‘Tis the season for winter escapes and few places do snowy holidays better than Switzerland. Choose your adventure, from an intimate, luxury getaway in the quiet Val d’Anniviers to an affordable winter package and adrenaline-fueled fun in Zermatt, here are five reasons to pack your bags.
Better still, discover how you can win a free 1-week Swiss winter holiday.
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 luxury camps in Latin America and Africa island hopping to the dancing green glow of Norway’s Aurora Borealis and a Brazilian World Cup warm up, travel trends seem to get more intrepid and exotic by the year.
To help you blaze new trails in the new year, custom travel company, Kensington Tours, polled its team of global Destination Experts to see what trends they saw on the horizon for travel. Here’s their lineup of top 10 adventures for 2013.
1. Asian Safaris – Dragons, Tigers, Orangutans & More
One wild trend that is on the 2013 hotlist - More families are requesting animal safaris in Southeast Asia than ever before. Borneo’s orangutans, Cambodia’s elephants, Thailand’s tigers, Laos’ gibbons and Indonesia’s komodo dragons, these animals add another dimension to the temples and treasures of these culturally rich countries.
2. Glamping – The Glam In Latin American Camping
Take some of Latin America’s wildest destinations, a large dose of fresh air, mobile tents and evening campfires, add porters to carry your gear, breakfast mimosas, and a personal chef – this is what glamping is all about.Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Patagonia all have a growing collection of luxury mobile camps for those who love the great outdoors but don’t want to miss out on prerequisite holiday pampering.
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 getting up close and personal with the lions in their natural habitat of the Kalahari Desert, to zip lining the rainforests of Costa Rica and island hopping the Galapagos, there’s still time to book a summer vacation.
Inspire your family with action-packed, mind-opening adventures to the South Africa’s Whale Coast, Peru’s mystical ruins of Macchu Picchu, and the other-worldly wildlife of the Galapagos.
Here are five summer getaways specially created for families by private guided tour company, Jacada Travel:
South Africa Family Explorer: 12 nights
Leave the mundane behind as you embark on the family trip of a lifetime across South Africa. Enjoy a customized itinerary that combines guided tours of the Kalahari Desert¹s game reserves, safaris and exotic wildlife in Madikwe, with peaceful summer afternoons on Cape Town¹s beaches, and breathtaking views of the Whale Coast.
Waterfalls, Beaches, and Wildlife in Brazil: 14 nights
The largest country in Latin America certainly offers much to be explored. From the depths of the Missiones rainforest to the glittering beaches of Buzios, the visual and cultural diversity of Brazil is endless. This trip includes visits to the world¹s wonders such as the Iguassu Falls, exploration of Rio de Janeiro¹s historical richness, and daily interaction with the country¹s welcoming locals. With Jacada¹s insider knowledge into the country, be prepare to be immersed in a culture that is vibrant, fun, and exciting with peace of mind that your family is in good hands.
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".
It’s a common family dilemma: The kids want to stay home with their friends. Parents are ready (a.k.a. desperate) to head further afield.
Tempt them with Bedouin camp sleepovers, jungle ziplines, elephant rides and tiger safaris, however, and watch how quickly they stop complaining and start packing.
Summer vacation never looked so good as the new ‘kidtastic’ family travel collection from Kensington Tours. Here are 10 of their hand-crafted family adventures sure to please kids and parents.
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".
When it comes to adventurous vacation ideas, one of my most trusted insiders is Nancy Harrison, founding partner of Adventure Media. Offering a blend of expertise, connections, and good value, Nancy and her team specialize in introducing travelers to some of the best adventure travel experiences the world has to offer.
When I read through this hand-selected list of summer travel ideas that Nancy sent along recently, I was ready to pack my bags. I hope it inspires you to do the same.
1. Explore the Sights, Sounds, and Tastes of China On An Authentic Cultural Family Vacation
Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of China with your family this summer on this new Smithsonian Family Adventure by family travel experts, Thomson Family Adventures. From cosmopolitan cities to rural villages, this exclusive family adventure takes travelers to see authentic China, a land that’s in transition between ancient and modern. As with all of Thomson’s tours, children have the opportunity to meet a pen pal while on the trip … Thomson Family Adventures
2. Celebrate Summer With Your Family On A Rafting Trip Down The Wild & Scenic Rogue River
There’s nothing quite like spending long summer days in the great outdoors while breathing in the fresh air of summer and spending time with loved ones. Venture outside to Southern Oregon’s historic Rogue River for some rough and tumble fun on a whitewater rafting vacation that includes riverside camping… Rogue Wilderness Adventures
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 ready for a family vacation that won’t leave them rolling their eyes at your lame choices? Fear not. It ispossible, if you let the kids do the planning. At least that’s the idea behind Austin Lehman Adventures’ (ALA) new “What Kids Want on a Family Adventure Vacation” call-in focus group webinar headed up by Kasey Austin (daughter of founding director, Dan Austin), the company’s new CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer).
Austin aims to get your kids (ages 7 to 17) on board with adventure planning by giving them their say in every step of the planning and learning what’s important to them on an active family vacation during the Sunday, April 15, 2012 webinar (4 p.m. EST ).
“This is an ongoing research project and dialogue between ALA and its guests, fans and family to constantly improve and enhance the ALA trip experience,” said Austin. “Our summer guests will benefit from the ideas that come out of this focus group discussion.” Kids’ opinions from the webinar will be integrated into ALA family trip programming and orchestrated with guides during ALA’s annual spring training in Billings, MT.
Austin urges kids to sign up early online. The first 25 participants will receive a “certified cool” ALA gift and goody bag. Even better, their family will receive a $250 trip voucher good for any 2012 ALA trip.
To register for the online focus group kids are instructed to go to:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/571338808. After signing up and confirming they have their parent’s permission to participate, kids will receive a confirmation email containing information about being part of the Webinar.
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".