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Star-Treatment Mother's Day Package & More from Hilton Caribbean/Latin America

Treat mom to the star treatment for Mother’s Day, when mothers can play the part of jet-setting celebrities with the “Red Carpet” package from select Hilton and Doubletree by Hilton hotels and resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Now through Dec. 31, 2011, a selection of hotels and resorts near turquoise beaches and in bustling cities throughout the Caribbean and Latin America deliver the star treatment with the Red Carpet package featuring: 

Three-night suite accommodations
Luxury airport pickup
Indulging daily spa treatments 
Rejuvenating facial
On-property, celebrity-style, photo shoot 
Gourmet dinner for two

Each hotel (listed below) also has its own star appeal, welcoming Mothers to enjoy everything from a poolside concierge at Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort to helicopter transfers at Hilton São Paulo Morumbi.

And for Moms who’re looking for the best in wellness and relaxation, there are new spa treatments available to guests of two Hilton resorts in Latin America.

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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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Go Visit Ireland Announces Special Travel Deal For Solo Travelers

Another St. Patrick’s Day has come and gone, but Go Visit Ireland continues the celebrations with special travel deals on guided walking tours to Ireland. This travel deal offers travelers the chance to experience Go Visit Ireland’s “Hidden Kerry” Ireland tours without paying a single supplement. 

 

This Ireland tour takes travelers on an up close and personal exploration of Southwest Ireland in County Kerry to experience some of the best coastal scenery and National Park walks in Ireland. Travelers will walk four legs of the famous Kerry Way walking trail, journeying on old coach and “butter roads”, which take them from the Atlantic Ocean on the shore of Dingle Bay, through the wild valleys of Mid Kerry and along to Killarney National Park. 

 

Some highlights of this Ireland tour include exploration of Glenbeigh, a picturesque and vibrant village by the Atlantic ocean, a trip to award-winning Rossbeigh Beach, an authentic exploration of the town of Killarney, known for its famous national park and traditional music, absorbing the sights and sounds of Killarney National Park, and a boat trip on the Lakes of Killarney. Other highlights include an optional visit to 19th century Muckross House and Gardens, a spectacular coastal walk that overlooks Dingle Bay, an optional boat trip to the ancient Skellig Islands, traditional Irish music, dance, and food, and much more.

 

No single supplements for tours on May, June, and September departures. Departure dates are available April-October. Prices start at: $925. For more information, visit http://www.govisitireland.com/hiddenkerry.html . Go Visit Ireland specializes in unforgettable walking, cycling, and cultural tours throughout Ireland. With more than 17 years of experience in creating “off the beaten path” Ireland tours, they are true experts in creating authentic Ireland travel experiences.

 

Visit www.govisitireland.com for more information,

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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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NEW 2011 YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK LODGING & LEARNING PACKAGES

For curious travelers who want to explore Yellowstone National Park by day and stay in comfortable hotels at night, Xanterra Parks & Resorts and the non-profit Yellowstone Association Institute announce their summer 2011 lineup of multi-day “Lodging & Learning” packages.

 

With the exception of the “Roosevelt Rendezvous” and “Yellowstone for Families” programs, all Lodging & Learning packages are designed for a maximum of 12 people and for participants who are a minimum of 12 years old. Members of the Yellowstone Association receive $10 off the price of each program. Rates do not include tax or utility fee. Reservations for all programs can be made by calling (1) 307-344-7311 or toll-free 866-GEYSERLAND (866-439-7375). Online information is available at www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com and www.yellowstoneassociation.org.

 

New this year is the Summer Wildlife Expedition, a four-day package offered beginning June 23, July 7 and 21 and August 4 and 18. This package is focused on wildlife viewing and features two nights of lodging at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel, three nights at Lake Yellowstone Hotel, breakfast and box lunch daily, dinner on the last night, in-park bus transportation, expert instruction by an Institute wildlife biologist and optional evening programs. Activities include hikes of up to five miles per day with occasional elevation gains up to 500 feet in undulating terrain. Some off-trail hiking is possible. Rates are $1,299 per person for double occupancy and $1,745 per person for single occupancy.

