THE REAL THING AT THE MERRION
The Merrion in Dublin is the perfect backdrop for all things romantic in the heart of a city where none other than St. Valentine found his final resting place. Created within four Georgian townhouses, one of which was the birthplace of the Duke of Wellington, The Merrion has intimate drawing rooms, working fireplaces, a very private 18th-century style garden, an extensive art collection and a two-Michelin star restaurant. Three weekend escapes lead the way to romance:
Real Love: Looking to rekindle that flame? The Merrion has partnered with The Gate Theatre to offer guests the best seats in the house for the forthcoming production The Real Thing - “a play which reminds you why you go to the theater and why you fall in love, and why, just sometimes, it is all worth the effort.” The Real Thing was written by Tom Stoppard, one of the giants of modern playwriting. His razor-sharp wit burns with passion in this tender and poignant semi-autobiographical play of marital manoeuvring and the mysteries of love, commitment and authenticity. Real Love at The Merrion includes two tickets to see the production, overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast in bed, a bottle of chilled rosé champagne, Valentine’s chocolates and a Champagne Afternoon Tea served in one of The Merrion’s log fired, cozy Drawing Rooms. Available from February 13 to 15, 2009 and priced at €515 (approximately $714), per couple, per night.
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".
Winter Blues Turn Turquoise in the Turks & Caicos 5th Night FREE on all room categories this winter
The Somerset on Grace Bay has long understood the importance of balancing great travel experiences with much-needed family time and cost. Therefore, starting January 3rd, a 5th Night Free promotion is being offered for the winter months, the time when a warm weather break is needed most. Now more than ever, value and pure together time have never been so priceless.
The 5th Night Free is valid for consecutive night stays in all room categories through February 28, 2009, making it ideal for a post-holiday getaway, Valentine’s Day weekend or school vacation with the family. Winter rates start at $600 double occupancy per night for a Standard Gardenview Room and go to $4,000 double occupancy per night in a five bedroom penthouse ocean view suite.
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".
For the first time, in summer 2009, Austin-Lehman Adventures (ALA) brings its sought-after active family vacation programs to Europe with four family-friendly cycling trips exploring France, Holland, Germany and Austria.
“Routes have been carefully assessed both for cycling ease and inclusion of those sites and scenes that will be of most interest to children as well as their parents,” says director Dan Austin.
As a point of distinction that sets ALA apart from other cycle tour operators, Austin explains, “Instead of focusing on the most prestigious lodgings with paths that get us there, we first choose the best pedaling paths, most scenic routes and least trafficked byways and then target the most charming, authentic lodgings to serve as our way stations along our family-friendly routes.”
ALA is one of the most trusted names in all-inclusive, active and culturally rewarding vacations, widely recognized for their unique family travel programs.
The four new European itineraries for 2009 include:
France Family: La Loire Valley of the Kings
July 11-18 and Aug. 15-22; 8 days / 7 nights at $3,498 per adult double ($565 single supplement); $3,148 first child, $2,798 additional child. Includes a stop at Le Clos Lucé in Amboise, to explore the countless inventions at this last residence of Leonardo da Vinci plus kayaking on the Vienne River.
Holland Family: Bike Paths, Windmills & Pancakes
July 19-26 and Aug. 9-16; 8 days / 7 nights at $2,998 per adult double ($510 single supplement); $2,698 first child, $2,398 additional child. Itinerary includes exploration of a 17th century working windmill in Schermer and a breeding center for giant storks.
Germany Family: Mosel Magic
July 11-17 and Aug. 8-14; 6 days / 5 nights at $2,498 per adult double ($480 single supplement); $2,248 first child, $1,998 additional child. Itinerary includes a forest hike to fairytale Berg Eltz Castle and a visit to the doll museum in Neef.
