I do like to fish, really. My parents loved to fish and many a Sunday we'd pack up the fishing pole and find a creek, pond, stream or lake to throw in a line. I didn't particularly care for the cleaning part (too many eyes and guts), but I did enjoy the eating part. Then I married a guy whose passion is fly fishing, so I transitioned from simply trolling for fish to becoming actively engaged in the sport of catch and release. My dad took me ice fishing - once - and I have to say it was a very different experience. I learned you have to be prepared.
Basics of Ice Fishing
For those new to the idea of ice fishing, here is a brief summary from Wikipedia:"Ice fishing is the activity of catching fish with lines and fish hooks through an opening in the ice on a frozen body of water. Ice anglers may sit on the stool in the open on a frozen lake, or in a heated cabin on the ice, some with bunks and amenities".
My father was recently diagnosed with high blood pressure. How did he deal with the news? Well, he has changed his diet dramatically but he also decided to take the entire family to London around the holidays. He rented a house near Piccadilly Circus, and now he has put me on booking plane tickets for everyone.
The No. 1 rule when booking in December is buy early for the best deals. And so about two weeks ago, I couldn't sleep one night and I found myself searching Kayak, Fly.com, Travelocity, and all the popular sites for flights between San Francisco and London.
Do you ever wonder how all those people get on your favorite television shows? You know, the ones that get picked to be on a game show, provide the laughter for the sitcoms or get to see Leno, Conan, Ellen or Letterman in person?
I know I did. I'd watch those shows and say to myself - I know I could answer all those questions and win a million dollars or provide a good laugh track for that sitcom or even be in the front row to shake Leno's hand or to dance with Ellen. A few years ago, I knew I was going to be in the Los Angeles area, so I requested tickets for "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and I was fortunate to be able to get them in the time period that I would be visiting. You do have to arrive early, stand in a long line, go through security and then find a seat - but it was well worth it. It was pretty exciting to be in on the taping and see what goes on behind the scenes. I also tried in vain to get tickets to "The Oprah Winfrey Show", but it was a last minute thought while in Chicago.
I woke up this morning to an official Olympic hangover. Symptoms included a raspy voice from chanting "Crosby, Crosby..." for hours (his mother's maiden is Forbes, btw..) and, for us on the east side of country, fatigue from lack of sleep. I also can still hear Brian Williams' voice if I try hard enough. Anyway, the hangover will soon pass and only thing left will be the enormous surge of patriotism and pride. Well done, Canada!
Aside from the hangover, the most troubling part of my morning was the realization that it is March. February was a blur and we're now scrambling to coordinate schedules for March Break, which for us starts at 3 p.m. next Friday the 12th and concludes on Monday the 22nd when life will go back to "normal".
One of the first tools I reach for when planning a trip is a map. And my map of choice for a motorcycle trip is one from MAD Maps . "MAD" stands for "Motor Adventure Destinations," and MAD Maps is a different kind of map company. Founded by a motorcyclist, the company puts out a variety of state and regional maps that cater to motorcyclists. The maps highlight the best motorcycling roads, the coolest biker destinations and fun, out of the way places that don't always stand out on an "ordinary" map. When you're out riding, the shortest distance between point A and point B is not necessarily the best route. And MAD Maps knows it.
This is the second part of a two part series inspired by a great pop-up book called A is for Animals by David Pelham. This blog takes letters N through Z and matches words that can help families pick the right hotel to meet their needs. Check out Part 1 for A through M.
N is for nickel. As in nickel and dime...I hate being surprised at check out by a list of items you didn't expect to be paying extra for. I include parking, Internet and local calls on this list.
My son and I pulled out one of his favourite books last night that we haven't read in more than a year. It's a great pop-up book called A is for Animals by David Pelham and it goes through different creatures from A to Z. The amazing thing is how my son can remember the most obscure animals, see "Quetzel or Narwhal". It inspired this week's (and next week's) blog - the ABC's of choosing a great hotel for families with kids. (You'll have to imagine the pop ups!)
A is for activities. Hotels that cater to families often have activities for kids. This can be as simple as child menus and crayons in the restaurant to playrooms.
The start of the NASCAR season is upon us and as fans, we have plenty to be thankful for. Changes to the cars, new rules to help facilitate better racing, and an early flash of brilliance by Best Western Racing driver, David Reutimann, have us excited about 2010.
If you said Chinese New Year you're correct! However, if you're in a relationship and plan to stay in it, Sunday is also Valentine's Day. This holiday dates all the way back to 496 AD and was named after that famous Christian martyr Saint Valentine, although I believe back then it was simply "Valentine" (kind of like Patrick Roy, the Montreal Canadians' famous goalie before winning the Stanley Cup, now affectionately known as Saint Patrick).
More than one billion cards or "Valentines" are sent every year, making it the second busiest for the postal service only behind Christmas. Regardless, whether you're a hopeless romantic or a sceptical cynic it doesn't really matter, your loved one is expecting something.
It seems like every January ushers in the start of "wedding season" as wedding planners and vendors start gearing up for the busy months ahead for weddings. It's a very wonderful, romantic and stressful time in a couple's life as they start to plan the perfect wedding day. As destination weddings have become more and more popular the last few years, I decided it might be a good time to do some research into the most wedding-friendly cities around the country and for the guests that are lucky enough to be invited to the "Big Day".
I also thought it might be interesting to list a few statistics about the wedding industry first, just to give you an idea of how coveted the wedding market has become and how important it is for cities to court this industry. According to Wedding Industry Statistics:
Earlier this week, the senior climatologist for Environment Canada, David Phillips, went on record to say that most of Canada can expect this season's mild winter weather to continue. Already in the dead of winter, most of us have been left scratching our heads and asking, "What winter?" Toronto, as an example, has only had 24 cm. of snow to date this season versus 110 cm. at the same time last year! With these balmy conditions, what does it mean for travel?
In previous assignments, where I was focused predominantly on leisure travel, I relied heavily on outbound travel by disgruntled sun-seeking Canucks escaping winter from November to April. At that time, cold and miserable weather meant (or at least we thought) more last-minute money.
Although my focus has shifted more recently to corporate travel, my perspective has been more dramatically altered by an interesting argument:
The hypothesis is a complete 180-degree shift and argues that a milder winter actually increases the likelihood that Canadians will travel both for leisure and for business. The supporting evidence comes from three assumptions.
It is time to get into shape! The holidays swept into town, tempted me with treats and the good life; we hung out, had a great time, and then they left, leaving my workout routine and discipline in ruins. I'm now 15 pounds heavier and have been thrown coldly back into reality where I remember that I used to be on a mission to lose weight, not gain it.
So, now it is time to refocus and commit. I don't do gyms (can't stand the scene), and I get bored just going for a run, so I need a workout that I can do anywhere, any place, any time... and quickly. I like workouts that don't require anything but shoes (by the way, you can do all these on the road in your hotel room).
Here are three things that I am doing to shed pounds and tone muscle that are simple, fast, and can be done anywhere, anytime. These should be great all your road warriors and avid travelers, because nothing (except the holidays) screws up your routine like constant travel.
Among the mix of golf and health magazines that populate the waiting rooms in medical offices, there are usually some travel periodicals. You may have to sort through the stack to find one, and they're probably from the previous year, but the photography is usually pretty good and the travel tips are worth remembering, so I dig them out and make notes.
Here are some of the interesting items I've come across recently:
BUT IS IT OKAY IF THEY DON'T EXHALE? -- Smoking bans already instituted on airplanes, buses and trains are now being implemented by some rental car agencies. On Oct. 1, 2009, both Avis and Budget became the first major car-for-hire companies to outlaw smoking in their entire fleets. To make certain that the no-smoking orders are followed, the companies also impose a cleaning fee of up to $250 on customers who violate the ban. And they'll get you because the cars now undergo a new type of inspection when they're returned.
Requests for smoke-free cars ran quite high because a common complaint among renters was that the cars smell like smoke. Company employees who drive the cars are also banned from smoking in them. And there's also an economic reason for the ban: It costs the companies money because cars often have to be taken out of service while they're being cleaned.
I hope that you are more mechanically inclined than I am. I hope that for your sake. I do okay, but when it comes to complex work, I turn to professionals. But even with my limited skills, I have been able to tackle a number of projects related to my motorcycle.
Winter is the best time to get work done on my bike. I'm more patient, and less distracted by the opportunity to ride.
The first project that I tackled this winter was organizing my workspace. I tore out some clunky old cabinets and shelving in my garage, and replaced it with a more efficient system. I didn't spend a ton of dough -- I refitted my whole two-car garage for under $500. But I made better use of space, clearing floor space for my motorcycle, and organizing my stuff in the process. Now all of my motorcycle tools, supplies and spare parts are in the same area, easily accessible and ready to use. I've even got a workbench to help with staging work comfortably, up off of the floor.
My wife Ruth and I sat down last weekend in attempt to come up with five travel-related resolutions for 2010. The process itself was really enjoyable and an excellent catalyst to create a wish list for the year. Here are the results:
1. Take more pictures.
We love to sit around and reminisce about some of the trips we've taken. Two years ago, we got really motivated and took lots of pictures and even created and printed photobooks as keepsakes. There are many online services to choose from; we've used www.photoworks.com and have been delighted each time. Unfortunately, we didn't do so well last year and it's a shame. In 2010, we vow to make sure we get back to it because it's so easy with digital. The process is fun and the memories last a lifetime.
My memories of downhill skiing with my parents as a child are full of embarrassing moments. There's the time I skied into a tree. The end of my pole hit my eye and I had a shiner the rest of the trip (thank goodness for sunglasses).
There's the time I wet my pants on the chair lift. And the time I fell off the chairlift and a boy from my high school happened to be in the chair behind me. Ugh!
I never took to the sport, yet I was frequently dragged to the snow because my parents and brother loved to ski and they were good at it. I hated the cold, the scary downhills, the long lift lines, the crowded slopes.
I decided to introduce my kids to the snow through a different activity: cross-country skiing. It's mellower, less-intimidating, and a much friendlier sport for kids (and I like it).
I take great pride in checking items off of my "bucket list" as such lists have come to be called lately. The bucket list, as it is eloquently titled, are a list of things to do before you kick the bucket. It was on a trip to Maui Hawaii that I had an opportunity for my first chance at checking the item "Pacific Ocean Snorkeling" off of my list. What I didn't realize, though, was how hooked I would become on snorkeling.
I'm what you call a "sandal vacationer" when it comes to warm weather vacations. I embrace action and adventure when I'm traveling in locales below 80 degrees, but when I'm in the warm waters of Hawaii or San Diego, I much prefer to trade in my walking shoes for a chance at being a beach bum. That is why I love snorkeling. It provides a chance as a traveler to engage in a slightly scaled sporting adventure like scuba diving without the cost, time commitment, and training. Guided snorkel tours run anywhere from $50-150 dollars and equipment is affordable to own.
I actually really do believe in New Year's resolutions. I don't believe in driving myself nuts over them, but I do believe that setting some goals for the coming year can help to focus my efforts and can help me make decisions when I'm not sure which way to turn.
One area of my life where I make resolutions has to do with my motorcycle riding. Here's a list of some of my Rider's Resolutions for 2010:
I resolve to wear all of the gear, all of the time. I will not take shortcuts with safety.
I resolve to keep my bike clean and polished. A clean bike is a happy bike.
I resolve to perform my routine maintenance on a regular schedule. I will change my oil and filters, check my fittings and cables, and re-torque all nuts and bolts to spec.
I resolve to check my tire pressure before each ride, and at the beginning of the each day on a multi-day trip.
I'm a year-round rider. I don't put my bike to sleep for the winter; I keep riding. I'm lucky. I live in Southern California, where temperatures rarely drop below freezing. But that doesn't mean it doesn't get cold on my Sportster. It gets very cold, and besides being mighty uncomfortable, it can actually be dangerous. Cold temperatures can raise your reaction time, reduce your ability to control your bike, and generally make you a worse rider. The wind chill factor amplifies the effect of cold air on your body, and riding at 60 mph on a cold night will feel like standing in a 60 mph windstorm. In a word, cold!
In mild weather, layering is the smart way to go. Start with a wicking fabric next to your skin. Cotton is good, but a high-tech microfiber layer is even better. Add thin layers of clothing on top -- clothing designed for skiers and snowboarders is great for this. Each layer will add insulation, and will also trap a layer of air, which is fantastic insulation as well. Finish off with a breathable windproof layer, like a Gore-Tex jacket, underneath your regular riding gear. Make sure not to overdo it, and layer just enough to keep warm, but not so much that you lose mobility.
