Posts tagged with "travel"

Western River Expeditions × Virtual Rafting

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Virtual Rafting Tours Provide Connection and Stimulate Adrenalin During Pandemic Shutdown

Sitting on the shoreline of life pretty much sums up where the world is at.

“As a pandemic runs its global course, immobilized though we may feel, we don’t have to respond like a deer in the headlights,” said Brandon Lake, CMO of Western River Expeditions headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. “Now is a great time to dream about future adventures and plan for the time when life returns to the new normal. This not only gives us something to look forward to, but I believe that exploring the outdoors with loved ones when it’s safe to do so, will become an important part of our recovery process, providing people with a sense of connection, interaction and celebration.”

This active travel company specializes in rafting the rivers of the Colorado River Basin. But for the first time in Lake’s memory, the rafts are empty, sitting on the shoreline. On April 1, Grand Canyon National Park closed, including river operations through May 21, 2020. Resumption of river trips will be evaluated later in May pending current CDC guidance.

To accommodate clients whose trips have been delayed by the pandemic, Lake and his team have been able to re-allocate their allotted permit spaces on some trips in the Grand Canyon for departures later in the 2020 season. They are assisting people in solidifying changes in plans and looking to open slots for them later this summer and in 2021.

Lake said he is “confident we will be able to find an available date for clients disrupted by early-season cancellations who are still interested in doing a Grand Canyon rafting trip.”

The company has posted its latest Covid-19 news and trip status on its website to keep the public up-to-date. See: https://www.westernriver.com/covid-19.

Between now and when guests are able to re-embark on rafting adventures, Western River Expeditions encourages people to experience the Grand Canyon and other breathtaking locations via virtual tours. “We put these together before this all happened, but never thought we would be using them for accessing these special places in a time we would not be able to in person.”

Virtual Galleries in 360° Views
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6 & 7 Day Grand Canyon Expedition
http://vr.trustedphoto.com/WesternRiverGrandCanyon6_7_Day/360tour.html

3 & 4 Day Grand Canyon Adventure
http://vr.trustedphoto.com/WesternRiverGrandCanyon3_4_Day/360tour.html

4 Day Cataract Canyon Adventure
http://vr.trustedphoto.com/CataractClassic/360tour.html

5 Day Desolation Canyon Adventure
http://vr.trustedphoto.com/GreenRiver5Day/360tour.html

With these 360° virtual tours the viewer is present, surrounded by the action of a river expedition in the comfort of their own home or office. Get lost in the moment and find oneself in a magnificent cavern. Tucked in a sleeping bag on the shoreline. Standing under a thundering side canyon waterfall. Viewing ancient Native American rock art. Running the West’s most famous rapids. And standing in line for a grilled salmon dinner topped off with warm Dutch-oven chocolate cake. The 360° technology is stunning.

For a copy of Western River Expeditions’ 2020/2021 catalog, questions, availability and reservations call toll-free: 866.904.1160 (Local: 801.942.6669) or visit the website at: http://www.westernriver.com/.

About Western River Expeditions
Western River Expeditions is an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. Annually from March through October it escorts more people down rivers on professionally guided rafting trips in Utah, Idaho and Arizona than any other company. It is the largest licensed outfitter in the Grand Canyon and the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT, through its division Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/).

Western River Expeditions, providing Grand Canyon rafting, Utah and Idaho rafting, and international multi-sport trips, was founded in 1961 by Colorado River rafting pioneer Jack Currey. It has been named one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by the editors of National Geographic Adventure magazine. The company is the proud recipient of the “Best of State” award through Utah’s Premier Recognition and Awards Program for the past sixteen consecutive years (2004-2019).

NASHVILLE VIRTUAL TOUR

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Experience Music City from home with virtual cooking classes, tours of historical sites, bedtime stories by Dolly Parton, and more

As Music City continues to follow the guidance of government and health officials, attractions have closed their doors to visitors and shifted to offering online experiences. As a follow up to the initial list, new virtual Nashville experiences include cooking classes from local chefs, read-aloud bedtime stories, and shared playlists can all help you feel connected to Nashville.

New offerings include online cooking classes from some of Nashville’s most beloved chefs, including James Beard Award-winner Sean Brock (Audrey, Joyland, and previously Husk), Tony Galzin (Nicky’s Coal Fired), Matthew Bell (Gray & Dudley), and more. While most are free of charge, Sean Brock is offering his classes for a fee, with every penny earned going to support his team’s wages.

