Archive for the Category »Travel «

Feb
02nd		   Taking The Kids To Peru: Day 2 & River Rafting
Leave a Comment Category: Adventure Travel, Adventures by Disney, Cuzco, Family Travel, Peru, Travel, sports travel Tags: , , ,

Machu Picchu, Peru, Jan, 2012

This week I am chronicling my recent family trip  to Peru with Adventures by Disney. It will give you insight into taking a guided tour rather than going it alone, and shine a light on a bucket list destination, that is educational for children too.

Day 2 found us waking to a beautiful sunshine morning…. the birds chirping was our alarm clock. Perfect setting for our  thrilling river rafting trip between lush Andean mountains through the Sacred Valley.

You may be asking yourself…. Is she crazy to take her young kids rafting in a third world country? What if something should happen? No, I am not loco.

What you will learn about my particular tour operator, Disney, is that the company is uber conservative, and ultra concerned about safety.

Adventures by Disney Guided Tours Took Us Rafting

Case in point: At the last minute, the guides changed the location of the rafting trip because the rains the day before swelled the river, causing rougher, class 6 rapids. They said the new location had Class 1 and 2, and “Maybe” 3 rapids…. their estimation really ended up being a float, not more than class 1.

They also made sure there was a trained guide on every raft….

and an extra solo guide on a catamaran-like vessel who went ahead of everyone, making sure the path was safe, and also hanging around in case anyone fell out.

Although these mellow waters were not a blood rushing experience that older children may have had bragging rights about, it was perfect for the younger kids… and the adults thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing nature and the incredibly beautiful scenery. We all had fun.

The great thing about this organized tour, is that the Disney guides have bottled water for you anytime you want it, and provide snacks between meals if you need it. So after a snack and a quick change into dry clothes, we were off to the second part of the day – the old Inca town of Ollantaytambo. (If you notice the pattern here, Disney seems to organize the days with 50% something fun for kids, and 50% something cultural and educational that they try to make the most engaging.)

Something struck me about Ollantaytambo… not the largest… not the cleanest or even most developed town… but it felt very authentic, despite being a popular starting point for thousands who hike the Inca Trail.

The guides arranged a buffet lunch of Peruvian fare (as always) at this charming little garden, and then we explored the ancient Incan ruins on the hillside.

What you MUST research about Peru before you go, because it is inescapable once you get there, is a little bit about the Incan Empire… and teach your kids about it too. The Incan Empire was the largest pre-Columbian empire in America. It was headquarted in Cuzco.

Incan Ruins at Ollantaytambo, Peru

The Incas were eventually conquered by the Spanish, but their ruins are well preserved around the Cuzco area. Ollantaytambo is the perfect example – we hiked the hillside to see a 600 year old temple.

Incan Ruins at Ollantaytambo, Peru

This was an intimate intro  to Incan construction style, which we would later in the trip learn more about at Machu Picchu. The Incas were known for their precise joints between boulders – and how tightly each rock fit together. Look how closely the rocks are bound – not even a piece of paper could slip through. More astonishing is that they used no mortar.

After the tour, we wandered the cobble stone streets of this town, then headed back to the hotel for dinner…. and the kids had dinner and movie night with the Disney guides! They loved it, and the parents got a little break!

Tomorrow: Exploring the picturesque salt mines.

 
Feb
01st		   Taking The Kids To Peru: Day 1 – Beautiful Countryside And Culture
Leave a Comment Category: Cuzco, Peru, Travel Tags:

In my last post I told you I just got back from an Adventures by Disney guided trip to Peru. In the next week I will describe the experience so you can get a feel of taking a family-oriented tour, and learn about family-friendly things to do in an exotic land.

The first day we arrived at our hotel in Lima, Peru a little past midnight – rather late, and painful because our flight the next morning to Cuzco, Peru required us to be up at 6:30 AM.

Arriving in Lima, Peru after midnight

Even though the Disney Adventure Guides are lively  even at midnight, (note photo LOL,) ***my HUGE recommendation to you is to arrive a day early  before moving around again.  Give yourself and your kids a chance to adjust to the time change. Trust me on this – it sets the tone for the first few days of the trip. It is worth any extra money so you are fresh and alert for the first activities. We were all zombies.