Bundling up can help, but there's a limit. Fortunately, technology has come to the rescue.
When the Brothers Grimm compiled German fairy tales and came across the tale of Hansel and Gretel, the gingerbread house was modernized and romanticized. It seems only natural that children and adults alike would become enchanted with the idea of a sweetly edible home. My two-year-old has a couple of Jan Brett books about a Gingerbread Baby, and her favorite part of both stories is the house he lives in - all covered in candy and so incredibly delicious. Germany already had a tradition of making ginger cookies or cakes to be sold at festivals, and the popularity of this story started a tradition of making Lebkuchen, or "witches houses." The German Lebkuchen tend to be simple cottages, but in the United States, where making houses out of gingerbread has caught on more than anywhere else, they are often very elaborate Victorian homes and buildings laden with confections.
You know, this time of the year can be, and usually is, very stressful. The planning, the baking, the shopping, the presents and the relatives (even the ones you like) add to the stress. As the mom, most of these tasks usually fall to me and I wonder every year if I can create and recreate the wonderful memories that will hopefully stay with my girls until they leave the nest and start their own traditions. All of this running around and planning brought back memories of when the girls were younger and we always traveled back to the Midwest to celebrate Christmas with our families. So, I decided to offer some unsolicited advice on one more thing that might add to parents' stress over the holidays and that is - traveling to Grandma's and Grandpa's house (or relative of your choice).
At our home, we celebrate Christmas, so here are a few of my tried and true tactics to traveling with the kids that might help make this year's travel a little more relaxing and put the true spirit of the holidays back where it belongs - in your heart.
That special motorcyclist in your life deserves a special gift this holiday season. My non-biker friends know that I'm into motorcycles, and when they think about a gift, they fall back on knick-knacks. Now, I like a die-cast Harley-Davidson as much as the next guy, but I've kind of reached my limit, and I'm almost positive that anyone who has been riding for more than a few years has all they can handle, too. So, to help out my fellow riders, and to help out those who wish to buy gifts for riders, I've got a few suggestions that will make this year's gift season better than ever.
Great gifts under $50:
The Jimi Wallet: Bulk is the enemy when you're riding a motorcycle. The Jimi is a slim, lightweight plastic wallet that is made of 100% recycled and recyclable materials. It's designed to be carried in your front pocket, and will only hold the essentials. I switched from a conventional leather wallet to the Jimi a few years ago, and it's the best wallet I've ever had. ($15)
The Sculpted Skull Belt Buckle : Bikers love belts, and bikers love skulls. So this one is a natural. The best feature on this buckle is that it doesn't have any sharp edges to dig in when you're sitting on the bike. And it's cool looking. ($30)
Looking for stocking stuffers for the traveler on your list? Check out these wallet-friendly nifty products that are sure to bring a smile to their face.
1) Klean Kanteen
The environmentally friendly alternative to plastic water bottles, Klean Kanteen is made of 100% food-grade stainless steel that will last for years. It's lightweight, holds 27 ounces and has a wide mouth for ice cubes. ($17)
2) Monopoly Go
A compact version of the classic, this game board uses clips to attach movers, houses and hotels, which means that players can pause, fold and store their game until later.. Comes with a sturdy travel case and individual player wallets to store money and property cards. ($19.99)
3) Towel Lite
Hiking in Hawaii and suddenly come upon a waterfall with a perfect swimming pool? Dive in and then pull this soft, ultralight, highly absorbent, quick-drying towel from your daypack. It absorbs up to eight times its weight in liquid, yet 90% of the moisture can be easily wrung out to speed drying time. ($14)
4) Origami on the Go
This art kit by best-selling author Margaret Van Sicklen provides a solution to "Are we there yet?" with 40 travel-inspired projects--including Amazon River Turtle, Samurai Helmet, Stunt Plane, Mummy and Chinese Opera Hat. ($15)
5) Red Eye Pack
In-flight comfort packed into one and carry-on approved, this kit contains an eye mask, soft ear plugs, lip balm, a hydrating lotion towelette, dental refresher, chiclets for popping your ears, and a bookmark in a reusable clear zip-top pouch. ($18)
If you read the famous children's Christmas tale The Polar Express (or saw the movie based on the book) you most likely enjoyed the wonderful illustrations, featuring the magic of that holiday event through the eyes of a child. I've read the book many times to our kids over the years and was intrigued when we heard of a railway company nearby that was offering 'Polar Express' adventures. I was even more intrigued when I discovered that there are a fair amount of train companies that are also doing this all over the US and Canada.
Our experience on the Polar Express (ie. The Heber Creeper train, running up and down Provo Canyon, Utah) was memorable. First, kids love trains. So, basically, you could simply put kid on a train and the outing would be a success. Now, add Christmas decorations, snowy mountains, a trip to the North Pole to see the big red guy and a cup of hot chocolate for the ride and the kids feel they are living the story...and as an adult, you can't help but get caught up in all the excitement.
As the days tick away and the holidays approach, I still have a lot of shopping to do, but for once I am not stressed. Every year I hunt for the perfect gift, and then at the last minute I panic and get something that my mom, dad, sister, or significant other really won't want/need. Not this year though. This year, I have a plan. I'm going to buy them all some travel.
I've heard this story every spring, and so have you. My riding buddies call to ask for some help -- it's the first nice day of the new season, and time to go for a ride. Except their bikes won't start. Dead battery, or bad fuel, or gunked up oil. Who knows? All I do know is that they didn't take the time to get their bikes ready for the winter, and now it's springtime, and now they're suffering.
So, you know what's coming: My tips for prepping your motorcycle for the winter.
First and foremost, give your motorcycle a good, thorough cleaning and detailing from top to bottom. Fix the little things that you've been putting off all summer and fall. Tighten those loose fasteners. Lube that chain. Wrap that frayed wire. A little bit of time spent now will save you a ton of heartache later.
Figure out where your bike is going to spend its winter. The best of all worlds is a heated, enclosed space, but not all of us have that option. You're going to need access to an electric outlet with "always-on" power, as well.
Last weekend wrapped up the college football regular season. And with it brought to the forefront all of what is best and maddening about college football. The experts vote and the computers compute and we all wish there were a better way, but it doesn't stop us from tuning in (especially if we have a team playing in some bowl game somewhere). I know-- there are more bowls than anyone can possibly be expected to remember. But if you are fan and your team is playing you are most likely going to tune in...or if you are really fortunate you are going to travel to the destination and watch.
These are my top bowls I would choose to attend, both for location and my interest in the game:
We are hearing a lot about the Swine Flu and other sicknesses right now, and with the holiday travel season, cold weather, and family gatherings, it is important to do what we can to stay healthy. I'm no "germaphobe," but I also am determined to avoid getting sick this season.
With all of the traveling, airports, cab rides and family dinners with my cousin James (who will inevitably have strep throat or something else terrible) I've formed a plan of action for how to keep my immune system strong throughout this holiday season.
Here it goes:
Drink water. I used to get so mad at my father when he would tell me this but now that I know the science behind it, I get it... Germs try to enter your body through the mouth and nose, your body creates mucus to help keep them out... If you don't drink water, you can't create mucus... end of discussion.
Clean hands. Your hands touch an awful lot of surfaces every day, and they also touch your eyes, mouth, nose etc... So keep them clean, and try not to touch your face too much. Wash those puppies like there is no tomorrow, keep a little bottle of sanitizer with you if you have to!
Winter is coming on, and the riding season is winding down for most of the country. This is the absolute best time to shop for a used bike.
Think about it -- the holidays are coming, cash is tight, and that motorcycle in the garage starts to look like an ATM to many people. Maybe they didn't ride that much this summer, maybe they have plans to buy a new bike next spring, maybe they're just tired of debating with their spouse about that motorcycle taking up valuable space in the garage. Whatever the reason, plenty of bikes go up for sale this time of year.
At the same time, there are fewer buyers to compete for used bikes. Impulse buyers will be less likely to spring for a motorcycle when Old Man Winter looms on the horizon. With the economy being so tight, even hardcore bikers will be inclined to save up their dough for family gifts rather than adding a bike to the stable.
All of which adds up to the perfect time to buy a used motorcycle.
There are so many great traditions that surround the celebration of Thanksgiving Day. Of course, there's the gathering of family, and all the food we eat. There's also football and going to the movies. Let's not forget that since 1924, Americans have been gathering along the streets of Manhattan, braving the weather in the early morning, to see the floats and balloons that make up the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
A fun alternative or addition to this 85-year tradition is to go see the parade's main characters, the balloons, while they are being inflated. These famous individuals begin to come to life at 4 PM on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving right next to the Museum of Natural History on 77th and 81st Streets.
I own two motorcycles. One I've had since 1980; the other (my new one) I bought in 1993. Recently, I've been thinking about buying a new touring bike like a Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic. If I decide to pull the trigger on a new bike purchase, my other bikes will have to go. So, researcher that I am, I've been studying up on what steps to take in order to sell my motorcycles.
First, I'm going to perform an inspection. I'm going to decide which repair items will get fixed, and which items will remain unrepaired for the new buyer. One of my bikes has a very faded paint job. It would cost about $500 to repaint the bike, but repainting the bike would not increase its value. So, I won't repaint. But, I will repair that torn seat, tidy up that loose clutch cable and polish that rusting chrome -- all necessary maintenance that will cost me little more than elbow grease but could impact the sale price significantly. I'll also remove any accessories or extra equipment that I might want to keep or sell separately -- sometimes, a bike is worth more in pieces than it is as a running whole.
I don't know if you saw the news recently, but Brad Pitt had a little tipover on his motorcycle while evading the paparazzi. He was unhurt, but it made me think about how many celebrities ride motorcycles.
Pitt is well-known for his love of motorcycling. So is his buddy George Clooney, who rides with a posse of friends on a regular basis. Other big-time actors who are unrepentant motorcyclists include Aaron Eckhart, Adrien Brody, Antonio Banderas, Jeremy Irons, Billy Bob Thornton, Scott Glenn, Bruce Willis, Ewan McGregor and Tom Cruise, just to name a few. Motorcycling and movie stars have always gone hand in hand.
Marlon Brando and Clark Gable rode bikes, but the golden age of celebrity motorcycling may have been the 1960s. That's when Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Steve McQueen, Clint Eastwood and every cool guy in Hollywood was on two wheels, influencing an entire generation of motorcyclists. Arnold Schwarzenegger redefined motorcycling onscreen as the title character in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and rides prominently in real life, even as he serves out his term as Governor of California.
When you're riding your motorcycle, in the best of all possible conditions, the only thing that touches the road is the contact patch on your tire. And yet many riders pay little or no attention to their tires before heading out for a ride.
I'd like to encourage you to spend a few minutes thinking about your tires right now; a few minutes inspecting your tires later; and a few minutes checking your tires before each and every ride.
What should you look for when you check your tires?
We all know that it's important to check tire inflation pressure. Your bike should have a VIN sticker or VIN plate that displays recommended tire pressure and GVWR. Your owner's manual will also have a page detailing correct tire pressure, front and rear -- the numbers are frequently different, depending on the size and type of bike you ride. Try to check your tires and add air (if necessary) when the tires are cool. Once tires heat up from riding, air pressure readings will rise, because hot air expands.
Don't overinflate or underinflate -- both conditions can lead to handling issues, and possible tire failure.
I write about riding around on two wheels. That's my passion.
But there's another step between two wheels and four: Three wheels.
There are two ways to get on three wheels with Harley-Davidson. Since 2009, the Motor Company has offered a factory Trike, with one wheel and a traditional fork in front, and two wheels in the rear. For 2010, you can choose between the Tri Glide Ultra Classic (starting at $29,999), which is basically a three-wheeled version of the Ultra Classic; or a Street Glide Trike (starting at $26,999), a more stripped-down version of the Touring platform.
The other option is to add a sidecar to your bike. Harley makes a sidecar rig that's designed to hook up to the Touring lineup, and there are aftermarket manufacturers who will build sidecars for other bikes in the lineup. When a sidecar is hooked up to a bike, the resulting three-wheeled contraption is called a "rig," or a "hack," probably based on the tradition of horse and buggy hacks.
