Travel

National Geographic Adventure —
December 2009/January 2010
The Best of Adventure 2010

2009-11-17

Adventurers of the Year — National Geographic Adventure's seventh annual "Best of Adventure" issue recognizes 16 individuals who went to extremes in 2009 — racking up amazing achievements in exploration, conservation, action sports and humanitarian work — earning them the coveted title of Adventurers of the Year. Honored for their exceptional accomplishments in a variety of fields, the class of 2009 are BASE jumper Dean Potter; military veterans Marc Hoffmeister, Jon Koniholm, Matt Nyman and David Shebib; adventurers Gayle Hoffmeister and Bob Haines; explorer Albert Yu-Min Lin; road trippers Stephen Bouey and Steven Shoppman; surfer Maya Gabeira; astronaut John Grunsfeld; ultra runner Diane Van Deren; humanitarian/educator Khadija Bahram; filmmaker Louie Psihoyos; and scientist Katey Walter Anthony. The Adventurer of the Year honorees were nominated by an advisory board of 30 explorers, scientists, journalists and luminaries in the world of adventure. Plus: This year, for the first time, readers can cast a vote online for the honoree they believe best embodies the spirit of adventure. The winner will receive the first-ever "Adventurer of the Year: Readers' Choice Award." Voting, at www.ngadventure.com, ends Jan. 15, 2010. The Readers' Choice winner will be announced online on Jan. 19, 2010. Page 55.

The Visionary — Medical pioneer Geoff Tabin wants to cure preventable blindness everywhere, especially in the developing world, where four out of five of the 150 million people who are blind don't need to be. Many have easily curable conditions like cataract disease. Tabin's task involves grueling travel, marathon field surgeries and very little downtime. For his vision — and for past accomplishments that include helping restore sight to more than 500,000 people in Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, India, Bhutan, China, Thailand, Vietnam and North Korea through the Himalayan Cataract Project, as well as adventure exploits like attempting the first ascent of the last unclimbed face of Everest and becoming only the fourth person to scale the Seven Summits — National Geographic Adventure magazine recognizes Tabin with a Hall of Fame award. Award-winning author David Oliver Relin ("Three Cups of Tea") profiles Tabin and his mission. Page 48.

Must-Have Gear — Climb higher, camp lighter, bike faster — great equipment should do more than perform well and look good, it should inspire you to go harder than ever before. National Geographic Adventure honors the most groundbreaking gear for 2010 with Best of Adventure awards. The 26 must-have new products, selected by Adventure editors and an advisory board of the country's leading retailers, are: Black Diamond Fusion ice ax; Black Diamond Infinity 50 backpack; Columbia Bugathermo winter boots; Dagger Axis 12.0 kayak; Eddie Bauer First Ascent Downlight Sweater jacket; Firewire Dominator with Rapidfire Technology surfboard; Garmin Edge 500 cycling computer; Helly Hansen Barrier 3L jacket; HP Envy 13 laptop; inov-8 roclite 288 GTX light hiker; Mountain Hardwear Skyledge 2.1 tent; Nokia N900 phone; Oakley Jawbone sunglasses; Olympus E-P1 camera; Osprey Raptor 6 hydration pack; Pearl Izumi syncroFuel XC trail runner; Rossignol S7 skis; Santa Cruz Blur XC mountain bike; Smith Optics Vanguard sunglasses; Somnio Runaissance road runner; Therm-a-Rest Haven Top sleeping bag; Timex Ironman Sleek 150-Lap training watch; Trek District Carbon road bike; VAEL Project Apres boots; Victorinox Swiss Army Travel Alarm 1884 Limited Edition pocket watch; Wenger Mike Horn Ranger multi-tool. Page 67.

The Wayfinders — While European mariners were still hugging coastlines and puzzling out longitude, Polynesians were sailing the open ocean, guided by navigators who harnessed the sun and stars, the wind and waves. On a trip to the South Pacific, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Wade Davis investigates the ancient art of wayfinding. Page 76.

The Big Trip: Argentina — Glaciers, big peaks, balmy days and vino. And right now it's all on sale. Crusted in snow and ice, Cerro Aconcagua shoots up from the fertile plains of the Mendoza province to an altitude of 22,835 feet. It's a spectacular sight, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere towering over the finest wine-growing region in South America. And scenes like this are hardly out of the ordinary in Argentina. National Geographic Adventure writer Claire Martin uncorks a foodie experience high on adventure. Page 44.

Nat Geo in the Field: Relics Recovered — Scaling the crumbling cliffs of Mustang in north-central Nepal to explore mysterious man-made cave systems carved 700 feet high into the cliffsides, a pair of world-class climbers goes where archaeologists can't, for the benefit of science. Page 22.

* National Geographic Adventure experts are available for interviews. Contact Ethan Fried if you have questions, need additional information or would like to schedule an interview.

National Geographic Adventure, winner of four National Magazine Awards, is the fastest-growing magazine in the outdoor category and the ultimate guide to the adventure lifestyle. Published eight times a year, with a rate base of 625,000, National Geographic Adventure has 2.8 million readers. It is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its editorial mission supports National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet. The magazine's Web site is www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure.

National Geographic Adventure Magazine Names 2009's Adventurers of the Year

2009-11-12

WASHINGTON (Nov. 12, 2009)--National Geographic Adventure magazine has selected 16 individuals as 2009's Adventurers of the Year, recognizing extraordinary achievements in exploration, conservation, action sports and humanitarian work. The honorees are featured in the December 2009/January 2010 "Best of Adventure" issue of the magazine (on newsstands Nov. 24). A robust and interactive Best of Adventure Web portal with more than 100 pages of content also highlights the 2009 Adventurer of the Year honorees with in-depth feature profiles, exhilarating videos and photo galleries. This year, for the first time, readers can cast a vote online for the honoree they believe best embodies the spirit of adventure. The winner will receive the first-ever "Adventurer of the Year: Readers' Choice Award." Voting, at www.ngadventure.com, begins today and ends Jan. 15, 2010. The Readers' Choice winner will be announced online on Jan. 19, 2010.

A group of 30 explorers, scientists, journalists and luminaries in the world of adventure served on an advisory board for the nomination of this year's top adventurers. The class of 2009 includes a BASE jumper, military veterans, an explorer, road trippers, a surfer, an astronaut, an ultra runner, an educator, a filmmaker and a scientist. They are:

-Khadija Bahram, supported by the aid organization International Rescue Committee, guided an educational program that stretches across five provinces in war-torn Afghanistan reaching more than 10,000 pupils, mostly girls, as well as disabled children.
-Stephen Bouey and Steven Shoppman crossed 69 countries and racked up more than 77,000 miles during a two-and-a-half-year road trip that circumnavigated the globe by road.
-Maya Gabeira, the only sponsored female big-wave surfer in the world, surfed the largest wave by a woman ever, landing a 45-footer at South Africa's Dungeons break.
-John Grunsfeld, known as NASA's "Hubble Repairman," braved hurtling space debris to pull off the repair to end all repairs: Working at zero gravity some 350 miles above the surface of the Earth, the astronaut restored sight to a half-blind Hubble.
-Marc Hoffmeister, an injured Iraq veteran, organized a team of climbers, including his wife, Gayle Hoffmeister, his friend, Bob Haines, and injured vets Jon Kuniholm, Matt Nyman and David Shebib, to attempt the dangerous West Buttress route of Denali in Alaska.
-Albert Yu-Min Lin organized a high-risk, high-stakes project into Mongolia's "Forbidden Zone" to search for the lost tomb of Genghis Kahn, using state-of-the art, cutting-edge mapping technologies.
-Dean Potter recorded the longest BASE jump ever -- 2 minutes and 50 seconds -- while wearing a wingsuit that allowed him to cover some 9,000 vertical feet and nearly four horizontal miles in distance.
-Louie Psihoyos assembled an "Ocean's 11"-esque crew to expose and end the annual slaughter of hundreds of dolphins for meat in Taiji, Japan, a story told in the award-winning film "The Cove."
-Diane Van Deren, survivor of a successful lobectomy, became the first and only woman to complete the Yukon Arctic Ultra, a 430-mile run across frozen tundra in the dead of winter.
-Katey Walter Anthony mounted an expedition to Siberia to seek out and measure beds of thawing permafrost -- a major source of methane gas, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than CO2, yet is not factored into most climate change models.

The National Geographic Adventure Adventurers of the Year feature is presented and sponsored by South African Tourism, South African Airways and Budweiser American Ale.

About National Geographic Adventure
National Geographic Adventure, winner of four National Magazine Awards, is the fastest-growing magazine in the outdoor category and the ultimate guide to the adventure lifestyle. Published eight times a year, with a rate base of 625,000, National Geographic Adventure has
2.8 million readers. It is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its editorial mission supports National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet. The magazine's Web site is www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure.

WORLD'S ICONIC DESTINATIONS RATED

2009-10-20

WASHINGTON (Oct. 21, 2009)—In conjunction with National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations, National Geographic Traveler has devoted its sixth annual "Places Rated" Destination Stewardship survey to the world's most celebrated and iconic travel destinations and how well they have weathered the pressures of mass tourism and other threats.

Like the first Destination Rated survey in 2004, Norway's fjords region has again taken top honors, with a score of 85 points. Judges noted the gorgeous scenery and well-preserved rural life that are vigorously protected. Others making the top "Best Rated Places" category range from Japan's ancient Kyoto (#4, 79 points) for honoring the "serenity and charm of ancient Japan" to Slovenia, formerly part of communist Yugoslavia, tied at #5 (78 points) for being among the most sustainable and authentic places to visit in Europe.

The United Kingdom is the country with the most winners in this year's top category: England's Yorkshire Dales, Scotland's Highlands, and Wales.

A total of 133 destinations were surveyed by a panel of 437 well-traveled experts in a variety of fields related to sustainable tourism. The survey is the cover story of the November-December 2009 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine, on newsstands Nov. 3.

"We hope the survey will bring attention to the places faring well, as well as to those in trouble, often due to reckless development and commercialism," said Jonathan Tourtellot, director of the Center for Sustainable Destinations, which conducted the survey. "If there is a blessing to the global downturn, it is the respite from such rampant, quick-buck degradation of Earth's remaining beautiful places."

The best U.S. ranking was the state of Vermont at #5 (78 points), scoring well not only for its scenic countryside but for environmental and social sustainability practices. Two other U.S. destinations made the top category: Oregon and Washington's Columbia Gorge region (#6, 77 points) and Massachusetts' Berkshires (#7, 76 points). Canada impressively took places #2 (81 points) and #3 (80 points), for British Columbia's Kootenay and Yoho national parks on the western slope of the Canadian Rockies and for Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula that juts into the Gulf of St. Lawrence with oceanfront, islands and mountains.

