Active Sojourns Blog

Restless Travel Heart Syndrome

2010-02-27T14:39:00.001-07:00

I am back. After a hiatus, exploring new places, and getting the travel legs in shape for the new year, I am excited for what is to come.

What a year and one half we have had in all industries. Travel has been no exception. But, with the opening of 2010, there is a sense that deep in the soul, one must get out. I call this the restless travel heart syndrome.

We have spoken about this before, but we humans must have the freedom to move about. We are a mobile society, and not only with the workplace, but the need to travel, to experience, to learn, to grow.

Value is important to the traveler today, more than ever. With careful planning, the experience you want is out there.

As i write, I am inAuckland New Zealand, preparing to embark on a Melanesian Expedition tomorrow with an Australian company, Orion Expeditions.www.orionexpeditions.com .

We will sail out of the harbor in Auckland and head in a northerly direction to the Islands. Most notable among them are the Soloman Islands, much in play during the Second World War as well as Asmany others. We will disembark in Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, some 18 days from now.

Please follow me along the way. I hope to have some photos, videos and a daily blog about the experience. As the new word in travel is 'experiential' or 'culturious', this adventure will certainly be that.

auckland, New Zealand

20 years and counting--sweet smell of VAlencia Oranges.

2009-06-16T07:25:00.010-06:00

Imagine the soft sound of fountains gurgling; the thunk, thunk of the tennis ball hitting the strings of a racket; wandering along pathways surrounded by lush bougainvillea plants; all the while enjoying the sweet mixed aromas of citrus, oranges, lemons. The setting exudes tranquility and peace.Welcome to Rancho Valencia. http://www.ranchovalencia.com

Tucked into the hills around Rancho Santa Fe, 35 miles northeast of San Diego, I was able to sample and taste what the resort had to offer last weekend.

Rancho Valencia was celebrating its 20th anniversary as a club, resort and now a residence villa club. Under the new management of Auberge, the five star resort management company, it offers superb service, excellent tennis on 18 terraced hard courts, ( golf is just around the corner at one of the terrific golf courses in the area). A new chef , Barclay Dodge, has come on board to satisfy the most finicky palate. His creations are fresh and combine old California with the new.

Down the road, outside the gates, is the famous Delmar Race Track. Remember Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, stars of another great era? They made this their sporting venue during the month of August. Rancho Valencia offers their guests a chance to place a bet at the gorgeous track during the season. And, then there is the beach. About 20 minutes from the resort, you can surf, cycle along the beach front road, or just wander into the boutiques or cafes dotting the area. What pure relaxation!

There is a new entity at Rancho Valencia that I noted earlier, the Residence Club. http://www.villasranchovalencia.com

Under the auspices of the Timbers Resorts/Collection, (Timbers Resorts has Residential Clubs around the world, http://timbersresorts.com), the Residence Villas are available for a fractional ownership. The photo on the left is of one of the villas. The villas are on located on the grounds of the resort, just a short walk from the tennis facility, spa and restaurants. They include 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, full gourmet kitchen, outside living patio with barbecue and fire pit, jacuzzi, all the amenities of home. Just arrive, enjoy a welcoming glass of Valencia orange juice and you are on your way to a wonderful vacation. As an owner of one of the villas, you are a member of the Rancho Valencia Club, tennis and spa. I will tell you that the combining of the resort and villas services is seamless. An owner just folds into the activities of the resort/club. Do as much as you want or as little. All the services of the resort, like fresh orange juice and the newspaper of your choice each morning at your door, are offered to villa owners as well. Susan Jeffas is the charming residential ownership director. She can answer all your questions.http://www.villasranchovalencia.com/lifestyle/the-team.php

Can you ask for more at a resort?

In this time of uncertainty and stress, it is a real pleasure to find a place where you can unwind, escape for a few moments. The quality and value are there for your money.

Rejuvenate the soul. Take a peek, you won't be disappointed.

