The first Ferratas were fixed to the rock faces during First World War. Since then, this wartime network has been restored, with many new routes added which aid ascent to places normally reserved for expert rock climbers.

Dolomites, Italy -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/21/2009 -- Littleton, CO, December 19, 2009 - One of the greatest thrills an expert hiker can get is to walk a Via Ferrata, the "iron paths" in the Dolomites. Newly established adventure travel company Dolomite Mountains offers travelers the opportunity to experience some of the most famous Ferratassuch as Piz da Lec, Col dei Bos, delle Mesules, Lipella, Tridentina and Monte Paterno among others.

The first Ferratas were fixed to the rock faces during First World War. Since then, this wartime network has been restored, with many new routes added which aid ascent to places normally reserved for expert rock climbers. It is a different way of enjoying the sheer magnificence of this awesome mountain environment in which travelers will be stopped in their tracks by amazing views and mountain situations.

Travelers can experience the Via Ferrata even if they are new to it. To make this fascinating "game" even safer, they will need simple mountaineering equipment such as a harness, helmet, some rope and a few karabiners. Guides will teach travelers how to use the equipment and give hints on climbing techniques for complete security.

Via Ferrata week in the Dolomites Itinerary:

Day 1 ~
Arrival in Alta Badia or Cortina D'Ampezzo.
Meeting with UIAGM/IFMGA mountain guide. Brief orientation of the whole itinerary and equipment control.
Day 2 ~ Via Ferrata Averau or Col dei Bos

Start with an easy Via Ferrata, and train on the basics. There will be a choice of two ferrate: Via Ferrata Averau or Col dei Bos.

Via Ferrata Averau (easy)
The guide will be on hand to teach participants the basics of travelling over the near vertical walls, and this ferrata is a good confidence builder for beginners. The views of the Tofane group to the north are outstanding on this route, and the historic training ground of generations of rock climbers. Cinque Torri, is just below the imposing bulk of Averau.

or

Via Ferrata Col dei Bos (moderate)
This Via Ferrata is not signed on maps or guiding books as it is one of the Via Ferrate that the Italian alpine military units use for training. The approach is quite impressing as the first stretch is quiet exposed and vertical. From the top of Col dei Bos the views of the surrounding mountains and the Ampezzo Valley are unforgettable.

Day 3-7 ~ Via Ferrata
Ascent of Via Ferrata each day, with learning of useful rope techniques, and with some extra tuition at times to give participants a range of skill for climbing and scrambling on different rock features.

Below is a list of the Via Ferratas that will be ascended in the following days depending on the ability of participants and weather conditions.

- Via Ferrata Tridentina (Sella Massif)
- Via Ferrata delle Mesules (Sella Massif)
- Via Ferrata Lipella (Tofana di Rozes)
- Via Ferrata delle Trincees (Padon Massif)
- Via Ferrata Marino Bianchi (Cristallo Massif)
- Via Ferrata Piz da Lec (Sella Massif)

To learn more about Via Ferratas in the Dolomites contact Dolomite Mountains on 347-826-6271 or visit http://dolomitemountains.com

For over fifteen years the staff at Dolomite Mountains has been providing the ultimate active experience and crafting adventures to help travelers uncover, with style, the region's true spirit. Adventure opportunities include hiking, biking, skiing, climbing and experiencing the thrills of a Via Ferrata. The only local company in the Dolomites specializing and providing unique experiences in adventure travel, Dolomite Mountains seeks to provide every adventurer with the experience of a lifetime. For more information visit: http://dolomitemountains.com or call (347) 826-6271

Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Dolomite Mountains
Littleton, CO
347-826-6271
alexia@lassocommunications.com
http://dolomitemountains.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Paying it forward in this challenging world today is as easy as a click of your mouse.

Sydney, Australia -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/19/2009 -- A program called The Footprints Network http://www.footprintsnetwork.org/ aggregates thousands of consumer micro donations made while conducting online transactions in order to help fund community development projects that fight poverty worldwide. See: http://www.footprintsnetwork.org/openprojects.aspx.

The global initiative was organized in 2004 by WorldNomads.com, (http://www.worldnomads.com/) a company that is setting the travel services industry bar for corporate social responsibility. As of this writing, 302,278 people have helped raise more than $785,383 for 53 projects around the world.

The aggregate contributions, which individually range from $1 to $5, assist in alleviating crushing poverty and the health, social and environmental ills that accompany it which today affects over two billion of the world's population that live on less than $2 a day.

Projects include sight restoration, farming, education, clean water, sanitation and other essentials. Most projects The Footprints Network supports are in developing countries, which yield the greatest social return on investment.

In evaluating the merit of each project, the Footprints Networks uses the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals as guide and compass:

* Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
* Achieve universal primary education
* Promote gender equality and empowering women
* Reduce child mortality
* Improve maternal health
* Combat HIV / AIDS, malaria and other diseases
* Ensure environmental sustainability
* Develop a global partnership for development

"Alleviating the extreme cycle of poverty and the ills that accompany it is everyone's moral responsibility. Yet the extent of world poverty can seem so overwhelming that many of us are left feeling helpless and that the problems are just too big for any one person to make a difference," said Chris Nobel General Manager of WorldNomads.com and the producer of the 'Positive Footprints' documentary series.

