Travel Tips by Ellen Baronehttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/Lessons from a professional wandereren-US2008-08-21T10:12:32ZSquarespace Site Server v5.0.0 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Pack a Little Karma On Your Next Adventurehttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/8/19/pack-a-little-karma-on-your-next-adventure.htmlEllen Barone2008-08-19T19:27:34ZTravel Tips Travel Ideas Travel Advice Travel Information Cultural Travel Packing Tips Packing Adventure Travel Travel Charity
Here’s a travel tip for those of you who’d like to pack a little karma on your next adventure…

Let’s say you’ve decided to go trekking in Timbuktu, touring the wine country in South Africa, or celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Great! Now, before you go, leave a little room in your rucksack (or designer suitcase…if that’s more your style) and visit StuffYourRucksack.com. The site lists crucial items (e.g. boy’s clothing for a youth organization in Rawanda) needed by non-profits across the globe. Simply enter your destination in the search engine, then pick up a few things to deliver in person.

“How many times have you been travelling and visited a school or community or local charity that you would love to help? The school needs books, or a map or pencils; an orphanage needs children’s clothes or toys. All things that, if only you’d known, you could’ve stuffed in your rucksack. But once you get home you forget, or you’ve lost the address, or worry that whatever you send will be stolen before it even gets there…” That’s why we’ve set up StuffYourRucksack.com - Kate Humble.
 
Hummm? With the name Humble, it sounds like there’s more than a little karma behind Kate’s passion. Thank you Kate!

 

]]>5 Tips For Photographing Peoplehttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/8/19/5-tips-for-photographing-people.htmlEllen Barone2008-08-19T02:17:44ZPhotography Advice & Tips Photography Tips People Photography Travel Photography As a professional travel photographer, photo tour leader and workshop teacher, I’m often asked by people how they can improve their people pictures. One of my favorite resources to direct them to is Erin Manning’s book Portrait and Candid Photography Photo Workshop (John Wiley & Sons)

“Taking great people pictures isn’t a matter of luck,” writes Manning. “The secret is in observing your subjects and connecting with them, and then using your camera to its best advantage.” I couldn’t agree more!

In the book, Manning, professional photographer, digital photography expert and host of the Telly Award winning how-to series The Whole Picture, uses hundreds of full-color images and step-by-step instructions to help you create people pics with personality including assignments at the end of each chapter so you can build hands on experience. Later you can upload your photos to Photoworkshop.com and get feedback from other readers. How cool is that.

Before you dive headlong into the book, here are 5 simple tips from Manning to help get you started.

  1. Experiment and take a lot of photographs. Even after you think the picture taking is over, you never know when that magical moment will happen. Be prepared to capture unexpected moments.
  2. Fill the frame with your image. Look at the background and get rid of any distracting elements. Seeing people up close provides immediate impact and a feeling of intimacy.
  3. Include a natural frame in your photographs. Using an overhanging tree branch, doorway, or archway in the foreground creates more visual interest.
  4. Place your subject off-center. A face right in the center of an image is great for a driver’s license or passport photo, but when it comes to artfully composing a shot, consider the Rule of Thirds. Think of your entire scene as a tic-tac-toe board, and place something of interest at one or more of those intersections.
  5. Share a laugh. An authentic personality is easy to catch if you and your subject can share a laugh. When you’re shooting the pictures, keep talking and give them feedback about how they look and direction on what to do. Encouraging comments and direction really help loosen up subjects in front of the camera.

Now, go on, dust off your camera, apply these techniques and watch your subjects come to life!


* Portrait and Candid Photography Photo Workshop by Erin Manning is part of John Wiley & Sons’ Photo Workshop series, a co-publishing partnership with Photoworkshop.com. Other titles in the book series include Photographing Children, Composition, Photos That Inspire, Canon EOS Digital Photography, Lighting, Macro Photography, and Rick Sammon’s Canon EOS Digital Rebel Personal Training. Click here to learn more.
 ]]>Feel Like a Kid Again Favorite Bike Trailshttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/8/15/feel-like-a-kid-again-favorite-bike-trails.htmlEllen Barone2008-08-15T17:38:39ZTravel Tips Travel Ideas Travel Information Vacation Idea Holiday Ideas Adventure Travel Bicycle Holiday Cycling Vacation Active TravelFeelin’’ like a kid again? Happens every time you hop on a bike.