It's all about 'ARROWS'

2009-06-16T07:05:00.007-06:00

Have you been on a wonderful cycling tour and gotten frustrated with a very rudimentary procedure, route notes? The pages and pages of notes that are supposed to help you find your way around France or wherever. The constant turning of pages, especially in the 'mistral' winds of Southern France, losing pages and ending up on top of some mountain, wondering where the rest of the group is; of finally getting off the bike, enjoying a cappuccino, letting the world go by, until the guide finds you.

The answer to this problem is at hand. A small, but well established cycling and hiking company, ExperiencePlus, based in Ft. Collins, Colorado has the best idea I have encountered yet. They run tours all over the world, check out their website, www.experienceplus.com. They too wrestled with, how to get the travelers from A to B with less hassle, fun and smiles on their faces at the end of the day.

'Arrows' is the key. On their journeys, they have guides who go out early in the morning before the tour leaves and places chalk arrows on the route for the day. As the cyclist rides on, he or she spots the 'arrow' turns in the correct direction and they are on their way. Speaking with one of the principals of the company, Maria Elena Price, she said, " We want the traveler to enjoy the countryside, stop for a coffee, and not be worried about turning pages. They are not here for a map lesson, but to experience." They even have arrows that point in the direction of the best bakeries, good restaurants in little towns or a note about a fantastic sight seeing opportunity.

Simple, innovative, and certainly one aspect of your trip, you are not going to forget.

Oh yes, I did ask about, rain and what happens. The answer is, if it is raining that hard to remove the chalk, they don't ride.

Do you know the meaning of 'Experiential'?

2009-06-16T06:40:00.003-06:00

I apologize for not being around so much. I have been off discovering new products and adventures. Some of the travel has been to experience the adventure and this blog is about the regional ATTA, Adventure Travel Trade Association meeting in Boulder, and what is capturing the imagination of tour companies and travelers today.

The buzz word in the industry right now is 'experiential'. I am not sure that word is in Mr. Webster's lexicon, but it is all around when discussing travel these days. The meaning is to garner the full experience of your travels---not just the luxurious hotel, or sumptuous cuisine, but experiencing the culture, meeting and working with the locals. This term goes hand and hand with the exploding growth of voluntourism. Small companies to well established tour companies have jumped in with both feet to offer the traveler a chance to give back to the community to which they are visiting.

Lindblad Expeditions , the well known small ship expedition leader, is offering a chance to go to the Antarctic, winter 2010, to help assist in conducting census activities of penguins. They are partnering with Oceanites, a non-profit Antarctic focused organization that works with penguins and studies the impact of tourism on their environs. Once in a lifetime experience---experiential.

Africa, South America and Australia are hotbeds of newly coined 'experiential' travel. A new magazine is being launched in August, even in this economic climate, AFAR. It is dedicated to 'experiential' travel. If you are familiar with the magazine 'DWELL', it is very similar. Give it a look and we will be following along with adventures that will certainly define the our new travel word.

CROATIA, undiscovered, untamed.

2009-05-01T08:01:00.003-06:00

As the plane descended in the Dubrovnik area, the capitol of Croatia, the stunning coastline is breathtaking. As far as the eye can see, the mountains fall into the Adriatic Sea, little red tiled roofs are clustered into the sheer landscape and the hundreds of islands, large and small, dot the coast line.

This area of the world, which used to be Yugoslavia, is presenting itself as one of the premier travel destinations. The city of Dubrovnik centers around the Old City that dates back to Roman days. The Old City is completely walled with little shops, churches and lovely meandering lanes to explore. Standing on the wall that encircles the city, the view is one that defies description. The water is a deep azure blue, the little harbors that are below hold colorful boats, some for charter and others are for fishing. It is romantic spot, not crowded in the late spring and late summer into early fall, allowing for plenty of relaxing and sightseeing.

Cruising up the coastline from Dubrovnik to Split is the way to see this country. On a small ship, you are able to plan where to stop for a picnic lunch at one of the small islands or more extensive land excursions on Islands like Hvar or Brac. Wine tasting on the island of Hvar is a wine connoisseur's delight, especially when you realize how difficult it is to grow the grapes on pure limestone islands. This wonderful wine is only available in Croatia. It is a treat.

Hiking, biking are readily available. I can't wait to go back. My journey just whetted my appetite for further explorations.

