Senior Travel Newsletter: Nature, cruise and barging, volunteer vacations.

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New stories, February 1, 2012

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1. Acknowledging the rising popularity of small-ship expeditionary cruising, we are pleased to share with readers a new opportunity to explore the waters and shorelines of Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia and Ecuador. Exciting itineraries year round, with generous inaugural discounts for bookings before March 31.
2. A tasty menu of language learning + gastronomy courses in France, Spain and Italy will allow vacationers to improve their language skills while following their tastebuds into some culinary adventures.
3. A fully-revised 11th edition of Volunteer Vacations: Short Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others has just hit the shelves. The ultimate reference for volunteer holidays suited to every age and interest.
4. There is no better way to celebrate Spring in the Northern Hemisphere than to take a leisurely barge cruise through the Dutch canals where fields of dazzling tulips and intricately-designed bulb gardens are in full bloom. We have a new barge to suggest, with a discount for all April sailings.
5. Airline food is rarely a traveler's highlight these days; in fact it is more often something to endure or avoid altogether. A recent study of eight North American airlines reveals the healthiest, tastiest choices in the sky.

See more fast-breaking Travel News!

Renovated Expeditionary Ship Cruises New Latin America Routes Year Round

Zodiac beach landing: Expeditionary cruising on Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Central America.

A fleet of Zodiacs ensures comfortable beach landings.

Effective March 2012, the travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small expedition ships is offering five new itineraries in Central and South America. This is the result of the re-launch of a newly-renovated M/V Sea Voyager. Even better, travelers can save up to $2,000 per couple if they book their cabin on any Sea Voyager departures by March 31, 2012. Discount amount depends on time of year, cabin type and itinerary.

Panama native dance: Expeditionary cruising on Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Central America.

Shore excursions include visits to remote Panama villages where natives welcome guests with a dance.

AdventureSmith Explorations, brings this 60-passenger expedition ship into its fold at a time when demand for travel to Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama and Ecuador is on the rise, said Todd Smith, founder / director. This ship, that provides both an experienced crew and affordable rates, was a winner in Condé Nast's 2009 Best Small Ships Awards.

While cruising, guests will venture with naturalists and guides into rainforests and sea in pursuit of land and marine life that is among the world's most diverse. While on board, passengers enjoy air-conditioned comfort in 31 outside staterooms with ample storage and private bath. On board are a lounge, bar, fitness and massage rooms, library with WiFi, dining room, buffet, fore and aft deck space and a platform for getting on/off Zodiacs.

Priced seasonally, fares begin at $365 per day, per person, double cabin for 8 to 12-night cruises. This includes all meals, pre-post hotels, shore tours, admission to museums and parks, tax and port fees.

While other small ship cruises may be limited to Panama and the Pacific side of Costa Rica, traveling only November through March, Sea Voyager will operate year round with itineraries inclusive of the Pacific and Caribbean side of Costa Rica, both sides of Panama, Panama Canal visits, and coastal Columbia and Ecuador.

MV Sea Voyager offers 8 to 12 night cruises to Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia and Ecuador.

M/V Sea Voyager's interior design makes a comfortable home for up to 60 passengers per cruise.

These five itineraries that will break new ground for expeditionary cruise fans are:
Panama to Costa Rica Pacific Cruise -

9 Days, Balboa/Panama City to San Jose/Costa Rica;
Panama to Costa Rica Caribbean Cruise –

10 Days, Panama City/Panama to San Jose/Costa Rica;
Panama to Colombia Caribbean Cruise –

9 Days, Panama City/Panama to Cartagena/Colombia;
Columbia Wildlife Adventure Cruise –

9 Days, Cartagena/Colombia to Santa Marta/Colombia;
Panama to Ecuador Pacific Cruise –

13 Days, Balboa/Panama City to Quito/Ecuador.

Kayaking on MV Sea Voyager expeditionary cruises to Costa Rica, Panama, Columbia and Ecuador.

Kayaks on board are available for guests to explore coastal islands and shorelines.

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations, www.adventuresmithexplorations.com, is a global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising that combines the comforts of a small cruise ship with the adventure of sea kayaking, hiking and exploring remote wilderness areas ashore. The company matches guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well with intimate, boutique ships that may not make the radar of most travelers.
Images courtesy

of AdventureSmith Explorations.

Language + Gastronomy Programs in France, Spain, Italy

Cactus Language Training and Language Vacations, www.cactuslanguage.com/en, invites culinary enthusiasts to learn about international culinary arts in September/October 2012 with their "language + gastronomy" combo courses in Aix-en-Provence, France; Cordoba, Spain; and Bologna, Italy. Food and wine connoisseurs may pursue culinary passions and learn tips from expert chefs in Aix-en-Provence, Cordoba and Bologna … while they learn to speak the local language.

