Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 106
March 9, 2020
Ms. Magazine: 10 Global Travel Adventures To Inspire Global Eco-Activism
Thank you to Ms. Magazine and Carmen Rios for publishing my article: “10 Global Travel Adventures To Inspire Global Eco-Activism“
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I have been able to see distant corners of the world in my lifetime—and I gained a greater understanding of the urgent fight to save our planet because of it, as well as the human connections that keep us connected beyond borders and languages.
Everywhere I go in the world, I look for new things to learn about the animals, transportation, history and the way people live.
Seeing Polar Bears with Churchill Wild
I hoped that someday I would see a Polar Bear in its natural habitat—but also assumed that I would be in a vehicle a safe distance away when I saw them. When I chose to go on an adventure with Churchill Wild at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, though, that wasn’t the case. Instead, I put on my borrowed boots and Churchill Wild coat and walked with our guides near wolves and polar bears. It was truly spectacular to be close to these giant creatures, and it reminded me, leading up to a pivotal election, how important it was for us to show up at the polls for the animals who can’t.
[image error]Polar Bear from Churchill Wild Expedition by Lisa Niver
Saving the Fijian Crested Iguana in Fiji
The Republic of Fiji in the South Pacific Ocean consists of over 330 islands, about a third of which are inhabited. These islands have been populated for 5,000 years, originally settled by adventurers who are thought to have made their way over 1,000 miles by canoe from New Zealand. Like many island nations, Fiji is home to numerous unique plants and animals, many of which also floated by sea from other far-off lands and have adapted to Fiji’s unique environment over many millions of years.
5,000 years of human habitation are exacting a toll of Fiji’s rich biodiversity. Some researchers have estimated that 25 percent of bird species, 12 percent of mammals, 67 percent of amphibians and 11 percent of reptiles and plants are already threatened or endangered.
In my first several visits to the Fijian Islands, I said, “Bula,” which means hello and welcome, to everyone. I loved the clear waters, incredible scuba diving and white sandy beaches. On my recent stay at Likuliku Lagoon Resort, I also loved lending a helping hand in the fight to save the Fijian Crested Iguana. This creature was thought to be extinct—but after two were found nearly 10 years ago, the resort has made heroic efforts, along with USGS and the San Diego Zoo, to restore the tropical dry forest, remove the invasive species and create a captive breeding program.
I got a first hand look at a turn-back-the-clock success story at the Likuliku Lagoon Resort (owned by Ahura Resorts) on Fiji’s volcanic Malolo Island, which has brought the Fijian crested iguana back from the brink of extinction. Ahura resorts have claimed to be wholly committed to sustainable tourism and have backed that commitment up with, among other things, herculean efforts to save this iconic, critically endangered iguana. Their efforts have included restoring the tropical dry forest with over 4500 seedlings of nearly two dozen species planted in the last four years, controlling mammalian invasive species, implementing a Fijian Crested Iguana captive breeding program and collaborating with scientists from USGS and San Diego Zoo.
From 1984 to 2010, there were no sightings of the Fijian crested iguana. Today, there are many sightings of the species out in the last remnant of protected forest within the resort leases.
There is an educational and awareness program implemented for guests, staff, the local community and also at the sister property, Malolo Island Resort. While on property, guests can assist with tree planting and scouting at night for these amazing species. Part of the nightly room fee goes to help with their environment initiatives and conservation programs, and you can make a donation at any time.
Scuba Diving with Bull Sharks in Mexico
I am a science teacher by training, and I love school, but I never thought I would go to Dr. Erich Ritter’s SharkSchool
with ProDive International at Playa del Carmen. We learned about shark behavior in the program and went scuba diving with bull sharks.
Did you know that in New York City, in 2018, approximately 12 people died from human bites? That’s double the number of fatal shark bites for that year—and never mind how they got them! The movies make it seem like sharks are out to get us, but humans are the ones attacking sharks with over 100 million and possibly closer to 275 million sharks killed last year. Sharks are ocean stewards, eating weak fish and keeping schools of fish in check. We must use common sense and be respectful of the ocean ecosystem as we are greatly disturbing the balance.
