Heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies. A camel safari across the Moroccan Sahara. Treking the Inca Trail. Surf and yoga camp in Maui. If there’s one thing that gets my heart pumping and soul soaring, it’s an adventure.
Trying something new can reenergize your life and provide the perfect antidote to the daily grind.
Learn six reasons why an active vacation can be truly transformative.
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".
On March 13, 25-year-old Dallas Seavey passed under the burled arch in Nome, becoming the youngest musher ever to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The recent champ is the third generation of Seaveys to compete in the Iditarod, a family that has been running sled dogs for nearly 50 years.
When they’re not competing in races, the Seavey family shares its love of dog mushing with travelers through its company, Ididaride Sled Dog Tours.
The Summer Dog Sled Ride tour takes travelers on a 1.5-hour ride to the base of Box Canyon Creek in Seward and includes a tour of the kennel, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the Seavey family’s training structure.
The full-day Real Alaska Tour combines a dog sled ride with a Seward city tour and walk to Exit Glacier, located in Kenai Fjords National Park. Lunch and transportation are included.
Lastly, the summer Glacier Dog Sledding trip departs from Girdwood by helicopter, traveling to a glacier where guests learn to drive a sled or just sit back and enjoy the ride.
All summer tours are available mid-May though mid-September.
Visit www.ididaride.com for more information.
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".
Love food? Love to share? Check out this delicious new blog position…
Tourism Richmond (British Columbia) is seeking a blogger to embark upon 365 days of dining in Richmond, BC and to share their culinary experiences online. “Richmond’s Foodie Blogger” is a one-year contract role with a salary of $50,000, apartment and living compensation (negotiable upon final selection), and a daily stipend for meals.
Applications are open March 1 to 31, 2012 at http://www.facebook.com/RichmondBC.
Not for you? Share this with a friend. They just might take you to dinner in Richmond for the heads up.
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".
This guest blog is by Irene Lane, founder & president of Greenloons.com.
Have you noticed how companies of all sizes are touting their local credentials these days? Whether you are shopping at your local supermarket or deciding on your next vacation destination, advertisements are replete with images of locally sourced fresh food or locally guided unique vacation services.
And why not? “Buy local” and “local first” campaigns are speaking to our fundamental values to help our local communities before purchasing goods and services provided by large conglomerates. However, in an effort to align with our ideals, some corporate localwashing has also surfaced within the ecotourism industry since the eco-traveler is one that seeks an authentic connection with people and nature. Examples of localwashing by ecotourism businesses include ones that:
- emphasize local guides and services only to be foreign owned and managed
- do not purchase any local items such as produce, raw building materials, crafts or furniture but advertise as authentically local cultural experiences
Rather than agonizing over online reviews, guide books and definitions of local-sourced and sustainable tourism; instead use these five planning tips that will help quickly evaluate the local merits of your vacation:
- Look for legitimate eco-certification labels
- Choose travel suppliers that support local communities in multiple ways
- Support tourism providers that specifically offer locally produced items:
- Choose activities that emphasize environmental awareness
- Search for opportunities to immerse yourself in local cultural traditions
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".
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.
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 tired of long lines, time-wasting procedures, and the whole the U.S. entry rigmarole? Here are a few federal programs designed to help trusted travelers skip the traditional lines at U.S. airports and other ports of entry.
Border with Mexico
The SENTRI program has been popularized across the land border with Mexico because it allows its members to avoid waits of up to several hours when crossing back into the U.S. by car. Participants go through special lanes that move more quickly and are generally shorter.
To join the program, applicants need to pass a criminal background check and provide digital fingerprints. They also need to be interviewed by an official from the Department of Homeland Security. There is a fee of $122.25 per person for a five-year, renewable membership.
The following are some key points about the program:
Traveling by plane
Travelers who want to avoid long lines when coming back to the U.S. by plane might want to consider enrolling in the Global Entry program. This program allows members to go through special lines or electronic kiosks at some airports, avoiding the traditional passport checks and customs booths.
To enroll, travelers need to fill out an application and, just like in the SENTRI program, pass a background check and provide digital fingerprints.
The following are some key points about the program:
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".