Examples of other successes:

Tanzania's Serengeti Plain went up 10 points (to 71 points, #12) since it was first surveyed in 2006, compared to Kenya's Masai Mara score, which went down three points (now 53 points, #29), reflecting the countries' varying efforts in conservation even though they share the same ecosystem.
Mid-coast California, from Santa Barbara to Monterey, is up eight points (71 points, #12) since the first 2004 survey, largely due to solid, good stewardship — not to mention the mix of wild coasts, mountains and wineries.
Hue, Vietnam, considered by many to be the most beautiful city in that country, is up 11 points (64 points, #19) — the highest upward leap from previous rankings — largely because of the restoration of its spectacular citadel.
Rajasthan, India, referred to as "India's Tuscany" by one panelist, experienced an eight-point jump (64 points, #19) in five years, sparked particularly by improved tourist facilities. It also boasts a strong sense of cultural identity and remarkable appeal and mystique, panelists noted.
Copán, the famed Maya ruins in Honduras, had a seven-point jump (68 points, #15) since it was first surveyed in 2006, due to excellent local guides and dedicated management, and other attractions, from coffee farms to local hot springs.

There were surprises. The Grenadine Islands in the Caribbean experienced a sharp dip of 15 points (now 62 points, #21) since it was first surveyed in 2007; this string of several hundred islands once ranked near the top of the Destination Scorecard but has dropped due to commercialization and damaging real estate deals. The Inside Passage in Alaska and British Columbia dropped markedly in the rankings since the first Destinations Rated survey in 2004 (64 points, #19), though still making the "Places Doing Well" category; panelists said the destination leaves one with a sense of awe, but the culture of the coastal towns is being overwhelmed by tourists and cruise ships.

A number of destinations were rated for the first time, including Arizona's Sonora Desert (63 points, #20), the Bahamas' Eleuthera Island (71 points, #12), Brazil's Rio de Janeiro beach districts (54 points, #28), the Chesapeake Bay region (42 points, #40), Florida's Sanibel and Captiva islands (53 points, #29) and New York's Long Island: Hamptons to Montauk (51 points, #31).

The panelists, all experts in various travel-related fields, were asked to evaluate the qualities that make a destination unique, measuring the "integrity of a place" and assessing its authenticity and stewardship. The ratings were based on six criteria: environmental and ecological quality; social and cultural integrity; condition of historic buildings and archaeological sites; aesthetic appeal; quality of tourism management; and outlook for the future.

The destinations are divided into five categories, listed below with examples:

Best-Rated Places (in excellent shape, relatively unspoiled and likely to remain so: 85- to 74-point range) New Zealand's South Island, Australia's Kakadu National Park, Spain's Medieval Granada and the Alhambra, Chile's Torres del Paine, Portugal's Douro Valley.
Places Doing Well (retaining sense of place, with a few surmountable problems: 73- to 64-point range) Brazil's Pantanal wetlands, Maine's coast, Italy's Tuscany, Austria's Salzburg historic center, Ireland's Ring of Kerry, Yellowstone/Grand Teton region.
Places in the Balance (a mixed bag of successes and worries, with the future at risk: 63- to 53-point range) Michigan's Traverse City and lakeshore, Arizona's Sonora Desert region, Hawaii's Maui and Island of Hawaii (Big Island), Jordan's Petra, Texas Hill County, Bali, Cape Cod, Greece's Santorini island, Turkey's Azure Coast.
Places with Troubles (under severe pressures; many places working to recover: 52- to 42-point range) Honduras' North Coast, New York's Long Island Shore, Tahiti, Ecuador's Galápagos Islands, Great Smoky Mountains, Florida's Everglades and Big Cypress, Beijing's historic districts, Italy's Venice and lagoon, Egypt's Luxor archaeological area, pollution-plagued Chesapeake Bay.
Worst-rated (severe problems; some destinations fighting back, some not: 41- to 31-point range) West Bank's Bethlehem, Dominican Republic's north coast, Egypt's Northern Red Sea coast, Spain's Costa del Sol.

National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations is dedicated to protecting the world's distinctive places through wisely managed geotourism and enlightened destination stewardship.

See more details on the 133 iconic destinations ranked for wisely managed tourism at
www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler.

Note: Images of several of the "Places Rated" destinations are available at the following ftp site: http://ftp.nationalgeographic.com/pressroom/announcement_destinations/

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November 2009: National Geographic Adventure — The 25 Best New Trips in the World

2009-10-20

Twenty-Five Best New Trips — Somewhere out there is a continent you can cross on horseback, and a Sherpa city where treks are led by the strongest hikers on Earth. Perhaps you want to track wolves in Slovakia's Carpathian Mountains or navigate Class V rapids in rural Bolivia to deliver aid to local communities. Impossible? Hardly. National Geographic Adventure's 10th annual trip guide maps the 25 best new trips for 2010, putting the world's far corners well within reach. And after contacting more than 200 travel companies, writer Claire Martin discovered one time-honored truth time and again: Trips that give back often yield the coolest travel experience. "Companies are starting to 'get' voluntourism, and to do it in a way that is much more authentic and goes deeper," says Martin. Even better, "These are often the trips with the most bang for your buck." Page 49.

Nepal's New Path — A strong case can be made for Nepal as the birthplace of the adventure travel movement. Nowhere else on the planet boasts such dramatic mountain scenery (Everest and Annapurna) and such a crazy confluence of religions and cultures (Hinduism mixed with Buddhism mixed with a variety of local isms). National Geographic Adventure Contributing Editor James Vlahos returns from a five-week trek on the newly developed 1,600-mile Great Himalaya Trail — your everyday hiking path, if you consume a diet of red meat, anabolic steroids and nails. And the trail, stupefyingly grand and astounding to even the most well-traveled visitors, just might help unify a country healing from 10 years of civil war. Page 58.

Here Be Dragons — Strictly speaking, there are no rules against camping in Indonesia's Komodo National Park. It's just that most people think twice about pitching a tent on an island patrolled by marauding, man-eating lizards. National Geographic Adventure Contributing Editor Tom Clynes sleeps out — and lives to tell of the last place on the planet where reptiles still rule. Page 66.

Norway Takes Off — Watch your back, Chamonix. There's a new European action mecca in the making: Norway. National Geographic Adventure West Coast Editor Steve Casimiro tackles the Scandinavian hotbed one heli-bike, climb, paddle, dogsled and surf at a time. Page 72.

Next Weekend: The Snow Report '10 — If you're now just sharpening your edges and heating up the wax, chances are you've already missed the first turns of the 2010 ski/snowboard season. But fear not, this winter is shaping up to be a fierce one. National Geographic Adventure's annual snow report rounds up 16 places where the perfect powder day awaits. Plus: Powder, crud, groomers or bumps. This year's hottest skis and boards can handle anything you throw at them. Page 30.

Adventure on the Web (ngadventure.com) — Hone your outdoor skills with Adventure's new how-to videos featuring National Geographic correspondents. Find dozens of products field-tested by Adventure editors and hundreds more in our Gear Guide. Get the latest news on adventure travel destinations, trips and trends. Learn West Coast Editor Casimiro's photography secrets in a technical tutorial online. Page 12.

*Contact Ethan Fried if you have questions, need additional information or would like to schedule an interview with a National Geographic Adventure expert.

National Geographic Adventure, winner of four National Magazine Awards, is the fastest-growing magazine in the outdoor category and the ultimate guide to the adventure lifestyle. Published eight times a year, with a rate base of 625,000, National Geographic Adventure has 2.5 million readers. It is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its editorial mission supports National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet. The magazine's Web site is www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER October 2009 50 PLACES OF A LIFETIME WORLD'S GREATEST DESTINATIONS, PART II

2009-09-21

A decade ago, National Geographic Traveler published a landmark issue — "50 Places of a Lifetime" — that in subsequent years has become something of a hallmark of the magazine, spawning related books, podcasts, special issues, Web content, games, mobile apps — even a round-the-world jet trip from National Geographic Expeditions that will lift off in October 2010. Long before "The Bucket List" and "1,000 Places to See Before You Die," we showcased those destinations that every curious traveler should visit in his or her lifetime. Now in our 25th anniversary year, we recognize the first 50 places we featured and offer a fresh set of 50 that speak to the transformation of travel since 1999 — how we travel, where we travel and why we travel. The list is presented in five categories — Urban Spaces, Wild Places, Paradise Found, Country Unbound and World Wonders.
BONUS FEATURES: The soundtrack to our 50 Places of a Lifetime, selected by the staff of Nat Geo Music, and a surprising 51st Place of a Lifetime.

URBAN SPACES (PAGE 20)
From Athens to St. Petersburg to Vancouver, National Geographic Traveler spotlights 10 remarkable, stimulating cities that stand in a league of their own.

WILD PLACES (PAGE 42)
The primordial beckons at remote and unspoiled wilderness spots like Australia's Arnhem Land, Siberia's Lake Baikal and Botswana's Okavango Delta.

PARADISE FOUND (PAGE 62)
The places we call heaven on Earth require the perfect mix of elements, a mix you will find in such extraordinary destinations as Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula, Switzerland's Mount Rigi and Australia's Lord Howe Island.

COUNTRY UNBOUND (PAGE 78)
Man and nature harmonize in scenic landscapes, including Turkey's Azure Coast, the exotic Gobi Desert and Virginia's pastoral Piedmont.

WORLD WONDERS (PAGE 94)
Monumental creations such as China's terra cotta warriors, Easter Island's stone figures and Tibet's Potala Palace have fascinated generations with their mystery and power.

* National Geographic Traveler experts are available for interviews. Contact Heather Wyatt if you have questions, need additional information or would like to schedule an interview.

National Geographic Traveler: All travel, all the time.
National Geographic Traveler is the world's most widely read travel magazine. Published eight times a year, Traveler is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.95). Its Web site is at www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler.

THREE WINNERS NAMED IN NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S GEOTOURISM CHALLENGE 2009

2009-09-09

WASHINGTON (Sept. 9, 2009)—A "carbon neutral" airline in Costa Rica, a "voluntourism" program in rural Cambodia supporting local education, and a free community-mapping Web site in Spain have taken top honors in the second Geotourism Challenge, sponsored by the National Geographic Society and Ashoka's Changemakers.

The winners practice and advance the growing trend of geotourism: tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents. They were selected from 10 finalists out of 611 original entries from 81 countries. Entries for "Geotourism Challenge 2009: Power of Place" almost doubled over the first Geotourism Challenge in 2008.

