Global bicycle sales rose 68% worldwide during the COVID-19 pandemic and more travelers are looking to support green-friendly travel options. As the community of cycle travelers is rising, Intrepid continues to expand into new countries and forge new paths for its cycling product. The company saw a significant increase in cycle bookings in 2022, 70% of which were from brand new Intrepid customers.

“Riding a bike is good for you, even factoring in the odd gelato or Tuscan cellar door pitstop, but it’s also good for the environment,” says Intrepid Travel Product Manager Frank Cheshire. “Like all our trips, our cycling tours are 100% carbon offset. Most of the transport is powered by the greenest energy of all: humans.”

New for 2023, Intrepid is launching an 8-Day ‘Cycle Slovenia’ trip. Travelers spend 8 days discovering Slovenia on two wheels, travelling from lively Ljubljana to picturesque Pira, experiencing the winding road from Ljubljana to Piran with breathtaking views of the slopes of Kranjska Gora, the emerald-green waters of the Soca River and the stunning Adriatic coastline.

Additional highlights:
Cycle Vietnam
Intrepid’s first and most popular cycling trip, this is an unforgettable north to south cycling tour of vibrant Vietnam, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. The cycling tour winds down country lanes and over spectacular mountain passes and provides opportunities to meet the locals and experience their culture in a way that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. And, of course, all the exercise gives you the perfect excuse to indulge in delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

Cycle the Danube
Travelers retrace the steps of the Roman, Ottoman and Turk Empires on this adventure along the mighty Danube River. The journey passes through picturesque villages, forests and lush farmlands as travelers’ cycle from Vienna to Budapest, passing through Slovakia and it’s cosmopolitan capital. Travelers live it up in Baroque style at the elegant Schönbrunn Palace or get lost in the cobbled laneways of Komarom, a city with one foot in Hungary and the other in Slovakia. A stop at the architectural jewel of the Danube River, the Esztergom Basilica, is included and cyclists pass by the imposing white-hued Bratislava Castle, finishing the day with a luxurious soak in one of Budapest’s iconic baths.

Cycle Tanzania
Venture off the beaten track on a two-wheeled trip across Tanzania. Brimming with mighty predators and birds, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are must-visits for any Tanzania trip, but safaris are only the beginning. This unique cycling adventure has cyclists cruising down Great Rift Valley escarpments, strolling through farm villages, roasting and grinding their own coffee, drifting off to sleep among nocturnal creatures, experiencing the culture of the Maasai people, pedaling far off the beaten track to trails where no cars go, and of course sipping sundowners at sunset.

The article Intrepid relaunches cycling tours and vacations first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Fortunately for you, there is! These are known as active holidays and let you enjoy the culture in other countries while keeping active for most of the time you’re there. Holidays like this can be done in hot and cool climates, so wherever you want to go, there’s a good chance that an active choice is available too.

To help you learn more about active holidays and the many types available, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on some of the most popular options you can access. Read on to find out more and book the ideal getaway for a fitness lover today.

Walking holidays
Walking tours keep you on the move at all times and let you explore some of the more remote regions of a country. These are particularly popular across Europe and countries like Italy offer some of the best walking tours, whether this is through the culture of the cities or the hills of the Italian countryside.

This type of active holiday can be self-guided or you can hire an expert to help you navigate the different terrain. Plus, walking tours can vary in difficulty, making them accessible to most walkers – including novices.

Biking holidays
If you want to see some beautiful locations in a new country but want a thrilling journey along the way, then a biking tour may be the ideal solution. You can navigate some tricky terrain and travel at speed as you take in the breathtaking views of this place you’re visiting.

You’ll find wonderful biking holidays all over the world but if you don’t want to travel too far afield, then the UK also has many impressive bike tours available as well!

Skiing and snowboarding
If you want an active holiday but don’t want hot weather then this could be a great option for you. Each year, around 1.5 million Brits go on skiing holidays, which highlights its popularity. This example of an active holiday can be quite costly but will be more than worth it once you hit the slopes.

Fitness retreats
If you’re really into your fitness or the gym, then a fitness retreat could be the best holiday for you to go on. These work as a boot camp and you’ll be joined by plenty of like-minded people who you can get to know during the workouts or while you’re all recovering after a gruelling day of fitness.

The article What are the best types of holidays for fitness lovers first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

“We know a lot travelers have been dreaming of funnel cakes, loop de loops, and the excitement of taking a trip to the theme park,” said Mike Pearce, HomeToGo Spokesperson and Travel Expert, “We also know that travelers are paying close attention to their budgets this summer, which is why we created this index, looking at where thrill-seekers can get the most fun for their money. As international travel continues to make a rebound, we are delighted to open up our index beyond the mainland U.S. to highlight parks in Canada and Mexico and give travelers even more parks to add to their bucket lists!”