See more under Virtual Classes & Sessions: www.visitmusiccity.com/virtual-attractions

Nashville is doing the best to support the tireless medical professionals who are working on the front lines to combat COVID-19. In true Music City fashion, one way the city is showing its’ support is through Gratitunes, a shared playlist individuals add to and is shared with Vanderbilt University Medical Center staff and streamed to clinics. Musicians including Brad Paisley, Amy Grant, Sara Evans, Dustin Lynch, and more have all joined in by dedicating a tune on their social media channels. Learn more and add your favorite uplifting song: www.visitmusiccity.com/upcoming-concerts

One of country music’s most recognized and loved artists, Dolly Parton, has started “Goodnight with Dolly,” a weekly YouTube series in which she will read aloud a children’s book from her Imagination Library project. She hopes to give parents and children “a welcome distraction during a time of unrest and also inspire a love of reading and books.” This will be a 10-week series, with the first episode having aired on Thursday, April 3.

For art lovers, Frist Art Museum is offering Art History Courses throughout the month of April. Art historian Jim Womack will host 3 classes, available on Zoom for a small fee, covering a variety of topics. Learn more and register here. Nashville’s creativity and foundation in music still shines in partnerships between restaurants and breweries and vinyl shops. Among others, Tennessee Brew Works is pairing with Third Man Records to locally deliver craft beer with a side of vinyl. See more: www.visitmusiccity.com/VinylPairings

As previously mentioned, The Grand Ole Opry is available for live streaming on Saturday evenings, two Nashville documentaries are online for viewing (It All Begins With A Song: The Story of the Nashville Songwriter and For The Love of Music: The Story of Nashville), and many major attractions are offering unique virtual experiences. Interact with Music City: www.visitmusiccity.com/virtual-attractions.

WINE DONATED TO FRONTLINE WORKERS

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An Initiative to Donate Bottles of Wine and Messages of Encouragement to Frontline Workers.

–Signor Vineyards and their employees are sending personal notes of encouragement and a bottle of wine to family and loved ones who serve as frontline and essential workers.

-Signor Vineyards is a boutique family vineyard nestled in the Texas Hill Country that features world-class charcuterie and wine, French country gardens, and farmhouse shopping at Joanna’s Market.

-Due to COVID-19 Signor Vineyards is closed for tastings but wine can be purchased through their drive-thru and online.

Signor Vineyards and their employees have launched the Bottles for the Frontline campaign. Bottles for the Frontline is an initiative to share some liquid relief and words of encouragement to workers who are a part of the front line and relief efforts in fighting COVID-19.

The Signor team have sent bottles and taken to social media to share personal notes to their loved ones. Bottles from the family vineyard are being distributed to brave men and women throughout the country. Among them are a COVID ICU Nurse at the University of Chicago, Store manager at Texas grocery store chain, HEB, Surgical RN, and many others.

“We understand how much our frontline workers are sacrificing and putting at risk for our community. Many are working through such stressful situations and do not have the comfort of hugging their children and being around their family. We thought this small gesture could help instill a little hope and relaxation in this time.” – Will Coker, General Manager

Typically, Springtime brings the Bluebonnets and thousands of visitors from across the country to Fredericksburg, Texas.

Like many vineyards in the Texas Hill Country, Signor Vineyards has closed their tasting room doors until further notice and have switched to drive-thru and online sales. This has been a change of pace for the vineyard, which has become a destination where friends and family come from all over to congregate.

“A big part of what we do is bring people together. And even though we cannot do that at this time, we can carry on the feeling of joy and fellowship that comes when you open a bottle. We know that our frontline workers deserve much more than but it’s the least we can do.” Clay Signor, Owner/ Proprietor

In the spirit of giving back, Signor Vineyards is taking nominations for frontline workers. People can nominate and share stories of the heroes in their lives by commenting on their Facebook or Instagram post. Signor Vineyards is also encouraging other wineries and vineyards to join their cause and share their photos using #bottles4frontline.

Signor Vineyards is located at 362 Livesay Lane, Fredericksburg, TX. Visit www.signorvineyards.com or follow them on facebook or Instagram @signorvineyards.

Sheri Hunter – Daring to Live

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Author Sheri Hunter’s new memoir, Daring to Live: How the Power of Sisterhood and Taking Risks Can Jump-Start Your Joy, is being made into a film: DeVon Franklin, the producer behind the drama Breakthrough (that made over $50 million worldwide in 2019), has signed on to produce the film adaptation of Daring to Live for Paramount Pictures (additional details here).

But don’t wait for the movie – increase your joy now with thispowerful, poignant memoir, available from Baker Books.

Elevated by the author’s sharp wit and gift for storytelling,Daring to Live details Sheri’s journey to conquer grief, loss and fear… a journey that includes best friends, skydiving, motorcycles – even climbing Kilimanjaro!

