Do you have memories of summer afternoons, cruising on bikes with the kids from the neighborhood? I certainly do. This video, sponsored by Schwinn,recalls the sights and sounds of those days gone by. Have a look.
Ready to return to the present?
Consider these fun cycling trips that are fun for the whole family!
Teddy was born in Washington DC but grew up in a travel loving family in Arizona. He has rafted the white waters of the Colorado River, hiked to Machu Picchu, explored the Amazon, and traveled to London and Paris. Most recently, Teddy spent five months living in Cuenca, Ecuador learning Spanish and teaching English. He studied Economics in Montana and now lives in Portland, OR.
More about Teddy
Favorite Trip:
Spending a month in the backcountry of the Wind River Wilderness with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) taught me a lot about just how little “things” really matter. A sleeping bag, tent, a fishing pole, and some beautiful mountains will do just fine.
Can’t wait to do:
One of my adventure goals is to stand at 20,000 ft. I stood at 19,000 when I climbed Cotapaxi last year, but I need to make it the extra grand. I am eyeing Chimborazo in Ecuador. In addition to being over 20,000 ft., it is also the point on Earth that is closest to the sun.
While traveling I always:
Try to make friends. Whether I am swapping stories, finding my next adventure, or simply trying to find a bathroom, the people I’ve met while on the road shape my trip in many ways. Whether you find a travel partner or a place to stay, making friends along the way adds dimension and spontaneity – two aspects that make traveling so much fun.
Offer the Mom in your life the gift of travel for Mother’s Day or any day. She deserves it! Here are five memorable experiences to consider:
La Source. St. George’s, Grenada. Imagine a luxurious all-inclusive resort that includes daily spa treatments, scuba diving, afternoon tea, internet, yoga, Pilates and meditation classes. Don’t forget complimentary Tai Chi, hiking, biking, sailing, wind surfing, gym time, water aerobics, tennis and golf on a 9-hole, executive course, all steps from the secluded Pink Gin Beach. Mix in healthy meals in one of four restaurants, followed by cocktails on the beach, poolside or at the piano bar, as gentle sea breezes keep things cool. Then imagine the mother in your life enjoying this tropical paradise, thanks to you. Contact: 1-888-527-0044; www.theamazingholiday.com.
Red Mountain Resort. St. George, UT. Whether it is on her own, with friends or taking advantage of the Mother-Daughter Reunion package, moms of all ages will enjoy guided hikes as well as spa-style pampering amidst the red rocks and scenic canyons of southern Utah. She’ll be inside for cooking demonstrations, fitness and healthy lifestyle classes and cardio workouts before heading into the bright Southwestern sunshine to enjoy walking trails, swimming pools and bike paths. Contact: 877-246-4453; www.redmountainresort.com.
The Clifton Inn. Charlottesville, VA. If your mother is a gardener and a history buff she’ll be interested to know that Thomas Jefferson had a very green thumb. What’s more, she will be thrilled to accept your gift of a weekend at the elegant Clifton Inn, set within the rolling hills of the Virginia countryside, where she will enjoy a guided tour of Jefferson’s nearby historic gardens at Monticello. There, she will participate in seasonal gardening activities, hand pick vegetables for dinner and later join the Inn’s chef to experience a tasting menu comprised of local specialties. She’ll head for home relaxed and toting a gift basket chock full of heirloom seeds and garden utensils. Contact: 888-971-1800; www.cliftoninn.net.
Send Mom to Camp in Colorado. The Rocky Mountain National Park will serve as backdrop as she gets focused on fitness during this five day getaway near Granby, CO. She’ll join other health conscious women for yoga, mountain biking, dance and archery by day and tap into the knowledge provided by special interest speakers after the sun sets. August 17-22, 2012. Contact: 970-887-2648; www.campchiefouray.org.
Field Trip. French Pyrenees. Offer Mom a cultural and culinary journey she will long remember. The inspired secrets of a Master French chef will be shared as she taps into the gastronomy that has been honored by UNESCO as a significant part of this country’s heritage. From the selection of fresh local foods to the creation of personal dining traditions, her time spent in this exotic region of southwestern France will enhance her skills in the kitchen while bestowing an opportunity to meet talented artisans, visit historic sites and relax while sampling local wines and cheese. Contact: (312) 489-8782; www.foodpyrenees.com.
The Ultimate Luxury Beach Vacation Is A Breeze at the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel
(Special Feature) Summer means vacation time and The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel inspires the ultimate family beach vacation. A Beach Butler is on the scene to assist with carrying all of the seaside gear and helps plan the day while guests connect with their kids. The ocean front resort fulfills everyone’s wishes with options that include spa, tennis, golf and eco-adventures for all ages. This iconic family resort gives access to three miles of sandy beach captivating views of the Pacific and an unmatched Southern California setting that creates memories to last a lifetime.
Beach Butlers
The resort has a full staff of Beach Butlers who offer personalized beach services to guests enjoying a relaxing day at Salt Creek Beach. Beach Butler services includes setting up beach chairs, umbrellas and towels, offering and assisting with food and beverage service, providing body boards, building sand castles with kids, and providing transportation to and from the beach on the Beach Shuttle. The Butlers are also fully equipped with sun screen and tanning lotion.
Eco-Fun
Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment offers eco-adventure fun for the entire family. Led by expert naturalists, families can choose from 15 different excursions, each dedicated to showcasing Southern California’s natural wonders. Throughout these unique eco-tours, the resort’s surroundings become a natural classroom and living laboratory where guests learn while having so much fun, they’ll never imagine thee tours are educational.
