Overseas Adventure Travel Announces Top 10 2018 Destinations For Americans 55+

Botswana, Morocco, and Iceland head the list

 Alan E. Lewis, Chairman of Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.), the leader in small groups on the road less traveled, today announced O.A.T's "Top 10 Destinations for 2018" based on year-to-date bookings by O.A.T.'s travelers, who are Americans aged 55 and older.  More than 15,000 (15,064) travelers have booked an adventure to one (or more) of these destinations in 2018 to-date.  O.A.T. anticipates 57,012 travelers overall in 2018—up from 46,247 in 2016 and 40,266 in 2013.

"Whether 55 or 75, older American travelers are heading to far-flung locations in record numbers—and their varying choice of destinations mirrors the myriad interests of these generations," said Lewis.  "What these travelers share in common, though, is the desire to be fully immersed in local life when traveling—by engaging with students and teachers in rural schools, sharing a meal with a family in their home, or spending the day with locals in their village—so that they can gain a first-hand understanding of a destination and, ultimately, a better sense of the world we share."

2018 TOP DESTINATIONS FOR AMERICANS 55+
Destination		Bookings
1.	Botswana	2,526
2.	Morocco	2,241
3.	Iceland	2,081
4.	Machu Picchu & the Galapagos	1,531
5.	Sicily	1,494
6.	Japan	1,435
7.	Tanzania	1,374
8.	Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina	1,337
9.	Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam)	1,295
10.	India	1,244

In the past five years, 229,528 Americans 55+ have traveled with O.A.T.—all in small groups of 10-16 on land adventures or 14-25 by Small Ship.  For more information about O.A.T., please visit http://www.oattravel.com or call 1-800-955-1925.

ABOUT OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVELEstablished in 1978, Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) is part of Boston-based Grand Circle Corporation's family of travel companies, which also include Grand Circle Cruise Line and Grand Circle Travel.  In 1992, owners Alan and Harriet Lewis established the nonprofit Grand Circle Foundation to support communities in which Grand Circle works and travels, including some 300 humanitarian, cultural, and educational endeavors worldwide—among them, 100 schools, in 50 countries.  The Foundation is an entity of the Lewis Family Foundation, which has pledged or donated more than $169 million since 1981.   

Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Nation’s Only Underwater Hotel, Reopens In Key Largo

Jules’ Undersea Lodge, Nation’s Only Underwater Hotel, Reopens in Key Largo

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — Jules’ Undersea Lodge, the United States’ only submerged recreational hotel, is to reopen to overnight divers Friday, Dec. 1.

The famed lodge, located at Key Largo Undersea Park, sustained no damage when Hurricane Irma struck the Florida Keys Sept. 10. At the park, however, the Category 4 storm damaged a property generator, gift shop, office and above-ground rooms, temporarily discolored its Emerald Lagoon and scattered debris from downed tree limbs and foliage.

The lagoon reopened to divers and snorkelers in early November after an extensive cleanup.

“The excitement of having our first guests back after Irma is that we can again offer the public the technology of undersea living and what is required to sustain it,” said Teresa McKinna, vice president and chief financial officer. “People are interested in the science of it all.”

The lodge, whose entrance is 21 feet beneath the surface, has two bedrooms, a shower and head, and can comfortably host a maximum of six scuba-certified guests. Divers deliver supplies such as linens through an underwater opening called a moon pool.

A dockside compressor pushes scrubbed and filtered air into the lodge. Land-based dive operators closely monitor the air and safety of underwater guests during activities such as venturing out for a dive.

Guests can order fresh local pizza in an original box or choose gourmet meal options of filet and Florida lobster, baked potato, roll and homemade Key lime pie. Food is delivered in a weighted waterproof case.

The facility has hosted more than 10,000 overnight guests including Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, actor Tim Allen and two rock stars: Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler and Phish drummer Jon Fishman.

A Tennessee college professor and instructor stayed in the lodge for a record-breaking 73 days in 2014 during a “Classroom Under the Sea” underwater living mission. The stay is cited in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “longest time spent living in an underwater fixed habitat.”

Jules’ overnight experience also offers what the lodge bills as the world’s only Recreational Aquanaut specialty scuba diving recognition. Its MarineLab educational programs teach about 5,000 students each year.