When her husband, Mannard, unexpectedly passed away at age 50, Sheri Hunter was devastated. With her whole world collapsing around her, she turned to her friends. Years before, she and these friends – the “Dare Divas” – had gone on a whitewater rafting trip. Now they sought out other adventures to help Sheri heal – ziplining, skydiving, mountain climbing, and more. Through these death-defying activities and the unwavering support of her friends, Sheri slowly found the strength to move forward in life.

“When I lost Mannard, I faced deep sorrow and shock, of course. But I distinctly remember that one feeling overshadowed all the others: supreme abandonment. This feeling was so permeating, it led me to question my place in life itself,” says Sheri in Daring to Live.

“Fortunately, the Dare Divas were there to pick me up, and strengthen my resolve and joy for life. Our dares took on a therapeutic role. As I reflected on each challenge, I saw thesedares were teaching me a series of life lessons for my new life without Mannard – and that it was possible to have a satisfying, fulfilling life again.”

This empowering travelogue pairs emotionally resonant, confessional storytelling with spiritual takeaways, challenging readers to engage fully in their own lives, surround themselves with friends who will support them, and face life’s challenges with courage and faith.

Read Daring to Live: How the Power of Sisterhood and Taking Risks Can Jump-Start Your Joy– no jump from of an airplane at 13,000 feet necessary! Then again, maybe that’s just what’s needed…

About the Author: Sheri Hunter is a marketing professional who has served as a producer for Michigan’s national news affiliates, including CBS and NBC. She is a freelancer for several daily newspapers, including the Oakland Press, the Morning Sun News, and has been featured in MORE Magazine and National Geographic Traveler.

A popular keynote speaker, Sheri loves to show others that living outside of our comfort zones helps us discover amazing things about ourselves, even if those acts aren’t as extreme as jumping out of an airplane at 13,000 feet. Sheri lives in Michigan.

Travel Smart – Gadgets to Make Any Trip a Breeze

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Travel in the 21st century is a very different experience to what it was in years gone by, due in no small part to the most inescapable gadget of them all – our smartphones. These devices have removed a lot of the guesswork for travellers, as well as serving as all-round entertainment units for long journeys. Listen to an audiobook, play some games at real money casinos, or catch up on the news; some may argue that a smartphone is the only gadget you really need while travelling.

If you take that approach, then you’d be missing out. There are a ton of excellent and useful gadgets that should be included in any smart traveller’s suitcase or backpack. Here is our pick of the devices that can make any trip smooth, fun and hassle-free.

Noise-Cancelling Headphones

These can be a real life-saver in a variety of situations, especially during long flights or train journeys. They can help you sleep more easily, enhance the sound quality of the in-flight entertainment or simply act as a deterrent to any chatty strangers that you may not want to interact with. Two good choices are the Sennheiser PCX550 or Sony WH-1000XM3, both of which have the option to be wired or wireless.

Portable Charger

That smartphone is just a hunk of useless metal and plastic if you can’t charge it, and when you are travelling you may not always be near an outlet. Portable chargers are the solution, and the type you choose may depend on the type of trip you are taking. For holidays to remote locations, hikes and camping trips, a solar-powered charger may be the answer. The Soluser portable charger is one of the best to be found, and it can provide up to 500 charges from full capacity. For regular portable chargers, Anker has cornered the market with its superior products.

Personal WiFi Hotspot

Another must-have if you want or need to stay connected while you are away is a mobile hotspot. Save money on international data, and connect even if you are far from civilization. The network is also secure, which can’t be said for some public WiFi. Verizon have a good one, and the device from GlocalMe also receives high user reviews. Check if the country you are travelling to is included in the coverage before deciding which to buy.

Compression Packing Cubes

For the organised traveller who wants to make the best possible use of the space in their suitcase, these packing cubes are just the ticket. Simply place your stacked clothes in the cube, and the compression zip will dramatically reduce the size of the pile. These are also perfect for anyone who likes to travel with only carry-on luggage, as you can fit so much more into a small space. The Gonex range are great quality, and the sturdy zips can stand repeated usage.

Waterproof Phone Case

Keep your phone safe and dry under any weather conditions, while still being able to use it. The case adds bulk to your phone, but at some point you’re sure to be grateful that you have it. LifeProof are generally regarded as producing the best and sturdiest cases, although they do come with a rather high price tag. Even so, you can drop your phone down a ravine, and as long as you’re able to retrieve it, a LifeProof case will probably keep it unscathed.

