I’m in Scotland this week - one of my favorite places on the planet - to attend the 2010 Adventure Travel World Summit. Before the conference, I’m spending a few dreamy days at the Hotel du Vin, Glasgow, then I’m off to the Isle of Mull for a few days exploring with Wild Scotland. I’ll be sharing more about that soon, but in the meantime, to whet your appetite for your own Scotland escape check out these recommended adventures from my favorite travel search engine -TravelDragon.com.
Heart of the Highlands: A Unique Exploration of ScotlandDeparts May-August
Scotland’s magnificent Highlands are a beautiful region of mountains, lochs, glens and stately castles. Heart of the Highlands, offered exclusively in the U.S. by Lindblad Expeditions, introduces travelers to the wonders of the Highlands from the vantage of the inland waterway that links Scotland’s famed lochs. Until recently, no ship could take passengers through this region due to its size-limiting waterways. Now you can voyage through this scenic countryside in spectacular style: aboard the 54-guest luxury yacht Lord of the Glens. |
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 guest article by B&B expert, Marti Mayne
My husband and I drove right by the driveway on our way to Winvian to celebrate our anniversary. The unassuming sign marked the entrance, but we were having so much fun driving on the country roads in Litchfield Hills, CT, we missed it. We quickly turned around, and found a closed gate. We announced our arrival, the gates slowly opened, and from there on in, we were whisked into a weekend of whimsy at one of the most spectacular B&B resorts in the world. Located between Boston and New York, Winvian is part playground for the rich and famous and part culinary camp for the adventurous, offering a blueblood basecamp with a touch of traditional blended with swank fancy. Bottom line, it sets the bar a little higher for the next perfect getaway. Topping Winvian will be a fun adventure. Click here for more and be sure to click the link to Part II for to read all about Winvian.
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".
Cowgirls Invited to Be Big Sky Pioneers from October 28-November 1, 2010
Saddle up, girls. The luxurious, Montana-based, Triple Creek Ranch has announced its first annual Klicks for Chicks, a one-of-a-kind, women-only 100-Km horseback riding adventure, created and led by Triple Creek Ranch owner Barbara Barrett. Klicks for Chicks is an all-female upgrade of the all-male 100-mile Los Caballeros and Bohemian Grove endurance horse rides. With a decidedly Triple Creek Ranch twist, the ride is for women only, and cowgirls will ride rugged all day but return to the luxury of the Rocky Mountain resort at night. Riders will venture into deep canyons, over mountain passes, past crystal-clear lakes and through open meadows to discover the ‘last frontier’ and wilds of the Rocky Mountain West. Gourmet evening meals followed by crackling fires in Triple Creek’s luxurious cabins and a relaxing outdoor hot tub will be the reward for a long day in the saddle.
The “100 Klicks for Chicks” program is priced starting at $650 per night, per couple and features three-and-a-half days of riding, concluding with a fireside roast and awards presentation. All meals, beverages, and activities are included. Participants will also receive a personalized fleece vest. Traveling companions not participating in the ride are welcome to enjoy the luxurious accommodations and varied activities that Triple Creek Ranch has to offer while the cowgirls ride off into the sunrise. Husbands and compadres are invited to join the cowgirls for dinner each evening during 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".
If you have a traveler’s eye for photography, this could be your ticket to wander.
Your photos tell stories, now is your chance to share them with the world. One Life is an international photography competition open to all backgrounds, styles and perspectives. You are invited to submit photography illuminating your perspective, what you love, your travels or anything else that shows your world and experience. This competition is about honoring your vision and demonstrating that, with all our differences, we are one community connected by our love of images. Deadline: October 29th, 2010
The Grand Prize is your choice of either:
$25,000 or A Dream Trip Around the World and more.
To learn more, visit www.OneLifePhotos.com
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".
Every once in a while a travel hunch pays off. Such was the case during a recent stay at the Santa Fe Sage Inn. I’ve had the Inn on my travel steals and deals radar for awhile. To keep abreast of their latest news on special savings and vacation packages, I subscribed to their newsletter and followed them on facebook and twitter, but up until now, I hadn’t had a reason to book a visit.
I love a good deal as much any traveler on a budget. And finding one in trendy Santa Fe, especially in the heart of the summer high season, can take some sleuthing.
The Sage Inn promised affordable downtown lodging with a slew of tempting freebies - complimentary continental breakfast, free wireless high speed Internet, comfortable renovated rooms, free parking, and free Plaza shuttle. So when my husband’s college-aged granddaughter came to visit and wanted to spend a few days in Santa Fe before heading back to our place in the southern mountains of New Mexico, the Sage Inn sounded like just the ticket.
And it was. It was also clean, convenient, and super friendly. Imagine that.
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".
Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the most adventurous of us all?
photo by Alena_Chris via photobucket image sharingDoes the unknown freak you out? Do you see commonality where others see differences? How do you feel about taking risks? Do you leave the BlackBerry at home? What about travel planning. How much is too much?
Take this fun Adventure Travel IQ test I created for Canadian Mountain Holidays and find out.
Tell me your score and I’ll tell you mine. :)
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".