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Abercrombie & Kent is launching a range of experiences across North America and a new brochure after seeing a 130% increase in bookings to this destination. The rising trend reflects the versatility of the North American experience, which offers a plethora of wildlife adventures, spectacular national parks and engaging hands-on experiences for all.
The new print-on-demand brochure, available to order online, includes itineraries exploring the rugged wilderness of Alaska’s backcountry, spying on Grizzly Bears feeding in remotest Canada, cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway, ranching in the big sky country and cooking up the flavours of the Deep South; experiences that typify North America’s diverse and rich personality
Justin Wateridge, Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent, commented on Abercrombie & Kent’s new ventures, saying “We have reacted to a surge in interest for North American holidays, primarily due to its stunning scenery and the varied wildlife on offer. The national parks are truly outstanding and we aim to make it easy for travellers to witness some of the world’s most remarkable natural features. As a destination it offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and city slickers alike and of course is brilliant for families ”.
Exploring extreme and epic landscapes
It’s all about walking, drifting, crawling and flying through seemingly endless landscapes that burst with life and colour. From jagged peaks that zigzag the horizon and billowing steam clouds emanating from the ground, to the quieter depths of the undergrowth and the cavernous tunnels within the rocky exterior, America’s landscapes are rich and varied and include such experiences as:
– Kayaking and rafting in skiffs between the freshly fallen icebergs in Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska, watching out for the unmistakable blows of the Humpback whales
– Witnessing the steaming pools, hissing fumaroles and 100 foot high eruptions of Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
– Tramping the mossy and muggy depths of Princess Royal Island off Vancouver for the elusive ‘Spirit Bears’ who scour the shallow streams for salmon
– Crawling through the Crystal Caves deep beneath Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park in California that gleam with marble and an array of dangling stalagmites and stalactites.
Discovering the beasts within
This is more than just seeing the beasts that roam the lands; it is hearing the crackling foliage beneath giant bear paws, feeling the blubbery contours of the whales in the water and smelling the sulphurous geysers erupting in the distance. Interaction with the wildlife includes:
– Spotting majestic Brown and Grizzly Bears lumbering through the thick evergreen forests on Admiralty Island in Alaska
– Tracing the secretive wolves within Yellowstone National Park that live among the bighorn sheep, howling coyotes and the antlered moose and elk species.
– Swimming among the ‘canaries of the sea’; the creamy white Beluga whales in Hudson Bay, Canada, renowned for their musical communication of whistles, squeals and clicks.
– Watching black bear cubs flipping rocks in search of crabs on the pebbly beaches on Clayoquot Sound and flotillas of harbour seals splashing through the waters
Living the American dream
Elements of rural North America have stood still against time for generations. Learning the way of life for the farmers, cowboys and mushers reveals an appreciation for the sprawling landscapes and a deep connection with the animals they keep. Try your hand at:
– Dog-sledding across the craggy slopes of Alaskan backcountry, visiting Iditarod champion Martin Buser’s army of huskies
– Experiencing the true Wild West on horseback, traversing the endless miles of wildflower meadows and grassy ridges wearing a pair of authentic cowboy boots and hat
– Cattle-herding in the working ranches in Montana, spending evenings sharing stories around blazing campfires
– Staying in the hand-hewn log cabins of former ghost towns near Dunton Hot Springs deep in the Colorado Rockies, trying out archery in the pine forests, fishing in the streams and hiking across the mountainous terrain
Taking the ultimate road trip
The open road can be more than just a concept. Driven by the promise of breath-taking views, cultural insights and rustic little towns, drivers can feel the intoxicating thrill of independence and adventure in the land of opportunity. Adventure-seekers may enjoy:
– Cruising down the Californian coast, staying at the Post Ranch Inn with rooms that cantilever off the cliffs of Big Sur and offer panoramic ocean views
– Going on private tours of the grandiose Hearst Castle, a hilltop fantasy mansion adorned with Grecian columns, intricate mosaic pools and tapestries influenced by the grand houses of Europe
– Taking behind-the-scenes visits to local artists’ studios on the rim of the Grand Canyon and midnight walks with a local astronomer
Winter ski and summer getaways
Nestled between Colorado’s famous peaks are the quaint little towns of Vail and Beaver Creek. The mountainous crown amid 350,000 acres of national forest may be the avid skier’s Mecca, but when the white blanket is lifted in summer the views are something special. Seasonal experiences include:
– Warm wooden lodges that in winter sit right on the edge of the slopes and can accommodate families and large groups
– Opting for family-friendly runs in Vail such as Adventure Ridge or the variety of Beaver Creek trails, ranging from gentle to thrillingly steep
– Landscapes in the summer that invite invigorating mountain hikes and biking trails in breath-taking surroundings
– Traditional-style rodeos for evening entertainment and homely farmers markets to visit in the nearby towns
Claire Allen, Head of Marketing at A&K Ski, has also noticed an increased interest in alpine lodges and summer rentals lately. “Families are starting to realise that Vail and Beaver Creek are not only destinations for winter skiing breaks. They also offer a raft of activities throughout the summer while still maintaining that sense of remoteness and being at one with nature.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
