Travelers Fired Up Over California Smoking Ban

I grew up on the Big Island of Hawaii, where smoking is banned in all public recreational areas, such as parks and beaches. To me, the decision to snuff out smokers in these pristine areas of paradise is a no brainer. Still, the vote to ban smoking from some of tbe island’s most prized real estate didn’t take place until 2008. Hard to believe, right? After all, when you think of parks and beaches, don’t the words “fresh air” immediately come to mind? If I am hiking to Akaka Falls or tanning myself at Hapuna Beach I sure don’t want … Continue reading →

Save on a Winter Ski Vacation

I much prefer sunbathing on a tropical island than skiing down an icy slope. However, the deals being offered by ski resorts across the nation right now are so incredible, they actually made me reconsider my upcoming Hawaiian vacation… for like 30 seconds. If you are aching to feel the rush of flying down the face of a mountain at highway speeds, without having to drain your wallet, then you might consider the following fabulous winter ski deals: COLORADO If you are a serious skier, then you can save big by purchasing Vail Resorts’ $599 Epic Pass. The deal offers … Continue reading →

Leaf Peeping Adventures

Now that she’s seen her first “Cheetos tree” of the season, my daughter is itching to find more. It won’t be long before all the trees in our area are painted with fluorescent orange, crimson red and mustard yellow. If you are looking for prime leaf peeping areas to take your family on a fun-filled outdoor adventure, then consider these fall hot spots: VERMONT: Leaf peeping experts have called Route 100 in Vermont the “most scenic in New England.” The stretch of road connects Mount Snow, Killington, Sugarbush, and Stowe, and during autumn, the hills come alive with spectacular fall … Continue reading →

Great American Backyard Campout

Get out your tents and marshmallows; it’s time to go camping. Only you won’t have to travel far to tell ghost stories and roast hot dogs if you are participating in the National Wildlife Federation’s 2009 Great American Backyard Campout. The event takes place tomorrow and is designed to encourage families to tap into the myriad of resources available that promote communing with nature just steps from your own home. If you hate bugs, pit toilets and being without running water, then your backyard is the ideal place to pitch a tent and give your kids a night to remember. … Continue reading →

Take a Summer Tour on Two Wheels

France is famous for the Eiffel Tower, its pastries, and scores of fabulous museums, but if you are looking to gain a unique perspective of the City of Lights then this next trip might be exactly what you are looking for. The Backroads of Burgundy package allows you to tour France’s quaint villages on two wheels. You’ll bike through some of the country’s most picturesque countryside, and with all the exercise you’ll be getting you’ll likely feel better after your trip than you have in a while. For just $1,099 per person (taxes included) you will receive seven nights’ accommodations, … Continue reading →

Super Safari Deal

My preschooler’s dream trip includes jetting off to the heart of Kenya and getting up close and personal with animals most of us would rather see in books than in person. She would like nothing more to run wild with baboons, lions, lemurs, elephants, rhinos, tigers, and hyenas. Though, for now she’ll have to make do with the stuffed versions. If she were a bit older (and I was a bit richer) I would not hesitate to take advantage of the following safari deal: SmarTours is currently offering a spectacular travel package to Nairobi in mid-November priced at just $2,999 … Continue reading →

More Tips for Hiking with a Baby

Now that you know how critical it is to plan ahead before embarking on a trip to the wilderness with your baby it’s time to discuss other tips to make your trek memorable. First of all, if you are planning to hike in any one of our country’s awe-inspiring National Parks you should know that there are rules that prohibit the disposal of human waste within 100 feet of a water source or camp site, or within sight of a trail. The National Park Service has also adopted principles from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, which recommend … Continue reading →

Tips for Hiking with a Baby

Going on a hike with a 7-year-old is far different than loading up a 7-month-old and hitting the trails. Still, what some would consider a daunting task (and others would call crazy) should not deter you from enjoying the great outdoors with your bundle of joy. The key is preparation. With a little planning and a lot of thought your day in the woods can become a cherished memory. Be Prepared You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to know how vital it is to plan ahead and expect the unexpected. When packing for your trip include the must-haves … Continue reading →

Touring a Legendary Botanic Garden

What weighs 448 tons; climbs 60 feet in the air and stretches 220 yards above what is considered one of the most beautiful places on earth? Kew Gardens’ calls it their new XStrata Treetop Walkway. The newest addition to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, in west London, is a soaring steel walkway that allows visitors to experience the magnificence of nature above the tree line. The massive circular structure stretches through the heart of the 18th century landscaped garden and for the first time ever it gives nature lovers the opportunity to see a side of the forest that … Continue reading →

Luxury Camping Without the High End Prices

Like mother like daughter I guess. I blame my lack of enthusiasm for camping on my mother who, like many others out there, does all her “camping” at a Hilton. Which is not to say that I have never pitched a tent and lived off the land during the summer months. (You can read about my first camping trip here.) I just don’t seem to embrace the experience of roughing it as much as others. However, there is an entirely different breed of lodging in the great outdoors that I am quite interested in—luxury camping. Did you know that there … Continue reading →