and a DJ spinning tunes – the perfect way to get things started before a night on the town.

The fourth installment of the IFSC Bouldering World Cup presented by Goal Zero also moves to the twilight hour; 5 p.m. on Saturday on the Vista Bahn Lawn in Mountain Plaza. TMG’s Great Wall of climbing is home to the only World Cup bouldering event in the United States and the crowd’s only opportunity to see the highest ranked international climbers from 25 countries compete side by side. The champion male and female will be awarded their medals just minutes before the start of the free Bud Light Mountains of Music concert with Xavier Rudd at Checkpoint Charlie in the heart of Vail Village. Showtime is 7 p.m.

Dog competitions have always been a favorite at TMG and the Eukanuba Rocky Dog Trail Run presented by Ruff Wear is sure to attract a crowd. The inaugural 5k run and 1-mile run/walk will start and finish in Golden Peak and kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. All sizes and breeds (of dogs and their owners) are welcome.

For athletes looking to push the envelope, the Maui Jim SUP Surf Sprint presented by C4 Waterman is now part of the Ultimate Mountain Challenge. Individual athletes or teams can now choose to kayak or SUP down Gore Creek as part of the four-event, two-day competition.

And last, but not least it wouldn’t be a mountain festival without some parties! In addition to the Bud Light Mountains of Music free concerts at Checkpoint Charlie on Thursday night with The Dirty Heads and Saturday night with Xavier Rudd, the new Aloha Happy Hour presented by C4 Waterman, Maui Jim and Korbel California Champagne will take place at the SUP Demo Pool on Meadow Drive on Saturday afternoon. It’s a free block party, TMG style. And the social highlight of the Games, the Teva Mountain Ball, has moved west to bōl at the Solaris and will go down on Saturday at 10pm. Don your favorite Tevas and get ready to party like a raft guide.

Visit, www.tevamountaingames.com.

What are you doing over the Christmas holiday? Don’t delay if you plan to join us on our island in Belize for your best vacation ever!

Our 2010-2011 season is almost over and we are getting ready for another great year in Belize. We have already begun receiving bookings for this upcoming season. If you plan to take your family somewhere warm this Christmas, you should start planning now. All of our Christmas dates fill by mid-summer. Every year we disappoint at least 300 people who waited too long to make their Christmas plans. Don’t let this happen to you!
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Museum of Belize Unveils New Exhibit Honoring Mayas as 2012 Draws Near

As the official kick-off for Maya 2012 celebrations in Belize, the Belizean community is embracing a new worldly era by reflecting on the past at the Museum of Belize in Belize City. Providing a deeply enchanting and personal look at the Mayas’ work in creating famous Belizean jade masterpieces, “The People Who Carved Jades and Their Descendants” is an exhibit that was revealed in April in order to provide visitors with a deeper connection with Belize’s Maya culture, as people look to uncover the truth about the end of the 2012 calendar. As the first of many celebrations planned for when the world starts anew on December 21, 2012, this exhibit serves as a bridge between ancient times and the future, and sets the tone for a full line-up of Maya-related events, tours, activities and festivals in Belize, scheduled throughout 2011 and 2012.

“Jade signified life to the Mayas, and we are proud to commence our countdown to the world’s rebirth in conjunction with this renowned exhibit,” said Seleni Matus, director of tourism for the Belize Tourism Board (BTB). “The Long Count Calendar fascinates people from all over the world, and we look forward to unveiling the calendar’s true meaning and the Mayas’ mysteries to all visiting scientists, academics and visitors.”

“The People Who Carved Jades and Their Descendants,” which is sponsored by National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) in conjunction with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), builds on and personalizes the already successful “Jades of Belize” exhibit by highlighting the Mayas who crafted extraordinary jade objects thousands of years ago.