Based on the cost of a one-day adult admission ticket, parking and HomeToGo’s own data for nearby accommodations, as well as the number of roller coasters and attractions, here’s a look at the top rankings from the 2023 Theme Park Index:

Top Theme Parks in North America Overall for 2023

Most Affordable Theme Parks in North America Based on Price for 2023

Top Theme Parks in North America Based on Number of Attractions for 2023

Additional key takeaways from this year’s Theme Park Index include:

• Best Park for Thrill-Seekers: The park with the highest number of operating roller coasters (20) in this year’s ranking is Six Flags Magic Mountain, CA.
• Most Affordable Park to Visit and Stay Nearby: Magic Kingdom in Bay Lake, Florida has the most affordable vacation homes nearby with median nightly prices at just $17.51 per night.
• Most Affordable States: Amusement parks in New York, Alabama, Indiana and Iowa climb to the affordable peak of this year’s ranking, whereas world-renowned parks in Florida and California are on the pricier side.
• Average Entry Price Across North America: This year, the average price for an adult entry ticket is $77.71 per person. Disneyland Park, CA (#31) and Disney California Adventure Park, CA (#32) boast the highest price ticket at $169, whereas Tropic Falls at OWA (#19) in Alabama is best for budget-savvy travelers with an entry fee of $26.99.
• Average Number of Attractions and Roller Coasters: When looking at all of the theme parks in this year’s index, the average number of roller coasters at each park is around 7.3. The total number of attractions, however, is much higher at an average of 33 per park.
• Dual Rankings: Highlighted as top destinations in both the overall and attraction-based rankings, Cedar Point, Canada’s Wonderland, Hersheypark and Six Flags Fiesta Texas have solidified their status as premier destinations this theme park season, blending an array of attractions and an overall affordable amusement park experience.

The article HomeToGo releases 2023 Theme Park Index for North America first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

In partnership with the San Francisco 49ers, the Bay Area Host Committee and the City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco Travel worked collectively to bring NFL’s biggest game back to the Bay Area exactly a decade after the region last hosted the marquee event in 2016.

“We could not be more excited to welcome the Super Bowl back to the San Francisco Bay Area. Professional leagues and premier event organizers are choosing San Francisco over and over again because there is no other region in the world that can match the world class venues, best-in-class accommodations, and cultural, dining and outdoor experiences that we deliver,” said San Francisco Travel President and CEO Joe D’Alessandro. “This is a huge win for our region and our economy, and we look forward to welcoming the NFL and visitors from around the world in 2026.”

San Francisco Travel, in partnership with fellow destination marketing organizations Discover Santa Clara, Visit San Jose and the San Francisco Peninsula, led the effort to source and secure over 20,000 hotel room night commitments from properties across the region. In addition, San Francisco Travel worked closely with the Bay Area Host Committee leadership to secure special event venues that will host programming throughout San Francisco – including fan activations at Moscone Center – in the week leading up to Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

In 2016, Super Bowl 50 generated nearly $250 million in economic impact, drew more than one million fans to the Bay Area, and helped regional hotels bring in $181 million in revenue – four times as much when compared to previous years. Based on recent Super Bowls, Super Bowl LX is anticipated to surpass these numbers, generating an even larger impact on the region.

“Tourism is an essential part of the Bay Area’s economy and Super Bowl LX will bring tens of thousands of visitors from around the country to our region,” said Zaileen Janmohamed, president and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. “The Bay Area Host Committee is proud of its partnership with San Francisco Travel in bringing the Super Bowl back to the Bay.”

San Francisco has carved out its place as a premier destination for hosting large-scale sporting events. Just five months after Super Bowl LX, the San Francisco Bay Area will be on the world stage again as it serves as a host city for the historic FIFA World Cup 2026. San Francisco Travel has been a key driver in bringing premier sporting events to the city in recent years, helping to secure and promote other major events including the 2013 America’s Cup, 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens, the 2020 PGA Championship, and the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball West Regionals. Looking ahead, San Francisco will welcome the 2028 PGA Championship and the 2033 Ryder Cup.

These events solidify San Francisco’s legacy as a world class destination and are significant drivers of economic impact as they boost visitation, direct spending, hotel occupancy and revenue, and media coverage.