All three cutting-edge, innovative winners provide visitors with the opportunity to participate in sustainable travel; each winner will receive a $5,000 prize:

Nature Air, the 100 percent carbon-neutral airline in Costa Rica, offsets 100 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions to encourage reforestation of tropical forests in Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. To date, Nature Air has compensated for nearly 20,000 tons of carbon dioxide through the protection of more than 500 acres. In addition, Nature Air recently helped develop Costa Rica's first alternative fueling station through its wholly owned fueling company, Aerotica. Nature Air fuels all ground equipment and vehicles with bio-diesel (a mix of recycled vegetable and cooking oils) collected from employees and restaurants.
PEPY ("Protect the Earth, Protect Yourself") is Cambodia's Educational Volunteer Tourism Program, providing adventure bike tours and on-site volunteer projects, like building rainwater collection units. All participants make donations to enhance education in impoverished rural Cambodia, where PEPY is based. It supports education for more than 1,700 families in 12 villages and six schools in rural Siem Reap Province, about 40 miles (65 km) from the city of Siem Reap, site of the Angkor temples.
Wikiloc Community Maps in Girona, Spain, created by a software engineer with a passion for travel, is built on information — including maps, photos and video — submitted to offer honest impressions about destinations. Wikiloc is a great source of outdoor activities, from mountain biking to ballooning. The site also promotes thematic activities like gastronomic routes, sightseeing urban trails and walks in archaeological areas. Created in 2006, the site is already translated in 14 languages, and more than 65,000 trails are included.

"We're excited to support three new innovators stretching the possibilities of geotourism," said Charlie Brown, Changemakers' executive director. "These winners are pushing us closer to realizing and sustaining a kind of travel that will enrich cultures and environments across the globe."

Jonathan B. Tourtellot, director of National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations, said, "The winners are outstanding examples of geotourism practices that extend to good destination stewardship. They are committed to conserving and enhancing the quality of their locales while benefiting local people and providing visitors with authentic experiences. Geotourism is no flash in the pan: Travelers around the globe are seeking it out in both rural and urban settings. We're delighted to showcase the winners and runners-up who are leading the way."

The seven Geotourism Challenge runners-up:

Mongolia's Ger to Ger Foundation links visitors with genuine nomadic families and guides as a way to stimulate cultural understanding through noncommercial outdoor activities and to provide alternative incomes for these Mongolian people.
Evergreen Brick Works of Toronto, Canada, is an adaptive re-use of the heritage structures at the Don Valley Brick Works, converting the city's abandoned ravines into a much-respected public park and nature exploratory center.
Virgin Islands Youth Heritage Exchange Farm Excursions, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, focuses on food as the basis of youth identity and education, with visitors contributing to local mentoring through hands-on workshops and nature-based lifestyle-skill building.
Context Travel, based in Philadelphia, United States, offers walking seminars in major European cities. It encourages sustainable ways to visit urban destinations and contributes funds to cultural preservation projects in each of the cities where it operates.
RiverIndia.com's Bamboo Eco-Lodge River Trips, Arunachal Pradesh, India, help protect India's Siang River through increased conservation and locally guided rafting, kayaking and fishing expeditions.
Trout Point Lodge, Nova Scotia, a Five Green Key-designated nature retreat in Canada, has revitalized backwoods and Acadian French cultural tourism through its Nova Scotia Seafood Cooking School and staff naturalists providing guided access to the Tobeatic Wilderness Area.
Reality Tour Viagens e Turismo Ltda's Route of Freedom, Rua Bom Jesus, Brazil, commemorates the "Memory of the African Diaspora in Brazil" with seven interpretive trails winding through 15 cities of the Paraiba Valley.

For more details about the innovative work of all 10 finalists, go to the Geotourism Challenge 2009 website at www.changemakers.net/geotourismchallenge.

A panel of expert judges selected the 10 finalists in July, while the public chose the top three winners through online voting during a four-week period this summer, ending Aug. 12. The expert judges were Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement; Keith Bellows, a vice president of the National Geographic Society and editor of National Geographic Traveler magazine; Erika Harms, executive director of Sustainable Development, United Nations Foundation; Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet; Ben Keene, founder of Tribewanted; and Dr. Yang Yuming, vice president of Southwest Forestry University, China.

About Ashoka's Changemakers
Changemakers is an initiative of Ashoka, an organization with over three decades of finding, funding, and expanding the work of social entrepreneurs across the globe. It is a global online community of action that connects people to share ideas, inspire and mentor each other, and find and support the best ideas in social innovation. The Changemakers online community builds on this history and expands the Ashoka vision by creating an "Everyone a Changemaker" world through networking, relationship-building, and the sourcing of funding opportunities.

Through its collaborative competitions and open-source process, Changemakers has created one of the world's most robust laboratories for launching, refining, and scaling ideas for solving the world's most pressing social problems.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 370 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com. To learn more about the mission and work of the , visit www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/.

For images of the three 2009 Geotourism Challenge winners, visit http://ftp.nationalgeographic.com/pressroom/geotourism_challenge/

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NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER SEPTEMBER 2009

2009-08-21

ON THE ROAD AGAIN
"Every time I hear the Eagles' song 'Take it Easy' — 'Well, I'm running down the road/Tryin' to loosen my load' — I smell asphalt. For me, the road offers pure freedom — to pick a route at random, to stop and go whenever you please, to encounter surprises that elude the guidebooks, and to connect with true local color. In this issue, you can ride a sportster through the Cotswolds, RV into wild New Zealand, or zip past Italian coastal vistas astride an iconic motorbike. An added bonus: We offer 20 journeys that showcase great American road trips. So hit the gas and take it easy."
—Keith Bellows, Editor

ULTIMATE DRIVES

SARDINIA'S CAREFREE COAST (PAGE 54)
A lipstick-red motorcycle propels our writer around Sardinia's serpentine north coast — and into stony strongholds of the ancient Sards.

WAKING A SLEEPING BEAUTY (PAGE 64)
A Brit from the industrial north of England explores the storybook world of the Cotswolds in a classic Triumph convertible.

CARAVANING KIWILAND (PAGE 72)
A transplanted Yank takes off in a RV to discover New Zealand's offbeat towns and eye-grabbing countryside.

20 GREAT AMERICAN DRIVES (PAGE 80)
From Cape Cod, Mass., to Kentucky's Bourbon Trail to Washington's Olympic Peninsula, these 20 memorable routes will have you itching to hit the road. The list is all-inclusive, featuring road trips for every season and from all around the country.
Want More? Check out Traveler's Web site (http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/drives) for complete driving directions, maps, details on sights along the routes and links to recommended Web sites for major attractions. The 20 drives here are part of our online roundup of 50 classic road trips in the United States, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean — all drives you're sure to enjoy!

* National Geographic Traveler experts are available for interviews. Contact Heather Wyatt if you have questions, need additional information or would like to schedule an interview.

National Geographic Traveler: All travel, all the time.
National Geographic Traveler is the world's most widely read travel magazine. Published eight times a year, Traveler is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.95). Its Web site is at www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler.

National Geographic Announces Fourth Annual International Photography Contest

2009-08-06

WASHINGTON (Aug. 6, 2009)--National Geographic readers around the world are invited to take part in the 2009 National Geographic International Photography Contest. Readers of National Geographic's English-language editions in eight countries as well as readers of 20 of the magazine's international local-language editions are eligible to participate. The international grand-prize winners will receive a trip to National Geographic headquarters in Washington, D.C., and their winning entries will be published in all participating editions of National Geographic magazine. Winning entries from each territory will be featured in their local editions of National Geographic magazine.

English-language-edition readers in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom are eligible to enter up to a total of six photographs across three categories: People, Places and Nature. Entries should be submitted electronically to www.ngphotocontest.com. The contest began Wednesday, Aug. 5, and ends Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time (ET). Photos can be black-and-white or color, shot with a digital camera or with conventional film, and must be submitted digitally. Each entry consists of an entry form, a single image and an entry fee. The entry fee is U.S. $12 per photo for entries received before 11:59 p.m. ET Oct. 15, 2009, and $22 per photo for entries received between Oct. 16 and Oct. 31. For details and official contest rules, visit www.ngphotocontest.com. Void where prohibited.

English-language-edition entries will be judged at National Geographic headquarters by a panel of three judges: National Geographic staff photographer Mark Thiessen; design editor of the international editions of National Geographic magazine Darren Smith; and White House photo editor Jenn Poggi. First-place category winners of the English-language-edition competition will win a digital camera kit.

The participating international local-language editions will submit their winning entries in each category to National Geographic headquarters to be judged alongside the winning English-language entries by Thiessen, Smith and Poggi. The judges will announce three international grand-prize winners in December 2009.

"We are thrilled to continue our annual photography contest," said David Griffin, National Geographic's director of photography. "The work we have been seeing in recent years is truly astounding and speaks to the truth that photography is a worldwide, universal language — one that everyone can appreciate and enjoy."

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 370 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

National Geographic Adventure Survival Guide '09 -- August/September 2009

2009-08-03

On Newsstands August 4, 2009

Eight Black Swans -- When the unexpected happens, it pays to be prepared. For an adventure-style "Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook," National Geographic Adventure came up with eight colossal disasters -- a tsunami hitting the Northwest; the West running dry; an avalanche striking inbounds; megafires burning hotter and longer in the backcountry; being trapped overseas by a pandemic; America's power grid crashing; getting caught in bandit cross fire; the GPS system winking out -- and asked the experts what to do to get out of harm's way. See how any one of these "black swans," low-probability, high-impact events, could happen, and how to survive. Plus: Adventure interviews John Hillcoat, director of "The Road," the end-of-days thriller due in theaters this fall, based on Cormac McCarthy's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Page 56.

One Rogue Wave -- What started as a weekend fishing trip in ideal conditions quickly turned from bad to worse. Already clinging to an overturned boat, seven fishermen watched as the ocean rose up in a way no one could have predicted. For the next 18 hours, adrift in the Atlantic, the men waged a desperate battle against time, hypothermia and the ocean itself. National Geographic Adventure pieces together the story of this survival epic. Page 48.

Going Back In -- Twelve years ago, two strangers formed an unlikely bond during a wilderness course in Wyoming. Then their friendship was cut short by a fatal accident. Actor Andrew McCarthy returns to the scene of the tragedy that changed his life forever. Page 66.

The Wild Bunch -- The National Wild and Scenic Rivers network protects the United States' most pristine waterways -- and its greatest river trips. It's an entire park system that can be explored by boat -- 166 national parks flying under the radar. Paddle in hand, National Geographic Adventure rafts one of the best, Oregon's Rogue River. Plus: Five more not-to-be-missed whitewater rides on the Salmon River (Idaho), Rio Chama (New Mexico), the Kern (California), the Chattooga (Georgia and South Carolina) and the Wolf (Wisconsin). Page 72.

Special Report: Everest Overshadowed -- "Everest season" is the time when all eyes zero in on the world's highest mountain to see what records, hijinks, tragedies and personal bests will ensue. Yet the most striking feature of this Everest season is that the most notable climbing did not happen there. Instead, many of the world's top climbers quietly eschewed Qomolangma's well-trodden routes for desperately hard first ascents on peaks far from the fray. Page 14.