[image error]Scuba Dive with Bull Sharks at SharkSchool
Turning Warriors into Friends in the Maasai Mara
I travel with my hula hoop; it has five sections and it fits in my suitcase. I have hula-hooped on two trains in Canada, with villagers in Vanuatu and with the warriors of the Maasai Mara in Kenya. I always ask permission before hooping in a village because it is unusual, and might not be received well, but after I showed Chief Richard of Olonana, Kenya a video of me hula-hooping—because he had no idea what I was talking about—he started to smile. Hula-hoops make people laugh! When you wander around the world, it is good to make new friends.
[image error]Learning to Hula-hoop in Lowinia Village in Tanna Vanuatu
Eat a Lionfish, Save the Planet
I first saw a Lionfish when I was scuba diving in the Red Sea. They have 14 long feather-like pectoral fins that look like a mane and 13 poisonous dorsal spines. They seemed both beautiful and dangerous to me. Unfortunately, the Lionfish have invaded the Caribbean, and are decimating the reefs and other fish. They have no predators except humans—and while many island countries are taking action against them and scuba divers are having derbies to kill them, they are very hardy fish. They lay many eggs and those babies survive far too well in the warm waters.
You can help: eat Lionfish! (They are tasty and safe to eat.)
[image error]Lionfish photo by Scuba St Lucia
Learning to Sing in Swahili
Wherever I roam, I learn words in the local language. I do not always quite get it right, of course. Once, in Nepal, I accidentally asked for dog meat in my momo—a local dish like a roll with meat inside—instead of chicken. There were several minutes of serious confusion, but when we figured it out, we all had a good laugh.
When I was on safari in Tanzania with Abercrombie and Kent at Sanctuary Kichakani, I learned many words—and the team even sang me a song! It felt magical to be among them while they were singing and smiling.
[image error]Zebras in Tanzania by Lisa Niver
Witnessing—and Helping Preserve—Biodiversity in the Galapagos
Often, when I travel, I think I am going to learn or see one thing—but when I arrive, I discover much more than I expected. When I was a young girl going to summer camp, my mom packed a book about Charles Darwin’s journey in the Galapagos Islands in my suitcase. Ever since then, and for many decades, I have dreamed about the birds, tortoises and endemic creatures of the islands and wanted to see them myself.
I finally made that dream come true when I traveled on Ecoventura’s Theory in December of last year. Not only did I see the blue-footed boobies, but I also learned that there are red-footed boobies, and Nazca boobies with orange beaks.
[image error]Blue Footed Booby on North Seymour Island, Galapagos by Lisa Niver
The Galapagos Islands are a group of 22 islands—called an archipelago– right on the Equator in the eastern Pacific. The islands were made famous by Charles Darwin 150 years ago who was fascinated by the dozens of endemic species of birds, iguanas, tortoises and plants, species that are found nowhere else on the planet. In 1978, this wonderland of biodiversity became the very first site declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.)
Unfortunately, by then, human settlers had arrived—bringing with them not only domesticated animals like goats and chickens and burros, which competed for the island’s scarce food resources, but also rats and cats that wreaked havoc on the birds and iguanas.
Floreana is the sixth largest island in the Galapagos islands archipelago with a colorful history of human settlement that includes pirates, murder and mayhem. But the endemic species have come under ever-increasing threat from the invasive species humans brought with them. 55 species found on the Floreana are currently listed on the International Union for Conservation Red List, meaning these species are in danger of extinction if action is not taken to save them. Thirteen species are already locally extinct on the Island, but can be reintroduced after invasive predators are removed.
Faced with the stark reality that the Galapagos treasure trove of unique plants and animals are literally disappearing, the Galapagos National Park, the Biosecurity Agency of Galapagos, Island Conservation and Floreana residents and leadership are implementing an innovative project to remove invasive species from the island so they can then reintroduce the locally extinct species. This project is the most complex eradication project conducted on any inhabited tropical island. When I was in the Galapagos on Ecoventura’s Theory in December 2019, I was guided by Peter Freire whose family has been on Floreana for generations. His family and the island community are fully committed to preserving and restoring their local wildlife.