Check out these favorite rides from the all-inclusive multi-sport adventure experts at Austin Lehman Adventures



•The ride from Pine Creek into Montana’s Paradise Valley, where they filmed “The Horse Whisperer.” End with a dip in the thermal springs at Chico.
Montana Canyons, Calderas, & Cowboys Adventure

• A 24-mile stretch on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula along Granite Creek to the historic Gold Rush town of Hope. Waterfalls and wildflowers adorn the route.
Alaska - Best of the Greatland

•Starting from Osprey Lake high above the valley floor, descend the Trans-Canada Trail through shady stands of towering Ponderosa Pines following the abandoned Kettle Valley Railway into British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley.
Okanagan Valley - Canada’s Wine Country

•Take a morning bike ride through Antelope Flats starting from the front door of the Spring Creek Ranch under the granite spires of Wyoming’s Grand Tetons.
Wyoming/Grand Teton – Valley Floors to Jagged Peaks Adventure

•In Peru’s Sacred Valley, bike off-road to the Inca site of Moray (nine mile ride) then on to the ancient salt pools and mines of Maras (four mile ride).
Peru - Land of the Inca

•Experience South Africa’s Cape Point Nature Reserve and bike along a network of back roads keeping an eye out for Cape mountain zebra and indigenous fynbos plants. You’ll circumnavigate the southernmost point on the continent.
South Africa Safari & Multisport Adventure

To view all of the Top 10 Bike Rides visit:
http://www.austinlehman.com:80/pages/july_2008_rides/297.php


About Austin Lehman Adventures (ALA):


ALA includes the full use of its bikes in the trip price. The company features Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo front-suspension mountain bikes, customized as a road/mountain bike hybrid. Guests may choose the pedaling distance they are most comfortable with and a sag wagon always provides back-up and a break when needed.

ALA manages all of the arrangements in its selected destinations. Small groups are held at 12 guests. Rates include first-class accommodations, most meals, expert guides, entry fees, multisport activities such as hiking, biking, rafting, horseback riding and more, ground transportation and luggage service. Not included is round trip air to the host city.

To get a copy of the 2008 catalog as well as information on ALA’s 40 unique luxury, multisport, adult and family active adventure travel itineraries call toll-free 1.800.575.1540, or e-mail info@austinlehman.com. To review current trips, schedules and itineraries log onto http://www.austinlehman.com.






Source: Widness & Wiggins


]]>A Bicycle Tour Under the Tuscan Sunhttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/8/14/a-bicycle-tour-under-the-tuscan-sun.htmlEllen Barone2008-08-14T02:57:10ZTravel Tips Travel Ideas Travel Advice Culinary Travel Vacation Idea Holiday Ideas Cultural Travel Adventure Travel Bicycle Holiday Cycling Vacation Active TravelFig trees, vineyards and olive groves.  Risotto, gelato and chianti. Is there any better treat for the senses than Italy? Now, cyclists can enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Italy up close, with Ciclismo Classico’s six-day wanderlust “Under the Tuscan Sun.”

This trip takes travelers to many of the sites seen in Diane Lane’s famous film, such as Cortona.  Stroll down Etruscan, medieval and Renaissance villages.  Zigzag through tiny towns on a picturesque road lined with fig trees.  Explore picture-perfect hilltop towns and ancient abbeys. 

Traveling by bike allows travelers the freedom to venture off the beaten path, meeting local people and experiencing local culture, and classic Tuscan fare, including fresh pastas and vegetables.  This Tuscan adventure departs September 7th and October 2nd, rates start at: $2,895, per person.


More on Ciclismo Classico > Click here



Source: Adventure Travel Media Source

]]>End of Summer Getawayshttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/8/14/end-of-summer-getaways.htmlEllen Barone2008-08-14T00:07:11ZTravel Tips Travel Ideas Travel Advice Travel Information Vacation Idea Holiday Ideas Cultural Travel Adventure Travel Active Travel Budget Travel Family Travel

Wild Discounts and Extras on Costa Rica and Galapagos Adventures!