As the epicenter of Maya culture during the Classic Period, Belize has retained its vibrant Maya community and strong influence throughout time, along with an array of ancient Maya temples, artifacts and more.  Information on all of Belize’s most notable Maya sites can be found on the country’s official travel website, but examples include Altun Ha, which is just north of Belize City and is where the largest carved jade object in the entire Maya area – a Jade Head – was originally discovered.  Lubaantun in Punta Gorda is a site rumored to be the place where Anna Mitchell-Hedges found the famous Crystal Skull, in 1926.  And temples at Lamanai in northern Belize were occupied continuously for over 3,000 years, and are surrounded by a lush and beautiful jungle.
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With vacation season on the horizon, travelers hunting for a bargain will find countless wallet-friendly options in Belize as hotels are slashing prices and boosting inclusive packages for the summer months. Home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, ancient Maya temples, exotic wildlife and more, Belize provides an unforgettable vacation unlike any other destination in Central America and the Caribbean. And with a fixed exchange rate of BZ$2 to US$1, travelers will naturally save even more on their summer trips.

Below is a list of specific offers that begin in the summer and run through Belize’s low season (October 31) and are tailored to fit a range of travelers – from couples seeking romantic escapes to families in search of safe summer destinations. Tourists can also find a full roster of hot summer deals on Belize’s official travel website, TravelBelize.org.

SUMMER ROMANCE FOR A BARGAIN

Featuring remote islands, mesmerizing waterfalls and affordable luxuries, Belize is the ideal getaway for couples in search of rousing romantic destinations. From seaside star-gazing on the white beaches of Placencia to breathtaking sunsets on the Maya temples of Caracol in the Cayo District, Belize’s awe-inspiring attractions are sure to sizzle any couple’s summer. While the country’s romance website, Belize In Love, features romantic packages offered year-round, below are two summer deals perfect for stirring up a little romance.

The Palms Oceanfront Resort – Oceanfront Romance Package

Description: A 6 day/5 night romantic escape in an oceanfront suite for US$525 per person (double occupancy).  Package Includes: beautiful oceanfront suite; half day snorkeling along the famous Hol Chan Marine; free snorkeling equipment; swimming with the sharks and stingrays; complimentary land transfer to and from the Palms Resort; free bottle of local Belizean rum; and more.
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Aruba continues to be One happy island, offering visitors a variety of new and attractive tourism developments. From resort renovations and increases in air service to restaurant openings and expansions to the island’s green initiatives, 2011 is set to be an exciting year for all who visit Aruba!

Highlights of the One happy island’s new tourism offerings include:

Air service:

•    Beginning March 7, 2011, AirTran Airways increased its flights from Atlanta to Aruba from Saturday-only to a new daily service. In late 2010, the airline began offering Sunday flights in addition to its already established Saturday schedule from Orlando, giving travelers more options from the U.S.

•    DELTA launched nonstop weekly service on Saturdays from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Aruba International Airport in December 2010. The flight complements Delta’s existing Saturday service from JFK International Airport as well as its daily service between New York (LaGuardia, JFK, White Plains and Newark) and Aruba via Atlanta.

•    JetBlue Airways increased its service to Aruba from Boston Logan with a 3rd flight on Saturdays throughout winter 2010, with plans to keep it year round based on flight occupancy.

•    TNT Vacations is now offering winter charters to Aruba from Boston Logan.
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Aruba’s constant sunshine and stunning beach vistas help create the ideal setting for a golf getaway for avid golfers and beginners alike. The island’s characteristic trade winds, along with cactus and water hazards, prove to be both a pleasure and a challenge for golfers as they swing and putt their way to a memorable vacation experience.

Securing Aruba’s status as a popular golf destination is the annual Aruba International Pro-Am Golf Tournament. Each summer, teams of professional and amateur golfers from around the world arrive on the island to compete in this two-day, 36-hole event held at the world-class, 18-hole Tierra del Sol golf course.

In addition to Tierra del Sol, Aruba’s courses include The Links at Divi Aruba and Aruba Golf Club, two 9-hole courses that provide travelers with an array of golfing options, each with their own distinctive features. Visitors are invited to grab their clubs and experience one happy golf vacation on the One happy island.

Tierra del Sol Resort, Spa & Country Club – Designed by renowned Robert Trent Jones II, Aruba’s first world class and only 18-hole golf course, Tierra del Sol combines the native beauty of Aruba’s desert flora with the greens of a championship golf course. The 6,811 yard, par-71 course was built with wide expansive fairways and elevation changes that highlight dramatic ocean vistas, as well as the skyline of Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad. Tierra del Sol includes a full length practice range, putting greens and chipping areas and a magnificent clubhouse with a golf shop and restaurant facilities. Green fees run from $92 to $159, depending on the time of day and include a cart.