Finding out Why in Odgen, Utah
Although I have been to Park City, Utah for skiing more than 30 times, I went skiing in Odgen, Utah for the first time recently. I loved the three ski mountains, learning to throw an axe and the Spencer and Dolores Dore Eccles Rail Center and Utah State Railroad Museum at Ogden Union Station. At the train museum, I learned how the railroad was built from east to west and west to east and met in Ogden, Utah for the final spike.
The train traveled in both directions on one track, and the engineers in all parts of our country needed to know exactly what time the train was arriving so that there were no train collisions. In the 1800s, the railroads began using a time system with four time zones, Eastern, Central, Mountain and Pacific so that there would be no confusion about what time it was. Prior to that, many areas set their own time by the sun and high noon. It was incredible to imagine so many people using far less efficient technology to work together successfully.
Axe throwing in Ogden, UtahUncovering a Secret History in Canada
I love to travel by plane, boat or train. In Canada, I traveled on the Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver to Banff with a night in Kamloops. We saw osprey, eagles and bears and learned to talk like an engineer. The bridges, mountains and spiral tunnels kept us nearly as entertained as the history we learned. There was a time when Vancouver and all of British Colombia were considering joining the United States of America. However, the Canadian government promised to create the railway and unite the Canadian economy—so Vancouver did not join the U.S.!
[image error]Sunset from Rocky Mountaineer Train by Lisa Niver
Trying a Sport from the Middle Ages
When I was in Kilkenny, Ireland, I tried out hurling—an ancient Gaelic Irish outdoor team game which has been played for 4,000 years. I also went on an hour long Hawk Walk at Ireland’s School of Falconry at Ashford Castle. Falconry was popular in the Middle Ages in Europe. We went out into the forest with a Harris Hawk and I was able to send it out for a flight when it was perched on my leather glove and it came back to me for a treat of fresh meat. The hawks are powerful predators with sharp talons. I loved learning about them and watching them fly.
The post Ms. Magazine: 10 Global Travel Adventures To Inspire Global Eco-Activism appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
March 5, 2020
Want to Travel More? Go to COSTCO!
Thank you to Lindsay Tigar for including me in her article for Better Homes and Gardens on Yahoo Lifestyle called: “6 Little-Known Ways Costco Can Save You Money on Vacations“
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As a destination for saving money, Costco has a fan base around the country. Though many loyal fans know about the perks of buying in bulk and receiving discounts on prescriptions or gas, Costco is also a hidden-secret in the travel industry. Through their members-only hub, you can book deals on vacation packages, rental cars, cruises, amusement parks and more. This makes chasing after wanderlust that much more affordable, especially if you’re already a Costco-card-carrying shopper already. Here, are tips you need to know about this savvy way to set sail, take flight, and soak up the sun.
Gary John Norman/Getty Images
When you book a cruise, you’ll get additional perks.
When you land on Costco Travel’s hub, you’ll see various ways to explore the globe. One of the most popular offerings is cruises, according to travel expert Lisa Niver. When people book through Costco for their getaway-at-sea, Niver says they are often amazed at how many benefits are included, without an additional fee. She gives the example of a current Royal Caribbean 6-Night Oasis of the Sea cruise, which not only includes the stateroom but dinner for up to four at a steakhouse and Johnny Rockets, one spa experience per person and an onboard soda package for two.
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There are dozens of other options, all depending on what you want the most from your travel: relaxation, family-friendly experiences, or even romance. Niver explains Costco is able to provide these additional perks thanks to partnerships with leaders in the hospitality industry.
When you rent a car, you can have more drivers for free.
No one wants to be the only driver on vacation, but no one wants to pay for additional drivers, either. While Costco currently only partners with four car rental companies, they are the largest: Alamo, Enterprise, Avis and Budget. Booking through the Costco Travel can often be cheaper than booking directly through a rental company, and could come with added value. Niver explains the biggest perk is the second driver waiver fee. Rather than paying a price per day to have two (or more) drivers, Costco pays the cost so their customers can have it for free. Best of all? Your road-trip buddy doesn’t need to be a Costco member to come along for the journey!