Universal Travel Adapter

You may have had a bad experience with some of the older, badly-made travel adapters that barely did the job they were supposed to do. Thankfully, modern universal adapters are of much higher quality. There are lots of smaller brands that make good products, so check out a couple of reviews, choose one that’s highly rated, and you won’t go wrong.

How to Stay Productive on a Business Trip To London

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London is an incredible city filled with a diverse range of businesses, which is why it’s a popular destination for business and leisure travellers alike.

For business travellers, visiting London can quickly become a chore. When you’re not going home in the evening, not sleeping in the same bed, not eating the same food or working at the same desk, it can get all too easy to switch into vacation mode instead of being in your usual hard-working mindset.

Despite the jet lag, unfamiliar surroundings and the back to back meetings you’ve likely got planned, the good news is that there are some steps that you can take to make sure that any business trip you go on, is a productive one. Keep these tips in mind to help you minimize distractions and get work done, no matter where you are.

Upgrade from a Hotel Room:

Anyone who’s ever tried to work from a hotel room will tell you that it’s certainly not the easiest of experiences. Even if you have a desk, space is limited, and the Wi-Fi might be patchy at the best of times. Plus, you’ve got the noise of all the other guests distracting you. Instead, upgrade your stay and find furnished apartments for rent for a month or more, that you can take advantage of. London’s fully furnished rentals provided by Blueground are ideal for any business trip; you get plenty of your own carefully designed space in a premium accommodation, with a separate living area and bedroom that can help you get more done. Plus, you get a fully equipped kitchen, so you can prepare your favourite meals without having to rely on hotel dining times.

Utilize Technology:

Before setting off, determine which of your gadgets are going to be most useful to you on your trip and pack accordingly. Will you need your laptop for writing projects and spreadsheets, or will your tablet and smartphone do the job? Depending on the purpose of your trip, you might not need to take all your gadgets and leaving some at home will lighten your load. Whatever devices you decide that you need to bring, make sure that you have access to reliable Wi-Fi. If you’re flying, many airlines now offer this as an in-flight service but it’s worth checking, especially if you’re only taking a short flight where it’s less likely to be available.

Keep Up with Your Office:

Keeping up with your normal workload in unfamiliar surroundings and settings is perhaps one of the hardest parts of going on a business trip. It can be difficult to stay on track when your day to day routine is nothing like normal, so one of the best ways to get around this is to keep up with the people at your office regularly. Before you go, meet up with your team to get status updates and review any upcoming deadlines; talk about the upcoming trip and get a plan in place together. Once you’re there, it’s a good idea to spend some time every day catching up with the office; you can do this via video chat, for example.

Familiarize Yourself with Your Destination:

The last thing that you want is to be rushing around stressed out because you’ve got a meeting to get to and have no idea how to get there, so spend some time getting to know your destination both before you set off and once you first arrive. Find out which part of London you’ll be staying in and what’s nearby; figure out how far away the place is from anywhere that you will need to go for meetings and other work-related events to help determine how hard it is to get a cab or whether the nearby public transport will be good enough for getting you from A to B. Of course, you should also see if there’s anything interesting that you could do in your downtime; tourist attractions are always worth the visit.

Be Productive When Commuting:

If you’ve got a long flight or train journey ahead when setting out on a business trip, you can take advantage of this time and really use it to be as productive as possible. Even if you’re not going to have Wi-Fi in transit – pretty rare these days, but it can happen – then figure out what work you can do without needing to be connected to the internet and get that done during your commute. The more you can get done while you’re traveling, the less you’ll have to do once you arrive and the more relaxed and focused you will feel. Signing up for airline or hotel loyalty programs that offer business traveller perks can be a good way to help boost your productivity when traveling; you can take advantage of first-class lounges that provide a quiet and relaxing place to get stuff done while you wait for your flight.

Staying productive on a business trip can be difficult; after all, your routine has completely changed and you’re in unfamiliar surroundings. Keep these tips in mind to help achieve maximum productivity on your next trip to London.

Tips For Planning Your Bali Adventure

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Bali is one of the top travel destinations right now for those who want to experience something completely different and have a relaxing time. Of course, like many other destinations around the world, there are some things that you need to consider when planning your trip to Bali. Do you have your travel visa? Is your passport in date? These are all important considerations.

In this article, we are going to give you some of our best tips for planning your Bali adventure. Hopefully, you’ll pick up some great tips.

Check Your Travel Documents

One of the first things that you will need to do when you are planning your Bali adventure is to check your travel documents. There are a few things that you’ll need to gain entry to the country including your passport and your travel visa. It is important that your passport is going to be valid over the course of your trip and not just when you are leaving.