Late summer and fall bring great deals and savings at Wildland
Adventures. Mingle with the exotic inhabitants of Darwin’s enchanted
archipelago. Or head to the Costa Rican rainforest where summer lingers
year-round. Choose from these unforgettable vacation options:


• See the Galapagos for $200-$1,000 less!


Commune with exotic and bizarre wildlife on Wildland Adventures’ 11-day
Galapagos Wildlife Odysseys. Also ask about their family departures
with low child rates.

The Diamante - $3345 ($200 discount) August 18-28, 2008 >Click Here

The Samba - $2195 ($1000 discount) August 28-September 3, 2008 >Click Here



• Costa Rica Sports Adventure - Complimentary Wild Turtle Viewing
Book this active, outdoor adventure and receive a complimentary Turtle
Nesting nighttime walk or a Baby Turtle Hatching tour on the August
9-15, September 13-19, October 18-24 or November 22-28 departures. Only
two rooms left on the August departure so hurry! >Click Here

Call 800-345-4453 to Book!


More on Wildland Adventures, >Click Here


Complimentary Hotel Night on All Tibet Adventures!



Book a trip to Tibet with Myths and Mountains and your hotel night in
Chengdu or Beijing is on them! Choose from three extraordinary
itineraries or plan a private custom trip just for you and your family
and friends.

• What: One free hotel room in your gateway city pre or post trip.

• When: Offer good on travel now through September 30, 2008

• Where: Choose from these set trips or plan your own private escape:

Everest Base Camp >Click Here
20 Days / 19 Nights - August 3-22, 2008

A Buddhist Legacy >Click Here
11 Days / 10 Nights - August 31-September 10, 2008

A Cultural Sampler >Click Here
10 Days / 9 Nights - August 9-August 18, 2008


Call 800-670-6984 to Book.


More on Myths and Mountains >Click Here




Travel with Austin-Lehman this Fall and Enjoy Savings on Your Transportation Expenses.

Has the rising cost of fuel, airfare or airline fees impeded yourvacation plans?
Austin Lehman Adventures understands your frustration, which is why theye’re
offering to take a chunk out of your travel costs.

What: Receive a $300 travel credit per person toward the travel expenses you incur to get to your host city

When: Book by 8/01/2008 and travel by 10/12/2008

Where: Choose from -


More on Austin Lehman Adventures > Click here



Source: TrustedAdventures.com


]]>Top Ten Summer World Travel Destinations for Cultural Explorationhttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/8/12/top-ten-summer-world-travel-destinations-for-cultural-explor.htmlEllen Barone2008-08-12T14:56:16ZTravel Tips Travel Ideas Travel Advice Travel Information Vacation Idea Holiday Ideas Cultural Travel Adventure Travel Active Travel Family Travel Travel News

iExplore announced today their list of Top Ten Summer World Travel Destinations for Cultural Exploration as determined by vacation purchases of its adventure and experiential travelers.



1. The Pyramids, Egypt
The largest man made structures in the world and are one of the most lasting symbols of ancient civilization.

2. Machu Picchu, Peru
Recently named one of the world’s new seven wonders; this remote Inca citadel has perhaps the most dramatic setting of any ruin in the world.

3. Thailand
Thailand is a rush to traveler’s senses: a bustling, exotic, and vivid culture that never ceases to amaze visitors.

4. Madagascar
Madagascar, the fourth-largest island in the world is a land unlike any other. Madagascar is an enticing destination for those who find its lack of modern conveniences, tourist infrastructure and efficient transport system an interesting proposition rather than a problem.

5. Great Wall, China
The only man made structure that can be seen from space spans more than 4,000 miles across mainland China.

6. Jerusalem, Israel
The old walled city of Jerusalem, a holy site of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, is dominated by historic sites such as the Dome of the Rock, Wailing Wall, and church of the Holy Sepulchre.

7. Taj Mahal, India
The world’s most famous testament of love. This white domed mausoleum made of the finest stones in Agra, India is the finest example of Mughal architecture and Muslim art and recognized for its beauty the world over.