When you book your hotel, you save cash and receive surprises.
In the spirit of transparency, Costco doesn’t offer as many hotel partners, as say, Priceline. However, depending on seasonality and location, Niver says you can rely on Costco to come with no hidden fees, additional taxes, resort upcharges or other surprising costs. Currently, Costco partners with all hotels under the Fairmont, Hyatt, Raffles and Swissotel brands, offering both stand-alone hotel booking or vacation planning. For business travelers or frequent fliers who are loyal to specific hotel chains, Niver says you can limit your search to only Fairmont or Hyatt, based on your preference. You can also opt-in to additional perks, like free breakfast and parking.
When you go to Disney, you can save by selecting a package.
Disney fans pack your bags! Costco has lots of options to meet Mickey and all of his friends. In addition to tickets to Walt Disney World, they also work with the Disney Cruise line, the Hawaii-based AULANI Disney Resort and Spa, as well as Disney Adventures, featuring excursions throughout the world. Niver says for families who enjoy the fairytales, the excitement and wonder, booking via Costco not only results in cheaper multi-day tickets but cuts back on the cost of hotels, and other benefits. As an example, if you decide to opt-in for a Walt Disney World package, you often receive extended hours in the park, cash to spend on food and drink, and other budget-mindful perks.
When you’re booking any travel, you can opt into a payment plan.
For most of us, vacations aren’t usually a spontaneous thing. Booking a trip requires matching busy schedules, requesting time off, and of course, figuring out how much to spend. Another benefit of Costco Travel is the ability to make a deposit upfront and pay the rest later. While the deposit requirement varies depending on what you’re booking, generally speaking, most options only require a final payment 45 days from departure. For packages and flights, you can book only putting down $100 per person plus applicable hotel and other deposits. Hotel fee depends on the brand, but most of the time is fully paid upon departure. The exception is cruises, which often require a full payment between 90 and 160 days before you hop on board.
When you reach Executive Level, you’ll get even more.
As every Costco shopper knows, there are tiers of membership, with the lowest costing $60 annually. The Executive level is double that at $120, but comes with super-cool traveling benefits for jet setters. You can earn a 2% rebate reward on the first $1,000 in travel purchases. And once you’ve reached your destination, you may find surprises along the way, says Niver. As an example, this Boca Raton deal through the Executive hub includes a $50 resort credit per day to be used toward food and beverage. Half the vacation fun is the food, right?!
Another option is applying for the Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi the offers 3% back on eligible travel expenses. This is open to anyone, as long as they are a Costco member.
Costco travel deals aren’t only good in the U.S. either, they offer many international travel discounts that may just be the inspiration you need to book that next long flight.
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The post Want to Travel More? Go to COSTCO! appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
March 2, 2020
Find your Favorite NEW slice at Venice Way Pizza
[image error]Sunset from High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin
I love to watch sunset from High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin in Venice. In fact, the hotel was built by my summer camp friend’s family! And, now I am obsessed with their new pizza! It officially opens TODAY. Make sure to stop by for a slice at Venice Way Pizza!
[image error]Derek, Chef Ashley, Amy and Lisa
Amy Castillo, my travel friend of many decades, is currently the Director of Sales and Marketing at Hotel Erwin. I was delighted when she invited me to test out their new concept. Castillo only does things one way with passion and perseverance and has worked hard with her team to create pizza that guests and customers will crave! She told me they tested many styles of dough, “invested in the most advanced equipment, created a custom ‘dough room’ for rising ‘our dough babies’ and sampled several recipes for sauce before the culinary team (& our owner, Erwin, still driving decisions at 85 years old) came up with what we thought was a great product to bring to Venice Beach! I’m excited to see Venice Way Pizza become a destination or impromptu pizza experience that feeds smiles to locals and hotel guests, alike!”
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The Venice Way Pizza take-out window will specialize in L.A.-style pan pizza—5×5 inch “slabs” of crunchy, hearty flavorful pizza with locally-sourced toppings, including traditional cheese, pepperoni and seasonal farmer’s market finds.
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“Pizza Guy” Noel Brohner created a spectacular Focaccia dough which rises for four days in an extra-slow fermentation process. To prepare this pizza, he created 15×15 inch custom-made pans and blends pan pizza styles and creates an uber-crunchy bottom crust.
[image error]Lisa and Melissa with some of the special dough
Stop by Venice Way Pizza starting March 2, 2020 from lunch ‘til late. Your pizza choices include Dogtown (pepperoni), Boardwalk (cheese), Muscle Beach (veggie) and a chef’s choice rotating special.
[image error]Noel, Derek, Erwin and Amy all say—come taste a slice!
The open-air patio will seat up to 28 and have a full bar service, with wine and beer from Italy and California.
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Never fear, pizza will be incorporated throughout the hotel’s menu offerings and into room service packages!
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Venice Way Pizza is located on the corner of Venice Way and Pacific Ave at Hotel Erwin which is never normal and always Venice.
[image error]Sunset from the rooftop at Hotel Erwin
[image error]Sunset from the rooftop at Hotel Erwin
[image error]Sunset from the rooftop at Hotel Erwin
The post Find your Favorite NEW slice at Venice Way Pizza appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
Find your Next Favorite Destination at The New York Times Travel Show 2020
Have you ever been to the New York Times Travel Show? I went last year for the first time and I loved it. It is like being in a candy store! I want to go everywhere!
It is the Largest Travel Trade and Consumer Show in North America!
The New York Times Travel Show attracts more than 35,000 attendees with over 700 exhibitors from more than 175 countries, making it the largest travel trade and consumer show in North America. In 2020, the show was January 24 – 26 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
Who did I meet at the show? Watch my video to see some of my favorite people and places to go next!
Where to go in 2020? The New York Times picked 52 places
52 PLACES TO GO IN 2020
1.Washington2.British Virgin Islands3.Rurrenabaque, Bolivia4.Greenland5.Kimberley Region, Australia6.Paso Robles, Calif.7.Sicily8.Salzburg, Austria9.Tokyo10.Caesarea, Israel11.National Parks, China12.Lesotho13.Colorado Springs14.Krakow, Poland15.Jodhpur, India16.Western Sweden17.Egypt18.La Paz, Mexico19.Grand Isle, La.20.Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia21.Jevnaker, Norway22.The Bahamas23.Kampot, Cambodia24.Christchurch, New Zealand25.Asturias, Spain26.Haida Gwaii, British Columbia27.Austin, Texas28.Sabah, Malaysia29.Churchill, Manitoba30.Uganda31.Paris32.Lake District, England33.Tajikistan34.Antakya, Turkey35.Leipzig, Germany36.Lima, Peru37.Molise, Italy38.Copenhagen39.Richmond, Va.40.Mount Kenya41.Minorca, Spain42.Oberammergau, Germany43.Plymouth, England44.Atlantic Forest, Brazil45.Belle-Île, France46.Val d’Aran, Spain47.Mongolia48.Juliana Trail, Slovenia49.Addis Ababa, Ethiopia50.Transylvanian Alps, Romania51.Urbino, Italy52.Glacier National Park and Whitefish, Mont.
How many have you been to? Where are you going next? I loved traveling in Mongolia and Kenya and cannot wait for my first trip to Brazil. One of my favorites on the list above is Churchill, Manitoba! I loved walking with the Polar Bears with Churchill Wild!
Just prior to the New York Times Travel Show, I was at the TravMedia SUMMIT and International Media Marketplace where travel journalists can meet with destinations, make connections and discover great stories.
Please see my article about our day at TravMedia SUMMIT 2020 and International Media Marketplace 2020:
Here are my videos from 2019 at International Media Marketplace and the New York Times Travel Show:
IMM 2019: What happens at IMM in NYC?
