Explore Big Bear Lake on new Segway tours

Action Segway Tours introduces a new and environmentally
friendly approach to explore Big Bear Lake by means of electric two-wheeled
Segway Personal Transporters (Segway PT). Guests can now enjoy a fun and
educational tour of the mountain resort on a Segway x2 model, which has the ability to navigate varied
terrain with minimal environmental impact.

The two-hour exploration
tour traverses on sidewalks, paths and paved roads including some back roads
where only Big Bear locals are familiar with. Each tour is guided by two or
more certified Segway tour guides who identify iconic Big Bear landmarks along
the way, and educate guests about Big Bear’s rich history and the surrounding flora
and fauna. In spring 2012 Action Segway Tours plans to expand its tours onto
forest trails for an off-road adventure experience.

“The Segways x2 models we
provide are state-of-the-art,” said Action Segway Tours Owner and Operator
Belinda Bain. “They have beefier tires with the ability to go off-road and they
go a little faster than regular models, which give our riders a little extra
spark.”

Each tour begins with an
orientation that teaches riders how to start, stop and turn the Segway PT. The
training includes a small obstacle course of cones to ensure every individual knows
how to control the two-wheeled device. Each rider is equipped with a helmet and
an electronic receiver with ear piece to conveniently hear instructions from
the tour guide.

“The best part about
Segways is they are so much fun and easy to operate,” added Bain.  

Segway
tours are offered
all year round (weather permitting). Each tour starts in Big Bear
Village at 652 Pine Knot Avenue Unit #5. The route spans about seven
miles on Big Bear’s
scenic back roads, which takes approximately two hours to complete.
Tours are daily;
call for times and availability.

Guests are asked to arrive 15 minutes
prior to
the tour. The maximum amount of people per tour is nine. Minimum age
requirement is 14, and maximum weight limit is 260 lbs. The cost is $85
per
person. For reservations call 909-366-0890 or book online at www.actionsegwaytours.com.

San Francisco celebrates Halloween, Dia de los Muertos

Halloween falls on a Monday this year. If
the residents of San Francisco had their way, it would probably be
declared a federal holiday. Reinvention, transformation, magic, mystery
and mischief are all part of the civic psyche. Oct. 31 and the days
leading up to it provide the perfect setting for some treats and tricks.

A roundup of autumn, Halloween and Dia de los Muertos events is now available at http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/media/San-Francisco-Halloween-Highlights.html.

San Diego welcomes America’s Cup World Series Nov. 12-20

San Diego welcomes the world’s top sailors as they race for victory
in the third stop of the America’s Cup World Series occurring Nov.
12-20, 2011. Spectators can enjoy high-speed adventures on scenic San
Diego Bay, considered to be one of the best natural harbors for racing
on North America’s west coast.

With the excitement of the America’s Cup races and sunny skies
galore, now is the perfect time to plan a getaway to San Diego, where a
variety of world-class offerings await.

Beginning Nov. 12, nine state-of-the-art high-speed catamarans
representing seven nations will take to San Diego Bay at speeds over 30
miles per hour. The America’s Cup World Series kicks off on opening
weekend, Nov. 12-13, with three fleet (exhibition) races, and culminates
Nov. 16-20, when teams compete for Series points during the Match and
Fleet Racing Championships.

Fall season brings Broadway to the Bay in San Francisco

Formerly known as Best of Broadway, the SHN Series will bring Broadway
to the Bay Area this fall with a dynamic series at the Orpheum, Curran
and Golden Gate Theatres in San Francisco.

The series opens with “Hair: The American
Tribal Love-Rock Musical, 2009 Tony award winner for best musical
revival, Oct. 25-Nov. 20, 2011 at the Golden Gate Theater.

Other shows in order of performances are:

  • “STOMP,” the percussive international sensation, returns Oct. 14-23 to the Orpheum Theatre.
  • Kevin Spacey is featured in Richard III, directed by Sam Mendes, Oct. 19-29 at the Curran Theatre.
  •  Directed by Bill T. Jones, “Fela” a provocative hybrid of dance,
    theater and music, explores the world of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, Nov.
    15-Dec. 11 at the Curran Theatre.
  • “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” breathes
    new life into this timeless tale of the real meaning of Christmas Dec.
    21-31 at the Golden Gate Theatre.
  • “Bring It On: The Musical,” a brand new musical comedy comes along Dec. 15, 2011-Jan. 7, 2012 at the Orpheum Theatre.

Fall foliage splashees Mammoth Lakes with color

Fall in the Mammoth Lakes area is a glorious spectacular time of
year. With its crisp air, cool nights and shorter days, fall is a
magical season.

The season’s most brilliant colors will appear when dry,
warm, sunny days are followed by cool, dry nights. Leaves display
brilliant and intense colors.

Aspens, willows and cottonwoods feature
vibrant hues of orange, gold and red signaling the approach of winter. Enjoy the brilliant, fiery colors that Mammoth fall has to offer.

Viking River Cruises offers special tour of Russia

Viking River Cruises of Los Angeles is offering a special tour of Russia. Karine
Hagen, the daughter of Viking Chairman, Torstein Hagen, will be the host.

Norwegian by birth and a graduate of both Wellesley and Stanford
Universities, Karine has lived and worked most of her adult life in
Russia.