The Links at Divi Aruba – The Links at Divi Aruba is a beautifully landscaped 9-hole course surrounding luxury vacation villas at the Divi Village Golf & Beach Resort in Aruba. Designed by leading architects Litten & Viola and featuring deluxe facilities, the course was created to become the leading Caribbean golf vacation destination. The course is open to the public with preferred tee times for Divi Resort guests and members, and offers professional golf instruction for both individuals and groups. Green fees vary by season and time of day.

Aruba Golf Club – The oldest course on Aruba, the Aruba Golf Club, was opened in 1939 by L.G. Smith and Governor Wagemaker in 1941. Situated just outside of San Nicolas, the course features a 9-hole layout in a desert setting with astro turf greens. Water hazards and sand traps add a challenge to the course, which can be played from different tees during 18-hole rounds. The Aruba Golf Club is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 7am to 5pm. Green fees are only $20 for 9-holes and $30 for 18-holes. Clubs can be rented for $10 and carts are available at the pro shop.

For more information on Aruba, please visit online at www.ARUBA.com or call 1-800-TO-ARUBA.
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16th Annual XTERRA World Championship headed to Maui’s Northwest Coast

The sport of XTERRA was born on Maui in 1996, and after 15 years on Maui’s south shore, the XTERRA World Championship is headed north to the Kapalua Resort, which will serve as base camp for off-road triathlon’s greatest day on October 23, 2011.

The opportunity arose when the Maui Land & Pineapple Company graciously welcomed XTERRA to play in its 22,000 acre backyard which stretches from the mountains to the sea, and encompasses verdant rainforests, and a network of trails. A pair of the finest hoteliers in the world will host competitors. Race headquarters will be at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua, with Outrigger Hotels & Resorts’ Maui Condominium Collection properties as a co-host.

The Kapalua Resort is located on the northwest coast of Maui and its shoreline is distinguished by five lava peninsula-guarded bays and three white sand beaches considered to be among the best in the world. In fact, the XTERRA swim is planned for D.T. Fleming Beach, named “America’s Best Beach” in 2006.

The new location will create a dramatically different challenge for competitors. In stark contrast to the dry and dusty lava-strewn path up Haleakala, the northwest coast is wet and wild with lush rainforests and former pineapple fields that undulate in-and-out of gulches coming down from the West Maui Mountains.

“This new course will give our competitors a new and exciting taste of Hawaii,” said XTERRA managing director Dave Nicholas. “We’ll be able to provide a fantastic mountain bike experience in Kapalua. First blush of the course shows 18 miles with just over 3,000 feet of elevation changes. As the trails move from field to field they drop hundreds of feet down to the bottom of a heavy forested area, and then back up again.”

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Belize gets two sunny thumbs up as one of this year’s top destinations for Spring Break in a recent Yahoo! article, and it’s no wonder why with a hefty line-up of fun, premier vacation destinations fit for families, groups, friends and couple alike. With Spring Break just around the corner, travelers will find an unparalleled experience with Belize’s relaxing cayes (islands), adventurous zip-lining and cave tubing excursions, world renowned snorkeling and diving trips to the Belize Barrier Reef, among other activities. Plus, as the only English speaking country in Central America and a fixed exchange ratio of BZ$2 to US$1, travelers can have a budget-friendly vacation without having to worry about language barriers.

Belize’s Toucan Trail website offers countless low-cost travel options, and the country’s official travel website, TravelBelize.org, features daily updates on vacation deals throughout the year. Even still, below are highlights of vacation deals tailored to spring travelers.

