“This new feature of the show will enable dealers to discover new ways to serve customers interested in experiential travel, and become true specialty partners to the brands and destinations that provide gear and adventure,” said Kenji Haroutunian, Outdoor Retailer show director. “This has been bubbling under the surface at the show for some years, and we’re glad to help shed light on this exciting opportunity in the Grand Ballroom at OR.”

The 1,000 square foot Adventure Travel Hub will be at the center of the Grand Ballroom showcasing cross-promotional opportunities available to retailers, brands and destination marketing organizations (DMOs). Attendees will be able to view case studies on Belize, Montana and Fjord Norway, speak with DMO representatives from each of these destinations and meet with the ATTA’s leadership, which has a combined 40+ years of experience in the outdoor industry.

The ATTA will hold one-on-one meetings with outdoor dealers who want to learn more about ways to reach the core adventure travel enthusiast market by partnering with DMOs.

Retailers can also register to win trips to Belize, Montana and Fjord Norway, sponsored by the DMOs from the respective destinations, when they stop by the Adventure Travel Hub.

Many outdoor product manufacturers and outdoor retailers have already worked with the ATTA in collaboration with DMOs. Together they’ve launched joint consumer outreach initiatives (i.e. sweepstakes) and commercial sales programs, and produced co-branded marketing collateral promoting in-country tours hosted by travel destinations.

“We strive to partner with the best outdoor recreation products and services to enrich every moment of a traveler’s vacation,” said Seleni Matus, Belize Tourism Board’s director of tourism. “Participating as one of the first destinations in the ATTA’s new adventure travel pavilion at Outdoor Retailer is a great opportunity for our destination to connect with international and national retailers, and synchronize our efforts to reach our core consumers.”

The ATTA’s research shows that the majority of adventure travelers in the Americas and Europe don’t recognize some of the most salient brands in the outdoor industry. The ATTA/The George Washington University/Xola Adventure Travel Study 2009 surveyed approximately 800 outbound travelers from the Americas and Europe about their recognition of key brands in the outdoor industry. None of the key brands were recognized by more than 16 percent of those surveyed.

“There are significant untapped opportunities for retailers, brands and DMOs to cross promote each other,” said Shannon Stowell, ATTA president. “Investing now in this resilient category, as adventure and experiential travel continue to gain bigger pieces of the broader travel and leisure market, is absolutely worthwhile.”
Retailers interested in meeting with ATTA are strongly encouraged to schedule them in advance with Chris Chesak, ATTA vice president of business development, at cchesak@adventuretravel.biz or 208.291.5626.

For more information, visit outdoorretailer.com or adventuretravel.biz.

Its goal: to inspire and enable people of all ages to become regularly active outside, and to develop the benefits gained through a connection to nature. The site has partnered with more than 100 non-profit organizations across the country, offering many opportunities to discover a diverse array of outdoor activities.

To kick off the launch in New York, PlanetExplore and New York Restoration Project will be hosting NYRP’s Winter Warm-Up – a free event offering winter activities that encourage local exploration and expose youth to nature experiences – on Saturday, February 13th. Supported by the NYC Green Stops, Winter Warm-Up will expose local children to hands-on activities in the non-profit’s Swindler Cove Park and the adjacent Highbridge Park.

“Kids and adults, especially folks from urban communities, NEED to get outside — time in nature makes them more healthy, fit, and even more happy,” said Akiima Price, Chief of Education and Programs at NYRP. “I’m so proud we’re partnering with The North Face and PlanetExplore to get people outdoors. And, by introducing New Yorkers to all the great organizations at the Winter Warm-up and on PlanetExplore, they’ll be getting out even more in the months to come.”

The New York launch of PlanetExplore comes on the heels of The Outdoor Foundation’s recently released Special Report on Youth, which found that outdoor participation among youth continues to decrease each year, with the rate of decline steepest among the youngest age groups.

History of outdoor inspiration

After launching in the San Francisco Bay Area (home of The North Face), PlanetExplore expanded into the Midwest with a Denver release, and is now available nationwide with the New York introduction.

Since The Outdoor Foundation began tracking youth participation in 2006, the rate of participation among girls 6-to-12 fell from 77 to 58 percent, while that of boys 6-to-12 fell from 79 to 69 percent, reflective of the inactivity and obesity crisis facing American youth today. The biggest barriers for non-participants were lack of interest, including screen time (TV, video games, and computers) at 39 percent, and lack of parental support, 17 percent.

“Thanks to the steadfast leadership and generous support of The North Face, young leaders from across the country will be empowered to reclaim, redefine and rediscover the outdoors,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of The Outdoor Foundation.

Other organizations supporting the Winter Warm Up include the National Parks Conservation Association of New York City, Greenbelt Nature Center, New York State Outdoor Education Association, and the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, among others.