A commitment to overcome this feeling of powerlessness motivated the World Nomads team to found The Footprints Network after the 2004 Asian tsunami. In five years it has grown into an independent network of e-commerce businesses that share the same ethics and values and, through technology, seek to change the world by asking customers spending money online to make a small donation to charity at the same time.

WorldNomads.com supports all administrative costs of the program so 100 percent of donations go directly to the projects. The Footprints Network is an alliance of e-commerce companies and their customers plus project partners. The business partners include WorldNomads.com, Travel Insurance Direct, JetAbroad.com, SurfStitch.com and REMO General Store. Charity partners include Oxfam, the Fred Hollows Foundation, Save the Children, Water Aid and many more.

"We're looking for more online e-commerce business partners to integrate the Footprints mechanism into their shopping carts and transaction by transaction, help make a difference," said Noble.

WorldNomads.com, the travel services company that's in the business of helping independent travelers stay safe and stress-free on the road, offers a website full of products and tips offering advice, breaking destination news and relevant traveler recommendations. Please see http://safety.worldnomads.com.

"We are committed to being an integral part of every adventurous traveler's journey. Since launching in 2002, our focus has been on providing a range of services to keep adventurous and independent travelers safe on the road," said Nobel.

WorldNomads.com products and services include global travel insurance protecting residents from over 150 countries with high value medical and evacuation coverage, 24-hour emergency assistance and coverage for a large range of adventure activities; language guides and travel blogs plus a stream of travel safety information to ensure all World Nomads stay informed, educated and safe while out exploring the world.

WorldNomads.com clients may also donate to a range of community development projects when purchasing travel insurance through the company's Footprints Charity program http://footprints.worldnomads.com/.

For travel services, charitable contributions and more information please visit: http://worldnomads.com.

Media Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Lasso Communications
Littleton, CO
1.303.898.3376
alexia@lassocommunications.com
http://worldnomads.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

With over 15 years of experience, the team provides the ultimate experience within the Dolomite valleys, to the most demanding and exclusive clientele in search of stylish and low impact programs that provide excellent quality and cost.

Dolomites, Italy -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/18/2009 -- Dolomite Mountains today announces its official opening. The only local company in the Dolomites specializing and providing unique experiences in adventure travel, Dolomite Mountains seeks to provide every adventurer with the experience of a lifetime.

With over 15 years of experience, the team provides the ultimate experience within the Dolomite valleys, to the most demanding and exclusive clientele in search of stylish and low impact programs that provide excellent quality and cost. With an incredible variety of diverse landscapes, lush valleys, breathtaking panoramas, and friendly inhabitants, the Dolomites are the "crown jewel" of the Alps. From soaring peaks to elegant spires to sheer rock faces, the Dolomites offer endless opportunities for exploration and adventure.

This unique corner of the Alps features several different valleys that are ideal for a wide range of outdoor adventures. From the charming Italian atmosphere of the Ampezzo region to the green pastures of the Dolomiti de Sesto to the towering peaks of the Val de Fassa and Val di Zoldo regions, this world-renowned mountain terrain offers something for every type of adventure traveler.

"Being able to combine work, family and fun together has always been the goal. The Dolomites are some of the most beautiful mountains in the world and the mixture of beauty and service is superb: romantic hotels to charming rifugios on top of the mountains, 2* Michelin restaurant to the local authentic cuisine and great spa treatments blend together with the Dolomite outdoor activities that could not be better," comments Founder Agustina Lagos Marmol.

Agustina is a multi-lingual world traveler, adventurer, climber and devout hiker. She has traveled and lived in various countries but her heart is divided between the Dolomites, where she lives, and Patagonia where she grew up fly fishing and horse riding in her family's Estancia. She studied photography and Fashion Design in California before moving on to the Travel World in 1994 where she started working for Butterfield and Robinson, Canada. While guiding for them she discovered the Dolomites and settled down in this magic part of the world starting her own outdoor company.

To learn more about Dolomite Mountains and the unique adventures they offer, please visit: http://dolomitemountains.com or call (347) 826-6271

For over fifteen years the staff at Dolomite Mountains has been providing the ultimate active experience and crafting adventures to help travelers uncover, with style, the region's true spirit. Adventure opportunities include hiking, biking, skiing, climbing and experiencing the thrills of a Via Ferrata. The only local company in the Dolomites specializing and providing unique experiences in adventure travel, Dolomite Mountains seeks to provide every adventurer with the experience of a lifetime. For more information visit: http://dolomitemountains.com or call (347) 826-6271

Contact:
Alexia Nestora
Dolomite Mountains
Littleton, CO
347-826-6271
alexia@lassocommunications.com
http://dolomitemountains.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

WorldNomads.com is a leading provider of global travel safety products and services to travelers from over 150 countries around the world.