Cactus Language Training and Language Vacations offers language learning and culinary lessons in Italy, Spain and France.

Morning language classes stimulate improvement in reading, listening, speaking and writing.

To participate in the program, students must be elementary speakers of their selected language, and instruction will be given to improve skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. One- and two-week programs are offered and include 20 languages lessons per week, culinary or oenology instruction, and accommodations. To ensure that students receive optimal attention, the program features small-group sizes, averaging four to eight participants with a maximum of 10 per group. Students will brush up on their language skills with morning classes and have immersive experiences in the afternoon learning the basics of regional cuisine taught by local residents in their native language.

Here is a selection of 2012 creative offerings:

Provençal Cooking + French in Aix-en-Provence, France September 10, 2012 This two-week program includes French courses complemented by excursions that further immerse participants in Provençal culture. Participants will tour Aix-en-Provence, enjoy the region's famous cheeses (right), pastries and wines; and learn about the history and traditions of French food and wines. Highlights include cooking classes, wine tastings, and a visit to a vineyard and an olive oil mill. Program participants must be 18 or older. Price = US$3,313.

Lessons in Provencal Cooking and French are offered by Cactus Language Training and Language Vacations.

Spanish + Cookery in Cordoba, Spain
September 3, 2012 Students discover the secrets behind the Mediterranean diet and Cordoba's most popular dishes during this two-week Spanish + cookery course. This program takes a closer look at the history, ingredients, preparation techniques and health benefits of Andalusian cuisine. Two evening cooking sessions will be held, during which an expert chef will guide students through the preparation of typical Cordoba recipes. Other program activities include guided tours of museums and monuments in Cordoba, fiestas, day excursions and Sevillanas dancing. Program participants must be 16 or older. Price = US$1,420 pp, including 20 Spanish language lessons, six hours of cooking instruction, single-room accommodations with a host family, breakfast and lunch.

Lessons in Spanish Cooking and Spanish are offered by Cactus Language Training and Language Vacations.

In southern Spain, Cordoba was an ancient Roman city, then an Islamic city during the Middle Ages. In the early 11th century, it was the most populous city in the world and the intellectual center of Europe.

Italian + Cookery in Bologna, Italy
September 24, 2012 This one-week intensive program invites guests to master Italian and the art of creating an authentic Italian meal. Students take 20 Italian language lessons and spend two evenings learning basic culinary skills in the kitchen. The group will work together to plan and prepare a complete menu and pair the appropriate wine under the tutelage of a chef and his assistant. A cuisine discussion, and wine and liqueur tasting are included. Students will visit a local market and learn about selecting ingredients. Program participants must be 16 or older. Priced US$1,253 pp including 20 Italian lessons, 12 hours of culinary course instruction and six nights private apartment accommodations.

Lessons in Italian Cooking and Italian are offered by Cactus Language Training and Language Vacations.

Bologna dates back at least 3,000 years, including settlement by the Etruscans, Celts and Romans. It is home to the oldest existing university in the world.

Cactus is one of the world's leading language training companies. Founded in 1998, with headquarters in New York and the UK, its expert team delivers quality language training to individuals and businesses. Cactus helps over 15,000 people every year learn more than 30 languages, in 60 countries and at 500 destinations worldwide.
Images courtesy

of Cactus Language Training and Language Vacations.

Volunteer Vacations Guidebook Unveils its 11th Packed Edition

Vacationers eager for a change of pace from cruise ships and resort stays can engage with the world in exciting new ways through "voluntourism" (volunteering + tourism). A brand new edition of Volunteer Vacations: Short Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others hits the street in February 2012, encouraging travelers to explore hundreds of opportunities from searching for sea turtle nests in Greece or Taiwan to reconstructing French Mediterranean architecture and building homes for the needy in Costa Rica. In this 11th remarkable edition of what has become the bible for people of all ages who are hooked on meaningful travel, all recommendations have been thoroughly researched and vetted for reliability.

"I'm constantly amazed by how many places you can go, different creative projects you can undertake, and how there really is a program for everyone," says co-author, Doug Cutchins. "Plus, it is just great fun to flip through a book like this and dream about travelling the world, volunteering and helping others. Each of our organizations was asked whether or not they work with senior volunteers, and whether any physical accommodations are possible for someone with disabilities. We used this information to create an index in the back called Senior-Friendly Organizations, so that people can more quickly find organizations that meet their needs."

