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.

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

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

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.

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. 

© 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

Check out these great trips:

Small Group Heli-Skiing: Seeking a way to up the ante on your ski trip? Consider one of these options for a private, custom Heli-Ski vacation. More info

Ski Fusion: The world’s best scientists have said cold fusion is not possible. CMH has proved them wrong with the introduction of Ski Fusion - the scientifically-based combination of 2 stellar winter sports: Ski Touring and Heli-Skiing. More info

Pay As You Play: It’s impossible to control the conditions for any given week, so CMH offers a Pay As You Play program. Pay only for what you choose to ski — as much or as little as you want, and as conditions permit. More info

With spring just around the corner, now is the time to begin making summer travel plans for you and your family. Looking to experience China, but want to make sure that your vacation is family-friendly? WildChina recently unveiled new family programs that will make your trip planning easy. Consider these three options:

1.    A Classic China Family Vacation: Beijing, Xi’an, Guangxi and Shanghai ~ A tour of China’s most classic sights and ideal for families with children between 6-16 years old, this 11-day trip makes learning about China fun and interactive: you’ll make hand-pulled noodles, learn the martial art of kungfu, visit local homes and experience a countryside elementary school to see what real life in China is like. At night, you’ll feel right at home in family-friendly accommodations. Departure upon request.

2.    A Cultural Family Vacation: Beijing, Henan, Xi’an, Yunnan, and Shanghai ~ This 14-day small-group journey for families brings you to the heart and frontiers of China. Ideal for families with children between 6-16 years old, this trip offers a “mobile classroom,” allowing you to learn about Chinese culture in fun and interactive ways. You’ll make dumplings in a traditional Beijing alleyway home; learn Shaolin kungfu from a student monk; and talk to Naxi and Bai ethnic minority villagers about their lives. This trip includes family-friendly accommodations as well. Departs July 11, 2010 & August 1, 2010.

3.    Family Adventures in Tibet: On the Roof of the World ~ This 7-day small-group journey, specially designed for families, offers an adventurous and interactive look at Tibet: you’ll sip yak butter tea with a local Tibetan family; witness monks debate sacred texts in one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most revered monasteries; and even print your own prayer flags. Departs June 27, 2010 & August 8, 2010.

Vinho Verde roses offer a unique option for a romantic dinner or a simple evening in with a bottle of wine. Try pairing it with chicken, shellfish or a bold seafood dish. Vinho Verde roses can also tame the bite of spicy foods and complement the sometimes hard to match exotic flavors in Indian and Thai cuisine. The Quintas das Arcas, Arca Nova Rose 2008 is a great example of the region’s quality roses.

Roses and other pink wines have gotten a bad rap in the United States, largely being stereotyped as sickly sweet, low quality beverages. Wine drinkers will likely be surprised by these Portuguese roses for their dry and crisp flavor with fruity undertones and a hint of spice. This sometimes savory wine is made from indigenous local grapes such as the Alvarelhao, Pedral, Espadeira and Vinhao, and ranges from the slightest pink to nearly red. 

Portugal’s young and adventurous wine makers are often willing to try new things and the rose trend is no exception. A few years ago, wineries rarely produced this pink wine, but today, roses make up about five percent of the region’s wine production.

Book A Blue or Green Holiday Now and Celebrate throughout the Year

Enjoy the gift of a travel escape to either Montana or Costa Rica for a truly romantic experience full of elegance, relaxation, and adventure. Triple Creek Ranch (Darby, Montana) and Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort (Arenal, Costa Rica) are both offering packages that will let couples indulge to the fullest.

Triple Creek Ranch, Montana – Mountain Romance Package

The Relais & Chateaux adults-only hideaway in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains becomes even more romantic as a Valentine’s Day present. After a wonderful day of outdoor activities under the beautiful “blue” sky including horseback riding, cross-country skiing and hiking (or snowshoeing), indulge in Executive Pastry Chef Christopher Whitten’s chocolate selections or wine expert Jeremy White’s pairing suggestions with dinner.  

The four-night “Mountain Romance” package includes:

Five years ago I had a dream – to take the trip of a lifetime “Round the World.”  Visit the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall – there was so much of the world I longed to see.  So I did it.   I cashed in all the airline miles and hotel points that a decade of business travel had afforded me and after a solid year of planning, I made it happen.  It was the most amazing experience of my life and forever changed me as a person and as a traveler.  I confess…I am hooked.

More Photos

What I thought would be a once in a lifetime trip quickly turned into an annual adventure to ring in the New Year.  And as I embark upon my 5^th circumnavigation of the globe this month, I am happy to say there’s no turning back now.

Why RTW?  Well, any old vacation can take you to Rome or Thailand or Australia, but only an around the world trip can take you to all of them on one plane ticket.  That’s the draw.  More bang for the buck, so to speak. 

There is quite simply no better way to see as much of the world in as little time.    Though my own journeys have taken about a month each, if you have as little as two weeks or as much as a year – a RTW trip could make an addict out of you, too.  

The cycling and hiking routes chosen by Discover France Adventures offer the opportunity to explore the culture, architecture, and gastronomy in the region of your choice while the new GPS units will provide additional support throughout the tour so that getting off the route is virtually impossible. 
 
Self-guided travel is a growing trend due to the flexibility it presents and the extraordinary price that accompanies it. With extras like the Garmin Dakota GPS, self-guided cyclists and hikers visiting France get the perfect combination of support and independence. The Garmin Dakota GPS are small and easy to carry, feature an easy to read screen (even in the sun), background maps, and more.

“Hi Ellen,

© Kathleen Clute.Great tip for your readers. The Copamarina Resort in Guanica, Puerto Rico! It’s on the south side of the island on the Caribbean Sea.

We are having the most blissful, peaceful week here. It’s quiet, in a very non-touristy part of the island — 80 degrees, not humid, pleasant breeze, and nothing to buy, sign up for, or do! Lovely beach. Delicious food at Las Palmas café, which is open air. The staff is helpful and friendly. About 2.5 hour drive from San Juan airport.”

Sounds fabulous! I’m ready to go. Who’s game?