Let me know your thoughts. How about planning a trip to this new destination?

As if the travel industry did not have enough problems.

2009-05-01T07:48:00.002-06:00

As if the travel industry did not have enough problems, here comes the Swine Flu. Agents, tour operators, travel companies, are shaking their heads. Well, it is time for more patience, looking forward into the future, being very realistic. As with the economy, no one really knows when the Swine Flu alerts will be lifted, so get to dreaming.

What is out there for the summer, fall for travel? Last minute decisions are being honored by just about everyone in the travel business.

I have several wonderful trips to the Dalmation Coast (Croatia) and the Greek Islands on board a small ship at a fantastic discount. These are in late August and into Sept.. Africa is a hot spot right now, and again at wonderful prices. So, there are great values out there and the key word is VALUE.

Great deals to be had, especially on small ships

2009-04-25T11:23:00.002-06:00

There are great deals to be had in many areas of travel today. Small ships are often the best. One comes to mind, Cruise West. They are cruising the Alaskan coast and inland this summer. Right now they are making some deep discounts. Some of these lines are also offering air packages as well. It is Alaska's 50th anniversary of statehood and they are very excited to show off their state.

Ireland, a tiny island, but a good deal.

2009-04-24T08:48:00.003-06:00

Ireland, the size of Maine, boasting 4 million in population, is a lush green gem. After spending 8 days, cruising around the country, meeting the local folk and getting to know all sorts of wonderful 'pubs', this country is a must for anyone's travel list.

Flights in and out of Dublin or Shannon go daily and are easy from the USA. The dollar is strong against the pound, and they take Euros. The hotels are very comfortable. There are many types of accommodations from which to choose, castles if that is your style, or simple bed and breakfasts, hosted by the owners.

A spectacular new Ritz-Carlton has opened up about an hour outside Dublin, in Powerscourt. It is everything a Ritz should be.

The Irish have really concentrated on FOOD and its preparation. We had some meals that if you closed your eyes, you would have thought that you were in France.

The people are so friendly and they love the USA. They want our business. As their economy is in bad shape, they are looking to the US to lead the way out of the recession. So, they are really sprucing up for travelers.

The list of activities and adventures abound. Cruising down the Shannon River in your own motor yacht, stopping off at little villages along the river, biking or wandering around the countryside, is relaxing and fun. Horseback riding is wonderful. Many hotel manor houses have horses or will get them for you. Ireland is one of the leading thoroughbred breeding countries, so they are very keen on travelers who have an interest. Some of the horse farms are open for a visit. Fishing, hiking, sitting on the cliffs above the Atlantic and watching the surf roll in, it is fantastic.

Put this little 'emerald' on your dreaming list. Question: What is an Irish Car Bomb?

Answer: to be discovered on a trip over there.

Tastings in LA

2009-04-22T07:44:00.002-06:00

We have chatted about dreaming of travel. A short trip to LA, allowed me to experience a new, chic restaurant in the heart of Hollywood. The Gordon Ramsay Restaurant. Located in the new, hotel, London West, the dining experience was exemplary.

Ramsay, the famous/infamous British chef opened the restaurant to rave reviews last year. The gastronomic delight begins when entering the bar and dining room. The restaurant is sleek, glimmering and the lighting is such that everyone looks fabulous. The tables are arranged in comfortable patterns, not too close, but well designed for good service. Chef Ramsay enjoys using only fresh products for his food preparations.

The selections chosen were the Chef's tasting menu for the evening. Seven courses, bites, were presented with lovely touches. Wine pairing, by the sommelier, were very good and a list was available for diners to take home.

You can find Chef Ramsay on TV, his show airs once a week. Filled with great ideas, simple methods of prep. for a busy schedule, yet allowing for a gourmet meal.

It is fun to find a new product out there that is a real value. Give it a try and Bon Appetit.

Time to begin dreaming about travel again.

2009-04-13T08:00:00.002-06:00

I am just back from a whirlwind fact-finding trip to Ireland, Croatia, which included Bosnia and Montenegro. Besides visiting some fantastic places and experiencing different adventures,like cruising down the Shannon River, stopping at little villages along the way, biking and wandering, gathering ideas for future trips; I became aware that now is the time to start dreaming about traveling again.

