Category Archives: Adventure Travel

OH, THE PLACES I’VE BEEN!

Not traveling has me thinking about traveling. And how privileged I have been to see all the places I’ve seen. So I decided to alphabetically review great places I have experienced. I hope to provide inspiration, insight, and ideas. My travel team would so like to help you experience these in epic ways. Please read and see if any strike your fancy. And now, 10 Awesome A Destinations, in no particular order. Other letters to follow.

ALASKA

Ancient Massive glaciers. Vast forests. Abundant wildlife. The Great Land is a naturalist’s dream. It’s also enormous. I’ve made four visits and I have barely scratched the surface. A few highlights (among many): watching whales bubble feed near Juneau, a small boat cruise through Kenai Fjords National Park, the Natural History Tour of Denali (the wildest) National Park, and a ride on the Alaska Railroad.

ARIZONA

The Grand Canyon State’s marque spectacle deserves its billing. Grand actually is an understatement. I once did an 11.5-hour rim-to-rim hike across the canyon and barely touched a tiny part of this natural wonder. I always thought one of those raft trips through the canyon would be great, but haven’t yet gotten around to it. Even if your Grand Canyon experience is merely gazing from the rim, and maybe taking a short walk down a few switchbacks, it is awesome. And watch how the position of the sun alters your view throughout the day.

Arizona has much more to offer. The Colorado River, which carved the canyon, offers other stretches for an array of boating from speedboats to canoes. Sedona’s mystic red rock formations offer a beautiful backdrop for a relaxing vacation.

ALBERTA

From the cowboy culture of Calgary to the stunning Rocky Mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper national parks, this Canadian province has much to offer. Americans might see shades of Texas in the annual massive rodeo, Calgary Stampede. Alberta also shares an oil economy to that U.S. state. Alberta’s Rockies boast crystal clear glacial lakes, such as Lake Louise, as well as wonderful hiking and skiing. A great way to enjoy the region is by taking a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer railroad. We loved the Banff to Vancouver run. It was a perfect prelude to an Alaska cruise.

An exhilarating helicopter ride above Banff, Alberta reveals turquoise lakes and snowcapped peaks.

An exhilarating helicopter ride above Banff, Alberta reveals turquoise lakes and snowcapped peaks.

ALPS

Half a world away from Alberta, Europe’s Alps offer their own mountain delights. From Lake Lucern, Switzerland to Lake Bled, Slovenia, I have enjoyed awesome mountain scenery overlaid with the unique local culture. Wherever I go, I am drawn to water – mountain lakes, rivers, and the sea. Bled is a hidden gem – soaring alpine scenery, a crystal lake with no motors allowed, a historic castle and island church. Don’t pass up kremna rezina, Bled’s signature cream pastry. A true treat!

Lake Bled: An Idyllic scene on the Alps less traveled.

Lake Bled: An Idyllic scene on the Alps less traveled.

 

AUSTRIA

This small country offers distinct regions from the Alpine magnificently displayed in “The Sound of Music” to the plains, where historic, imperial Vienna sits majestically on the legendary Blue Danube river. If you’re ever going to take in a classical concert, the home of Mozart is the place. But don’t miss a dive into Salzburg’s commercial history at the Hallien Salt Mine. The city’s name and wealth were derived from this pre-refrigerant preservative. After dawning white jumpsuits, you descend via wooden slides into the world of salt extraction, the classic way. You can’t beat a river cruise for an introduction to Austria. Our itinerary included two nights in Vienna and Melk in addition to Germany’s gem Passau and Hungary’s magnificent Budapest.

AUTATAKI

This tropical island is not a household word. It is one of the most remote places around. Also one of the most gorgeous reefs I have seen. One of the Cook Islands and under the jurisdiction of New Zealand, Aitutaki not only offers fine snorkeling but is the smallest place from which you can obtain a passport stamp. When you visit the tiny motu of One-Foot Island, you have truly gotten away from it all. We visited the Cooks as part of a Paul Gauguin French Polynesia-Cook Islands cruise, at the very top of all our travel highlights.

Want to get away from it all? One Foot Island is way off the grid.

Want to get away from it all? One Foot Island is way off the grid.

AMMAN

Jodan’s modern capital is like a bridge between the West and the Middle East. We visited between excursions to amazing Petra and ancient Jerash. We almost skipped the Jordan extension to our Israel adventure. So glad we didn’t.

ARROWHEAD

My parents had a cabin near this Southern California mountain lake when I was growing up. Just a couple of hours from Los Angeles and a world away. Great lake swimming, sailing, and water skiing on warm summer days. Sledding, snowball fights, and skiing in the frosty winter. Lots to do and absolutely gorgeous when you want to do nothing at all.

