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Tour company gives free bike trips to great teachers
For over a decade, outstanding teachers have won free bike trips during their summer vacations, thanks to the generosity of Bicycle Tour Company, ExperiencePlus! Teachers have biked in Europe and South America so that in the Fall, when they return to the classroom they have shared what they learned about geography, ecology, history, culture,…
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Remembering the Berlin wall, check point charlie, and how the city has changed
Before the fall of the Berlin Wall 25 years ago, Check Point Charlie was the gateway for intrepid tourists to cross into East Berlin to witness life under the iron fist of communism. The greatest adventure I could imagine, when I was a student in Europe, was to cross the wall at Check Point…
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A family trip on horseback in arizona navajo country
“Campfire smoke rising up the canyon walls, stars overhead, and a full belly, what more could you want?” our Navajo guide asked us on our family horseback trip in Arizona. I glanced at my two daughters, huddled close to the blazing fire, and nodded. Maybe it was the aspirin I had taken to soothe my…
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Unusual packing tips for frequent travelers
My five most useful packing tips for frequent travelers. Packing is always stressful. Even though I’ve packed for trips to over 100 countries on seven continents, it is always stressful and I keep learning ways to make it easier. Also check out: Ten Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Vacation and Ten Things to Pack in…
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Family travel trends
The urge to splurge is driving consumer travel habits this season. Take to the Sky: Airlines are rolling out new fees for everything from seat selection to bringing a carry-on bag. However, despite these new charges, the majority (62%) of travelers polled plan to fly to their end destination. Conversely, 27% are hitting the road…
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Family travel trends
The urge to splurge is driving consumer travel habits this season. Take to the Sky: Airlines are rolling out new fees for everything from seat selection to bringing a carry-on bag. However, despite these new charges, the majority (62%) of travelers polled plan to fly to their end destination. Conversely, 27% are hitting the road…
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Romantic wine country getaway in sonoma valley
From the moment I pulled into the discrete entrance to the Kenwood Inn and Spa, I felt like I’d returned to Tuscany. I almost expected the friendly Concierge to welcome me with the familiar greeting — Ciao Bella. Yes, it really feels like Italy; from the honey-colored Mediterranean-style buildings to the fountains and flower-filled courtyard. …
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Romantic wine country getaway in sonoma valley
From the moment I pulled into the discrete entrance to the Kenwood Inn and Spa, I felt like I’d returned to Tuscany. I almost expected the friendly Concierge to welcome me with the familiar greeting — Ciao Bella. Yes, it really feels like Italy; from the honey-colored Mediterranean-style buildings to the fountains and flower-filled courtyard. …
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The Australian outback: camel rides and ayers rock
“You’re lucky mate, you are doing something most Aussies never do. Ninety percent of Australians haven’t seen red sand and even fewer have ridden on a camel,” said the announcer at the Camel Races and Rodeo in Uluru. And that’s why I flew three hours from Sydney to attend the Australian Outback festival, ride a…
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Food down under: the best restaurants in Sydney
I learned on my recent trip that Sydney is a treat for the committed gourmand. Fresh local produce, seafood and delightful ambiances got these hot spots at the top of my list for the best restaurants in Sydney. I highly recommend Nomad, a new and glamorous food, wine and “cellardoor”, (tasting room) restaurant that makes it’s…
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Food down under: the best restaurants in Sydney
I learned on my recent trip that Sydney is a treat for the committed gourmand. Fresh local produce, seafood and delightful ambiances got these hot spots at the top of my list for the best restaurants in Sydney. I highly recommend Nomad, a new and glamorous food, wine and “cellardoor”, (tasting room) restaurant that makes it’s…
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Step into history in hanoi, vietnam at the metropole hotel
Hanoi is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful colonial Indochinese cities. It was a bucket list item for my adult daughters and me — to stay at the crowning jewel of Asian colonial-style hotels, the Sofitel Hanoi Metropole. This Grand Dame, built in 1901 by the French, is in the same luxury league of “Legendary Hotels”…
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Five tips for traveling where you don’t speak the language
Living in a village in Nepal —in the middle of the tourist off-season, I might add—has taught me a thing or two about surviving in a country where you don’t speak the language. With a little help from your smartphone and a healthy dose of humility, it is easy to enjoy yourself regardless of your lingual abilities.…
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Five tips for traveling where you don’t speak the language
Living in a village in Nepal —in the middle of the tourist off-season, I might add—has taught me a thing or two about surviving in a country where you don’t speak the language. With a little help from your smartphone and a healthy dose of humility, it is easy to enjoy yourself regardless of your lingual abilities.…