When Times Get Tough, the Tough Get Going... Outdoors

Adventure Central Offers Eco-travel Packages for Budget Saavy Travelers

While industry insiders point to a slowdown in mainstream travel, reports also conclude that consumers are still looking to escape -- frequently closer to home, by taking advantage of the natural resources around them. Recent industry research indicates a significant increase in travelers visiting national parks, hiking, and engaging in adventure activities.

I have always said, when the economy slows, "we all get adventuring." You can find adventure at the top of the Andes, or outside your own backyard. You don't have to trek in Dolce and Gabbana, you can trek in shorts and t-shirts. Nature lends to enriching experiences at affordable pricing.

I came across an interesting site recently, and unlike most booking engine sites for travel, this one is specific to travelers seeking adventure, and has a large array of budget tours to choose from.

It is called Adventure Central -- an online booking service for adventure, and especially for those looking at exploring and appreciating the environment.

"Even during a challenging economy, we found that demand for our activities in 2008 remained strong," says Dick Schulte, CEO of Adventure Central. "It seems when consumer budgets are stretched, people still want to connect authentically with nature, family and friends."

Hundreds of experiences are available for $100 on AdventureCentral.com, from skiing and snowshoeing in Massachusetts to guided bike tours in California, from zip lining in Mexico to kayaking tours in Florida.

These are just a small sample of the thousands of activities across the globe that can be found within our own backyards, and that travelers can research and securely buy on AdventureCentral.com, or through dozens of their affiliates.

For example, I like this eco-travel friendly trip called the Dzibilchatun and Progreso Deluxe Tour, which takes place on the Yucatan Peninsula's Merida, in Mexico. The seven hour tour includes cultural experiences, sightseeing, eco-tours, nature trails, historic tours for $111.00 dollars. The Eco Tour in Wellington: Seal Coast and Botanic Garden Bushwalk in New Zealand offers a botanical nature walk with an expert guide. Price for the 8 hour tour is around $140.00 US.

The site also offers pricing, duration and travel interest options to help potential travelers book budget friendly itineraries.

Adventure Girl, Stefanie Michaels is an eco-travel and lifestyle expert and an advocate for the environment. Her site Adventuregirl.com offers tips for travelers on green locales around the globe, as well as granting monthly Adventure Girl Green Awards to hotels and resorts making good on their green initiatives.

You can reach Stefanie at www.adventuregirl.com

More info on Adventure Central:
Denver-based Adventure Central is an online adventure travel distribution company. Adventure Central connects the world to great adventures by automating the distribution of trip inventory from supplier partners such as A Day Away Kayak Tours and eBoatCharters and bringing new cost and time efficiencies to the market. Adventure Central's private-label offerings distributed through AdventureCentral.com and leading third-party Internet partners like Orbitz (OWW) and CheapTickets give consumers access to one of the largest selection of adventure and experiential inventory at competitive rates available online. For more information on Adventure Central, call 303.292.5522 or visit www.adventurecentral.com.