International Expeditions Journeys to the "Ends of the Earth"

NBC's Today show explored the "Ends of the Earth" with Matt Lauer, Ann Curry and Al Roker reporting on climate change and conservation from pole to pole, and at the equator.  On CBS this morning, The Early Show's Dave Price pushed green getaways as he visited the Galapagos Islands.

The world is heating up and the environment is morphing before our very eyes.  Glaciers are melting, habitats are changing, and eco-conscious travel is on the rise. 

In TripAdvisor's 2008 travel trends survey, 26% of respondents said they will be more environmentally conscious in their travel decisions in the coming year, and, according to research from the Green Hotel Association, 43 million U.S. travelers said they are concerned about the environment.

International Expeditions, www.IEtravel.com, the world leader in nature travel, is a pioneer in environmentally responsible travel and is dedicated to preserving the natural habitats of destinations visited and improving the welfare of the areas' people and communities. 

Travelers can follow in Al and Dave's footsteps, visiting Ecuador, at latitude 0º, where the fate of the precious Galapagos hangs in delicate balance, or do as Ann did, and explore Antarctica, the "bottom of the world."

In the Galapagos (www.ietravel.com/galapagos), IE is extensively involved in environmental projects.  A founding member of the International Ecotourism Society and the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (which protects the area's fragile reserves), the company and also donates to the Galapagos Conservancy, supporting the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park. IE, which has been operating in the Galapagos for more than 20 years, matches all contributions made by guests with a credit towards a future IE journey.

* Get up close to remarkable creatures: giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, blue-footed boobies.
* Voyages led by an expert naturalist guide.
* Fully chartered, intimate 32-passenger M/V Evolution visits islands unreachable by larger ships.
* Small departures allow for easy Zodiac landings.
* Year-round sailings; July 4 and 18 dedicated family departures featuring environmental and wildlife education programs for children.

International Expeditions' unique Antarctica voyage (www.ietravel.com/antarctica) sails February 13, 2008, during the austral summer when nearly continuous daylight allows intrepid travelers ample time to discover the endless landscapes, dramatic fjords, and amazing wildlife of the "White Continent."  The comprehensive program visits the less-explored Weddell Sea on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula (which is too icy to navigate earlier in the season), exploring rarely visited islands such as Snow Hill, in addition to must-see sites on the western side of the peninsula. 

* Life-enriching experience informed by the insights of deeply knowledgeable expedition staff.
* Naturalist, two marine biologists and an expedition leader (expert in natural history and exotic wildlife) entertain and enlighten with daily lectures.
* Learn about environmental issues and conservation efforts.