Embracing the Golden Years by combining Travel, Adventure, and Self-Discovery
When traveling in Monterey Bay, California there are three things that you MUST do. Whale Watching, of course, is number one! Two is kayaking in the bay! Third is a visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. On my October trip I went kayaking in the bay for the first time, and I cannot wait to do it again. I saw sea lions and otters, but sadly, no whales on kayak. Next time! Thank you to Monterey Bay Whale Watch for a wonderful trip!
I am so excited to be featured on Helene Stelian’s fabulous blog, Next Act for Women! I am joining a very elite band of adventurous
women who have been reinventing their lives. Please come on over and read the article, find out about all kinds of travel opportunities, and peruse the stories of many women who are conquering their Next Act! Tam’s Story on Next Act for Women.
No trip to the United States is complete without visiting one of their stunning National Parks where nature is allowed to flourish for all to see. These are my three picks for the best, and how to get the most out of your trips there.
3. Yosemite
California’s Yosemite National Park is home to towering peaks, epic glaciers, and some of the tallest waterfalls in the world, as well as the famous giant sequoia trees. It offers a wide variety of trails and activities for every kind of traveller, and it’s great for group trips like those offered by Trek America Travel. The absolute best way to view it requires a bus or car trip, though; the view of the whole park from Glacier Point at sunset is truly breathtaking.
2. Glacier Bay
Alaska is unlike anywhere else in America, which is why it’s such a popular destination with tourists from all over the world. You can see these majestic glaciers from the comfort of a cruise ship or get the thrill of exploration by venturing out in a kayak to find hidden coves. Home to amazing wildlife like bears, humpback whales, wolves, and sea otters, as well as spruce-hemlock rainforests, you’ll want to get a tour led by a park ranger for the best experience. That said, you could also arrange to view the snow-capped mountains from the air for a view that can’t be beaten.
1. The Grand Canyon
Possibly America’s most iconic spot, this steep-walled canyon is home to rich wildlife, fascinating Native American culture, and millions of years of natural history. You don’t want to stop with the view from the top, though. There’s so much more to see if you venture inside, and even beginners can handle the Bright Angel Trail down into an oasis of cottonwood. The real treat, though, is white water rafting down the grand Colorado River and stopping to camp at one of the secluded campgrounds where adventurous travellers can rest beneath the stars. Keep your eyes peeled for elks and cougars, and take some time to appreciate the diverse plant life for the best experience.
I am so excited to announce that Red Travel Mexico and Travels with Tam are offering a fantastic trip to the Mexican Baja! There is something for everyone: scuba, snorkeling on a reef that is 20,000 years old, beautiful beaches, waterfalls, snorkeling with whale sharks and sea lions, kayaking, and of course, just relaxing! Where does all this wonderful activity happen? In Cabo Pulmo, Mexico and La Paz, Mexico, about two hours from Cabo San Lucas. The dates are December 3-9, 2017. Let’s go on a travel adventure together, and you can learn about
Citizen Science if you would like to!
Cabo Pulmo is an exciting example of what a marine park can be. Ten years ago Cabo Pulmo became a National Marine Park, allowing no fishing. In ten years the ocean life has multiplied 463%! This sleepy place has not yet become a tourist haven, and one can enjoy quiet, unspoiled beauty. We will visit beautiful, protected locations with expert guides. Want to stay longer? You can extend your trip in La Paz, or head two hours west to Cabo San Lucas.
You can learn all about the trip at Red Travel Mexico with Tam Warner Minton! Hurry and book, the first 6 to sign up will receive a $250.00 discount!
Looking for a little adventure this winter? You may want to head to Finland! While largely associated with Lapland, Finland offers a wide range of activities for the adrenaline junkie. Boasting more than 188,000 lakes and striking, dramatic coastline, it’s particularly popular for those who love to kayak, sail and canoe. Whatever activity you enjoy, Finland really does have it all. In this post, we will take a look at some of the reasons why Finland is the perfect winter holiday adventure getaway.