Later this year, PlanetExplore, Backpacker Magazine and Outdoor Foundation will be hosting the first annual Outdoor Nation event in New York City, the largest effort to bring youth together to discuss the challenges and opportunities around increasing youth outdoor participation.

For more information, visit www.planetexplore.com.

The five new walking vacations visit European and South American destinations, and start at $2595 for 10 days; including roundtrip international airfare and all air fuel surcharges.

VBT was recently named among the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure magazine.

“VBT has always been about the overall travel experience,” says VBT President Gregg Marston. “Walking, like biking, is an excellent means for discovery, because it connects you to your surroundings with all your senses. Our customers have been asking for us to include this exciting activity in our repertoire, so it was a natural fit.”

VBT was founded in 1971 as America’s original bicycle tour company, and is now the leader in active family adventure vacations. Started by a Middlebury College professor with a love of the open road, the fledgling company quickly grew beyond its home turf to offer bicycle tours of Europe.

Now 39 years young, VBT offers active biking and walking vacations in 22 countries around the world, from the US to Asia to Europe and beyond. With headquarters in an eighteenth-century dairy farm in Bristol, Vermont, VBT has stayed true to its small town roots and values, which include a reverence for the great outdoors, a tradition of neighborliness (extended around the world), and a commitment to responsible tourism and community service.

In recent National Geographic Adventure polls, VBT was ranked among the top three “Best Bicycle Outfitters on Earth” two years in a row, and received client satisfaction ratings of 98.33/100 (the highest score of all top five competitors), and a quality service score of 94/100.

“We’ve had long experience and great success at delivering high-quality travel experiences, while still providing exceptional value,” continued Marston. “Our walking tours will benefit from the same longstanding relationships we have with major international airlines and overseas suppliers, and the regional expertise and outstanding trip leadership that our biking tours are known for.”

The newest collection of walking vacations showcase five destinations that have been most requested by VBT travelers:

• Quiet Pathways of Tuscany
• The Amalfi Coast & Capri
• Ireland: Walking the West Country
• Slow Road Through Provence
• Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley (11 days)

All programs include round-trip international airfare, distinctive accommodations, most meals, guided sightseeing and activities, the services of two bilingual local VBT Trip Leaders, support vehicles and other transport, transfers, use of VBT walking poles, and more. Daily route choices and continuous road support give travelers the opportunity to tailor the pace to their individual tastes. Groups are limited to 14-20 travelers, with two dedicated local VBT Trip Leaders offering continuous support.

For more information on family adventure vacations and walking tours, visit walking.vbt.com.

Answering this surge in interest is a relatively new website, the London-based Pitchup.com, a campsite and vacation-park search engine.

“2009 is the year of the ’staycation’ and particularly camping and caravanning,” said Dan Yates, Managing Director of Pitchup.com. “The credit crunch, investment in tourism facilities and growing spontaneity in travel patterns are seeing UK holidaymakers staying at home looking to enjoy the great outdoors.”

In addition, the growing awareness of the necessity for sustainable, responsible travel means a “staycation” is one of the best ways to lower an individual’s carbon footprint.

Pitchup.com may very well be one of the the most comprehensive websites in its sector, with 5,000 campsites and parks featured including hundreds of hard-to-find sites. The website has an easy-to-use search facility and contains information on accommodation near hundreds of beaches, nine National Parks, 17 World Heritage Sites and major UK festivals.

The site allows visitors to make specific searches according to their needs. The site’s comprehensive listings make it possible, for example, to search for a campsite in South-West England that is near a beach and a National Park, allows dogs, offers disabled facilities and wifi, and has sailing nearby (in this case, Porlock Caravan Park in Somerset). Users can also search for any post code and see local sites. Alternatively, users can search for what they want to do first and the site will show the accommodation options nearby.

Users can also search for places to go such as beaches and walking routes, as well as UK events and festivals via a direct link to Ticketmaster and eFestivals.

“The massive growth of the market kicks the doors wide open for this website,” continued Yates. “It helps visitors find exactly what they want if considering a UK- or Ireland-based camping or caravanning holiday – whether it’s a family holiday, activity holiday with friends or a trip to one of the UK’s music festivals. We want Pitchup.com to be as helpful as possible to our users.”

Dan Yates continues: “The site promises to be the portal for the camping and caravanning world as we positively encourage feedback and collaboration by our users about a whole range of accommodation and things to do in the great British countryside.”

Over 700 sites listed on Pitchup.com are open all the year round, and the site is preparing autumn and winter campaigns that highlight the UK’s natural charms, working in partnership with leading brands.