Sydney, Australia -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/17/2009 -- WorldNomads.com is happy to announce it's recent win for 'Best Website' at the British Educational Travel Association (BETA). The awards acknowledge the creme-de-la-creme in student, youth and educational travel, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of outstanding companies and individuals operating within the youth travel market.

Tourism Minister, Margaret Hodge MP praised those working in the youth and educational travel industry for rising to the challenges facing the sector, when she addressed the annual British Youth Travel Awards in London last week.

"Travel and tourism is one of the biggest industries in the UK economy, employing 1 in 8, and so the government must keep thinking of tourism so that we emerge well from the recession," the Tourism Minister said. "There are many challenges facing the travel sector – including visa controls, airport taxes and a general shortage of money amongst consumers - but if we pull together, we can keep travel as a really important ingredient in young people's lives."

WorldNomads.com took home the trophy for Best Website, and Director of Partnerships Nick Pound said the industry's endorsement meant a great deal to his entire team. "It's a great achievement for World Nomads to have had the quality and content of our website recognized with this prestigious award."

WorldNomads.com is a leading provider of global travel safety products and services to travelers from over 150 countries around the world.

From great value travel insurance, travel safety advice, free online travel journals, scholarship programs and iPhone language guides, WorldNomads.com provides the tools to keep their members traveling safely. They can also donate to a community development project when purchasing travel insurance through the Footprints Charity program. This program has raised over $780,000 and funded 53 community projects around the world.

The company's commitment to providing innovative products and services online, is matched only by the desire to ensure all WorldNomads.com members travel safely and get the most from their travel experience.

Learn more about WorldNomads.com

Media Contact;
Alexia Nestora
Lasso Communications
Littleton, CO
alexia@lassocommunications.com
http://WorldNomads.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

WorldNomads.com, the travel services company that’s in the business of helping independent travelers stay safe and stress-free on the road, offers a web page full of products and tips offering advice, breaking destination news and relevant recommendations about what to do in a pickle.

Sydney, Australia -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/16/2009 -- Wrapped presents, home addresses on luggage tags and tipsy travelers can rack up negative travel points and stress, especially during the holidays that count as some of the busiest travel days of the year.

WorldNomads.com, the travel services company that's in the business of helping independent travelers stay safe and stress-free on the road, offers a web page full of products and tips offering advice, breaking destination news and relevant recommendations about what to do in a pickle. Please see http://safety.worldnomads.com.

In preparation for the upcoming year-end holidays, the company recently issued some savvy travel trips to help ease stress before and during travel that include securing your home while you're gone by canceling newspapers, installing an automatic light timer programmed to go on and off at various times and asking a neighbor to collect mail.

WorldNomads.com also recommends reducing airport stress by allowing ample time to get to your gate, but if you find yourself in long lines, they also offer a free language guides podcast or App that you can download into your iPhone so you can learn a few handy travel phrases. See: http://journals.worldnomads.com/language-guides/

They suggest traveling light, with hand luggage that fits in the overhead compartments (photograph its contents before leaving home and put contact details inside the case); identify ownership on luggage tags but only with name, cell numbers and email – no home address please. In the event of delays, pack snacks such as dried fruits and nuts. And, wear shoes that are easy to slide off for security check.

Bring essential medicines with prescriptions, sanitized wipes and if you want to be super-cautious, a face mask for airports and flights.

Presents, either those being given or received, should be unwrapped. Make absolutely sure you know and trust what's in those presents; don't unwittingly carry illegal goods through customs.

Drink responsibly; while under the influence of alcohol a traveler is a bigger target for pickpockets and thieves, especially solo and women travelers.

"We are committed to being an integral part of every adventurous traveler's journey. Since launching in 2002, our focus has been on providing a range of services to keep adventurous and independent travelers safe on the road," said Chris Noble, General Manager of WorldNomads.com and the producer of the 'Positive Footprints' documentary series.

WorldNomads.com products and services include global travel insurance protecting residents from over 150 countries with high value medical and evacuation coverage, 24-hour emergency assistance and coverage for a large range of adventure activities; language guides and travel blogs plus a stream of travel safety information to ensure all World Nomads stay informed, educated and safe when traveling.

WorldNomads.com clients may also donate to a range of community development projects when purchasing travel insurance through the company's Footprints Charity program http://footprints.worldnomads.com/.

Collectively, The Footprints Network has raised over $770,000, from over 295,000 donations, which has funded 53 projects across the globe through partner organizations such as Oxfam, Save the Children and Water Aid.

WorldNomads.com provides the tools to keep clients travelling safely throughout the world. For more information visit http://WorldNomads.com

About World Nomads.com:
WorldNomads.com provides global travel safety products and services to travelers from over 150 countries around the world. From great value travel insurance, travel safety advice, language guides and free online travel journals, WorldNomads.com provides the tools to keep our clients travelling safely. All clients can donate to a community development project when purchasing travel insurance through the Footprints Charity program. WorldNomads.com is also backed by a suite of strong, secure, specialist travel insurance companies. For more information or a free quote visit http://www.worldnomads.com.

Media Contact;
Alexia Nestora
Lasso Communications
Littleton, CO
alexia@lassocommunications.com
http://WorldNomads.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm