The Camino de Santiago (“The Way of Saint James”) is an 1,100-year-old pilgrimage route across Spain ending at Santiago de Compostela, where, tradition has it, the bones of the saint are buried. Seekers and adventurers from around the world sojourn to Santiago under their own power – by foot, bicycle, even donkey – to earn that most esteemed souvenir: the compostela, or certificate of completion. It’s a challenging journey, complete with mountain passes, unpaved roads, and weather that can be less than cooperative. Easy Rider Cycling Tours, an adventure travel company that specializes in European bike trips, has been guiding bicycling tours along the Camino since 1998.
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".
Legendary river rafting outfitters Bill and Jaci Dvorak know how to plan the perfect family river escape. They’ve been doing it for over 40 years. This year families will be able to take some of the sting out of the high cost of a summer vacation with a special ‘Kids Go Free’ promotion from Dvorak Expeditions.
The location is Utah’s wild and scenic Green River as it flows north to south through the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservations carving the deepest canyon in the state. The week-long trip follows the path of Butch Cassidy’s ‘Wild Bunch’ and explorer Major John Wesley Powell, who titled the barren landscapes “a region of wildest desolation”.
Dvorak’s River Magic Journey for Families along the Green River, however, is far from roughing it. Professional guides handle all the details and are adept at knowing the needs of children and parents in the wilderness. Healthy prepared meals, often Dutch Oven style, include fresh meats and vegetables, breads, salads, desserts and beverages. The staff also take turns being the camp Play, Laugh & Learn Director‚ to organize games, side canyon hikes, campfire storytelling and off-river entertainment for all ages.
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".
Is technology the enemy on vacation? Maybe. Maybe not.
Once-upon-a-time only business travelers tethered themselves to BlackBerrys and laptops. Nowadays staying connected via technology is an indispensable part of most people’s journeys.
But, technology should work for you, not the other way around.
Check out these 5 tips to help you stay connected on vacation while still embracing the moment.
Read more at The Adventure Blog
photo via istockphoto.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".
Fire up the grill. Pull out the road maps. It’s just days to Memorial Day Weekend, the traditional start of Get-Outdoors-Summer’s-Here! Season.
Wading birds called avocets take flight at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, a short ride off Interstate 15 near Salt Lake City, Utah. (USFWS)This summer, include a visit to a national wildlife refuge in your plans. Thrill to a hidden world of natural wonders while your kids learn the joy of healthy outdoor activity. Take pride in America’s Great Outdoors and your natural heritage.
Here’s another good reason to visit a national wildlife refuge:
National wildlife refuges make great mid-route stops on long drives. The shortest of detours off many interstate highways lead to federally protected wildlife havens and relief for your jangled nerves.
Just two examples:
• Heading south to Florida on I-95? In South Carolina, take exit 102 to Santee National Wildlife Refuge, a few minutes away. Scenic Santee Refuge is a magnet for hawks, eagles, wading birds and songbirds. It’s the historic stomping grounds of Revolutionary War hero Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion. And it’s an anthropological wonder — the site of 1,000-year-old National Register-listed ceremonial Santee Indian mounds.
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".
Just because your child has become a teenager – or is acting like one – doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice meaningful family vacations. To help you keep the peace and the fun flowing, listed below are a few wise tips for traveling with teens from family travel specialists, Thomson Family Adventures.
1) Choosing a destination that offers activities to challenge and excite – like a zip line, white water rafting, or kayaking – will keep your big kids active, engaged and satisfied. If they’ve done an activity before, try in a new environment for new excitement. Look for a variety of activities that give everyone a chance to try many things; don’t give them the chance to feel bored with the same old thing.
2) This is your family vacation, but diversions are very useful. Traveling in a small group of like minded and similar aged families gives you the chance to meet new people and make new friends. For many families, having company to share the fun with helps prevent the family bond from fraying under the stress of too much togetherness.
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 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".