You've spent some time on that new motorcycle. You took the Rider's Edge New Rider Course. Then you spent some more time on your scoot. You took the Rider's Edge Experienced Rider Course. And then you rode some more.
Now, you're looking for a new challenge, a new way to build your skills.
Maybe it's time for Track School.
The best riders on the road have usually had some training and experience on the track. Time on a racetrack is the safest, quickest way to build riding skills, and it's actually much more accessible and affordable than you might imagine.
With just more than two months left in 2009, its time to look ahead to 2010 and make some predictions about the future. Will the Leafs win their first Stanley Cup in more than 40 years? Will we see a federal election in Canada? Will our economy turn the corner quickly and recover from a tough 2009? Aside from the Leafs winning the cup, the other two are a great source for debate, but here are a few personal predictions for the travel industry:
The Olympic Effect. The Vancouver Olympics will be a resounding success and accomplish a number of wonderful things; it will serve as the perfect excuse to transition economically from bad times to good. It will act as a catalyst to improve consumer confidence and boost spending. The Olympics also will highlight the beauty of Canada and its west coast, helping tourism in the second half of 2010.
After road-tripping with my kids this summer for 17 days straight, I felt as if I had played every car game possible with my children. License plate bingo, I-Spy, 20 Questions--you name it, we played it.
We recently visited the California Sierra for the weekend--a four-hour drive from our home--and I knew that I would need to come up with something new for the car ride. On the Cookie magazine Web site, I stumbled upon a list of 21 road trip games to keep your kids from saying "Are we there yet?" Here I found a few new games to try. My daughter kept herself busy with "100." You pick one thing--red cars, trees, whatever--and try to find 100 of it. My son had fun playing "Castle in the Sky" and trying to pick out clouds and deciding what they look like.
And both of my children loved playing Slug Bug, which is actually a game I remember playing with my brother as a kid, but I had completely forgotten about it.
See a Volkswagen Beetle and call out, "Slug bug!" One point is awarded to whoever calls it out first, but beware--a point is deducted if one is wrongly called out. Traditionally, this game involves the administration of a gentle "slug" to the shoulder of another player as the bug is called, but depending on the energy level and age of your children, you may select to forgo this part.
Click here to find the complete list of road-trip games in Cookie.
Lately, it seems that every time I sit down to eat someone is asking "is the food local?" Where do you get your tomatoes? Are apples in season right now?
Not long ago, price ruled the market, and people just wanted to get their produce, fruit and meat for the lowest price... but, things are changing, and fast!
Where it was once "cool" to not eat your veggies, it is now "hip" to not only eat your veggies, but grow them too... or at least know where they come from. The garden is cool again, understanding seasons is in and eating exclusively local meals is the bees knees.
We all know someone who has been hurt in a motorcycle accident. It's the first thing that comes up when our friends find out that we ride. We deflect, we change the subject, we reassure - we're safe riders, riding is all about managing risk, everything in life is dangerous, you can get killed walking down the street. You know the conversation.
Every once in a while, though, it hits hard.
My cousin Dave and his wife Linda were in a motorcycle wreck last week. Riding two-up on a 2006 Harley-Davidson through a small New Jersey town near their home, they collided with, or were hit by, a pickup truck driven by an 18 year-old boy. Dave and Linda have sustained major injuries. They will both survive, but each has had their left leg amputated. The pickup truck driver was not injured in the accident, and a police investigation is underway.
Dave and Linda will survive. Their injuries, though severe and life altering, are no longer life threatening. The impact of that collision will resonate far beyond that New Jersey street.
If you are like me, then Thanksgiving is second to only Christmas on your list of top notch holidays. I always enjoyed the start of a new school year, a new hockey season and the majestic colour changes that have all started by the second Monday in October. For all of these reasons and many more fall is without question my favourite season.
In speaking with a friend last week about plans for Thanksgiving he told me that a few years ago his family started "outsourcing" the holiday. After my initial chuckle, which was not reciprocated, I started to listen more intently. The more he spoke the more sense he started to make. A mere five minutes later, thirty seven years of traditional Thanksgiving celebrations had come squarely into question. It seemed so plausible; could you keep all the benefits of this splendid holiday and outsource the bad? Let me see if I can replicate his sales pitch.
This is one of the greatest experiences for human and dog alike, as you set out together, just like your ancestors did when dogs were first domesticated and came along on the hunt. It's a great bonding exercise, and it's a way for you to establish yourself as the leader of the pack (even if that pack consists of just one dog). The problem: a lot of national and state parks don't allow dogs. The good news: there are plenty of other open spaces around the country where the two of you can leave the car behind, take to the trail and explore your world.
Before you take a hike, there are a few precautions you should take:
Attach license, ID (with your cell phone number) and rabies tag to your dog's collar.
Some dogs take naturally to car travel; they're the ones you see with their noses out the window, reveling in the ever-changing sights and smells. Others, however, may need a little coaxing, especially if their car trips always end up at the vet's office. So, start out with short daily rides. Take her someplace nice, let her run around and have fun. Gradually increase the length of the rides. Once your dog is comfortable in the car, you're ready to hit the road:
Before the drive, take your dog for a good long walk.
Don't feed her within three hours of the car trip; that minimizes the danger of car sickness.
Bring drinking water; she'll need some whenever you make a stop.
Arrived at your destination? Now's the time to feed her.
This past summer, the media was convinced that families would stick to short, close-to-home vacations. "Weekend getaways" is the term journalists often used. But the results of Trekaroo's 2009 summer travel survey found that many moms and dads were taking off with the kids for more than five days. And while California and Florida were the top two favorite vacation spots, international destinations came in at No. 3. Canada was particularly popular with the family crowd.
Here's a summary of the survey results from Trekaroo, a Web site that's dedicated to all things related to family travel.
Autumn is a great time for art festivals. Yes, I know, summer is when most big festivals are staged. But that is what makes visiting festivals in the fall all the better. Festivals in the fall tend to have fewer crowds, a more laid back atmosphere and usually the weather is more agreeable. And yes, big festivals designed to attract summer vacationers happen in the summer, but fall is a great time to discover more local festivals going on in your town or a town near you. There is no shortage of festivals going in the fall from fine art, arts and crafts, performance, food and more. Attending a local arts festival is also a great idea for a stay-cation--a relatively inexpensive and quick weekend getaway.
Local arts festivals are also a great way to support your local economies. And if you sense that the economy has been tough on businesses, artists and arts organizations are really feeling it. Here are a few fall arts festivals going on around the country.
For those that follow a sports calendar (versus a regular 12 month calendar) you certainly know that we have entered into a special time of year. No, not back to school. No, not the fall harvest. College football has started and is in full swing. For those that have their happiness linked to the ups and downs of rooting for a college football team over the next few months, it can be a great and not so great time. But for many it is also time to start planning a return trip to the alma mater for homecoming.
There is a debate about who started the homecoming tradition. Three universities make claims for initiating the ritual that is now followed in universities, colleges and high schools across the US. The University of Missouri and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign both claim to have started the tradition as far back as 1910 and Baylor University is credited with first attaching the football game activity to the festivities. Though it is fair to say some universities claim homecoming activities back into the late 1800's.
With Labour Day behind us now and the kids all back in school, you should start thinking about your travel plans for holiday break. I know it seems ridiculously early, but I am recommending people make their plans now. Here's why:
If you want to travel when everyone else does then you are going to have to act early, pay more, or compromise on exactly what you want to do. I am all for acting early above the other two options.
Last November things really started to get ugly in Canada (and everywhere, for that matter). Investments started to drop and job security became very uncertain for a number of people. I know a lot of people put travel plans on hold. This year, although things are not perfect, people in general are feeling much better and have more certainty financially. That means more people on the road and less supply for last minute travellers.
In addition, our summer in Canada was terrible. With the exception of two weeks in August, some would argue that we transitioned from spring right to fall. This coupled with no trips last winter will create a surge in demand this year.
Although travel companies hope I am right, they are not leaving it to chance. Early booking bonuses, loyalty point bonuses and other incentives are in full swing. These will begin to taper off if the demand is there.
The last reason is less practical and more emotional, but I love having something to look forward to. I am sucker for the countdown. I certainly don't wish time away but it can serve as a great cure for a stressful day to escape for a moment and daydream about that upcoming trip.
Enjoy your September, but don't wait too long to start thinking about your winter travel.
Let me know your plans.
I was out for a mountain bike ride the other day with a friend and I had an epiphany.
I hadn't been on my bike since I had my accident and as I rode down a steep single-track trail, the movements and techniques I used to know started to flood my mind. I had started the day off quite cautiously but as these memories of riding came back I felt myself let go and "enjoy the ride." I had remembered how to "find the line."
This 2009 NASCAR season has been anything but predictable. With the start of the Chase beginning this Saturday, many of us are still trying to figure out what has been the biggest surprise of the season.
Tony Stewart, backed by his own team and dollars at Stewart-Haas Racing, put up a storybook season to date and leads all drivers in points going into The Chase. Tony's three wins and 18 Top-10 finishes have made his departure from Joe Gibbs racing a distant and forgettable memory.
Everyone's favorite villain Kyle Busch couldn't muster enough points to crack the Top-12 to make a run at the Sprint Cup championship. Kyle's 4 wins this season is the most of any driver who missed The Chase, but a string of poor runs late in races leaves him out yet again.
I knew this statement was true, but I didn't quite now how true until I started digging for some facts. According to Colloquy Research, a whopping 93.6 percent of Canadians belong to at least one loyalty program. That number has jumped almost 9 percent since their last study in 2007, which is shocking for an already very saturated market.
Why do we like them so much? Optimists will tell you that we are smart! Why not be rewarded for spending our hard earned cash and for our loyalty - that's worth something you know. The cynics say we're cheap! "Those Canucks always looking for the best deal" they say. In my opinion, both are somewhat accurate.
Although neither cheap nor smart came to mind last week when I witnessed the lady in front of me at the grocery store express line reach back to grab seemingly anything that would take her to the total to the purchase minimum to get a point. I did think to myself, "wow, talk about engaged" and I came to the conclusion the most Canadian generally think of collecting rewards as a game and have fun with it.
Whether you're spending a week on the beach in Hawaii or road-tripping across the United States, you'll certainly have more fun traveling with friends than going solo. But group travel can be stressful because the smallest misunderstandings can break up friendships. Here are some tips to ensure everyone returns home friends.
Assign responsibilities. If you're a big group, consider designating a trip leader (ideally the most organized person among your friends) who can take on such tasks as conducting a poll for trip dates, emailing out the final itinerary, and coordinating what people need to bring. This person can also dole out responsibilities to others. You might put one person on researching restaurants and another on planning optional group activities, for example. A great resource for coordinating the group is the website Triporama.com, which allows groups to create to-do lists, chat on private message boards, and build day-by-day itineraries.
My husband and I are about to take off on a week-long trip to Barcelona. We're celebrating our 10-year anniversary...and we're leaving the kids behind. Two grandmas and a grandpa will be watching our 4- and 6-year-old. This is the first time we have left our kids for an extended period of time--well, actually for more than two nights.
Surprisingly, both kids seem entirely comfortable with the idea. No tears...yet. In fact, every day my daughter asks me, When are you going to Spain? It seems as if she can hardly wait for me to step out the door. She's looking forward to all the ice cream cones her grandfather will buy her.
How can you help your kids feel comfortable with you leaving them behind? Here are some tips.
I've made no secret about it - I love motorcycles, all motorcycles -- especially Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The sound, the feel, the look - Harley-Davidsons are what I picture in my head when I think "motorcycle."
Some riders have an entirely different picture in their heads. They see chiseled, modern lines. They see track-ready bikes with lightweight body parts and high-tech mechanicals. They see sportbikes.
That's where Buell comes in. A wholly owned division of Harley-Davidson since 1998, Buell is the American Sportbike.
As senior citizens, it's our right and our duty to seek out and utilize travel tips that save us enough money so we can go again. Here are a few I have used or read about.
The free weekends at the nation's national parks are over, but there will be a fee-free day on Public Lands Day, Sept. 26. It might get a bit crowded, considering the zero admission charge, but those with Golden Age Passes can avoid the throngs by going any other time, and for the same price.
Some of us face mobility challenges when traveling. These can be substantially alleviated by renting small travel scooters. Most major cities offer them, but always check with either travel agencies or visitors bureaus first. It might take some planning, but the results are worth the effort.
