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February 1, 2024
How can I be more sustainable in my daily life and while traveling?
  Becoming more sustainable and reducing our emissions starts by looking at our everyday actions, and then adapting or changing our habits. This can of course be challenging at the beginning, but once you start a sustainability journey it becomes easier, and best of all rewarding knowing that we are helping to create a future to be proud of.    Sustainable Practices     Reduce your carbon footprint: Minimize your greenhouse gas emissions by conserving energy at home, switching off lights more often and using energy-efficient appliances, insulating your home, and then rethinking your travel habits, like using public transportation or carpooling more often. Conserve water: Be mindful of your water usage by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and watering plants efficiently. Water treatment and distribution require energy, so conserving water indirectly reduces carbon emissions. Adopt sustainable practices: Change your purchasing habits, try to buy less ‘stuff’, recycle and compost to reduce waste, choose reusable products over disposable ones, and opt for environmentally friendly alternatives such as cloth bags instead of plastic bags. Support renewable energy: Transition to renewable energy sources like solar or wind power for your home. If feasible, invest in solar panels or consider supporting renewable energy initiatives in your area. Eat a sustainable diet: Reduce your meat consumption, particularly beef and lamb, as livestock agriculture contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet and support local, organic, and sustainably sourced food options. Don’t buy bottled water if tap water is safe to drink in your area. Plant trees and support reforestation efforts: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and help mitigate climate change. Participate in tree-planting initiatives or support organizations working on reforestation projects. Trees4Travel does a great job at this! Stay informed and spread awareness: Educate yourself about climate change and its impacts. Share your knowledge with others, engage in discussions, and encourage sustainable practices in your community. Advocate for policy changes: Support political leaders and organizations that prioritize climate action. Contact your elected representatives to express your concerns and support policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices.     Remember, individual actions, when combined with collective efforts, can lead to meaningful change. By taking steps to reduce your impact and inspiring others to do the same, you can contribute to the broader movement toward reversing climate change.    How to Reduce Emissions While Travelling     Choose eco-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels and accommodations that have sustainability initiatives in place, such as energy-efficient practices, waste reduction, and water conservation measures. Pack light: The more weight you carry, the more fuel is consumed during transportation. Only pack essentials and opt for multi-purpose items to reduce overall luggage weight. Use public transportation or walk: Whenever possible, use public transportation like buses, trains, or trams to get around. If the distance is manageable, consider walking or cycling instead. Avoid single-use plastics: Take toiletries in reusable bottles so that they can be brought home again, plus bring a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bag. It’s much better to refill a water bottle (as long as the water is safe to drink in the holiday destination) instead of buying plastic bottles. Say no to plastic straws and utensils that are offered on your trip. Support local businesses: When you can, opt for locally-owned accommodations, restaurants, and shops. Try to only purchase locally made gifts and pay a fair price. This helps the local economy and reduces the carbon footprint associated with imported goods. Respect the local environment and culture: Be mindful of the local customs, traditions, and the natural environment. Avoid activities that harm wildlife or damage fragile ecosystems - do not buy wildlife products such as ivory, tortoiseshells, coral, and shells, and ditch chemical sunscreens for reef-safe options. Conserve water and energy: Be conscious of water and energy usage. Turn off lights and air conditioning when leaving a hotel room, and reuse towels and linens. Go digital: If you can, avoid printing out travel documents and make use of digital alternatives.  Compensate carbon emissions: Anderson Vacations has partnered with Trees4Travel to plant 1 tree for every traveler. Trees4Travel translates a whole trip into trees and then backs up every tree with a share of investment into United Nations Renewable Energy (CER) Carbon Credits, a great way to give back to the planet and people.   This is a reminder that even small actions can make a significant difference and help minimize your environmental footprint!    Learn more about our partnership with Trees4Travel and how we are working to contribute to the well-being of our planet and its communities. 
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January 31, 2024
What is a carbon offset and is it enough to reduce emissions?
  The State of Our Planet The science is now clear, we must reduce our emissions by half by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 to help reverse climate change. Every single activity in our daily lives creates a carbon footprint. The energy and water we consume, the waste we generate, what we eat, how we shop, and when we travel. It is paramount that we begin to slow down our consumption, the planet simply cannot keep up. Reducing emissions where we are can and drawing down existing carbon that is currently in the atmosphere is vital to ensure a safe and sustainable world for our children and future generations. A carbon offset is a way to compensate for your carbon emissions by supporting projects that produce clean energy or reduce carbon emissions in other ways – a kind of balancing out or neutralizing of emissions. As an example, airplanes at this moment in time, cannot stop releasing emissions so, if we wish to continue to fly, we need to stop emissions from being released somewhere else - we can do this by maybe investing in renewable energy solutions such as solar panels to help power a factory that might have otherwise have used fossil fuels to generate electricity.   Carbon Offset Solutions   Renewable energy Renewable energy is energy that is collected from resources that are naturally replenished, including carbon-neutral sources like sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat. Through investments renewable energy solutions are becoming more widely available and the renewables share of the power generation mix worldwide is set to rise from 29% to 35% by 2025.   Trees Trees absorb and store carbon emissions, then release oxygen into the air. They stand as one of our most effective carbon technologies. Scientists assert that they "know of no other solution that is quantitatively as large in terms of carbon capture." Earth once hosted 6 trillion trees; today, only about 3 trillion trees remain. Deforestation is the second-largest emitter of carbon at 20%, following power generation, the largest emitter at 25%. Existing forests around the world currently absorb approximately 30% of annual emissions. If we restore nature, we can achieve an additional carbon drawdown of 20 to 30%. Therefore, we need to protect existing forests and continue restoring those that have been destroyed.   Direct Air Carbon Capture (DACC) Direct Air Carbon Capture involves the process of chemically scrubbing carbon dioxide directly from the ambient air and then trapping the CO2, moving it to a storage location (usually underground). This technology generally uses renewable energy to power the solution, but as of yet, there isn’t enough green energy to do this and power our homes, businesses, and road transport. Fossil fuels are used to make up the difference, which lessens the impact of real progress in this area. This means that this technology still needs a lot of work to be efficient. Even so, carbon offsetting can help reach our reduction targets but should not be an excuse for inaction elsewhere. Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy will take time, and there is no silver bullet solution, but we must support climate action that reduces emissions and drives sustainable development. Carbon offsets/compensation solutions are therefore important and powerful tools while we wait for new technologies to be implemented.   The Travel Industy Travel is a very challenging industry to decarbonize, and although there have been skeptics around offset programs, the right high-quality projects can mitigate the immediate impact on the environment. Any carbon we can prevent from going into the atmosphere and any carbon we can remove from the atmosphere will help. By growing trees through reforestation, protecting existing forests (trees, of course, being one of our best carbon absorbers), and investing in renewables, we can significantly impact some of the most powerful mechanisms to help us move towards a green economy. Trees4Travel goes to great lengths to bring the very best possible compensation packages to travelers at an affordable price, with a positive impact on both the planet and people, now and into the future. We engage with travelers, tell stories, and track progress to emphasize that every action counts. We choose compensation partners and projects wisely to ensure the highest quality positive impact because we all have a role to play, so that we can all be part of the solution. We cannot reach net zero without a combination of approaches, with all of us actively trying to find ways to reduce our consumption, using carbon offsets, and growing forests. While the scientists and engineers of the world work on better solutions for transport and energy, we must all start the process towards positive change – remembering that making an impact is not achieved merely by the big efforts of the few, but rather by the sum of all the endeavors of many.   Learn more about our partnership with Trees4Travel and how we are working to contribute to the well-being of our planet and its communities.
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January 31, 2024
Why is it so important that we keep planting trees?