NYTTS 2019: Join me to explore the NEW YORK TIMES TRAVEL SHOW 2019
The post Find your Next Favorite Destination at The New York Times Travel Show 2020 appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
February 27, 2020
I Love Diving! We Said Go Travel News Feb 2020
Feb News 2020 with We Said Go Travel:
I absolutely love diving in Turks and Caicos! Thank you to Beaches Resorts and PADI for including me in their Dive-in with PADI LIV+ at Beaches Turks and Caicos.
Click here to see all my videos from our adventures!
Enjoy Part 1 of my recent scuba diving trip: “Meet Me Underwater at Beaches Turks and Caicos“
Part 2: Join me at Dive-in with PADI LIV+ at Beaches Turks and Caicos
Thank you to MEDIUM, TODAY and Today Parenting Team for publishing my article: Can your family vacation change the world?
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See more photos on Facebook!
[image error]TravMedia Summit 2020
I went to New York City for several Travel conferences and events. Read more about them below:
What happened at the TravMedia Summit 2020?
Who can you meet at International Media Marketplace? IMM NYC 2020
Enjoy my videos from TravMedia Summit, International Media Marketplace and the New York Times Travel Show:
Thank you to Lindsay Tigar for including me in her article for Better Homes and Gardens on Yahoo Lifestyle called: “6 Little-Known Ways Costco Can Save You Money on Vacations“
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Thank you to Nadine Courtney Jolie for including me in her Reader’s Digest article: “What These Women Love About Being Single“
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WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?
Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I have over one million views on YouTube! (Exact count: 1,153,937 views)
Thank you for your support! Are you one of my 2600 subscribers? I hope you will join me and subscribe!
For more We Said Go Travel articles, TV segments, videos and social media: CLICK HERE
Find me on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and at LisaNiver.com. My social media following is now over 160,000 and I am verified on Twitter.
My fortune cookies said:
“There is excitement to be found wherever you go”
and
“If you are waiting for the perfect time, you will wait forever”
I hope 2020 has started very well for you! Thank you so very much for all of your support! Did you read about my WIN at NAEJ AWARDS? I look forward to sharing more about the UN Decade of Change! Lisa
[image error]Lisa Niver wins at NAEJ National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Awards 2019
The post I Love Diving! We Said Go Travel News Feb 2020 appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
February 26, 2020
Who can you meet at International Media Marketplace? IMM NYC 2020
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Last year, I went to IMM (International Media Marketplace) for the first time. I met with many great destinations and reconnected with many travel friends. The conference is very well organized and professional so I came back for IMM 2020!
We spent the day for our meetings in the the all-glass River Pavilion at the top of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Now that The Vessel and Hudson Yards are open and they extended the “7” on the Metro it is much easier to get to Javits Center by subway.
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I am so glad I was able to participate in both the Summit and IMM 2020. I look forward to coming back and highly recommend you participate in this professional travel conference.
One of my favorite moments at IMM was seeing Dan Gibson from Visit Tucson who I first met at Travel Classics. In honor of their meetings with journalists, they donated to Iskashitaa Refuge Network which helps refugees integrate into the southern Arizona community while strengthening the local food network. Did you know that Tucson is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy? They want to ensure that everyone has access to healthy food and that food service employees earn a living wage. Visit Tucson donated $10 to Iskashitaa for each of their IMM appointments. That is the best use of “SWAG” dollars EVER! Thank you Dan, Mary and Cindy!
Tucson sunset from my visit at Tanque Verde RanchVideo: TravMedia International Media Marketplace NYC 2020
I loved meeting with:
Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism – Pacome Schembri
Choose Chicago | DQMPR – Stephanie D’Adamo
Emerald Waterways | Gillies and Zaiser – Public Relations – Lauren Frye
Tourism Vernon – Angeline Chew
Austin Adventures – Carol Austin
Fairmont Hotels, Pacific Northwest – Casey Barks
Pursuit – Michelle Gaudet
Hotwire | Citizen Relations – Jina Michael
Travel Portland – Jackie Hagan
Augusta | Pineapple Public Relations – Brianna Reid
Samoa Tourism Authority – Jessica Felipe
Margaritaville | Finn Partners – Caitlin Galeotti
Hong Kong Tourism Board – Bryan Hansen
Western Montana’s Glacier Country Tourism – Lucy Beighle
The Travel Corporation (TTC) – Arnelle Kendall
Transformational Travel Council | EM Adventure Marketing Inc. – Elyse Mailhot
Destination Canada | Beattie Tartan – Kate Rogers
Visit SLO CAL | TURNER – Deborah Park
Curacoa Tourism – Michelle George
AMA Waterways – Brenda Kyllo
REI Expeditions – Megan Behrbaum
South Africa Tourism – Justin Barnette
Last year at IMM, I met with Cara Schneider from Visit Philly and we planned a visit and a segment for KTLA TV.
