Cross Kentucky Trails Project Maps Trails of the Commonwealth Via High-Tech System

Cross Kentucky Trails Project Maps Trails of the Commonwealth Via High-Tech System
FRANKFORT, KY—The Cross Kentucky Trails Project initiative seeks to map the trails of the Commonwealth by incorporating GPS-collected data from individual self-mapping efforts into the Commonwealth’s Award-Winning Geographic Information System in order to identify all of Kentucky’s numerous trails. Additionally, this site provides references to additional Internet Mapping Sites, GPS services and related links regarding the Cross Kentucky Trail Project. Kentucky is an adventure waiting to happen and this project embodies the spirit of those who appreciate the wide range of recreational opportunities here in the Commonwealth. The state is truly the premier frontier for Adventure Tourism in the nation, enhancing the economies of many rural areas as it attracts lovers of the outdoors and adventure seekers from across the US and globe. The Cross Kentucky Trail project is central to the success of adventure travel in Kentucky. The trail system resulting from this initiative will be a figurehead for the ability of adventure travel to positively impact all regions of the state, from rural to urban. The First Lady and the Lt. Governor's Office are spearheading the effort with the primary goal of completing a trail that stretches from the Eastern Coal Fields to the Western Coal Fields of Kentucky. If all goes according to plan, portions of this multi-use trail system will be utilized by many that will be attending the Equestrian Games in 2010. Click here for more information about the Cross Kentucky Trails Project. Media Contact: Stephanie Moreland, stephanie@atmstravelnews.com , 832-755-7661. http://www.kyunbridledadventure.com/ , Photos Available. Click Here for Media Kit.

A New Way to See Provence: Bike, Hike, Canoe, and More For Less Than 1700 Euros

LUNEL, France—Starting in Villeneuve-les-Avignon, journey through the culturally rich French countryside of France from Avignon, to the Alpilles, and into the Luberon. This multi-sport trip takes active travelers “off the beaten path” as they cycle through the vineyards and forests of the region, canoe and paddle down the scenic Gardon river, hike through the Provençal Mountains, lavender fields and olive-yards, ride a mountain bike on the trails of Luberon , climb trees and zip like in the adventure park of the Vaucluse, and much more. Offering a way to experience Provence like no other, this trip, brand new in 2009, was named one of National Geographic Adventure’s “Best New Adventure Trips of 2009”. Travelers can choose from either a self-guided or a guided option and trips run from 1315 Euros to 1695 Euros based on double-occupancy, also giving travelers a great value for the money. The trip includes 6 nights’ very charming lodging and some with swimming pool, all breakfasts, 4 dinners, baggage transfers, detailed road book with maps and guide book with tourist information, arrival orientation, all equipment and delivery, and local support available throughout the tour for emergency support. Discover France also includes free travel planning to add Paris hotels, car rentals, France hotels, trains, airport transfers, and more. Media Contact: Stephanie Moreland, Stephanie@atmstravelnews.com , 832-755-7661. www.discoverfrance.com . Photos Available. Click Here for Media Kit

How to Discover Latin America From the Inside Out

EVERGREEN, Colo.;— Aventouras specializes in eco travel in Latin America, with trips to Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Peru. These trips are a combination of exhilarating activities and unusual destinations using local and native guides, staying at eco-friendly inns, community run lodges, and family homes. Discovering a destination from the inside out is what traveling with Aventouras is all about. Taste locally made delicacies, relish the scent of fresh mountain air, relax in the comfort of a family-run eco-lodge, learn how to communicate in a new language, and explore the sights and sounds of the natural world while traveling at your own pace. You may know people who have been to the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tikal — a gem that we’ve included in our Guatemala itinerary — but how many people get the full experience by reaching Tikal via a two day trek through the forest, with a local guide showing the medicinal and edible plants, birds, and animals of the region? All of our trips combine the most popular destinations in these countries with unusual locations, native guides, and opportunities to connect with local people. Guides have an intimate understanding of their environments and the customs and traditions of their people, thus creating richer experiences for our guests and providing that vital link between cultures. Media Contact: Stephanie Moreland, Stephanie@atmstravelnews.com , 832-755-7661, http://www.aventouras.com/. Photos available. Click here for Media Kit.

Wild Treks to Save the Rhino: Luxury Safaris in Partnership with Wildlife Conservation Projects

LAKE SUCCESS, NY--- Together with Tsavo National Park, Mkomazi Game Reserve forms one of the largest and most important ecosystems on earth. Linked to the legendary conservationists Tony Fitzjohn and George Adamson, African Wildlife Preservation Trust has worked since 1989 on the front lines in the battle to save the critically endangered African black rhino. The black rhino has been re-introduced into Mkomazi from South Africa after heavy poaching, overgrazing, deliberate burning, and illegal hunting had wiped out its black rhino populations. The seven black rhino live in the sanctuary which also has a waterhole and wallow for the rhinos. There is also an underground observation point. Baobab Expeditions gives visitors an up close and personal look at the Save the Rhino foundation while donating a fixed fee per person to the organization and travelers automatically become a member of the foundation when they visit. Travel in your own personal 4x4, feast on gourmet African fare, and stay in luxury wilderness lodges and camps along the way. Other highlights of this safari include visits to Nairobi, Massai Mara, Lake Nakuru National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, and an optional extension to Zanzibar Island. Media Contact: Stephanie Moreland, Stephanie@atmstravelnews.com , 832-755-7661 . www.baobabexpeditions.com . Photos Available. Click Here for Media Kit.

