New Girlfriend Getaway Features Lessons In Polish Cuisine Plus Ample Adventure

Posted on January 30, 2012 by Laura Ecklund

This spectacular, brand new women’s only culture and cooking tour offers 8 memorable days of learning about Poland’s fascinating culinary and cultural scene plus a myriad of cultural and outdoor adventures. This tour is one of many that is being offered in 2012 to help commemorate the 30th anniversary of AdventureWomen, Inc., the leader in adventure travel for women worldwide, since 1982. This girlfriend getaway includes hands-on and demonstration-style Polish cooking lessons, highlighting delicious regional cuisine including freshly made meals and breads, plus wine, beer, and vodka tastings. Other highlights include excursions into the famous cities and towns in Poland, hiking in Eastern Europe’s Tatra Mountains, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites to experience the art and architecture of the region. Other highlights include visits to local markets and agritourism farms in the countryside, opportunities to learn crafts from local markets, elegant accommodations at two luxurious 4-star hotel-spas in Zakopane and Krakow, optional tour extensions, and much more. Dates: September 5-18th, 2012. Cost: $3,895 from Krakow, Poland ($800 deposit).

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Start Your Creative Engines- the 2012 Wearable Art Extravaganza is Coming to Juneau, Alaska

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Laura Ecklund

One of the most anticipated annual events in Juneau, Alaska is the Wearable Art Extravaganza. Put on by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council and now in its 12th year, the show was originally inspired by the Montana World of Wearable Art, begun in Wellington, New Zealand in 1987, and now the top wearable art show in the world. The 2012 “Fusion” theme allows artists to create works that have an explosive energy on stage through the collision of two or more elements, offering many unlimited creative interpretations — artistic, scientific, musical, collaborative, even culinary. This is a fashion show of extravagant dresses and costumes made from the most ingenious materials, it pushes the envelope of many of the artists’ creative thinking and abilities. If it can be worn, anything goes! The event takes place February 11-12, 2012 at Juneau’s Centennial Hall. Tickets are now on sale at the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council, (907) 586-2728 or info@jahc.org. For more information: http://jahc.org/wearable-art/.

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A few activities, events, escapes, and packages to ensure a fun-filled February

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Amy Shadell

 

Flying in to Kosrae

Kosrae, Micronesia Through March 2012 Escape the Cold Special at Kosrae Village

Enjoy the serene, romantic beauty of your oceanside cottage at Kosrae Village, Micronesia’s premier Ecolodge & Dive Resort and, Explore the outstanding adventures Kosrae Island has to offer at a price that works for you. www.kosraevillage.com

Scarlet Macaw during Migration

Hopkins, Belize February and March Scarlet Macaw Migrations

Seasonally, during February and March, Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort guests have the opportunity to witness migrating Scarlet Maccaws outside of the village of Red Bank in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Here participants hike through the rainforest and have the opportunity to view and hear some of the 500 species of birds found in Belize. Colorful parrots, toucans and white eagles inhabit these beautiful hills. Guests may decide to take a quick dip in the river or just quietly relax on the riverbank to observe the many bird species in the area. www.hamanasi.com

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Soaring through Southwestern Idaho Skies: Ziplining + Wild Birds

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Laura Ecklund

Boise may best be known for biking trails and superior spuds, but the Treasure Valley is hiding much more for the inquisitive visitor. Zip Idaho provides a birds-eye view of the Payette River Valley. A 7 zip line tour starts at 5000 ft elevation with 4 cables traveling through a canopy of Ponderosa Pines. Watch for wildlife; turkeys, bear, deer, and elk frequent the forest floor below. After a trip through the tree tops is “Wild Turkey,” the longest zip line in the state. At 1700 ft and speeds of up to 40mph possible, this one’s sure to get the blood pumping. The tour ends with a dual zip line where participants can race 100 ft above a field of wildflowers.

Spend part of the trip soaring like eagles and the next part learning about them. Make time to visit one of the region’s other unexpected wonders: the World Center for Birds of Prey. Here the Avian Ambassadors can demonstrate the fascinating lives of birds from the fierce peregrine falcon to the majestic bald eagle. In addition to a courtyard of native and non-native birds, the center shares interactive exhibits, daily raptor presentations, and falconry tours. If visiting during May, don’t miss the Snake River Birds of Prey Festival with birding tours, paddle and float trips, photography lectures, and more.
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Boats, Bikes & Boots: A Non-motorized traverse of the Maine Coast and Acadia NP

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Laura Ecklund

Summer Feet Cycling’s newest Maine Coast adventure is not for the faint of heart – participants will travel all the way from Port Clyde to Acadia National Park, traveling exclusively by human-powered and wind-powered transportation. The tour starts out with a 54 mile bike ride up the coast from Port Clyde to Camden. From Camden participants will set sail across Penebscot Bay en route to Castine. An afternoon of sea kayaking rounds out a full day on the water. From Castine it’s an 18 mile bike ride to Blue Hill, and then a 10+ mile sea kayak across Blue Hill Bay to Mount Desert Island, home to Acadia National Park. The final two days are spent exploring Acadia National Park by foot and bike, including a 13 mile hike across the interior of the park from Northeast Harbor to Bar Harbor, and an ascent by foot or bike of 1,530 ft Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak along the eastern seaboard.