Many countries also require you to have a travel visa before entering the country. You can usually find information on the kind of visa that you will need on a government website. Take a look at this and you’ll get the information that you need.

Getting Travel Insurance

When you are planning your Bali adventure, you need to make sure that you are getting the right kind of travel insurance policy. It is important that you recognise just how vital travel insurance is when you are travelling to another country that might not have the kind of healthcare that you are used to.

If you are planning on travelling for an extended period of time then you might need an annual policy. This kind of policy is also good for those who are planning on travelling more than once in a period of a year. For those only heading to Bali for a shorter adventure, we suggest single-trip insurance. Travel insurance from staysure.co.uk is one of the best places to look before heading on your trip.

When To Go

Another thing to consider when you are planning your Bali adventure is the time of year that you want to go. The best time to travel to Bali is between April and October as this is when it is the dry season. Many travellers aim to avoid the rainy season as it can have a negative effect on the kinds of activities that you can do in Bali.

Of course, you must also consider the fact that going during the dry season might cause the cost of your trip to increase. Tour companies will want to make as much money as possible and so will charge more during popular travel months.

Don’t Plan Too Much

While there are some things that you will need to plan ahead when you are travelling to Bali including your visa and your travel insurance, it is a good idea to avoid planning too much. Bali is a great destination that can be perfect for those hoping to relax and experience a new culture. If you plan every aspect of your trip including tours, you could find yourself more stressed out than you need to be.

It is important that you set yourself up for an adventure if you want to really explore Bali. As long as you have the right travel documents and somewhere to stay for the first few nights, you can have a really great trip. Try to live life in the moment for the perfect Bali adventure in 2020.

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Canyon Of The Eagles

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Looking for an unconventional getaway in the splendor of the Great American Wilderness? The Canyon of The Eagles in Burnet County, Texas, can provide you with that experience, and more.

The Canyon Of The Eagles property is located on the scenic shores of Lake Buchanan, the largest body of water in Texas’s Highland Lakes Region. It is also conveniently accessible by car, just 90 minutes outside of Austin, Texas, and 25 minutes from the town of Burnet.

The big draw to this location? Its breathtaking natural beauty and the chance to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in a peaceful and recharging environment. Guests will enjoy quiet accommodations in cozy cabins on the property, styled with a rustic Texas Southwestern charm. While the cabins are equipped with modern amenities, including wi-fi, the only television access exists at the Eagles Nest Lounge, it’s Hospitality Suite. This encourages conversation and quality time with loved ones and at the same time, inspires communal engagement in ways often lost to the digital age.

On the property, guests can also start the morning off with a rejuvenating Yoga session, or a relaxing lake pontoon ride. If you’re looking to add some more adventure to your stay, there are many opportunities to get out of your room and explore the scenery. You might find yourself mountain biking on Burnet County Trails. Catch breathtaking views on one of the hiking trails. Rent a kayak, and go on a Guided Tour or a solo paddle out on the beautiful Lake Buchanan. Book a spot on one of the Canyon Cruises, a 2 hour sightseeing and wildlife watching journey with the chance to see intricate naturally-weathered rock formations and waterfalls.

Some of the most incredible parts of Canyon of the Eagles comes out when the sun goes down and the night comes alive. The remote location of the resort and lack of light pollution opens up the night sky in ways one could never imagine. Stargazing is a popular nighttime activity, and the activity can be elevated by attending the Eagle Eye Observatory, where an on-site scientist and astronomer can explain to you the constellations. Fireside chats are another evening activity, covering topics such as local snakes and other wildlife to watch out for.

Food and drink options are also plentiful on the property and nearby. Experience authentic barbeque delights from Opie’s BBQ such as mesquite smoked brisket and pork chops or make your way to the best breakfast you’ll find at Bluebonnet Café where you can enjoy 14 varieties of fresh baked pies — including lemon, coconut, fudge and more. The walking tour of downtown Marble Falls features a snack at Choccolatte’s, where you can enjoy premium gelato or if you would like to get a drink and relax, you could head over to Bear King Brewery. Whatever your tastes are, you can be satisfied in the Highland Lakes Region.

Canyon of the Eagles is a family-friendly resort and vacation option for anyone looking to change up the fast-paced routine of modern life and sink into a simpler time. This location allows for great opportunities for families to get back together and enjoy each others company. The resort also offers options for corporate events and retreats, and would provide an excellent backdrop for a wedding or any other celebration. Whatever you make out of your stay, you won’t forget it when staying at the Canyon of the Eagles in the magnificent Texas Highland Lakes. For more information on what Canyon of Eagle’s could provide at your luxury stay, please check out their amenities and book your stay here.

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