Congratulations to Rio- a wonderful city to host the first Olympics in South America!
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Stay in touch while traveling
Time zones alone can make keeping in contact challenging, so what is the best way to stay in touch while traveling internationally?INTERNATIONAL CALL PLAN
Most US carriers offer an international calling plan that provides you with a discounted rate for incoming, outgoing calls and text messaging. For example, ATT's international calling plans costs @ US$5.99/mth which would reduce a call from Argentina to the US from $2.29 to $1.99 a minute. Frankly there are better deals... read on...
RENT A CELL PHONE
You can rent a mobile (cell) phone that has a local phone number for the country you are visiting. If you are visiting multiple countries, or traveling there often, this may not be a good option (as you may want a more permanent phone number). Also signing a contract in a foreign language is not recommended! HOWEVER, there are companies where you can rent or buy the phones and plan in advance of your travels, and receive your phone prior to your departure. This is a good option... check out Telestial.
VOIP
Companies like Skype.com allow you to make and receive phone calls and text message via the internet (technically called voice over internet protocol or VOIP).
If you have internet access and are going away for a long time or travel frequently, a service like Skype may be the most cost effective, and offers continual service with the same phone number (especially important for business).
How it works... you buy a Skype online number (SkypeIn) in your home country, and download the Skype application to your computer (iPhone app also available- super cool!). When people in your home country dial that number they only pay for a standard call; you can pick up the call at no cost to you wherever in the world you are logged into Skype (or it goes to Skype voicemail). In turn you can make a phone call to anywhere in the world at very low rates @$0.02/minute! Skype to skype calls are free.
Drawback... you need internet service (on computer or iPhone) for it to operate.
PHONE CALLING CARD
Most phone cards have access numbers in nearly every country, which make them a great option for travelers. They can be used from nearly any phone, you can easily keep track of how much you have spent, and recharge without too much difficulty. Some phone card companies also have a VOIP service too (you log in to their web site to make a call). Note: some cruise ships, hotels and cell phone carriers block phone card use- check before buying. Just don't lose the card/number- treat it like cash! A prepaid calling card is always good to have as a backup to other options mentioned herein.
SIM CARD
That's the little removable rectangle card in your cell phone. Think of it like a phone card (with a lot of info on it) inside your mobile phone. You can purchase prepaid SIM cards that work in a specific country at their local phone rates, or a regional sim cards. Simply replace your existing sim with the one for the country you purchased.
SATELLITE PHONE
If you are traveling to a remote location where cell phone or land line service is not available, you can rent a satellite phone and be connected anywhere on the planet!
Your communication device decision boils down to -
a) how much you want to spend
b) is internet readily available
c) how long and frequently do you travel
d) frequency/length of communication
e) do you need easy incoming AND outgoing call access
... at the very least, you should always carry a prepaid calling card as a backup.
For more information and to purchase prepaid phone or SIM cards, rent international cell and satellite phones Click here
Happy trails!
kelsey@earhartadventures.com
Earhart Adventures LLC
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Catch and release your stress and the fish!
When a friend asked me to join them on a weekend of fly fishing I jumped like a hungry river trout at the opportunity - not only to try my hand at fly fishing, but to do so in the stunning Timpanogo's mountain region of Utah.
Utah is an easy escape from Southern California, only a 2 hour flight from LAX or SFO. Rent a car from the bank of agencies who are ready to negotiate (under $25/day), and head to the mountains! Within 45 minutes you will be in the historic ski resort town of Park City (PC). While I have enjoyed the infamous winter powder snow slopes of PC, it is also a thriving summer destination with a multitude of events, including the Park City Jazz Festival, and adventure activities at PC Resort ranging from mountain bike riding to the 110ft ZipRider (find out more @ PC activities here).
Park City and surrounds has an abundance of fine accommodation- all competing for your business- so be prepared to negotiate... it is worth it. We stayed at the acclaimed Stein Eriksen Lodge in Deer Valley which offered a fantastic summer promotion. The spacious room included a jetted tub, on-suite, fire place, deck and hot tub on the deck... and of course a beautiful mountain sunset view. You certainly don't need to leave your room, and with the added bonus of fine dining room service (try the halibut with lobster/parsnip mash) you will relish celebrating the finer things in life!
Saturday was spent at the PC Resort hiking (map), with the intention of hiking to Jupiter Peak (10,000ft). The hike is about a 3,oooft elevation gain, 16 mile round trip, so rather that push ourselves (after all we were there to fish!) we hiked to the top of the Bonaza chair lift summit. Lovely, expansive view of Jupiter Peak and the surrounding Park City valley, and still a hike that will get your heart pumping! There are many fantastic hikes in the Park City and Deer Valley mountain area to suit a range of hiking abilities. Also, check out the Heber and Provo area hikes here.