The lodge initially was the bright orange La Chalupa research laboratory, one of the most technologically advanced habitats of its kind. It conducted sea floor studies and saturation dive currents. First based in Vieques, Puerto Rico, La Chalupa was immersed in 100 feet of water, then moved to Miami and later to Key Largo to the park’s lagoon.

The lodge’s current name was inspired by novelist Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Opened in 1986, it celebrated 30 years underwater in November 2016.

Jules’ Undersea Lodge is located at Key Largo Undersea Park, 51 Shoreland Drive.

Jules’ Undersea Lodge information: jul.com

Key Largo visitor information: fla-keys.com/keylargo or 800-822-1088

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REI Adventures Launches New Destinations, Expands Its Easy Active And Signature Camping Offerings

REI Adventures, the active travel company part of national outdoor co-op REI, is launching 20 trips, bringing the total for the year to more than 40 new itineraries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America. The industry leader is also formally introducing a collection of lower intensity trips to meet the diverse interests and abilities of its broadening traveler base.

"Throughout our 30-year history of offering active vacations to classic and emerging destinations, we've proudly stayed true to our heritage by designing unique itineraries with physical activity at the center of the experience," says Cynthia Dunbar, general manager of REI Adventures. "Our new collection quickly struck a chord – we've heard from some of our most seasoned travelers who've accomplished our most intense itineraries and those new to active travel and trust REI to provide a transformational experience."

REI Adventures' new lower intensity collection is designated as level two on the company's activity scale. Consistent with all REI trips, travelers will be active daily but at a more relaxed pace and with less intensity. A sample day includes hiking two to six miles with minimal elevation gain and/or loss. Physical activities will be interspersed with local experiences to highlight a region's cultural and natural history, and unique interactions with communities made possible by local expert guides. During REI Adventures' most strenuous trips (level five), guests can hike more than 10 miles a day and carry backpacks weighing up to 45 pounds with constant and dramatic elevation gain and/or loss.

Nine level two trips are now available in Italy, Japan, Myanmar, Peru, Thailand and the United States. For example, Japan Hiking – Kumano Kodo & Nakasendo is an 11-day trek across ancient trade and pilgrimage routes from the country's imperial capital to modern Tokyo. Adventurers traverse through awe-inspiring bamboo groves and temples, visit the Hongu Grand Shrine UNESCO World Heritage site, and dine on local cuisines. So many highlights are woven into the journey, including the hospitality of local communities and learning about the art of sake and miso production. Accommodations include hotels and traditional guesthouses tucked into quaint communities. The unique combination of these classic routes is a first for the active travel industry.

Other new REI Adventures trips that range in activity level include:

Mt. Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route: REI has helped adventure seekers summit Africa's highest mountain since the travel company's founding. Complementing the popularity of its other two itineraries, Rongai is the less-traveled path on Kilimanjaro's northern side. Members hike through wide climate zones as elevation increases – from lush forests with sightings of colobus monkeys to sparsely vegetated alpine desert to the volcanic landscape. The itinerary features REI Signature Camping with deluxe accommodations such as spacious tents, elevated cots, thick sleeping pads, and touches of home for a restful sleep. At the heart of the trip is the expertise of a local guide and porter team who encourage and support each traveler to achieve their personal accomplishment.

Other new Africa itineraries include a nine-day Tanzania Family Adventure and Safari and a 13-day Tanzania Ultimate Adventure and Safari.

France Hiking – Provence: Over nine days, explore picturesque landscapes of vineyards and olive groves, oak forests, mountain passes and hilltop towns that were celebrated by Cézanne, Picasso and Matisse. The journey begins with Avignon's Papal Palace, a jewel of medieval architecture, and includes visits to the still-working 12th-century Senanque Abbey in Gordes, the Luberon region that has grown lavender for 2,000 years, Aix-en-Provence's tree-lined and lively promenade, and more. Throughout the trip, travelers dine on Provencal farm-to-table cuisine.