ANAHEIM

Not a travel destination for me. I spent my first nine years in a tract house carved out of an orange grove. But Anaheim’s claim to fame is, of course, Disneyland, which I have had the privilege of experience from a young age and with my grandchildren. For a time, Southern California annual passes were great as you could go on off days and avoid long lines. In recent (pre-Covid-19) years, it seems as if long lines are everpresent. I still enjoy the classics, Matterhorn bobsleds and Pirates of the Caribbean, but have not yet been to Star Wars Edge of the Galaxy. The companion park, California Adventure added its own newer classics, Soarin’ and Grizzly Mountain Rapids, on which you will get wet.

ALEXANDRIA

Just across the Potomac from Washington DC, Alexandria maintains a small-town feel, colonial charm, and sense of history. Check out pew No. 5 in Christ Church, purchased by George Washington, a founder. But you may find the plaque has been removed amid contemporary controversies.

AZAMARA

OK, this is a cruise line, not a fixed destination. But your cruise ship is one of the destinations of any adventure. And Azamara’s three ships’ small size, about 700 passengers, means no lines and off-the-beaten-track ports. For us that included Calvi, Corsica, and the Italian delights Portofino, Cinque Terre, and Elba. This meant no crowding on the ship or in the ports. Most of the other vacationers were the locals. This is a great way to cruise. The Azamara Journey is like a floating boutique hotel. It lacks the bells and whistles of mega-ships as the attractions are the ports, where there often is extended time. Aboard, the food is great, drinks and tips are included, and the service is top-notch.

Portofino is one of Italy's most picturesque towns.

Portofino is one of Italy’s most picturesque towns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018 TOP PICKS & HOSTED ADVENTURES

By Chris Meyer/Expedia Franchise Partner

We’ve narrowed down the endless adventure opportunities to a curated selection of top picks and hosted trips with sensational value.

ALASKA: 

The Last Frontier is more popular than ever. And for good reason! The scenery is vast and dramatic, both while cruising the eye-opening Inside Passage and while riding the luxurious Alaska Railroad to striking Denali National Park. In 2018, Norwegian Bliss will be the newest, largest and most feature-filled of more than two-dozen ships that ply Alaska’s waters. A destination itself, the Bliss enhances an already amazing destination. And its hull art is by Orange County’s own marine artist, Wyland. Our inventory of Expedia Exclusive Staterooms provides the best pricing and amenities on Alaska cruises, with some substantial discounts with Celebrity Cruises.

Bald Eagle in flight with mountains in backgroundExpedia Exclusive Picks:  

  • 10-day Cruise Tour departing July 20, 2018 with 7 days on the Celebrity Millennium plus a ride on the Alaska Railroad to Denali National Park. Hosted by Michael Berman and Sheila Diskin. Balcony staterooms start at just $2,269 per person.
  • For a shorter option, Norwegian Bliss is the newest ship in Alaska, doing round-trip itineraries from Seattle from $1,569 per person.

More info: Contact your consultant, call (800) 745-4015, email cmeyer@ocglobetrotter.com or visit the center @ 24321 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite H-3, Laguna Hills.

EUROPE

The Old World is bursting with fascinating places for tracing our roots. Several of us took river cruise in 2017 and came away absolutely charmed with this type of travel, which gets you up close to the historic sites you want to experience without worrying about logistics. You are on vacation the entire time, and your floating hotel takes you to the next storybook destination while you sleep. But first, we went atop the ship after dinner to watch the sun set and the stars come out from our panoramic 360-degree perch – an unexpected treat. It was the trip of a lifetime. Do you want to give it a try in 2018? There are many options, but they won’t be available for long.

Expedia Exclusive picks:

Hosted Viking Rhine Getaway. Seven-day cruise from Basel, Switzerland to Amsterdam, Netherlands departing Sept. 14, 2018 with optional three-day pre-cruise stay on Lake Cuomo, Italy. Prices starting at $3,374 per person for the cruise with $395 round-trip air from LAX. Hosted by Jane Shobe.

Grand European Tour. Double your pleasure with a 15-day river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. We have one departing Oct. 1, 2018 from with special pricing $6,295 with $395 round-trip flights from LAX.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen

Hosted Baltic Cruise. The Baltic Sea is best experienced by cruise ship, and we have an exceptional hosted 9-day itinerary July 13-22 on the Norwegian Breakaway from Copenhagen, Denmark. Ports of call are Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia (2 days), Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden. Expedia exclusive prices start at $1,523 per person including all beverages (adult and otherwise), gratuities and taxes. While you are not immersed in these fascinating places, you will enjoy a ship with 27 restaurants, a jazz and blues club, mini golf course, casino, ocean-view gym and a myriad of other features and activities to make sure there is never a dull moment.