Join Karine as she takes visitors behind closed doors, on an
insider’s video tour through Russia, into the homes of locals and
literally underground. Many of these experiences are offered on our Waterways of the Czars itinerary, giving you a Russia experience few others can.

Vacationers seeking adventure favor Hawaii

Americans
looking for adventure on their holidays favor the Hawaiian Islands,
with Kauai ranked No. 3, Maui No. 4 and Hawaii Island No. 7 in the U.S. News and World Report’s list of “16 Best Adventure Vacations in the USA”.

“The U.S. News and World Report’s Best Adventure Vacations
ranking naming Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island in the top ten is a great
recognition for our state,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of
the Hawaii Tourism Authority. “This honor is a testament to the things
that make Hawaii special – our people, place and culture, and the
commitment of our visitor industry in providing visitors with a unique
experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.”

Wine Country Amour packaged offered by Hyatt Regency San Francisco

The Hyatt Regency San Francisco now has the new “Wine Country Amour” Package. Especially designed for couples, the “Wine Country Amour” Package sets the stage for two of the most romantic destinations in the world.

Starting at only $259, the package includes: accommodations  for
one night; full American breakfast for two (room service or in
Eclipse); a bottle of Flora Springs wine; turndown service (on request);
and late check out to 2 p.m. (on request).  This package is available from now through the Nov.18, 2011.


For Hyatt Regency San Francisco guests booking this
package, the Napa Valley Wine Train is featuring the “Gourmet Express”
dinner package, where visitors will enjoy a Wine Country journey for
only $89 per person.  


After about a one hour drive north of
San Francisco, Hyatt guests will arrive at the Napa Valley Wine Train
station in downtown Napa.  Prior to boarding, they will be able to taste two wines. 


Once
on the Train, guests will choose from a seasonal menu all of which is
prepared fresh in the specially designed kitchen car. Transfers between
the hotel and The Napa Valley Wine Train are also available for an
additional price.  For Napa Valley Wine Train special Hyatt Regency offer, please visit http://promo.winetrain.com/hyatt/.

           

This
package has been designed to complement the Wine Country themed exhibit
that will be displayed in the hotel’s grand atrium lobby through
November 18, 2011.


For reservations and information, visit www.sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com or call (800) 233-1234.  You may also land directly on the booking link at http://sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/offers/details.jsp?offerId=42607293&isBookable=true.

Navitat Canopy Adventures offers fall tours

While
it may not be the dramatic displays of New England or the Appalachians,
fall does put on a colorful show in some parts of Southern California. In the San Gabriel Mountains, just 75 miles northeast of Los Angeles, NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES gives visitors the chance to view the colors of fall from an entirely new perspective – high in the treetops.

Open since July, NAVITAT is
a high-adventure zip line canopy tour that emphasizes educating guests
about the natural environment, history and culture of the surrounding
area. Located in Wrightwood, Calif., the world-class course is entirely
tree-based and features three sky bridges, three rappels, one set of sky
stairs, four trails and 10 zip lines ranging from 200 to 1,500 feet in
length — including one that sends guests soaring 300 feet above the
canyon floor. 

“We’re excited to be marking our first fall in Wrightwood,” said Caley Bowman, Marketing Manager atNAVITAT-Wrightwood.
“The colors are just beginning to show, and the temperatures are cooler
now. We’re looking forward to showing guests the rugged beauty of the
San Gabriel Mountains.”

NAVITAT‘s
nearly 300-acre tour site is densely forested with mostly conifers and
evergreens. A variety of deciduous trees, especially in the canyon creek
beds, provide unexpected pops of color in the fall to an otherwise
green landscape. 

Early in the season, willow
and maple trees turn warm and vivid yellows. Later, the golden leaves of
the black oaks emerge, as well as changes to many plants in low-lying
areas. From the course, guests also get long-range views of the Mojave
Desert, Sierras and the San Bernardino Ridge including San Gorgonio,
Southern California’s highest peak.

“With some of the highest, fastest and longest zip lines in the country, a NAVITAT tour is an exhilarating and unforgettable way to spend a fall day,” said Bowman.

NAVITAT tours run daily (except Wednesdays) through
Nov 30. Tours last approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Reservations are
required. Price is $109 per adult and $99 per youth under 18. Weight and
health restrictions apply. Visit www.navitat.com/wrightwood <http://www.navitat.com/wrightwood>  to book your tour and learn more. 

Discounts
are available to groups of eight or more, active military members and
their immediate families, residents of Wrightwood, Phelan and Pinon
Hills and Mountain High Season Passholders.

Fall back to Kauai this autumn

Red and gold
leaves are not the only things that fall during autumn. The season also
brings special travel rates, new island offerings and unique cultural
festivals on the beautiful island of Kauai.

Enjoy a perfect post-summer
getaway while exploring the Garden Isle’s 50 miles of white-sand
beaches, abundance of hiking trails and adventurous activities for a
memorable fall vacation.

“The period between the summer travel rush and holiday season is an
ideal time for a Kauai vacation getaway,” said Sue Kanoho, executive
director of the Kauai Visitors Bureau. “Fall is a time for travelers to
take advantage of off-peak fares and escape to the Garden Island for our
beautiful weather, some adventure, relaxation, and to rejuvenate the
spirit.”