On one of my last overseas trips, I needed access to my passport number six times and each time was a hassle because once I dug my passport out of its safe hiding place, I had to find my glasses so I could read the dinky little number. So now, I take ballpoint pen and a piece of white paper in hand, write down all the vital information (number, date of issuance, where it was issued, expiration date) in large letters and numbers and tape them on the front of the passport.
Dog ownership is on the rise--one-third of all Canadian households have a dog and, according to Ipsos Reid, we spend a whopping $2 billion a year in dog-related pet expenses.
With the number of short domestic excursions on the rise as well, it makes perfect sense that I have had a number of questions lately about people hitting the road with their dogs.
I am a dog lover currently between canines. My last cocker spaniel/poodle Buster--I just can't bring myself to call him a cockapoo--and I had a number of travelling experiences together. So to help out my fellow canine lovers, here is the skinny on travelling with your dog:
I get a lot of pleasure out of keeping my motorcycle clean. My SUV usually looks like it just came back from a race through the desert, but my bike always gleams like new.
Keeping your ride clean isn't just a matter of vanity, it's good preventative maintenance. As you clean your bike, you'll have the opportunity to inspect every square inch of machine. You'll notice any loose fasteners before they fall off. You'll discover fluid leaks before catastrophe hits. You'll be able to solve problems before they keep you from riding safely.
Over the years, I've developed a number of tips about bike cleaning that I will now share with you:
Since Boston's Frederic Tudor, known as the Ice King, began introducing people around the world to ice from New England ponds, we have enjoyed cold drinks, ice-cream, and other chilled foods. We also began developing amazing recipes and products that rely on cold or frozen ingredients. Soon, almost every home, and certainly every bar and restaurant had an icebox. Today, we've traded in the icebox for the freezer and refrigerator and we can make ice almost anywhere and enjoy icy products year round.
When you're piling the family into a car for a road trip it might be tempting to opt for the roomier SUV parked in your garage. But if your family's fleet also includes a smaller car consider driving it instead because you'll pay less for gas. Your SUV might get 20 miles to the gallon while your little four-door sedan gets 30 to 35. You'll pay about $2.75 to drive 25 miles in the SUV and only $2 in the smaller car. If you're driving 1,500, you'll save $45 in the smaller car--and emit a lot less CO2. (fuel cost based on gas price of $2.30 a gallon.)
We just got back from a week in South Carolina and the trip was fantastic. The weather, the beach and yes, even the drive went famously. With two kids ages six and five, we were certainly a little nervous about driving across the United States.
Here are my top 10 tips to make a long car ride a good experience:
10. Pack a small cooler, some ice and pick up some healthy snacks. Juices, yogurt (don't forget plastic spoons) and fruit. Without the snacks you'll end up stopping more and likely eating exclusively fast food.
9. Make sure you pack some treats. We found Skittles to be a great currency to bribe our children. It sounds cruel as I write it, but trust me; it works and makes everyone's trip a lot better.
8. Pre-plan your route and make hotel reservations. Try to stay with the same hotel group throughout the trip and make sure you are a member of their loyalty program. For instance, if you stayed with Best Western twice over the summer and are a member of Best Western Rewards (like me!), you got a free night voucher!
7. Plan to stop every two to three hours to stretch, use the facilities and fill up on gas. No need to have the gas gauge under a quarter tank, especially on long Interstate highways in the evening. Make sure you encourage the kids to use the facilities. If you don't, invariably ten minutes later they'll magically need to go.
My kids and I recently visited Disneyland. At about 3 p.m., after riding It's a Small World three times, my daughter said, "Let's go back to the hotel and swim in the pool." After paying over $200 for admission for myself and two kids, I wasn't about to give up on Disneyland. But I realized that on a family vacation all children really need is a swimming pool and they'll be happy. When you stay in a hotel with a pool, it offers great free entertainment and you can easily skip out on some of the pricier attractions.
I have noticed a brilliant trend in marketing and advertising in Canada lately that I think is really resonating with Canadians. In the face of a challenging economic environment, increasing competition, and perhaps the influence of Canada hosting the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, Canadians are being encouraged to get out and explore their own backyards when travelling. Supporting businesses that are "locally owned and operated" has never been more important.
That being said, here are some tips for vacationers looking to support Canadians by travelling domestically:
Look for hotel properties owned and operated locally - bed and breakfasts, small inns and locally-owned chain properties are a great place to start. Best Western is a great example of large chain where properties are owned by independent hoteliers across Canada.
Eat at smaller, independent diners and restaurants in addition to visiting the larger chain restaurants. These establishments are often cheaper and may serve local favorites too!
Visit community-based festivals that offer goods and activities from local artists, bakers and entertainers. A great Web site to find these types of events is www.canada.travel.
Christmas comes early for Harley-Davidson fans, as the Motor Company announces its new lineup every summer. And, despite a downturn in the domestic motorcycle market, Harley-Davidson is heading into 2010 with an aggressive push that they call "the most expansive new-product introduction in the history" of the company.
You may have caught my recent blog about the five most important things to pack for any getaway. I am writing now to correct myself and add one thing to the list that any good husband and father should never forget.
That item is whatever the last thing your significant other tells you to pack. No matter how trivial or seemingly unimportant you may feel it is as you try to configure the space in your car trunk. Learn from my mistake and just make the room.
Those of us who have reached that age of wisdom commonly referred to as "AARP eligible" would do well to check out the special discounts now being offered to us by Best Western International. Especially those who are fond of travel.
AARP members and guests 55 and older may save as much as 25 percent on room rates at Best Western hotels in the United States and Canada, as well as several Best Westerns throughout the world. It's easy - reserve a hotel room online by booking the AARP member rate, or call the Worldwide Reservation Offices and ask for the AARP member rate. Either way, you get the savings. All Best Westerns offer a 10 percent reduction off the best available rate, but some go as high as 25 percent under their deep discount program. There's no expiration date for the 10 percenters, but the deep discounts can start and stop at owner discretion so it's best to check frequently and book quickly.
People ask me all the time, what should I pack when travelling?
Here are my top five must haves that will make your life a lot easier just about anywhere.
1) Your credit card. Ten years ago, traveller's cheques were the best form of payment internationally outside of cold hard cash, but not anymore. These days you'll have an easier time with a debit card than travellers cheques, but the best and safest method is by far a credit card. It can get you access to cash, is insured if someone swipes it and is accepted just about everywhere - even in some areas you probably think it won't be.
I saw the Disney-Pixar "Up" movie over the weekend. Besides the fact that my family and I absolutely loved the movie, it reminded me of the hot air balloon festival I went to years ago in Iowa. I thought the balloons were so whimsical, beautiful and breathtaking as they filled with air and slowly rose into the early morning sky. It also inspired me to do a little research into hot air balloon festivals around the country and find out just what it is about ballooning that draws such a huge following.
My husband got up at 5 a.m. on Friday morning to stand in line for the new iPhone 3GS. Now that's true love.
We decided to buy a phone before heading out on our summer road trip. We're driving the length of the Mississippi River, from the headwaters to the mouth, on $150 a day. An iPhone might seem like an extravagant tool for a budget-themed trip but my 4-year-old cell phone died and I was eager to try out the many iPhone apps geared specifically to road trippers.
Here are a few that I look forward to trying out this summer. Right now I'm limiting myself to the free ones.
If you enjoy the thrill of cliff jumping into deep water, rock climbing, or any combination of these two activities, read on.
I'm a baby when it comes to rock climbing in the heat. When the temperatures rise up into the mid 80's and beyond, I lower and call it a season. There are however, a few exceptions to this yearly summer climbing hiatus. One exception is deep water soloing, a summer activity that is quickly gaining popularity and for a good reason. It combines the challenge and thrills of climbing with the excitement and anticipation of cliff jumping.
On a recent trip to South America, we were warned repeatedly about the presence of pickpockets. The warnings were similar to those on every visit to a major city, and my wife and I give them our full attention because I once lost several rolls of film to these handymen on the streets of Moscow.
Why pay to feed for your kids when you don't have to? There are many restaurants dishing up free meals for children.
The best way to locate those places when you're on the road is by clicking on kidsmealdeals.com. You simply type in a zip code or a city name and the day of the week and presto you have a list of places.
In Austin, Texas, for example, you could take the family to the hip Japanese restaurant Zen and any kids under 12 years old eat for free. Or in New York you could fill up at the retro diner EJ's.
River rafting mixes some of the best parts of summer vacations. You get adventure, excitement and thrills for sure, but you also get beautiful outdoor scenery, warm summer weather, water and a relaxing getaway. I live in the western part of the U.S., so I am much more familiar with rivers on this side of the country. But I assume that most rafting rivers offer all these benefits in differing amounts.
I can go on a real tear, and read book after book on a given subject. As a result, I've got shelves groaning at the weight of books about motorcycling, so I thought I'd share a little bit about some of my favorites.
I remember the first time I traveled alone on a plane with both of my kids. My daughter was a toddler and my son a baby--and somehow I lugged a stroller, two car seats, a portable crib, a backpack carry-on and two rolling suitcases from the departures curb, where a taxi had dropped us off, to the ticket counter.
I attached one of the car seats onto my backpack while I carried my son in a front-carrier on my chest. I pushed the porta-crib and the other car seat in the stroller with one hand, and pulled the suitcase with the other hand. My 2-year-old daughter rolled the second suitcase.
Every community, large and small, seems to have their own fireworks tradition. Some our slick, choreographed events, timed to music and others are just plain old-fashion pop and bang affairs. Either way, fireworks are fireworks and have a great way of reminding us of the joy of simple things (not trying to suggest that putting on an elaborate pyrotechnic display filled with enough explosives to do real harm if improperly executed is a simple affair, but the watching part is pretty easy). So, wherever you find yourself this July 4, take time to find a fireworks display. My guess is there is one near you. If you are looking for a big-time celebration, here are a few that will not disappoint.
We can't be on our bikes all of the time. In fact, you're in front of your computer right now, aren't you?
The website has replaced the workbench as the prime location for exchanging motorcycle stories, travel tales and bike knowledge. Think of your computer as an extension of your garage - a place to work on your bike, hang around with friends and waste a lot of time chatting about trips you want to take on your motorcycle.
I was very fortunate to have been able to participate in Canada's Leisure Travel Summit, hosted by Best Western on June the 9th in Toronto. The event brought together some leading executives from the travel industry to discuss current issues and trends.
Pressed pennies--could there be a better souvenir for penny-pinching travelers? These coins that are flattened and imprinted by special machines cost about four quarters and one penny. And they certainly fit into anyone's suitcase. You won't be paying a fee for your extra heavy suitcase filled with your pressed penny collection.
Truth is, most dogs do well with cars... but not all dogs. My dog used to be a terror on wheels, he hated the car. Every time we would get in he would do everything that he could to clamor his way from the backseat to the front and sit on my lap while I drove. He would be shaking with fear and not very excited about the objects flying by. At first, I thought that his sitting in my lap was cute, but once he grew and gained some weight, not so cute!
I have lugged my kids across the globe, from Paris to Bali, to Seattle and even Washington, D.C. Along the way, I know that our little family unit has irked other travelers. My son once accidentally spilled a cup of orange juice on the lady sitting next to him on the plane, and when my daughter was a colicky baby, she spent an entire night screaming in a hotel room. But while my kids are occasionally nuisances (aren't we all at times?), I always make sure that we are on our best behavior and do everything possible to not disturb others. Here are five things I have learned while traveling with my kids that all families should know.
The days are getting longer and the sun is getting warmer. I'm seeing more people out being active - running and cycling - and hearing more and more talk of going to the gym and hitting the spray-tan salons... this must mean that beach season is upon us!
As a golfer and someone who has been closely associated with travel industry for more than a decade, I have organized, attended and read about lots of golf getaways. But last week, I attended the best mini-golf trip ever, bar none. If you are a golfer you need to rally the troops and pull one of these together.
Pity the dad who opens his Father's Day gift to find a pinstripe shirt or a box of golf balls. Why not surprise the man of the house with a weekend getaway the entire family can enjoy? Here are a few ideas for travel adventures geared to dad.
Have you been putting off that much needed trip to Mexico where countless beach destinations and a culture rich in history is just waiting to be explored? Well, the waiting is over. On May 15, the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lifted the warning against non-essential travel to Mexico due to the swine flu outbreak.