More info: Contact your consultant, call (800) 745-4015, email cmeyer@ocglobetrotter.com or visit the center @ 24321 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite H-3, Laguna Hills.

HOMEPORT LA

For those times when you want to avoid the airport, there is a surprising variety of cruises out of our local ports. Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South America and the South Pacific can all be reached through a drive to San Pedro, Long Beach or San Diego. There even are round-the-world cruises that begin and end in Los Angeles. Cruise lines calling on local ports include Carnival, Norwegian,  Princess, Holland America, Cunard, Viking Ocean, Regent Seven Seas and Crystal. So you can find whatever level of luxury and price. The brand-new Norwegian Bliss will even be doing a month of Mexican Riviera cruises in October 2018. What a way to return to a destination on a ship that is a destination itself with 26 restaurants and a ship-top racetrack.

Expedia Exclusive Round-trip LA Picks:  

 

  • 10-day Mexico on the Regent Seven Seas Navigator departing May 25, 2018. Experience the utmost luxury at your doorstep. Special all-inclusive pricing from $3,199 per person

 

    • 27-night Hawaii-South Pacific on the Emerald Princess departing March 30, 2018 and Sept. 23, 2018. From $2,999 per person.

      French Polynesia

      French Polynesia

 

  • 7-night Mexican Riviera on the brand-new Norwegian Bliss. Four departures in October, 2018 before the ship repositions with a 15-day Panama Canal cruise to Miami. Prices start below $1,000 per person including the beverage package.

 

  • 14-night Alaska on the Carnival Splendor departing Aug. 25, 2018. From $1,319 per person.

https://www.ocglobetrotter.com/

More info: Contact your consultant, call (800) 745-4015, email cmeyer@ocglobetrotter.com or visit the center @ 24321 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite H-3, Laguna Hills.

HAWAII

I have been enchanted with Hawaii since I backpacked and surfed my way through the islands after high school. So when it comes to getting your aloha on, we are definitely your best option with Expedia’s enormous inventory of resorts, condos and private residences for rent. But I have come to believe, after nine trips to the islands,

Hawaii

Hawaii

that Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of America offers the most relaxing and cost-effective way to experience the whole of Hawaii. The seven-day cruise includes two days each on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. Add a couple hotel nights on the front end for Oahu and you have the best of Hawaii. The ship even shows you Kauai’s colossal Napali Coast and the Big Islands hot lava flow into the Pacific. Excursions that are time-consuming and costly if you are staying on land. On Pride of America, your food is included and you can choose the beverage package as a free perk. Plus on selected departures, discounted round trip air is as low as $399 per person including a one-night hotel stay  and kids sail free. This is a fantastic introduction to the islands for first timers and a most enjoyable way to return for an aloha fix. .

Expedia Exclusive Pick:  Departing April 27, 2018 from  $2,049 per person

More info: Contact your consultant, call (800) 745-4015, email cmeyer@ocglobetrotter.com or visit the center @ 24321 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite H-3, Laguna Hills.

SOUTH PACIFIC

Did you know Tahiti is a mere 8 ½-hour flight from LAX? That’s just a couple of mai tais past Hawaii! An excellent way to experience that mythical island and neighboring Bora Bora and Moorea is aboard the Paul Gauguin a small 312-passenger luxury shipDSC_0161 that anchors inside breathtaking lagoons, is staffed by Polynesians who immerse you in their romantic culture, and tantalizes with the freshness expertly prepared cuisine. The verdict of the group I hosted: Best vacation ever and one that needs to be repeated. You not only get to experience more of Polynesia than at a single land resort, but you save money with all-inclusive pricing that includes round-trip air from LAX, an open bar and gratuities.

Expedia Exclusive Pick: Hosted 7-night Society Islands departing Feb. 17, 2018 from $4,521per person all inclusive including flights. Hosted by Expedia consultants Michael Berman and Sheila Diskin.

More info: Contact your consultant, call (800) 745-4015, email cmeyer@ocglobetrotter.com or visit the center @ 24321 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite H-3, Laguna Hills.

Harmony of the Seas: Enormous range of pleasures

Harmony (def.) – a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts.

Royal Caribbean International’s new cruise ship certainly is harmonious.  It’s also exciting with a range of pleasures as enormous as its oversized hull. This video shows a lot:

Harmony amazed my daughter, Michelle, from the first walk-around to the stupendous Aquatheater acrobatics, the excellent dining, the hilarious comedy show, the full-fledged rendition of Grease and a thrilling 10-deck slide down the Ultimate Abyss.