The Big Trip: British Columbia -- The 2010 Winter Olympics will make British Columbia a superstar, but savvy adventurers know the Canadian province has already taken the gold as an outdoors outpost. National Geographic Adventure details an action plan north of the border. Page 40.

*Contact Ethan Fried if you have questions, need additional information or would like to schedule an interview with a National Geographic Adventure expert.

National Geographic Adventure, winner of four National Magazine Awards, is the fastest-growing magazine in the outdoor category and the ultimate guide to the adventure lifestyle. Published eight times a year, with a rate base of 625,000, National Geographic Adventure has 2.5 million readers. It is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its editorial mission supports National Geographic's mission to inspire people to care about the planet. The magazine's Web site is www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and National Geographic Extend Partnership to Include Global Geotourism Initiatives

2009-07-16

London, 30 June 2009 — InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the world's first truly global hotel brand, and the National Geographic Society have extended their partnership to include global geotourism initiatives. Both organizations will work together on a series of global initiatives to enrich the understanding of environmental and cultural responsibility among InterContinental associates and guests worldwide. National Geographic defines geotourism as "tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents." The InterContinental initiatives will work from grassroots up, harnessing the passion of the hotel general managers and their teams to help "sustain and enhance" the geographical character of destinations where InterContinental is present.

Vanessa Healey, Vice President, Global Marketing, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, said: "Across all our hotels worldwide, InterContinental is committed to connecting our well-travelled guests to what's special about a destination. We have always believed that we have a responsibility to respect the nature, heritage and communities our hotels reside in, so that future generations of travellers continue to enjoy what is unique to each destination. Working with National Geographic, we hope that our associates and our guests will be personally enriched, knowing they have played a small part in protecting and preserving all that is authentic and special about the places where we are located."

To kick off the partnership, InterContinental has adopted five principles that will enhance its hotels' ongoing environmental and cultural sustainability efforts and help identify new projects. The five principles are inspired by National Geographic's Geotourism Code of Good Practice, ensuring efforts that focus on integrity of place, destination appeal, community involvement, sharing success stories and minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

Throughout 2009, more than 60,000 InterContinental associates worldwide will participate in responsible business workshops to enhance their understanding of how they can personally be involved in some of the initiatives. InterContinental and National Geographic will also establish a Responsible Business Stewardship Council, made up of senior executives from both organizations and hotel general managers.

Jonathan Tourtellot, Director of the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations (CSD) and creator of the geotourism concept, said: "CSD is dedicated to protecting the world's distinctive places through wisely managed tourism and enlightened destination stewardship. We work closely with many allied organizations to develop and disseminate information on how tourism businesses, destination communities and travellers can help protect the character of these great places — their culture, natural habitats, architecture, scenery, even local cuisine. We look forward to working with InterContinental to create actionable tools that do that — locally, regionally and globally."

InterContinental and National Geographic's affiliation started in 2007 with two successful global photography competitions, where guests and readers were invited to capture and share their authentic travel experiences. In 2008, InterContinental also sponsored National Geographic's All Roads Film Festival, which showcased inspiring films by indigenous film makers.

About InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has 158 hotels, located in more than 60 countries with local insight that comes from over 60 years of experience. At InterContinental we believe that superior, understated service and outstanding facilities are important, but what makes us truly different is the genuine interest we show in our guests. Our desire is to help guests make the most of their time. We connect our well-travelled guests to what's special about a destination, by sharing our knowledge so they enjoy authentic experiences that will enrich their lives and broaden their outlook. For more information, visit www.intercontinental.com and www.intercontinentalvideo.com.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 370 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy.

Part of the Research, Conservation, and Exploration Division of National Geographic Mission Programs, the Center for Sustainable Destinations promotes geotourism as its core strategy for helping to protect the world's distinctive places through wisely managed tourism and enlightened destination stewardship. For more information, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/.

VOTING OPENS TO SELECT BEST IDEAS AROUND GLOBE FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

2009-07-15

WASHINGTON (July 15, 2009)—Ten of the most innovative, sustainable travel programs around the world have been named finalists in the second annual Geotourism Challenge sponsored by the National Geographic Society and Ashoka's Changemakers. From now through Wednesday, Aug. 12, the public can vote online at www.changemakers.net/geotourismchallenge for the three finalists they consider most cutting-edge in providing visitors with authentic travel experiences, whether in a big city or a remote spot. The three winners will be announced Wednesday, Sept. 9, and each will receive a $5,000 prize.

All the finalists practice and advance geotourism: tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents. They were selected from 611 entries from 81 countries. Entries almost doubled this year over the first Geotourism Challenge in 2008.

A panel of expert judges — Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement; Keith Bellows, editor of National Geographic Traveler magazine; Erika Harms, executive director of Sustainable Development, United Nations Foundation; Tony Wheeler, founder of Lonely Planet; Ben Keene, founder of Tribewanted; and Dr. Yang Yuming, vice president of Southwest Forestry University, China — selected the finalists based on their innovation, social impact and sustainability/viability.

Said Maathai, "The entries really address community needs, teach, entertain and are accompanied by a lot of passion. I admire the finalists' enthusiasm and wish them much success."

The 10 finalists are:

Evergreen Brick Works of Toronto, Canada, is an adaptive re-use of the heritage structures at the Don Valley Brick Works, converting the city's abandoned ravines into a much respected public park and nature exploratory center. (http://geotourism.changemakers.com/fr/node/23438)
Mongolia's Ger to Ger Foundation links visitors with genuine nomadic families and guides as a way to stimulate cultural understanding through non-commercial outdoor activities and to provide alternative incomes for these Mongolian people. (http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/23485)
Nature Air, the 100 percent carbon neutral airline in Costa Rica, offsets 100 percent of its greenhouse gas emissions to encourage reforestation of tropical forests in southern Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. (http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/20613)
Virgin Islands Youth Heritage Exchange Farm Excursions focuses on food as the basis of youth identity and education, with visitors contributing to local mentoring through hands-on workshops and nature-based lifestyle-skill building. (http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/24143)
Context Travel, based in Philadelphia, offers walking seminars in major European cities. It encourages sustainable ways to visit urban destinations and contributes funds to cultural preservation projects — such as an artist apprenticeship — to benefit local residents. (http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/21933)
RiverIndia.com's Bamboo Eco-Lodge River Trips help protect India's Siang River through increased conservation and locally guided rafting, kayaking and fishing expeditions. (http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/19044)
Trout Point Lodge, a Five Green Key-designated nature retreat in Canada, has revitalized backwoods and Acadian French cultural tourism through its Nova Scotia Seafood Cooking School and staff naturalists providing guided access to the Tobeatic Wilderness Area. (http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/21375)
PEPY, Cambodia's Educational Volunteer Tourism Program, is where on-site learning projects combine with donations to personally invest visitors in sustaining and enhancing education in Cambodia. (http://geotourism.changemakers.com/node/21931)
Wikiloc Community Maps, created by a company in Girona, Spain, are built on information provided by visitors and hosts to offer honest and authentic impressions about destinations.
Reality Tour Viagens e Turismo Ltda's Route of Freedom commemorates the "Memory of the African Diaspora in Brazil" with seven interpretive trails winding through 15 cities of the Paraiba Valley. (http://geotourism.changemakers.com/en-us/node/24996)

"This year's entrants truly demonstrate how tourism is transforming the world at the global and local level," said Charlie Brown, Ashoka's Changemaker's executive director and facilitator of the judging process. "Not only do they provide insights and practical lessons for an effective tourism operation, but they also highlight some of the most important destinations for travelers to visit now."

About Ashoka's Changemakers
Changemakers is an initiative of Ashoka, an organization with over three decades of finding, funding and expanding the work of social entrepreneurs across the globe. The Changemakers online community builds on this history and expands the Ashoka vision by creating an "Everyone a Changemaker" world through networking, online competitions and relationship-building. Changemakers creates opportunities for those who want to be at the center of social change by offering competitions that are supported by philanthropic organizations. The competitions and the community connect those who are passionate about change and make ideas come to life. For more information, visit www.ashoka.org or www.changemakers.net.

About National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 370 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com. To learn more about the mission and work of the Center for Sustainable Destinations, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/sustainable/.

ENJOY BEST OF NATIONAL PARKS WITH NEW DVD OFFERINGS FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HOME ENTERTAINMENT

2009-06-25

WASHINGTON (June 25, 2009)--This summer, millions of Americans will head to the national parks to explore the outdoors and experience the beautiful scenery, unique wildlife and unbridled adventure our parks have to offer. From the scenic vistas of the Grand Canyon to Yosemite's famous Giant Sequoia groves, there's a lot of ground to cover in the parks, but not every area is accessible to tourists. Now, National Geographic uncovers the hidden beauty of some of America's most beloved parks in its new DVD collection "National Geographic National Parks Collection," available Tuesday, Aug. 18, on shopNGvideos.com, in stores where videos are sold or by calling (800) 627-5162.

Highlights from the "National Parks Collection" include "Hidden Hawaii," "Death Valley" and "Grand Canyon," which can all be purchased separately at retail or as part of the "National Parks Collection."

Whether it's facing the wild extremes of Death Valley, journeying to the depths of our newest marine sanctuary or trekking to the top of Denali's Mount McKinley, National Geographic's new DVDs reveal the hidden gems of these national treasures. Each home video offering is a terrific primer for first-time visitors, a valuable souvenir for experienced travelers or a handy resource for those who simply want to enjoy the pristine beauty of the parks.

Titles include:

"National Parks Collection"
Thrill to the wonders of planet Earth with National Geographic's new "National Parks Collection," a seven-disc compilation showcasing the hidden beauty of our national parks. From the Grand Canyon's unexplored back country to Hawaii's underwater coral reefs, this breathtaking anthology takes viewers beyond the tourist hot spots to explore these amazing places as never before.

Programs include "Secret Yellowstone," "Secret Yosemite," "Extreme Alaska: Denali National Park," "Everglades," "Grand Canyon," "Death Valley" and "Hidden Hawaii." Special features: 3-D interactive, printable maps and photo galleries.

Street Date: Aug. 18, 2009
Order Due Date: July 14, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: $59.98
Run Time: Approx. 330 mins.

"Death Valley"
Death Valley National Park is a land of extremes. It's the driest place in the United States, the lowest place in the Western Hemisphere and, at one time, the hottest single location recorded on Earth. Yet life continues to thrive here: More than 1,000 plant and several animal species call this park home. Journey with National Geographic, from the park's highest peak at 11,049 feet to its lowest point at 282 feet below sea level, and meet the scientists who are working to protect this wild place. Special feature: 3-D interactive, printable map.