Always a true “trekkers paradise,” Nepal offers a multitude of varied terrain and spectacular scenery to delight even the most intrepid explorer. As one of the country’s fastest growing and  most innovative trekking companies, ITrekNepal tailors trips to suit anyone’s taste or budget. ITrekNepal’s personalized trekking services featuring highly experienced local guides and ‘best in class’ accommodations guarantee the highest quality Nepal trekking trips possible.

The company’s recent move from Kathmandu to the scenic, tranquil and historic city of Bhaktapur demonstrates its leadership in trekking and adventure tourism in the country.

“ITrekNepal guests who have stayed with us in Bhaktapur love being immersed in a traditional Newari lifestyle, both inside the old city of Bhaktapur and in the quiet villages on its outskirts. With our Nepal staff right there to serve them 24 hours a day they have the perfect environment for starting and ending a trekking adventure in Nepal,” explains Andrew Leonard, ITrekNepal’s Managing Director.

No stranger to adventure

ITrekNepal provides personalized, high quality trekking services throughout the Himalayan region, including Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. With a choice of standard or classic options to match guest’s preferences there are no hidden extras – all local transport (private), meals and sleeping equipment are provided within the cost of each trek.

ITrek’s English-speaking guides have been carefully selected, each with many years of trek leadership experience. The company provides both classic itineraries such as Everest and Annapurna Base Camp treks as well as unique ‘off the beaten path’ treks and tours that provide a wealth of memories long after the holiday has finished.

A region rich in culture

Renowned for its rich culture and indigenous lifestyle, UNESCO World Heritage City Bhaktapur boasts many temples and is known as the ‘Town of Devotees’. Once a prosperous town home to traditional Nepalese art and architecture, Bhaktapur is untouched, unspoiled and excellently preserved; an essential stop on any visitor’s must-see list whilst in Nepal.

Just east of Kathmandu on the old trade route to Tibet, Bhaktapur is known to be cleaner and quieter than Kathmandu; offering direct opportunities for trekkers to immediately enjoy the great outdoors. The town is surrounded by stunning scenery, with popular mountain resort destinations of Nagarkot and Dhulikel that offer fabulous views of Himalayan peaks.

Villages in the countryside surrounding the town offer unique day hikes for visitors wishing to truly escape the tourist trail.

ITrekNepal’s new base on the grounds of the traditional Newari guesthouse resort, the Bhaktapur Sanctuary Lodge, offers an excellent location for guests to peacefully relax overlooking the majesty of the town.

Access to Kathmandu from Bhaktapur will soon be improved once the construction of a six-lane highway is completed. Currently, the city is as close to the international airport as the capital, making ITrek’s new location an excellent base from which to explore a little bit more of what this amazing country has to offer.

For more information, visit www.itreknepal.com.

With summer in full swing, nothing beats experiencing the great outdoors – safely and responsibly – by touring one of our many beautiful and majestic national parks. What could possibly be better? How about a chance to not only capture your adventure on film and share it with the world, but also perhaps win a great prize for doing it?

The National Park Foundation and Olympus have partnered to put together the “Your Parks Video Challenge” to allow travelers and adventurists to share their videos on www.yourparks.com and explain what America’s National Parks mean to them – How do they inspire? Why are they important? Why should we protect them?  – to showcases the most inspiring, meaningful and thoughtful story and/or park experience.

Fans are invited to submit videos, up to two minutes in length, between now and September 14th. The online audience will then vote for their favorite at www.YourParks.com until September 22nd.

Fans voting online, along with the National Park Foundation and Olympus, will crown one winning video and 10 runners-up to be announced at the end of September. The grand prize winner will receive an exclusive, all-expense paid trip for two to the national park of his/her choice, the recently released Olympus PEN camera kit, and a Federal Recreation Lands Pass – good for free entry into any one of the 391 National Park Service units. Runners-up will also receive a Federal Recreation Lands Pass as well as an Olympus Stylus Tough-8000 digital camera.

In addition, winners will receive gift cards for outdoor footwear and apparel from Merrell. Winners will also receive a copy of the new Ken Burns “National Parks: America’s Best Idea” DVD and companion book which will premiere on PBS on September 27th. The film chronicles stories of the people who helped create the parks, just as the “Your Parks” contest is an opportunity for people to tell their stories of how the parks touch their lives.

Submitted videos to the Your Parks video challenge must be no more than two minutes in length. Participants must be 13 years of age or older to enter. For more information and complete contest rules visit www.YourParks.com.

The New Jersey-based non-profit organization is offering week-long courses for youth, teens and families in California and British Columbia as well as working with local schools and groups to create programs that meet the goals and interests of each organization.

In a time when young people are so inundated with electronics, non-stop communication and a real disconnect from the natural world, families and groups are looking for opportunities to show them an alternative. The Children of the Earth Foundation provides this opportunity through half day to week-long programs that truly impact young lives.

