Travel Tips & Trips

Monday

15Mar2010

A wee bit of the B&B blarney this Saint Patty's Day

Cead Mile Failte means “100,000 welcomes” in Irish. Look for the Irish flag along with the American one at the Irish Inn in Southern Illinois. Photo provided by the Irish Inn. As they say in Ireland, “there are as many ways to relax as there are shades of green”. With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, we wanted to share a few inns with a special connection to Ireland. From Illinois to Virginia, innkeepers will transport you to the Emerald Isle with everything from complimentary Irish beer to a wee taste of rare Irish tea.

Read more on the BedandBreakfast.com blog and see photos of inns where fine Irish hospitality is served up throughout the year, especially on St. Patricks Day.

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Monday, March 15, 2010 at 6:26AM

Wednesday

10Mar2010

Grand Canyon Railway Offers Free Train Rides for Active-Duty Military in May

Ellen Barone

Active-duty members of the United States Armed Forces will receive free coach class service on the Grand Canyon Railway throughout the month of May 2010.

Information about this offer is available at www.thetrain.com/armedforces, by contacting the military Joint Services Travel Program ITT/ITR Office or calling 1-800-THETRAIN (1-800-843-8724).

“This is a sincere offer that expresses our appreciation for everything our military men and women do for our country,” said Angela Berrigan, vice president of sales and marketing for the Grand Canyon Railway.

Grand Canyon Railway operates daily train service between Williams, Ariz., and the Grand Canyon. Guests travel 62 miles through northern Arizona’s Colorado Plateau through ponderosa pine forests, high desert and the Coconino Canyon. The trip takes two hours and 15 minutes each way and features musical entertainment and a train robbery.

The Railway offers four distinct classes of rail service as well as accommodations at Grand Canyon Railway Hotel in Williams. Grand Canyon Railway is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service. For more information, visit www.thetrain.com or call 1-800-THE-TRAIN (1-800-843-8724).

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Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 2:33PM

Friday

05Mar2010

Be a part of National Geographic's Peeps in Places photo contest

Marti Mayne

Everyone loves those marshmallow peeps that make their way into stores right about Easter time. It certainly appears that the folks at National Geographic love them, and have launched a really fun photo contest once again in 2010. Dubbed Peeps in Places, I think they’re trying to create the ultimate travel “peep show”, and if this year is like other years, you will be so amused at the great photos of peeps around the world!

Pink Peeps in Portland. Photo by John Frazier.Check out the photo gallery of peeps to see some of these adorable Easter mascots all dressed up to capture the theme of the place they’re vacationing. Some of these photos are perfectly “peeposterous”. Next time you’re traveling, be sure to take your peep too, and maybe you will be published on NationalGeographic.com too.

To read more, click here.

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Photography Contest Posted on

Friday, March 5, 2010 at 10:11AM

Tuesday

02Mar2010

Healthy Travel Remedies Put to the Test

Ellen Barone

Doctor, Doctor! The Travel Experts at SmarterTravel.com Put Reader Remedies Put to the Test

Ingesting Chinese herbs, eating candied ginger, and even swallowing Listerine were just some of the remedies that the readers of SmarterTravel.com suggested for avoiding illness while traveling. When it comes to getting (or staying) healthy on the road, travelers offered solutions that were at times traditional, creative, and somewhat unorthodox. The consumer travel site compiled the best advice, then asked a medical professional for feedback.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE

Source: SmarterTravel.com

Photo: © Edward Westmacott | Dreamstime.com

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Travel Information,

Travel Safety,

Travel Tips,

Travel advice Posted on

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 at 9:18AM

Saturday

27Feb2010

Chile Earthquake Relief: How You Can Help

Ellen Barone

From Huffington Post Impact:

An 8.8 earthquake hit just off the coast of Chile late Friday night, killing at least 122 people and creating tsunami warnings in more than 50 countries across the Pacific ocean. Thousands are believed to have been left homeless due to the widespread destruction of buildings.