Street Date: Aug. 18, 2009
Order Due Date: July 14, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: $19.98
Run Time: Approx. 50 mins.

"Hidden Hawaii"
Encompassing more than 140,000 square miles of ocean waters and 10 islands and atolls, Hawaii's Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, America's newest marine sanctuary, is bigger than all U.S. national parks combined — yet the majority of this environment has never been seen. National Geographic embarks on a month-long expedition to explore stunning coral reefs, shallow water environments and rare species unique to Hawaii, revealing what composes this vast area and what it will take to protect it. Special feature: photo gallery.

Street Date: Aug. 18, 2009
Order Due Date: July 14, 2009
Suggested Retail Price: $19.98
Run Time: Approx. 50 mins.

"Grand Canyon"
It hosts nearly 5 million tourists a year, but visitors see only a tiny fraction of the Grand Canyon's true beauty. Some of its backcountry has almost never felt the tread of a human foot. Even scientists know precious little about the canyon's 91 mammal species and more than 350 types of birds, its vegetation and how and when the canyon was formed. National Geographic joins a rare scientific expedition to explore the canyon's entire 277-mile length. Trace the canyon's geological history, study the microscopic colonies of vegetation that survive where no other plant can and examine its many unique creatures to unlock some of the mysteries of this wonder of the world.

Street Date: Available Now
Suggested Retail Price: $19.98
Run Time: Approx. 50 mins.

National Geographic Entertainment (NGE) was established in 2007, combining into a single operating group National Geographic's Cinema Ventures, Feature Films, Kids Entertainment, Home Entertainment and Music & Radio business units. NGE is part of National Geographic Global Media (NGGM), also formed in 2007, bringing together all of National Geographic's editorial platforms to streamline collaboration and further support the Society's mission. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," National Geographic works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 360 million people worldwide each month through magazines, books, digital media, television, radio, music and film. It funds more than 250 scientific research, exploration and conservation projects each year and supports an education program promoting geography literacy. For more information, visit www.nationalgeographic.com.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER FAMILY VACATION PLANNER

2009-06-25

On Monday, June 22, National Geographic Traveler magazine launched its new online Family Vacation Planner (www.traveler.nationalgeographic.com/family), featuring the best family-friendly sites and attractions from each state in the country. The attractions are grouped by states and categories of interest: animals, culture, entertainment, history, nature, science and adventure. All have been chosen by National Geographic Traveler editors for their authenticity and lasting value. Here's a sample from each category:

Animals
Wolf Education and Research Center, Winchester, Idaho -- Meet a recently adopted pack of wolves and learn the story of the Sawtooth Pack, once a subject of study for noted biologist Jim Dutcher; take a guided tour of the facility to learn about the region's wildlife conservation challenges.
Center for Birds of Prey, Awendaw, S.C. -- Step into a feathery world at this 152-acre "campus" that showcases more than 30 species of hawks, eagles, owls and other birds of prey from around the world; see display aviaries and demonstrations of birds in flight.

Culture
Polynesian Cultural Center, Oahu, Hawaii -- Swing your hips during a Hawaiian hula session; get inked with a temporary Marquesas cultural tattoo; learn how to crack open a coconut; try Tahitian spear fishing; attend a traditional luau feast.
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, Vt. -- Discover the latest about sustainable forestry and see how locally grown timber is used with conservation in mind; tour a dairy farm that follows eco-friendly practices; join in barnyard chores such as collecting eggs and grooming farm animals; enjoy a meal at the Inn restaurant that features farm-cultivated herbs and produce.
Circus World Museum, Baraboo, Wis. -- Learn the story of the Ringling Brothers at the site of their winter camp; watch skilled craftsmen restore the world's largest collection of circus wagons; become a part of the circus through face painting, magic shows and many other programs.

Entertainment
The New Victory Theater, New York, N.Y. -- Experience Manhattan's first theater geared toward families and kids; attend pre-theater workshops that highlight an activity related to that day's performance; watch great productions and performers, including Circus Oz, Cookin', Dance Cuba and A Year with Frog and Toad.
NCAA Hall of Champions, Indianapolis, Ind. -- Get a feel for college athletics through exhibits and films; read out the names in the Hall of Honor commemorating the greatest champions in all of college sports; try your hand at NCAA basketball on the old-fashioned court.

History
Old Montana Prison Complex, Deer Lodge, Mont. -- Walk through the prison that housed inmates, including members of Butch Cassidy's Wild Gang, until the 1970s; get a taste of the daily life of inmates and prison guards;, see prisoner items -- from shoes with concrete soles (for potential escapees) to graffiti and weapons made by the inmates.
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Harpers Ferry, W.V. -- Travel back to the time of abolitionist John Brown and the Civil War as you wander through living-history museums and the John Brown Wax Museum; listen to tales about past residents during family programs; see how cheap candy was in 1850 at the Dry Goods Store; hike along trails and through battlefields at the scenic meeting point of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.

Nature
Project Oceanology and the Lighthouse Program, Groton, Conn. -- Board a ship to visit the New London Ledge Lighthouse; pull in a trawl net from the ocean to see its contents; spot seals that have traveled from Maine to Fishers Island Sound.
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge, New Orleans, La. -- Stroll the Ridge Trail, a boardwalk running through America's largest urban wildlife refuge -- 23,000 acres of fresh brackish marshes, all within the city limits of New Orleans; see bald eagles, brown pelicans and other species that live in these pristine wetlands.

Science
Metreon, San Francisco, Calif. -- Stretch your mind at this confluence of fun and technology; play in an interactive area based on the kid favorite "Where the Wild Things Are"; get down to some serious gaming at the arcade; take in a 3-D IMAX film or see a more conventional show at one of the 15 screens in the multiplex.
Weather Discovery Center, North Conway, N.H. -- Sway in an extreme winds simulator; become a TV meteorologist; watch live webcasts from a station atop Mount Washington; discover how weather patterns form, and try controlling the weather yourself.

Adventure
Buffalo National River, Harrison, Alaska -- Kayak or canoe the lower river on a self-guided geo-float trip; raft the exciting white water on the upper river; trek to an Indian bluff shelter; reel in bass and catfish as you drift along.
Black Hills National Forest, St. Custer, S.D. -- Escape to this 1.2-million-acre woodland sanctuary for a camping trip or a day hike; scan the hills for elk, mountain goats and deer on the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve; hike to the lookout tower atop 7,242-foot-high Harney Peak and gaze into neighboring states.

* National Geographic Traveler experts are available for interviews. Contact Heather Wyatt if you have questions, need additional information or would like to schedule an interview.

National Geographic Traveler: All travel, all the time.
National Geographic Traveler is the world's most widely read travel magazine. Published eight times a year, Traveler is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its Web site is at www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER JULY / AUGUST 2009

2009-06-25

SPECIAL ISSUE: GREAT LONG WEEKENDS (PAGE 50)
Maybe you don't have the funds for the traditional weeklong getaway this summer. Maybe you don't have the time. Maybe it's both .... That's okay, Traveler has the antidote -- the best long-weekend getaways across the United States. Broken down by Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest and West, these 46 weekend jaunts are a result of Traveler's 25 years of knowing where to go and how to do it right, with careful attention to time and budget. Here's a sample:

NORTHEAST
Massachusetts -- The Forgotten Coast: No-Frills Cape Ann
"If Cape Ann, a cluster of four small coastal towns on the northern shore of Massachusetts, begrudges the spotlight that shines on nearby Cape Cod, you'd never know it," says writer Ken Haedrich. Though the spotlight shined briefly on the old fishing town of Gloucester, the setting for the book "A Perfect Storm," its core offerings -- fishing trips, whale-watching excursions and fresh-seafood restaurants like convivial Captain Carlo's -- haven't changed. Tonier Rockport, to the north, dishes up arts and crafts galleries, antiques shops and classic seascapes.
Pennsylvania -- Peaceful Land of the Plain People
Going local around Lancaster and Lebanon means going Amish: These contiguous counties in southern Pennsylvania tout one of the world's largest Amish populations. Begin with a tour of the countryside in an Amish-style buggy, offered by a number of Amish drivers. Then visit area markets, such as New Holland's hometown farmers market, for fresh local produce, pies, quilts and crafts. Pop by the Amish Farm and House for a glimpse into the lifestyle of the "Plain People," including a one-room schoolhouse. Stop in Lancaster's Quilt and Textile Museum to view a prime collection of Amish quilts. Attend a local "mud sale," an outdoor auction market at which furniture, livestock, even buggies are sold. Then tuck into simple Amish fare at Stoltzfus Farm Restaurant.

SOUTHEAST
Kentucky -- Sippin', Singin' 'n' Abe
Decompress on the tranquil streets of Bardstown, second oldest town in Kentucky. Toast the past at the Bourbon Heritage Center or nearby distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Trace local history at the Kentucky Railway and Civil War museums. Sing along to Stephen Foster, who wrote "My Old Kentucky Home," official song of the Bluegrass State; the composer is honored with a salute, mansion and a nearby state park. A few miles southwest of town, you can visit the birthplace of Honest Abe Lincoln, which is now a national historic site.
North Carolina -- High on the Smokies
Itching to go cowboyin'? Scratch that urge at Cataloochee Ranch, a thousand-acre ranch/equestrian center/ski resort on the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. "You're a thousand feet up," says two-time visitor Janice Martin, "with views that go on forever." When you tire of riding, hike park trails leading through dense rhododendron stands. Take a day-trip to the nearby town of Cherokee for a visit to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. A longer excursion leads to artsy Asheville and the historic Biltmore Estate.

MIDWEST
Minnesota -- The Allure of the Northern Shore
Highway 61 from Duluth to the Canadian border is a driver's delight, hugging the shoreline of Lake Superior, dipping into boreal forest, curving around dramatic bluffs. But the real pleasure of this 150-mile route are the stops along the way. "The velvet blue of Lake Superior can be seen from almost any pull-out," says writer Jeff Rennicke. Peer down the 200-foot cliff at Palisade Head. Watch ships hauling iron ore at Split Rock Lighthouse. Hike to Minnesota's highest waterfall in Tettegouche State Park. Learn about the North American fur trade at the Grand Portage National Monument. Wait till late September, and you can enjoy it all with the fall colors as well.
Iowa -- Iowa's Great Lakes
Just below Iowa's northwest border with Minnesota lies a cluster of glacial lakes that form an old-fashioned vacation wonderland, little known outside the area. The main lakes are Spirit, West Okoboji and East Okoboji, but the whole area is known as Lake Okoboji. "I love the atmosphere of a friendly beach community with small-town charm," says Iowa native Jessica Oeth, whose family returns to Okoboji every summer. Go boating or waterskiing. Camp and swim at Gull Point State Park. Fish at Westport Park. Hike, bike or in-line skate the Spine Trail. Sunbathe at Orleans Beach, across from the fish hatchery. Dine -- and watch the sunset -- at lakeshore restaurants.

