With the exception of the “Roosevelt Rendezvous” and “Yellowstone for Families” programs, all Lodging & Learning packages are designed for a maximum of 12 people and for participants who are a minimum of 12 years old. Members of the Yellowstone Association receive $10 off the price of each program. Rates do not include tax or utility fee. Reservations for all programs can be made by calling (1) 307-344-7311 or toll-free 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375). Online information is available at www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com and www.yellowstoneassociation.org.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
The Evolution of Cycling: E-Bikes now available on European Cycling Vacations
Don’t hang up your helmets just yet… Always on the cutting edge, Austin Adventures is charging up their European vacations by introducing electric bicycles as an option on all European Biking Vacations.
Ron van Dijk, ALA Director of European Operations, with over 40 years in the industry; has witnessed many changes in the way bicycles have been used in European vacations. From the use of increasingly lighter touring bikes and gears moving from 10 to 27 gears, as well as high-tech brakes and now, battery-powered bikes. “With e-bikes now anyone, regardless of age, strength or ability, will be able to take on even the most strenuous tour itinerary.”
Electric bikes, originally the rage of bike commuters, are quickly becoming the next major evolution in recreational cycling. With Austin Adventures leading the way in Europe by offing an e-bike option to guests on all of their multi-day cycle tours. Essentially e-bikes level the playing field. Couples can cycle together without fear of leaving a companion in the dust. For the first time the arm chair/casual cyclist thinking of an Italian bike tour can do a challenging trip like Tuscany without fearing the inevitable long ascents synonymous with the area. These bikes are ideal for multi-generational groups and families.
To learn more, call 800.575.1540 or visit Austin Adventures - Adventure Travel.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Winter is a great time to plan national park trips because there is still a broad range of room options available in popular parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Canyon. Although some of the iconic lodges are filling up during peak times, there is plenty of availability.
National park concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts offers tips for successfully planning a park visit and securing accommodations.
1. Be informed. Visit Xanterra’s web site at www.xanterra.com for general information on the parks operated by Xanterra as well as lodging descriptions, rates and availability. Another good source of information on national parks is the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov.
2. Be web-savvy. Rooms can be booked online at:
- www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com,
- www.grandcanyonlodges.com,
- www.zionlodge.com,
- www.craterlakelodges.com
- and www.furnacecreekresort.com.
Booking online is usually the quickest way to secure a reservation. Travelers can check room availability too via Xanterra’s online reservations calendar.
3. Confirm that you have the full online picture. Some lodges will list various room types as part of drop down menus. If you do not click on the down arrow only one room type will be visible. And guess which room type is the first to show up as sold out?
4. Be flexible with your choice of lodge. Some of the larger parks such as Grand Canyon and Yellowstone feature multiple lodges in spectacular settings. While Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn and Grand Canyon’s El Tovar are best-known and tend to fill up first, other lodges offer history, comfortable accommodations and their own appeal.
5. Avoid the crowds. Regardless of which park you are visiting, consider traveling during the first two weeks of June, the last 10 days of August or the first two weeks of September.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
With winter’s essential wardrobe staples of galoshes and snowsuits, it seems hard to believe that spring break and the summer holidays are just around the corner. And while local amusement parks and day camps might seem like the obvious boredom-busters for youngsters, a Wildland Adventures family vacation just might be the ticket to both entertainment and enlightenment.
Wildland Adventures Family VacationsHaving earned the titles of “Family Travel Pro” and “Family Adventure Gurus” by National Geographic Traveler and Adventure magazines, the Seattle-based Wildland Adventures has created all-ages family adventure vacations to just about every destination in the world. And with special discounted pricing for children and teens, parents won’t have to worry about breaking the bank during the upcoming holidays.
To ensure a successful holiday, follow these tips from Kurt Kutay, founding president and director of Wildland Adventures, for planning the perfect family adventure.
1. Walk among the people. Following local footpaths through villages and farmlands opens windows to family life far different from our own. During your vacation, walk through the new land and meet people of different cultures.
2. Capitalize on everyone’s interests. When planning your family adventure, gather around the kitchen table and make sure everyone’s interest and ideas are included in the itinerary.