8. Tunisia
Tunisia, the smallest country in North Africa, has a lot to offer travelers including Mediterranean beaches, the Sahara desert, to sets from the film Star Wars.

9. Vietnam
Only in Vietnam is the past and the present encapsulated so perfectly.

10. Japan
Ancient temples and futuristic cities; mist-shrouded mountains and lightning-fast bullet trains; kimono-clad geisha and suit-clad businessmen: Japan offers all of this and more.

iExplore offers guided tours to most of the above destinations. Call 1-800-IEXPLORE (1-800-439-7567) for details and pricing.

Founded in 1999, iExplore (http://www.iexplore.com/) is the leading online resource for adventure and experiential travel, serving over 1,300,000 visitors per month at its website.


Source: iExplore, Inc. ]]>THESE SHOES WERE MADE FOR…DONATINGhttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/8/6/these-shoes-were-made-fordonating.htmlEllen Barone2008-08-06T22:32:36ZTravel Tips Travel Information Travel News Travel Charity Hotel ProgramFairmont kicks off New Year by inviting guests to join in supporting Soles4Souls, with special incentive from adidas

They say all good “soles” go to heaven, and now shoes from the Fairmont Fit program will get a second life with Soles4Souls, a non-profit organization that collects gently used athletic shoes for redistribution to those in need. Starting this fall, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will donate footwear from Fairmont Fit, a program which offers members of Fairmont President’s Club, the brand’s exclusive guest recognition program, access to adidas athletic apparel for use during their stay. To launch this new partnership, Fairmont is providing a little incentive to begin the New Year on the right foot and stick with those resolutions to get in shape. Guests and community members are invited to drop off gently used athletic shoes at Fairmont locations across North America from Monday, January 19 to Friday, January 23, 2009, and the Fairmont team will do the rest. In recognition of this support, Fairmont Fit partner adidas will offer an exclusive discount card for 15% off adidas merchandise, to be used online at http://www.shopadidas.com or http://www.shopadidas.ca.

Soles4Souls is an international organization that facilitates the donation and redistribution of shoes to people in need in over 50 countries. Donations from individuals, companies and other organizations help Soles4Souls fulfill its mission to impact lives with the gift of shoes. This small act helps provide a basic need; quality shoes help protect feet from cuts, scrapes and contaminants that can lead to potentially serious healthcare issues. Started in 2004 in response to the Tsunami disaster, Soles4Souls has grown rapidly, resulting in over three million pairs of shoes being given away to date.

Fairmont Fit, which has proven extremely popular in its first year of operation in North American hotels, will be expanding to all international locations later this year. Fairmont President’s Club members can order adidas shorts, t-shirts and athletic shoes, all delivered to their room, for use during their stay.* As shoes slowly become worn in, and as seasonal changes of styles are provided by adidas, hotels are left with items that are suitable for donating. Fairmont, long a leader in environmental stewardship and responsible tourism, continually seeks ways to minimize the footprint of its hotels. In support of these efforts, Fairmont will donate footwear to Soles4Souls, and hotels will also donate the gently used apparel to local charities.

“We’re proud to support Soles4Souls’ efforts. The partnership makes sense; with locations around the world, we can provide sizable quantities of a much needed item, but we also mitigate our impact on the planet,” noted Brian Richardson, Fairmont’s Vice President Brand Marketing and Communications.

“We are very pleased that Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and adidas have joined forces with Soles4Souls to make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people in need,” said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls, Inc. “This program will not only benefit victims of natural disasters and those living in extreme poverty, but it will help reduce the vast number of shoes that end up in our landfills,” he said.

Fairmont President’s Club is the hotel company’s premier guest recognition program, providing frequent guests with certain benefits and privileges during their stay. Membership is complimentary and guests can enroll online at http://www.fairmont.com, by calling 1-800-663-7575 or at any Fairmont location worldwide.

*The Fairmont Fit program is complimentary for Premier and Platinum level members of Fairmont President’s Club. A $10 fee per stay will apply for Club level members, for unlimited use of apparel during their stay.


About Soles4Souls

Nashville-based Soles4Souls™ facilitates the donations of both new and used shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Since its inception, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 3.3 million pairs (or one pair every 23 seconds) to people in more than 60 countries, including Honduras, Romania, Thailand, and the Sudan. The charity has been featured on CNN Headline News, NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, ABC News, FOX, CBS, and hundreds of regional outlets around North America. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS; donating parties are eligible for tax advantages. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.

About adidas

adidas is a global designer, developer and marketer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world. Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group, a corporation that also includes Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport. Some of the players in adidas’ roster of athletes include: Kevin Garnett, Jeremy Wariner, Allyson Felix, Tyson Gay, Haile Gebrselassie, Yelena Isenbeya, Reggie Bush, Tim Duncan, Ryan Howard and David Beckham.


About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

A leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is an extraordinary collection of luxury hotels, which includes iconic landmarks like the Fairmont Singapore, Fairmont Le Montreux Palace in Switzerland and New York’s The Plaza. Fairmont hotels are one-of-a-kind properties where sophisticated travellers can discover culturally rich experiences that are authentic to the destination. Situated in some of the most exclusive and pristine areas in the world, Fairmont is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program. Fairmont’s portfolio includes 56 distinctive hotels, with plans to develop over 20 new properties in the coming years in destinations as diverse as Shanghai, Abu Dhabi and Anguilla.



Fairmont is owned by Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, a leading global hotel company with 90 hotels worldwide under the Raffles, Fairmont and Swissôtel brands. The company also owns Fairmont and Raffles branded Residences, Estates and luxury private residence club properties. For more information or reservations, please call 1-800-441-1414 or visit http://www.fairmont.com



Source: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

]]>CultureCrossing.net - A new site to help travelers cross the cultural dividehttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/8/2/culturecrossingnet-a-new-site-to-help-travelers-cross-the-cu.htmlEllen Barone2008-08-02T21:41:46ZTravel Tips Travel Ideas Travel Advice Travel Information Cultural Travel travel guides
Log on to CultureCrossing.net; an evolving database of cross-cultural information about every country in the world. This free, user-built reference guide allows people from around the globe to access and share essential tips about how to navigate the world with savvy and sensitivity. An invaluable resource for travelers, businesses, students and anyone living and working in a multicultural community, CultureCrossing.net offers its users an opportunity to:

* Access information for more than 200 countries (with new information added daily)
* Add knowledge to the country guides
* Ask questions and chat directly with other users and experts from around the world
* Explore global resources to facilitate any cross-cultural experience

According to CultureCrossing.net founder Michael Landers, “There are many sites that tell you how to book a trip and what to pack, but very few sites offer crucial information about the intangibles like appropriate greetings, gestures, and taboo behavior- tips that will help you stay out of trouble when crossing cultures. Ours is the only site providing free access to this kind of knowledge for every country in the world.”

The resources available at CultureCrossing.net are free to use, easy to navigate and simply organized by country and divided into three distinct categories of information: the basics, business essentials, and student life. Topics covered include greetings, gestures, taboos, dress, negotiations, meeting etiquette, school rules, gift giving, communication styles, eye contact, and more. Besides being an indispensable reference guide, the site also offers a variety of additional features such as interviews with culturally conscious celebrities, a humorous blog where you can learn from others’ cross-cultural faux pas, tools to help you explore your own “cultural baggage”, and quizzes so you can test your cultural IQ.

WHY WWW.CULTURECROSSING.NET
Culture influences our behavior in countless ways - subconsciously guiding our actions, reactions and interactions. In order to successfully engage with the global community, it’s crucial to understand how culture affects the way we socialize, communicate, and do business. In our increasingly borderless world, cultural ignorance can lead to misunderstandings with far reaching implications. Whether you’re working with a multicultural team, transitioning to a life overseas, preparing to study abroad, or just planning an international trip, CultureCrossing.net will enhance your personal experiences, deepen your cross-cultural understanding, and cultivate peace in our interconnected world.

ABOUT CULTURECROSSING.NET
Created by cross-cultural trainer Michael Landers and multimedia producer Lisa Grossman, CultureCrossing.net is the result of their passion for exploring the world and commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding. The founders also rely on the voluntary support of professionals, students, and community members from around the globe to vet and grow their database of cultural information.