She texted photos to her 20-something friends, who were surprised at the features of the ship. There responses confirmed for me that Royal Caribbean ships are more than what I like to call the ultimate family vacation.  These boatloads of fun really do have something for everyone.  There is not a demographic group that would not find much to enjoy on these vessels. And that’s before they even reach the destinations.

Everything about Alaska is big, bold and sensational

Bald Eagle in flight with mountains in backgroundAlaska. The Last Frontier. The Great Land.

Glaciers calving with thunderous roars. Eagles soaring with fierce grace. Whales breaching with enormous power. Endless forests. Massive mountains.

If you have been, your mind colored in those words. If you haven’t, you don’t yet know Alaska’s awesomeness.

Either way, the place the a powerful pull. At Expedia CruiseShipCenters we know how to get the most out of Alaska, whether it’s your first time or a repeat visit.

There are choices. Cruise. Cruise Tour. Denali. The list goes on.

Been there, done that? Not so fast. Have you Explored the Kenai Peninsula? Canada’s Yukon Territory? Fairbanks and the Arctic Circle?

Want to take the family or explore with like-minded travelers? Multiply your enjoyment and savings with our group program.

Our travel consultants are expert at guiding you through your choices in Alaska and around the world. Whether you are making your first journey to the 49th state or going back for more.

We can help you compare cruise and land, categories of staterooms, shore excursions, every detail.

JOIN US FOR ON STAGE ALASKA

We even are offering “On Stage Alaska,” an entertaining live show that will educate and prepare you to make your Alaska journey absolutely awesome. Please join us at 2 pm, Saturday, Jan. 21 at Brandman University, 16355 Laguna Canyon Road, Irvine, CA 92618.

This presentation is one of the ways Expedia CruiseShipCenters aims to insure that your vacations are always spectacular. With Expedia prices and concierge service, you will always have the very best value for any kind of travel anywhere in the world. We guarantee it.

Contact us anytime. Call (800) 745-4015. Click cmeyer@ocglobetrotter.com. Come in to 24321 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite H-3, Laguna Hills. In Oakbrook Village center between Trader Joe’s and Woody’s Diner.

What’s hot in travel? Family, culture, purpose

By Chris Meyer

People often ask me, “What’s hot in travel?” So as we approach a new year, I’ll describe a few trends I especially like.

MULTI-GENERATIONAL VACATIONS

More grandparents are hitting the road and high seas with adult children and grandkids. They find it very rewarding and memorable to enjoy vacationing together.

Cruise lines, resorts and tour companies are working hard to satisfy this desire in grander and grander ways. Disney – with its theme parks, cruise ships, and tours – is the first company that comes to mind because of its enduring brand and stellar quality.

But there are other great choices. A grandmother recently visited our office to book cabins for three generations on Royal Caribbean International’s latest and greatest cruise ship. It has something for every age and interest:

  • The Flowrider gives you a surf-like experience while on the ship.

    Royal Caribbean’s Flowrider, a hit with teens, gives you a surf-like experience while on the ship.

     A rock-climbing wall, surf simulator, sky diving simulator and bumper cars for the active and energetic.

  •  Extensive kids programs for the younger set all the way down to 6 months.
  •  An array of top-flight entertainment for all ages – from Broadway musicals to characters from Dreamworks family movies.
  •  And great restaurants round out the experience.

A cruise on such a ship enables families to find the perfect balance of together and apart time. Plus they are taken exciting destinations – such as Alaska, the Caribbean and Europe – in their floating luxury hotel.

Family resorts are also stepping it up for multi-generational families. From Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii to Beaches all-inclusive Caribbean resorts to the dude ranches of the American West, there is truly something for every family.

Chip and Dale get into the aloha spirit.

Chip and Dale get into the aloha spirit at Disney’s Aulani in Hawaii,

Several tour companies have guided vacations tailored especially to appeal to several generations. There are family safaris that include hands-on experience with BBC Earth camera crews, alpine adventures that feature glacier hikes and whitewater rafting, and a U.S. national parks experience with horseback rides and mountain biking amid the spectacular scenery of the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce.

 

TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE

A growing number of travelers want to multitask. Sure, a vacation should have fun and exploration, but it would be even better if we can do some good along the way.

Volunteers help endangered sea turtles get a good start in Costa Rica.

Volunteers help endangered sea turtles get a good start in Costa Rica.

For example, a zip-lining and river-rafting Costa Rica adventure can be paired with time volunteering at the sea turtle preserve. Or an immersive exploration of Cambodia can include an opportunity to help in the teaching at a school for young people rescued from the sex trade. Or an inspiring visit to Israel can feature time getting your hands dirty on an archaeological dig.

