World Footprints on location in New Orleans

From the Winter Olympics, New Orleans and the White House to Eritera, South Africa, Ted Geisel’s Dr. Seuss and everywhere in between, each week World Footprints enjoyed engaging and informative interviews with global citizens around the world.  Listener response was incredible and we’re really delighted to share links to the most popular shows of 2010.  A few of the shows listed below were broadcast prior to our name change from Travel’n On to World Footprints.  Indeed, 2010 was full of great experiences and amazing guests and 2011 promises even more excitement so stay tuned.  In the interim…happy listening!! (more…)

While in Vancouver covering the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Travel’n On met with some key individuals who shaped the Games and who are helping to build a remarkable legacy for the city. First, you’ll meet Svein Romstad, the Secretary General of the International Luge Federation. Svein will discuss how the sport of Luge has changed, the Federation’s response following the tragic accident in Whistler and what preparations are being made for 2016 Sochi. Then, Gordon Price, Director of The City Program at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver will discuss the city’s culture and sustainability efforts and the lasting legacy of the Games. Finally, Roger Bayley, Design Manager of the Olympic Village will talk about this ground-breaking project and the future plans for this development.

The North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA) recently announced that Travel’n On Radio Show won first place in the 2009 annual awards competition in the travel broadcast category.  NATJA Awards recognize excellence in travel writing, photojournalism and multimedia platforms. This awards competition, now in its 18th year, honors travel journalists, publications and destination marketing organizations.  Winners will be presented with their awards at the annual NATJA conference May 11-14, 2010 in Reno, Nevada.

Hosts Ian and Tonya Fitzpatrick were notified of their award while they were in Vancouver covering the 2010 Olympic Games.  ”The recognition from NATJA is huge for us and it validates our mission of providing compelling travel journalism,” stated Ian Fitzpatrick.  “This is indeed an honor.”  Tonya Fitzpatrick exclaimed, “We feel that we’re bringing home a Gold Medal of our own from these Olympic Games!”  

Travel’n On Radio is a weekly syndicated digital show that celebrates responsible travel, culture and heritage.  Each week listeners are treated to substantive and entertaining discussions between the Fitzpatricks and notable guests.  Past guests have included David Rockefeller, Jr., director Ken Burns, Stefanie Powers and many other newsmakers and celebrities.

The buzz of the Winter Games is far from over in Whistler as the resort prepares to welcome the world at the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, March 12-21, 2010.

More than 95 per cent of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games will be held in Whistler – Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Winter Games – including three sports (alpine skiing, biathlon and cross-country skiing) representing 62 of the 64 medal events. Tickets for Paralympic events are available, starting at just $15, and can be purchased at http://www.vancouver2010.com/.

The 2010 Paralympic Winter Games bring an unprecedented opportunity for Whistler to build substantially on its international reputation as an accessible destination, and grow visitation from the people with disabilities.

At the same time as these Games are happening, there are no travel restrictions on the Sea to Sky Highway, four day lots are reopened for free public parking, Whistler Blackcomb is more than 90 per cent open for skiing and snowboarding, and there are great ski and stay packages available on whistler.com.Starting Wednesday, March 10 at 12 noon Pacific Standard Time, the first 200 people to call 1-800-WHISTLER to book a room in Whistler during the Paralympics will receive two free tickets for a Paralympic cross-country, biathlon, or alpine skiing event. This offer applies to reservations arriving between Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 20. Rooms are available beginning at $179 CDN per night, based on double occupancy.

Whistler will be brimming with energy and excitement during the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games with WhistlerLive! – the arts and culture component to the Games which kept both locals and visitors entertained during February’s Olympic Winter Games – once again lighting up the village with concerts, live art, kids’ programs and a spectacular Fire & Ice Remix with international DJs every evening. Both Village Square and Whistler Medals Plaza will host renowned performers including Spirit of the West, The Trews, Kathleen Edwards, The Weakerthans, Serena Ryder, The Paperboys, 54-40 and The Sadies.

For the first time in Winter Games history, the closing ceremony for the Paralympic Winter Games will be held outside the host city (in this case, Vancouver). The ceremony takes place at Whistler Medals Plaza in the heart of the Village on March 21.

During the Paralympic Winter Games, the Dubh Linn Gate pub will play host to the Whistler Adaptive Sports House. Located in Skiers’ Plaza near the base of Whistler Mountain – and noted as one of the resort’s favourite spots for après ski – the Dubh Linn Gate will serve as a Games-time gathering place for athletes, volunteers and any visitors to Whistler, but also a place where the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program will raise awareness and funds to create a new sports centre in Whistler for athletes with disabilities.And with up to 60 cm of fresh snow in the forecast this week, skiers and boarders are reminded of enhanced access during March:

•·    Parking Lots 1, 2, 3 & 6 now open to public (free)
•·    Creekside Gondola is now open (with VANOC priority upload until March 21)
•·    Hours of operations extended: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm with the last upload at 4:00 pm.
•·    Whistler runs now open: Raven, Ptarmigan, Wild Card, Jimmy’s Joker, Bear Cub and Crabapple.
•·    Blackcomb runs now open: Springboard, Lower Cruiser and Lower Gear Jammer.

Tens of thousands of spectators enjoyed events and celebrations in Whistler during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in February, and approximately 3.5 billion people around the world enjoyed spectacular images of the resort on their televisions and online. The Olympic Winter Games were a runaway success as a tourism experience, and further cemented Whistler’s reputation as one of the world’s must-visit resort destinations.   

Travel’n On continues their 2010 Winter Olympic coverage live from Vancouver & Whistler B.C. Ian and Tonya will first introduce tour guide Doug Neasloss and conservationist Viki Jackson, two individuals who work tirelessly on efforts to save two endangered species, the Spirit Bear and the Marmot, both who have been selected as mascots for the Winter Olympic Games. Then you’ll meet a few new friends that they met in Whistler—the “snow angels” who are spreading love and joy throughout and the “King of Norway.” You will also meet downhill Olympic skier Kwame the “Snow Leopard”, the only member of the Ghana Olympic Team. You’ll hear how this Olympic hopeful has overcome many challenges to fulfill his Olympic dream. Finally, this month’s Travel Angel Joyce Major will talk about her decision to walk away from the corporate world to travel the globe as a volunteer.