  The State of Our Planet Our climate is changing, and our Earth is now heating at a rate unprecedented in at least 2000 years (IPCC Report 2022). This is causing extreme weather events because carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, primarily created through the burning of fossil fuels, are accumulating in the atmosphere, creating an additional planetary blanket. This means that less heat from the sun can escape back to space. Our environment, biodiversity, communities, and livelihoods are all being adversely affected by more frequent extreme weather events. Although these types of natural disasters have occurred before, today climate change is super-sizing them, making them much more dangerous and damaging.     What Can Trees Do? Trees can play a vital role in helping to restore the natural balance on our planet. They absorb harmful pollutants and store carbon emissions, subsequently releasing oxygen into the air. Currently, trees represent one of our most effective carbon technologies. There used to be 6 trillion trees on Earth, but today only about 3 trillion trees remain. We are losing approximately 15 billion trees annually and destroying an area of forest equivalent to a football field every 1.2 seconds. At the current rate of deforestation, the world's rainforests could completely disappear within 100 years. Deforestation is also the second-largest emitter of CO2 at 20%, primarily due to land clearing for cattle rearing and agriculture. Scientific research estimates that a worldwide tree-planting program could remove two-thirds of all CO2 emissions. Scientists assert that they "know of no other solution that is quantitatively as large in terms of carbon capture." Existing forests around the world currently absorb about 30% of annual CO2 emissions, and if we restore nature, we could achieve an additional carbon drawdown of 20 to 30% (Dr. Thomas Crowther, 2022). Calculations suggest that there is still around 900 million hectares of tree restoration potential in the world, which is sufficient to plant 1.2 trillion trees. Therefore, we need to protect existing forests and continue restoring those that have been destroyed.   Trees are truly critical to the well-being of our planet, but we must remember that nature is not just a carbon store; it is the infinite network of ecosystems that is vital to human life (Thomas Crowther, 2022). Forests nurture and improve our soils, act as carbon sinks, clean the air we breathe by absorbing harmful pollutants, provide healthy food, serve as natural aqueducts helping water quality, and offer habitat to 80% of the world’s terrestrial plants and animals. Shockingly, in the last 50 years, we have experienced massive loss in biodiversity; the world's wildlife populations have plummeted by more than two-thirds (WWF). Biodiversity includes pollinators such as bees, one of the world’s species vital to food production, pollinating around a third of our food. Finally, some 1.6 billion people worldwide depend directly on forests and their biodiversity for food, shelter, energy, medicines, and income (UN Global Forests Report 2021). Reforestation in those places where we have already lost trees is the key. Where the conditions are right, we can harness the power of nature to help create a future in which both people and nature can thrive. Natural climate solutions can be effective if the role of local communities as sources of indigenous knowledge is listened to, included, and supported integrally in any reforestation project. Only then can we ensure that the forests we grow become permanent and sustainable. There is no doubt that a stable future climate requires revolutions in our energy sector and massive efforts by all of us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. "Just" planting trees and continuing business as usual is not a solution; we must use a combination of approaches if we want to help reverse climate change. This includes those all-important trees, but noticing, measuring, and reducing our consumption is the first step to reducing emissions. Whatever is then left and hard to reduce, we should look at compensating in a meaningful way with high-quality carbon offsets.   Learn more about our partnership with Trees4Travel and how we are working to contribute to the well-being of our planet and its communities.
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January 30, 2024
Rocky Mountaineer: Your Invitation to Explore the Rockies
Are you more of a history buff, or a wildlife watcher? Do you yearn to follow the route of gold-seeking pioneers of the 1860s, or is spotting a soaring eagle or a handsome bear top of your list? Do snow-capped peaks tickle your fancy, or are you excited by bold red sandstone landscapes? Iconic train Rocky Mountaineer offers four distinctive rail journeys that explore the North American Rocky Mountains: the Rockies to the Red Rocks Route travels between Moab, Utah, and Denver, Colorado in the US, while in Canada, three routes connect the Pacific city of Vancouver with the Canadian Rocky Mountains. No matter which you choose, as you sink into your roomy reclining seat with a glass of wine, you'll enjoy an inspiring mix of nature's greatest hits, storytelling that brings your surroundings to life, and Rocky Mountaineer's legendary service.    Rockies to the Red Rocks   The newest Rocky Mountaineer experience, Rockies to the Red Rocks is an epic two-day rail journey that follows the Colorado River from towering red stone monuments in the west out to the Mile High City in the east, through vast canyons, alpine forests, and even a wine-growing region. Between Moab, on the edge of Arches National Park in Utah and Glenwood Springs, Colorado, you’ll get an up-close look at the burnt orange sandstone walls of Ruby Canyon and the view through orchards to the magnificent Mount Garfield. Travelling between Glenwood Springs and Denver, you’ll pass through a procession of canyons, climb high into the Colorado Rockies, and cross the Continental Divide via the historic 10-kilometre (6 mile) Moffat Tunnel.   Explore 10 Day to the Red Rocks Rail and Drive, our independent travel itinerary featuring the best of Utah's National Parks with breathtaking landscapes.      First Passage to the West   The two-day First Passage to the West route chugs along the historic tracks of the country’s first coast-to-coast railway between Vancouver and Banff or Lake Louise, with an overnight stay in Kamloops. Pass by the snarling rapids of Hell’s Gate—named for explorer Simon Fraser’s assertion that “surely these are the gates of Hell”—and the twin rail bridges of Cisco Crossing. Between Kamloops and Banff, you’ll witness the site of the “last spike” driven into the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 at Craigellachie and experience the engineering marvel of the Spiral Tunnels. As you travel through Banff National Park be awed by views of towering Castle Mountain and Mount Rundle.   