The article Super Bowl LX to bring major economic boost to the San Francisco Bay area in 2026 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The winners of the four award categories were unveiled during the third day of ECF’s annual flagship conference, Velo-city, which is taking place in Leipzig, Germany. The award ceremony was hosted by ECF President Henk Swarttouw and ECF CEO Jill Warren in front of a full house of conference attendees.

The winners of the awards:

• The City of Helsingborg for the Cycling Infrastructure Award
• The City of Essen for the Cycle-Friendly Employer Award, sponsored by JobRad.
• The City of Oslo for the Road Safety Award, sponsored by Geveko Markings.
• The City of Heidelberg for the Cycling Improvement Award, sponsored by Eco-Counter.

The City of Helsingborg – Cycling Infrastructure Award
Helsinborg’s Varvsbron Bridge is a magnificent cycling and pedestrian bridge that not only looks incredible but also places active travel at the top of the local mobility pyramid. This landmark bridge encourages people to get on their bikes by connecting the up-and-coming smart neighbourhood of Oceanhamnen with the city centre and a nearby public transport hub. Its sleek design and gently sloping, meandering shape gives users a smooth ride, as they cross over the city’s harbour in style.

The City of Essen – Cycle-Friendly Employer Award
The City of Essen is truly a standout in their field. Since earning a silver-level Cycle-Friendly Employer certification in 2019, their continued efforts saw them upgraded to a gold-level certificate in 2022. A great example of “Leading the Transition”, they have been sponsoring other local CFE companies and joining forces with organisations and authorities to form a network of cycle-friendly employers. The numbers speak for themselves, with 18 CFE certified employers now in the city.

The City of Oslo – Road Safety Award
Oslo is a city that has been making incredible progress in recent years towards becoming one of Europe’s safest cities for cyclists. Thanks to the city’s ambitions and concrete actions, a 2022 public survey revealed that 31% of respondents now consider it safe to cycle in the city, a meteoric rise from only 9% in 2014. Following radical changes to city streets, such as the implementation of 30 km/h speed limits and the removal of over 700 on-street parking spots inside the city’s inner ring road, this city became one of the first in Europe to achieve Vision Zero, with zero road deaths on its streets in 2019, and has since been leading the way with one of the fewest numbers of cyclist fatalities per year in Europe.

City of Heidelberg – Cycling Improvement Award
With 40% of Heidelberg’s inhabitants using their bikes as their main mode of transport for inner city journeys, the city has clear ambitions and is implementing concrete actions that are further increasing and improving cycling as part of a larger transition. In 2022, the city’s cycling counters recorded a 17% growth in the amount of bicycle journeys compared to the previous year – from an already high base. The public bike-sharing service registered almost twice as many rentals (325,165) rentals as in the previous year (166,465). Investments in cycling infrastructure include more bicycle parking, as well as a new programme to improve rural-to-urban cycling paths to enable more and safer commuting by bike. The city has also provided subsidies for bicycle purchase. And their leaders are “leading by example”, with the city’s Mayor Eckart Würzner known to lead informative cycling tours for citizens.

Speaking at the ceremony, Swarttouw acknowledged the excellent work and progress made by all the winners, stating: “Velo-city is the world’s premier event for cycling advocacy and promotion, and the European Cyclists’ Federation’s flagship event for knowledge exchange throughout the global cycling community. This is why we believe there is no better place to recognise and celebrate the efforts and achievements of those who are striving to ensure more cycling in their cities and regions.”

On behalf of ECF, he extended his thanks to all the sponsors who helped make the awards possible.

The next edition of the awards will be held during Velo-city 2024 Ghent, Belgium.

The article European Cyclists’ Federation announces winners of ECF Awards at Velo-city 2023 first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

UpLift features a wide assortment of strength-training and cardio equipment, plenty of stretching space, two Peloton bikes, a variety of treadmills, free weights, and a wide arrange of additional equipment from Technogym. Other progressive equipment includes a TRX suspension machine and the Technogym Skill Mill, which uses your bodyweight as opposed to any mechanical assistance.

“We heard loud and clear from our guests that they desired to maintain their healthy lifestyles while traveling on the road. This was the catalyst for the commitment to a total transformation of our recreational space,” said General Manager Pauline Brion. “UpLift is a game changer for us and our guests. It provides them with an incredible lifestyle experience that they cannot find at any other hotel in Reno and in very few hotels across the country.”

“Technogym has earned a reputation in the world of sport for the exceptional quality, innovative technology and performance of its equipment,” said Sean Cronan, business development for Technogym. “Over the years, many of the world’s leading teams and athletes have chosen Technogym equipment to improve their performance, undertake injury prevention and for rehabilitation purposes. We are excited for the Courtyard’s guests to bring out their athletic selves at UpLift.”