A variety of package experiences are offered including Explore with You that includes four eco-adventures in Ambassadors of the Environment and Discover with You that includes admission for a family four to the Bowers Museum and VIP experiences at three Laguna Beach art galleries.
Get Active
For the active family, the resort is a truly exceptional Southern California golf destination, offering convenience to several nearby courses from enjoyable, yet demanding, links-style courses in the valleys, to winding courses nestled in the foothills. Guests can enjoy the work of true masters on the surrounding golf courses created by renowned designers such as Tom Fazio and Robert Trent Jones, Jr.
Spa Time
If golf is not on the agenda, escape to ocean-inspired renewal at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. The spa menu features signature massage, facial and other body treatments to relax, recharge and rejuvenate the body, mind and spirit. Additionally, wellness classes including yoga and Pilates are offered complimentary through The Spa.
So Much To Do...
Family fun and recreation are important parts of a summer vacation and families can enjoy a variety of activities all located within a short distance from the resort. For a true Southern California experience, surfing is a popular activity and lessons can be arranged through the resort’s concierge. Lessons include all of the necessary equipment as well as instruction by a professional surf instructor. The resort is minutes from Laguna and Woods Canyons where guests can spend the day hiking. There are also a variety of cultural attractions nearby, and guests enjoy complimentary admission to Mission San Juan Capistrano.
Pirate or Princess?
Find out at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation when you take advantage of The "Pirates & Princesses" package.
Rates start at $245 per night through September 3. The three-night package includes accommodations, pirate patches and princess tiaras at check-in, beach gear fun pack, private in-room movie and popcorn, romantic parents-only dinner at Verandah and "Just for Kids" themed dinner party, beachside fire with s'mores, spa pedicures or bike and fishing pole rentals, and "Treasure Seekers" adventure at the on-site Nature Center.
Additional packages and information can be found at www.omniameliaislandplantation.com or (800) 874-6878.
Scottsdale is a great value in the summer.
It is no secret that the temperatures get toasty but there is still plenty of fun to be had.
Among the options:
-Explore the Musical Instrument Museum’s collection of 15,000 instruments from around the world through interactive displays for only $15 for adults and free for kids five and under.
-Take a flashlight tour at Desert Botanical Garden. See, hear and feel the desert night. Stroll along the main trail to 10 discovery stations where you’ll learn about plants and animals native to the Sonoran Desert while navigating with your own flashlight.
- Feel your feet leave the ground during a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the desert with Rainbow Ryders. Purchase one flight at regular price and receive 50 percent off the second flight
Where to stay: Old Town Scottsdale for easy access to shopping, restaurants, night life and recreational activities.
Plan your sun-filled soiree with the help of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitor Bureau’s website, where you’ll find “100 Days, 100 Ways to Save.” True to its name, this site serves as a comprehensive roadmap to discounted and free attractions, activities, restaurants, and accommodations from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Museums, zoos, and theaters are just steps away from Courtyard Omaha Downtown/ Old Market, making your next family vacation one they won’t soon forget!
For a day, a weekend or a week, leave civilization behind and challenge yourselves on the whitewater. Take the rustic approach and camp along the river’s edge. Or float by day and snuggle in at the lodge overnight.
Here are five places where the rivers are wild and scenic:
Rogue River Lodge-based Wilderness Rafting: One of the most famous rivers in the American West, the Rogue flows through a large Wilderness area as it winds from Oregon’s Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. It’s the only wilderness rafting trip where you can raft by day and sleep in remote lodges at night! Fun, intermediate rapids, warm water and a green-forested canyon make the Rogue River the perfect natural playground. Combine the trip with a visit to Crater Lake National Park and/or the Oregon Shakespeare festival. Three- and four-day trips depart weekly May to September. Contact: 800-451-6034; www.rowadventures.com/rogue-river-rafting-oregon.html
Adventure on the Stillwater, Red Lodge, MT. Join guide Marek Rosin on a trip down the family-friendly Stillwater River as it winds its way through a one-sided canyon that once served as home for the Crow Indians. Relax in a raft or pop into an inflatable kayak. Run the scenic river near the charming town of Red Lodge, Montana, then take time to explore the river’s source in the majestic Beartooth-Absoraka Wilderness. Contact: 800-897-3061; www.AdventureWhitewater.com
Middle Fork Mastery, Sun Valley, ID -This is no ordinary river adventure. Families will bond on the river while enjoying fly fishing, rafting, kayaking and hiking along the famed Middle Fork of the Salmon River. On your personalized vacation enjoy unexpected luxuries including massage in your chalet tents enhanced by carpets and elevated beds. Dine on organic seasonal fare prepared by a top Sun Valley chef. The outfitter’s American Safari concept promises five star services in a superb natural setting. Contact: 1-832-755-7661; www.far-away.com.
Salt River Treat. Near Fountain Hills, AZ. Enjoy the surprising contrast of stunning Sonoran desert beauty as you float south via your raft, kayak or tube on the Salt River. Saguaro cactus stand guard along the shoreline, hawks soar overhead. Richly hued canyon walls rise from near the water’s edge. During the winter months bunk in at the charming Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch, a family run operation that recalls the western charm often depicted in cowboy film. Saddle up at the ranch and explore the nearby landscape. Contact: 1 (480) 984-2194; www.SaguaroLakeranch.com.
British Columbia Waterways. If you and your family are looking for a remote river experience, consider the pristine waterways of British Columbia. Choose from hundreds of rivers including the Tatshenshini, the powerful Stikine, the Gataga or the historic Campbell River on Vancouver Island. Teeming with fish and wild-life rich, expect natural bounty. The British Columbia Outfitters Association provides information about trips available in the region. Contact: www.BCROA.com.