Voluntourism done right can be a powerful force to enlighten, inspire and connect people. That’s why we specialize in purposeful travel at Expedia CruiseShipCenters of Orange County. We can show you all the ready-made itineraries or design a spectacular custom experience especially for you or your group.

CULTURAL IMMERSION

Travelers these days want to really get inside the place they are visiting. They want to stay at a Tuscan farm, connect with locals and participate in a farm-to-table experience.DSC_0414

They want to trace their roots in Ireland and explore the little villages where uniquely Irish charm and warmth radiates. They want to shop for their own food and engage the locals at the farmers market while staying in charming Provencal villa.

They want authenticity, not a skin-deep drive-by experience. Our partners deliver the most authentic experiences around the globe, and we can work with you to achieve the one that’s just right.

Whatever your travel wishes, our Expedia Experts navigate the many choices to deliver the vacation you have always dreamed of. Or the one you never dreamed was possible. We are committed to ensuring that your family vacation is nothing short of spectacular.

Give us a call today and let’s start turning that dream into reality. (800) 745-4015.

 

 

Traveling is good for you – physically, mentally and spiritually

By Chris Meyer

Here’s an updated  blog version of an article I wrote for Health Connections magazine

Everyone likes to get away. It’s fun and it can be good for you – physically, mentally and spiritually. Yes, you can return from an exciting journey with a new fitness regimen, new appreciation of a foreign culture, and a refreshed outlook on your daily existence.

It’s no wonder figures as diverse as St. Augustine, Hans Christian Anderson and Mark Twain have recommended travel so highly. And modern-day studies back them up.

Summiting Half Dome is a physical and spiritual high.

Summiting Half Dome is a physical and spiritual high.

PHYSICAL

It’s cliché to say that you need to burn off those extra vacation pounds. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re a gonzo traveler like me, you will be burning calories trying to pack in as many experiences as possible. That’s a given when I’m backpacking, but it can also work on more civilized excursions, where the food is more tempting than the dehydrated variety.

A walk through Rome’s wonderful maze of ancient passageways, piazzas, and fountains reveals new discoveries at each turn. It also burns off some serious pasta.  The legs will definitely feel it on a climb to the top of the St. Peter’s Basilica dome.

Cruise ships, sometimes maligned as floating palaces of overindulgence, now offer spa cuisine and state-of-the-art gyms.  (See USA Today’s Best cruise ships for fitness junkies.) Royal Caribbean International is bringing celebrity chefs specializing in healthy food aboard its newest ships. England’s Jaime Oliver, who has crusaded for healthier school lunches, will offer hsi take on Italian and Biggest Loser” chef Devin Alexander’s Solarium Bistro aims to pack a lot of taste into few calories. So why not jump-start your fitness regimen with the ocean in full view?  Everything is convenient and even walking around the track in the fresh sea air is a pleasurable way to get the blood flowing.

Trails connecting the villages of Italy's Cinque Terre bring beauty and exercise together.

Trails connecting the villages of Italy’s Cinque Terre bring beauty and exercise together.

Ashore a plethora of active options await, from trekking between vintage European villages to kayaking picturesque Caribbean coastlines. Runners cruises offer training, expert advice and an island 5K race.

A healthy, local, organic food movement is in full bloom in Hawaii. From restaurants to farmers’ markets, fresh and delicious choices abound. It’s easy to bypass the luau and Spam after burning some serious calories on the kayaking trip to the secret waterfall.

Agriturismos connect you with the Italian roots of what is sometimes called the slow food movement. Plus, you can see traditional methods of producing wine and olive oil, and even take a turn in the kitchen, learning how to prepare fresh food that healthily delights the taste buds.

MENTAL

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” -St. Ausutine

I love books that mentally transport me to another place. But actually being in there is transformative. All senses are involved. Talk about mental stimulation keeping the brain sharp!

Roaming Washington, D.C.’s Smithsonian Museums offers so much history and science.  I grew up fascinated with the moon mission. At the Air and Space Museum I could see, even touch, the spacecraft and visualize the experience.

My mind and extremities were aroused as I shivered amid Denali National Park’s vast and colorful tundra while a native Athabascan described her people’s traditions. I could feel the conditions that required their ingenious adaptations and perseverance.   

What better way to feel the Athabascan culture than through through the words of one of its daughters amid the unspoiled tundra of Denali National Park.

What better way to feel the Athabascan culture than through through the words of one of its daughters amid the unspoiled tundra of Denali National Park?