I had never jumped at the idea of an organized tour…but before our flight from Lima to Cuzco the next morning, we gave our baggage to the Disney Adventure guides, and didn’t see it again until we arrived at our next hotel later that evening.

No schlepping – nada.  Disney checked all of our luggage through security. Plus one in “Organized Tour” column.

Andes, Peru

After the hour long flight, we were off to the Andean village of Chinchero, in the mountains of Cuzco, Peru. At  12,500 above sea level, some travelers in our group  felt the altitude effects right away. The kids fared very well – we made sure they drank plenty of water. TIP:  See your doctor before you visit high elevations like Cuzco or Machu Picchu. I took some altitude meds and felt Uh-Mazing the entire trip.

Center for Traditional Textiles of Cuzco, Peru

At the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cuzco in Chinchero, the ancient custom of weaving is on full display.

We saw demonstrations  on how to weave some of the traditional blankets one would associate with the Latin American country.

We saw the alpaca wool being made into yarn… and the whole loom process, still done by hand.

It can take months to make something like the blanket above.

This stop is one of many cultural experience that Adventures by Disney tries to “weave” into it’s trips.  The benefit of this kind of family-friendly tour is that the guides try to keep it entertaining for the kids… thus, the parade of Peruvian clothes on everyone. The whole experience was an interesting contrast to the fast-paced, commercially mass-produced life in the United States.

We had a nice catered lunch there under a canopy, another plus for the tour to not have to think about where to eat. We then saw our first torrential downpour – and hail! (Which is what my six year old won’t forget) The Disney guides have ponchos for guests – they are prepared for all conditions.

From there, we were ready to crash after the exhausting travel…but made a trek through the beautiful country side of Peru to our hotel in the Sacred Valley.

The scenery is peaceful… Agriculture is big there… We passed many farms, and many poor houses made simply of adobe and grass roofs. The local guides told us most houses are made of adobe because it can cost only $1000 to build.

Sol Y Luna Hotel, Sacred Valley, Peru

The beautiful Hotel Sol Y Luna, surround by the Andean mountains, was our home for the next four nights.

It is not short on charm, but in a third world country, you can’t always have every amenity when you need it – like internet service. If you take a trip like this, I wouldn’t plan on having much time to be on your computer, but also don’t count on a connection 100% of the time in a remote location like this. I only know because I had to get out one document for business.

That night – we ate dinner in the hotel, which has lively and colorful Peruvian decor.

Dining Room at Sol Y Luna Hotel, Peru

The meal preparation was fascinating – an unorthodox BBQ by our standards, but common cuisine in Peru…

The chefs dug a deep hole in the ground, put all the meat in, then covered with burning hot coals. The coals are then covered with blankets to keep the steam in, and waa-laa! The meat is cooked with a flavorful smoked taste. As entertaining as it was delicious.

After dinner,  we watched an authentic Peruvian show, which felt like a performance we would see at Epcot, coincidentally. Credit to Disney  to incorporate the local culture. There is never a dull moment on a this tour, but once in a while you may need some down time. The kids were so tired, we wanted to get them back to their rooms to bed. Once again, arriving a day earlier could help you and your kids adjust and not be so tired.

The Sol Y Luna casitas were cozy, and the next morning we were ready for a thrilling river raft down the magical Sacred Valley. Check back in tomorrow….

 
Jan
31st		   A Family Adventure of Epic Proportions: Peru
One Comment Category: Adventures by Disney, Educational Travel, Family Travel, Organized Tours, Peru, Travel Tags: , , ,

My spiel is to encourage families with children to travel to all sorts of destinations…and still remain sane! At the same time, I realize there are certain locations that would require so much work, planning, schlepping, and research because of the exotic or geographic nature, that we all need a little help.

Enter, stage right : Disney. They own the family brand, and rule the theme parks, but did you know they have a whole family travel division? The Disney cruises are probably the most well-known.

