Wiser World Travel – Sustainable World Travel

From kayaking and horseback riding in the shadow of the Grand Teton Mountains to digging for Jurassic dinosaurs and working with Yellowstone Naturalists, this tour of the Rockies combines a strong science focus with once-in-a-lifetime activities for young people and their teachers.

Highlights:

• Work with Teton Science School naturalists to spot elk and other wildlife and explore the wonders of the Jackson Hole Valley
• Dig for long necked dinosaurs in an actual Jurassic-era quarry in Central Wyoming, and bring home a sample of your find
• Raft the Shoshone River through red rock canyons and learn about Western History in Cody at the Buffalo Bill Historic Center
• Go behind the scenes with Yellowstone Association experts at Old Faithful and other geysers, and spot bison, wolves and moose in the Yellowstone backcountry

Unique Aspects: An amazing introduction to earth and life science and the scenery of the West, this adventure takes students and teachers on a journey to experience the best of the Rockies, hands-on. Guided by world-class naturalists throughout, students experience science in action, and are engaged in diverse activities like rafting, horseback riding, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.

Accommodations: All groups will stay in nice standard hotels and cabins.

Duration: 8 Days

Best time to go: June, July and August

Sustainable Elements:

• Students stay at the “green campus” of the Teton Science School
• Lodges and other accommodations practice bio-composting and other sustainable activities
• Students learn about the importance of stewardship and conservation by trained naturalists within both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
• Use of bio-diesel coaches

Cost: For personal pricing to meet your budget needs, please e-mail Wiser World Travel, or call 303-443-0604, USA toll free 1-877-743-0604.

On Hawaii’s Big Island, science is alive in flowing lava, pristine coral reefs, and precious rainforests with species unique to the Hawaiian Islands. Our guides are native Hawaiians, the staff of the University of Hawaii at Hilo. From hands-on astronomy nine thousand feet up on the flanks of Mauna Kea, to exploring coral reefs along the Kona coast, and standing just feet from flowing lava, this experience mixes adrenaline rush with experiential studies to provide an unmatched understanding of one of the world’s most spectacular places.

Highlights:

• Step into the vibrant Hawaiian rainforest and view Akaka Falls, highest waterfall in the Pacific while examining orchids and others species found nowhere else
• Witness the power of flowing lava entering the ocean at Kalapana and hear the sizzle of the newest land on earth being formed as hot lava meets the sea
• Board a catamaran and enjoy a day of snorkeling at a protect coral reef ecosystem, home to thousands of colorful fish native only to Hawaii
• Watch the sunset from the heights of the Mauna Kea volcano, then join experts to gaze at the stars and planets through large telescopes
• Join expert volcanologists on the rim of Kilauea caldera, the world’s most active volcano, and learn what this dynamic volcano has planned for the future
• View green sea turtles and learn about Hawaiian culture at the world famous Place of Refuge,
  a sacred temple and sanctuary to Hawaiians for hundreds of years

Unique Aspects: In partnership with the University of Hawaii at Hilo, Earth Explore groups share time with native Hawaiians and science experts in a variety of fields, and get an “insiders” look at Hawaii as few others see it. Our guides include experts on Hawaii’s volcanoes, marine ecosystems, rainforests, and cultures.

Accommodations: Standard, nice hotels and cabins.

Duration: 8 Days

Best time to go: Year round.

Sustainable Elements:

• Near Kona, students will have the opportunity to tour the Big Island’s Natural Energy Institute, where scientists undertake renewable energy and environmental technology research and development
• Lodges and other accommodations practice bio-composting, recycling and other sustainable activities
• Students learn about the importance of stewardship and conservation by trained naturalists within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Use of bio-diesel catamaran for transport during coral reef studies
• Discussion of traditional Hawaiian reverence for their natural environment, and how this was reflected in sustainable activities that are still practiced by Hawaiians

Cost: For personal pricing to meet your budget needs, please e-mail Wiser World Travel, or call 303-443-0604, USA toll free 1-877-743-0604.

Our Alaska Adventure is an unforgettable journey to America’s last untamed place. We take in sweeping views of Denali, North America’s highest peak, work with naturalists to spot wildlife in Kenai Fjords and Denali National Parks, board the Alaska Railroad for a memorable journey through pristine wilderness, spot pods of humpback and killer whales in the Gulf of Alaska, and hike to a living glacier and take a drink of fresh glacier water. Along the way we get cuddle with sled dog puppies, visit with rescued Alaskan animals, and get to know the many cultures that have called Alaska home for centuries.

Highlights:

• Hike the trails of Denali National Park with experts to learn about tundra and ecosystems, view wildlife, and discover the amazing Alaska Range
• Get close up views of glaciers in Kenai Fjords National Park and join a ranger on a hike to the foot of massive Exit Glacier
• Board the Alaska Railroad in Anchorage for a journey north through mountains and valleys to the frontier outpost of Talkeetna
• Take a cruise on Resurrection Bay in the Gulf of Alaska to watch feeding whales and view hanging glaciers, and enjoy lunch on a wilderness island
• Discover historic Anchorage, learn about native Inuit people at a hands-on cultural center, and visit the Iditarod Headquarters for a ride in a sled dog wagon

Unique Aspects: Throughout this adventure, students and teachers learn in a hands-on way from experts in science, cultures and the Alaskan way of life. The trip includes diverse educational opportunities. Experience unique views of twenty thousand foot Mt. McKinley, learning about glaciers, wildlife, marine science and cultures from experts in their fields, rides on the Alaska Railroad, and visits with native Alaskans.

Accommodations: All groups will stay in nice, standard hotels and cabins.

Duration: 8 Days

Best time to go: June, July and August

Sustainable Elements:

• While in Denali, groups share meals at the Denali Educational Center, a certified green campus within Denali Park
• Lodges and other accommodations practice bio-composting, recycling and other sustainable activities
• Students learn about the importance of stewardship and conservation by trained naturalists within both Denali and Kenai Fjords National Parks.
• Use of bio-diesel coaches

Cost: For personal pricing to meet your budget needs, please e-mail Wiser World Travel, or call 303-443-0604, USA toll free 1-877-743-0604.

Spain allures the traveler with its combination of old world charm and vibrant peoples. Join us to journey through the untainted Spain that most tourists will never see. You will experience ancient sites and modern cities of this diverse country, and stay in villages where people lead family-oriented lives, where strolling through the plaza at night is a local pastime.

Highlights/Options:

• Visit the cultural sights of Madrid, Barcelona, Segovia and the medieval walled city of Ávila
• Experience a homestay with a Spanish family in an authentic Spanish village
• Live, interact, and participate in a fully sustainable community in northern Spain. This small community is a model for sustainable building, traditional agriculture, and community living
• Assist at a youth center and home for the elderly
• Sea-kayak off the beaches of the Costa Brava
• Enjoy one of Europe’s hottest nightspots where the action at a friendly pub and nightlife scene last right
  through long winter nights

Unique Aspects: This trip/program is a tapestry of culture, language immersion, and community service. Travelers participate in sustainable community life, live with homestay families, and truly experience Spanish culture.

Accommodations: Accommodation options include hotels, dormitory style hostels, and homestay families.

Best Time to Go: All year

Duration: 10 days to 3 weeks.

Sustainable Elements:

• Build with adobe at an Ecological Center
• Conduct environmental education classes at local schools
• Recycling service projects
• Group eats locally sourced food

Cost: For personal pricing to meet your budget needs, please e-mail Wiser World Travel, or call 303-443-0604, USA toll free 1-877-743-0604.