Organized alphabetically and indexed according to trip length, budget and project type, the 11th edition of Volunteer Vacations features over 40 entirely new trips and is filled with in-depth information and inspirational essays from past volunteers. Including details about language requirements, locations, costs and living arrangements, this sourcebook for philanthropic activities also features organizations tailored specifically to families, seniors and people with disabilities, making it an inclusive resource for anyone interested in taking a truly meaningful vacation. Outside Magazine has identified this guidebook as "the definitive sourcebook for service-oriented escapades." For an inspiring gift or for yourself, give it a try!

Volunteer Vacations Guidebook, 11th edition, Chicago Review Press.

by Bill McMillon, Doug Cutchins and Anne Geissinger
Chicago Review Press, 2012
ISBN: 9781569768419;
US$18.95, 464 pages
Available at online bookstores and in local bookshops.

New Barge Itinerary Showcases Holland's Spring Flowers

European Waterways, Panache barge cruises Holland canals in Spring.

The 12-passenger Panache will cruise Dutch canals during the colorful tulip season.

Holland, the world mecca for Spring flowers, is the colorful "back yard" for European Waterways' newest addition to its canal barging fleet, the Panache, whose inaugural cruises begin in April. The classic 12-passenger Dutch luxury hotel barge will treat guests to unique experiences that include colorful tulip cruises and optional excursions to the spectacular Floriade 2012 flower show, a horticultural expo in the Netherlands that takes place only once every 10 years.

Savings are also in full bloom on the Panache's April cruises, with European Waterways offering 10% off all cabin bookings, based on double occupancy, or off whole boat charters.

Interior of European Waterway's Panache barge.

The refurbished saloon and dining room feature
comfortable seating, books and music, and an
always-open inclusive bar.

"Tulips are the beloved symbol of the Netherlands, and passengers on the Panache will be there to enjoyed their unmatched elegance and beauty," said Derek Banks, managing director of European Waterways. "The first departure is on April 1, when hyacinths and tulips are in their full glory, and they continue into May, when other flowers reach their peak blossoming periods."

The Panache will embark on 6-night "Tulip Cruises," exploring the beautiful countryside of Holland, with an exciting itinerary that starts and ends in the historic city of Haarlem. Sometimes called a "mini-Amsterdam," Haarlem is rich in history dating back more than 750 years and features a picturesque square, beautiful church and canals. The cruise will include a trip to the Aalsmeer flower auction, where flowers from all over the world are traded on a daily basis, and a walk through Keukenhof Gardens, where over seven million flowers make for a magnificent sight. The Panache Holland cruises also include a trip to the city of Delft to visit the world-famous porcelain pottery and to Gouda, the center of Dutch cheese.

Keukenhof is the world's largest flower garden, with seven million flower bulbs fresh-planted annually in a 32-hectare park. It is open to the public each Spring for only nine weeks a year. Don`t miss it!

The Panache features a stylish interior with mahogany and brass finishes. It offers six air-conditioned rooms with luxurious en-suite bathrooms, a spacious saloon with large panoramic views, an open bar, and a sundeck equipped with a heated spa pool perfect for relaxing and watching the sunset. A six-person crew attends to passengers' every need during each unforgettable cruise. Rates for a 6-night all-inclusive cruise start from $4,690 per person (with a 10% discount on April sailings), based on double occupancy. Visit www.gobarging.com for more information and to download a brochure on the Panache.
Images

courtesy of European Waterways.

Surviving and Thriving on Airline Food
Which Airlines Keep You Healthy at 35,000 Feet?

We all love to hate airline food, and usually for good reason. But moving beyond the jokes and insults, in November 2011 DietDetective.com announced their results of a food survey of major North American airlines, their snacks and on-board menus. The survey and airline food ratings were carried out by health advocate, Professor Charles Platkin at the CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College in the U.S. Of eight airlines, Virgin America and Air Canada provided the "healthiest" choices in the sky, while United Airlines slipped, and Spirit Airlines received the lowest score. Spirit Airlines and Delta were the least cooperative and received low health ratings.

Rated among the "Best Bets", Air Canada calls their food NutriCuisine and prides itself on the freshness and optimum quality of ingredients. They contract with a company called Food with a Conscience nutritional program to help create their menu. For both their international flights with included meals and domestic flights where you buy from a menu of onboard meals and snacks, the airline rates four stars out of five.

Virgin America also received a four-star rating for its nutritional value, with their snack boxes containing high protein hummus, nuts and tuna. Meal options of an Edamame and Portobello Mushroom Wrap or an Egg and Vegetable Salad Wrap were cited as both delicious and good for you. United Airlines and Continental Airlines followed next with a health score of 3 1/4 stars each.

Time was when meals aboard an airline were something to anticipate and pass the time with pleasure. If such reviews and recommendations as Professor Platkin offers can raise the bar on this important aspect of travel, travelers will all be grateful.

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