Travel Tips & Trips — Ellen Barone

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Summer Vacation Ideas

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Five Quirky B&Bs for Unusual Summer Stays

Stay in a luxury treehouse in Oregon this summer.Instead of the usual summer vacation, why not try something different this year? Bed and breakfasts are the definition of unique. Of the estimated 17,000 inns in the U.S., no two inns are exactly the same. From Victorian, Queen Anne and Italianate architecture to rustic and urban styles, B&Bs come in all shapes and sizes. 

Not only will you enjoy wallet-friendly amenities like free Wi-Fi, guest pantries stocked with complimentary snacks and breakfast included in your rate, but also a one-of-a-kind travel experience. 

Prepare yourself for a summer of surprises with these five BnBFinder inns:  

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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".

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10 'Kidtastic' Family Adventures for Summer 2012

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. 

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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".

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6 Summer Vacation Ideas for Adventure Travelers

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

 

 

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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".
Five Reasons to Head for the Mountains

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Five Reasons to Head for the Mountains

Cities buzz with excitement and a beach escape is always fun, but there’s nothing quite as soul-soothing as getting away to the mountains. From dazzling night skies to snow-capped peaks and evergreen forests, here are five reasons to head for the mountains on your next adventure.

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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".

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Kids Travel Free on Rafting Trips with Dvorak Expeditions

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.

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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".

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Start the Summer Season with a Visit to a National Wildlife Refuge

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.

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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".