REI Adventures also increased its Italian collection to 14 trips. New itineraries include Italy and France – Piedmont to the French Riviera where hikers traverse vineyards and country trails, forage for truffles, learn about prehistoric carvings in Mercantour National Park and reward themselves with a soak in cool waters. On REI's Italy Hiking – Amalfi Coast & Capri trip, explore the country's southern Mediterranean by hiking the Path of the Gods, visiting a medieval castle on the Isle of Ischia, kayaking the dramatic coastline, and learning the art of Neapolitan cuisine.

As the largest operator in the U.S. National Parks, REI Adventures launched hiking and backpacking trips in the country's national treasures, including Texas Hiking – Big Bend National Park and Beyond where members hike seven days from the Chisos Mountains to the Chihuahuan Desert and through the region's culturally significant border towns of Marathon, Alpine and Terlingua. On REI's Yosemite Winter Adventure, travelers have a magical experience as they snowshoe and hike during the park's lightest visitation period.

Through the end of the year, REI Adventures will continue its robust expansion with a Botswana Adventure Safari, multisport exploration through Croatia's islands and more than 10 itineraries in the United States. For example, hiking and multisport adventures will launch in Alaska, while backpacking, hiking and family trips will soon be available in epic Pacific Northwest destinations. For those wishing to travel in warmer climates, backpack Arizona's Aravaipa Canyon or explore the Sonoran Desert by bike.

About REI Adventures 
Award-winning REI Adventures has been a global leader in worldwide guided active adventure trips since 1987. As the travel business for national specialty outdoor retailer REI, the company offers unique itineraries focused on sustainable, human-powered outdoor adventure, including hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing and more. Guests experience iconic destinations as guides take them off the "beaten path," and provide opportunities to explore a destination, get to know the local people, their culture, the flora and fauna and discover things they would not be able to duplicate on their own or with another travel company. REI members receive a special discount price on most trips. For more information, full itineraries and trip reviews provided by guests, visit http://www.rei.com/adventures.

Olympic Games Make Brazil More Affordable For Travelers: Wildland Adventures Shares Three Reasons To Plan A Brazil Adventure Now