Austria Family: Fun in the Alps
June 27-July 4 and Aug. 8-15; 8 days / 7 nights at $3,298 per adult double ($780 single supplement); $2,968 first child, $2,638 additional child. Itinerary includes a toboggan ride in the hills of Hochkönig, scenic ride on a cable car, optional tandem paraglide or an afternoon of glacier skiing and a swoosh down the giant slide at the entrance to the Hallein salt mines.
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 skiers imagine ecstasy, they think of great expanses of fresh white powder snow, no lift lines, and long joyous rides. With an area almost half the size of Switzerland and reserved for no more than 400 skiers, CMH, the world’s first and most skilled Heli-Skiing operation, offers this sort of nirvana to strong intermediate and advanced skiers. Guests frequently remark that the experience was “even better than sex!” On that premise, CMH has launched its fun — and frisky — new marketing campaign, “Do you remember your first time? Click below to get started:
For more information, visit www.canadianmountainholidays.com
Source: Geoffrey Weill Associates
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".
Brown is the new black and Kangaroo Island is the new Galapagos. Trek Travel is offering a new, luxury Australian trip starting with a New Year’s Eve celebration in Sydney, Australia overlooking the famous Harbour Bridge at midnight, followed by a unique ride through South Australia culminating on Kangaroo Island – an untouched island with expansive native bushland, diverse wildlife and pristine beaches. The trip, which is open to anyone who is moderately fit, consists of nine days of wine tasting, culture, great food, nature, urban exploration and of course cycling.
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".
For the fisherman at heart, what could be better than hanging out with the boys, casting your reel, kicking back with a drink in hand and waiting for the perfect catch? Add in a boat trip along B.C.’s rugged coastline, staying in a 110-foot luxury boat with nothing but gourmet food, cigars, a hot tub, and plenty of fish to be caught, and you have the “Guys Ultimate Fishing Getaway.” Ocean Explorer Sportfishing’s three-night “Guys Ultimate Fishing Getaway” package is priced at $2929 USD per person and includes roundtrip airfare from Vancouver International Airport, single stateroom accommodation, meals, Cuban cigars, guides, fishing gear and bait.
Available from from June through September, the 110-foot MV Ocean Explorer takes the boys and their tackle through the famed Inside Passage between Port Hardy and Prince Rupert, depending on where the fish are biting. Four fully rigged 17-foot skiffs take keen fisherman directly from anchorage to the top secret fishing spots along the coast. Whether it’s trophy chinook salmon, king-size halibut, northern coho, dungeness crab, jumbo prawns, lingcod or red snapper you’re after, the crew aboard the Ocean Explorer guarantees your catch or the next trip is free!
While taking a break from fishing, the boys are invited to climb into one of the kayaks provided to explore the nearby inlets and bays and watch for some of the local wildlife that inhabit the area. Pristine water, towering mountains, deep fjords and a temperate climate make the area prime habitat for bald eagles, whales, dolphins and sea lions.
The only fishing experience of this kind in the area, the Ocean Explorer boasts nine private staterooms, lounge, a state-of-the-art galley and hot tub ensuring all the luxuries of a home away from home. After a long day on the open water, the men are welcomed with the culinary talents of Executive Chef David Weslowsky. David, the on board chef, serves up unforgettable meals that feature the finest and freshest of Pacific seafood, fruits and vegetables and fresh baked pastries. After a gourmet meal, the “Guys Ultimate Fishing Getaway” is wrapped up with all hands on deck for a nice long soak in the hot tub under the stars and to share fish stories.
For more information or reservations for the “Ultimate Guys Fishing Getaway” package, call Adventure West Resorts at 1-877-GO-WEST (1-877-346-9378) or visit www.adventurewestresorts.com/ocean.
Adventure West Resorts is a multi-faceted destination experience provider that delivers an authentic Canadian adventure. Experience the unexpected with Ocean Explorer Sportfishing, Adventure Fjord Heli-skiing and Elkin Creek Guest Ranch. For more information and reservations, call 1-877-3-GO-WEST (1-877-346-9378) or visit www.adventurewestresorts.com.
Source: Ki Communications
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".