We have all been beleagured with noise and news, gloom and doom. Yes, it has been tough, jobs lost, fear and uncertainty. All these emotions and stark reality sink the spirit, drives us into our inner cave and generally we begin to live each day the same as the last.

In this resurgence of springtime, it is time to awake that inner adventurous spirit. Dream, where to go, what to do. We don't need to travel very far to begin. Sit outside in the clear air and sun, begin to put together a plan. Maybe there is a town near you that you have always wanted to explore, try it. Or, a bike ride that you have been putting off, too busy, dust off the bike and get going. As you brush off the inner soul, ideas pop up. Spirits rise and there you go. Dreaming.

Carneros Inn and the Orchard at the Carneros Inn

2009-02-03T13:59:00.003-07:00

If you want a very special experience, and that is what we need during this very difficult economic time, give the Carneros Inn and the Orchard at the Carneros Inn a try.

Developed on 27 vineyard acres between Napa and Sonoma Valleys, nestled in the heart of the Carneros wine growing region. It is just 15 minutes to either Napa or Sonoma

It is a stunning resort, with a very unique style of architecture. The architect drew from the 1930s era of wine farming to create the pastoral, peaceful, yet sophisticated setting. The Inn has 86 individual luxury cottages including 10 signature suites. There are private homes, 2400 square feet, available with master suites, 3.5 baths, full kitchens and dens. Each cottage and the homes have wood burning fireplaces, flat screen TVs, high speed internet inside and out, private landscaped patio and courtyard. The over sized bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs, an alfresco shower, heated slate floors and superb bath amenities by Red Flower. The accommodations are truly a home away from home. This resort is a Plumpjack Resort, well known in the West.

The resort is surrounded with 6,000 acres of pinot and chardonnay vineyards, a gorgeous view from the exclusive Hilltop area which boasts an infinity edge pool, superb restaurant for alfresco dining, and the Spa.

The Farm is an award-winning dining experience. Of course, it boasts an outstanding collection of wines, some from Plumpjack's own winery. For more casual dining, The Boone Cafe has the best hamburgers in the world. The beef is almost Kobe, it just melts in your mouth. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served there.

The Orchard at the Carneros Inn is a Private Residence Club consisting of 17 luxury cottages and the Owner's Lounge in the center of the Carneros Inn. The Orchard is a member within the Timbers Collection. The Timbers Collection is a portfolio of luxury boutique resorts around the world. The Orchard offers a unique opportunity to own real-estate, full ownership or fractional, at the Carneros Inn with all the services and amenities of the wonderful hotel. With this ownership, you can have the best of both worlds.

Activities abound at and around the resort. I went kayaking on the Russian River. What a beautiful river. Getaway Adventures planned the whole river experience, surprise picnic under towering Redwoods, then returned us to our put- in place.

Cycling is a wonderful way to see the area, taste the wines and just ramble along quiet country roads.

Whether to get- away for a long weekend, or to spend more time enjoying wine country living, Carneros Inn and the Orchard at the Carneros Inn will rejuvenate the soul, inspire your return to life.

Our Nation's current condition and travel

2008-10-09T11:17:00.002-06:00

I am baaaaack! I have been traveling and learning so that I can give you the latest on travel experiences and tips.

First, we have to chat about the current financial situation in the US. Every time you turn on the TV or the radio, it is gloom and doom. The stock market is down; jobless rate is climbing; fuel prices are not stabilizing; you are wondering what is coming next--- and with that thought, travel seems to have slipped from the top priority on the 'bucket list' to the very last.

Yes, we are in a difficult time, But, our Nation has been there before. Many of the financial situations we hear about and are experiencing, have been brought about by man-made circumstances and not market driven. None of these observations change the fact that people and businesses are hunkering down, pulling back on their expenses. The ripple effect is being felt at every level. But, listening to the constant noise and chatter by the pundits will lead you the that friendly pharmacist for your fix of the anti-depressant of the week.