SOUTHWEST
New Mexico -- Rustic, Refined Taos
Perched at almost 7,000 feet, this picturesque town of 5,000 lucky souls balances guilty pleasures with a legacy of ancient cultures. Stroll up-scale galleries, sample exquisite Southwestern cuisine and find a room in a luxurious adobe-style hotel or B&B. Then head a few miles north of town to the Taos Pueblo, a thousand-year-old Native American community centered around a multilevel adobe building. To the west, peer into a 650-foot-deep canyon at the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge.
Texas -- Fort Worth Loves Fine Art
Catch a cattle drive at the Stockyards National Historic District, tour the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and stop in at Billy Bob's honky-tonk for some barbecue brisket. Then, for something completely different, head to the Fort Worth cultural district to tour the Amon Carter Museum with its notable Western art and photography collections, the Kimbell Art Museum, the Modern Art Museum, several smaller art galleries and the cooling Fort Worth Water Gardens to boot.

WEST
Alaska -- Glacier Express
Here's a short-form alternative to the big-deal Alaska cruise. Head to Anchorage and spend the afternoon hiking Flat Top Mountain for great Chugach Mountains and skyline views. Next morning, hop a shuttle bus to Whittier and cozy in for three nights aboard the 78-passenger Spirit of Columbia, small enough to ply narrow passages. Destination: Prince William Sound, North America's top spot for tidewater glaciers. Orcas, sea lions and bald eagles vie for your attention as calving glaciers groan and tumble into turquoise waters.
Montana -- Wide-Open Splendor
Experience remote Glacier National Park -- one of the largest in the lower 48 -- via a remember-always drive and a hike that takes in a wealth of glacial scenery. The 52-mile Going-to-the-Sun Road offers great scenics, from views of Lake McDonald to the subalpine meadows -- prime fauna habitat. The 13.6-mile hike along Gunsight Pass Trail rewards walkers with a place to eat and sleep. Built in 1913 of native rock, the Sperry Chalet fills up quickly; plan ahead and reserve early.

* National Geographic Traveler experts are available for interviews. Contact Heather Wyatt if you have questions, need additional information or would like to schedule an interview.

National Geographic Traveler: All travel, all the time.
National Geographic Traveler is the world's most widely read travel magazine. Published eight times a year, Traveler is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its Web site is at www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler.

National Geographic Adventure Explores Top National Parks

2009-06-16

WASHINGTON (June 16, 2009) -- National Geographic Adventure: June / July 2009 issue on newsstands June 16, 2009.

America's Ultimate National Parks -- The grandest canyon, the hottest desert and the tallest forest -- all storied landscapes protected by America's National Park Service. National Geographic Adventure Editor at Large Robert Earle Howells lays out tips, tricks and detailed action plans for nine of the country's greatest wildlands that are sure to make for an unforgettable summer. Hike the High Sierra Camps of Yosemite; enjoy crowd-free camping on the Grand Canyon's North Rim; wander through groves of virgin deciduous forest and seas of wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountains; set up a base camp to explore Death Valley, the hottest, driest, lowest and largest national park in the contiguous United States; embrace true Alaskan backcountry -- think glaciers, coastal forests, tundra and mountain ranges -- at Lake Clark; enjoy heart-stopping scenery and alpine inspiration at Glacier National Park; go on an American safari through the 2-million-plus acres of Yellowstone; stand in awe of the planet's tallest trees in Redwood national and state parks; and feel the sobering power of surf, fog and waves, with gray whales, bald eagles, sea otters and sea lions as companions, in Olympia National Park. Plus: Adventure heads out on the trail with Ken Burns, director of the upcoming PBS series "The National Parks: America's Best Idea." Page 48.

Cat Fight -- Squeezed for space and targeted by poachers, India's tigers have reached a tipping point. When 22 tigers were discovered missing from Ranthambhore National Park, the forest service denied there was a problem. But deep in the world's most celebrated tiger sanctuary, an unlikely hero has emerged. Adventure Contributing Editor Paul Kvinta tracks the smart, driven, God-fearing vegetarian with Jack Bauer tendencies. Page 60.

The Longevity Expedition -- Dan Buettner, former world-record cyclist and author of the best-selling book " The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest," is traveling the globe gleaning longevity secrets from the world's healthiest humans. One lesson the adventurer didn't expect to learn: Living long may mean staying put -- and planting a garden. Page 76.

More Adventure, Less Money -- The economic crash changed everything -- including the landscape of adventure travel. Now more than ever, outfitters and lodge owners will work to deliver the trip of a lifetime at an affordable price. Play it smart with 10 ways to capitalize on the new economy of adventure. Page 71.

iPhone Travel Apps -- West Coast Editor Steve Casimiro sorts through the more than 2,000 available apps for the travel inclined to find the eight best handheld-helpers that are changing the way travelers interact with the world. Page 22.

*Contact Ethan Fried if you have questions, need additional information or would like to schedule an interview with a National Geographic Adventure expert.

National Geographic Adventure, winner of four National Magazine Awards, is the fastest-growing magazine in the outdoor category and the ultimate guide to the adventure lifestyle. Published eight times a year, with a rate base of 625,000, National Geographic Adventure has 2.5 million readers. It is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its editorial mission supports National Geographic's global mission to inspire people to care about the planet. The magazine's Web site is www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC AND CITY OF MONTRÉAL LAUNCH FIRST URBAN GEOTOURISM MAPGUIDE

2009-06-15

MONTRÉAL CITY (June 15, 2009)—National Geographic Society's Center for Sustainable Destinations and the Geotourism Council of Montréal unveiled a new MapGuide during a launch ceremony today at the Montréal City Hall. The Montréal MapGuide is National Geographic's first urban MapGuide with the focus on geotourism, defined as "tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place — its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and the well-being of its residents."

The Montréal Geotourism Council managed the community-based process over the past year, including reviewing the nearly 400 local nominations to determine the places that best meet the geotourism definition and uphold the 13 principles of the Geotourism Charter. Montréal was the first city in the world to sign the charter, in 2007.

The MapGuide will be distributed locally by Tourisme Montréal at information centers and businesses featured on the MapGuide, and internationally through Tourisme Montréal's overseas offices. One side of the MapGuide shows a satellite image of Montréal that makes clear that this international city is both an island and an area that has an incredible amount of green space mixed in with its urban landscape. The reverse side provides a street map of downtown Montréal and Old Montréal, full of insiders' tips on the city's best food, fashion, architecture, museums and walks.

"The Geotourism MapGuide highlights the reasons why Montréal is a must-see destination: lively urban life, myriad festivals and cultural and sports events, a museum network, as well as recreational and outdoor facilities. Montréal is also a unique city with its French flair and many cultural communities that call it home. By agreeing to the stringent criteria of the National Geographic Society's Geotourism Charter, Montréal became a reference point in terms of an eco-responsible urban centre and a pioneering city as a sustainable destination," said the mayor of Montréal, Gérald Tremblay.

Produced in both French and English on recycled paper, the MapGuide features descriptive listings and map points of attractions, hotels, businesses and interesting environmental and cultural assets and activities nominated by the residents of Montréal. Montréal's parks are highlighted: The whole map has a "green" focus, including the city's highest point — Mount Royal Park — designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, also famous for New York's Central Park. A number of map points are food recommendations, from trendy French cafés and bakeries to the Taverne Normand, an old-fashioned tavern that the map deems "agreeably rowdy" on hockey nights.

"Montréal has proactively embraced sustainability policies, so visitors are treated to an outstanding city that is culturally vibrant and environmentally aware," said Jonathan B. Tourtellot, director of the Center for Sustainable Destinations." It's appropriate that our first urban Geotourism MapGuide is for Montréal. This city is a role model for other places around the world beginning to embrace geotourism."

For the first time in a National Geographic MapGuide, quotes and drawings from local children are featured in a special "City for Kids" section. Two schools — École Saint-Bernardin and École Marguerite-Bourgeoys — participated in an essay and drawing contest to illustrate what Montréal means to them. The schools' fourth-grade students attended the launch, and the Montréal Geotourism Council presented them with a plaque to recognize their contribution to this local project.

Additional features of the Montréal MapGuide include an introduction by Dr. Kathy Reichs, author and forensic anthropologist; theme text blocks; a timeline on the "History of Montréal"; and 10 "Geotraveler Tips" to help travelers immerse themselves in the locale. "Montréal is the leading lady of contradictions — flirting with her future while embracing her past, vigorously blending French and English, harmonizing the steel skyscrapers of downtown with the green gems of her parks," writes Reichs about her adopted city.

One of six local experts to contribute text blocks, fashion designer Jean-Claude Poitras notes, "Montréal's ties to France shape the city's sophisticated tastes. They also give it early notice of European trends in arts and business, which helps explain Montréal's creative edge in 21st-century industries."

Project coordinator Marie-Claude Joly says the Council posed a simple question to local residents when creating the MapGuide — "What's so special about your place?" — as the initial criterion for the geotourism nominations. Montréal embraced the geotourism concept in 2006, recognizing the importance of destination stewardship and wisely managed tourism to Montréal's future growth and sustainability.

Partnering with National Geographic on the co-branded MapGuide project are the 12 members of the Geotourism Council: Héritage Montréal, The World Center for Excellence for Destinations Tourisme Montréal, Ville de Montréal, Destination Centre-Ville, Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine, Parks Canada, Old Port of Montréal Corporation, Société de développement de l'avenue du Mont-Royal, Les Amis de la montagne, Parc Jean-Drapeau and Université du Québec à Montréal. Substantial leadership and financial support is provided through the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine du Quebec, Ville de Montréal and Tourisme Montréal under the Entente sur le développement culturel de Montréal.

National Geographic's Center for Sustainable Destinations provided overall project direction under Jonathan Tourtellot and Cheryl Hargrove; National Geographic Maps handled all design and cartography related to the production of the MapGuide. Andre Jean Lauzon served as destination editor; Canadian David Thomas wrote the text and map notes; Jay Walljasper served as overall project editor.

The National Geographic Society has worked with community-based alliances to develop similar Geotourism MapGuides in several other regions around the world. MapGuide projects have been completed in Greater Yellowstone, the Central Cascades (Oregon, Washington), the Crown of the Continent (Alberta, British Columbia, Montana), Guatemala, Sonoran Desert (Arizona, Sonora), Romania, Norway, Honduras, Peru, Baja California, Rhode Island, Vermont and Appalachia.

Additional information on geotourism in Montréal is available at www.montrealgeo.com (in French at www.geomontreal.com).