For the next week or so of posts, I am going to blog about the bucket list trip I took to Peru with a lesser known Disney travel area: Adventures by Disney guided vacations. Yes! We took the kids to Peru ….

Machu Picchu, Peru

…climbed the Inca Trail… and got spiritual at Machu Picchu…

Awana Kancha Llama Farm, Peru

….and went loco for llamas at a llama farm.

Was it easy? Surprisingly, yes. If you don’ t believe me, just ask my husband who is a little more the reserved roamer than the passionate pilgrim that I am.

Adventures by Disney organizes tours around the world: See the Great Wall in China…. cruise down the Nile in Egypt… or search for the Big Five in South Africa.

Let me just say that I have never been attracted to organized tours because I have traveled a lot, and like doing things on my own time.  But I was impressed with how much easier an organized tour makes family travel. Do you get to pick your own hotels? No. The restaurants? Not all of the time. Make your own schedule? Nope.

However… Travel stress melts away as everything is organized for you – your hotels booked: Check. Luggage picked up at airport and you don’t have to even TOUCH it : Check. Transportation from airport to hotels, to attractions: Check . Check. Check. Key in a third world country like Peru.

Pisac Market, Peru

You also save countless hours in planning and researching every activity and hotel…and with a little Disney magic, you can avoid crowds at some of the most packed tourist attractions, and have access to true treasures otherwise off the tourist trail.

If your idea of vacation is to move around a lot, learn a bout other cultures,  be chauffeured around the world without a worry, and mingle with other families – then this is something you might want to consider.

If you like slower pace with lounging at a pool – that is a different trip, and frankly,  you don’ t need to pay to have guides show you that. There was little down time on the tour I took -  This is a special immersive experience for which you have to have the energy.

Disney Guide and Jr Adventurer

If you don’t think you have the energy, you almost certainly will once you arrive because if Disneyland is the happiest place on earth…then the Disney adventure guides are definitely the happiest people on earth. They have the personalities and patience to have fun with the kids from all different time zones, and at the same time work hard to make sure the adults have ever single thing they need, without ever breaking a sweat.

In our group, an American Disney guide was paired with a couple local Peruvian, Disney-trained guides. The American guide  is the heart and soul if you will…. and the local guides are well versed in their country’s history, know the language and customs, and can answer all questions. We tried really hard to stump ours – it became a game – “Stump Ernesto.”

If you do consider a guided tour for any trip, here are some things to think about:

1) Make sure the destination is age appropriate for your children. Only you know your child best. For example, I would recommend waiting until your child is 7 or 8 to go to Peru. Not only will they get more out of it, but if they are bored or fidgety, you will not have a great time.

2) If you think the price sounds expensive, try itemizing what it would cost to go it alone at comparable quality hotels and attractions.  Often these tours sound expensive, but are better-priced because they have the power to negotiate good rates since they bring in more business… and some mistakes you may make with transportation, etc could cost you more in the long run. Plus, you have little extras that you may not even think about when calculating the cost of your trip- Disney had water bottles for us whenever we needed.

3) Find  a tour group that fits your personality. Adventure? Scholarly? Volunteer-oriented? Family? Disney for example, makes family the focus.

4) If it is an international trip, I would highly recommend flying in a day before the tour begins to adjust to any time difference. Trust me, it is worth any extra money. If you are a zombie at the beginning of the trip, it is hard to recover.

Now that you have a general idea of a family vacation option, the next few days will take you on a more personal look at my vacation of epic proportions…a day by day journal of our adventure through Peru. From river rafting, to hiking the Inca Trail overlooking Machu Picchu, it was a trip we will always carry with us.

www.adventuresbydisney.com

 
Jan
20th		   Hotel of the Week: Spotlight on a Presidential Playground in Primary Season (Pun Intended)
One Comment Category: Arizona, Cool Hotels, Travel, Travel and Design Tags: , ,

Arizona BIltmore

If you are attracted to the non-cookie cutter hotels, this one in the Arizona desert is worth discovering if you haven’t already. The Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix is the only Frank Lloyd Wright inspired hotel in the world. The accomplished architect’s (he himself might say the MOST accomplished…if you are familiar with his reported ego) stamp is still very much preserved at the 80 year old hotel – Wright was the consulting architect.