 

Yellowstone for Families” – named “Best Summer Family Camp in America” by “Good Morning America” and Family Fun — is designed for families with children between eight and 12. The package includes four nights at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Grant Village; age-appropriate field activities such as animal tracking, wildlife-watching, painting and hiking; breakfast and box lunches each day, in-park transportation, instruction and optional evening programs. Programs are offered Monday to Friday and Friday to Tuesday from June 6 to Aug. 19. Rates for programs at Mammoth are $2,148 for a family of two adults and two children. Rates for programs in Grant Village are $2,548 for a family of two adults and two children.

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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".
Austin Lehman Adventures Introduces Electric Bikes to European Cycling Vacations

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Austin Lehman Adventures Introduces Electric Bikes to European Cycling Vacations

The Evolution of Cycling: E-Bikes now available on European Cycling Vacations

Don’t hang up your helmets just yet… Always on the cutting edge, Austin Adventures is charging up their European vacations by introducing electric bicycles as an option on all European Biking Vacations.

Ron van Dijk, ALA Director of European Operations, with over 40 years in the industry; has witnessed many changes in the way bicycles have been used in European vacations. From the use of increasingly lighter touring bikes and gears moving from 10 to 27 gears, as well as high-tech brakes and now, battery-powered bikes. “With e-bikes now anyone, regardless of age, strength or ability, will be able to take on even the most strenuous tour itinerary.” 

Electric bikes, originally the rage of bike commuters, are quickly becoming the next major evolution in recreational cycling. With Austin Adventures leading the way in Europe by offing an e-bike option to guests on all of their multi-day cycle tours. Essentially e-bikes level the playing field. Couples can cycle together without fear of leaving a companion in the dust. For the first time the arm chair/casual cyclist thinking of an Italian bike tour can do a challenging trip like Tuscany without fearing the inevitable long ascents synonymous with the area. These bikes are ideal for multi-generational groups and families.

To learn more, call 800.575.1540 or visit Austin Adventures - Adventure Travel

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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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Maine Skiing: Where lift lines are non-existent and lift tickets start at $8.00

Fun in the Terrain Park at Bigrock Ski Area

a guest article by B&B expert, Marti Mayne

When you think of skiing, most minds wander to Colorado, Utah or British Columbia.  Yet for many New Englanders, the travel and expense of heading out west make this dream trip tough. 

Having lived in Maine his whole life, my 50-something husband had never been to Aroostook County, the largest county east of the Mississippi, and equal in size to Rhode Island and Connecticut combined. So we packed up the kids and headed to “The County” for a ski vacation. 

Renowned as hosts to the 2011 World Cup Biathlon, this is Nordic skiing paradise, with two world class biathlon facilities within an hour of one another.  Yet, no one thinks of Aroostook, which they call the Crown of Maine, for alpine skiing. 

Read on and we’ll let you in on a secret about a treasure of a family skiing area where lift lines are non-existent and lift tickets start at $8.00. Be sure to watch the video at the end too.  Click here to learn about Maine’s secret skiing destination.

 

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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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Twelve Tips for Planning National Park Vacations

Winter is a great time to plan national park trips because there is still a broad range of room options available in popular parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Canyon. Although some of the iconic lodges are filling up during peak times, there is plenty of availability.

National park concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts offers tips for successfully planning a park visit and securing accommodations.

 

1.    Be informed.  Visit Xanterra’s web site at www.xanterra.com for general information on the parks operated by Xanterra as well as lodging descriptions, rates and availability. Another good source of information on national parks is the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov

2.    Be web-savvy. Rooms can be booked online at: 

 

 

Booking online is usually the quickest way to secure a reservation. Travelers can check room availability too via Xanterra’s online reservations calendar.

3.    Confirm that you have the full online picture. Some lodges will list various room types as part of drop down menus. If you do not click on the down arrow only one room type will be visible. And guess which room type is the first to show up as sold out?

4.    Be flexible with your choice of lodge. Some of the larger parks such as Grand Canyon and Yellowstone feature multiple lodges in spectacular settings. While Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn and Grand Canyon’s El Tovar are best-known and tend to fill up first, other lodges offer history, comfortable accommodations and their own appeal.

5.    Avoid the crowds. Regardless of which park you are visiting, consider traveling during the first two weeks of June, the last 10 days of August or the first two weeks of September.

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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".