Whether you’re running or cheering the New York City Marathon on Nov. 2, 2014, these simple tips from NewYork.com will help you enjoy the big race -- from start to finish.
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 world’s only earthquake-themed festival, fireworks, horseraces, dances, parades, parties, Machu Picchu and more, are among the highlights of six new active adventures into the cultural heart of Peru with tour company Culture Xplorers. Focused on the culture, heritage and living traditions of Peru, each small group departure takes in a range of activities and coincides with a vibrant local festival.
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".
From rich history in the heart of Peru and the nearly untouched wilds of the Galapagos Islands, to a trek to the height of the Himalayas, or a voyage to the emerald coasts of Ireland, REI Adventures’ classic trips feature world-class wildlife viewing, some of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, and unmatched experiences for learning & adventure.
For those seeking a healthy, outdoor alternative to the traditional fall foliage viewing or road trip this autumn, here are four REI travel experiences that take the idea of fitness vacations to a whole new level:
· Machu Picchu & Galapagos Islands Multisport – An award-winning adventure for 2012, this trip combines two classic destinations in one unforgettable expedition. Beginning in South America’s oldest continually inhabited city, Cusco, and working its way through the ancient Inca culture, it then takes adventurers to the Galapagos Islands, where there are plenty of opportunities to swim, kayak, snorkel and hike. Trips leave once a month, through November.
· Zion and Bryce Canyon Hiking – Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks, known for their stunning red and white-walled canyons, plentiful hiking opportunities and panoramic views, are perfect destinations to visit in the fall, when the intense heat of summer eases into pleasant hiking weather. Adventurers will hike the canyons, learn about the landscape and spend their evenings in a secluded lodge on a private 1,000 acre ranch.
· Everest Base Camp Trek – One of adventurers’ most coveted destinations, the peak of Mt. Everest towers far above timberline; travelers will see the stark banner of clouds and snow pluming from mountain peaks and experience the colorful Buddhist and Hindu traditions to be found in the surrounding areas. This journey will take folks to the peak of Kala Patar (18,100 ft.) for an unobstructed view of Everest’s summit.
· Ireland Coast-to-Coast – From Dublin to Dingle, hike from the Irish Sea to the Atlantic Ocean for a trip of unmatched scenic variety and authentic Irish experiences. Take this trip in the fall – it’s sold out for nearly every departure date from now through August.
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".
We’ve been living and working in Cuenca, Ecuador for the past three months and although it’s one of the smallest countries in South America, we haven’t even scratched the surface of all there is to see and do here.
Before my husband and I arrived, I did what I usually do before a trip; surfed my favorite adventure travel search engine TravelDragon.com to find trip offerings in the region.
The Galapagos Islands and the unusual creatures that live there had been topping our wanderlist for a lifetime and we couldn’t do better than the 8-day adventure cruise we enjoyed aboard the motor yacht Letty (see adventure number six in the list below).
As amazing as the Galapagos Islands are, however, Ecuador has much more to offer. This small country has a cultural, geographical and biological diversity that’s among the world’s richest. You can hike amidst snow-clad summits and massive volcanic peaks; go birding in misty cloud forests; soak in bubbling hot springs; snorkel with sea turtles; and experience the thrill of world-class rafting.
As our time in Ecuador comes to an end and we pack our bags for Peru, I thought I’d share ten hand-picked adventures we’re filing away for ‘Next Time’. Yes, we WILL be back. Ecuador is highly addictive.
1. Ecuador: The Highlands
In Ecuador’s Highlands you’ll walk the Hacienda Trail, a scenic path running between the luxurious accommodations in which you’ll stay. With snow-clad summits and massive volcanic peaks as a backdrop, your days will be filled with unexpected moments. Stroll through picturesque Andean villages, meet welcoming residents, and linger at their frequent festivals. Savor the picnic of a lifetime on the 12,000-foot rim of Cubilche Volcano, or investigate the 1,200-year-old Caranqui Mounds and stop at a condor restoration project.Go from hummingbird-stitched
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".
Summer arrives too quickly for most families, which is why early spring is the perfect time to plan a family vacation. With everyone overscheduled and pressed for time, this can be a vacation that gets families and kids outdoors, keeping them active and sharing adventurous pursuits. Here are five great ways for families to travel and enjoy the outdoors altogether.
photo by kk+
1. Finding Nemo in Virgin Gorda, B.V.I. - Share the wonders of the deep as you swim over shallow coral reefs off Villa Aquamare in Virgin Gorda. Lying just 20 feet from shore is an underwater world teeming with parrot fish, groupers and sea turtles. For the more adventurous, families can take out one of Aquamare’s kayaks for a safe and easy paddle to a deserted beach. www.villaaquamare.com
2. Zip and Dip in Saint Lucia - Take a ride up to the mountain peaks and zip through the lush Saint Lucian rainforest on the popular zipline, keeping an eye out for lizards, parrots and monkeys. Then plan on a family dip at your stylish digs at Cap Maison in a private roof terrace pools or Jacuzzi. www.capmaison.com.
3. Stargaze from atop a Rainforest - From your comfortable aerie 1,100 feet above the Caribbean Sea at Ladera, use the resort’s sky maps to connect the dots and find more constellations than you ever knew existed. Then get into your private plunge pool to plan the next day’s beach excursion. www.ladera.com
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".
GO FOR GOLD IN BRITISH COLUMBIAThe XXI Winter Olympics are underway, and there’s so much excitement in the air we can practically taste it! As countries begin to rack up medals and energy builds, onlookers are left brimming not only with pride, but also with what we’ve coined the “Olympic Itch” – an overwhelming desire to get out there and try something new, to get in shape, to test their athletic prowess.
If you’re feeling The Itch, travel like an Olympian and let ALA take care of all the details large and small so you can focus on the fun part – the adrenaline rush!
There’s no better time to start planning than now. So go ahead, make like an Olympian as you tackle Canada’s spectacular terrain on a weeklong, action-packed British Columbia adventure vacation.
EXPLORE OLYMPIC TERRITORY WITH ALABoth the ALA British Columbia adult and family multisport itineraries begin and end in the thriving metropolis of Vancouver, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
By day, hike old-growth hemlock rainforests in Alice Lake Provincial Park. Bike quiet trails through wildflower meadows in Whistler Valley. Ride the gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain before trekking the last 1,000 vertical feet to the summit for jaw-dropping panoramas of alpine lakes, wildflower meadows and glacier-covered peaks. By night, unwind with a scenic sunset drive along the Sea to Sky highway and a well-earned meal at one of Whistler’s tastiest restaurants.
Whether traveling with family, friends or on your own, follow in the footsteps of the world’s most elite athletes and experience for yourself the thrill of navigating Canada’s Olympic territory on an Austin-Lehman British Columbia Wilderness or Mountains, Meadows & Wildlife adventure.
ALBERTA & CANADIAN ROCKIES ADVENTURESJust east of British Columbia lies a province chock full of vast wilderness, soaring peaks, age-old glaciers, alpine lakes and broad, sweeping valleys; while it may not be home to the Winter Games, Alberta is no doubt an adventurer’s paradise.
Bike, hike and paddle your way through Canada’s Rocky Mountains on one of ALA’s three Alberta adventures. Saddle up for a 6-day Rocky Mountain Treasures biking vacation and pedal the eye-popping landscape of Kananaskis valley, Banff and Lake Louise. Strap on your boots for an Ultimate Rocky Mountain hiking adventure through the glacier-clad wilderness of Banff, Paradise Valley, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
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".