I visited recently and fell captive to it’s charms. The linear architecture… and geometric furniture …the sophisticated design touches at this hotel are abundant.

The stained glass…and hexagons…so typical of Frank Lloyd Wright…the furniture he designed…. it all works.

Even if you don’t love Wright’s influence, the overall layout gives it the resort special feel. Spaced on 39 acres, you walk from the lobby into a large communal grass area and outdoor patio.

There were always guests lounging next to firepits, reading the morning paper with their coffee – that to me says “get-away.” It is very family friendly (that to me says not so much get away as “what can we do to keep the kids happy”) with large life-size lawn chess…

croquet…and a fun pool on the grounds.
The hotel is known for the celebs and presidents who have stayed there, mostly Republicans of course in that red state of AZ…

and lining the walls are photos of past presidents who have stayed and played there. The list is long, and the kids enjoy seeing the famous photos.

The rooms were underwhelming, I must admit… we even had stained carpet -  but the more I thought about that, the more I realized – well, you really don’t come to the desert, to a resort like this with so much going on, to sit in your room.

And that we didn’t…. I was SO excited to visit Frank Lloyd Wrights Talisien West about 30 minutes from the hotel in Scottsdale.

Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright designed

This was his west coast retreat and office that he designed, and today is the site of an architecture school in his spirit.

The experience did not disappoint. It is inspiring beyond belief listening to the tour guide explain why Wright designed the way he did – what his philosophy was. Some would say he was a mad genius.

The pool shape – a triangle. Creative.

Wright was known for using indigenous materials, and incorporating nature … He used boulders from the area in the building, and you can see how it blends with the natural landscape.

This attraction is well worth visiting. Tours are given daily, but it is best to go when it’s not so hot. There aren’t many architectural tours that I’ve been on that truly make the non-architecture student stop and think about the process of design, but Wright was so innovative, it is impossible to escape being intrigued.

If you are looking for a hot weather, with haute design – bask in the heat at the Arizona Biltmore. In March, there is a special lecture with Frank Lloyd Wright’s photographer. Visit the website for more info.

www.arizonabiltmore.com

www.franklloydwright.org

Have a great weekend -

 
Jan
19th		   What’s on Your iPod? Need Some Music Suggestions for a Long Trip…
Leave a Comment Category: Travel Tags: ,

Calling all music fans: Help! I need to freshen up my music collection for some long plane rides ahead.

Stones…. check.
John Mayer….check.
Coldplay…..check.

Speaking of Coldplay… one of my latest music obsessions is Gweneth Paltrow, actress and wife of lead singer Chris Martin. OK true music critics, she may not have the vocal range of Frank Sinatra, but she has a voice I like listening to.
Plus – gotta give her credit for staying classy San Diego. (Film buffs?)  She could have easily strayed into the territory of big blonde hair, over done make up… but that’s too easy. She is smarter and more interesting… and is still smokin’ hot.

The woman a man chooses says a lot about him. Good job Chris Martin.
Check out “Shake That Thing ,” and please don’t forget to recommend any songs for my iPod after Gweneth gets under your skin!!

 
Jan
17th		   Travel Tip Tuesday: Valuable Cruise Precautions That Could Save Your Life
Leave a Comment Category: Cruises, Staying Safe, Travel Tags: , ,

Terrifying is the only word that comes to mind as I pour over passengers’ stories from the sinking cruise ship Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy.

Cruising has some of the safest travel statistics in the industry – there has been more recent discussion about preventing crime on board rather then handling a Titanic-like situation. But it is always always always good to be educated and as ready as possible if disaster should strike.

The following article has a wealth of good info on staying safe on a cruise – the author is up to speed on all the maritime regulations. Have a good day and count your blessings.    http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2012/01/16/how-to-pick-cruise-line-for-safety/

 
Jan
13th		   Hotels of the Week: Those to Watch in 2012
Leave a Comment Category: Beaches, Cool Hotels, Italy, London, Luxury Travel, Travel, WIne, Winetasting abroad, hotels Tags: , , , , , , ,

There are so many hotels opening in 2012 – good news for travelers. More rooms = more destinations to explore, & lower prices if there are more rooms than demand.

