Earhart Adventures - get lost but we promise not to lose you!

Rocking at Mammoth with The Bravery

2010-03-27T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Bravery are in town for a free concert at the 2010 Roxy Chicken Jam- Mammoth. We got a 5 minute interview with the alternative rockers from NY to talk about travel and music.

What’s it like coming to a small town to perform?

[Laugh] They consider this to be a small town! No, small towns are what we drove through for 12 hours to get here! [Death Valley region, Lone Pine, Independence, Big Pine]

How do you connect with your audience?

We rock their faces off!

Have you had any on stage phopars?

Yeah, we were performing in Scotland and yelled “Hello England!” from the stage- not good.

Do you have the time, or are you inspired to compose when you travel?

Most of our last album [“Stir The Blood”]was written while on tour in Eastern Europe. We were really impacted by the darkness of their winter and the cold- which explains why the album is a little dark.

So you are able to compose while traveling?

Yes. We have a small computer recording set-up in the back of the bus. Nearly all our music starts that way. It is really easy for us to lay down some tracks.

What other cities or countries have been really interesting for you to perform?

Well last time I checked I had 42 immigration stamps in my passport! But Asia is really different, especially Tokyo.

In Tokyo the audience is really organized… they all applause and stop together… but they are really enthusiastic. They really appreciate US musicians.
How important is touring versus promotions on the internet?
Well, there is no money in selling records, so touring is really important, especially in attracting new fans.

Which one of your songs should the Roxy Jam DJ be playing for snowboarders?

“Hate Fuck”. Yeah, it’s best suited to extreme sports.

The Bravery

Sam Endicott

John Conway

Anthony Burulcich

Michael Zakarin

Writer: Kelsey Bray, Earhart Adventures

Earhart Adventures Creates Snow Joy!

2010-03-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

You can help put a big smile on a kids face by contributing towards sending them to snowboarding camp. Just click the 'ChipIn!' button below. Thanks!

The Modern English Village, King's Road

2010-01-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

Like most of London, it takes a locals knowledge to be able to expose King’s Road’s little gems.

Upon stepping out of Sloane Square tube station you encounter the Sloane Square, Hotel, Tiffany’s, Royal Court Theatre, Boggi Milano, Hugo Boss and a tree filled Square with the 1951 Royal Academy winning Venus Statue. From Sloane Square to Oakley Street, King’s Road offers a wide variety of award winning boutique luxury fashion and dining establishments to indulge; starting with the department store Peter Jones, to veteran British designer, Vivienne Westwood’s, ‘World’s End’, and trendy high-fashion shoe store Kate Kuba.

Since Henry VIII acquired the manor of Chelsea (1536), it has always been a popular location for the wealthy. But it is a wonderfully diverse community- the local elderly residents from Chelsea Barracks/ Royal Hospital in their regal uniforms, are always up for a chat on the sidewalks of Kings Road. If you are looking to rest on a London ‘green’, you can walk through the Barracks grounds and their extensive gardens (where the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is held each May).

The Duke of York Square runs parallel to King’s Road and as such, will remove you from King’s Road busy thoroughfare. Lovely restaurants, coffee shop, patisserie, bread store, bookstore, beauticians, and luxury fashion boutique stores all open on to the large sandstone paved courtyard. There is a terrific year round Saturday market encompassing fine specialty food producers. Speaking of fine food markets, the Royal Household’s favorite market Partridges, is at the end of the Square (next to the fashion store Jig Saw in the restored Chapel of the Duke of York’s Barracks). Opposite Partridges the very modern Saatchi Gallery (ironically in the old Duke of York’s Barracks) hosts many sculptural as well as art exhibitions.

If you have children, there is a fantastic playground on the grounds of St. Lukes, (corner of Sydney and Cale Street) then you can eat at Tom’s Kitchen, The Builders Arms or get a cheaper pie lunch at Chelsea Green’s/Triangle pub Album.

King’s Road is the complete modern village for those who like to shop without the crowds and mass retailers of Regent Street.

Where to eat…

Tom’s Kitchen $$$ ph 0207 349 0202. Couple of streets back from the bustle of Kings Road , Tom’s Kitchen is housed in a lovely terrace house- each level offering a different dining and social experience. The ground floor Brasserie serves B,L,D (they have a sumptuous slow roast lamb meal). The second floor is a wonderful, elegantly decorated cocktail bar, also serving dessert and champagne. Finally upstairs offers a private dining room.

Manicomio $$$ ph 0207 730 3366

Relaxed Italian dining. On warmer days you can sit outside and enjoy the passing activity.

Where to stay… luxury accommodation (this is the Burrow of Chelsea Knightsbridge after all!)

Sloane Square Hotel

The hotel’s ground floor restaurant, Chelsea Brasserie $$$, presents consistently great food (always love the duck) and snappy French servers, hence a popular and noisy environment.

