Waterfall cascading is an adventure activity that involves climbing up waterfalls and then jumping or sliding your way back down. While some consider it more “freestyle” than canyoneering (which is navigating a river canyon) if you find a good tour company, this can be a safe and enjoyable activity. While a good tour outfitter will take care of the safety aspect by providing helmets, life jackets, and guides, there are some other tips that one might want to consider before going on an adventure like this! Do not wear your sneakers unless you don’t mind getting them soaked. For our waterfall trip, we hiked along trails, through a stream, and finally arrived in a water pool. I wore my Vibram Fivefingers and they worked great and dried out quickly. The rubber on the bottom helped grip the rock when I […]
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Understand the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey
For many travelers to Turkey, sampling the Turkish cuisine rates at the top of the to-experience list. After all the basic sightseeing is finished, and visitors move to some of the cultural experiences that the country has to offer, watching the whirling dervishes usually ranks high on the list. Often erroneously considered a folk dance troupe or some sort of trance inducing dance, the dervishes are more aligned with religion and philosophy than with entertainment. The ritual dancing is based on the teaching of the Persian philosopher and poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi who, along with his son, founded the Sufi Order. Sufis are part of the Sunni sect of Islam, and Mevlana Rumi’s teachings emphasized tolerance and patience, not revolutionaries, and their belief is that unification with God will occur through the constant movement of the universe. Okay, we […]
Read MoreSpring Break Travel Questions from Kids
Spring break might be over for some kids, but there are still a lot of families traveling on the planes. I’m not sure if parents are taking the kids out of school, home schooling, or if perhaps there are schools with a really late spring break. Most of the families seem to be having a good time, the parents may be tired and the kids a little rambunctious – it’s spring break, after all – but every day it reminds me how families choose to make travel a priority. Kids are full of questions, whether they’re experienced travelers or first timers, and they’re not afraid to put it all out there. From questions about flight etiquette to other information, here are some of my favorite questions from spring break – along with a few answers (always slanted to be appropriate […]
Read MoreIntroducing: The Traveler’s Way
I’ve been laying low lately, not out of a lack of interesting travel experiences to write about or because I’m on the road, but because I’ve been in the midst of a big, big project. And when there’s a big project going on, I sort of go to ground, working hard to let things play out as they’re supposed to. So what’s been going on? After a number of years as working for other companies as a travel editor, I have gone out on my own, so to speak, joining with two highly respected individuals in the online travel space (more about them in a moment), to start a new online travel magazine. This is a big, and very exciting big step for me, and I am so darned excited that I can hardly stand it. The magazine is called […]
Read MoreWine Travel: You Can Take it With You
If you travel places known for outstanding food and wine, you’ve most likely been left figuring out a way to take some of your new favorites. Most often this doesn’t present a problem – unless your new favorite is wine, olive oil, specialty vinegar, or other liquid items. In the post 9-11 world, these delicious liquid treats require careful planning if you’re to get them home with you. Carry on restrictions will make it nearly impossible for you to carry on these liquid items, as most will be larger than the permitted 3 ounces allowed as carry-ons. That mean, you’ll need to prepare your items for safe transport in your checked luggage. Generally speaking, liquids under 24% alcohol are not considered hazardous material, and as such are not subject to a limitation or restriction in your checked luggage. Even […]
Read MoreTraveling the East Coast Underground Railroad
In honor of Black History Month, I am pleased to feature this guest post on the Underground Railroad, a part of history that’s well worth spending time learning about. —- Over the years, I’ve found that introducing history to my children through travel has made more of a difference than anything they’ve read in history books. Visiting the places where history actually happened gives children and adults so much more knowledge. It also gives them a real connection to the past. As February is Black History Month, I’ve been researching Underground Railroad locations to bring history to life in our neighborhood and in preparation for our forthcoming family travels. Here are the most interesting Underground Railroad destinations on the East Coast which are open to the public: Florida – Fort Gadsden State Park, Route 65, Sumatra – This abandoned fort, […]
Read More10 Travel Snacks that are Healthy, Easy to Pack, & Will Get Through Airport Security
With meals on flights either non-existent, expensive, and often unhealthy, and airport food not too much better, one way to make your vacation a little more pleasant is to pack some food to take along on your flight. Or road trip. If you’re flying you’ll still have to avoid liquids and gels (get those once you pass through security), but packing a few healthy and yummy snacks, can keep hunger and crankiness at bay. While prepared energy bars can always be packed into a bag, I much prefer to look for real food options. Here are some of my favorite snacks to take along on my flight: Peanut butter sandwich – Add jelly, honey, or leave it plain, and make sure that it’s wrapped up good and tight because this will make a mess all over if it squishes out. […]
Read MoreREVIEW: Beyond the Pasta
When I think about Italy, which I often do, it’s not the attractions or the countryside that capture my attention. Oh sure, it’s beautiful and there are lots of incredible sights to see, but what really speaks to me is the food. In my opinion, what makes Italy so fascinating and appealing is its food, wine, and people. As I start planning my trip for this year, I’ve gotten together with friends to talk about what we want to see and do. In no time at all the conversation quickly turns to our favorites restaurants. The fabulous osso buco, the freshest tomatoes for the delicious bruschetta, the hand-rolled pici pasta, and the soft and creamy burrata. In fact, I’m already salivating for the delicious mushroom soup at Latte di Luna. Every time we get started talking about the delicious dishes, […]
Read MoreHelp for Travelers with Ear Problems
Today I have an important guest post that will be of importance to anyone who suffers from ear discomfort while flying. I’m a sufferer, as a result of allergy and sinus-related issues, so have to take a lot of precautions when I travel. And that includes not flying when my ears get too bad! —- As a former hospital nurse and now as a nurse consultant in the travel industry, I have found patient/traveler education vital to success when dealing with health issues. Understanding the function of the body greatly increases compliance and personal satisfaction in preventing or treating ailments. I have found this especially true when reaching out to those who suffer with ear problems associated with flying, scuba diving, allergies, or colds. Most people are aware that ears can be an issue when flying – and many think […]
Read MoreHotel Review: ARIA Hotel at City Center, Las Vegas
Earlier this month, while I was in Las Vegas for Blog World & New Media Expo, I had the pleasure of staying at the ARIA Hotel at City Center. Over the years, I’ve spent more than my fair share of time in Las Vegas. It’s a haven for conference, convention, and trade shows, and at only a couple hours out of Seattle, it’s a popular choice for a quick getaway weekend. I’m not jaded at everything that the city has to offer, it’s just that I’ve seen most of it and so it takes a lot to impress me. But impress it did! Like most hotel properties on the strip, ARIA is best reached from the airport via cab. The fare from the airport to the hotel will run about $15-16, including tip and the required airport add-on fee. The […]
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