Brazil has recently emerged on the world adventure travel radar as travelers have discovered all that it has to offer: a wide range of unique cultural experiences, captivating adventures and a paradise for wildlife seekers. And with the Rio 2016 Olympic Games quickly approaching, Wildland Adventures (http://www.wildland.com/) offers three ways active travelers can capitalize on the opportunities created by the international sporting event. 1. It just adds up: Brazil has temporarily lifted the mandatory $250 visa for US citizens this summer (through Sept.18), and, on top of that, the US Dollar is the strongest it’s ever been to the Brazilian Real. Add that to that the fact that roundtrip flights from the US to many of the most sought-after adventure destinations in Brazil are as low as $450 in July and August (including the Amazon and Pantanal), travelers can expect significant savings. Many of the popular adventure resorts still have availability for July and August. 2. Can you taste it? There is an emerging mouth-watering culinary scene in Brazil thanks to its being one of the word’s cultural melting pots. From churrascaria to feijoada, Brazil’s distinct tastes and flavors entice and satisfy even the most discerning gourmands. Brazil's history and culinary stage are inarguably intertwined. Sugar and coffee are vitally important crops while also being labor intensive, which fueled the African slave trade to Brazil and in turn, African culinary traditions as well. Brazil’s national dish, feijoada, is thought to be an African take on a traditional Portuguese dish. Another beloved Brazilian dish, acaraje, originally from Nigeria, has become a staple of Bahian street food and the use of dende (African palm oil) is one of the principal ingredients inmoqueca, an otherworldly classic Bahian stew. After the abolition of slavery, immigrants from Italy and Japan joined the Brazilian labor market and added their own influences to the melting pot of the Brazilian culinary scene. Pizza in Brazil can easily rival that of Naples and New York and is practically its own food group.  Unique ingredient additions find their way into the pizza ovens of Brazil's urban centers that include everything from soft catupiry or local minas cheese, cinnamon, bananas and even guava. 3. Where to go: With the huge crowds expected in Rio this summer, now is the perfect time to venture off the beaten path and explore the wilds of Brazil. Brazil offers many rare opportunities such as scouting for jaguars in the expansive wetlands of Brazil's Pantanal or swimming with pink dolphins in the Amazon.  Active visitors can snorkel in crystal clear rivers and explore ancient caves in Bonito, or trek through mysterious valleys, past table top mountains and waterfalls in Salvador’s Chapada Diamantia. One can cruise on a private schooner past pirate coves on the Costa Verde in Paraty or gaze dumbstruck at Brazil’sIguassu Falls. Wildland Adventures has even pioneered a new activity where travelers are able to swim at the “Meeting of the Waters”, a natural phenomenon where the Negro River (originating in Colombia) meets the Solimões River (originating in Peru) to form the Amazon River. Wildland Adventures has recently expanded their trips to Brazil by venturing to new areas offering several unique explorations of 9 to 14 days. - Ultimate Jaguar and Wildlife Adventure is 14 days and explores Brazil's two largest and most famous regions of biodiversity: the Pantanal and the Amazon. - The 12-day Best of Brazil: Amazon, Rio de Janeiro, and Iguassu Falls itinerary explores the tropical rainforest of the Amazon and Iguassu Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls. - On the 13-day Brazil Family Adventure kids and parents kayak, snorkel, spot jaguars, hike, play in the surf and learn to cook while exploring Bonito, the Pantanal, Paraty and Rio de Janeiro. - Guests trek through the mysterious valleys, past tabletop mountains and waterfalls in Chapada Diamantia National Park on Wildland’s 14-day Brazil Trekking Adventure. - Into the Atlantic Rainforest of Brazil (Costa Verde) focuses on the biodiversity of the Atlantic Rainforest. In the 9-day itinerary, guests will kayak along secluded beaches, search for wildlife and hidden waterfalls in mangrove forests and explore the colonial city of Paraty. Brazil and Zika: Is it safe to travel to affected regions? Until more is known, and out of an abundance of caution, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends special precautions only for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant: Pregnant women in any trimester or women trying to become pregnant should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first. Wildland Adventures urges all passengers to travel sensibly, and to take preventive measures against mosquito bites. Any passenger who is pregnant or think they may become pregnant during or prior to their trip should contact their doctor and potentially reconsider their trip in accordance with CDC/WHO advice. Kurt Kutay, Founding CEO/President, and Anne Kutay, Vice-President, established Wildland Adventures in 1986. As active managing directors they are continuously refining and evolving their Wild Style of travel. The ‘Wild Style’ is based on an ethic of sincerity, compassion and understanding that breaks down barriers of separation to build lasting intercultural, interpersonal, and environmental bonds designed to enhance rather than exploit the people and places where they travel. Rated byNational Geographic Adventure as the #1 Best ‘Do-it-all’ Outfitter on Earth and Fodor’s as one of the World’s Best Tour Specialists, Wildland Adventures offers more than 150 unique itineraries on seven continents in 45 countries.By fostering genuine connections to create personalized experiences their travelers, Wildland fosters a growing and vibrant community of enlightened and compassionate travelers. # # # Follow Wildland Adventures Facebook:     https://www.facebook.com/wildlandadventures Twitter:          https://twitter.com/WildTravel YouTube:       https://www.youtube.com/wildtravel Google Plus:  https://plus.google.com/+wildlandadventures

Moab Adventure Center Announces New Air Service To Region, An Insiders’ Guide And Value-Driven Adventure Packages

 

  One of world’s great natural playgrounds, the greater Moab, UT, region, expects to host more visitors than ever this year while helping to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Arches National Park is 4.5 miles from Moab and Canyonlands National Park, 30 miles.

To make it easier to get here and maximize time spent here, Moab Adventure Center (http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/), announces new air service from Salt Lake City and Denver into Moab’s Canyonlands Field (CNY), a free online Insiders’ Guide to Moab (a PDF full of travel advice), and three value-packed multi-day packages inclusive of activities and lodging that help people organize their time and vacation budget.