As they did with Haiti, HuffPost Impact will be continually updating a list of ways you can help with reconstruction and aid efforts. While this will not be a humanitarian crisis the likes that we’ve seen in Haiti, great amounts of money will still be needed to rebuild damaged builds, roads, and return Chile back to normalcy.

For more information on how you can help relief efforts in Chile, read more on Huffington Post Impact.

Source: CauseCast.org

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Saturday, February 27, 2010 at 6:43PM

Friday

26Feb2010

Taos Ski Valley: Snowshoe Serendipity

Ellen Barone

Snowshoeing in the snowy woods of New Mexico isn’t an adventure possibility that many visitors know exists. But the wilderness near the town of Taos is thick with inviting public trails. One of the most scenic is a 2.5-mile trail thru lush forests of spruce and fir up to Williams Lake, nestled in a glacial basin in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Local Wisdom: “At Williams Lake, you are at tree line, with incredible views of Wheeler Peak. Look for the Bighorn Sheep on your way!” says Stuart Wilde of Taos Snowshoe Adventures.

Getting There: From Taos, follow US 64W 4 miles north to Jct. of NM 150. Turn right, and follow NM 150 to Taos Ski Valley. At the upper parking, turn right on Twining Rd., and follow sign for Williams Lake Trail/Bavarian Lodge. The road switches back and climbs above the Village to the trailhead (4wd recommended). Park in the Williams Lake Trail lot and gear up. Elevation at the lake is 11,000 ft. so pack appropriate winter gear, and check local conditions before you go. Never snowshoe or hike alone.

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Winter Vacation Idea Posted on

Friday, February 26, 2010 at 12:00PM

Wednesday

24Feb2010

Family-Friendly Cabo Vacations at Solmar Hotels & Resorts

Ellen Barone

Located along the white sand beaches of Playa Solmar and just minutes away from bustling downtown Cabo San Lucas, Solmar Hotels & Resorts is a great choice for families seeking a kid-friendly vacation destination.

With an array of accommodation choices, on-site activities, close proximity to some of Los Cabos’ most popular attractions and a “Kids Stay & Eat Free with Parents” policy available through the spring, summer and fall months, Solmar Hotels & Resorts can turn a family vacation into reality.

The collection of Solmar Hotels & Resorts is ideal for families as they feature all-suite accommodations with two beds, sofa sleepers, two bathrooms, separate living room areas and kitchenettes.

Solmar Hotels & Resorts’ close proximity to many of Los Cabos’ local activities allows guests to easily leave their hotel to enjoy the unforgettable activities available in the destination. Kids can enjoy a first hand experience with friendly dolphins and in-water interaction at Cabo Dolphins. Families can also take a horseback ride together along the beautiful Medano Beach or venture out to the dramatic desert landscape for an adventurous hike or safari ride. Another popular activity is a glass bottom boat tour that sails past the famous El Arco and neighboring sea lion colony, giving visitors the chance to view the natural beauty of Los Cabos and colorful marine life of the Sea of Cortes.

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Family Travel Posted on

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 10:10AM

Wednesday

24Feb2010

Lose the baggage - Get Fit for Your Trip

Ellen Barone

There’s nothing more discouraging than not booking that trip-of-a-lifetime because you’re not in shape. Unfortunately, I know what it feels like. Fortunately, FitforTrips.com can help make your dream vacation a reality.

© Ellen Barone.I’m just off the phone with Marcus Shapiro, the brains, and brawn, behind FitforTrips.com. He’s helping me get in shape for some upcoming adventures and he’s offered to do the same for EllenBarone.com readers for 25% off thru February 28th. YAY!

Just so you know, there’s no compensation in this for me, other the pleasure of sharing. But to get your discount, be sure to use the promo code: barone (good thru February 28, 2010)

Bon voyage,

Ellen

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Active Travel Posted on

Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 9:37AM