Remembering Gorillas in the Mist: Baobab Expeditions in Partnership with Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

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Baobab Expeditions
CONTACT: Richard Pfaeffli
TEL: 303 260 6489
E-MAIL: enquiries@baobabexpeditions.com
WEB: www.baobabexpeditions.com
Click Here for Media Kit

Remembering Gorillas in the Mist: Baobab Expeditions in Partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

Denver, CO— This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Academy Award nominated movie, Gorillas in the Mist, starring Sigourney Weaver as real-life naturalist Dian Fossey and her work in the Congo with Mountain Gorillas. Although Dian Fossey died in 1985, her legacy continues on today in many forms. The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (DFGFI) is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitat in Africa. Baobab Expeditions, a company that takes modern day explorers on expeditions around the world, was hand-picked by the DFGFI for partnership as their travel provider due to Baobab’s unique, exploratory approach to expeditions through Africa and its conviction to support both wildlife conservation and community organizations.

As a result of this partnership, Baobab Expeditions has created conservation travel itineraries in partnership with the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund that are specifically designed to give guests a greater insight into how this charity operates while providing adventurers with an unforgettable vacation experience. These expeditions give travelers the opportunity to view gorillas in the wild and visit Fossey’s historical stomping grounds. Since Dian Fossey’s death, DFGFI has continued and expanded her pioneering work with endangered gorillas. In addition, DFGFI now operates programs for education, health, and economic development in local African communities.

Some of the activities of the DFGFI include:
Daily monitoring, protection and study of the mountain gorillas in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans, from the world-renowned Karisoke Research Center, founded by Dian Fossey. The center also operates educational programs, shares its scientific database with scientists and conservationists throughout the world, and provides training in tracking, anti-poaching, research, and other techniques.
Working with a series of community-based preserves and national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to help protect a unique eco-region that is home to the endangered Grauer’s gorilla and many other rare species.
Helping to bring a healthier environment to local communities through health education, medical treatments, clean water, and disease prevention programs.
Supporting special needs of local communities decimated by war, including orphanages, widows’ organizations, women’s business groups, and small-scale economic development.
Providing educational opportunities, programs, and resources for local populations.

A portion of every Baobab trip booking goes towards this worthwhile organization. Trips are from 4-12 days and departure dates are year-round. For more information about Baobab Expeditions Conservation itineraries or the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, click here or contact Richard Pfaeffli at 303 260 6489.

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Affordable Ski Packages for Travelers 50+: Explore Winter Park With Over the Hill Gang International

Affordable Ski Packages for Travelers 50+: Explore Winter Park With Over the Hill Gang International
Springs, Colo.—The Winter Park Resort is Colorado’s longest continuously operating ski resort featuring over 3,000 skiable acres of award-winning terrain including groomers, terrain parks, bumps, steeps, trees and most definitely deeps – average snowfall is 336 inches with 365 inches recorded in 2008. Beyond Boundaries Travel in partnership with Over the Hill Gang International is offering a ski adventure designed specifically for the 50 + crowd. Accommodation is in the AAA three diamond Vintage Hotel (newly remodeled) has been voted one of the “Best 50 Ski Resort Hotels” by Conde Nast Traveler. The Vintage offers the warm coziness of a classic alpine retreat with fine amenities including on-site ski shop and ski lockers, fine dining, microbrewery, and even a library where you can relax in front of the fire with a favorite book or board game. A highlight of the week will be an outing to Devil’s Thumb Ranch for dinner. Devil’s Thumb Ranch is 5,000 acres located at the foot of the Continental Divide. The Ranch was started as a homestead in the 1930’s and has operated as a vacation property since 1946. Many of the original buildings are still being used today. The dinner will take place in the Timber House, which features 150-year-old hand-hewn beams and an incredible 240-degree view of the scenic Ranch Creek Valley and Continental Divide. Trip includes 7 nights’ accommodations, 5 of 6 days lift tickets, free shuttle service, free gondola service, and 12 meals. Dates: March 1-8th, 2009. Cost: $1269, $1239 over 70. Single Supplement $450. Media Contact: Stephanie Moreland, Stephanie@atmstravelnews.com , (832) 755-7661. www.beyondboundariestravel.com . Photos Available. Click Here for Media Kit.