Explore 11 Day Glacier, Rails, Bears, and Whales Expedition, our independent travel itinerary featuring untouched landscapes and majestic wildlife on your journey through the West.        Journey through the Clouds   Also, two days long, Journey through the Clouds travels between Vancouver and Jasper, traversing some of the most remote landscapes in Canada, with scenery and wildlife largely untouched by humans. Like First Passage to the West, the rail route passes the rushing Hell’s Gate and Cisco Crossing, travelling along both the Fraser and Thompson rivers. Between Kamloops and Jasper, the train passes the glacier-fed, three-tiered Pyramid Falls; Mount Albreda; and Mount Robson—the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet). Mount Robson is so big that it often forms its own weather patterns, with clouds enveloping the peak while the rest of the sky is blue. Jasper National Park is a Dark Sky Preserve known for stargazing, wildlife around every corner and some of the best outdoor adventures in the Canadian Rockies.   Explore 10 Day Ultimate Canadian Rockies with Rocky Mountaineer, our escorted group tour featuring an in-depth exploration of the mighty Canadian Rockies and iconic resort towns Banff and Jasper.            Rainforest to Gold Rush   For those that want to delve further into Western Canada’s history and diverse landscapes—and spend more time on the train—the three-day Rainforest to Gold Rush route takes a northerly path between Vancouver and Jasper, uncovering the stories of those early prospectors seeking to make their fortune. This rail route also boasts the most trestle bridges, making it a favourite with train fans. With overnights in Whistler and Quesnel, on this journey you’ll climb through rainforest into the alpine alongside the southern fjord of Howe Sound, pass the deep turquoise waters of Seton and Anderson lakes, travel along the desert like Cariboo Plateau, cross the historic Cottonwood River Bridge, and take in Mount Robson. With two of Western Canada’s best outdoor adventure hubs on this train journey, Whistler and Jasper, this rail route is the perfect fit if you love exploring nature.   Explore 8 Days Rainforest and Peaks Circle Rail Journey, our independent travel itinerary featuring the very best that Alberta's National Parks have to offer.          All rail routes are available in both directions: starting in the west and travelling east into the Rockies, or vice versa, which means that you have the choice to kick off your vacation with big city sightseeing and dining at the hottest restaurants, or with fresh air outdoor adventures and touring the national parks. Every Rocky Mountaineer rail journey travels only during daylight hours so you can be sure you’re not missing a moment of those picture-postcard views you’ve come to see. And whether you’re travelling in SilverLeaf Service or GoldLeaf Service (or SilverLeaf Plus in the US), you’ll enjoy freshly prepared cuisine paired with a glass of wine or a local craft beer, as your onboard Hosts bring the scenery to life, and you swap stories with your new lifelong friends.   Click here to view more Anderson Vacations tours that incorporate the best of land & rail with Rocky Mountaineer. Whether you are looking to travel independently or on a group tour, we have options for all types of travellers.    All photos by Rocky Mountaineer
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January 5, 2024
Planning Your Perfect 10-Day Saskatchewan Road Trip Itinerary
Embarking on a 10-day road trip through Saskatchewan promises an immersive journey, unveiling the province's diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and hidden treasures. Get ready to traverse from vibrant cities to serene natural wonders, crafting unforgettable memories along the way. Day 1-2: Gateway to Adventure  Your adventure begins in Saskatoon, a vibrant city known for its riverfront parks and cultural heritage. Explore the Western Development Museum, celebrating the region's history, and stroll along the beautiful South Saskatchewan Riverbank. Don't miss the Remai Modern Art Gallery, showcasing diverse artworks. Saskatoon sets the perfect tone for your Saskatchewan odyssey. Day 3-4: Urban Charms & Historic Treasures Welcome to Regina, Saskatchewan's capital steeped in history and urban charm. Dive into the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, offering insights into the province's natural history. Visit the iconic Legislative Building, an architectural marvel. Don't forget to explore Wascana Centre, an urban parkland offering scenic views and relaxation amidst city bustle. Day 5-6: Nature's Embrace Journey to Grasslands National Park, a haven of rugged beauty and unique landscapes. Marvel at the vastness of the East Block's prairies and explore the geological wonders of the Frenchman River Valley. Trek through diverse terrain, spotting unique flora and fauna while experiencing the untouched wilderness. Day 7-8: Lake Escapes Head to Waskesiu Lake in Prince Albert National Park, a serene escape amidst nature. Engage in outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, or simply relish the tranquil lakeside ambiance. Unwind amid lush forests and pristine waters, capturing the essence of Saskatchewan's natural allure. Day 9-10: Luxurious Retreat Conclude your expedition with a lavish retreat at Elk Ridge Resort, Saskatchewan's epitome of luxury. Nestled in nature, indulge in the resort's amenities, from spa treatments to golfing, and embrace the tranquility of the surrounding wilderness. Conclusion As your 10-day Saskatchewan road trip comes to an end, reminisce about the