On Sunday we drove about 45 minutes through Heber in to Provo Canyon's Lower Deer Creek (near Robert Redford's Sundance Resort) and met our experienced fly fishing guide Jeremy, from Rocky Mountain Outfitters. With the Timpanogo's towering above you, this is one of the most spectacular mountain destinations you will visit. I have been traveling to this region for over 10 years and will never tire of this view- summer and winter. For those seeking a hiking challenge, the Timpanogo's make for a strenuous but awesome hike.
But back to the fishing... our prepared guide, Jeremy, fitted us with waterproof waders and boots that would keep us dry all day as we waded in the river. Clutching each others arms, he literally led us down the brisk moving river! No boat necessary- just a keen sense of adventure.
It certainly pays to hire a local guide to lead you to one of their favorite fishing holes. First cast... BINGO! A beautiful, large rainbow trout. A quick picture of our prize then the trout was released back in to the river (catch and release fishing). We continued to shout 'fish on!' as we had an abundant morning of nymph style fishing (flies below the water), catching some decent sized rainbow and brown trout. However, I quickly learnt that fly fishing is a highly skilled, technical activity that requires a lot of river and fish knowledge... and patience! There are the hand-made flies, which flies to choose based on location and the fish; the type of rigging, lines, knots, casting and reeling techniques ... but with an expert guide, you can certainly learn the basics of casting and enjoy a great day in the river catching fish! Jeremy made our fly fishing experience easy and fun as he rigged our lines, gave us simple casting lessons, and was 'chief netter' of the fish!
I must admit the idea of fishing as a sport was a new activity for me. But the types of hooks and technique used to fly fish minimizes any damage to the fish, enabling the fly fisher to release their catch back in to the water to live another day (game hunters take note). Another great 'advantage' of fly fishing is that you always come home with tales about the one that got away! In our case it was a large rainbow trout that my friend tried to hook 6 times! By the end of the day, the trout gleefully splashed away up the river, and we too headed home with a great day of introductory fly fishing behind us. Thanks Jeremy!
Information/Contact-
kelsey@earhartadventures.com
ph 1-818-979-6412
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Earhart Adventures Launches With Great Tour Specials
On a warm, L.A. afternoon Earhart Adventures launched at Susan Feniger's STREET.
EA President, Kelsey Bray, announced special prices for EA tours to Peru and Patagonia, Chile, "to celebrate our launch, our advertised tour prices will also include domestic airfares. On some trips this adds up to savings of $900!" Additionally, Kelsey offered a FREE A2 flight jacket (replica of the flight jacket worn by Amelia Earhart) to anyone who placed a $500 non-refundable deposit on any of the tours this year by August 7th, 2009.
Many enjoyed the exotic cocktails and food from STREET, including our favorites- Moldavin Meatballs and the Panni Puri.
View EA 2009 tours (which now include domestic flights in the pricing) at Earhart Adventures
Click here for launch party photos
Friday, July 31, 2009
Earhart Adventures Takes Off!
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kelsey Bray
July 31st, 2009 kelsey@earhartadventures.com
Ph 1-818-979-6412, 1-888-846-8663
EARHART ADVENTURES TAKES OFF!
LOS ANGELES, Calif. - Earhart Adventures LLC will launch at Susan Feniger's acclaimed new Los Angeles restaurant STREET on Tuesday, August 4th, 2009. Susan's restaurant is a perfect launching pad for Kelsey Bray's Earhart Adventures (EA) - food from around the world meets traveling around the world!
After 10 years of producing special events with little divas productions, the wanderlust Kelsey is moving on to her next adventure. Originally from Australia but now based in Los Angeles, Kelsey uses travel as a way to learn, share and grow, "It's the best classroom. So many wonderful lessons and experiences to help you flourish, and expand your horizons”, said Kelsey.
Kelsey named her travel company after the intrepid pilot and socialite Amelia Earhart, "Amelia lived in an era when woman could not even vote (1920), there was tremendous inequality in the workplace and other discriminatory civil rights issues facing women. So for Amelia to pursue her dreams to be a pilot was definitely in opposition to the expected role of a woman living in that era. Her determination, adventurous spirit, and bravery is inspiring. At Earhart Adventures we aim to encapsulate her adventurous spirit with our tours... we want to inspire people, and take them to greater heights."
“The words ‘adventure travel’ to some means going without a hairdryer, while to others it means hiking until you find a place to pitch your tent! We get it, so we offer two types of adventure travel. “Cocktails by 5” and “#6017 Adventures”, explains Kelsey. “Cocktails by 5” tours are designed for guests to explore the world with us knowing that they will receive a high level of service, accommodated in 4-5 star hotels, accompanied by professional guides… and cocktails by 5! Our “#6017 Adventures” are named after Amelia’s pilots license. These tours are more physically challenging, remote destinations, with accommodations ranging from deluxe camping to 3+ star hotels.”