Courtyard by Marriott Reno is pleased to invite hotel guests, local business partners and the community to attend an Opening Reception for the UpLift Fitness Hub on Thursday, May 4th from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. No RSVP is required.

The Courtyard by Marriott Reno offers an exceptional location and modern hotel amenities that blend comfort & convenience. The hotel’s 117 well-appointed rooms offer ergonomic workstations, large 55” Smart TVs and plush Marriott bedding. Other hotel amenities include free Wi-Fi, complimentary parking & EV charging, and on-site restaurant The Bistro.

The article Courtyard by Marriott Reno unveils new UpLift Fitness Hub first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

White water rafting safety
White water rafting can be dangerous, so it’s important that you take adequate safety precautions, especially with family. Before heading out on the water, ensure you and your family are wearing life jackets and helmets–they need to be tightened snugly so they don’t slip off during the adventure. Additionally, make sure you and your family are familiar with the basics of white water rafting, such as how to paddle and respond to an emergency. If you go through a rafting company, they will cover all of this with you beforehand.

Best locations for white water rafting
The best white water rafting locations can be found all over the world. Some of the most admired places in the United States include the Grand Canyon in Arizona, the Arkansas River in Colorado, and the Gauley River in West Virginia. The most talked-of white water rafting locations in Europe include the Vltava River in the Czech Republic and the Sjoa River in Norway.

Research the rapids beforehand and check the weather and river levels wherever you go. It will help ensure you and your family have a safe and enjoyable white water rafting experience.

Tips for booking a white water rafting trip
Booking for white water rafting tickets can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never done it before. Fortunately, a few tips can help make the process easier. First, look for tour companies with good reviews and the type of trip suitable for you. Many tour companies offer discounts for families and groups. Finally, book your trip in advance once you’ve chosen a tour company. It will ensure that you get the best price and availability.

What to pack for white water rafting
Before heading out on your white water rafting adventure, ensure you and your family have the necessary gear. It includes life jackets, helmets, and a dry bag for each person’s belongings. Bring as much water as possible and sugary snacks to keep everyone hydrated and energized.

Bringing a first aid kit for minor injuries is also a good idea. And don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the sun. Finally, don’t forget to bring a camera to capture all the memories!

Choosing the right raft for the family
Size is an essential factor when choosing a raft for your white water rafting adventure. You’ll need a big raft if you’re going with a larger group. Additionally, you’ll want to consider the type of rapids you’ll be navigating. You’ll need a sturdier raft going on a more challenging river. When in doubt, it’s best to consult with a professional. They can help you find the proper raft for your needs.

Special considerations for family white water rafting
White water rafting with children requires a few extra considerations. First, ensure your children are old and mature enough to handle the challenge. Additionally, you’ll want to ensure they understand safety’s importance. It includes wearing the proper gear and following instructions.

Finally, you’ll want to choose a white water rafting trip suitable for children. If you’re unsure which trip to choose, it’s best to consult a professional. They can help you find the right trip for your family.

The article White water rafting with the family: What you need to know first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

While other fans might prefer following the sport’s progress on online platforms like Betway, there will always be passionate fans who will go to any length to watch their team play and cheer them on. Let’s look at what a sports fan needs to know about traveling to see their team play.

Factors to consider while traveling to follow your favorite sports team
You have to know where you will support your favorite sports team. Different sports like football and basketball all take place in different locations. Here are some things to think about when deciding where to go:

Timing
Take into account the event’s schedule. It’s important to remember that major athletic events like the World Cup and the Olympics don’t happen yearly.

Accommodation
Find out what kinds of lodging are available in the region. If you want to prevent any hiccups, make your hotel reservations early.

The sport
Pick the destination your favorite team will be playing at. For example, if you are a football fan traveling to see the UEFA Championship League, Europe is your destination. You can also participate in sports betting on reputable betting sites like the betway app, where you can wager on your favorite team.

Budget
Think about how much money you can spend before deciding where to go. It is important to budget for your trip, as some locations can be quite pricey, especially during major athletic competitions.
Benefits of Traveling to Follow Your Favorite Sports Team

It’s simple to make friends with other fans
Being a sports enthusiast makes you feel like you’re a part of something bigger and makes it simpler to make friends with other fans. Since you and the other person share a common interest, striking up a conversation is simple. You can chat about how the game was played or what you enjoyed most, which can be a good icebreaker and possibly the start of a long friendship.

It generates income in the hosting country
Sports-related tourism may be a major source of income for the hosting countries. Sports tourists typically use facilities and equipment, spending money on different activities.