I wouldn't refer to myself as an extremely adventurous person. Sure, I like an occasional adrenaline rush as much as the next guy, but when planning my vacations, they usually don't involve a slate of extreme activities. I go on vacation, first and foremost, to relax. So, on my first trip to Hawaii, a member of my family suggested I try something out of my comfort zone (and frankly a bit scary). They suggested I arrange an outing to swim with the sharks. Along with the tourist musts for Hawaii, like lazing on the beaches, taking in the beauty of the islands and sampling a luau, it was a bit unsettling to sign up for an activity that also shares a phrase used by movie gangsters.
Get ready - another acronym is hitting the travel industry. This time it's WHTI, which stands for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After much debate and delay, June 1, 2009 marks the introduction of this new U.S. law requiring every Canadian above the age of sixteen who enters the U.S., via land or water, to present a valid passport.
As I've mentioned before, I'm an ATGATT guy (All The Gear, All The Time). But as temperatures begin to creep up, even the most devoted safety gear wearer can find it challenging to balance safety and comfort.
Here are some DOS AND DON'TS to help you stay comfortable, cool and safe on your motorcycle when the heat is on.
DON'T lose the jacket. One of the big mistakes riders make in hot weather is to take off their riding jackets and ride in a t-shirt or tanktop.
I love my motorcycle. I also love my dogs and cats. Until recently, I had resigned myself to the fact that my two loves would always compete. Spending time on my motorcycle meant time away from my pets; spending time with my pets meant time not riding my bike.
If you're like me, you can't wait to get home from work, and you can't wait for the weekends. It's not that I hate my job; it's that I love my dog.
I have a big happy golden retriever. He sits at home and waits for me all day while I work, and every day when I come home, I see his face in the window. He runs in circles for about 5 minutes moaning and saying his hellos as his whole body wags from side to side. Trust me; it's a pretty great welcome home after a hard day.
Needless to say, when the weekend rolls around, it's play back time. We take runs, hang out at the dog park, and he comes along in the car everywhere we go. On Fridays, he is extra happy to see me and on Monday morning, he hangs his head and sits by the door. There is no doubt in my mind that he understands the weekly work cycle, but, weekends belong to him, and I plan accordingly.
If you've got a motorcycle in your garage right now, you have the first ingredient in my recipe for guilt-free travel.
Traveling by motorcycle requires clever use of resources. Especially if you're taking a passenger along and traveling two-up, every little item that you carry with you must serve a purpose. So, motorcyclists travel light.
Traveling by motorcycle consumes less fuel. Even a full-dress touring bike like the Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide is rated to achieve 35 mpg city/54 mpg highway.
The first week in August you will find the Forbes family in Fripp Island, South Carolina for a little beach time with friends. Three families are all making the 1,600 kilometre drive from Oakville over the civic holiday weekend.
I asked my wife whether she thought we should rent a car. She gave that look like I just sprung antlers. So now I feel obligated to demonstrate the logic of the question and stubbornly build a case for why it makes sense. So here goes...
If you are a parent like me you likely had this experience when your kids were toddlers. You research the best, must-have gift, only to realize your child invariably plays and enjoys the colourful box it came in, while the actual toy remains untouched. We had a similar experience while traveling on a quick getaway this past weekend.
Saturday morning we packed up the SUV and hit the road for a quick one-nighter in London, Ontario. It's less than 150 kilometres from home and a very easy straight forward drive, especially when you have a GPS (dads - this is a great investment and you'll only ever have to stop at a gas stations for gas)! Our original plan was to check in to The Best Western Lamplighter Inn by lunch, hit a local theme park for the afternoon, have an early dinner and then go see Monster and Aliens, a movie we been eyeing for weeks.
When traveling alone I pack a night light, one of those little plug-ins with a small bulb. It's one of the tips I've picked up over the years to reduce those minor stressful situations encountered on the road.
Shortly after finding a room, I check the bathroom. If it has a night light, mine stays in the suitcase. If it doesn't, mine goes to work. The reason: Because of my senior status, there'll be at least one nocturnal call of nature and I'll need a light to guide me.
This had to be the ultimate business trip on a motorcycle.
As reported in the Gettysburg Times and elsewhere, Jordan's King Abdullah II took some time off during his visit to the United States recently to ride his Harley-Davidson through West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania. He even made a stop at Battlefield Harley-Davidson in Gettysburg, and bought several t-shirts.
Apparently, the King rides at home in Jordan, and wanted to explore our Civil War sites during a break from discussing Middle East peace with President Obama in Washington. He traveled with several other motorcyclists, and his security detail rode along on their own motorcycles.
As the weather north of the 49th parallel begins to heat up, hockey nets have taken up their permanent fixture and the kids have officially declared the start of road hockey season. Shouts of "car!"and "game on!" are echoing around neighbourhoods.
Although I still participate weekly in a men's ice hockey league, I have to admit I haven't played road hockey in years. But that is about to change.
I just heard about a great event that "Hockey Night in Canada" has organized nationally called "Play On" - The Official Canadian Road Hockey Championship and outdoor hockey festival. The event is happening between May 23 and the end of August in a dozen cities across the country, where downtown urban areas will be converted into a series of outdoor street rinks. You can register as a team of five and prices ranges from $30 - $50 per player. Check it out.
Once my friends know how to ride, they're ready to start shopping for a bike. Though it is possible to start out on a large displacement motorcycle, most experts will advise new riders to begin with a bike with a smaller engine, 500 cc or less. This is especially good advice for smaller riders, because in general, the smaller the engine, the lighter the bike. A lighter bike is easier to handle, move around the garage, and keep upright at a standstill.
Nothing throws a wet blanket over a trip faster than discourteous companions. They're rude, inconsiderate, embarrassing and completely unconcerned about the distress they dump on others. Over the years, I have encountered many of them, but two were unforgettable.
At a restaurant in Munich, an elderly female co-traveler asked a waiter for a glass of water. Since most restaurants in Germany serve bubbly mineral water instead of plain water, he brought her a glass of that. She loudly proclaimed, in English, that she wanted just plain water, not soda water, and ordered him to make the change. He brought her another glass of bubbling water, sat it in front of her and said, in German, "Wasser."
IValue can be defined as a function of price and quality. In Canada, I am suggesting that we have a rare situation, caused by the economic downturn, where both factors are working positively together to produce an enhanced value equation.
My crystal ball indicates that this will last until September 9, 2009. Although this date seems random, it is six months from the date that it appears the Toronto Stock Exchange hit bottom. Experts seem to agree that markets are six months ahead, telling me the world will be right again around September 9th.
So the clock is ticking for you to get a great deal, exceptional service and in turn, the best value for your trip. But there's an interesting phenomenon happening out there, where people who have money to spend are trying to hide it. Coined "stealth wealth", it is affecting the travel industry too, as a growing faction of would be travellers are feeling guilty about the notion of vacationing during this economic downturn.
When my friends find out that I ride a motorcycle, some of them are horrified. "It's so dangerous!" I remind them that life is dangerous, that driving a car is dangerous, that walking down a busy sidewalk is dangerous, and yet we somehow manage every day. I have spent years honing my motorcycle riding skills, and I don't take unnecessary risks. It's all about managing risk, and risk versus reward. The rewards of motorcycling are great, and, for me, more than worth the risk.
When my other non-riding friends talk with me about motorcycling, some of them are intrigued. A few have even asked my advice about getting started on a motorcycle.
I always recommend that my friends take a riding class before committing to motorcycling. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has a great program, the Basic RiderCourse, available in most parts of the United States. Many locations have motorcycles available for loan or rental in coordination with the classes, so you can see if riding is for you before you invest a significant chunk of cash on a bike.
During an overnight stay at our home, a well-traveled senior citizen couple from North Carolina mentioned that they go volkswalking in some of the towns and cities they select as destinations. They said it's helping keep them in shape while they're on an extended tour of the United States.
Volkswalking is not specifically designed for seniors, but many in our age group find it challenging and rewarding because it's a good way to exercise while making new friends. The American Volkssport Association (AVA) was founded in 1976 to promote non-competitive physical fitness, friendship and fun. There are now more than 320 active clubs in the U.S., and they present thousands of volkssporting events every year.
Riding a motorcycle is all about managing risk. But what happens when you park your bike - especially overnight at a hotel? How can you manage the risk of motorcycle theft while you're asleep?
Back in the good old days, I used to stay at roadside motels where I could pull my bike up on the sidewalk directly outside my window, and keep one ear peeled for any bike rustlers. Some guys I knew even rode their beloved choppers into their rooms. I had a cousin who claimed that he once rebuilt his Harley's transmission in a motel bathtub during a cross-country trip. Now that I'm staying in nicer places, I've had to develop other, more socially acceptable strategies to protect my Sportster.
The Navajo Code Talkers are part of our generation because they, like us, are now seniors. So paying tribute to their heroic deeds is a worthwhile trip that not only honors some relatively unsung war heroes, but also takes senior travelers to many of the places we used to read about in National Geographic.
Motorcycle travel and business travel are not mutually exclusive. I have done my share of both, and on happy occasions, I've been able to combine the two. Traveling by bike has helped me save money and time, and I've had the chance to make a unique impression when I arrive (if I choose to).
In this age of miniaturization, most of the business tools I need for a trip will fit in a briefcase - so with some careful packing, I can get them onto my bike.
When dining on foreign food in a foreign country, I always face the same dilemma - should I ask what this stuff is made of or do I really want to know?
There was a time, back in my younger years, when I would never hesitate to devour whatever was set in front of me in a restaurant in a faraway place. But now, being a senior, I tend to be a bit more cautious. Some may say it comes with aging; I prefer to call it the wisdom that comes with 60-plus years of experience.
You may not understand the reference unless you too are a fellow Canuck and remember the now famous 2001 Molson Canadian Beer Commercial titled "the rant". Hilarious and award-winning; it reminded us all why we are proud to be Canadian.
All the recent spotlight on travel cutbacks, trading down and staying focused on a strict budget reminds me of when I was first cutting my teeth as a business traveler. And it's proven to me that what's old is definitely new again...
During the late 1980's I worked as a trainer for a U.S.-based consulting firm. The company had projects across the country and I'd fly around to many of them to conduct two- to four-week training programs that helped clients integrate changes that our consultants were recommending.
I know that job description may sound exciting and important, but the reality was something quite different. Our company was super cheap. Since we were in the business of showing companies how to save money, we had to set the example.
My wife Robin is the perfect passenger. She wasn't born that way. In fact, before we started dating, she had never ridden on the back of a Harley-Davidson, or any motorcycle for that matter. Robin was eager to try out the pillion, but she was a little nervous at first. We both were. Now, after years of riding together, we're like a well-tuned riding team, and Robin says that she gets as much pleasure out of the journey as I do. Here are some tips on how to build the perfect passenger.
Like many, when I travel, I take pictures. Lots of pictures. That's why I was ecstatic when I came across my newest and most favorite tech gadget: the Gorilla Pod. The Gorilla Pod is a flexible tripod that fits into the tripod port of nearly any camera on the market. Three flexible legs allow it to wrap around anything and everything when you're on vacation. No more trusting strangers with your camera to snap a photo.
My desire to find a product like the Gorilla Pod came on a recent trip to San Clemente California. While my fiance and I strolled the sparse beaches, we were left with no one to take our picture. We fumbled several times at setting our digital camera on a rock and setting the auto timer, but inevitably the camera would fall over or we couldn't get the picture at the right angle. Many of our most beautiful and favorite moments of our trip went undocumented because we just couldn't find a way to get the camera setup properly. I figured there had to be a better way.
One of the best investments I have ever made cost a mere $10 but over the years it has saved me close to $1,000. It's a Golden Age Passport, a lifetime entrance pass to national parks, monuments, historic sites, recreation areas and national wildlife refuges that charge an entrance fee.
The pass is for citizens or permanent residents of the United States age 62 or older. Once obtained, it grants free admission to the person whose name appears on the pass and any accompanying passengers in a private vehicle if a park has a per vehicle fee. When a per person fee is charged, the passport admits the signee, spouse and children.
The passport must be obtained in person at a federal area where an entrance fee is charged. You must show proof of age and residency, something like a drivers license, birth certificate or similar document. The pass is non-transferable and does not cover or reduce special recreation permit fees or fees charged by concessioners.
Despite what Chicken Little and every newscaster, radio host and journalist would have you believe, the sky is not actually falling!
