There’s nothing more discouraging than not booking that trip-of-a-lifetime because you’re not in shape. Unfortunately, I know what it feels like. Fortunately, FitforTrips.com can help make your dream vacation a reality.
© Ellen Barone.I’m just off the phone with Marcus Shapiro, the brains, and brawn, behind FitforTrips.com. He’s helping me get in shape for some upcoming adventures and he’s offered to do the same for EllenBarone.com readers for 25% off thru February 28th. YAY!
Just so you know, there’s no compensation in this for me, other the pleasure of sharing. But to get your discount, be sure to use the promo code: barone (good thru February 28, 2010)
Bon voyage,
Ellen
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".
GO FOR GOLD IN BRITISH COLUMBIAThe XXI Winter Olympics are underway, and there’s so much excitement in the air we can practically taste it! As countries begin to rack up medals and energy builds, onlookers are left brimming not only with pride, but also with what we’ve coined the “Olympic Itch” – an overwhelming desire to get out there and try something new, to get in shape, to test their athletic prowess.
If you’re feeling The Itch, travel like an Olympian and let ALA take care of all the details large and small so you can focus on the fun part – the adrenaline rush!
There’s no better time to start planning than now. So go ahead, make like an Olympian as you tackle Canada’s spectacular terrain on a weeklong, action-packed British Columbia adventure vacation.
EXPLORE OLYMPIC TERRITORY WITH ALABoth the ALA British Columbia adult and family multisport itineraries begin and end in the thriving metropolis of Vancouver, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
By day, hike old-growth hemlock rainforests in Alice Lake Provincial Park. Bike quiet trails through wildflower meadows in Whistler Valley. Ride the gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain before trekking the last 1,000 vertical feet to the summit for jaw-dropping panoramas of alpine lakes, wildflower meadows and glacier-covered peaks. By night, unwind with a scenic sunset drive along the Sea to Sky highway and a well-earned meal at one of Whistler’s tastiest restaurants.
Whether traveling with family, friends or on your own, follow in the footsteps of the world’s most elite athletes and experience for yourself the thrill of navigating Canada’s Olympic territory on an Austin-Lehman British Columbia Wilderness or Mountains, Meadows & Wildlife adventure.
ALBERTA & CANADIAN ROCKIES ADVENTURESJust east of British Columbia lies a province chock full of vast wilderness, soaring peaks, age-old glaciers, alpine lakes and broad, sweeping valleys; while it may not be home to the Winter Games, Alberta is no doubt an adventurer’s paradise.
Bike, hike and paddle your way through Canada’s Rocky Mountains on one of ALA’s three Alberta adventures. Saddle up for a 6-day Rocky Mountain Treasures biking vacation and pedal the eye-popping landscape of Kananaskis valley, Banff and Lake Louise. Strap on your boots for an Ultimate Rocky Mountain hiking adventure through the glacier-clad wilderness of Banff, Paradise Valley, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
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 the white stuff stacking up outside, the Olympics on TV, excellent conditions reported from the mountains and more snow in the forecast, betcha I’m not the only one dreaming about a Heli-Skiing vaction.
Fortunately, Canadian Mountain Holidays has lots of options available.
Check out these great trips:
Small Group Heli-Skiing: Seeking a way to up the ante on your ski trip? Consider one of these options for a private, custom Heli-Ski vacation. More info
Ski Fusion: The world’s best scientists have said cold fusion is not possible. CMH has proved them wrong with the introduction of Ski Fusion - the scientifically-based combination of 2 stellar winter sports: Ski Touring and Heli-Skiing. More info
Pay As You Play: It’s impossible to control the conditions for any given week, so CMH offers a Pay As You Play program. Pay only for what you choose to ski — as much or as little as you want, and as conditions permit. More info
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".
Exciting New Family Trips for Summer 2010
With spring just around the corner, now is the time to begin making summer travel plans for you and your family. Looking to experience China, but want to make sure that your vacation is family-friendly? WildChina recently unveiled new family programs that will make your trip planning easy. Consider these three options:
1. A Classic China Family Vacation: Beijing, Xi’an, Guangxi and Shanghai ~ A tour of China’s most classic sights and ideal for families with children between 6-16 years old, this 11-day trip makes learning about China fun and interactive: you’ll make hand-pulled noodles, learn the martial art of kungfu, visit local homes and experience a countryside elementary school to see what real life in China is like. At night, you’ll feel right at home in family-friendly accommodations. Departure upon request.
2. A Cultural Family Vacation: Beijing, Henan, Xi’an, Yunnan, and Shanghai ~ This 14-day small-group journey for families brings you to the heart and frontiers of China. Ideal for families with children between 6-16 years old, this trip offers a “mobile classroom,” allowing you to learn about Chinese culture in fun and interactive ways. You’ll make dumplings in a traditional Beijing alleyway home; learn Shaolin kungfu from a student monk; and talk to Naxi and Bai ethnic minority villagers about their lives. This trip includes family-friendly accommodations as well. Departs July 11, 2010 & August 1, 2010.
3. Family Adventures in Tibet: On the Roof of the World ~ This 7-day small-group journey, specially designed for families, offers an adventurous and interactive look at Tibet: you’ll sip yak butter tea with a local Tibetan family; witness monks debate sacred texts in one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most revered monasteries; and even print your own prayer flags. Departs June 27, 2010 & August 8, 2010.
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".
I’m just back from a weeklong romp through the Vinho Verde wine region in Northern Portugal where some of the most popular Portuguese roses are produced. This crisp wine with a hint of strawberry has a lower alcohol content than most wines, making it very drinkable with a Valentine’s Day dinner or as a refreshing after-dinner drink.
Vinho Verde roses offer a unique option for a romantic dinner or a simple evening in with a bottle of wine. Try pairing it with chicken, shellfish or a bold seafood dish. Vinho Verde roses can also tame the bite of spicy foods and complement the sometimes hard to match exotic flavors in Indian and Thai cuisine. The Quintas das Arcas, Arca Nova Rose 2008 is a great example of the region’s quality roses.
Roses and other pink wines have gotten a bad rap in the United States, largely being stereotyped as sickly sweet, low quality beverages. Wine drinkers will likely be surprised by these Portuguese roses for their dry and crisp flavor with fruity undertones and a hint of spice. This sometimes savory wine is made from indigenous local grapes such as the Alvarelhao, Pedral, Espadeira and Vinhao, and ranges from the slightest pink to nearly red. Portugal’s young and adventurous wine makers are often willing to try new things and the rose trend is no exception. A few years ago, wineries rarely produced this pink wine, but today, roses make up about five percent of the region’s wine production.
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".
TWO COLORFUL ESCAPES FOR A VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT: BIG SKY MONTANA AND THE COSTA RICA RAINFOREST
Book A Blue or Green Holiday Now and Celebrate throughout the Year
Enjoy the gift of a travel escape to either Montana or Costa Rica for a truly romantic experience full of elegance, relaxation, and adventure. Triple Creek Ranch (Darby, Montana) and Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort (Arenal, Costa Rica) are both offering packages that will let couples indulge to the fullest.
Triple Creek Ranch, Montana – Mountain Romance Package
The Relais & Chateaux adults-only hideaway in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains becomes even more romantic as a Valentine’s Day present. After a wonderful day of outdoor activities under the beautiful “blue” sky including horseback riding, cross-country skiing and hiking (or snowshoeing), indulge in Executive Pastry Chef Christopher Whitten’s chocolate selections or wine expert Jeremy White’s pairing suggestions with dinner.
The four-night “Mountain Romance” package includes:
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".