Live for just four months, the site already boasts members from over 75 countries and has recorded over 20,000 unique visitors and 1.5 million hits in July alone. CultureCrossing.net is quickly gaining recognition as the perfect primer for all your international experiences.





]]>Rediscover Yourself with a Life Enhancing Retreat at Mii Amohttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/8/2/rediscover-yourself-with-a-life-enhancing-retreat-at-mii-amo.htmlEllen Barone2008-08-02T21:03:02Z

Relaxation, fabulous food, and spectacular natural scenery-what else could you possibly want? How about some tips on how to feel your best and live happier and healthier for the rest of your life? Mii amo’s periodic retreats give you the opportunity to explore and rediscover yourself, try new activities and expand your boundaries.

Mii amo, an award-winning destination spa at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona, has designed seven transforming retreats that provide opportunities for exciting personal explorations and discoveries. Each retreat brings a team of experts in fields from medicine to yoga to offer guidance, instruction and advice in sessions from half-day workshops to four-day programs that encourage relaxed and healthier living, through December 12.
 
New retreats include: Ayurveda:  Living a Life in Balance, The Feminine Journey, Journey through Consciousness Yoga, Sleep Tight:  Getting your Best Rest, Write your own Script: How to get from where you are to where you want to be, Livin’ the Moment” Yoga Retreat, and Weight in Balance: Making peace with your bodies.

Click here for details about each retreat.


Source: Sedona Chamber of Commerce.


]]>Beautiful AND Socially Conscious Rugshttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/7/31/beautiful-and-socially-conscious-rugs.htmlEllen Barone2008-07-31T21:47:00ZSustainable Shopping

For the past 35 years, Donna and Larry Simons of A Candle In The Night , a rug dealership based in Brattleboro, Vermont, has featured a host of old, village and tribal rugs as well as new natural-dyed rugs and has specialized in working only with small producers that do not utilize the indentured services of children. Additionally compelling is that the proceeds of the production of these rugs benefit non-profit organizations and projects which support educational endeavors of the weavers’ children.

A Candle In the Night also features furnishings and artwork made from renewable materials and reclaimed wood. Beginning this Fall, they will further enhance their offerings by devoting a section of their retail space to organic furniture selections curated by Tad Taylor Healthy Homes’ expert, Pam Taylor. For more information, visit their soon-to-be refurbished website: www.acandleinthenight.com/index.html




Source: LuxuryLifestyle.com


]]>In The News: PlanetEyehttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/7/10/in-the-news-planeteye.htmlEllen Barone2008-07-10T18:24:38ZTravel Tips Travel Ideas Travel Advice Travel Information travel technology Travel NewsToday, a new Microsoft-backed site called PlanetEye launched an innovative online travel planning service that allows users to organize and schedule their travel planning needs under one roof.

Planning a trip can be extremely time consuming, involving visits to dozens of sites and sifting through hundreds of search results before you finalize all the pieces together for your trip. PlanetEye’s goal is to put an end to the frustrating and time-consuming process people suffer when planning their trip online.

The site features a powerful and easy-to-use planning tool, rich geotagged photographs and leading edge mapping technology. They also have extensive travel content from a team of in-house writers and external professional sources.

At the core of PlanetEye’s travel planning service is the Travel Pack that lets travelers “clip” the interesting photographs, attractions, hotels and restaurants discovered on PlanetEye when they are planning a trip or simply putting together travel ideas. Users can look at their Travel Packs as a list or on a personalized map.

It’s easy to introduce local flavor into your Travel Pack by adding PlanetEye’s top-rated selections on where to stay, what to do and where to eat. As well, PlanetEye provides valuable editorial content from a list of “Trusted Sources” to enhance your planning process.

After returning from a trip, you can upload photos to your Travel Packs, rate the places where you stayed, dined and toured, and then share your Travel Pack with friends, family and other travelers. (or opt to keep them private)

Once you’ve created your Travel Pack, you can also book your flight and hotel and car rentals, easily make restaurant reservations (OpenTable), buy tickets to events and attractions (StubHub), book a spa appointment (WaySpa) and more.

Click here to give it a test-drive.