Founded in 1999 by author and outdoorsman, Tom Brown Jr., the organization provides courses in survival, tracking and nature awareness to youth, teens and families.

As one teen participant shared; “This experience is amazing. It brings you out of the new and into the old. Nature’s beauty consumes you as it helps you learn new skills”.

Until now, operations have taken place from a New Jersey home base which allowed opportunities for area schools, scout troops, indigenous populations and other groups to have customized programs. Because of the cost of travel, programs offered in California and other western states were severely limited.

Youth interest in nature growing in leaps and bounds

With the opening of the new California branch this Spring, response has been very positive as homeschool groups, area tribes, schools and scout troops have discovered The Children of the Earth Foundation’s distinctive approach to the outdoors.

In Children of the Earth programs, children and teens are introduced to traditional skills used by indigenous peoples from around the world.

Participants learn outdoor survival skills like how to make shelters, make fire without matches using bow drill and hand drill methods, learn to find and purify water and find wild edibles. They also learn the ancient skills of making stone tools, tanning hides to make buckskin, making bows and arrows, baskets, pottery and other skills that have been lost from modern society.

Woven within the curriculum are lessons in respect for the Earth and understanding how it sustains our lives. The end result: participants exit the program with confidence, a sense of responsibility and a meaningful relationship with the natural world.

For more information, visit http://cotef.org.

ATTA President Shannon Stowell, NGA Director of Travel Bryan Kinkade and Xola Consulting President Christina Heyniger, have all joined a panel with Chris Johnson of Wild Jordan to deliver a perspective on adventure travel worldwide and how Jordan’s offering is an ideal match to what today’s travelers seek, communicating what constitutes adventure travel and what travelers are increasingly demanding: a combination of physical activity, exposure to the natural environment, and immersive, authentic experiences with local peoples and cultures.

Guidance provided by the group was rooted in the philosophy of sustainable development. The team’s recommendations were informed by the adventure industry’s Adventure Tourism Development Index (ATDI), which articulates the principles of sustainable tourism development specifically for adventure markets. The ATDI (www.adventureindex.travel) principles encourage markets that provide for the economic, environmental and social benefits important to individual host communities, country level tourism industry managers and travelers.

Stowell, Kinkade and Heyniger, representing different sectors of the travel trade, took time for an exploratory mission to visit well-known destinations in southern Jordan including Wadi Rum, Petra and Aqaba, but with an adventure twist. Cycling from Petra to Wadi Rum was one of the ways the team traveled through traditional Jordanian tourist hotspots, which can be seen through an uncommon lens that allows travelers to immerse themselves into both nature and local cultures more easily. Canyoning in Zarqa Ma’in near Amman, swimming in a hot springs river and hiking in Wadi Rum rounded out their itinerary. In addition, the group spent a half-day visiting, learning and supporting staff members at the King Hussein Center for Handicapped Children, one of several organizations participating in Jordan’s emerging volunteer tourism sector.

According to the group, Jordan is an attractive destination for people interested in learning about the Middle East, which has in recent years has emerged as a region of increased interest among both U.S.-based tour operators and travelers. Adventure travel, with its focus on more in-depth explorations offers people a new, authentic and largely untapped way to experience the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

“It’s clear that Jordan has outstanding adventure tourism opportunities, and we only scratched the very surface of what’s available. A key challenge for destination managers will be structuring development to incorporate communities and stay within the capacity limits of nature reserves,” said Heyniger.

Jordan has already taken significant steps to balancing the demands of tourism and the needs of nature conservation through the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN). The RSCN has the stated mission of protecting Jordan’s distinct natural resources while encouraging ecotourism businesses for the benefit of local communities. The RSCN manages nine different reserves in Jordan, each with a distinct ecosystem.

Increasingly, the ATTA, Xola and National Geographic Adventure are teaming up to offer emerging adventure destinations insights on how to tap and responsibly serve the rapidly growing niche of adventure travel. The group, representing varied, yet complementary perspectives, also are helping to raise awareness of new opportunities to adventure travelers worldwide.

About ATTA
Established in 1990, the Seattle-based ATTA (www.adventuretravel.biz) is a global membership organization dedicated to unifying, networking, professionalizing, promoting and responsibly growing the adventure travel market. ATTA members include tour operators, destination marketing organizations, tourism boards, specialty travel agents, guides, accommodations, media and service providers. The ATTA presents www.adventure.travel, an expansive consumers directory to global adventure travel resources, destinations and operators, as well as the annual Adventure Travel World Summit executive conferences.