3. A good family guide is key. The best guides for family trips are parents or teachers who are familiar with young minds so they can deliver age-appropriate, interpretative information. Guides should possess the spirit of a child for fun, discovery and exploration.
4. Build anticipation. Provide pre-departure trip materials that include colorful, age-appropriate information about the destination. Some suggestions are laminated wildlife guides of animals they can expect to see or posters of the rainforest and other habitats they’ll visit.
5. Anticipate a peak experience. Plan activities in a walking itinerary that kids find personally rewarding: come across a waterfall or ruins or climb to the top of a castle or ancient temple. The trick is to make the journey as much fun as the destination.
6. Show the parents a thing or two. Involve activities that allow all family members to participate together – learn about yourselves, discover inner strengths or skills and do things you never imagined. Try out activities that parents might not be as adept as kids to reverse normal roles at home: kids can show their parents a thing or two!
7. Kids leading kids. Plan to invite young people from the local area to join in on the trip. Walking is a normal and daily fact of life in many cultures, and North American kids will more likely keep up the pace with other kids than adults!
To learn more about these or other Wildland family adventure vacations, visit http://www.wildland.com or call 1-800-345-4453.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
Are you looking for a little adventure this summer? From Family Vacationsto Yoga Retreats, Girlfriend Getaways to Via Ferrate, Canadian Mountain Holiday’s summer adventures are sure to invigorate, educate, and revitalize. CMH vacation planners can customize the perfect trip just for you. But to get you started, here are just a few ideas:
Photography Workshop - Join acclaimed Canadian nature photographer John E. Marriott at Bugaboo Lodge. Shutterbugs will have the opportunity to learn from John in one of Canada’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. And, you will come away with new skills and beautiful photos! More info
Short Escapes - These 3-day Heli-Hiking trips at the Bobbie Burns and Bugaboo Lodges are laden with exploring, indulgence, excitement or peaceful journeying. Short Escapes will quickly unwind you and spellbind you…leaving you wanting more! More info
Yoga Retreat - Led by Anne Douglas, Senior Level Yoga Instructor. The 3-day retreat at Bobbie Burns Lodge is designed to make you stop and find you again. Alpine exploring, tranquil yoga, gourmet food and never-ending serenity await you. More info
High Flying Adventures - Pack some extra adrenaline: you’ll need it! True mountaineering, and designed to challenge, fulfill, entice and downright thrill, this is Heli-Hiking at its best. Zip-lines, via ferrate, glacier travel and other options available. More info
For information and booking, call 1.800.661.0252, send an email or visit www.cmhsummer.com
Source: Canadian Mountain Holidays
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".
TRIPLE CREEK RANCH INVITES ANGLERS AND WOULD-BE COWBOYS TO TEST THEIR FLY-FISHING AND HORSEBACK RIDING SKILLS WITH TWO NEW PACKAGES
Guests to Triple Creek Ranch in Montana have new ways to hone or show off their fishing and riding skills: the new Selway/Bitterroot Fly-Fishing Package and the Horseback Adventure Package. In the fly-fishing package, wilderness fly-fishing along the wild Selway River, accessible only by plane, and float fishing the Bitterroot River and its famous tributaries offer unforgettable angling opportunities.
For adventurers on horseback a day will be spent fine-tuning riding and roping skills while exploring the ridges and canyons of the vast CB Ranch, another day spent working and moving the herds on a real cattle drive, and capping it all off, the third day will be spent flying into the Selway Wilderness then riding among the pristine mountains and rivers of northern Idaho. Whether fishing or riding, all essential gear is provided; and all meals, beverages, house wines and spirits are included.
Accommodations are in newly remodeled log cabins, designed with Western luxury in mind. At the end of each day, guests return to the privacy of their cabin to unwind in front of the fireplace, enjoy a couple’s massage and sip champagne in their hot tub. Guests also enjoy a nightly candlelit dinner in the Lodge’s award-winning dining room, featuring Executive Chef Jacob Leatherman’s inspired regional and seasonal cuisine selections.
Ellen Barone is an American writer and wanderer. She co-founded and publishes the group travel blog YourLifeIsATrip.com and is currently at work on her first book "I Could Live Here".