 

Source: Online Communications 

]]>The Wayfarers’ New Fall Cinque Terre Walk: Perfect For A Girlfriends Getawayhttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/5/8/the-wayfarers-new-fall-cinque-terre-walk-perfect-for-a-girlf.htmlEllen Barone2008-05-08T18:23:33ZTravel Ideas Travel Advice Travel Information Cultural Travel Adventure Travel Active Travel Girl's GetawayAre you seeking the camaraderie of a fitness-oriented and pampering of a women-only vacation?  Check out this new “girlfriends getaway” Cinque Terre walking tour from The Wayfarers. 

 

An energetic walk that covers mule tracks by road, and hills via stone steps, Cinque Terre offers an immersion into the area called by many the most beautiful part of Italy and one that is best visited by foot. Accommodations are in a former 16th-century Franciscan monastery with a state-of-the-art Wellness Spa and in a hotel with its own sandy beach.  Priced at US $3795 per person, based on double occupancy, the seven-day/six-night walk takes place on September 21-27 (women only) and October 5-11 and includes 6-8 miles of walking per day.  A single supplement is priced at $470.   

 
A World Heritage site, Cinque Terre or “Five Lands” sits near Genoa in Liguria, in a corner of Northern Italy originally forged by the Romans as trade routes. Linking five enchanting villages set in the cliffs and harbors of the Italian Riviera, the pathways and rocky terraces of the area offer views of pastel houses that reach from hilltop to the blue Ligurian Sea, terraced vineyards, and olive groves. A food mecca, the region is synonymous with olive oil, basil, pesto and the dessert wine Sciacchetra.  Of particular interest to women, the Walk features a tour of Rapallo’s lace museum; lunch in elegant Portofino; shopping in Sestri Levante, a town known for its fine linens; a crossing of the Riviera di Levante by boat, rail and cable car; and a visit to a mountaintop monastery. Days are punctuated by meals of local delicacies, wines and limoncello between walks covering three to five miles. Dinner is a lavish affair preceded by a cocktail hour designed to further foster conversation and friendship.
 
The Wayfarers, named one of the “Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, marks its 25th season with 83 diverse Walks through 15 countries.  All Wayfarers Walks are US dollar guaranteed, so travelers can book with no worries about fluctuating exchange rates.  The Wayfarers 2008 schedule includes Walks in England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland and the United States.
 
About The Wayfarers
Offering an eco-aware “walking” holiday of both culture and fitness, The Wayfarers’ newest Walks/hikes include South Africa, Slovenia, New Zealand and California. A new women’s-focused program with Girlfriend Getaways and Mother/Daughter walks adds shopping, museums, spa treatments, and more.  Other popular walks are the Founders’ Walk on the Isle of Wight, Croatia, Austria, Amalfi Coast, and Czech Republic.  Now in its 25th season and named one of the “Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, The Wayfarers offer exclusive entrées into homes and gardens otherwise closed to the public, graceful accommodations, outstanding cuisine, and meetings with local residents. Walks range from 5-12 days and are rated easy to challenging, with distances of 4-5 miles, 6-10 miles or 12-15 miles per day.

For information and booking visit  www.thewayfarers.com or call 800- 249-4620.  

 

 

Source: The Wayfarers

]]>InsureMyTrip.Com's Travel Insurance Tips for Protecting Your Summer Vacationhttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/5/8/insuremytripcoms-travel-insurance-tips-for-protecting-your-s.htmlEllen Barone2008-05-08T17:39:06ZTravel Tips Travel Advice Travel Information Travel InsuranceWhether you’re trading a villa in Tuscany for a beach house on Cape Cod, or an African safari for the wilds of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, one fact still holds true: “Travel insurance is the best way to protect all of your travels and trip investments during this challenging time,” says Jim Grace, President and CEO of InsureMyTrip.com, a leading online travel insurance comparison site. “While travel insurance can’t prevent things from going wrong, it can help ease your travel woes and get your journey back on track.”


The key is to plan ahead. Travel insurance, like all insurance, is predicated on the occurrence of unforeseen events. You need to purchase travel insurance before your trip for maximum coverage and peace of mind protection against the unexpected. “It only takes one bad travel experience for a person to understand that trip insurance is not a luxury, it’s a necessity,” explains Grace. “Travel insurance is your best defense against many of the most common risks affecting travel today.”