Kid-Friendly Vacations: Kids Learn About Horsemanship and the Great Outdoors at Colorado's Historic 4UR Ranch

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4UR Ranch
CONTACT: Aaron Christensen
TEL: 719-658-2202
E-MAIL: 4urranch@fone.net
WEB: www.4urranch.com
Click Here for Media Kit

Kid-Friendly Vacations: Kids Learn About Horsemanship and the Great Outdoors at Colorado’s Historic 4UR Ranch

Creede, CO—The historic 4UR Ranch, surrounded by the southern rocky mountains and nestled in the valley of beautiful south-central Colorado boasts top-quality horses, majestic vistas, legendary hot springs, superb dining, sweater-cool weather well into August, and a renowned children’s program that includes a focus on horsemanship. The highlight of the children’s experience is the weekly "rodeo" which gives the kids a chance for children to show off their newly acquired skills with a series of fun contests in the horse arena, complete with rodeo clowns.

The 4UR Ranch offers organized activities like horseback riding, hiking, treasure hunts, animal tracking, fishing lessons, campfires, hayrides, panning for gold, swimming, movie nights, and group games in a safe environment that encourages children to interact with their peers and enjoy some time in the great outdoors. The professional wranglers at the 4UR are accomplished in Natural Horsemanship and can share the special insights of this approach to riding with guests. With their expertise and the extensive trail system at the 4UR Ranch, both kids and adults will find many opportunities to improve their riding skills or simply become more comfortable in the saddle.

The ranch offers plenty of activities for adults too, like horseback riding, shooting some trap or sporting clays, swimming, hiking, jogging, and mountain biking. There's private golfing on a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course at the nearby Rio Grande Club, available by special arrangement to guests of the ranch. Explorers can take a quick trip into nearby Creede, one of the very last miner’s boom towns that sprung up in Colorado. Visitors can catch a musical at the renowned Creede Repertory Theatre, soak in the famous hot spring spa, arrange for a soothing massage at the ranch, or just relax and spend time with loved ones.

For more information or to book your family vacation, contact the 4UR Ranch at (719) 658-2202.
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Track Gorillas in what the United Nations Calls "The Year of the Gorilla"

Kampala, Uganda; January 26, 2009—Volcanoes Safaris, the first international up-market safari company to take clients to see gorillas in post-conflict Rwanda, offers guided tracking excursions in Bwindi and Mgahinga in Uganda, as well as in Parc des Volcans in Rwanda. Adding relevance to these trips is the fact that recently the United Nations named 2009 “The Year of the Gorilla”. Visitors on these trips can watch the giants chew their vegetarian fare and tenderly groom their offspring while under the safe and watchful eyes of the highly-trained guides. They have also designed and created their own unique, luxury eco-lodges that are run by local citizens. At the end of the day, feast on local gourmet cuisine and be treated like royalty at one of these unique and luxurious lodges. Volcanoes Safaris has created an unrivalled and integrated set of eco-tourism services and are taking real and actionable steps towards re-building tourism in Uganda and Rwanda, protecting the great ape species whose habitat is under threat of destruction, and creating an eco-tourism program that truly puts the preservation of people, animals, and habitats first. They believe that it is essential in post-conflict societies that the private sector takes responsibility and so they have created partnership projects that help stimulate the economy, create jobs, and give locals security and personal value. Volcanoes Safaris was recently named "One of the World's Best Outfitters" by National Geographic Adventure Magazine. Media Contact: Stephanie Moreland, stephanie@atmstravelnews.com , 832-755-7661, www.volcanoessafaris.com . Photos Available. Click Here for Media Kit.