About National Geographic ADVENTURE
National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine is the ultimate guide to the adventure lifestyle. It serves and inspires people who have a passion for travel and the outdoors, enjoy challenging themselves mentally and physically, and are interested in learning about the cultural and natural resources that make each destination unique. ADVENTURE delivers a compelling mix of award-winning adventure travel journalism, dramatic photography, and useful personal service information on travel destinations, adventure sports, gear and technology, and more. Its 2.3 million readers are trendsetters in the marketplace who thrive on new experiences and lead values-driven lives. ADVENTURE is the fastest-growing magazine in both the travel and outdoor categories. Its editorial mission supports National Geographic Society’s corporate global mission to inspire people to care about the planet.

About Xola Consulting, Inc.
Xola Consulting, Inc. (www.xolaconsulting.com) is a consulting and research services firm assisting tour operators, tourism boards and non-profit organizations with sustainable adventure tourism destination and product development, marketing and research. The Xola team is made up of consultants who, in addition to having consulting industry expertise, are also unique in that many of them have owned, operated or guided for adventure travel companies. Xola also provides Off the Radar (www.travelofftheradar.com) a newsletter and website providing travelers with information about the best adventure operators around the world – those who provide guests with a genuine, personal experience; who believe in sustainable, environmentally sensitive travel; and who believe in incorporating the local people and traditions of the places where they operate.

Created and controlled by the former owner of New York’s famous Roxy and Palladium nightclubs, 230 Fifth is open to the public seven days a week, 230 Fifth has hosted over 250 private receptions ranging in size from 20 up to 1,000 guests, including the following:
- The Devil Wears Prada Premier Party
- Chanel Holiday Party
- Opening Broadway Party for Kevin Spacey  in “Moon For The Misbegotten”
- Morgan Stanley Holiday Party
- Louis Vuitton Holiday Party
- ‘Sopranos’ Cast Holiday Party
- Citigroup Holiday Party
- Ford Modeling Agency Holiday Party
- Bergdorf Goodman Holiday Party

At the recent opening celebration for Broadway’s American Buffalo, the show’s stars, John Leguizamo, Haley Joel Osment and Cedric the Entertainer, relished the opportunity to “dress ‘n drink” at 230 FIFTH – dressing in the voluminous red robes, drinking the toasty imbibes.

Seven of those intriguing steamy cocktails created for 230 FIFTH’s first outdoor winter season boast artisan fruit cider bases, including: Hot Apple Cider with Apple Pucker; Hot Raspberry Cider with Stoli Razberi Vodka; Hot Peach Cider with Absolut Apeach Vodka; and Hot Pear Cider with Grey Goose ‘Poire’ Vodka. They are complemented by a broad range of coffee-oriented offerings, such as the ‘Wired” Quadruple Espresso, a double espresso topped by Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka and, of course, a potent Irish Coffee made with Jameson Irish Whiskey.

And for those who like their dessert in liquid form, the Triple Hot Chocolate with Godiva Dark Chocolate Liqueur and Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur filling out the coco bean trifecta, redefines sinful indulgence. Particularly welcomed for their warmth on the roof-deck, they are also available in 230 FIFTH’s expansive 8,000 square foot indoor Penthouse Lounge, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, one flight below.

Experiencing the exhilaration of wintery nights at 230 FIFTH’s rooftop bar is destined to become a seasonal Manhattan tradition, one that is available daily from 4:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. 230 FIFTH is located at 230 Fifth Avenue, between 26th and 27th Streets.

For more information visit http://www.230-fifth.com.

Fit For Trips offers home- and gym-based programs, and each one includes a 100% money back guarantee for individuals who purchase them at www.FitforTrips.com.

“As an adventure traveler, I realized that the enjoyment of my adventure travel trips was directly linked to my fitness levels,” says Fit For Trips’ founder and NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Marcus Shapiro. “The more fit I was, the more fun I had on my trip. I created Fit For Trips so that everyone could gain the same level of satisfaction from their trip as I did.”

For adventure travelers, the benefits of participating in a Fit For Trips’ program are numerous and include increased energy levels, improved physique, decreased chance of injury and greater enjoyment of the trip itself. Travelers quickly discover that their confidence and enthusiasm for their trip increases with their fitness.

A survey conducted by LeapUp Marketing Solutions for Fit for Trips of paddling, biking and hiking enthusiasts in February 2008 confirmed strong interest in fitness training among adventure travelers:

• Staying fit was very important to 67-81% of survey respondents with 32-61% saying they were “committed cross trainers” or “actively training for a competitive athletic event” and 58-78% indicating they “have trained for a fitness challenge in the past.”
• 55-69% indicated they “would take a vacation to improve their level of fitness” and 76-94% “would take a vacation to meet a specific physical challenge.”
• 61-71% indicated they “would want to access a pre-trip workout program targeted to the activities on their itinerary” and 47-62% indicated they “would want to continue to use their fitness program post-trip.”