Air Service
San Francisco-based Boutique Air as of March 30, 2016, is providing passenger airline service to Canyonlands Field Airport in Moab. It is scheduled to provide two flights daily to Salt Lake City at $59 per flight and one flight daily to Denver at $79. The airline will provide five flights per day during Moab’s busy tourist season. http://www.moabairport.com/274/Flight-Schedule

Boutique Air operates a modern fleet of Swiss-made Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. With amenities designed to make the flying experience as comfortable as it gets, the PC-12 features reclining leather seats in an executive configuration, power outlets, a pressurized cabin, enclosed lavatory, and a top speed of 300 mph. Boutique Air is an FAA-certified air carrier providing both air charter and scheduled service. The airline currently services routes in Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Nebraska, Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia and Utah. Reservations can be made by visiting https://www.boutiqueair.com/ or by phone at (855) 268-8478.

Insider’s Guide
Moab Adventure Center’s Moab, Utah: A Guide from the Inside is just that. It covers suggestions on how to dress for pursuing activities in this environment, what the activities are, where to eat and sleep and how to organize a visit through packages that give more bang for the buck time and money-wise. Folks can request a complimentary copy at http://www.moabadventurecenter.com.

Multi-Day Moab Adventure Packages
First-time visitors to the region who may be unsure of exactly what they want to explore may be interested in Multi-Day Moab Adventure Packages that include activities, some meals and lodging. These include Moab River Rafting - Raft & Camp that over two days packs in two days of rafting on the Colorado River and the experience of sleeping under the stars. The per person rate is $265 for ages 16 and up and $195 for ages 5 to 15. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/rafting/twoday.php

Also suggested is the Southwest Sampler, a four-day/three-night program with two nights’ accommodation at Gonzo Inn, the perfect location adjacent to shopping, restaurants, a city walking path, and only one block from the Moab Adventure Center. There’s also one night of catered camping on the river. An off-road Hummer® Safari through Arches National Park and two days rafting the Colorado River woo ages 16 and up for $635 and ages 5-15 for $535. http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/packages/southwest.php

A third recommendation is Westwater Multi-Sport, again a four-day/three-night adventure but this time including three nights’ accommodation at Red Cliffs Lodge (no camping), a day of rafting on Westwater Canyon, labeled “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip” by National Geographic, a Hummer® Safari  adventure and optional horseback riding. The rate for 16 and up is $685 and for ages 12-15 $635.
http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/packages/westwater.php

While engaged in adventure, folks may feel that they’ve been here before… and they have through movies!  From old John Wayne classics and the memorable Thelma and Louise to more recent hits such as The Lone Ranger, After Earth and 127 Hours, the Moab region has hosted 48 major film productions since 1949. See: http://www.discovermoab.com/movie.htm

For more information on all the packages offered by the Moab Adventure Center please see http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/trips/packages/

Moab Adventure Center is at the epicenter of nature-themed adventure, promising activities that include rafting, jet boating, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, mountain biking, national park adventures and hot air ballooning. Hummer safaris, rock climbing, canyoneering and horseback riding are also popular pursuits. Many of these activities are conducted with guides, an arrangement that helps preclude the kind of damage to the land that can happen when uneducated visitors venture into areas where they perhaps shouldn’t be. Guides help people understand where they can move through back country with the least impact and most enjoyment possible.

Year-round occupancy for the area’s 3,500 beds runs between 74 and 80 percent, primarily from March through November. While availability on Moab Adventure Center’s rafting, hot air balloon and other activities can usually be accommodated, lodging may be an issue and people should book accommodations well in advance.

About Moab Adventure Center
Moab Adventure Center is a division of Western River Expeditions (http://www.westernriver.com/), an adventure travel company headquartered in Salt Lake City, with operations and offices in Moab, Utah and Fredonia, Arizona. The company is the largest single tour provider in Moab, UT. The Moab Adventure Center is located at 225 South Main Street, Moab, Utah 84532. For information and reservations please call (435) 259-7019 or (866) 904-1163 or send an email from http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/contact/. The center also has a 2,000-square-foot retail space selling adventure related gear and clothing as well as souvenirs.

Follow Moab Adventure Center:
On Facebook:           http://www.facebook.com/MoabAdventureCenter
On Twitter:                https://twitter.com/MoabAdventure
On You Tube:            http://www.youtube.com/user/moabadventurecenter
On Pinterest:             http://pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=moab+adventure+center
Website:                    http://www.moabadventurecenter.com/