This was Richard's Keynote to The European Travel Commission, presented on May 9, 2013. This also took first place in our 2013 travel writing competition. I once ran with the bulls of Pamplona....by mistake, involuntarily. I was at Microsoft, where we were developing a new travel product that would become Expedia, and we had the idea to use a new web technology called Live Chat to convey from the field the adventure of travel. I had the idea … [Read more...]
The Power & Beauty of Sub Saharan Africa
Upon finalizing my flights to South Africa from Bangkok, I told a good friend who has traveled extensively in Africa that I would kiss the African soil for him. He replied, "Kiss Africa's ground for me, but remember: Africa always wins. No matter how much you try to make sense of all the nonsense, it'll never make sense. Thus Africa wins." Winning or not, the unpredictability of adventure travel in Sub Saharan Africa has always appealed to me … [Read more...]
Richard Bangs: Global Explorer, Author
Richard has enjoyed an enviable travel career - over the past 30 years he's explored much of the world, made a number of first river descents and founded or was an integral part of several major travel companies. Recently we had a chance to ask Richard about his travel philosophy, career accomplishments and recent projects. Q. Tell us how you became an adventure traveler and what still fuels your appetite for this type of travel? I … [Read more...]
Water For People and Crowdrise.com Launch Campaign to Raise $2 Million for Safe Water
"Donate to Drink" campaign offers participants chance to win an once-in-a-lifetime trip to experience Water For People's Work in Rwanda, Africa Denver, CO - On September 1, Water For People, an international nonprofit organization that aims to create a world where everyone has access to safe drinking water and sanitation, launched a Crowdrise.com campaign in an effort to raise $2 million through the crowd-sourced, online fundraising … [Read more...]
Canadian Rockies Trip
An adventure to the Canadian Rockies will not disappoint. Renowned as one of the most beautiful places in the world, the landscape is dotted with astounding lakes and rigid mountain faces. Before planning your trip to this magical land take a look at the below tips and hotspots. Banff is often the starting point for a backpacking, hotel hopping, or camping trip. There is a ton of stuff to do here: nightlife, amazing restaurants, hikes, … [Read more...]
Great Africa Adventures
Great African Adventures by Jacques Marais Anyone interested in outdoor adventure travel, adrenaline boosting activities - oh and Africa - must get their hands on this book! Even if you haven't considered a trip to Africa, after reading this book you may change your mind. The book is separated into specific outdoor activities ranging from water sports (including diving with big sharks), game tracking (author tells you how to get up close and … [Read more...]
Adventure Travel in the Third World
Adventure Travel in the Third World by Jeff Randall and Mike Perrin If the first sentence in the book, "I want to go where tourists don't go" sounds appealing, then this is a book you must read! Everything you need to know to survive in remote & hostile destinations. This book covers how to minimize risks and stay healthy in dangerous situations abroad. It includes information about how to select guides, how to bribe and smuggle as last … [Read more...]
Relief Riders International’s New Mission: Dental Surgery for Thousands in Need
(June 3, 2010) Great Barrington, MA-- After six years of successful "relief rides" into the remote desert villages of southern Rajasthan-and the provision of eye surgery, medical care, livestock, and school supplies to thousands of villagers in need-Relief Riders International (RRI) has embarked on a new mission to aid the rural inhabitants of the austerely beautiful Thar Desert: the dispensation of dental care. As part of its relief ride … [Read more...]
Planeterra’s Voluntourism
Endangered Species, Ancient Culture and Voluntourism Combine in Planeterra's New-for-2010 Project China IRichard G. Edwards, Director Planeterra Phone: 416-260-0999 Email: richard@planeterra.org www.planeterra.org TORONTO, March 23, 2010 - With fewer than 1,000 giant pandas left in the world, travelers on Planeterra's new Project China voluntour will have an opportunity to directly participate in efforts to protect this endangered … [Read more...]
Come Back Alive
Come Back Alive by Robert Young Pelton The ultimate survival guide! Robert Pelton Young has survived plane and motorcycle crashes as well as being kidnapped in the volatile Darien Gap, Columbia. This book details his experiences and provides useful information for this type of extreme adventure travel. It covers a plethora of outdoor situations, ranging from thirst in the desert, to snow survival, to surviving natural disasters. In … [Read more...]