SPRING GETAWAYS FOR COUPLES

Boasting sparkling azure waters, stunning beachfront properties and a full range of laid-back and adventurous activities, Belize features the ideal ingredients for a romantic spring getaway. For lovebirds looking to fly away together, Belize offers a variety of travel deals that inspire passion filled moments and memorable experiences that couples can cherish for years to come. Belize’s romance website, Belize In Love, features romantic packages offered year-round, but below are three spring deals perfect for any couple. Continue Reading

What a better place to explore, compete, and live (or at least make plans to) then at the Adventures in Travel Show. A consumer based travel show that hosts events in six cities nationwide. We (No Boundaries) attended an awesome show last March in DC. This time around landing in the ‘Windy City’ or better the wet, cold, and now blizzard ladened metropolis, Chicago. Weather did not detour hundreds of travel enthusiasts from packing the aisles at the Donald Stephens Convention Center. All gathered to talk of beach trips, safari treks, jungle adventures, and various cultural events. Travel agencies, tour operators, and tourism boards arriving days ahead to set up intoxicating displays of exotic places far and wide.

To spice it up further both days were packed full with seminars by well known travel advocates, live camel rides, world dance performances, and dives in the scuba pool. The travel seminars led by photographers, travel experts, magazine editors such as Rick Steve’s of PBS, Ralph Velasco Travel Photographer, and Beth Collin of Budget Travel Magazine all there to share stories and offer advice for planning the trip of your dreams.

I spent my time speaking with various tourism boards and tour operators. To learn of authentic travel experience opportunities and the importance for each country to share the culturally rich and beautiful aspects of their region. This supporting our mission at Adventure Traveler & No Boundaries to be a communication platform for the many positive aspects and connectedness we can all experience through travel. Whether it be for adventure sports, cultural exploration, or simply needing some time away from our everyday. I was also impressed and inspired to learn about the many great humanitarian projects and initiatives out there aligned with travels and to discover literally thousands of vacation opportunities all under one roof.

To finish my day I enjoyed the world dances experiencing each culture through unique costumes, style of movement, and diverse music on the global beats stage.

The Travel & Adventure Show is the longest running series of consumer travel events in the United States – a one stop shopping marketplace, where consumers and the travel trade will find thousands of travel providers offering unique vacation options and travel information. Plus, you’ll be able to access informative travel seminars, hands-on activities cultural performances and more.

Upcoming Adventures in Travel Expo dates for 2011:
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Highlights of Special Events, Celebrations, Races, Festivals for the New Year

Travelers planning a trip to Belize in 2011 are in store for an un-Belize-able experience with a line-up of unique adventure, cultural and culinary celebrations sure to transform any trip into a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. With an array of special events scheduled throughout the year, families, couples and groups alike can pair their getaway with an authentic Belizean festivity that’s rooted in local customs, history, cultural traditions and of course fun! While Belize’s official vacation destination site, www.larutamayabelize.com/main)

Maya Day – Belizeans have already begun Maya 2012 celebrations for when the world starts anew, and travelers can get a jump start on festivities in March with Maya Day. Held in Blue Creek Village in honor of Mayans’ rich history and presence in Belize, Maya Day is an exciting culmination to a weeklong celebration filled with games, dancing, music and competitions unique to the Maya culture. Traditions include the Fire Ball Game where men use clubs to hit a flaming ball down a field to score goals. Or, the ceremonial Torch Run where runners travel to the Lubaantun Mayan site with a torch signifying the “light of the world” in praise of life, Mother Earth and well being. (Toledo District – March 2011; www.tumulkinbelize.org)
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By Ty Stevens

Orbea Rallon Launch Event & Company Profile:
“Welcome to the Jungle”

The invite read …“Join us in Puerto Rico for the Global Launch of Orbea’s 2011 Rallon Mountain Bike Collection”, simple enough.

The ride: Orbea’s newest line up of enduro bikes, not to be confused with the motor bike mud track mayhem type, and all fully dialed with shimano, maxxis, and fox racing components.
The location: Toro Verde’s Nature Adventure Park & Eco Resort – Orocovis, Puerto Rico.

Hmm, let’s see – I’m in.

As if it were not cool enough to be ripping through the jungles of Puerto Rico on a ‘bad ass’ custom mountain bike I found myself handedly, and acceptingly being schooled by 3-time Olympian Katerina Nash, and world class biker & trail designer Marla Streb, both from Luna Chix Pro Team and sponsored by Orbea. Katerina was not shy to offer some ‘well deserved’ quick tips on how NOT to break my neck on warp speed jungle decents. The Orbea team was in the line up as well to lead the charge including Tony Karklins, Orbea USA’s Marketing Director.