cultural immersion, scenic wonders, and unforgettable experiences that define this adventure. Saskatchewan's blend of urban delights, natural beauty, and luxury retreats promises an unparalleled journey worth cherishing. Saskatchewan Road Trip offers a blend of experiences that weave together the tapestry of this Canadian province. From the bustling cities of Saskatoon and Regina to the serene natural beauty of Grasslands National Park and Waskesiu Lake, each stop unveils a different facet of Saskatchewan's charm. The adventure culminates in the lavish embrace of Elk Ridge Resort, where nature and luxury converge to offer the ultimate retreat. Saskatchewan Road Trip encapsulates the essence of exploration, offering a perfect harmony between urban discoveries, raw natural landscapes, and indulgent relaxation. Whether delving into history, hiking through pristine wilderness, or unwinding in opulent comfort, this road trip weaves a narrative of diverse experiences, leaving an indelible mark on your travel memoirs. Saskatchewan Road Trip beckons, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in a tapestry of history, nature, and luxury—an odyssey worth embarking upon. Saskatchewan Road Trip encapsulates the essence of exploration, offering a perfect harmony between urban discoveries, raw natural landscapes, and indulgent relaxation. Whether delving into history, hiking through pristine wilderness, or unwinding in opulent comfort, this road trip weaves a narrative of diverse experiences, leaving an indelible mark on your travel memoirs. Saskatchewan Road Trip beckons, inviting travelers to immerse themselves in a tapestry of history, nature, and luxury—an odyssey worth embarking upon. Saskatchewan Road Trip, with its blend of urban charm, untamed natural beauty, and opulent retreats, paints a vivid picture of this Canadian province. From the vibrant cities to the tranquil lakeshores and untouched wilderness, each stop crafts a unique story within the larger narrative of your journey. As the trip draws to a close, reminisce on the cultural immersion, scenic vistas, and luxurious indulgences that have defined your adventure through Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan Road Trip embodies the essence of exploration, offering a symphony of experiences that celebrate the heart and soul of this remarkable province.      
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December 28, 2023
Exploring Saskatchewan's Hidden Gems: A Guide to Remote Lodges
Saskatchewan, often overlooked in travel itineraries, holds a treasure trove of natural marvels and secluded retreats waiting to be unearthed. Nestled within its untamed landscapes lie remote lodges offering unmatched experiences for intrepid explorers. Let's embark on an odyssey to unveil these concealed jewels. Why Saskatchewan's Remote Lodges? Saskatchewan's remote lodges serve as gateways to unblemished nature, where tranquility and wilderness intertwine seamlessly. Far removed from urban bustle, these lodges gift visitors serenity, awe-inspiring panoramas, and an opportunity to commune with nature. Immersive Wilderness Activities Saskatchewan's remote lodges offer a diverse spectrum of activities, from arduous hikes through unspoiled forests to tranquil canoe trips on glistening lakes. Traverse trails, angle in secluded waters, or unwind while immersed in untamed beauty. Local Experiences and Cultural Immersion Engage deeply with Saskatchewan's local culture, delving into the traditions, narratives, and rich heritage of indigenous communities. Immerse yourself in cultural events or relish regional delicacies for an authentic, enriching experience. Tips for Remote Travel Journeying to remote territories demands meticulous planning. Equip yourself with essentials, prepare for unforeseen circumstances, and embrace the simplicity of off-grid living. Prioritize safety while reveling in the adventure. Conclusion Saskatchewan's remote lodges offer an escape from the ordinary, beckoning travelers to embrace nature's unvarnished allure, engage in thrilling escapades, and craft indelible memories. Explore these concealed treasures, immerse yourself in solitude, and rekindle the joy of remote travel.
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CLASSIC TOURS

The style our travellers have enjoyed for over 20 years, these tours feature inclusive itineraries to popular destinations including the 'must see' sites and attractions. Led by an expert Tour Leader, you will enjoy comfortable accommodation, and coach transport throughout the journey.

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TOURS OF DISTINCTION

These tours are defined by their incomparably unique itineraries, featuring 'off the beaten path' destinations and immersive experiences. An intimate group size allows us to stay in smaller, centrally located, unique and boutique style inns, lodges and hotels, utilize traditional local transportation and dive deep into each destination's local culture and traditions.

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INDEPENDENT TRAVEL

These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs. Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests. Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences, or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation, and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.

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INDEPENDENT TRIPS

These travel experiences are fully customizable to better fit your needs. Every itinerary is created based on your comfort level, accommodation choices, and personal interests. Whether you are looking for a rail adventure, self drive holiday, unique experiences, or a short city stay our team will work with you on combining accommodation, transportation, and activities based on your preferences to create the perfect itinerary for you.

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