Fit For Trips is currently partnering with top adventure travel operators to co-brand and market its programs. Adventure travel operators partnering with Fit For Trips benefit in a variety of ways: Travelers who are mentally and physically prepared for their trip are able to experience their itinerary exactly as it was meant to be and therefore are less likely to require extra guide attention or experience an injury; as travelers are more satisfied with their trips, operators experience higher referral rates and repeat business from Fit For Trips’ clients.

Thomson Safaris was the first to sign on as a partner offering Fit For Trips programs to adventurers for their 2009 Kilimanjaro treks.

“My Kilimanjaro trek with Thomson Safaris was a once in a lifetime experience, made even more special by the fact that I was in top physical form and fully prepared-thanks to Fit For Trips,” says Katie Cordes, Kilimanjaro Program Manager for Thomson Safaris (www.ThomsonTreks.com). “I’ll definitely be recommending their services to future trekkers.”

All Fit For Trips standard and custom programs include:

• Activity-specific fitness routines delivered through video clips with audio instructions which can be uploaded to a participant’s video iPod or iPhone
• Printable reference charts with images showing the beginning and ending ranges for every exercise
• Resistance Training Programs based on a participant’s level of exercise experience
• Endurance Programs customized by adventure activity and the duration and difficulty level of a participant’s trip
• Endurance Intensity Zone Calculator to customize the workout intensity
• 24/7 access to the Fit For Trips’ online forum moderated by FFT Trainers
• Unlimited email interaction or online chat with a Fit For Trips coach during posted hours
• Online tracking of fitness progress on the Fit For Trips’ website

In support of its new fitness programs for adventure travelers, Fit For Trips has launched www.FitforTrips.com, a new fitness portal where consumers can take a video tour, see sample programs, purchase a standard or custom fitness program and track their progress online.

About Fit For Trips
Founded in 2007, Fit For Trips is the leading provider of online fitness programs for adventure travel enthusiasts. Modeled after sports conditioning programs used by professional athletes, Fit For Trips offers 4, 8 and 12-week easy-to-follow, video-based strength-and endurance-building programs with online progress tracking and on-demand phone consultation from Fit For Trips’ coaches.

To find out more about Fit For Trips’ online fitness programs, visit www.FitforTrips.com.

Los Arboles Tulum, the first environmentally-friendly project set in 1,200 acres near Tulum, Mexico, has obtained all necessary permits to sell five-acre lots with full title and title insurance starting at only $55 thousand dollars.

Featured in The New York Times , the Austin American-Statesman and The Miami Herald, Los Arboles Tulum is a result of U.S. developer The Tierra Group’s dream to offer an example of how real estate could be developed while retaining the land’s pristine natural environment and vast biodiversity.

“We are so proud of this project and this achievement, we fought hard for it because we truly believe you can develop real estate in a sustainable way,” says Jason Schnurr, Partner and Director of Business Development. “Our goal in creating a 95% conservation development in one of the most beautiful places in the world was to create an experience that others could share and be assured that it will be preserved forever.”

Some of the “green” features include permeable roads, use of off-the-grid energy systems, constructed wetlands that work in lieu of septic systems, as well as a comprehensive home-owners’ association in place to govern compliance and harmony within the community.

“I finally found the perfect hideaway, where I can live according to my principles, yet it takes me fifteen minutes to get to the beach or to explore the ruins,” said Lucy Gallagher, an entrepreneur who relocated to Tulum from the United Kingdom. As an expat residing in the locale, she was looking for a sanctuary to escape the hordes of tourists and call home. Los Arboles Tulum became the perfect solution, offering her a five-acre lot with conservation easements in place to preserve her privacy and guarantee serenity within the community.

With prices starting at $55 thousand dollars and financing options, buyers include current Riviera Maya residents, as well as people from all over the United States and from as far away as Italy. Clients are self-made business owners or career men and women who are seeking a simpler life or a getaway from civilization, surrounded by natural beauty.

Los Arboles Tulum is the only jungle development to offer full title upon closing, title insurance from Stewart Title and a complete subdivision permit. It is located on the well-travelled Tulum-Coba highway, thus offering convenient access to the subdivision.

About Los Arboles Tulum
Los Arboles Tulum, is an affordable ecological subdivision of 221 residential properties located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Set in over 1,200 acres of pristine high canopy jungle, this environmentally responsible community is being developed with an enforceable set of guidelines in order to protect the unique natural environment of the region based on a comprehensive environmental study documenting all native flora and fauna. It is located eight miles west of the town of Tulum on the Tulum-Coba Highway.

