The Evolution of Cycling: E-Bikes now available on European Cycling Vacations
Don’t hang up your helmets just yet… Always on the cutting edge, Austin Adventures is charging up their European vacations by introducing electric bicycles as an option on all European Biking Vacations.
Ron van Dijk, ALA Director of European Operations, with over 40 years in the industry; has witnessed many changes in the way bicycles have been used in European vacations. From the use of increasingly lighter touring bikes and gears moving from 10 to 27 gears, as well as high-tech brakes and now, battery-powered bikes. “With e-bikes now anyone, regardless of age, strength or ability, will be able to take on even the most strenuous tour itinerary.”
Electric bikes, originally the rage of bike commuters, are quickly becoming the next major evolution in recreational cycling. With Austin Adventures leading the way in Europe by offing an e-bike option to guests on all of their multi-day cycle tours. Essentially e-bikes level the playing field. Couples can cycle together without fear of leaving a companion in the dust. For the first time the arm chair/casual cyclist thinking of an Italian bike tour can do a challenging trip like Tuscany without fearing the inevitable long ascents synonymous with the area. These bikes are ideal for multi-generational groups and families.
To learn more, call 800.575.1540 or visit Austin Adventures - Adventure Travel.
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".
In case you hadn’t noticed, vacation weather doesn’t always mimic the brochure photos. It’s more than likely that at least a day or two of your much-anticipated escape will not involve sunshine and Windex-blue skies.
illustration via www.cartoonstock.comOne of the most memorable Alaska adventures my husband Hank and I have enjoyed involved eight days of rain and clouds. Did it stop us? Slowed us down, perhaps. But did it ruin the vacation? Not a chance. In fact, the moody, misty weather made the Alaskan land and seascapes even more magical.
We’re not alone. Follow these travel tips from savvy travelers and never again let bad weather spoil a good adventure.
Read my full article on The Adventure Blog at CanadianMountainHolidays.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".
Fun in the Terrain Park at Bigrock Ski Area
a guest article by B&B expert, Marti Mayne
When you think of skiing, most minds wander to Colorado, Utah or British Columbia. Yet for many New Englanders, the travel and expense of heading out west make this dream trip tough.
Having lived in Maine his whole life, my 50-something husband had never been to Aroostook County, the largest county east of the Mississippi, and equal in size to Rhode Island and Connecticut combined. So we packed up the kids and headed to “The County” for a ski vacation.
Renowned as hosts to the 2011 World Cup Biathlon, this is Nordic skiing paradise, with two world class biathlon facilities within an hour of one another. Yet, no one thinks of Aroostook, which they call the Crown of Maine, for alpine skiing.
Read on and we’ll let you in on a secret about a treasure of a family skiing area where lift lines are non-existent and lift tickets start at $8.00. Be sure to watch the video at the end too. Click here to learn about Maine’s secret skiing destination.
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".
Winter is a great time to plan national park trips because there is still a broad range of room options available in popular parks such as Yellowstone and Grand Canyon. Although some of the iconic lodges are filling up during peak times, there is plenty of availability.
National park concessioner Xanterra Parks & Resorts offers tips for successfully planning a park visit and securing accommodations.
1. Be informed. Visit Xanterra’s web site at www.xanterra.com for general information on the parks operated by Xanterra as well as lodging descriptions, rates and availability. Another good source of information on national parks is the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov.
2. Be web-savvy. Rooms can be booked online at:
- www.YellowstoneNationalParkLodges.com,
- www.grandcanyonlodges.com,
- www.zionlodge.com,
- www.craterlakelodges.com
- and www.furnacecreekresort.com.
Booking online is usually the quickest way to secure a reservation. Travelers can check room availability too via Xanterra’s online reservations calendar.
3. Confirm that you have the full online picture. Some lodges will list various room types as part of drop down menus. If you do not click on the down arrow only one room type will be visible. And guess which room type is the first to show up as sold out?
4. Be flexible with your choice of lodge. Some of the larger parks such as Grand Canyon and Yellowstone feature multiple lodges in spectacular settings. While Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn and Grand Canyon’s El Tovar are best-known and tend to fill up first, other lodges offer history, comfortable accommodations and their own appeal.
5. Avoid the crowds. Regardless of which park you are visiting, consider traveling during the first two weeks of June, the last 10 days of August or the first two weeks of September.
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".
YES YOU CAN leave the guilt, kids, spouse, BFF, or significant other behind and set off solo for your next vacation. Increasing numbers of savvy travelers are doing just that and returning home the better for it.
Single or not, male or female, on a budget or ready to splurge, looking to learn or seeking solitude, traveling on your own is so much easier when you take out the guesswork.
To help get you started, here’s a selection of best bets for solo-friendly travel.
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
The Distinctive Inns of New England have spent some time researching what women and men really want for Valentine’s Day. And the answers may surprise you.
While women do love their flowers, romantic escapes and chocolates, it’s the sentiment that comes with the gift that really counts. And while some men may answer the question about what they want most for Valentine’s Day with a three letter word, the majority are more interested in their loved ones’ happiness.
Surprised?
Read the two part series in the Distinctive Inns of New England’s blog .
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".