 

Walking the expansive grounds of Beijing’s Forbidden City helps you process the separation and extravagance of the ruling class that eventually led to revolution.

A photo of Mount Rushmore is interesting. Viewing it up close from all angles gives you appreciation for the enormous challenge of sculpting huge granite outcroppings with dynamite.

I’ve viewed many beautiful pictures of Yellowstone’s colorful geysers. Walking among the steaming pools and breathing their sulfur odors demonstrates a bit of what goes on deep below our feet. And seeing Old Faithful go off on schedule is, well, really believing.

SPIRITUAL

To move, to breathe, to fly, to float

To gain all while you give

To roam the roads of lands remote

To travel is to live

-Hans Christian Anderson

Have you ever really seen the stars? Away from the ambient light of civilization so thousands of lights explode like diamonds against a pitch-black sky? I have done this high in the mountains while backpacking, at sea on cruise ships and even from remote spots in Hawaii.

It is magical. Awe-inspiring. Humbling.  Mysterious. Soul refreshing. Gets us outside of our modern climate-controlled cocoons. Invites the kind of big-picture contemplation that has mystified and inspired for ages.

6b reflect

You can’t help but contemplate the miracle of creation high in the eastern Sierra Nevada.

Down to earth wonders have similar effects.  Peer over the edge of the Grand Canyon. Stand in the center of Yosemite Valley and wonder at the kaleidoscope of granite, trees and plunging waterfalls. Put on snorkeling gear and enter the colorful undersea world of a Caribbean reef. John Muir called such pristine sights nature’s cathedrals because they can’t help but kindle appreciation for the wonder of creation.

Man-made monuments also inspire introspection about spiritual matters. Michelangelo’s sacred art, Jerusalem’s temple and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat demonstrate humankind’s relentless search for the divine. The physical feats and message behind them can only be fully appreciated in person.

Travel also connects with people in the here and now. The mixed-race tour guide deftly explaining the complex relationship between Native Americans and the Euro-descended amid the backdrop of the American West. The proud Roman cab driver joyfully describing the wonders of his city.  The Tokyo guide who helps us understand why the traditional sacred tea ceremony remains important in a modern Japan of bullet trains, electronics and neon.

We went to New Orleans to help clean up after Hurricane Katrina. We experienced this great, and staggered, city and its people in a more personal way than usual travel affords.

We went to New Orleans to help clean up after Hurricane Katrina. We experienced this great, and staggered, city and its people in a more personal way than usual travel affords.

 

Take this to another level through voluntourism. Help the National Park Service while enjoying the scenery. Rescue endangered sea turtles on a picturesque Costa Rican beach. Aid a clean water project in conjunction with an African safari.

Mark Twain has transported me to different times and places in his books. He also was an advocate of personal exploration:

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

How much easier it is for us to visit distant places than in Twain’s day! And do it in a way that’s beneficial to our physical, mental and spiritual health.

TIME TO PLAN YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE

There’s no better time than now to contact an Expedia travel consultant to book a journey that will nourish body, mind and soul. All the travel suppliers have tee’d up discounts for the heavy booking season that begins right after Christmas, and your consultant has the knowledge and tools to hook you up with the right amazing experience.

Call: (800) 745-4015 or (949) 201-4246

Click: ocglobetrotter.com

Email: cmeyer@ocglobetrotter.com

Come in: 24321 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite H-3, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. In Oakbrook Village center between Trader Joe’s and Woody’s Diner

Check out our reviews on Yelp.

The Wonders of Wyoming and the Value of Being There

Taking a ride at the Ranch at Ucross.

Yeehaw: Taking a ride at the Ranch at Ucross.

Travel is nothing if not learning about people and places. Sure, you can soak up a lot of information about Wyoming from Wikipedia. But  there truly is nothing like being there to gaze at the wide open landscape under the big sky, mount a horse, watch a bison lounging by the parking lot,  and hear a cowboy’s drawl.

 

In all honesty, I had not given much thought to Wyoming or South Dakota before this trip. Oh, I knew Mount Rushmore was in South Dakota and I had long wanted to visit Yellowstone National Park, but its location in Wyoming made little difference to me.

 

I was looking forward to this journey from Rushmore to Salt Lake City in a general way. I hoped to see buffalo and geysers, but had not fully anticipated the immersion into cowboy culture I would receive. Cultural immersion is something we often mentally reserve for travel to foreign lands.

A buffalo lounges near the Lake Yellowstone Hotel parking lot.

A buffalo lounges near the Lake Yellowstone Hotel parking lot. (click to enlarge)

 

But we live in a big country with distinct subsets of American culture.  Our visit to South Carolina and Georgia a few years ago exposed us to the courtly ways of the South. Granted, this was not as different from California as, say, Germany, but it was clearly different.

