News/Alerts
[News/Alerts] Great Abaco Island, Bahamas
Apr 2nd
Bahama Beach Club, a luxurious villa resort located on a silky, white-sand beach ranked among the world’s best, is making it easier than ever to escape to paradise.
Overlooking Treasure Cay Beach, ranked by National Geographic as one of the “Top 10 Beaches in the World” and Caribbean Travel & Life as “The Best Beach in the Caribbean,” the idyllic seaside retreat is now offering three ways for guests to save on their summer getaway this year.
[News/Alert] Culinary Adventures at St. Lucia’s Cap Maison
Apr 1st
[News/Alert] Easter Traditions in Germany
Mar 28th
Being one of the oldest Easter Markets in Germany, the Haeferles Market in Nuremberg in Franconia is the first major event of the spring season. With over 80 stalls in the middle of the historic city centre, this market offers everything around the Easter holidays, from hand-painted eggs to wooden decorations (March 23 – April 9, 2012).
Further to the north in the charming town of medieval Wolfenbuettel, about two hours from Frankfurt, the Easter market takes place in a royal surrounding. In the courtyard of the 18th century residence castle of the Guelphs in the city centre, over 60 artists and craftsman from the region display their works on the weekend before Easter (March 31 – April 1, 2012).
Then, on Easter Saturday a huge rabbit emerges from an enormous nest and distributes candy to the children. The festivities are closely followed by a duck race whereby the ducks are thrown into the river and race to the other side. One of the largest Easter Egg Fairs in Germany takes place the beautiful landscape park Luisenpark in Mannheim from March 31 to April 4, 2012.
The International Easter Egg Market at Mannheim’s Baumhainhalle hosts over 40 artists from Germany, Russia, France, Switzerland and Hungary. More at www.ostereiermarkt.com/mannheim.html
[News/Alerts] The Sumida River (Sumidagawa), a New Tourist Destination
Mar 26th
Sumida RiverDuring the Edo period (1603-1867), the town of Edo (old name of Tokyo) was full of water networks, such as rivers, canals, and the moats around the Edo Castle. The Sumida River flowing in the northeast of Tokyo was an artery of transportation and also a hub of culture and art. As Japan’s modernization and economic growth proceeded, transportation shifted to land transportation and the river got less attractive for transportation and also for leisure.
But now, the project “Sumida River Renaissance” is under way to make the river an attractive place for locals and also travelers again. Walking ways called “Sumida River Terrace” have been developed along the river and cafés have opened one after another. New cruising courses and illumination are being discussed. More at Sumidagawa River Area
[News/Alerts] First Cabin, a Cabin-style Hotel, will Open at Haneda This Spring
Mar 26th
First Cabin, a hotel chain of membership hotels emulating the first-class section of airplanes, will open a new hotel at Haneda Airport Terminal 1. Located inside the airport precincts, this functional, capsule hotel-like facility has no frills and perfectly suits the needs of Haneda Airport users, especially who fly early-morning or late-evening. You can also use the hotel in the daytime for waiting for flights or for having a rest. More at First Cabin
[News/Alerts] Brazil’s Cristalino Ecological Foundation
Mar 26th
… protects one of the largest and most pristine private reserves in the Amazon rainforest while also protecting and studying its vulnerable primate populations. Dr. Liza Veiga partners with the University of Pará to assure the habitat protection of primates within the Cristalino Private Natural Heritage Reserve. To donate please see http://www.fundacaocristalino.org.br/us_index.php; to see firsthand the work that’s being done sign up for Wild Planet’s 11- or 15-Day Pantanal to Amazon: Jaguar’s Trail adventure tour http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/355/1226/.
[News/Alerts] Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park
Mar 26th
… feeds, cares and provides medical supplies for rescued Asian elephants today numbering as few as one thousand in the wild. Their habitat is rapidly disappearing, wild herds are fragmented, and conflict between humans and elephants is increasing. Captive elephants aren’t doing much better; they lack government protection, are abused in illegal logging operations and forced breeding programs, and exploited in ultra-commercial tourism. To donate please see http://www.serengetiusa.com/donate.html (specify Elephant Nature Park); a $250 or more donation will earn a $100 discount on any of Wild Planet Adventures’ Thailand programs http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/184/421/.
[News/Alerts] Tasting Australia 2012 – Australia’s Biggest Food and Wine Festival
Mar 25th
[News/Alerts] India’s Agra Bear
Mar 22nd
… is home to over 270 endangered (from cruelty and abuse) sloth bears that were dragged around the streets of India, their delicate muzzles pierced and their teeth broken with metal rods to “entertain” uneducated tourists. The bear sanctuary focuses on rescue, long-term care and rehabilitation; it also helps Kalandar tribesmen to develop alternative livelihoods, sponsor education for Kalandar children, and empowers women in the community. Tax deductable donations to the Utah, US-based Wildlife SOS organization supports over 500 sloth bears in four sanctuaries across India. To donate go to http://www.wildlifesos.org/donate; A visit to the Sloth Bear Rescue Center is included in Wild Planet’s 13- and 19-Day India Ultimate Wildlife Eco Tours http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/235/715/.
[News/Alerts] Peru’s Macaw Project at Tambopata Biosphere Reserve
Mar 22nd
… daily receives as many as 1,000 macaws and parrots totaling over 20 species coming to the world’s largest macaw clay-lick for a beak-full of life-sustaining clay. The Macaw Project is run by Dr. Donald Brightsmith at the Schubot Center for Vet Sciences at Texas A & M. Donations assist long-term monitoring of the clay lick, and help build, maintain and monitor tree-top macaw boxes which provide important nesting sites for the birds. To make a donation please go to: http://vetmed.tamu.edu/giving/opportunities/parrot-conservation-research; to see the work being done while also experiencing an intimate wildlife experience book a space on the 9- or 13-Day Peru Ultimate Wildlife Adventure http://www.wildplanetadventures.com/content/view/38/212/
