words + photos by Jenny McIver
Five years ago I had a dream – to take the trip of a lifetime “Round the World.” Visit the Pyramids, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall – there was so much of the world I longed to see. So I did it. I cashed in all the airline miles and hotel points that a decade of business travel had afforded me and after a solid year of planning, I made it happen. It was the most amazing experience of my life and forever changed me as a person and as a traveler. I confess…I am hooked.
What I thought would be a once in a lifetime trip quickly turned into an annual adventure to ring in the New Year. And as I embark upon my 5th circumnavigation of the globe this month, I am happy to say there’s no turning back now.
Why RTW? Well, any old vacation can take you to Rome or Thailand or Australia, but only an around the world trip can take you to all of them on one plane ticket. That’s the draw. More bang for the buck, so to speak.
There is quite simply no better way to see as much of the world in as little time. Though my own journeys have taken about a month each, if you have as little as two weeks or as much as a year – a RTW trip could make an addict out of you, too.
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".
Discover France, a leading specialist in cycling and hiking vacations throughout France, offers self-guided trips to France that feature unique itineraries and NEW Garmin GPS personal navigation systems for all tours in 2010.
The cycling and hiking routes chosen by Discover France Adventures offer the opportunity to explore the culture, architecture, and gastronomy in the region of your choice while the new GPS units will provide additional support throughout the tour so that getting off the route is virtually impossible.
Self-guided travel is a growing trend due to the flexibility it presents and the extraordinary price that accompanies it. With extras like the Garmin Dakota GPS, self-guided cyclists and hikers visiting France get the perfect combination of support and independence. The Garmin Dakota GPS are small and easy to carry, feature an easy to read screen (even in the sun), background maps, and more.
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 travel tip just in from my sister, Kathleen Clute …
“Hi Ellen,
© Kathleen Clute.Great tip for your readers. The Copamarina Resort in Guanica, Puerto Rico! It’s on the south side of the island on the Caribbean Sea.
We are having the most blissful, peaceful week here. It’s quiet, in a very non-touristy part of the island — 80 degrees, not humid, pleasant breeze, and nothing to buy, sign up for, or do! Lovely beach. Delicious food at Las Palmas café, which is open air. The staff is helpful and friendly. About 2.5 hour drive from San Juan airport.”
Sounds fabulous! I’m ready to go. Who’s game?
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".
Away.com Launches Romance Guides, Names Top 10 Romantic Destinations for 2010
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the travel-planning site Away.com launched “Away.com Romance Travel Guides,” giving amorous travelers the inside scoop on the 45 most romantic destinations worldwide.
From the hottest spots to catch a beautiful sunset to the most romantic hotels and restaurants, Away.com’s experts uncover new ideas for getaways that set the mood for romance. Plus, an interactive map lets travelers quickly browse for trip suggestions, and more than 20 photo galleries provide ample inspiration.
If you’re planning a getaway for Valentine’s Day or another special occasion but are not quite sure where to go, Away.com has selected the top 10 romantic getaways for 2010.
Away.com’s Top 10 Romantic Destinations(1)
1 Bermuda
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2 Paris, France
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3 Kauai, Hawaii
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4 New Orleans, Louisiana
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5 Riviera Maya, Mexico
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6 Bali, Indonesia
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7 Venice, Italy
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8 Vancouver, Canada
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9 Fiji, Australia-Pacific
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10 Miami, Florida
View the complete Romance Guide, full destination descriptions, photos and more at http://away.com/romance.
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".
INNKEEPERS KISS CUPID GOODBYE AND OFFER SPECIAL PACKAGES FOR THE 89 MILLION SINGLES ON VALENTINE’S DAY
BedandBreakfast.com members have romance covered. Stay at a B&B or inn for Valentine’s Day and immediately the beautiful beds, romantic breakfasts, and plenty of pampering amenities makes the heart grow fonder. Fortunately, singles need no longer fear this dreaded “couples” holiday. With 89 million singles in America, it’s no wonder that inns and B&Bs are kissing cupid goodbye and welcoming singles for Valentine’s Day adventures.
BedandBreakfast.com, the largest online B&B directory and reservation network worldwide is the best resource for Valentine’s Day getaways for both singles and couples. Visit www.BedandBreakfast.com and click on the roses and champagne photo on the home page for an extensive list of romantic Valentine’s Day packages. Read on for five fabulous packages that come to the rescue of singles on Valentine’s Day. Listed alphabetically in order by state, all rates are per room, including breakfast, and do not include tax or gratuities (unless otherwise specified.
- Celebrate “Me-dom” at Montgomery Inn, Versailles, KY: Singles, celebrate freedom and “me-dom” by pampering yourself with movies, wine, chocolates and dinner. Select a DVD, magazines, music or books from the inn’s extensive library, then go soak in an oversized whirlpool tub. Enjoy dinner for one and complimentary snacks and beverages too. Offered February 11-17, this package includes a complimentary glass of wine or sparkling cider, a red rose, the inn’s signature chocolate bourbon truffles, and dinner for one for $139 in the Colonial or Maple Suites; add a second night for just $75 (no dinner).
- Find the ski bum of your dreams at Chairlift Speed Dating and Whitney’s Inn, Jackson, NH: They say Valentines Day is just for lovers… but that doesn’t mean they’ve met yet! Those looking for the skier of their dreams may just find him or her on a five-minute chairlift ride at Black Mountain during the third annual Chairlift Speed Dating Event, and then at Whitney’s Inn afterward. Singles, enjoy three-nights lodging, a singles welcome reception on Friday night, entry into the speed dating event on Saturday, a bottle of wine and goodies upon your return (to enjoy with new friends), and dinner for two in the Shovel Handle Pub for Saturday night and breakfast each morning. If you introduce the innkeepers to your new mate, you’ll be treated to a free sleigh ride for two on Sunday. The three-night package, offered February 12-15, including all extras, starts at $459 per person in a queen-bedded room.
- Get over him with help from voodoo dolls, ice cream, and a Southern Comfort tour at the Avenue Inn, New Orleans: Looking for a cure to get “over” him or her? Broken heart recovery takes about one long weekend at the Avenue Inn! Grab a friend and enjoy three nights in a room with two double beds and a private bath.
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".
A massive earthquake hit Haiti late Tuesday January 12, 2010, killing hundreds of people and wounding many more. The quake, measuring 7 on the Richter scale, has caused widespread damage in and around the capital Port-au-Prince, leaving a large number of people homeless and hungry.
The people of Haiti need food assistance as quickly as possible to prevent hunger worsening the misery already caused by the disaster.
This is said to be Haiti’s worst quake in two centuries. Every hour we wait means more lives are at risk. Learn how you can help
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".