Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced a special offer for the Holiday Journeys in the Sea of Cortez on their December 29, 2012 expedition. This extraordinary adventure in Baja California is now available with an offer of one child (17 and under) voyage for free with two full-fare-paying adults, a second child will receive 50% off. OR guests may opt to receive free roundtrip air from Los Angeles to La Paz.

No ordinary Baja cruise, this is an unforgettable holiday in an eco-playground of wildness - an expedition seeking encounters with rare wildlife, afternoons on idyllic beaches and enriching experiences. Set on the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird, this family adventure includes activities exclusively for kids including Zodiac-driving lessons; a fun, hands-on science program; journal writing; ship navigation; point & shoot photo sessions and movie nights.

Expedition Highlights include:

· A dynamic expedition team of six experts – naturalists, an undersea specialist, a Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor and a veteran expedition leader –
the most engaging and knowledgeable in Baja.

· Kayaking, Zodiac rides, snorkeling and swimming among sea lions, dolphins and sea birds, and hiking in an otherworldly forest of giant cacti.

· Explore pristine desert islands named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site; experience colonial culture in historic Loreto with its beautiful 300-year old mission and journey into the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains to visit San Javier Mission in the company of a sacred art expert; track bottlenose dolphins near Isla Danzante, and take in a beach barbecue beneath a starry sky.

Rates begin at $4,680 per person based on double occupancy in a Category 1 cabin for the December 29th departure, with limited cabins available. To receive the special offer of one child cruises free with 2 adults and 2nd child 50% off, OR the option of complimentary round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to La Paz, booking must be made by October 31st, 2012. These offers are subject to availability, valid on new bookings only and are not combinable with other offers. Free roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles to La Paz is also available on the December 15, 2012 departure, same terms apply.

For more information or to book your Lindblad Expeditions experience today, visit www.expeditions.com, call 1-800-EXPEDITION (1800-397-3348) or call your travel agent.

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I'm away on a press trip until 15th October.

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Small Ship Cruise Expert AdventureSmith Explorations
Announces Rare and Deep Discounts on Antarctic Cruises

Tahoe City, CA, Oct. 1, 2012 – AdventureSmith Explorations (http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/) the active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small, expedition ships, reports unprecedented deep discounts in cruises to Antarctica this coming season.

“One of the main factors may be that travel bookings slow down as a U.S. Presidential election approaches,” speculates Todd Smith, AdventureSmith founder and director. Smith explains that August through November is prime booking season for Antarctica small ship expeditions.

“Every four years there seems to be excess cruise capacity to Antarctica and consequently ship owners provide deep discounts, but this year seems special and a great opportunity for adventurous travelers seeking to check off a bucket list vacation to the bottom of the planet.”

He attributes this to “people being reluctant to make big purchases prior to an election due to any perceived uncertainty about the future. The trend is not nearly as pronounced in other lower ticket travel destinations. We noticed this trend in 2000, 2004 and it was especially pronounced in the 2008 election cycle and economic downturn.”

Following are programs discounted up to 30 percent and others offering significant charter air savings. Small cruise vessels that ply these southern waters vary in capacity from 110 to 189 passengers.

At a 30 percent discount, Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise is geared toward the traveler interested in actively exploring away from the ship for enhanced adventures (kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, camping, mountaineering, scuba diving and photography workshops). Departure dates are Nov. 22-Dec. 3 and Dec. 3-13, 2012. The per person (double) rate before the discount begins at $8,050.
http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/170

The Antarctica Peninsula with South Shetlands Cruise comes with a 30 percent discount aboard a research vessel that gets up close and personal with the land of snow and ice. Departure dates are Dec. 3-13, 2012, and Dec. 23-Jan. 1, 2012/13. The per person (double) rate before the discount is from $8,050. http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/169

Mawson’s Antarctica offers a discount of up to 15 percent (or no single supplement). Beginning and ending in New Zealand, this 19-day expedition commands sightings of elephant seals to wandering Albatross of Antarctica. Departure dates are Dec. 20-Jan 7, 2013, and Jan. 7-25, 2013. The person (double) rate before the discount is from $17,430. http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/276

Antarctica Air Cruise is a whale photo safari that comes with a $1,500 per person air credit for a Dec. 7-13 departure. The per person (double) rate is from $10,800. http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/173

National Geographic the White Continent is a journey with Lindblad Expeditions that comes with a $1,400 air credit or a $700 air credit and two complimentary days in Buenos Aires. This has the finest naturalist program of all Antarctic cruises. Departures are Nov. 27-Dec. 10 and Dec. 7-20, 2012. The per person (double) rate is from $11,740. http://www.adventuresmithexplorations.com/itinerarydetails.php/advid/68

Founded in 2003, AdventureSmith Explorations is based in Tahoe City, California along the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. Phone: 800-728-2875 toll-free or 530-583-1775. Email: travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com or visit the website: www.AdventureSmithExplorations.com.