"Glamping" Along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

SUN VALLEY, Idaho;— For those adventurous ladies who crave some time in the great outdoors but don’t want to sacrifice a little luxury and pampering, Far and Away Adventures, a company that specializes in high-end, wilderness luxury vacations on Idaho's Middle Fork of the Salmon River, offers a unique spin on a rafting and camping adventure. The Far and Away experience combines the elements of both luxury and the rugged wilderness for a journey that includes plenty of spoiling and pampering that are non-negotiable during a girlfriend getaway. From spacious tents to gourmet organic meals served on china, it’s just like a four star resort on the wild of the river. Guests enter a spacious tent with carpet, two elevated beds with a 3 inch foam mattress, a huge flannel bed with a full size pillow, and even a nightstand. No detail is left unattended including the Soleado oilcloths, the fine linens, flatware, and stemware that adorn the tables. Dining is a gourmet experience with multiple courses that include wild salmon, Niman Ranch beef and pork, Folton Valley Farms poultry, and local and natural lamb. Top a day of rafting off with a microbrew that’s on tap, carefully paired global wine selections, and sumptuous deserts, and your girlfriends will never want to leave the wilderness again. Far and Away also charters customized trips, creating intimacy and comfort, and giving you and your girlfriends the chance pick and choose the adventures that are right for you. Media Contact: Stephanie Moreland, Stephanie@atmstravelnews.com , 832-755-7661 . www.far-away.com . Photos Available. Click Here for Media Kit.

Sequoia High Sierra Camp Offers "Glamping" and Special Travel Deals this Summer

Sequoia National Monument, Calif.-- Sequoia High Sierra Camp, a backcountry retreat that offers travelers luxury cabin style tents with upscale amenities, daily gourmet meals, and majestic views offers visitors a unique way to experience California’s Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. Set amidst Lodgepole and Red Fir Pine at 8,282 feet, this luxury wilderness eco-friendly designed camp offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, photography, star-gazing, horseback riding, and family activities like nightly camping. From easy loops through nearby meadows, to more intense ventures up scenic mountainsides - day hiking excursions from the Sequoia High Sierra Camp are plentiful and appealing for all athletic abilities, and other adventures abound. Feast on creatively prepared fare offered by one of Food & Wine’s top rated chefs, and enjoy the National Parks from a new perspective. To sweeten the deal, Sequoia High Sierra Camp is currently offering a free nights’ stay for those that book a minimum of three nights and discounts for group travelers. Media Contact: Stephanie Moreland, stephanie@atmstravelnews.com , 832-755-7661. www.sequoiahighsierracamp.com , Photos Available. Click Here for Media Kit

Choosing the Right Gilrfriend Getaway

The wires are crowded with information about "girlfriend getaways", "solo women's travel" and "girl travel", but not all companies are created equal. Choosing the right girlfriend getaway is tricky---the sky is the limit these days with so many choices. AdventureWomen, Inc., has been in the women's only travel business since 1982. Owner Susan Eckert started active trips for women travelers when that was all but unheard of ("you want to do what by yourself?!") Count on AdventureWomen, Inc, to provide adventurous women with the opportunity to hike, raft, horseback ride, yacht, and sightsee their way around the planet with this companies unique brand of active trips. Destinations range from Glacier National Park to Vietnam and Bhutan, and the variety of activities are just as diverse. Since they've been doing it for so long, AdventureWomen, Inc, offers women promises trustworthy service, and more importantly, a suitcase full of memories! For more information, visit the website at www.adventurewomen.com .

Time Is Not a Friend

At the end of most days I just feel overwhelmed and like a failure to some extent. Not to be a Negative Nancy or a Debbie Downer, but seriously, my “to do” list grows longer and I just can’t keep up. Each day and I don’t seem to make a dent in it. Some people can flick on the TV, prop up their feet, and just tune their “to do’s” out, but I’m just not that kind of girl. Lately, my career has been bugging me. I seriously have the coolest job in the world, except I continually struggle to support myself financially. Of course it’s not entirely my jobs fault. I am one of those irresponsible suckers who racked up some debt (on a four month trip to Europe when I was going through my “throw caution completely to the wind and ignore your financial situation” phase) and now I’m paying for it. The trouble is, I came home from my four month trip to Europe, fell in love with a wonderful man, and now we’re getting married and moving towards the house and kids. Oops. I didn’t quite plan on that. When I decided to throw caution to the wind, I thought I would always be single, carefree, and able to pay off my debt…..some other time. But, as a previous boss of mine always said, “it is what it is.” It’s time for me to accept things as they are and come up with a financial solution. I need more contract work, but how will I find the time?

Aside from the money troubles, there are some emotional demons lurking in the shadows as well. I literally stumbled into my PR career (and I’m told I have a lot to offer the field of PR), but at a definite cost to something else: I’ve almost completely ignored my career as a writer (creative writer that is). Honestly, where does the time go? Every day, I have the best of intentions to sit down and do some writing. And every day, my intentions get put in a box and up on the closet shelf. I honestly don’t know what happened to all of those travel articles that were lined up in the queue. Or the pitches that I was going to send to all of those editors. I have been told before that I am a pretty good writer. But somewhere along the way, I just stopped believing that I could make this happen. My fiancé thinks I’m too negative. But how does a genuine, good old fashioned worry wart stop being a Negative Nancy and just get to writing? It’s amazing how Time just becomes the enemy as you get older. I’ve heard people use the expression, “Time is the enemy”, but I always thought they were referring to age. I’ve since learned that this is not true. I think time is the enemy because we all just add more to our plates every day….or maybe that’s just me. Either way, I just don’t have time for all of the things that I want to do (like chase my writing career) and that just frustrates the hell out of me.
Although I’m excited about my life with my future husband--- the kids, the house----I dread what it will do to my relationship with Time. Between changing diapers, making meals, and earning a few dollars, Time and I will really have to duke it out then. Oh, but wait, I’ll have to check my schedule first before the fistfight….I’m not sure I’ll be able to squeeze it in because I’m too busy.