For more information, visit www.myjunglehideaway.com .

The top ten most affordable spas in the world are New Life Hiking Spa in Vermont, Fitness Ridge Resort & Spa in Utah, Ixtapan Spa Hotel & Golf Resort in Mexico, Mohonk Mountian House in New York, New Age Health Spa in New York, The Oaks at Ojai in California, Red Mountain Spa in Utah, Rio Caliente Hotsprings in Mexico, Safety Harbor Resort and Spa in Florida and Spa Eastman in Canada.

This is the third year in a row New Life Hiking Spa has won Best for Affordability (http://www.newlifehikingspa.com/prices.htm).

Founded and directed by Jimmy LeSage, M.S. (http://www.newlifehikingspa.com/JimmyLeSage.htm), the renowned, affordable spa opened in 1978. Since then, New Life Hiking Spa has helped thousands of people have a healthy spa vacation without spending a lot of money.

“After 30 years, we’re still going strong and empowering our guests to make major differences in their lives at an affordable price,” LeSage said. “Each year, people from around the world come to New Life Hiking Spa and learn to take the necessary steps to create overall better lifestyles for themselves, while also enjoying the pristine scenery and fresh mountain air of Vermont.”

New Life Hiking Spa is an all-inclusive spa vacation and the price includes a deluxe room, three meals a day, snacks, all fitness programming and hiking, wellness workshops, cooking demonstrations and one massage for every three night stay. Nightly rates start at $209 per night, double occupancy and $229 per night single occupancy. Specials are available at various times of the year. New Life Hiking Spa is open from mid-May through the end of September every year.

About SpaFinder, Inc.
The world’s largest spa media, marketing and gifting company, SpaFinder, Inc. (http://www.spafinder.com) connects millions of wellness-focused consumers with thousands of spas worldwide. SpaFinder’s media properties include the award-winning Spafinder.com, SpaFinder Lifestyle webazine, Spa Enthusiast, and the worldwide spa directory, Global SpaFinder. SpaFinder Gift Certificates and its new gift division, Spa & Salon Wish, offer spa gift certificates and cards that are redeemable at a combined network of over 7,000 spas and salons worldwide and are available at thousands of retail outlets. The company’s software division innovates new solutions that help spas build and streamline their businesses, including the popular Spa Booker online booking system. SpaFinder Europe and SpaFinder Japan offer regional spa marketing and gifting programs, including localized, native-language websites. Founded in 1986, the privately held company is headquartered in Manhattan.

About New Life Hiking Spa:
New Life Hiking Spa (http://www.newlifehikingpsa.com) is a nationally recognized affordable spa located in the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont. Known for its exhilarating hiking program (http://www.newlifehikingspa.com/hiking.htm), delicious healthy meals and a comfortable atmosphere, New Life Hiking Spa offers the chance to experience the peace of the outdoors in a down-to-earth, country inn environment and is ideally suited for small groups, couples or individuals trying to improve their fitness level and eating habits. New Life offers a variety of vacation options including a 2-4 day mini-getaway, a 5-10 day Jump Start Program and the 11-day or longer Weight Loss Retreat (http://www.weightlossspa.com/).

More information can be found online at http://www.newlifehikingspa.com.

Autumn Adventures (http://consumer.discoverohio.com/autumnadventures), a new section on the Web site, provides travelers with a variety of information compiled to help them gain maximum enjoyment from Ohio’s great outdoor adventures including harvest festivals, farmers markets, State Parks and natural areas, geocaching, three-day getaways and fall color reports to enjoy all these activities and more when each region is at its peak fall foliage color.

“Ohio’s fall season makes any leisure activity more vibrant, but it particularly highlights outdoor activities, so we have worked with both the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Agriculture to create a Web site that helps visitors discover Ohio’s autumn travel experiences,” State Tourism Director Amir Eylon said. “While the kids are back in school, there are still great opportunities with upcoming holidays or school holidays to plan a three-day getaway in Ohio.”

Following is just a brief overview of what awaits visitors to Autumn Adventures on DiscoverOhio.com. We think you will agree that Ohio is too much fun for just one day!

Fall Color Reports
Check the Fall Color Report on DiscoverOhio.com or ODNR’s Web site (http://www.dnr.state.oh.us) that is updated weekly (beginning in October) by the forestry experts for the most up-to-date information on when and where the most brilliant fall colors can be found. Generally, leaves change color earliest in northern Ohio and progress to the southern portions of the state.