Stop, turnoff the 'noise', go outside and BREATHE. We are going to survive, get through this time and we CAN travel.

As the late George Carlin said, "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." So, now is the time to be begin consider what those experiences will be that will 'take our breath away.' We can look around, near our homes, around this great country, to check out what will be our next adventure. When be begin this thought process, those black clouds begin to lift; the smile returns, and there is a spring in our step.

Give it a try and let me know your thoughts.

Travel Tip - Luggage Charges

2008-08-26T12:26:00.000-06:00

Travel Tip: Traveling is difficult enough, but the airlines seem to want to make matters worse. Luggage charges are becoming outrageous and they don’t seem to be on a uniform scale. I traveled to Las Vegas last week. I did not pay any surcharge at the point of embarkation, I was surprised. But, upon return, I not only paid the $15. single bag charge, but after a business conference, my bag was 11 pounds over the 50 lb. limit. I anticipated a $50. charge, but now, United Airlines charged me a whopping $125. So, it cost $140 to come home. Where is the consumer outrage over all the nickel and dimming from the airlines?

Tip: check with your airline before you leave home, or at the time of booking, for their airline baggage rules. If you know that you will be carrying more than the limit, the ourfitter company DaKine is making a double bag,2 bags linked as one. It is hinged in the middle and if you are overweight, just unhook the bags and voila, you have 2 bags, and have probably saved some money.

Another day, another ruin-The extraordinary country of Tunisia.

2008-08-12T16:28:00.000-06:00

Returning recently from a bike, hike and sailing expedition in Tunisia, I was completely captivated by this charming country. Located on the northern coast of Africa, sandwiched between Algeria and Libya, I call it the forgotten land in the Middle East. With so much noise and squabbling from her neighbors, this little Jewel sites quietly awaiting visitors from around the world. The Tunisian people are delightful. They are a mix of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. They live in relative harmony. Their government is their own type of democracy. A traveler may feel safe when there, especially in the capable hands of a recognized guide.

The northern part of the country is much like southern Italy. You feel the Roman/Italian influence in the rolling lush hills, dotted with vineyards, which, by the way, produce excellent wines. They are hoping to market the wines in the West soon.
Southern Tunisia is very different. Hot, areas in the Sahara desert, the Berber people live in homes built into mountainsides, allowing for the ultimate coolness; the Troglodyte people live in the desert, in homes dug 20-30 ft below the surface of the ground. A courtyard is in the center of the deep hole, surrounded by the family rooms. George Lucas, the great film producer/director of Star Wars fame, came to Tunisia, fell in love with the people and the country and proceeded to film his Star Wars features there.

The Roman ruins are the stars of the traveling show. Because of their climate, warm, dry, lack of tourists and huge buses roaming around, low pollution; the ruins are in almost pristine condition. The city of Dougga, about 2 hours from Tunis, is a perfect example. It is laid out on top of a rather step hill, just like in Italy. Two spires or columns are seen from a distance announcing the arrival into the city. I spent 3 hours wandering around the city, following chariot wheels marks, entering ancient ruins of shops along the way; sitting and enjoying the amphitheater, which is used today for special events. You could almost hear the Romans in their bathhouses, the men discussing the day’s events in their latrines, the children playing in the courtyards that were inside their homes. It was spectacular.
Further south in the town of El Jem is the great Roman coliseum. It was the place chosen for the filming of Ridley Scott’s ‘The Gladiator’. The massive structure is amazingly in tact. The floor of the building is still used for concerts and elevator shafts are still there where they transported the animals up onto the amphitheater floor for the fights. Yes, we picnicked in the shadow of the gladiators. Their holding rooms, the places where they worked and practiced their skills were cool and inviting. You could almost hear their ghostly whispers as they prepared to fight and die in front of their ruler.

We were all hoping to see Russell Crowe come out to greet us-but he did not. We left this magnificient speciman of Roman architecture in complete awe.
Tunisia scratched a Middle Eastern itch for me. You can experience the Middle East and not worry about bullets or missiles flying overhead. You can partake of the Muslim culture, and come away with a greater understanding of this region of the world.