Private Sailing Expedition to the British Virgin Islands with the Grande Dame of Active Women's Travel

Private Sailing Expedition to the British Virgin Islands with the Grande Dame of Active Women’s Travel
British Virgin Islands, Caribbean—Now, adventurous women everywhere can experience a luxury vacation to the British Virgin Islands complete with rest, relaxation, excitement, and plenty of water recreation. Adventure Women, Inc., a pioneer in active vacations for women over 30, is offering this Caribbean adventure vacation and private cruise, which includes luxurious accommodation on a hand-selected sailboat, the Cuan Law, on the world’s largest trimaran. Guests stay in a private, en suite stateroom, and can experience the breathtaking tropical scenery, world-famous Caribbean skies, warm turquoise waters and its soft, white-sand beaches. Also included are leisurely island explorations, beach-side barbeques, and gourmet international cuisine. Guests can choose their level of adventure: sea kayaking, sailing on a Hobie Cat, island hiking, or a little R&R on this one-of-a-kind sailboat. This luxury trip also includes all-inclusive, decadently-prepared gourmet meals. Dates: March 8-14th, 2009. Cost: $2995 ($600 Deposit). Media Contact: Stephanie Moreland, stephanie@atmstravelnews.com , 832-755-7661. www.adventurewomen.com . Photos Available. Click Here for Media Kit.

Cycle With the Pros: Great Explorations Offers Cycling Itineraries for the Tour de California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Great Explorations
CONTACT: Robbin McKinney
TEL: 604-730-1247
E-MAIL: info@great-explorations.com
WEB: www.great-explorations.com
Click Here for Media Kit

Cycle With the Pros: Great Explorations Offers Cycling Itineraries for the Tour de California

VANCOUVER, BC-- The Tour de California is fast becoming known as an exciting international race with superb routes, top professional cyclists, and large fan support, and renowned cycling tour operator Great Explorations is offering cycling enthusiasts a chance to be in the middle of the action. In February, Lance Armstrong will make this his first race on North American soil and travelers with the company will be there by his side to cheer him on. Great Explorations has planned two itineraries that include experiencing a large part of the race while enjoying the wine, weather, and sights of stunning California.

Two itineraries include a 6 –day and 8-day tour with the chance to see 3-5 stages of the race. This trip takes cyclists to Sacramento, Napa Valley, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, San Jose, and the exciting individual time trial in Solvang. Participants will have the opportunity to ride the actual routes ahead of the pros, and watch from ideal vantage points, where food and refreshments are served. Visitors will ride the best of California’s cycling routes with options for moderate and more advanced rides, and Great Explorations has scouted out superb routes in vineyard country that wind through redwood forests and along the most scenic stretch of coastline in the country.

Highlights of this journey with Great Explorations:
· Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
· A ride never to be forgotten: through Napa Valley, ahead of the pros (they will be saluted with wine glasses).
· Surfing in Santa Rosa- it's not all about the bike!
· Order off the menu at restaurants that can’t be found in guidebooks, such as the quaint restaurant at the Big Sur River Inn.
· Be pampered at Alisal Guest Ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley, where visitors will stay for two nights. All other accommodation is in unique and distinctive inns
· Trips that that are designed and operated to include only good surprises.
· From this trip, Great Explorations will be making a donation of $100 per guest to the Lance Armstrong Foundation.

Dates: February 14th-21 or February 16th-21st. Cost: $2950 (8 day), $2250 (6 day). Single Supplement $400-$600. Bike Rentals: $120-$180. For more information or to register for this trip, click here or contact Robbin McKinney at 604-730-1247.

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Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau

Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau

Home to a respected and energetic cultural arts scene, the fourth largest shopping center in the country, the oldest African-American theater in the Southwest and the brains behind United States space exploration, Houston is as diverse a city as they come.

With 56,405 acres of total park space, Houston rates first among the nation’s 10 most populous cities in total acreage of parkland. There are also over 21,000 concerts, plays, exhibitions and other arts programs presented in Houston annually.

The fourth largest city in the United States is also one of the most culturally-rich cities in the nation. Home to 88 consulates, the third largest consular corps in the nation, Houston radiates with diversity, giving the city one of the most vivid cultural scenes in the country.
Visit : http://www.VisitHoustonTexas.com. Contact : Lindsey Brown at lbrown@ghcvb.org