“Orbea is very proud to launch this new 2011 Rallon series. The Enduro category is the most important and technical category in Europe and very applicable to the global markets. This new Rallon platform is first of many exciting MTB products coming from Orbea in the coming years. Toroverde, Puerto Rico was the perfect place to launch this product to the global press”, says Tony.
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Ethiopian Airlines today announced a special “Buy One Get One Free” fare of $777 to celebrate the historic addition of the Boeing 777-200LR aircraft to the airline’s fleet. Thanks to the longer range of the aircraft, the flight time from Washington-Dulles International Airport to Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia is now 12 hours, compared to the previous 15 hours. With this launch, travelers will not only be getting to Africa quicker, but they can bring a friend for free for only $777*.

From December 16 through 25, Ethiopian Airlines is offering buy-one-get-one-free round-trip airfare (excluding taxes) from Washington-Dulles International to 38 African destinations beyond Addis Ababa for a mere $777.00. Outbound travel must take place between February 1 and 28, 2011.

Ethiopian Airlines provides seamless service from Washington-Dulles International Airport to 38 destinations throughout Africa, including: Abidjan, Abuja, Accra, Addis Ababa, Bamako, Bahir Dar, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Cairo, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Dire Dawa, Djibouti, Douala, Entebbe, Harare, Johannesburg, Juba, Khartoum, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Kinshasa, Lagos, Libreville, Lilongwe, Lome, Luanda, Lubumbashi, Lusaka, Malabo, Mekele, Mombasa, Monrovia, N’Djamena, Nairobi, Ouagadougou, Pointe-Noire, and Zanzibar.

Travel to Africa this February faster and with more style than ever before aboard Ethiopian Airlines new Boeing 777. Take advantage of Ethiopian Airlines super sale from December 16th through December 25th and not only fly for $777 but bring a friend, and they fly free. With such a low price, seats are bound to fill up. Purchase your tickets to Africa now and take advantage of Ethiopian Airline’s super sale. To book your travel, contact Ethiopian Airlines at http://www.ethiopianairlines.com or call 1-800-445-2733. To learn more about Ethiopia and the other fabulous destinations throughout Africa, please visit http://www.seeyouinethiopia.com

*$777 fare does not include taxes and applicable surcharges

Via Press Release

Over the course of the last six months, we have taken these three bags to both domestic and international destinations. See our findings below to see which bag may be the best for your next adventure! There is still time to get one of these on your Christmas list!

Big Agnes Stagecoach Waterproof Rolling Duffel

We are big fans of luggage that provides a level of waterproofness in addidtion to protecting the bag’s contents from the typical travel wear and tear. The bag comes in three sizes and we tested the Medium (85L) and were able to jam the bag’s roomy single chamber with everything we needed.

Features: Durable, waterproof nylon with welded seams, heavy duty plastic, tractor-style wheels on medium and large sizes, light gray interior for easy viewing of packed items,
two large interior zippered pockets, and independent backpack strap system and external comression straps. MSRP $149-219
www.bigagnes.com

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There’s a new adventure/travel reality TV Program in the works from “EcoChallenge” producer Mark Burnett (remember him?).   The show is called “Expedition Impossible” and will follow several 3-person teams as they complete challenges and solve problems while traveling through the wilderness areas of the world.  Burnett calls it “an epic Indiana Jones-style experience” and the casting director likened it to a mix of EcoChallenge and Amazing Race.

More details are in this flyer that we’re circulating for the casting effort: http://www.UntamedAdventure.com/media/flyer.pdf

A bit more from the casting director:

We are currently on a nation‐wide search looking for dynamic,

competitive, and energetic teams of three people for Expedition Impossible.  Don’t spend the month of April at your boring job. Spend it on the experience of a lifetime! You MUST be at least 18 years old, a legal US resident and have a US passport valid through the end of 2011 to participate.