More so than ever, Kelsey believes now is the time for people to travel, "not only are there super deals, travel is a great way to remove yourself physically and emotionally from the clutches of every day life. Traveling helps put a lot of life sapping issues in perspective. Expand your horizons!"
Earhart Adventures launches with three tours for 2009-
Classic Inca Trail (#6017 Adventure) - October 15th – 24th, 2009
This is the highly revered hike along the Inca Trail to the World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. Uniquely perched in the Peruvian Andes, you will be in awe of the Inca’s ingenuity. You will also spend time visiting the original Inca city of Cusco and the authentic towns and markets of the Sacred Valley.
Best of Peru (Cocktails by 5) - October 27th – November 8th, 2009
The ultimate tour to ancient Peru and beyond! Spend two days exploring the archaeological ruins of Machu Picchu. Cruise the world's highest navigable lake, and visit the floating Isle of Uros. Then descend in to the ecological beauty of the Amazon Basin. A phenomenal trip!
Patagonia Discovery (#6017 Adventure) – November 9th – 17th, 2009
Trek and kayak through Patagonia’s spectacular Torres del Paine National Park. The Park is full of enduring beauty from the vibrant glacier lakes and icebergs, to the craggy pink granite mountains. Patagonia has an abundance of unique wildlife, including condors, nandues, penguins and guanacos. If you want a remote adventure… this is it.
2010 destinations to include Australia, New Zealand, Ecuador, Chile, Peru, U.S.A. and Brazil.
***
ABOUT EARHART ADVENTURES LLC
Earhart Adventures operates small group, guided, luxury adventure tours for LGBT persons, their family and friends.
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Disclaimer: Earhart Adventures LLC has no affiliation to Amelia Earhart, her heirs or official representatives. We are not endorsed by, nor do we represent Amelia Earhart, her heirs or official representatives.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Discount flights to Australia and NZ
Virgin US$359 one way
Air New Zealand US$609 return
QANTAS US$305 one way
Click on company links for more details, but WOW... if you ever wanted to travel to Australia... the air price is for the taking!
Stay tuned Earhart Adventures Aussie/NZ vacations for 2010 coming soon...
Earhart's remains on Nikumaroro Island?
Whether Amelia Earhart ran out of gas, crashed in to the ocean, landed on a Pacific Island or was captured by the Japanese- the cause of her disappearance since her fateful 1937 attempt to fly around the world has remained a mystery. However, researchers who previously claimed to have found remnants of 1930's compact mirror glass, will return to Nikumaroro Island (also known Gardner Island) equipped with new DNA sampling methodology to determine whether Earhart was on this remote island. No one has lived on this 2.5 mile long island since 1963. Contrary to this, many believe that Earhart's plane ran out of fuel near Howland Island (2013 GMT, July 2, 1937). Also, controversy surrounds the validity of radio distress signals received by the Coast Guard... the Guard later claiming they were hoaxes, and others arguing that how could someone in that region mimic Earhart's voice, and at her radio frequency. So the mystery around Earhart's and her navigatior's (Fred Noonan) disappearance continues. However, she did inspire the adventurous spirit in many.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Plastic bottles banned from Machu Picchu
In order to avoid negative environmental impacts on Machu Picchu, the Municipality of Machu Picchu has ratified a by-law banning plastic bottles from the monument. Visitors to Machu Picchu may carry water in personal containers, canteens or glass bottles. This by-law will take effect on the 13th of August 2009.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
ABOUT US
Founded on the spirit that motivated Amelia Earhart on her many expeditions, Earhart Adventures provides small group, awe-inspiring experiences to remote locations around the globe...in style!
Adventure for some means going without a hairdryer, to others it means finding your next destination by GPS. We get it! So we offer two types of travel-
‘Cocktails at 5’ luxury vacations
“Camping to me is when room service is late!”
If you identify with this statement then our Cocktails By 5 luxury vacations are for you! Visiting remote destinations does not necessarily mean compromising on life’s little luxuries. Our ‘Cocktails by 5’ vacations allow you to explore the world knowing that you will receive a high level of service, accommodated in 4-5 star hotels, accompanied by professional guides, enjoy regional gourmet food… and cocktails by 5pm!
- Small group, deluxe tours
- Unique destinations
- 4-5 star accommodation
#6017 adventures
Named after Amelia Earhart’s pilot license number #6017, these adventure vacations are for those who enjoy the thrill of a strenuous hike to a glorious vista, paddling through ice-bergs, heli-sking in Chile, and sitting around a campfire revisiting the day’s experiences.
These experiences may involve full-service camping, moderate to strenuous physical activities, remote destinations.
- Small group
- Active excursions
- Unique destinations
- Full-service camping to 3 star accommodation
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