Ciclismo Classico cycling mama Lauren Heffron & kids in Copenhagen.Attention husbands, children, brothers and fathers! What do “cycling mammas” want most for Mother’s Day? Sure, cards or flowers are appreciated, but what she covets most of all might be time to bicycle with her family.
Sign up the Mamma in your life on a Ciclismo Tour by May 13th and receive a $250 discount on her trip! (They’ll give you the discount too. Valid on all trips except More Miles for Less, cannot be combined with any other discounts.)
Suggested Mom escapes from the ultimate cycling mama, Ciclismo Classico director, Lauren Hefferon:
La Bella Puglia Enjoy laid-back cycling, delicious cuisine and mystical cities of stone
Swept Away in Sardegna (Lauren’s personal favorite) Explore dramatic coastlines, mesmerizing scenery and a rich, vibrant culture
The Grand Tour D’Italia Experience the Best of Italy on this stunning 15 day North to South, six-region, cycling portrait of Italy - a Ciclismo exclusive
Lovely Lofoten For peaceful pedaling on a Norwegian Paradise that ventures over the Arctic circle and pedals along soaring mountains and the crystal sea
Vietnam For sensory cycling overload of lush scenery, intense cultural experiences and smiling, super friendly natives
Provence For a glorious spin in France’s most famous and magical cycling region.
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".
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.
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".
Exciting New Family Trips for Summer 2010
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.
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".
Amusement Parks, Aquariums, Kids Jazz Festival, Sea Excursions for Kids of All Ages
Summer Fun - FinlandFinland thrives in the summer as the days get light and long. Several theme parks and zoos open their gates, and there are hundreds of festivals of song, dance and theater to keep the whole family entertained. And in a land of thousands of lakes and a beautiful seacoast with many islands, a summer cruise is a must.
THEME PARKS
Moominworld – Say hello to Moomintroll and Little My!
The Southwest coast of Finland is home to a family that awakens from hibernation every spring. The Moomins are fairytale characters originally created by writer Tove Jansson in the 1950s. Today their blue house stands on an island of magical beauty in front of the old town in Naantali, surrounded by the archipelago. Moominworld is located in Naantali, at a distance of about 16 km from Turku and about 180 km from Helsinki. It is open from June to August.For more information www.muumimaailma.fi
Linnanmäki – Theme park and aquarium in one location!
The 60-year old Linnanmäki amusement park is a classic Helsinki destination, providing free admission to over 40 rides of different sizes and speeds, thrilling games, and surprising novelties. The summer season in Linnanmäki is April 24 - September 13, 2009.
Adjacent to the amusement park, Sea Life Aquarium is an exciting place to dive into the magical world of underwater life. There are more than 50 tanks in which you can see sharks, piranhas, seahorses and hundreds of other fascinating sea creatures up close. Admission is separate. For more information www.linnanmaki.fi and www.sealife.fi
Särkänniemi – Spin, speed or splash?
If amusement is measured by the number and variety of attractions in one place, the Särkänniemi Adventure Park is the most fun place in Finland. The big smiles of over 700,000 guests each year prove it. In addition to its 35 rides, the park features an aquarium, a dolphinarium, a planetarium, a children’s zoo, an art museum and an observation tower. Särkänniemi is located less than two kilometers from the center of Tampere, by the beautiful lake Näsijärvi.For more information www.sarkanniemi.fi
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".
This summer, escape the daily grind, grab the kids and head to Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, which offer exclusive activities for children and a range of family-friendly activities ideal for any budget. Whether taking to the pink sands of Bermuda, enjoying a family trip to the zoo in Washington, D.C., or getting the royal treatment at a legendary castle in Quebec City, Fairmont destinations areeasy to access by car, train, or a short plane ride and promise a memorable experience for all.
As an added bonus, families can also take advantage of Fairmont’s kids dining program, which offers complimentary meals from the buffet or children’s menu for little ones 5 years of age and under, and 50% off the regular menu for children aged 6 -12. With exciting offers at a great value, Fairmont’s family packages will keep both youngsters and parents entertained all summer long. Packages include:
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".