Expedition Impossible is Burnett's Next TV Adventure

To apply, email David Polanzak at dpo.casting@gmail.com. Your email must include the following:
• Name, age, location and contact info for all three team members
• Recent photo of all 3 team members
• Level of individual and team’s experience with competitions/races, etc.
• Brief description of why your team is great for this competition and why you will win
• Anything else that makes your team memorable and unique

On a related note, he mentioned that the US resident requirement *could* be waived for the right candidate, so all my Canadian friends should also give it a shot!

Come April 2011, lucky tenants of the Teva Fiji “house-boat” will be flown round trip to Viti Levu Island. The adventure begins with a river trip guided by O.A.R.S. through the remote Upper Navua Gorge, where the black lava rock walls overgrown with cascades of lush ferns are so remarkable that this stretch of river has been hailed “a river of Eden.” Guest will live aboard the 140-foot Tui Tai sailboat and cruise to remote locations only accessible by boat. Guests will snorkel over reefs that are a hundred miles from the closest resort, go on epic hikes off the beaten path and meet local villagers and learn their customs.

“We opened the first Teva House in Vail during the Teva Mountain Games in June,” said Liz Ferrin, Teva Global Branded Content Manager. “The Vail house was a perfect hub where our athletes, artist, Life Agents and contest winners could mix and mingle. It wasn’t hard to decide to do it again for 2011.”

The Teva tribe gathers in, around and on the water so what better location for their second Teva House than returning to the waters of the South Pacific where their 2011 photo shoot took place aboard the Tui Tai.

“Through the Teva House, we’re offering our tribe a chance to escape from their everyday lives and take part in something bigger,” continued Ferrin. “It’s about living better stories that keep us inspired until our next departure.”

Want to escape to Fiji with Teva? Become the one guest selected from the U.S. to hop on board by entering to win at TevaHouse.com.

Via Press Release

Charity bike rides are no new concept. Many many good people have donated their time to raise money for worthy causes by riding their bikes and collecting donation pledges. I love this concept and wanted to do a charity ride of my own. But where would I go? What charity would I support? I thought these would be the toughest questions to answer, but it turns out the hardest was answering the naysayers who couldn’t comprehend how I could ride a bike for seven days straight – or why I’d even want to.

I live near Nashville Tennessee. Just south of this great city lies one end of the Natchez Trace Parkway. This scenic byway has a speed limit of 50 mph, doesn’t have power lines or commercial signage, and lacks any commercial business on its shoulders. The other end of “The Trace” dead-ends in Natchez Mississippi, forming a 442 mile cycling dream. The well-maintained National Park roadway slips through the farm land and hardwood and coniferous forests of the American south. Including all my side trips to small towns and historic sites, I plan on pedaling around 500 miles on this charity ride. The funds being raised for this effort are going to the Humane Society, and donations can be made online at FirstGiving.com/PedalforPups.

The ride is sponsored by Merrell, who supports many charities through various programs. Merrell has kindly given to the cause and donated gear for the trip. I’m always impressed with this companies openness to give back. Thanks Merrell!

Most people that I’ve talked to about my trip are excited about the idea and love the fund raising aspect. Those not initiated to endurance sports don’t quite understand how a person can pedal a bike 500 miles in a week. This is the one question I didn’t prepare for since I ride my bike over 100 miles a week (in my spare time) and know people who easily ride over 100 miles in a day. Many people I’ve told have even said, “You could just drive a car, ya know?” But what fun would that be? And who wants to donate money to someone who is going to drive their car 500 miles?

For the readers of the Adventure World Magazine blog and digital magazine, I know I’m preaching to the choir. Many of you have accomplished much greater feats than this, and have most likely raised much more money than my campaign will. Adventure is in our blood. I wish it were more contagious, but I know journeys like this aren’t for everyone.

How do YOU explain why you challenge yourself the adventures you take on? I’d love a great one-liner that could help people grasp the concept of doing something slightly outside your comfort zone, for a good cause.

Daryl Stisser started rock climbing in college and has climbed throughout the Unites States. But there was something about climbing in the Black Hills of South Dakota that kept drawing him back. He now owns Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service in Custer, SD.

Watch the video to hear Daryl explain what it’s like climbing in the Hills and why he loves it.

Earlier this week, we posted the summary of our recent trip to Puerto Rico to check out the new adventure park.  Here are a few more pics from that media trip.