What are your new year’s resolutions? If to travel fully and transport yourself so completely is one of them, you’ll want to see these special places. Bon Voyage my friends – wake up your passion.

Here are some intriguing hotels that either just opened … or will open in 2012.

AMANRUYA, TURKEY

On the “off the radar” Turkish Riviera is the new Amanruya. Part of the exclusive Aman Resorts, this hotel on the Aegean Coast is romantic experience.

Amanruya, Turkish Riviera

It is a collection of five-star cottages – each with a pool, private garden, outdoor shower, and lounging pergola. Let it roll off your tongue “I am retreating to my lounging pergola…”

Inside, the design is smashing and classic.

The hotel is on the Bodrum Peninsula…and has a small beach.

http://www.amanresorts.com/amanruya/home.aspx

SIX SENSES CON DAO, VIETNAM

Speaking of beautiful beaches, what also comes to mind is the Six Senses Con Dao in Vietnam – a country on my must see list.

This is the first five start resort on these Vietnamese islands – remote, but accessible – just take a 45  minute flight from Ho Chi Minh City.

There are 50 villas on this property – each with it’s own infinity pool… ranging in size from single level to duplex, and one bedroom to four.

Six Sense Con Dao offers water sports, snorkeling, diving, cooking classes, and trips to remote beaches. This will work for Valentine’s Day.

http://www.sixsenses.com/SixSensesConDao/

CASTELLO DI CASOLE, ITALY

Heading to the country…. we’ve got Castello di Casole in Tuscany. This dramatic 4200 acre estate will open in 2012.


Castello di Casole entices those who would love to vacation among enchanting vineyards and olive groves. The estate has more than 100 acres of organic vineyards dotting its gorgeous landscape.

In addition to vineyard tours, wine tastings, winemaker dinners and events on property with the winemaking team, the resort offers Italian winery tours at some of Italy’s most prestigious wineries.

One can also expand his or her wine cellar, manage a collection and experience the world’s fine wines through the resort’s partnership with specialty wine retailers.

A little bit of luxury in the Italian countryside… and there are residencies too for those looking to spend even more time there.

http://www.castellodicasole.com/

SCRUB ISLAND RESORT, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The British Virgin Islands are near and dear to me… I shot a few shows there and always want to return. Scrub Island Resort would be a good reason!

Ocean view rooms… secluded, crystal clear beaches with seriously turquoise waters.. Can’t ya just feel the gentle breeze? The resort is right ona marina, so for those of you with yachts, ahem,  you are welcome. Water sports abound here, and the resort also hosts weddings.

Scrub Island

The rooms are tasteful and tropical.It is officially an island resort with one of those beautiful ceiling fans.

http://www.scrubisland.com/

BVLGARI HOTEL, LONDON

If you are craving city life, you will get your fill of London this year since this world class city is host to the 2012 Olympics. One new hotel opening is the BVLGARI – classy, but hopefully not too stuffy.

BVLGARI Hotel, London

It is a joint venture between Italian jeweller BVLGARI and Marriott International, located in the Knightsbridge area. The BVLGARI stamp doesn’t mean bling comes with the room, and by the looks of the brand’s design, it is not too flashy. This photo is of a room at the Bvlgari in Milan, since the London hotel is not open yet.

BVLGARI in Milan

http://www.bulgarihotels.com/en-us/london-2012/london-2012

As always, happy travels and have a great weekend.

 
Jan
10th		   Travel Tip Tuesday: Don’t Get Snowed on a Ski Trip, Here’s How to Save $$
Leave a Comment Category: Aspen, Family Travel, Travel, frugal traveling, ski trip, sports travel Tags:

Let’s face it – as heavenly as those mountain vacations are, skiing/snowboarding are expensive sports…the gear, lift tickets, travel expenses. Wouldn’t it be nice to reduce the cost?