This means they benefit the economy directly by creating jobs and bringing in revenue. A good example is the 2022 world cup which attracted a lot of people and, at the same time, created employment opportunities for the citizens of Qatar.

It offers entertainment
Sports tourism brings exciting and wholesome entertainment to the location it is held. It unites people from different backgrounds who share a love of sports.

Sports tourists can find a safe and supportive community amongst other adventurers from all around the world. You can take entertainment to the next level by wagering on your team on Betway and seeing the action unfold live.

There are several things you can do ahead of time to ensure that your sports travel journey is a success. They include:

• Do homework on your vacation spot to better appreciate the local cultures, activities, and sights.
• Learn some simple phrases in the native language before you visit a distant nation.
• Take into account your destination and planned activities, then pack accordingly.

Conclusion
There are numerous opportunities to cheer for your favorite team at yearly sporting events. Since many nations and cities have deep ties to various sports, you can combine sightseeing with your favorite pastime on your next vacation by visiting one of the sports-centric destinations. Visiting these well-known venues would be a dream for any sports fan.

The article Traveling to follow your favorite sports team first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

The announcement by the country’s Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Antiquities Tom Butiime means that, rather than having to go through immigration and customs in Entebbe airport, visitors will be able to go land surrounded by a landscape rich in elephants, antelope and other wildlife.

The minister told attendees at the tourism expo staged in the country’s Kampala that four airstrips will be tarmacked and coded and immigration posts established in Kasese, Kidepo, Pakuba and Kisoro National Parks.

Hailing the news as a “game changer”, Mr Butiime said the improvement had been ordered by the country’s President, Yoweri Museveni, and the directive given to the country’s cabinet. He said this would enable tourists from Dubai or Frankfurt to fly directly to these destinations on their private jets.

Previously the only airstrips at the locations were ‘bush’ airstrips, thereby requiring visitors to enter Uganda via Entebbe near the country’s capital Kampala and then find alternative transportation such as a caravan aircraft or to travel by road to visit the locations.

The announcement was made during Uganda’s four-day Pearl of Africa Tourism Expo staged by the Uganda Tourism Board, which started Tuesday and ended Friday at the capital’s Commonwealth Resort Hotel. Around 150 exhibitors and 5000 trade buyers were present at the event, which is now in its seventh year and includes tour operators, travel agents, hoteliers and other tourism experts.

Visitor numbers to Uganda have bounced back strongly in 2023 after the Covid pandemic with numbers expected to be back at pre-pandemic numbers next year. There are presently around 1.5 million visitors a year, contributing 7.7 per cent to the country’s GDP.

Lilly Ajarova, the CEO of the Uganda Tourism Board, said: “This year’s expo not only points to our recovery but also highlights to our readiness to host the tourism community once again.

“The expo has grown to become a signature event for Uganda’s tourism. That way, Uganda will receive more travelers and its associated benefits included increased tourism revenue and employment.”

She said Uganda was targeting responsible and sustainable tourism as a new trend. Sustainable tourism has been defined by the World Tourism Organisation as tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities, Ms Ajarova said.

“We will promote the use of recyclable materials, reduction of waste but also promote the conservation of the environment while respecting the host communities.”

Uganda is home to 10 national parks, including the famous Bwindi Impenetrable National Park which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Uganda is also home to the source of the Nile, the world’s longest river, and has a rich cultural heritage that is characterized by diverse ethnic groups, languages, and traditions.

The article Uganda to open new airfields to allow international flights to land direct in its National Parks first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “Sports Tourism plays a key role in enhancing economic growth and social development in many destinations. It creates jobs and supports businesses in cities and rural communities alike. In order to maximize its potential, public and private sector actors must collaborate, and that’s where UNWTO steps in”.

Ms. Nikolina Brnjac, Minister of Tourism and Sport of Croatia said: “I am very proud of having hosted this Congress in Croatia. We enjoyed hearing many excellent international and Croatian speakers, as well as presenting the many opportunities of sustainable development of sports tourism in Croatia. Croatian government has secured generous funds for building active tourism infrastructure, in line with our goal of making Croatia a globally competitive sports tourism destination.”

Delivering sports tourism’s benefits

Alongside assessing the impacts of sports tourism, the Congress also explored the potential benefits of the growing sector, including its links to health and wellbeing, and its importance for promoting destinations to bigger and more diverse audiences. In Zadar, leaders from both established and emerging sports tourism destinations shared their insights and best practices to produce recommendations for growing the sector in size and influence.

The article 2nd World Sports Tourism Congress: Tourism and sports united for sustainability first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.