Personally, I don't think I can take much more of the doom and gloom and am looking at things from a different angle. This challenge has created some of the best travel opportunities seen in decades. The reason is simple; you stand to get the greatest value for your vacation if you plan and go during the current recession.
To take advantage of the great offers available, my wife, Ruth, along with our two kids, my daughter Caira, six going on 16, and son Ethan, who is four, just returned from a 10- day escape to Arizona. The deals were great for every facet of the trip. Hotels, car rental companies, restaurants and even airlines are fighting hard to win your business, which means great value for Canadians looking to travel.
Getting ready for a trip always involves a big gear inspection. What to wear, what to pack, what to leave at home. I happen to enjoy the planning part of a trip almost as much as I enjoy the trip itself. Almost.
I have to confess that I'm one of those ATGATT guys. You know, All The Gear, All The Time. So my senses are particularly tuned to pick up what I perceive as real mistakes by my fellow riders. At risk of sounding like a gear evangelist, here are a few things I've actually seen other bikers and their passengers wearing on the road:
On a recent, warm and sunny day, a close friend and I decided to "try something new". We were told about a local park here in Vancouver - Vanier Park - which on a windy sunny day is often home to some high flying fun - kite flying! For me - someone who gets easily bored - spending a an afternoon watching these beautifully colored kites dance through the skies was surprisingly entertaining, exciting and relaxing all at the same time. I was impressed with the skill of the kite-masters, appreciative of their diligence and concentration, and I enjoyed the visual beauty of it all (I'll also shamelessly admit that I found it entertaining to watch some of the kites crash to the ground too). What I learned from chatting with others at the kite park is that kite flying is an age-old pastime with a strong following around the world.
Did you know that March 28 - May 3 is National Kite Month (don't worry, I didn't either)? In celebration of it, there are a number of Kite Festivals taking place that might be worth checking out for some windy weekend fun. Why not stray from your normal routine and do something different with a friend, or step outside the box on your weekend family outing and perhaps you and your kids might discover a newfound appreciation. A great perk is that most kite festivals are very affordable (if not free), making it a great option for an economical family outing.
Having reached that age when any reference to "the good old days" takes on added meaning because I was there for a lot of them, I was quite taken with Columbia, an old mining town that's also a historical state park, located in California's Tuolomne County near Yosemite National Park.
This is an ideal place for senior travelers for a couple of reasons:
First, it's easily walkable and reminiscent of the small villages where so many of us grew up. The main street is only two blocks long, it's flat and there are no cobblestones to stumble over. And, as a bonus, they don't allow cars or loud music on the main drag.
Second, Columbia takes its job of being an historical state park very seriously. Every morning, the shopkeepers put on their period costumes and crank open the huge steel doors that guard the stores against fire. Then the women bustle onto the sidewalks, clad in long skirts and whisking homemade brooms to maneuver the previous day's dust off the wooden sidewalks and back onto the dirt road that bisects the town.
Have you ever had the excitement of seeing someplace you've traveled portrayed in a movie? Did you feel a certain excitement rush through you, "I've been there! I stood in that spot!" It also feels great because you have a better appreciation for the sights, sounds, and atmosphere for what is playing out on screen. You are getting a better experience than the rest of the audience that is only experiencing it through the big screen version. They don't know what it sounds like, smells like or feels like to be there.
On the other hand, having experienced the previous scenario on a few occasions, it also leads me to wonder what it would be like to visit so many places that you see in film. To be more specific, some movies are so enticing with their locations that I want to run out of the theater, pack my bags and catch the next plane.
I recently read that Mumbai, India is seeing a spike in tourism tied to the recent Oscar winner Slum Dog Millionaire. Not sure how they measure that, but it sounds plausible.
Here is a list of a few movies that give me the travel bug.
When Harry Met Sally - Captures New York in all its seasons. Every time I watch it, I want to spend time in the Big Apple.
Ocean's 11 - What happens there stays there. A movie that makes Vegas seem slick, fun and cool. Not that Vegas needs help with their "fun" image.
Looking for a fun new extreme activity for your next trip? How about something totally new! Here is a list of newly invented sports to get your adrenaline pumping.
Kiteboarding - extreme wakeboarding / windsurfing popularized in 1996 by Laird Hamilton and Manu Bertin off the Hawaiian coast of Maui involving a harness attached kite the propels the rider forward and upward.
Wingsuiting - extreme sky diving popularized in 1998 when Jari Kuosma of Finland and Robert Pecnik of Croatia teamed up to create a wing suit that was safe and accessible for all skydivers.
Tow-in surfing - extreme surfing technique pioneered by Laird Hamilton, Buzzy Kerbox, Dave Kalama, and Milton Willis in mid 1990s where a surfer is towed into a breaking wave by a partner driving a personal watercraft or a helicopter with an attached tow-line.
Trail ultra-marathoning - extreme marathon running popularized by Gordy Ainsleigh in the 1980s, involving a trail run of 100 miles.
Speed stacking (for our younger readers!) - extreme cup stacking invented by Wayne Godine in 1980s involving stacking cups in predetermined sequences to competing against the clock or another player.
How cool would it be to invent a totally new sport? Gives me crazy little tingles to think that someone might be inventing the next new addition to this list right now. If you can dream it, you can do it.
Next time you're running through the airport terminal trying to catch your next flight, think of how much faster you'd be if you could swim through the crowds like a killer whale (max speed 34.5 mph). Or like Usain Bolt of Jamaica (max speed 23 mph).
Or how about this one. If you were a Spittlebug you could jump vertically from airport terminal to airport terminal. Air-tram?! Who needs them.
Imagine if we compared our abilities to the animal kingdom. The results might surprise you!
Running Speeds
Squirrel = 9 mph
Black Mamba Snake = 20 mph
Tyrannosaurus Rex = 18 mph
*Human = 23 mph; Usain Bolt of Jamaica ran 100-meter in 9.72 seconds
Grizzly Bear = 30 mph
House Cat = 30 mph
Cheetah = 50 mph
Technology has influenced the way that many of us travel. Cell phones make sure we're always accessible, GPS has turned paper maps into museum exhibits, and mp3 players give us refuge from noisy airplanes. One travel innovation I could not live without is the portable DVD player. The PDP is the perfect travel accessory for the traveler looking to zone out in a busy airport, relax in the back of a bus, or quiet a carload of loud children. I purchased my first PDP in 2002. Since my first, I've owned 3 others- and not because they've become lost or broken, but because like other gadget geeks, I'm always wanting the latest and greatest. If I had the knowledge and understanding that I have now when I bought my first player, I would have saved a lot of time and money.
Helpful tips when selecting a PDP that is right for you:
Does size matter? Size is a key element when deciding on a PDP. If you're like me and you do most of your travel in the air, it will be important to buy a smaller, lightweight player. Players can range anywhere from 2lbs to 4lbs. Lightweight players are great, but the added convenience will cost more. For the occasional traveler who will be using their player around the house or in the hotel room, size may be not as much of a factor. Larger, bulkier players are usually lower in cost.
By the end of this post, you will know a valuable secret to planning great vacations for less. Not only will you know, but you will be an instant expert. It's simple, there are only two steps, don't follow the masses and find great off season activities.
A trip to the beach in the summer, Aspen in the winter, or to see the leaves change in the fall is great, but these will cost you. Every location has its reasons for visiting during "peak season" but there are also great activities to be discovered during off-seasons.
In this global recession the overall mood is dire, and it's hard to see an end to it all. My advice this weekend is to turn off the television; put down the newspaper; close your laptop; and go outside.
The economic downturn is ushering in a period that should cry out to the adventurer inside of you. New opportunities are at your feet.
Right now, as you read this, the travel industry is slashing budgets and ratcheting down expectations for 2009 and 2010. Airline executives are hosting brainstorming sessions to devise ways to fill seats in the coming quarters. Travel operators, who have seen booking activity come to a standstill, are scrambling to capture your attention. Prices are coming down folks, and fast.
Adventure travel is a broad term. There are a few things that I personally keep to when describing my own definition of the term. For me, an adventure has these components:
Engagement with nature and cultures. Tangible end goal. A tangible end goal that pushes me to expand my known set of abilities. Physical and mental test. An adventure will test my physically endurance and my mental fortitude. Pushing my mental endurance is even more rewarding than my physical endurance. My body should reach its limits before my mind quits. If this happens, I look back on the trip with pride and see it as a stepping stone to the next adventure.
Like a saving grace, the global recession is making travel cheap for Americans. Currency traders view the dollar as a safe haven during this recession. As a result, the dollar gains strength as the stock market weakens. This may surprise many travelers, because until recently the dollar was weak.
A strong dollar is GREAT news for travelers, especially adventure travelers who love the places that are especially cheap these days. There are 7 countries that are especially cheap right now. I'll highlight them below:
For example, what used to cost $10 in Iceland in January 2008 now costs $4.50 in US Dollar equivalent. That is a savings of 55%. Read on for a country-by-country analysis.
It's no secret - we're all trying to find ways to save a few bucks and lower our expenses these days. We're looking for ways to enjoy life and treat ourselves, but on a much smaller budget. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, there's no reason that you and your special Valentine (or your best friend for that matter) shouldn't treat yourselves to a nice getaway.
Here are just a few ideas. Skip the long flights and stress of air travel. Forget about spending hours getting to a destination only to lose out on precious quality time and sightseeing. This year for Valentine's Day, get lost close to home!
Every cool trip needs a soundtrack. Is your music collection getting a bit stale? Need help preparing a rocking playlist for your upcoming trip? Run out of places to get fresh info about new music? If so, you're in luck. Mashable Blog has assembled a list websites to add fabulousness to your next trip soundtrack. Below is an excerpt with some additions from us.
When you create your soundtrack consider jamming out at these hotels with in-room iPod docks.
Music Discovery Sites
Musicovery - discover new music with this cool take on Internet radio.
MusicMesh - browse through artists based on their similarities; find track lists and reviews for albums.
Pandora - type in the name of an artist you like, Pandora will create a "radio station" for you featuring that artist and similar acts.
Adventure comes in all colors; my favorite is white! Snowflakes, crisp air, the silence of a snowfall. Here's the list of adventures I'm considering this winter season. I split them into three categories. Extreme, not-extreme, and in between.
Extreme:
Dog sledding. What could be more exhilarating than mushing forward, geeing right, and hawing left behind your very own team of 7 panting huskies as they run down a snow-covered forest trail?
Ice climbing. What could be more death-defying than climbing a frozen waterfall?
Mountain climbing. What could be more self-validating than to climb a mountain in winter and sit atop the ice-laden summit as if it were God's icy front porch?
Everybody's got one. A quirky friend I mean. But nobody has one with as many strange habits and behaviors as my friend. Let's just call him Mr. X. This guy has more quirks than the whole cast of Seinfeld put together and recently we took a trip together. I have been on many trips in the past with him, but this time we shared a hotel room.
I like to relax as soon as I enter a hotel room. I put my bags down, test each of the beds to see if one is more comfy, then I grab the remote and surf the TV for a bit. I don't really plan on watching anything, it's more about taking a second to unwind from traveling and also to make sure that the hotel has all the great channels that I don't get at home.
This is not the way that Mr. X entered our hotel room. He walked in, placed each of his bags neatly in a line on the bed closest to the bathroom and begun unpacking. I mean methodic, rehearsed unpacking. First Mr. X produced 8-10 (no joke) different bottles of vitamins and placed them in a specific order, labels faced out, on the bathroom sink counter. Next, he produced a set of his very own neatly folded sheets and replaced the hotel sheets with his. After this, Mr. X produced a pair of slippers arranged them at the foot of his bed. Last he produced a pair of earplugs and a bottle of water from his bag and placed them on the side table.
Let's face it - this can be a tough time of the year. The holidays are over and as I write this, a good part of the country is in a very big deep-freeze. The winter doldrums set in and you wonder if you'll ever see spring again. Reading about all the sub-zero temperatures prompted me to think about what you could do when it's cold outside and cabin fever sets in. Well, there are places around the country that embrace the outdoors in all its icy beauty. Here are a few cities that do just that:
Saint Paul Winter Carnival, St. Paul, Minnesota - Begun in 1886, this carnival is a popular annual event from January 22 through February 1, 2009 that draws in people from the surrounding region. There are numerous activities and events to keep you busy starting with the Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Championship, a Sleigh Rally, Blues Festival and Queen of the Snows Fashion Show - just to name a few of the events taking place. The Carnival wraps up with a torchlight procession of floats through downtown St. Paul.