Farm Markets & Wineries
There’s nothing more satisfying to the taste buds than biting into a freshly picked fruit from one of Ohio’s finest farms or sampling one of Ohio’s award-winning wines. Farm markets and wineries/vineyards are plentiful in Ohio, and this page is the perfect resource to chart a course for locating farm-fresh, organic and heirloom produce and just the right wine to complement them. Check out the markets and pick-your-own farms for pumpkins perfect for carving and gourds for decoration not to mention delicious Amish cheeses, fresh baked pies, pastries, jellies, jams and more. Children will revel in the activities just for them ranging from pumpkin patches and wagon rides to corn mazes and petting zoos.

Fall Foliage Getaways
There’s so much to do in Ohio during autumn that it would be impossible to fit it all into one day! That’s why this section provides themed weekend getaways that are broken down into regions to help travelers jump-start their travel planning. Just pick a region and an Autumn Adventure is waiting for you a short drive away. Choose from themes including: The Great Outdoors, Ghost Hunting in Ohio, Underground Railroad, Ohio Wineries, Lighthouse Hunt or create your own!

Fall Festivals & Events
Ohio is alive with fall festivals that celebrate the spirit of autumn and the harvest season. Visit this section for a sampling of festivals and events that include pumpkin and apple butter festivals, larger-than-life corn mazes, harvest fairs and much more. Additional events can be found by searching the interactive calendar on DiscoverOhio.com.

Choose Your Own Adventure
The Choose Your Own Adventure section allows travelers to pick and choose when and where they want to begin their Ohio getaway. From hunting and fishing to canoeing and horseback riding, Ohio has an outstanding variety of experiences to consider. Simply click on any category of interest and choose from a number of exciting activities that will get you started on your very own Autumn Adventure.

Fall Geocache
More and more people are embarking on modern-day scavenger hunts with a geocaching adventure. Through ODNR, travelers can see all the sights Ohio has to offer as they try out their hands at finding a geocache with the aid of a GPS system. Half the fun is getting sidetracked while hiking Ohio’s scenic trails, snapping pictures of the trees’ blazing red, orange and yellow leaves or tasting some of Ohio’s delectable, locally grown foods.

Ohio travelers can plan their perfect Autumn Adventure with a visit to http://www.DiscoverOhio.com or by calling 1-800-BUCKEYE. Free Discover Ohio Travel Planners and Discover Ohio Calendar of Events can be ordered anytime night or day. Trained travel counselors are available to assist 1-800-BUCKEYE callers weekdays from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

About the Ohio Tourism Division
The Ohio Tourism Division is the premier source of information for travelers and media about Ohio’s vibrant tourism experiences, attractions, and economy. Division marketing programs contributed to an estimated $38 billion in visitor spending in 2007 and 454,000 jobs sustained by visitors to the state. A part of the Ohio Department of Development, the Division’s mission is to promote and celebrate Ohio’s unique travel opportunities and market the state’s outstanding quality of life.

The camp is for children ages 6 to 12, and takes place weekdays (Mondays through Fridays) from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

The camp program is structured to allow campers to create a daily schedule to suit their interests, by choosing from a range of fun activities such as making squid ink tattoos, games, beach fun, crafts, swimming and hands-on science, as well as field trips to Maui Ocean Center, tide pool explorations, surf and windsurf lessons, and a snorkel cruise to Molokini. Each week will have its own theme, ranging from “Fishy Families” to “Totally Turtles.” Ocean Discovery Camp is conducted by Pacific Whale Foundation’s professional marine education team (with lifeguard and first aid certification) in the air-conditioned Pacific Whale Foundation Discovery Center in Ma’alaea.

“Summer is a time for kids go get outdoors, experience new adventures and experience the world,” says Erica Cushing, Youth Education Director at Pacific Whale Foundation. “Unfortunately, not all families are able to afford sending their children to camp. To help, we are offering these camp scholarships, based on financial need.”

Parents whose children qualify for the National School Lunch Program are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Two full scholarships will be offered, along with four partial scholarships (50% scholarship’s). Each scholarship covers one week at camp.

The upcoming camp weeks and themes are:
June 23 – June 27: Fishy Families
June 30 – July 3: Hawaii: The Place We Call Home
July 7 – July 11: Magnificent Marine Mammals
July 14 – July 18: Totally Turtles

The regular tuition for camp is $79 a day or $344 for each 5-day session. Pacific Whale Foundation members save 15%. For all the camp programs, advance enrollment is required.

To apply for a camp scholarship, please call 249-8811 ext. 1 or email erica@pacificwhale.org. Camp enrollment forms can be found at www.pacificwhale.org or at Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Stores at The Harbor Shops at Ma’alaea (next to Maui Ocean Center) or at 612 Front St., Lahaina.

Pacific Whale Foundation Anne Rillero Communications Director email: anne@pacificwhale.org phone: (808) 244-8390 Pacific Whale Foundation Kelly Vough Programs Director email: kelly@pacificwhale.org phone: (808) 249-8811.