Last summer I wrote about Harrison Ford filming his latest movie near my parents’ home in Hawaii. Well, now we’re just a few weeks away from the much-anticipated opening of “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”
The new flick chronicles the continued adventures of the swashbuckling archaeologist. So far snakes, whips, and the occasional falling boulder have been no match for the indefatigable seasoned traveler, who has seen virtually all the world has to offer.
It’s no secret that Indiana Jones has served as the inspiration for many adventure travelers, but the lengths that some tour companies are now taking to hitch a ride on the characters latest movie is somewhat surprising to me. For example, Expedia just unveiled its “Summer of Adventure,” which coincides with the movie’s release. The new microsite highlights 10 tours inspired by Indy’s exploits.
The first travel package costs about $1,699 per person and takes guests to Peru’s Amazon jungle (think “Raiders of the Lost Ark”), Cuzco and Machu Picchu. However, if your desire to live like Indy comes without budget restraints you could opt for the $3,499 per person 8-day hiking and horseback riding adventure in the wild west. The trip traces Indy’s first stomping grounds in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and takes travelers from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon and southern Utah.
Your other option is Expedia’s 10-day, $1,729-per-person “Bedouins, Ruins & Desert Adventures” trip from Amman, Jordan. This package was also inspired by “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” and treats guests to a night in the Wadi Rum desert followed by a stay at the Red Sea resort of Aqaba. The trip also features a horseback ride to the ancient city of Petra, where Indy and his father find the Holy Grail.
Finally, this next adventure has nothing to do with Indiana Jones, but it is worth mentioning to all of you nature lovers out there. Next week marks the 150th anniversary of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s design selection for New York’s Central Park. To celebrate the special occasion, staffers at the nation’s first major urban park are hosting free, behind-the-scenes walking tours on Sunday. In addition, an exhibit on the park’s history is scheduled to take place at the park through June 19th.
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