This market down-turn is affecting us all. I'm afraid to open my 401k statements these days. Even with the economy in the dumpster, there are adventure travel opportunities that won't break the (piggy) bank. Here are three. The first is wild and the second one is tame.
1) Climb in Pakistan for 50% off - now is the best time to go on a climbing vacation to Pakistan! According to this report at Everest News, the Ministry of Tourism has announced that climbing fees have been reduced by 50% for 2009. Clearly Pakistan is planning ahead to climbers' dreams alive and keep the mountains accessible to everyone. Thank you Pakistan. Speaking about good deals, most western hotel brands have super opulent hotels in the capital city of Pakistan at cut-rate prices. The Best Western Islamabad sports a marbled-floored lobby and a snappily dressed staff. Tell the manager, Pariq Mumtaz, that we sent you.
As much as I love road trips, at some point during the trip I end up in a gas station in the middle of Anywhere, USA asking for directions. I've tried hand plotting my routes on a map, but that inevitably creates more confusion and extra hours of travel time. I've used MapQuest® and Google Maps, but let's be honest, once you miss an exit you're already past the point of no return. My newest travel gadget has changed the way I travel--the portable GPS.
I recently acquired a Garmin nuvi® 260 Portable GPS Navigator this holiday season from my wonderful fiance. We figured there was no better way to test it out than on a road trip to the heart of the American Southwest: Las Vegas. The setup process couldn't have been easier. Stick the GPS against the windshield with a nifty suction cup, plug it into the 12-volt cigarette lighter (or use its 5 hour lithium battery), power up, and go.
"Take a Trip" is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. I think it should be the most popular resolution. Here's the list published by the U.S. Government. "Take a Trip" is such an awesome goal, and way more fun than so many others.
Some other top items on the list are "lose weight," "eat right," and "get fit." Those sound so vague, non-time bounded, and not so much fun. My advice in 2009 is to put away the Slim Fast and the Ab Roller, and take a trip.
My preferred type of trip is an outdoorsy trip.
For a simple trip, try this:
Step 1: Turn off TV or Computer.
Step 2: Drive/walk/run to the nearest forest, beach or lake.
Step 3: Discover the beautiful flora and fauna that lives through quiet observation.
Step 4: Breathe a sigh of relief as you realize how much nicer that was then the Ab Roller.
I hate to think I am the only person on this rush and go planet that has made some dumb mistakes while traveling. And not just the kind where you forget to take the toothpaste out of your carry-on bag and then have to go through the extra security checks, but things that don't have much excuse. I once forgot my identification (a driver's license in this case) not once, but twice. After arriving at the airport and realizing I was in trouble, I had to do some fancy talking to try and get myself on the plane. These instances were both pre 9-11 and when I was younger, but still (btw, I got on the plane both times, but I doubt that would happen today).
And I have been able to witness other people's travel missteps along the way. I learned firsthand that you should not stow a heavy metal tube in the overhead bin. Some poor lady two rows in front of me was forced to deplane (not at her final destination mind you) to be examined by medical professionals after someone's metal tube landed on her head after the overhead bin was opened during flight. Yes, items really do shift during take-off--metal tubes do anyway.
So in the spirit of the new travel year, here are a few travel resolutions:
Ever wanted to travel somewhere and accomplish something that had never been done before? Well, wait till you read about this. These are stories about real life adventurers traveling across the globe and making history. Sam ran across the US in 50 days. That's 60 miles a day! Dee Caffari traveled around the world in a sailboat, against the wind.
National Geographic Adventure Magazine has a new award that they award annually. It is called "Audacious Acts". It's an outrageously awesome way to summarize the most audacious adventure feats each year. These guys and gals have traveled across the world and pushed themselves to the limit to accomplish their goals. It's totally inspiring and great food for thought if want to plan an audacious adventure of your own. Check it out:
As the adventure columnist for Best Western it's basically my "job" to encourage you all to live your dreams and be as adventuresome as possible. That is all well and good, but some of you have shared some practical matters with me, like a lack of vacation. You've told me that you it's just not a practical reality for you to take 4 weeks vacation and go trekking in Tibet or cycling in France.
Here are five adventures that will help you free your adventuresome spirit within the practical constraints of your jobby job.
#1 The Athletic Adventure: Swim to Alcatraz and back by 9 am (San Francisco residents only).
The Southend Rowing Club hosts a roundtrip swim to Alcatraz every Tuesday morning at 6 am. It's for conditioned swimmers only who are also members, but in my experience it doesn't take more than a few months of conditioning for most swimmers to get to this point. Participants finish in time for 9 am meetings. What a way to start off the day! And best yet, this adventure this takes zero vacation.
There is a whole wave of people who are using marathons as launch pads for mini vacations. They sign-up for a race in a city they want to visit and invite their friends and family to join them and cheer them on. Bada Bing, a group vacation with a purpose!
Here's are some destination marathons to get your imagination running...
Almost everyone has heard of Cooperstown, Canton, and Cleveland as primo Hall of Fame destinations, but what about the Trap Shooting Hall of Fame in Vandalia, Ohio?
Honestly, I don't even know what trap shooting is exactly, but they've got 150 people who were pretty good at it featured in the museum. Here is a salute to other Hall of Fames, less known perhaps, but just as, er..famed?
Cowgirl Hall of Fame, Fort Worth Texas
Yeehaa! I'm not much country, but this seems pretty cool and I can bet sure as shootin', that my little girls would love to visit this place. Inductees include Sacajawea, Laura Ingles Wilder, Patsy Cline, and Prairie Rose Henderson (let's face it, if your name is Prairie Rose, you probably have a slight advantage getting in).
There is a whole movement of people who are discovering that swimming in nature's water beats swimming in chlorinated pool water. I recently got into open water swimming, and have spent a lot of my recent vacation time traveling to various places to swim in bays, lakes, channels and rivers.
Swimming is the only fitness activity that invokes every muscle in your body--the only full body workout. It's also a very efficient and joint-friendly way to get fit. Water is 900 times denser than air, and to me this makes the act of swimming feel like I am overcoming something tangibly difficult. It's addictive in a wonderfully healthy way.
Here's a list of audacious swims to jump into, starting with the Everest of swims:
You know how it is. You go to work Monday through Friday, on the weekend you go out on the town and eat too much and drink too much with friends. Then you rinse and repeat. There's gotta be more to life. Well, in 2001 my buddy Chris and I decided we wanted a change. We bought a guide book on New Hampshire mountains and traveled up north in Chris' old Explorer. In New Hampshire we climbed Mount Monadnock from bottom to top. It was our first mountain climb. We felt like kings. The feeling of tangible accomplishment was exhilarating and it hooked us completely. After that we went on to climb dozens of mountains together. Climbing mountains is an exhilarating privilege. And sitting at the summit is a rare opportunity to sit on what I call God's front porch.
In the mood for a climbing adventure? Why not start small and dream big. Below is a whole list of climbing adventures. Some people spend their entire lives working to achieve just one of them. Bergheil!
"Someone told me it's all happening at the zoo." - Paul Simon
A few years ago, while in Orlando for a conference, I decided to check out Disney's Animal Kingdom. I hadn't been to a zoo since I was a kid and was a little worried the experience wouldn't be as wonderful for the adult me as it had always been for the child me. As it turns out, there was no need to worry - I spent at least thirty minutes just watching the hippos leap and twirl underwater and found out that the zoo is delightful no matter how old you are.
I love Thanksgiving Day. I love that it is a day to gather with our family and friends to simply give thanks and express gratitude for all that we have. No shopping for presents, eggs to dye, candy to hand out or hearts to sprinkle with glitter. I like to do those things, but I find pleasure in the simplicity of this holiday and the opportunity to give thanks. As we all were taught in grade school, Thanksgiving is the day we commemorate the Pilgrims persistence and courage in coming to America to a "new world" filled with possibilities, hope and gratitude. So, with that thought in mind, I thought it would be a nice time to mention a few places connected to the spirit of gratitude and some traditions that reflect the history and traditions of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Last week a 10-year old boy in Minnesota wrote me an email and asked, "what adventures are there?" Kids always ask the best questions, and his question really got me thinking. I decided to compile a list of endurance adventures. There are just so many cool things to do out there, check it out...
7 Summits - climb the tallest mountain on every continent including Mount Everest
Peak and pond - climb Mount Everest and swim English Channel. Done by 3 people, never done by American.
Eight-thousanders - climb the 14 mountains in the world that exceed 8000 meters
Explorers Grand Slam - climb the 7 summits and reach both the south and north poles
Whether you're driving across the plains or in the mountains, for two hours or for eighteen, music is an essential element of a road trip. It's a time to plug in the iPod and listen to all our favorite bands. However, let's not forget about the unique opportunity a road trip provides us to turn the stereo OFF and sing what can only be described as cheesy travel songs.
In my experience, singing Cheesy Travel Songs during a road trip is a great way to teach children some great American folk songs. Additionally, they serve one of two very important purposes: 1) to express common excitement and joy, or 2) to make the children in the car stop bickering or complaining.
During my adventure travels I keep coming back to two central truths:
It's amazing what you can get just by asking
A little kindness goes a long way
This post will focus on how to upgrade your vacation with a little negotiation.
I'll start with a few over-arching negotiation principles that apply across many facets of life. These should be no-brainers, but are often minimized or forgotten in the heat of a negotiation.
It's fall - that can only mean one thing to a midwestern girl like me....
I was born and raised in Iowa before I left for the ski slopes of Colorado, but having spent all of my youth and college years in Iowa, I feel I'm a pretty good expert at judging corn mazes either because I've eaten my fair share of corn on the cob or because I spent a lot of time playing hide and seek in the cornfields.
Before you head out with the family to your nearest farmer's maze, you can either brush up on your map reading skills, study a few of the ancient labyrinth's, or do as I do - just go and enjoy getting lost and finding your way out again. For those of you not familiar with corn mazes, they are carefully planned out in a pattern and the idea is to navigate your way through a series of paths which go around the entire pattern to either end in the middle or find your way back out again. I found that finding my way in and out of a maze much easier and less hyperventilating during daylight hours but if you're an adrenaline junkie, you might try a maze during Halloween - at night. I did, twice; first time I jumped so high I lost my cell phone and they had to temporarily shut it down, turn on the lights and search for my phone. The second time, I was running away from the zombie carrying the chainsaw so fast, I fell and seriously hurt my ego.
So, in the "spirit" of Halloween and fall, here are some great corn mazes to check out with the family or friends in the next month or so:
Taking your pets on vacation is becoming more common with more pet friendly hotels and travel policies. Here are some tips and ideas to consider for pet travel.
On the Road - Pet Travel Tips
Carefully plan your route. Schedule regular stops to give your pet water, food, a bathroom break and general exercise.
Keep your pet secure in a safety harness or carrier while driving. Don't allow your pet in the front due to the risk of front passenger air-bags.
Travel on the road with your pet's bed so they will feel more comfortable and at home.
Don't leave your pet alone in the car especially during summer months. Any extreme weather, hot or cold can be dangerous to their health.
In 2002 I set out to climb the tallest mountains on every continent. During my adventures around the world I found myself needing the same things over and over and over again.
10 items to bring on your next adventure:
Baseball hat - sometimes it's easier to grab a lid than a shower.
Audio book - allow you read a book without missing the view. Audible.com and Itunes.com have the best selection.
Unassuming watch - you want the date and time but you don't want to attract unneeded attention. Tangential tip: if you visit the Masai in Tanzania they will happily buy your watch for gorgeous handmade objects.
Headlamp - useful in dim trains and dank tents. The ZIPKA Plus by Petzl is portable and cheap. This tiny headlamp was bright enough to guide me up the tallest mountain in South America, and reliable enough to help me change a flat on my Jeep.
For those who embrace the "life's too short, eat dessert first" mantra, traveling just provides another reason to please the pallet. I scoured the 50 states for the best pastry shops and came up with a handful that you won't want to miss. Who knows, you may even need to plan a vacation around them.
Chocolate Pink Pastry Cafe on 905 Juniper Street NE in Atlanta, Georgia http://www.chocolatepinkcafe.com/
While brides may flock here for architectural wedding cakes, the rest of us come to savor Pastry Chef Christian Balbierer's signature chocolate mousse. Seconds? I do!
