Unique Leaf Peeping Travel Adventures

My ultimate fall foliage travel adventure involves me, a hot air balloon and miles of pristine forests ablaze in orange and red hues. Someday. My dream of witnessing Mother Nature’s autumnal transformation from the sky is one way to spice up an ordinary leaf peeping trip. However, it is not the only adventure that puts a new spin on traditional fall foliage viewing. Cruise: Seasonal sailings to New England and Canada when the fall foliage is at its peak make for ideal family getaways during September and October. In addition to getting a rare view of the changing landscape from … Continue reading →

Take an Earth Day Safari or Barbecue in Uruguay

Nairobi tour operators are hoping travelers who want to embark on green vacations to celebrate Earth Day 2008 will consider visiting Kenya. Game parks there used to draw thousands of safari loving adventure seekers each year, but ever since the region was marred with violence following a post-election crisis visitors have been reluctant to tour local conservations parks. That means Kenya’s rich wildlife, from its rhinos to whale sharks, is now at risk unless the country can regain visitors. According to local officials, the deaths of more than 1,000 people due to riots and ethnic clashes prompted tour operators to … Continue reading →

Go Global for Earth Day

Earth Day is next Tuesday and if you are looking for ways to embrace the environment you might consider traveling to the world’s foremost eco-friendly destinations. Some of the most “green” lodgings on the planet are offering amazing discounts for environmentally aware visitors through the end of the month. Take a look: COSTA RICA For just $110 per night you can stay in one of the world’s premier green destinations. Costa Rica is known as the Switzerland of Central America for the way it preserves its natural wonders and Luna Lodge is the place to stay if you want to … Continue reading →

Visiting Bambi in Florida

No, not at Walt Disney World. Head south to the lower Florida Keys and you’ll find the National Key Deer Refuge. Established in 1957, its first manager used to leave polite notes on the windshields of cars owned by repeat poachers–that’s before he put a few bullet holes in the gas tank or the engine. Time has not diminished the fervency refuge managers display to protect the diminutive deer in their care. Only now they use more orthodox measures to secure the safety of the endangered Key deer. You can see their tactics first hand when you visit the 8,400-acre … Continue reading →

Going Green On The Road—Part 2

Now that you know what a “green traveler” is, how do you become one? As I mentioned in my previous blog, it’s not as hard as you might think. The following are ways you can “go green” while your away from home: Stay At A “Green Hotel” The Internet is filled with information on environmentally friendly hotels, resorts and lodges located around the world. If you run across a property you are interested in, but you are still not 100 percent sure it meets the standards you are looking for, ask a few simple questions before booking. For example: · … Continue reading →

Going Green On The Road

Earth Day is less than a couple of weeks away and by now I’m sure you are aware of ways you can “go green” at home, work, and school. But, how many of you actually take that “save-the-planet” philosophy on the road with you when you travel? These days “green travel” packages are becoming a popular alternative to the traditional family vacation. Don’t get me wrong, opting to “go green” while on vacation doesn’t mean having to sacrifice the comforts of a nice resort to spend the night in a mosquito-filled tent in the jungles of Borneo. All that is … Continue reading →

Traveling With Children: Coqui Frog Challenges

My 2-year-old daughter has evolved into quite the little traveler during her short life. She handles our semi-annual trip to Hawaii, including a 12-hour flight like a champ and fares just as well with the time difference and dramatic change in climate, which is why I was a bit surprised about what transpired during the first night of our most recent trip to the Islands. After 16 hours of standing in security checkpoints at the airport, plane changes, and more than a dozen trips to the restroom (at 35,000 feet over 5 different states) I thought for sure once we … Continue reading →

Backcountry Adventure for the Family

Getting away is a wonderful way to enjoy family time. However, many families will stay in the mainstream, choosing destinations such as Disney World, Six Flags, or some other theme park. While these too are incredible choices, I wanted to point out some backcountry adventures that definitely deserve consideration. After all, getting outdoors is a great way to learn about life, get exercise, and just spend quality time together. One of my first destinations is just amazing. My kids and I spent time there are few years back and I can’t wait to go again. A rafting trip on the … Continue reading →

A New Resort For Eco-Tourists

With all the media coverage surrounding the death of Steve Irwin I immediately thought of the “Crocodile Hunter” when I heard about this next travel item. I recently found out (through family members who work for the county of Hawaii’s Planning Department) that famed ocean explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau is lending his name and expertise to a resort proposed for the Big Island of Hawaii (the island that I was born and raised on). According to planning documents, the resort, which has yet to be named, will be designed “in the style of a historical plantation town and offer … Continue reading →

Traveling Home

I confess, most of the time I think I have to go somewhere to have fun. I’m a gypsy and I love to travel. My husband Harry agrees. Not that we don’t have wonderful times at home, but home is connected to work, responsibility, phone calls, bills, cleaning.…It’s also my sanctuary but that’s a different article. It’s easier to imagine endless exploration, hotels and adventures outside our black front door. On Saturday we had a big, successful yard sale. Today, Sunday, we planned to do outside chores like mowing the grass and weeding my garden. However, Tegan, 1, wants to … Continue reading →