[image error]Lisa Niver on KTLA with Lu Parker and Glen Walker
At CMM, I met with Nicole Ford from Rocky Mountaineer after my train trip, I did a segment on KTLA and one of my videos from that trip is now the most popular on my YouTube channel with over 51,000 views!
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I wonder what adventures will happen in 2020 after all of my meetings! I hope to go to Brazil for the first time this year and maybe back to Africa.
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I went on safari in Tanzania and Kenya with Abercrombie and Kent and at Sanctuary Olanana, they sang to me:
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Please see my article about our day at TravMedia SUMMIT 2020 and my day at New York Times Travel Show 2020!
Here are my videos from last year at International Media Marketplace and the New York Times Travel Show:
IMM 2019: What happens at IMM in NYC?
NYTTS 2019: Join me to explore the NEW YORK TIMES TRAVEL SHOW 2019
The post Who can you meet at International Media Marketplace? IMM NYC 2020 appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
February 20, 2020
TODAY.com: Can your family vacation change the world?
Thank you to TODAY.com and TODAY Parenting Team for publishing my story: “Can your family vacation change the world?“
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Where can you travel that not only allows you to have a top quality family vacation but that also changes the world one step at a time?
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One diver at a time
I fell in love with scuba diving the very first time I went underwater in Monterey Bay, California thirty years ago. At that time, I learned about the giant kelp forest and its creatures. While it can grow rapidly per day, kelp exists in a narrow band of pH and temperature. I was taught by my dive instructor about how fragile our ocean is and how we need to take care of it.
[image error]Diving at Beaches Turks and Caicos with Felipe, Danny, Captain Lancelot, Lisa and Jacques
PADI (Professional Association of Dive Instructors) certifies one million new divers a year. PADI and Project AWARE teach divers and their families about the issues for our oceans. Beaches Resorts and Sandals Resorts were honored with the PADI Award of Outstanding Achievement for achieving more than 100,000 PADI certifications across both brands since Sandals Resorts International’s (SRI) membership with PADI began in 1997. “Issuing over 100,000 PADI certifications is a monumental accomplishment,” said Erica Wedepohl, PADI Worldwide, Territory Director for Caribbean & Latin America. “In fact, Sandals and Beaches Resorts are among the few elite resorts worldwide to accomplish this tremendous achievement.”
[image error]Erica Wedepohl, PADI Worldwide, Territory Director for Caribbean & Latin America underwater at Beaches Turks and Caicos
If you and your family are already trained to dive, your daily dives are included at Beaches Resorts. Become one of PADI’s one billion torchbearers who actively work towards a better balance between humanity and the ocean.
It would mean that one in 7 people are focused on taking care of and protecting our ocean in this UN Decade of Action for the Sustainable Developmental Goals 2030. I have loved diving for thirty years and I hope to be able to continue to see creatures like humpback whales, dolphins, sharks, rays and turtles on dives like I did in Turks and Caicos. Our daily dives were truly awesome. We all need to do our part to take care of the water and the creatures.
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You can try out scuba diving at any time as a DSD (Discover Scuba Diver). Come see the magic of the world underwater!
Remember no matter your skill level – whether it’s your first time or you’re a certified diver – you will have a comfortable and rewarding experience. And I have to say it again— daily scuba diving for certified divers is included.
One family at a time.