 

The Western culture of the plains also is distinct.  We had not left the country, as evidenced by the singing of the national anthem prior to Cody’s rodeo, but the display of patriotism was considerably lengthier than at an Angels game.

Flags flying at the start of the Cody rodeo.

Flags flying at the start of the Cody rodeo. (click to enlarge)

Plus, it was accompanied by prayer for country and the safety of the athletes. Between the play-by-play and corny jokes, the announcer invoked the cowboy code in asking for applause as consolation for riders whose efforts had fallen short and prayer for a young girl who sustained an injury.

You can read about such things for academic knowledge, of course, but being there gives you the feel of a competition that is at once violent, with riders being thrown of bucking broncos and raging bulls, and kind of genteel, with the crowd bowing in prayer and giving it up for those who had fallen short on this day.

 

While these are not huge contradictions,  I find them in a way symbolic of the complex web that continues to forge the great American West. As we traveled through breathtaking and diverse landscapes, we learned of overcoming  extreme hardships, betrayal and reconciliation, and difficult balancing environmental stewardship with economic needs. We heard of the collisions between native peoples and the Euro-descended from a tour director with blood from both camps.

Susan and I might have seen Rushmore and Old Faithful traveling by car and guidebook, as we had experienced other national parks and monuments,  and we surely would have witnessed their ingenuity and splendor. We would have missed some of the dramatic backdrop, color and context provided by Jan George, our Tauck guide, and filmmaker Ken Burns, via video aboard the coach that carried us across the Cowboy State.

Old Faithful: Dramatic evidence that you're Yellowstone is a camouflaged volcano.

Old Faithful: Dramatic evidence that you’re Yellowstone is a camouflaged volcano. (click to enlarge)

We would have snapped the requisite photos at Old Faithful and picked up a few interesting nuggets of information from our Lonely Planet guide book and visitors center exhibits. On our Tauck tour, we also were able to gain a deeper understanding of this land, its people, the battles of the past, and present-day issues. 

In future posts, I will share some highlights.

You can check out Tauck’s itinerary for this trip here. Simply comment on this post to request more information about any of your travel needs.

A National Park Milestone For Me

In 2009, I backpacked through Yosemite National Park. In 2013, I will explore Yellowstone National Park on a Tauck tour.

In 2009, I backpacked through Yosemite National Park. In 2013, I will explore Yellowstone National Park on a Tauck tour.

A big National Park milestone is approaching for me.

You see, I’m a big fan and participant in the National Parks. I’ve been to Yosemite repeatedly. And Grand Canyon, Sequoia, King’s Canyon, Zion, Bryce Canyon and Rocky Mountain.

But soon I get to make my first visit to the mother of them all, Yellowstone National Park.

The mode of this excursion will be as fresh for me as the location. My previous National Park encounters have been largely on the rustic, do-it-yourself side. A 50-mile backpack from Mammoth to Yosemite Valley. A rim-to-rim Grand Canyon trek. Family camps with Coleman stoves and S’mores. Priceless experiences and memories.

In late June 2013, I will roam Yellowstone – plus Grand Teton NP, Mount Rushmore and Wyoming cowboy country – with the professional guidance of Tauck.

Tauck is a touring company renown for digging deep and providing authentic experiences in style. Everyone I know who has experienced Tauck raves about the quality.

Backpacking Yosemite with the Reeds in 2012.

Backpacking Yosemite with the Reeds in 2012.

My good friend Mike Reed – with whom I have shared dirty, sweaty, exhausting and wonderful backpacking adventures – is a huge Tauck fan. A retired professor, Mike loves Tauck’s educational bent as well as the first class service.

“Yellowstone is a national treasure,” Mike enthused after I told him about the trip. “And to see it with Tauck will be exceptional.”

On this itinerary Tauck has partnered with PBS documentarian Ken Burns for narratives about the grand lands we will survey. Among Burns’ credits is his series about the National Parks. That tells me how serious this company is about delivering rich historical content.

Another partner is the National Park Service itself. Sure, the half-day volunteer project in which we will participate is a token, but it’s a way to involve us in the protection of these wonderful public resources.

Atop Half Dome in 2009. Hoping for another mountaintop experience in Yellowstone.

Atop Half Dome in 2009. Hoping for another mountaintop experience in Yellowstone.

In addition to my personal excitement about this trip, it will give me a broader range of experience to help our travel business clients think through the best way for them to see wild lands and National Parks. I will be able to draw on personal experience to discuss the pros and cons of virtually all of the different modes. Plus, personal experience with Tauck will equip me to clearly  discuss how Tauck compares with other tour companies and independent travel.

