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".
From April 11-18 and April 18-25, 2009, a select group of ten skiers on each tour will explore the pristine Bugaboos range of the Canadian Rockies the way Canadian Mountain Holidays founder Hans Gmoser did almost a half century ago. With two guides per trip, guests on the Ski Touring expedition will head out by helicopter to remote spots in the Bugaboos range, where they’ll be dropped off for a thrilling downhill run on fresh tracks — but instead of hopping back in the chopper for a ride back up, skiers will strap on their skins, release their heels, take off a layer and start the rhythmic ascent towards another great run.
“Ski touring allows us to experience the mountains in a way that’s very different from Heli-Skiing,” says Rob Rohn, CMH Director of Mountain Operations. “Your body gets into an almost Zen-like rhythm as you patiently climb towards a new vista at every corner. The quiet is deafening.”
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".
RELAX, REJUVENATE, DANCE…
Forget about your busy and hectic life for one week in sunny Oaxaca, Mexico from January 10-17, 2009 for a relaxing and rejuvenating Salsa dance and yoga retreat.
Regardless if you are new to yoga or have practiced for many years, enjoy our yoga classes lead by yoga instructor extraordinaire, dancer and aerial artist Jennifer Hill. Experience the surge of inner peace, love, and energy that results from connecting with yourself during your yoga practice, dancing will become the perfect way to connect with others. Whether you are an experienced Salsa dancer or simply want to try something new - you can take advantage of this exclusive opportunity to learn from the experienced instructors and well-known performers from Academia Tumbao.
Escape from the dullness of winter with an energizing vacation that offers an in-depth cultural experience, a physical workout that will bring a smile to your face, and some well-deserved time to relax.
Information:
Web: www.salsaretreat.com; info@salsaretreat.com; Phone: 206.234.3720; Fax: 866.613.8979
NOTE: THE AIRFARES TO OAXACA HAVE DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY RECENTLY. CALL OR EMAIL TODAY TO CHECK AVAILABILITY.
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".
The buzz in London last week at the annual World Travel Market’s get together among global travel professionals was: Who are The World’s Greatest Travelers? Travel writers, tour guides, travel agents, former reality TV contestants? None of the above—at least not yet!
Many of those travel pros and regular Indiana Jones-types have participated in the international challenge known as The Global Scavenger Hunt, but so far, the winners of the annual around the world travel adventure competition have just been wonderfully resourceful and instinctive travelers, not travel professionals.
The 5th annual three-week international travel adventure competition that will visit at least 10 nations on 4 continents begins again next April 19th, 2009, and the field of 25 two-person teams is filling up fast.
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".
With Reduced Capacity and Extra Fees, Follow These Tips to Travel in Comfort
SeatGuru announced today its top ten tips for air travel during the holidays. Founder and air travel expert Matt Daimler, who logs more than 100,000 miles in the air each year, says, “With these tips, you’ll be able to stretch out your string bean legs, ensure your knees aren’t mashed like potatoes, and avoid overstuffing the luggage bin.”
1. Board early to avoid checked baggage fees. Boarding order may be just as important as your seat. Boarding early is crucial for passengers who need extra time to get settled, as well as for those in need of overhead bin space. Most domestic carriers have instituted checked-baggage fees, so passengers are carrying on more bags, making the overhead bin a hot commodity. Many airlines board back to front, so try reserving a seat toward the back. See: http://www.seatguru.com/articles/boarding_procedures.php.
2. Request a bulkhead if you have children. Bulkhead seats are often set aside for passengers traveling with infants and children. If you’re flying with the family, call the airline and request a bulkhead for some extra room. Read more: http://www.seatguru.com/articles/bulkheads.php.
3. Select seats at your time of booking. Especially if you’re traveling with family and you want the group seated together, select your seats as early as possible. Be aware that some airlines charge a fee for seat selection. Read more: http://www.seatguru.com/articles/booking_airline_seats.php.
4. Confirm your seat assignment the week of your flight. Airlines sometimes switch the aircraft close to the departure date due to load factors and maintenance. When this happens, pre-reserved seats are reassigned, so you could lose the seat you so carefully selected. Check back often!
5. Check in online. Many airlines only allow exit rows and bulkhead seats to be booked on the day of the flight. Check in as close to 24 hours before departure as possible in order to be one of the first passengers to select from these prime seats.
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".
The Getaway Gift Card(TM) from BedandBreakfast.com is perfect for that person with everything but time for romance.
This holiday season, give something everyone wants — a shot of romance with that special person. The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com offers the ideal romance rescue package complete with luxurious amenities, culinary adventure, and best of all, time to relax and rejuvenate after a few tough months. According to Deloitte’s 23rd Annual Holiday Survey of retail spending and trends, for the fifth straight year gift cards are expected to be the top gift purchase. A staggering 66 percent of consumers surveyed in 2008 plan to buy them.
This holiday season, savvy gift card shoppers are turning to The Getaway Gift Card from BedandBreakfast.com, welcome at nearly 4,000 B&Bs across the United States and Canada. Consumers love that there are no fees, no taxes, no expiration or blackout dates, and that free shipping is always available. Instant online buying means that shoppers can give a no-strings gift that offers complete flexibility. Add a customized photo of you and that special someone, and you have the perfect gift that’s tailored to fit.
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".