Does your family LOVE Sesame Street? Your child can spend their days at Camp Sesame and even have a meal with their favorite Sesame Street character. There is a Sesame Street Parade on Wednesday nights, a live show on the beach on Friday nights and your child can bake with Cookie Monster or play soccer with Rosita. I loved having my photo with Elmo.
Families who are traveling with someone on the Autism spectrum can feel comfortable at Beaches Resorts as the staff have received the Advanced Certified Autism Center (ACAC) training through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) including all the dive team members. Beaches Resorts wants everyone to feel safe and included at all of their resorts and activities. Your child can have a ‘One-on-One Beaches Buddy’ which is personalized, private childcare with a buddy who is certified by IBCCES. Beaches Resorts’ friendly cast of Sesame Street characters now includes Julia, a new character who has autism. Children can meet Julia in her quiet corner for an art activity. Every member of the family can truly relax and enjoy.
One person at a time
At Beaches Turks and Caicos, I was able to see one of the newest Sandals Foundation projects which is a partnership with the Real Madrid Foundation – the social arm of the Real Madrid Academy – to host five days of comprehensive soccer clinics for guests and local students. Top coaches from Spain were brought to both Jamaica and Turks and Caicos for workshops for students aged 9 to 12, there was also a separate day just for training the local coaches.
[image error]Real Madrid Foundation Clinics at Beaches Turks and Caicos. Photo courtesy of Sandals Foundation
There are over 100 Sandals Foundation projects around the Caribbean chosen and supported by the local staff and villages. In the last ten years Sandals Foundation has assisted more than one million people in the Caribbean.
I was fortunate to have Sandals Resorts International’s Group Watersports Director for all 18 resorts, Michael Clarke, as my dive buddy on a recent adventure in Turks and Caicos. He was Jamaica’s first PADI Course Director under SRI, and was recognized for earning PADI Gold Course Director status. This level signifies the following accomplishments as a PADI Course Director: 50+ Pro-Level Certifications; 20+ Dive Master (DM), Advanced Instructor (AI), Open Water Scuba Instructor (OWSI), or Instructor Development Course Staff Instructor (IDCS); and 60% or more Continuing Education (CE) ratio.
[image error]Lisa Niver and Michael Clarke, Sandals Resorts International’s Group Watersports Director
He has changed the trajectory of hundreds of young people through his commitment to training. Every year he offers an IDC (instructor development course) in both Jamaica and St. Lucia and trains young people to be scuba instructors. In some companies, there is no room for advancement but at Sandals and Beaches Resorts, they want you to have your best vacation and their employees to live their best lives. When Clarke teaches a young person to find their passion that changes their life with a new career as well as the lives of their entire family and community.
One Environment at a Time
I love that Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, all 18 resorts, are luxury all-inclusive but you never need to eat at a buffet. There are up to 21 different restaurants at every resort. Eat and drink at all the locations as they have different specialities like the Jamaican Jerk Shack, Bombay Indian, Tokyo Jo’s and Kimonos! 90 percent of all your food offerings are being locally sourced including vine ripe fresh produce and the highest quality meats.
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You can dine somewhere delicious and your children can join you or eat burgers, mac’n cheese and ice cream at Bobby Dee’s. The water park is included. The drinks are included. The meals are included but styrofoam and single-use plastic straws are not. As part of their commitment to save our oceans, single-use plastics are being eliminated at Beaches Resorts.
Does your vacation save the ocean? Lionfish belong in the Red Sea but they have been inadvertently introduced to Florida, the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Invasive species are out of place in the ecosystem and have no predators, so their numbers grow and grow. Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts are committed to managing the issue by culling as many as they can. Everyone can help by eating more Lionfish. They are very tasty and they are available as filets in many Whole Foods.
One Vacation at a time
When you choose Beaches Resorts, your family will have a top quality luxury all inclusive with a company that cares about you and your family having the best possible experience and is taking care of the islands and environment for this generation and future ones.
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Whether you want to relax on the beach, by the pool or scuba dive with sharks, Beaches Resorts is waiting for you in paradise. Not only will you have a memorable vacation, but you will also be helping change the world, one lionfish, one soccer student and one career at a time. I look forward to seeing you underwater.
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