Stepping back in time to Yosemite’s High Sierra Camps

Yosemite’s High Sierra camps offer the opportunity to step back in time. Actually, it takes many steps to reach the remote high-country sites.

The camps, established in the 1930s, allow hikers to lighten the backpacking load in exchange for a fee comparable to a very nice hotel room. Here, your accommodation is a semi-permanent tent outfitted with four single beds, a card table, folding chairs, two candles for light and a wood stove for heat.

The waterfall next to the Glen Aulin camp.

Camp staff also prepare excellent meals. The response to this statement usually goes something like, “The food always taste better when you’re tired, dirty and hungry.” But these meals are excellent beyond that measure. Freshly made soups, fresh baked bread and a steak prepared as well as at a fine steakhouse. Really!

And the provisions are packed in along the same trails we hiked to the remote camps — on mules!

The scenery along the Tuolumne River is similar to that found in Yosemite Valley.

That means we did not have to carry food, tents or sleeping bags. And we did not have to sleep on the ground or cook dehydrated food on tiny backpacker stoves. It was just enough to coax my wife, Susan, onto the trail after “retiring” from backpacking 25 years ago when my friend, Mike Reed, scored four elusive beds in the High Sierra Camp lottery. Susan and Cathy Reed we able to carry day packs while Mike and I lugged our full-size packs below capacity. (We would learn weeks after our wonderful August 2012 visit that several of the camps we did not visit and Curry Village in Yosemite Valley experienced exposure to hantavirus with tragic results for a few unfortunate campers).

The tents are not luxurious, but you don't have to carry them and they come with a mattress.

We stayed two nights each at two of the five camps. Many people do the complete circuit, getting up every morning to trudge to another camp. I found our pace a nice alternative to my 50-mile traditional backpack from Mammoth Lakes to Yosemite Valley.

Our first day was a 6.2-mile trek from Tuolumne Meadows, where we left our car near the Tioga Pass Road, to Glen Aulin (beautiful place). Here our tents were set near a picturesque Tuolumne River waterfall. The area is marked by lush forests, huge granite edifices and flowing water — similar to world-famous Yosemite Valley, but without crowds and cars. (Note: several of the High Sierra Camps we did not visit as well as Curry Village in Yosemite Valley experienced exposure to the hantavirus in summer 2012, with some tragic results).

The food, brought in by mules, was really good -- and not just because we were tired and dirty.

A day of hanging out in this peaceful place, walking along the river and taking a bracing and cleansing swim turned to be a perfect respite before the challenging 8.2-mile uphill climb to May Lake. Mike tried his hand at fishing and caught a small trout that he released. Catch a fish big enough and the staff will cook it for you. We even spied some rock climbers high on a remote granite dome.

The water is still at May Lake, which strikingly reflects the granite peaks above. This camp’s motto: “Defining utopia since 1938.” The same chef has been at it for more than a decade. Everything we ate was fresh and delicious. And two 20-something staff members equipped with guitars and harmonicas belted out Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash standards before dinner.

Picturesque May Lake.

Many of our fellow campers were from the Bay Area, but there also was a strong Southern California contingent. In fact, one night everyone around the campfire was from south Orange County. The drive up U.S. 395 to Tuolumne Meadows is an easy one.

If you love nature but not a heavy pack, the High Sierra Camps are definitely and option to consider. But know that you will face  price that seems high and limited capacity. The camps are only open from about July 4 through mid-September and there is high demand. So go to XXX, enter the lottery, keep your fingers crossed, and save up some cash.

 

 

 

 

 

Runners can take to the sea on special “runcation” cruises

Running enthusiasts can take to the sea aboard the biggest and most innovative ships on two Royal 5Ks offered by Expedia CruiseShipCenters in Laguna Hills.

The cruises are aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, which offer competition-quality tracks, world-class fitness centers and rock-climbing walls. Runners will have meet-and-greet sessions and seminars with high-profile racing athletes. They will also be able to compete in a 5K race on one of the Caribbean island stops. The cruises — which Runner’s World’s Bart Yasso calls “runcations … the perfect mixture of fitness, relaxation, fine dining and a bit of pampering” — are co-sponsored by ESPN. The cruises are Dec. 1-8 and March 10-17 and start at $924 per person plus tax. The price includes all meals, entertainment and the runner’s package.

For more information: (949) 201-4246 or cmeyer@cruiseshipcenters.com. Expedia CruiseShipCenters is at 24321 Avenida de la Carlota, Suite H-3, Laguna Hills 92653