Cadogan London and dining at its equally exclusive Langtry Restaurant $$$$

Logistics

Nearest Tube Station: Sloane Square, Circle Line

Street Sensation has created a terrific, detailed map with street level pictures of the area. Well worth the cost of downloading.

King’s Road fashion stores listing.

Final note…

After strolling Kings Road, if your shopaholics tendencies have been heightened, and your wallets still full, the row of luxury global brands walk up Sloane Street to Knightsbridge and Harrods should more than satisfy your addiction (@ 15 minute walk from Sloane Square to Knightsbridge).

More images of King’s Road and Sloane Square

Kelsey Bray, tour operator, travel writer & photographer

http://www.EarhartAdventures.com

Quick guide to enjoying Mammoth Mountain's snow

2010-01-03T06:06:00.000-08:00

Getting there

* Air-from the middle of December until mid April, Horizon Air offers 1hour flights from L.A., Reno, Seattle and Portland to Mammoth. There is a complimentary shuttle if you stay at a Mammoth Mountain Property or call Mammoth Dial-A-Ride ph 760-924-3184

* Drive from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Las Vegas is an easy 6 hours.

* Mammoth public shuttle route map

Where to stay

* Current accommodation specials in the area.

* The ski area operators of Mammoth Mountain offer 4 types of lodging properties- luxury to family suitable.

* Stay In Mammoth Rentals ph 866-686-8423, shane@stayinmammoth.com

* If you are spending more time on the mountain than in your room, I like Motel 6. Great location, clean and cheap.

FYI Bishop is only 40 minutes away from Mammoth and a good alternative for cheaper accommodation.

Lift tickets

* Mammoth Mountain Lift Tickets

* For Mammoth regulars you may want to explore the skiing/boarding at June Lake (@ 30min drive north). Mammoth tickets and passes can be used

Where to eat

* Hot Chicks Rotisserie $ 452 Old Mammoth Rd ph (760) 934-4900

* Old New York Deli & Bagel $ (good burgers too!)

6201 Minaret Rd #105, ph 760-934-DELI

* Coffee- friendly local spot Stella-Brew (FYI they serve wheat-free food). There is a Starbuck’s inside VONS (481 Old Mammoth Rd 760-934-4536)

* Yamatani $$ (Bishop and Mammoth)

635 N. Main St, Bishop, CA 93514 760-872-4801

* Sushi Rei $$ 6201 Minaret Rd #101 760-924-8140

* Chart House $$$ 106 Old Mammoth Rd 760-934-4536

* Pita Pit  $ made to order, they cook fast for delivery and take-out  760-924-7482

* The Stove  is considered the best of the breakfast restaurants in Mammoth 644 Old Mammoth Road 760-934-2821

* Grumpy’s Sport Restaurant $ meals under $10

361 Old Mammoth Rd, 93546 760-934-8587

* Thai’d Up $ basic Thai restaurant dine in or take away. 587 Old Mammoth Rd

760-934-7355 (also do take-out)

Rio 2016

2009-10-03T14:20:00.001-07:00

Congratulations to Rio- a wonderful city to host the first Olympics in South America!

Stay in touch while traveling

2009-08-25T21:50:00.000-07:00

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.

Click here for more information

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

Catch and release your stress and the fish!

2009-08-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

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!

Note: you need a one day fishing permit which can be easily purchased online for $12.

Information/Contact-

kelsey@earhartadventures.com

ph 1-818-979-6412

Earhart Adventures tours

Earhart Adventures Launches With Great Tour Specials

2009-08-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

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

Earhart Adventures Takes Off!

2009-07-31T09:35:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kelsey Bray

July 31^st, 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 15^th – 24^th, 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 27^th – November 8^th, 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 9^th – 17^th, 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.

Web site

http://www.earhartadventures.com

Banners available for posting-

http://www.earhartadventures.com/press.php

Follow EA blog

http://earhartadventures.blogspot.com/

Join EA Facebook fan page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/httpwwwearhartadventurescom/Earhart-Adventures-LLC/189855015113?ref=ts

Flickr (images)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/40348346@N08/

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.

Discount flights to Australia and NZ

2009-07-27T19:32:00.000-07:00

There are only a few airlines flying direct to Australia from the U.S. Recently the entrepreneurial company Virgin is giving the 'locals' a run for their money. The consumer ultimately wins with incredible fares on offer-

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...

Amelia to hit screens soon

2009-07-27T13:53:00.000-07:00

Sneak peak of Hilary Swank's new film "Amelia" set to launch in U.S. theaters October, 2009

Earhart's remains on Nikumaroro Island?

2009-07-27T13:06:00.000-07:00

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.

Plastic bottles banned from Machu Picchu

2009-07-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

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.

ABOUT US

2009-07-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

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