Here are some tips to help you have a nice trip, and not break the bank.

1) Consider your parking situation at the mountain. Check with the ski resort – some charge less for parking on week days… and charge less for high occupancy vehicles. Translation: carpool. It can save you $10 a day in some places.

2) If you have children, buy their equipment on Ebay. I have bought every new set of kids’ skis on the auction website, and hand each pair down to the next child. If you only have one child, it may not be worth it to buy skis and boots since kids he or she grow out of them. Also, skis = extra baggage charges on planes,  so see if there are special package deals for rentals if you put your child in a lesson.

3) Consider flying Jet Blue or Southwest to your ski destination if possible – they still allow a second free checked bag. Otherwise, make your boots your carry on so you can put all the skis together in one bag.

4) If you own a credit card linked to an airline, check to see if that gets you any benefits when it comes to checking skis or extra baggage.

5) Instead of renting a car online, call the local rental car agencies directly- especially if you are renting last minute.  I have found they sometimes have cars that the online websites don’t list – for a better price!

Now all we need is more SNOW! Have a great season!

 
Jan
05th		   January in California
Leave a Comment Category: Beaches, California, Travel Tags: ,

Jan 4 and 5 – 80 degrees in So Cal. A beautiful Cali winter!

 
Jan
04th		   Little Snow in Aspen – But Plenty To Do
Leave a Comment Category: Aspen, Family Travel, Travel, ski trip Tags: , ,

Happy Happy New Year! I genuinely hope 2012 brings all good things.
…and that includes some snow in some of America’s greatest ski resorts!

Buttermilk at Aspen, CO

I know of a few bare mountains – I experienced Aspen, CO first hand this winter break. Locals were saying there hasn’t been this little snow since something like 1950 ( fact checker?) And there is no snow in the forecast until next week.


But don’t let that stop you from visiting! We had enough snow as a family to ski – and to be honest, the low snow fall kept the crowds away. It wasn’t powder, but it wasn’t all slush and ice either. The sun was shining, it was a great way to start the new year, and there were some young guys who definitely took advantage of the atypical temps…

There are a few resorts to ski in Aspen – each with their own personality. Snow Mass is most family-oriented, and word is there is enough the most snow there, but it is the farthest from town.

I skied Highlands and Buttermilk this trip – now that Buttermilk’s Tiehack Express lift is open, there is enhanced (and faster) access to more intermediate and advanced runs, but still many runs for the kids.

If you don’t get any snow while you are there, the great thing about Aspen is that there is still plenty to do.

Aspen Rec Center with multiple families!

For instance, the public rec center is a gem. With a daily admission fee of: kids: $15, and adults $17, but free if just supervise, you have access to:

Rock climbing

Ice Skating

and an amazing floating river pool, with water slides. The kids love it. There is a snack bar inside too, so you can spend many hours here.

The shopping and dining are upscale – Architecture is that of old snow/minming town, but don’t let the exterior fool you: Aspen’s stores are tres chic and expensive. The restaurants are a little more varied – Annies is casual and good.

For other snow activities, the legendary Little Nell Resort and Residences can organize everything from snow-cat led tours, dog sledding, and snow shoeing to name a few. Oh – and while you are there, stop by the bar for a drink. It is the most happening “apres-ski” scene I’ve experienced. It was packed on New Year’s Eve day.

Another happening place to hang out and wait for snow is Cloud Nine at top of the Highlands ski resort.

It is known for its fun environment – close seating with loud music, and dancing on the table tops. Yes, in ski boots. The fondue, as well as a reservation, is a must.

Or… just grab the kids and have an old fashioned snow ball fight, or build a snowman. You don’t need 5 feet of snow to do that, and it is great being in the fresh outdoors. It may be the only thing in pricey Aspen that is free!

While I was there, I saw one of my favorite musicians on the mountain – Seal. Funny… because it was almost the new year, one of his songs came to mind…. ” A Change is Gonna Come.” New Years always represents change for me… hopefully for Aspen that means snow!

Look, listen, be inspired.

 
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