Trip Cost Protection: It happens all the time. Just before your family vacation, one of the kids gets sick, forcing you to cancel the fun-filled get-away. Travel insurance protects your financial investment so you don’t pay for a trip you cannot take.


Travel Delays/Missed Connections: A delayed flight can strand a person for hours or even cause them to miss a connecting flight to a vacation cruise. These events occur often and can wreak havoc on your itinerary not to mention your wallet for hotel accommodations, meals, and transportation caused by weather-related delays and cancellations.


Pre-existing Medical Conditions: If you, a traveling companion, family member, or business partner have a pre-existing medical condition (injury, disease or illness), trip insurance is a must. But plan ahead as the majority of travel insurance policies require that you purchase your policy within 7 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit to be eligible for pre-existing medical conditions coverage.


Hurricanes & Severe Weather: Mother Nature can be a powerful force to reckon with especially if you are traveling to earthquake, hurricane, or flood prone areas. Travel insurance provides coverage for weather-related trip cancellations, delays and interruptions as well as vacation rentals, resorts, and hotels made uninhabitable by weather.


Supplier Default: Most of the major U.S. travel insurers provide financial default/bankruptcy protection if you purchase your travel insurance plan within 7 to 21 days (varies by company and plan) of your initial trip deposit. Although some travel insurers will provide coverage for suppliers that have declared bankruptcy but continue to operate, once a company ceases operations it becomes a foreseen event and insurance can no longer be purchased.


Tour Operator Cancels: Travel insurance does not provide coverage if a tour operator cancels due to a lack of participants. However, some insurance companies do offer a Cancel For Any Reason policy that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason you choose, up to two days prior to your departure.


Unemployment: Most travel insurance policies will cover an unexpected loss of employment. Plans vary by company but all specify coverage for lay-off of a full-time employee.


InsureMyTrip.com allows consumers to review, rate, compare, analyze and purchase travel insurance from all the leading U.S. travel insurance companies in a completely secure environment. To learn more about the protection plans that best suit your vacation travel needs, visit http://www.insuremytrip.com/ on-line or call (800) 487-4722 to speak with a licensed travel insurance professional.


About InsureMyTrip.com
Established in 1995, InsureMyTrip.com is the leading, consumer-oriented online travel insurance aggregator worldwide. Featuring insurance comparisons from the top industry providers, InsureMyTrip.com is a unique, one-stop resource designed to meet consumers’ comprehensive travel insurance needs all in a secure environment. InsureMyTrip.com also specializes in providing integrated technology solutions for the travel insurance industry, with over 2,000 private-labeled and co-branded travel-related websites around the globe. InsureMyTrip.com is headquartered in Warwick, RI with
additional offices and data centers in Connecticut and Oregon.

 

 

Source: InsureMyTrip.Com

 

]]>9 Mother-Daughter Trip Ideas from Fodor'shttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/5/8/9-mother-daughter-trip-ideas-from-fodors.htmlEllen Barone2008-05-08T17:31:53ZTravel Tips Travel Ideas Vacation Idea Mother's Day Travel Idea Girl's GetawayFrom quick weekend getaways to once in a lifetime trips to the other side of the globe, more and more women are realizing the value in getting away with their mom, daughter, sister, niece, and close friends. Check out these 9 Mother-Daughter trip choices by travelers at Fodor’s for reconnecting with the significant women in your life.

Read the full article at Fodors.com 

]]>52 Ways to Wander Better: Travel Advice from the Experts at Outside Magazinehttp://ellenbarone.com/travel-tips-trips/2008/5/7/52-ways-to-wander-better-travel-advice-from-the-experts-at-o.htmlEllen Barone2008-05-07T19:31:49ZTravel Tips Travel Advice Travel Information Adventure Travel Active TravelCheck out Outside magazine’s picks for the best new trips, gear you’ll need in your carry-on, and essential tips, Web sites, gadgets, and more and navigate ‘08 in style.

 

Click here to read the full article

 

 

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