The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 360 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

NEW NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC WIRELESS SERVICE CONNECTS FAMILIES AND FRIENDS ABROAD FOR LESS

2009-05-14

WASHINGTON (May 14, 2009)--Building on its Talk Abroad™ international calling plan, National Geographic, together with Cellular Abroad, has introduced a new, affordable cell phone service that allows U.S. residents to make and receive international calls using the strength of the country's largest digital wireless network. This new subscription-free cell phone service provides users with a viable alternative to high monthly charges and long-term contracts and is now available online at CellularAbroad.com and in stores at J&R, Expansys, Fry's and other select retailers.

Whereas the Talk Abroad Travel Phone is geared toward those traveling overseas, the new National Geographic phone service is the ideal solution for those calling from within the United States. The domestic service provides competitive rates when calling locations across the globe, with the convenience of using a U.S.-based phone number. Direct-dial calls from the United States to many international destinations, including Mexico, Canada, China and the United Kingdom, start at $0.17 per minute, while domestic calls are just $0.15 per minute. Users can choose from the Motorola V3 Razr Explorer Quad Band phone for $199 and the Motorola C139 Dual Band phone for $69. Both handsets using this service include 133 minutes of free domestic talk time.

With 24/7, toll-free, U.S.-based customer support, and no bills, activation fees, service contracts or other hidden fees, the National Geographic phone service offers full flexibility. Each phone is preloaded with iconic images, wallpapers and ring tones from National Geographic's award-winning archives and comes with a battery, wall charger, SIM card and user manual.

"The new National Geographic phone service is perfect for people who need dependable wireless service but don't want to pay for minutes they won't use," said John Dumbacher, senior vice president, licensing, for National Geographic. "Both plans offer customers easy, reliable and budget-conscious solutions to keep in touch with friends and family here at home and overseas."

For more information, visit natgeophone.com.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 360 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

About Cellular Abroad
Cellular Abroad has been operating since 2001 and has become the most popular choice among international travelers for cellular service. Cellular Abroad has an outstanding record of customer service and is committed to making international cellular service available to everyone. Visit Cellular Abroad at cellularabroad.com or call (800) 287-5072.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER MAY / JUNE 2009

2009-05-05

2009 TOURS OF A LIFETIME: 50 OF THE WORLD'S TOP TOURS (PAGE 66)
Kayak Greenland's coast. Sip Chianti in Tuscany. Make tamales in Mexico. Take the kids on a camel caravan in the Sahara. Track polar bears in the Arctic. These are just some of the 50 guided tours selected by National Geographic Traveler in its fourth annual "Tours of a Lifetime" feature.
Every year, Traveler combs the world to find the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, most sustainable and best-guided tours. This year, given the economic climate, we wanted to make sure that the trips we picked were also great value. What we found is that there is no better time to go on a guided tour than now, as the traditional savings offered by an outfitter being able to negotiate better rates on a trip's components are magnified by cheaper airfares, a strengthened dollar and more discounts, freebies and extras.

Here's a sampling of the 2009 tours:

-An alternate route to Peru's Machu Picchu by Mountain Travel Sobek, in which travelers hike from inn to inn on the Camino Salcantay.

-A kayak tour of Mexico's Sea of Cortez and Magdalena Bay with Sea Kayak Adventures, in which you'll encounter gray whales and their calves and camp under starry skies.

-A family tour into the Grand Canyon by REI Adventures, including backcountry hiking with mules and a trek into an 800-year-old Native American village.

-A volunteer trip to southern Africa by I to I, combining game drives in Kruger National Park, exploring the coast of Mozambique and helping out at a daycare center in Swaziland for children affected by HIV/AIDS.

-A cultural tour of the Buddhist cultures of Japan, Laos and Bhutan with Asia Transpacific Journeys, including visits to a traditional Japanese temple and a hike to the Cliffside Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan.

For a complete list of tours and outfitters, visit our Web site at http://traveler.nationalgeographic.com/2009/05/tours-of-a-lifetime/intro-text

* National Geographic Traveler experts are available for interviews. Contact Heather Wyatt if you have questions, need additional information or would like to schedule an interview.

National Geographic Traveler: All travel, all the time.
National Geographic Traveler is the world's most widely read travel magazine. Published eight times a year, Traveler is available by subscription (800-NGS-LINE) and on newsstands in the United States ($4.99) and Canada ($6.99). Its Web site is at www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC KIDS MAGAZINE SELECTS 17 HANDS-ON EXPLORERS FOR EXPEDITION TO PERU

2009-04-30

WASHINGTON (April 30, 2009)--Fifteen kids ages 10-14, who have demonstrated a passion for exploring, have been selected as members of the fourth annual National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer Challenge Expedition Team. The expedition to Peru, which also includes two teachers, is scheduled for May 23-June 3, 2009. To be considered for the Expedition Team, kids were asked to submit an essay of 300 words or less and a photograph they took themselves that told how they actively explore their world and the most exciting and/or inspiring things they have found in it. The winners include a musician who explores the world through Mother Nature's melodies; a kid who learns about world cultures through food and trade routes; an avid rock climber inspired by the ease with which lizards navigate the most difficult routes; young fossil hunters; and budding herpetologists and ornithologists. To see the winning photographs and excerpts from the essays, go to kids.nationalgeographic.com.

The winning kids are Lucy Anderson, 11, of Wellesley, Mass.; Laura Beth Andrews, 14, of Sioux Falls, S.D.; Ian Baer, 12, of Spokane, Wash.; Rebecca Buxbaum, 12, of Lansdowne, Pa.; Rachel Day, 12, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Lijah Hanley, 13, of Cumming, Ga.; Wyatt Jordan, 10, of Briggsdale, Colo.; Nellie Kassebaum, 12, of Burdick, Kan.; Grace Kennedy, 12, of Castle Rock, Colo.; Peter Meehan, 14, of White Hall, Md.; Elliot Schoenig, 13, of Davis, Calif.; Dewey Sheehan, 13, of Pembroke, Maine; Grace Tredinnick, 14, of Wapwallopen, Pa.; McKenna Tucker, 14, of Eads, Tenn.; and Cady van Assendelft, 11, of Staunton, Va.

The winning teachers are Sharon Andrews, a fifth-grade teacher in Sioux Falls, S.D., and Carissa Lloyd, a sixth-grade teacher in Hollywood, Fla.

The Expedition Team will travel on a 12-day expedition to Peru, courtesy of PromPeru, Apotur, LAN Airlines and selected hotels and service providers. As part of their prize, all explorers will be equipped and outfitted with expedition essentials: a D60 digital SLR camera to document their journey with stunning photographs, courtesy of Nikon®, and rugged yet versatile Columbia Omni-Shade sun-protective shirts and tees, hiking pants that can be converted into shorts, a colorful wind- and rain-resistant jacket and wide-brimmed hat, courtesy of outdoor apparel sponsor Columbia.

Highlights of the expedition include exploring the ruins of Machu Picchu, voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World; visiting Tambopata Reserve deep in the Peruvian rain forest, where the team will have the opportunity to help in a research laboratory; touring the elegant colonial architecture, vibrant modernism and traces of pre-Inca and Inca civilizations in the capital city of Lima; learning about Peruvian culture and ancestral Inca rituals and customs; seeing and experiencing how local people still use ancestral methods for daily activities like weaving and cooking; and spotting wildlife such as giant river otters, caimans and tropical birds.

Throughout the expedition, the Hands-On Explorers will receive tips from National Geographic and local experts on how to capture this fieldtrip-of-a-lifetime and new discoveries in pictures and words. Accompanying the winners on the trip will be National Geographic personality Boyd Matson, host of the radio program "National Geographic Weekend," National Geographic Kids science editor Catherine Hughes and National Geographic photographers Amy Toensing and Bruce Dale.

The six boys and nine girls were chosen from thousands of entries nationwide. A panel of National Geographic experts selected kids whose essays and photographs expressed the most interest in and passion for exploring, while adhering to the judging criteria. Each young winner will be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For the Teacher Challenge, educators were asked to conduct a hands-on activity related to Peru in an innovative manner that actively engaged students, and to write an original essay of 500 words or less describing what best practices were used to increase students' knowledge and appreciation of the geography of Peru.

"Daring readers to explore, National Geographic Kids magazine aims to excite kids about their world," said National Geographic Kids Editor in Chief Melina Bellows. "The National Geographic Society has a long tradition of identifying and supporting explorers early in their research, and I can see no greater opportunity than the Hands-On Explorer Challenge to seed the next generation of explorers. The expedition to Peru provides an unmatched hands-on learning environment that continues our mission of inspiring people to care about the planet."

"Peru is excited to host the winners of the National Geographic Kids Hands-On Explorer Challenge. This unique program will offer young explorers the opportunity to discover Peru's many archaeological and natural wonders, including some of the 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites," said Mara Seminario, PromPeru's tourism director. "As one of the most diverse and family-friendly countries in South America, Peru combines a wealth of exciting adventure activities for youth across its varied landscape -- from the Andean mountains and Amazon rain forest to the desert and vibrant coastal regions -- with rich educational experiences exploring Peru's ancient history, cultural traditions and award-winning cuisine."

"Columbia Sportswear salutes the 15 National Geographic Kids who have been chosen to participate in this expedition to Peru. We're thrilled to be outfitting these young adventurers with Columbia apparel that is perfectly suited for the diverse outdoor activities and climates they will be facing," said Mandy Rutkowski, senior manager of promotions, Columbia Sportswear. "We are confident that the members of the expedition will enjoy their travels more comfortably and safely with Columbia's Omni-Shade collection of sun-protective shirts, pants and hats."

NOTE: Hi-res photos of winners and their entries are available:
http://ftp.nationalgeographic.com/pressroom/hoec
Login: press
Password: press
Or contact photo editor Kate Baylor, kbaylor@ngs.org

About National Geographic Kids Magazine
National Geographic Kids, a multitopic, photo-driven magazine for 6- to 14-year-olds, empowers its readers by making it fun to learn about the world. It has received numerous industry awards, including the Periodical of the Year award in 2005 and 2006 from the Association of Educational Publishers. Published 10 times a year, National Geographic Kids has a circulation of 1.2 million and is available by subscription for $19.95 a year and on newsstands for $4.99 a copy. Its Web site is at kids.nationalgeographic.com.

About PromPeru
Peru Export and Tourism Promotion is the public entity in charge of recommending, directing, evaluating and implementing policies and strategies to promote domestic and international tourism as well as marketing the image of Peru for both tourism promotion and exports. For more information on Peru, visit www.peru.info.

About Apotur
Apotur (www.apoturperu.org) -- Peruvian Association of Incoming Tour Operators -- founded in 1987, is a nonprofit organization conformed by the most important and experienced Peruvian Tour Operators; 45 companies that together receive and assist around 80% of the organized travel to Peru.

