a guest blog by Sandy Salle of Hills Africa Travel
One of the greatest concerns travelers have when it comes to international family travel is safety. We often hear from families who would love to travel to Africa but who also have some safety concerns: “Is a safari safe for our family?” “Are health conditions in Africa safe for my family?” “Is traveling to and through Africa safe for my family?”
The answer to all of those questions is yes, Africa is a safe and wonderful place to bring your family. But, as with all destinations outside of your own country, there are obvious safety precautions that should be addressed and looked into prior to departure.
Some of these universal travel concerns include health precautions, language barriers, differing cultures, and unfamiliar governments. With these concerns lingering, it’s important to be educated, and have the right tools to prevent any unexpected emergencies when traveling outside your native country. The enriching and rewarding family experiences far outweigh any of these concerning factors, as all safety precautions are addressed prior to departure.
But two of the most popular safety concerns we receive from clients are in regards to family safari tours and children on safari.
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".
There’s a Portuguese party going on over on our sister site, YourLifeIsATrip.com, where each day this week we’re celebrating and sharing some very cool places to eat and drink, stay, visit and explore, focusing the YourLifeIsATrip.com spotlight on the “undiscovered” nature of the country.
Helping us help you launch your own Portugal adventure is our favorite travel search engine - TravelDragon.com.
To whet your appetite here are just a few of their Portugal recommendations:
Portugal Biking: From Ancient Towns to Douro Valley Vineyards
Peel back layers of history and tradition as you journey through this captivating corner of northern Portugal. Pedal along pastoral lanes from the ancient market town of Ponte de Lima to Guimarães, a World Heritage site and the birthplace of Portugal. Spin into the stunning Douro Valley, where wine has been produced for nearly two millennia. Explore historic landmarks, climb pine-covered mountains, and encounter friendly locals on horse-drawn carts. Along the way, sample delectable port wine and fresh seafood, and… more
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Portugal: Lisbon and the Silver CoastDeparts June
The journey to Portugal offers magical landscapes of sandy beaches rimmed by burnished-gold cliffs, fantastic Manueline architecture, fairytale walled towns, hilltop windmills and Moorish castles. The dramatic history of the Knights Templar and of the Portuguese discoveries is softened by the coral-colored hibiscus flowers and purple wisteria wrapping around centuries old stone walls, elegantly painted ceramic tiles and soulful fado music. |
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".
Are you looking for a little adventure this summer? From Family Vacationsto Yoga Retreats, Girlfriend Getaways to Via Ferrate, Canadian Mountain Holiday’s summer adventures are sure to invigorate, educate, and revitalize. CMH vacation planners can customize the perfect trip just for you. But to get you started, here are just a few ideas:
Photography Workshop - Join acclaimed Canadian nature photographer John E. Marriott at Bugaboo Lodge. Shutterbugs will have the opportunity to learn from John in one of Canada’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. And, you will come away with new skills and beautiful photos! More info
Short Escapes - These 3-day Heli-Hiking trips at the Bobbie Burns and Bugaboo Lodges are laden with exploring, indulgence, excitement or peaceful journeying. Short Escapes will quickly unwind you and spellbind you…leaving you wanting more! More info
Yoga Retreat - Led by Anne Douglas, Senior Level Yoga Instructor. The 3-day retreat at Bobbie Burns Lodge is designed to make you stop and find you again. Alpine exploring, tranquil yoga, gourmet food and never-ending serenity await you. More info
High Flying Adventures - Pack some extra adrenaline: you’ll need it! True mountaineering, and designed to challenge, fulfill, entice and downright thrill, this is Heli-Hiking at its best. Zip-lines, via ferrate, glacier travel and other options available. More info
For information and booking, call 1.800.661.0252, send an email or visit www.cmhsummer.com
Source: Canadian Mountain Holidays
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".
Anchoring San Francisco’s #1 destination, the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf is located across the street from the Mason/Powell Cable Car line with nearby attractions that include Alcatraz, Pier 39, The Cannery, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Cruises, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square and Aquarium of the Bay.
But, those are just the “typical” highlights. Here’s the hotel’s list of top ten great things to see and do in and around the hotel:
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Check out the (relatively) new San Francisco Railway Museum, which features a permanent display of artifacts depicting the City’s myriad of historic transportation.
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Climb the notorious Filbert Steps. This unique “stairway to Heaven” leads up to Coit Tower, with gardens and sculptures guiding the way up to a phenomenal, panoramic view of the bay at the top.
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Take ‘em out to the ballgame at San Francisco Giant’s AT&T Ballpark. From the hotel, the entire family can board the historic F Line street cars to get to the park.
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Wend your way through Pier 39’s new mirror maze.
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Tour through the Boudin Bakery historic museum before buying a loaf of San Franciscans’ favorite sourdough bread.
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".
YELLOWSTONE ASSOCIATION INSTITUTE FAMILY PROGRAMS ALLOW FAMILIES TO LEARN – AND LAUGH – TOGETHER
The non-profit Yellowstone Association Institute (YAI) believes you are never too young or old to learn. That’s why the organization includes among its extensive educational programs numerous experiences that are perfect for family groups.
Two programs are a particularly good fit for families: the multi-day “Yellowstone for Families” Lodging & Learning program and a stay at the Yellowstone Overlook with Private Tours. With both the Lodging & Learning program and Private Tours, participants are led by a YAI naturalist-guide who specializes in educating visitors about the world’s first national park – its geological mysteries, abundant wildlife and fascinating and sometimes befuddling human history. Naturalist-guides personalize their programs for the particular needs and interests of each group, so even very young visitors can begin to foster an appreciation for the natural and historic world of Yellowstone.
“Our naturalist-guides are adept at focusing their interpretive messages to the needs and interests of the group, and they have been known to get a little silly around their youngest charges, especially when they think they are beginning to turn kids on to the wonders of the park,” said Jeff Brown, education director for the Yellowstone Association. “For example, we haven’t found a kid yet who wasn’t at least a little interested in learning to identify animal scat. Children have so much fun they simply forget they are learning fundamental lessons about wildlife biology.”
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".
Learn how to wakeboard in the warm waters of Canada’s hottest destination.
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".