Summer Feet Cycling’s Boats, Bikes & Boots: A Coastal Traverse is offered July 15-21 and August 26-September 1, 2012, and is priced at $2695 per person. Visit www.summerfeet.net for more information and booking details.

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Jumping into January 2012

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Amy Shadell

Olympic National Park, Washington

Jan-Feb Hurricane Ridge Snowshoe Walk  Every weekend during the snowy season, rangers at Olympic National Park will be leading guided snowshoe hikes atop the park’s most famous attraction: Hurricane Ridge. Snowshoes are provided and this is considered a moderately strenuous hike. Donations of $5 are requested. Hikes last about an hour and a half. For more information contact Janis Burger at 360-565-3136

Boise, Idaho

Dec 17-April 15 75th Anniversary Exhibition The arrangement of artworks in the exhibition is being designed to ignite the viewer’s imagination and prompt the audience to become visually engaged in a game of discovery.  The diverse selection of Museum treasures – painting, sculpture, ceramic, textile and mixed media works – will reveal fascinating points of comparison between different art forms across cultures, continents and time. The exhibition is being selected from over 3,000 artworks which have been donated or purchased by the Museum from 1937 through 2012. http://boiseartmuseum.org/

Estes Park, Colo.

Jan 20-22 Winter Fest Family Weekend (Estes Park Center) Try on a pair of ice skates, snowshoe, play a game of broomball, make a gingerbread house and learn winter outdoor living skills. Throughout the autumn, winter and spring, YMCA of the Rockies offers special themed family weekends for all ages. The weekend package includes lodging, meals and activities starting Friday evening through Sunday morning. www.ymcarockies.org (888) 613-9622

Granby, Colo.

Jan 20-23 14 and Older Ski and Snowshoe Weekend at Camp Chief Ouray This weekend is just for 14 years and older!  Come hang out in the mountains for a weekend of fun, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and hanging out with friends.   Reconnect with friends and have a BLAST with the CCO staff! Includes lodging and food, transportation and activities at Camp Chief Ouray. Registration information will be available on November 1st.  Email chiefouray@ymcarockies.org for more information.


McCall, Idaho

Jan 27- Feb 5 McCall Winter Carnival Enjoy the 2012 McCall Winter Carnival Jan 27th – Feb 5th; a 10 Day celebration of everything snow and winter. Events include a Snowcastle Building Contest, Children’s Torchlight Parade, Idaho State Snow Sculpture Championship, McCall Starz on Ice, Mardi Gras Parade and hockey matches. This is the 47th anniversary of the McCall Winter Carnival. This year’s theme is: Destination Adventure. Make plans to see the amazing snow sculptures and enjoy the winter recreation activities. http://www.mccallchamber.org/carnival_home.html
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Surf’s Up! Learn How To Surf On A Family Surfing Camp Vacation In Beautiful Baja, Mexico

Posted on January 12, 2012 by Laura Ecklund

On this exceptionally fun spring family adventure to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, families will have an opportunity to learn how to surf under the expert guidance of an amazing surfing guide. This unique Surfari Baja Surf Campoffered by Thomson Family Adventures, includes top-notch and personalized instruction during daily surfing lessons from guide Mario, horseback riding on the Baja Peninsula’s pristine beaches, a visit and the chance to volunteer with the children of the non-profit Palapa Society, swimming with sea lions at Los Islotes in the famed Sea of Cortez, and much more. This unforgettable family surf camp This is an active family’s dream come true, with abundant activity to keep everyone entertained in a unique and beautiful natural setting. Kids and adults alike will have a blast learning to surf in sun-soaked Baja. Prices start at $2390 pp. Dates: April 15-April 21, 2012. www.familyadventures.com .

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Got Spring Fever? Plan A Great Escape This Spring With These Girlfriend Getaways:

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Laura Ecklund

Be a Caribbean Queen: Set sail to the British Virgin Islands in the Caribbean on this women-only sailing adventure for some sun, sand, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing. On this trip, guests cruise the British Virgin Islands on a marvelous luxury yacht, the Cuan Law, the world’s largest trimaran sailboat that’s equipped with every amenity. Women can soak up the sun and scenery while choosing from adventures like sea kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling, dining on decadent cuisine, or enjoying the views from the canopy deck on ship. $2995 pp ($800 deposit). Departure date: March 4, 2012

 

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Travel Predictions 2012- Themed and Culinary Travel

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Laura Ecklund

Themed travel infiltrates whitewater raft trips around the world – outfitters build creative itineraries to provide splashy fun while also tasting fine food, wine, craft beer, yoga and many others.

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Travel Predictions 2012- Family Travel

Posted on December 15, 2011 by Laura Ecklund

Families traveling to be together with multiple generations – grandparents to grandchildren and extended family plan to spend quality time in a special destination

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