"Ladies and gentleman, today's flight, flight 29 with service to Los Angeles International Airport will be departing on time."
What? How can this possibly be? Why on earth would a flight take off on-time. I almost broke into a cold sweat when I heard the announcement come across the P.A. I pinched myself when they came on again as we began our descent and announced that we would be landing 15 minutes early.
I had decided earlier in the week that my most recent business trip to Los Angeles would be the perfect opportunity to break out the stopwatch and track the most important and potentially time consuming parts of the trip. I mean we all know travel is a hassle, time-consuming endeavor. But what would the numbers say? Admittedly, all week I had been preparing a scathing manifesto in my mind to the airlines, airport security, the airport shuttles, and the hotel front desk about delays and poor customer service. Years of business travel have left me numb to 45 minute delays, cancelled flights, and hotel rooms that "weren't quite ready". Much to my astonishment, in my much anticipated quest to document the pains and hassles of travel, I was proven wrong in all facets.
I let my 5-year-old daughter, Paris make the call to her friend Tomo in Portland, Ore. "We're coming to visit you! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!" Paris excitedly screamed over the phone. I could hear Tomo cheering on the other end of the line.
Before Paris starts kindergarten at the end of August, I decided to take her on a special getaway to Portland, Ore., where one of her best friends recently moved. We had a busy summer with little time alone together and Paris was anxious about going to a new school. She seemed to need a few days away with just the girls.
This isn't our first vacation together. She tagged along on my work trip to Waikiki, where we swam with dolphins, took a hula lesson, and ate lots of pineapple. I find that mother-daughter getaways renew relationships and create lasting memories. Paris is always saying, "Remember in Hawaii when we..."
Here are some tips on how you can plan a mother-daughter vacation and make sure things go smoothly on the road:
I love the serenity and the who-knows-what-will-happen opportunity of a journey on the open road. Last week I began a 3000 mile roadtrip from Philadelphia to San Francisco. I'd just graduated from a school on the east coast and was setting out to start a new job on the west coast. My trip could have been a straight line coast-to-coast, but I took a few detours to spice it up. I visited my oldest relative in Iowa City, went for a mile-high bike ride in Denver with my friend Adam, and was totally amazed by a sweltering and lifeless hike in the Utah salt flats. The roadtrip lasted five 8-hour days and cost $882 in gas, yowza! It would have cost me more in food, gas and accommodation if I hadn't done some advance planning to find nice hotels and inexpensive gasoline stations along my route.
Here are a few tools/tips that I used...hope they're helpful for your next roadtrip.
I was at a local fair the other day and noticed that they were serving deep-fried Twinkies at one of the booths. I'd heard about this phenomenon before, but this was my first hand experience with the practice. I seem to have lost my taste for Twinkies somewhere between the age of 12 and 16. And a deep friend version didn't necessarily add more appeal. But I got thinking...if you can deep fry a Twinkie what other wonderful concoctions are people throwing in the deep fryer?
Donuts, scones, and variations of French fries are all standards. I was interested in the exotic. Here's a list of some of the things people are putting in the vat.
The Deep Fried Mars Bar
Like the legend of Loch Ness, this deep-fried delight has its origins in Scotland. If you are lodging in some of the more tourist areas like Edinburgh's Royal Mile or areas around Glasgow you should be able to pick one up. To deep fry the bar, it has to be frozen prior to dropping the bar into the hot liquid. This allows the bar to fry without turning into a gooey mess. The more American version is the deep-fried Snickers.
This time of year is great for three reasons. For starters, this early in the season everyone still feels like a winner (or at least that possibility is still on the table). Second, the start of college football is really the spoonful of sugar that helps us swallow the fact that summer is over. Third, who doesn't want the opportunity to sit in the autumn sun, stuff their face, and cheer themselves hoarse for their favorite teams. The college football season also brings out the need to reconnect, and maybe for the lucky few, make a pilgrimage to their favorite stadium and relive all those great memories of seasons past.
Last week, the kids and I escaped to California's Sierra for two nights. We stayed with friends at their cabin on Silver Lake, a quiet spot tucked behind Kirkwood Ski Resort. Here, we made homemade fishing poles from sticks, paddled a canoe to an island, and feasted on fresh rainbow trout. We also did a whole lot of nothing.
The trip was peaceful because we were amidst nature and even more so because we were without Internet or phone service. In fact, the cabin didn't even have electricity. After three technology-free days, I realized that a vacation is much more relaxing when you're not receiving calls from your boss or reading news stories online.
Reaching the final stretch of summer has the ability to cause a minor panic attack in those that are less than prepared. "Summer is already coming to an end? I didn't vacation. I didn't get out enough. I didn't live life to the fullest and another season has swept by as I sat at my computer toiling away" (ok, that last one is just me). If you can relate to these feelings, trying to plan and execute a full blown summer excursion at this point may feel unrealistic. But there is still time to suck a bit of marrow out of life, so to speak.
For me, I have daydreams of an exotic beach location, hundreds of miles away from email and phones, clear blue water and white sand. Then in my daydream I realize I am not single anymore, I have kids...and they are running around my beach chair wanting to know when we are going back to the hotel pool (apparently water in the ocean isn't cutting it these days) and how close is Disneyland and could we stop there on the way back and this is kind of boring and are we really just going to stay here the whole time?!
In 2003 I set out on a 15-day adventure in Africa and it totally changed my environmental outlook. I traversed Mount Kilimanjaro from west-to-east and watched the Furtwangler Glacier melt and crumble. For me it was a dramatic example of global warming. It's hard to disbelieve what is right before your eyes. The ice fields on Kilimanjaro have lost 82 percent of their ice since 1912. I literally watched house sized chunks calve from this glacier a few hundred feet from me. It was cacophonous, traumatic and sad.
Like I said, this totally change my environmental outlook. This includes the way I travel and stay in hotels. Here are couple things I'm doing to green my travel.
Turn off lights and air conditioning when gone from the room (a no brainer). The whole "we'll leave the light on for you" advertisement campaign is so 1980.
Change linens only when needed. When I stay at hotels I ask the maids to do it every third day. They save time and I save the city some water, everyone wins.
Refill water bottles. The energy we waste in America using bottled water is crazy; it's enough to power 190,000 homes. There is a great campaign called Refill not Landfill, www.refillnotlandfill.org.
Be a green advocate. Ask the hotel manager about their energy usage, such as energy-saving bulbs and recycling. You might be pleasantly surprised to hear what is going on behind the scenes to make Best Western hotels sparkly green. The point is, the more that hotel guests express concern the greener the hotel operations will become. Hotel managers are very responsive hosts and will take notice to innovate green operations.
Talk to us. Have you had an experience like mine that totally changed your environmental outlook?
What are you doing to green your hotel stay?
What can we be doing to green our hotels even more?
Time for some summer refection. Memories of barbeques and kicking back with some good friends. Remembering late nights and early mornings because no one is watching the clock. But there is one key to making any summer memorable... road trips. This summer no road trip was complete without a playlist full of great music. What you will discover is with the right playlist of tunes, you will always have a trigger to remember your getaway. I still play Milan 2006 with longing and relive the thrills of Grand Canyon Adventures 2004 thanks to my travel tunes.
Keep your destination in mind when creating your hodgepodge of melodies. Pick music that will get you pumped up for the vacation ahead and keep the memories flooding back when it is over. Here are a few sample playlists for creating your own vacation soundtrack:
San Diego, California
If the beach is what you are looking for then put on some laid back tunes and get ready for some relaxation while soaking in the rays.
1. Amazing - Josh Kelley
2. Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. Banana Pancakes - Jack Johnson
4. Yellow - Coldplay
5. Love Soon - John Mayer
6. New Shoes - Paolo Nutini
7. Fun, Fun, Fun - Beach Boys
8. Buffalo Soldier - Bob Marley
9. Bubbly - Colbie Caillat
10. Everything - Michael Buble
11. Steal My Kisses - Ben Harper
12. Where are you Going - Dave Matthews Band
13. Upside Down - Jack Johnson
14. Californiacation - Red Hot Chili Peppers
15. Island in the Sun - Weezer
Nashville, Tennessee
If you are a country music fan then this is the destination for you! Nashville is the "home of country music" and you can bet that is what I centered my playlist around.
1. Never Wanted Nothing More - Kenney Chesney
2. Life is a Highway - Rascal Flatts
3. That Song In My Head - Julianne Hough
4. Wherever You Are - Jack Ingram
5. A Feelin' Like That - Gary Allen
6. Summertime - Kenney Chesney
7. So So Long - Dierks Bentley
8. Wide Open Space - Dixie Chicks
9. Chicks Dig It - Chris Cagle
10. Last Name - Carrie Underwood
11. You Can't Take the Honkeytonk Out of the Girl - Brooks & Dunn
12. It's Good To Be Us - Bucky Covington
13. Playboys of the Southwestern World - Blake Shelton
14. Mud on the Tires - Brad Paisley
15. Walking In Memphis - Lonestar
16. Fast Cars and Freedom - Rascal Flatts
17. Something Like That - Tim McGraw
The best part of this time of year is soaking up the last few weeks of summer. But as much as you may want to soak up the rays, one thing certain to put a damper on your vacation is a sunburn.
When everything that touches your skin makes you cringe and you suddenly resemble a gigantic tomato, that's when you know you've overdone it. Not only is it an unpleasant situation for you on your vacation, but the long-term effects of over exposure to the sun is an even bigger problem. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunburn is not the only consequence faced by lack of sun protection. Pre-mature aging, wrinkles, skin cancer, and eye disease, such as cataracts, the leading cause of blindness, are all directly related to over exposure.
Before you reach tomato status, make sure you are following these three main lines of defense.
Every year great travel publications and travel writers write up a list of the best sights to see and experience. With the launch of this new blog, we couldn't resist and came up with a list of our own. Here is our MUST SEE TRAVEL SIGHTS in NORTH AMERICA (to start, because taking on the whole world is a bit ambitious for our first round of posts). Here's what's top on our list, in no particular order, submit your own list and we will expand it over the next few weeks.
Golden Gate Bridge and Bay in San Francisco
The Grand Canyon in Arizona
Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming
The Statue of Liberty and Manhattan Skyline in New York City
Three Sister Mountains near Canmore, Alberta - Canada
Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii
Tulum Ruins, Mayan Ruins in Quintana Roo, Mexico
St. Louis Arch and the Mighty Mississippi in St. Louis, Missouri
Big Sur Coast line in Southern California
Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming
Grafton, Vermont
Sea of Cortez, Baja California, Mexico
What else should be included on the list? Let us know.
Seek off-peak destinations and shoulder seasons. Ski resort towns make great summer retreats and often at lower rates.
Save time searching for low, low air fare rates by using InsideTrip.com. Not only does this helpful site find great airfare prices, it also uses a quality score to help you determine the right flight options that meet your travel needs. Plan ahead, book at least 14-21 days in advance.
Save some green this summer on travel! With a little planning and creativity you can have a great time without breaking the bank. Here are some common ways to save; next week we will feature some travel saving options you haven't considered before:
When visiting new locations, look for free summer concerts, movies, art shows, festivals and more. Plus this gives you more of the local flavor of your destination while saving money.
Be flexible with your travel plans - offbeat vacation spots and weekday travel generally offer better travel deals.
As the World's Largest Hotel Chain, we know it is a big world out there
with lots of places to see and experience. Best Western's You Must Be
Trippin' travel blog offers travel tips, ideas and feature destinations
to make your next trip a success. We are also interested in where
you've been trippin' and invite you to share your travel ideas, tips
and destinations with us.
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I do like to fish, really. My parents loved to fish and many a Sunday we'd pack up the fishing pole and find a creek, pond, stream or lake to throw in a line. I didn't particularly care for the cleaning part (too many eyes and guts), but I did enjoy the eating part. Then I married a guy whose passion is fly fishing, so I transitioned from simply trolling for fish to becoming actively engaged in the sport of catch and release. My dad took me ice fishing - once - and I have to say it was a very different experience. I learned you have to be prepared.
As the World's Largest Hotel Chain, we know it is a big world out there
with lots of places to see and experience. Best Western's You Must Be
Trippin' travel blog offers travel tips, ideas and feature destinations
to make your next trip a success. We are also interested in where
you've been trippin' and invite you to share your travel ideas, tips
and destinations with us.
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