About Columbia Sportswear Company
Founded in 1938 in Portland, Ore., Columbia Sportswear Company is a global leader in the design, sourcing, marketing and distribution of active outdoor apparel and footwear. As one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and a leading seller of skiwear in the United States, the company has developed an international reputation for quality, performance, functionality and value. The company manages a portfolio of outdoor brands, including Columbia Sportswear, Montrail, Mountain Hardwear, Pacific Trail and Sorel. To learn more about Columbia, please visit the company's website at http://www.columbia.com.
Columbia's sportswear includes a wide variety of styles with UPF-30 and greater sun protection and is endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation. In addition, Columbia Sportswear offers a set of curricula for kids and their teachers with tips on how to stay safe in the sun while enjoying outdoor adventures at http://www.columbia.com/rays-awareness.aspx.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For the second consecutive year, Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras, Two Years in a Row, Tied in 2008." according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 and 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction StudiesSM. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount lens-mounting system. Only Nikon has sustained an original lens mount for such an extraordinary period, ensuring that photographers can continue to leverage their previous investments while still taking advantage of new innovations. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

About LAN Airlines
LAN Airlines is one of the leading passenger airlines in Latin America. The company and its affiliates serve over 65 destinations around the world through an extensive network that offers full connectivity within Latin America, while also linking the region with North America, Europe and the South Pacific, as well as 63 additional international destinations through its various alliances. LAN Airlines and its affiliates have a leading position in their respective domestic markets of Chile and Peru as well as an important presence in the Argentinean domestic market.
Currently, LAN Airlines and its affiliates operate one of the most modern fleets in the world, with 84 passenger aircraft, and its cargo subsidiary, LAN CARGO and its respective cargo affiliates, own 9 dedicated freighters. The company recently completed its short haul fleet renovation process by acquiring new aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, enabling LAN to improve its efficiency and to reduce significantly its CO2 emissions. The fleet renovation is part of the company's commitment to the protection of the environment.
LAN is one of the few Investment Grade airlines in the world (BBB). The company's world-class quality standards enabled its membership in oneworld™, the global alliance that encompasses the best airlines in the world. For more information, please visit www.lan.com or www.oneworldalliance.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

National Geographic Kids Magazine
Caryn Davidson, National Geographic Society, (212) 610-3808, cdavidso@ngs.org
Ethan Fried, National Geographic Society, (202) 857-7037, efried@ngs.org

PromPeru
Elisabeth Hakim, PromPeru, (+51) 224-3131 Ex. 1380, ehakim@promperu.gob.pe

Columbia Sportswear Company
Leslie Constans, Columbia Sportswear, (503) 985-4183, lconstans@columbia.com

Nikon
Geoff Coalter, MWW Group, (201) 964-2477, gcoalter@mww.com

FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE PARTNERS WITH NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FOR NEW 'EXPLORERS CAMP' FOR KIDS THIS SUMMER

2009-04-23

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (April 22, 2009) — Navigating with a GPS to discover desert creatures, going on a photo safari or, better yet, meeting real-life adventurers who have discovered new species and traveled to the ends of the Earth, the Fairmont Scottsdale is making this summer an adventure to remember. Continuing its commitment to responsible tourism — and to creating memorable vacations for the whole family — the AAA Five Diamond resort is partnering with National Geographic for the first National Geographic Explorers Camp, exclusively for overnight guests of Fairmont Scottsdale.

From May 22 to Sept. 7, 2009, the camp will be filled with fun, discovery-based activities for children ages 5-12, with added events for the entire family. Amping up the excitement, eight world-renowned National Geographic explorers will keynote camp events on special Saturdays throughout the summer, beginning May 30.

"We are proud to bring one of the world's largest nonprofit, scientific and educational organizations, National Geographic, to Fairmont Scottsdale, offering enriching experiences for our visiting families and their children," said Robert Foster, general manager of Fairmont Scottsdale. "This is an exciting addition to our relationship as a sponsor of National Geographic Live!, further promoting tourism and discovery together."

Andy van Duym, director of National Geographic Live! and National Geographic's Speakers Bureau, added, "Bringing National Geographic explorers and signature educational experiences into a camp for young people is a natural extension of our mission to inspire people to care about the planet. We're excited to partner with the Fairmont Scottsdale, as part of National Geographic Mission Programs' global partnership with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, to bring this distinctive and educationally rich program to kids and families. With our ongoing National Geographic Live! speaker series at the Mesa Arts Center during fall and spring, and now the Explorers Camp at the Fairmont Scottsdale during the summer, National Geographic looks forward to having a year-round presence in the Valley of the Sun."

Daily Camp Activities
The Explorers Camp will offer entertaining and educational programs, with half-day and full-day sessions, Tuesday through Sunday. Games and activities rotate daily, so campers may attend more than once and still discover something new each day:

Desert Discovery — This treasure hunt equips kids with GPS devices to uncover clues hidden around the 80-acre resort. Campers collaborate while collecting clues, applying logic and using "sleuthing" tools (disappearing ink, magnifying glass, measuring tape, mirror and pedometer) to find hidden animal replicas camouflaged into the resort landscape. Along the way, they learn about the fascinating creatures that make the Sonoran Desert their home.
Photo Safari — National Geographic, known for its captivating photography, will inspire youngsters to tell their stories through the lens. After campers are introduced to the basics of point-and-shoot digital photography, they will be sent on guided "assignments" around the diverse and visually stunning resort property. Each camper will be given a CD of their photographs to take home and share with their friends.
Geo Bowl — Similar to the enormously popular National Geographic Bee, this contest incorporates geography trivia with lavish photography. From easy to very challenging, the questions are delivered in a lively game show fashion, encouraging kids of all ages to play along, help each other ... and learn.
Giant Traveling Maps — Each month, one gigantic map will be on loan and on display at Fairmont Scottsdale. These colorful and highly detailed maps of Africa, Asia or North/Central America are the largest ever produced by National Geographic, measuring up to 31 feet wide and 41 feet long. Kids walk, run and roll around on the maps as they "travel" to far-off places.

Special National Geographic Speaker Saturdays
Eight dynamic National Geographic speakers, such as reptile expert and TV host Brady Barr, primatologist Mireya Mayor and NASA engineer Kobie Boykins, will share stories of their extraordinary adventures and educate youngsters about their fascinating careers. Each explorer will interact with kids during the Saturday day camp and then will give a lively, entertaining presentation during a special Saturday night dinner for the whole family. (Media: additional speaker information and photography are available.)

Greg Marshall, Biologist/Inventor/FilmmakerMay 30
Brady Barr, Reptile Expert/TV HostJune 13
Zeb Hogan, Aquatic EcologistJune 27
Tim Samaras, Severe Storm ResearcherJuly 11
Joel Sartore, PhotographerAugust 1
Mireya Mayor, Primatologist/TV HostAugust 8
Kobie Boykins, NASA EngineerAugust 22
Mark Moffett, EcologistSeptember 5

Summer Pricing Details
Summer room rates for the Fairmont Scottsdale begin at $199 per room, per night, with a $100 daily food and beverage credit, and kids stay in the same room as their parents for free, May 10 to Sept. 20, 2009.

The National Geographic Explorers Camp is priced a la carte and is available exclusively for overnight resort guests:

$49 for a half-day session and $79 for a full-day session
Half-day session may include lunch for an additional $12; full-day includes lunch
During special National Geographic speaker weekends, half-day camp is $59 and full-day camp is $89
Each additional child in the same immediate family receives a $10 discount per session
Each camper is given a camp backpack filled with goodies
For the special Saturday night explorer dinner presentation for the whole family, the dinner price is $30 per adult; $15 per child ages 6-12; and kids 5 and younger dine free
Camp reservations are recommended 24 hours in advance

Additional Family Amenities at Fairmont Scottsdale
Year-Round Kids Club
Alongside the new National Geographic Explorers Camp, all of Fairmont Scottsdale's family-friendly activities will also be available. The regular, year-round complimentary Kid's Club, for kids ages 5-12, offers fun-filled activities designed just for kids, including new Nintendo Wii and XBOX game stations, board games galore, pinball, air hockey, basketball sport court, jungle gym, fishing, nature walks and even an occasional reptilian friend. There is a $12 fee for lunch and an afternoon snack if the child participates in the full-day program.

Sonoran Splash
Over at Sonoran Splash, families can spend all day at this 6,000-square-foot oasis, featuring two, 200-foot twisting water slides. For tots, there is a zero-entry deck area as well as a large sandbox complete with Tonka trucks and beach toys sure to keep little ones entertained for hours. Sonoran Splash is one of three pool areas that also offer luxurious poolside cabanas for rental.

Summer Dive-In Movies
Families can dive in, stay cool and enjoy a variety of family-friendly movies shown complimentary at the East Pool, Friday and Saturday nights, all summer long.

More for Kids, Just Ask!
To ensure families have the comforts of home, the Fairmont Scottsdale covers all of the bases with a variety of in-room amenities for children. Full-size cribs complete with bedding, high chairs, strollers, night lights, safety outlet covers, pack-n-play sets, humidifiers, baby monitors, baby shampoo, kid's robes and step stools are available for resort guests upon request, complimentary.

Just for Teens
The ultra-swank Teen Hangout is designed for teens, ages 13-17, and features a private music room, a 42" plasma TV complete with a selection of more than 100 DVDs, a Cyber Cafe, three XBOX stations and, of course, the all-important couches for just "hanging out." Access is complimentary for all teen guests.

For reservations or more information on the Fairmont Scottsdale's summer programs, please dial (800) 908-9370 or visit www.fairmont.com/scottsdale. The resort is located at 7575 East Princess Drive in Scottsdale, Ariz.

ABOUT FAIRMONT SCOTTSDALE:
Set against the backdrop of Arizona's McDowell Mountains, AAA Five-Diamond Fairmont Scottsdale reflects its Southwestern setting with Spanish colonial-style architecture, expansive plazas and lush, flower-filled gardens. The resort features 649 oversized guest rooms with a private terrace or balcony, five heated swimming pools, the luxurious 44,000-square-foot Willow Stream-The Spa at Fairmont and championship golf at the adjacent TPC Scottsdale Stadium and Champions courses. Dining options include the AAA Four-Diamond BOURBON STEAK by acclaimed chef Michael Mina, The Grill Seafood and Chops, overlooking the 18th green at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course, and the new LV Bistro, featuring farm-fresh cuisine and menu emphasizing locally grown organic produce, natural meats and sustainable seafood.

The Fairmont Scottsdale is operated by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a leader in the global hospitality industry with an extraordinary collection of iconic, luxury hotels around the world. The Fairmont Scottsdale is owned by Strategic Hotels & Resorts, Inc., a real estate investment trust (REIT) that owns and provides value-enhancing asset management of high-end hotels and resorts in North America, Mexico and Europe.

ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC:
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888, the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 360 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; live events; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geographic illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

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The Best of Adventure 2010