Wild orangutans are found only on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, so if you’ve been dying to see them, you might want to latch on to a package from Natural Habitat Adventures. The Wilds of Borneo: Orangutans & Beyond is a 14-day excursion that visits several nature reserves that are home to orangutans as well as myriad other wildlife: macaques and gibbons, barking deer and mouse deer, proboscis and leaf monkeys, rhinos and pygmy elephants. The opportunity to possibly view all of that and more doesn’t necessarily come easy as the trip’s rated moderate to difficult as far as physical activity. And, it’s not cheap, priced from $8,695 per person double occupancy plus about $600 more for internal flights. But then, unless you prefer your wildlife viewing in a zoo, this is the way to go. Info: 800-543-8917, www.tinyurl.com/ppygpe7
If you were planning a trip to Germany, what would top your list of must-sees? Certainly in Berlin you’d want to visit the Brandenburg Gate and remnants of the Berlin Wall. Cologne is defined by its Gothic cathedral. Munich goes together with beer and Oktoberfest. The Black Forest, Moselle Valley and Christmas markets also have to score high. Yet a survey conducted by the German tourist folks found that the top 100 sights and attractions is topped by — drumroll — an amusement park! Europa-Park, the largest theme park in German-speaking countries, took over the top spot from Neuschwanstein Castle, which has been dubbed Germany’s fairy-tale castle. Look over the list at www.tinyurl.com/pebffkd, and see what you think. It also offers links to a smartphone app on the top 100.
It can be fun to travel with the intent to take in special events, such as the Ebertfest film festival or the Rose Parade. But, having to arrange for tickets and work out the trip details can be a hassle. Road Scholar, which specializes in educational adventures, has done some of the heavy lifting by setting up more than a dozen packages that take care of all of those details. For instance, April 13-17 next year, film buffs can participate in Ebertfest, which was started by the late Roger Ebert, the noted film critic. For $799 per person double occupancy, guests will attend panels led by film experts and view films. Four nights’ lodging and most meals are included. Fans of the New Year’s Day Rose Parade can sign up for a package that includes helping to decorate some of the floats, meeting a former rose queen and viewing the parade from reserved seating. The Dec. 28 to Jan. 2 package is priced from $1,349 per person double occupancy and includes five nights’ lodging and most meals, in addition to various parade-related activities. Check out these and other Road Scholar offerings at www.tinyurl.com/pwx7s4h.
Phil Marty is a freelance reporter.