Explore beautiful, unique landscapes
The dramatic landscapes of Finland make it an ideal destination for hikers. You’ll get to witness things you’d never even dreamed of. Take a hike and climb up frozen waterfalls, or discover hidden gems in the dense, remarkable forests. Finland is also home to 39 national parks and in 2017, when it celebrates its 100th year as an independent nation, a 40th will be added. They’re equally distributed around the country and all feature lakes, forests, peat lands and fells as well as showcasing unmistakeable natural characteristics such as rapids, rift valleys and eskers. As well as giving holiday-makers the perfect opportunity to enjoy the scenery by spotting rare animals and plants, Finland’s national parks are ideal for climbing, snowshoeing and other outdoor pursuits
Snow activities galore
Of course, one of the main things that draws adventurers to Finland is the snow! Those looking for a proper winter adventure will find plenty to keep them happy in this snow-rich destination. From dogsledding and snowmobiling to skiing and snowboarding – there’s something to suit the whole family.
There are hundreds of hidden pathways leading to ancient sites few have even seen. One particular sight you won’t want to miss is the rock labyrinth situated only a short distance from Helsinki. Hiking through Finland truly is an experience you’ll never forget.
If you’re a real adrenaline junkie, snowmobiling is something you’ll definitely want to try. Capable of reaching over 60mph, you can choose to go it alone or take part in a guided tour. Those hoping for a more relaxed activity holiday will find dogsledding a much better alternative.
Winter in Finland is roughly December to March but you can still get snow in Lapland from as early as October and until May. However, if you’re planning to head to Finland in winter, then it’s wise to wrap up warm as temperatures near the lakes can go as low as -5C.
Sauna
All this adventure-seeking will probably mean holidaymakers will want some time to unwind and what better way to do so than with a traditional Finnish sauna. For Finns, Saunas are a must at regular intervals and to go too long without one is virtually unheard of. For centuries it has been a place of physical and spiritual cleansing and rather than a luxury as saunas are more an essential daily experience and an integral part of their culture.
Holidaymakers should remember however that getting invited to a sauna is an honour and not one that should be declined without a good reason as spending time in a sauna with someone is believed to be somewhat of a bonding process. Indeed, it is often said that in Finland, more important decisions get made in the sauna than in meeting rooms.
Other than that though, there are no real rules when it comes to the sauna and the way it is done totally depends on your mood and the occasion. Most Finns would agree that the most important thing is to relax, socialise and enjoy the blissful post-sauna feeling of having cleansed both your body and mind
Northern Lights
Finland is home to some of the best spots to search for the northern lights, or aurora borealis. This beautiful natural phenomenon lights up the night sky with bright, colourful lights. It is created by electrically charged particles from the sun that enter the earth’s atmosphere and can be seen above the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemisphere.
Although the clarity of lights is famously unpredictable they are usually visible on roughly 200 nights a year – or every other clear night in Finnish Lapland and it truly is an unforgettable sight if you are lucky enough to catch them. Though the more traditional ways to go Aurora spotting are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, via snowmobile or dog touring there are a number of dedicated trips and guided tours allowing you to experience the lights, along with the unique landscapes and traditional cuisine.
The Grand Lake Saimaa
The largest Lake District in Europe being homed in such a scarcely populated country means there’s an absolute abundance of scenery across the shoreline. Allow the wilderness to consume your thoughts or get inspired by the vast clear lakes intricately splintered by islands, isthmuses and green spits. At approximately 4400 square kilometres, it was formed by glacial melting at the end of the last Ice Age and due to its almost labyrinthine form, is perfect for kayaking. In the shelter of archipelago, there are virtually no waves, making kayaking routes suitable for even the most inexperienced paddlers
Can’t decide what to do?
With so many activities on offer, it can be difficult deciding what to do on your Finland getaway. Exodus Travels Limited has a great solution for those struggling to make up their mind. The company’s Finnish Wilderness Week features several activities in one of the more remote parts of the country.
You’ll get to experience the unspoilt wilderness, while staying in warm, cosy accommodation. There’s also a range of other great packages on offer, providing something for the entire family. Want to enjoy a more relaxing holiday? Why not head to see the Northern Lights? Considered one of the most spectacular natural phenomena’s, the Northern Lights are a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Overall, Finland is a fantastic place to visit in the winter months. The UK doesn’t quite have the same magical winter feel, so if you’re looking to build up your excitement as Christmas draws near, heading to Finland is exactly what you need.
Is The Scenic 17 Mile Drive along the California Coast Worth It? Oh, yes, it definitely is!
On our recent trip to Carmel-by-the-Sea, we were delighted to find that we were only a mile from the entrance to the Scenic 17 Mile Drive which winds through the Pebble Beach area. It truly is a magnificent drive, especially along the coast. We did the drive three times, and had very different experiences. The first time we drove by ourselves, and it was a sunny, perfect day with the bluest skies and sea you could ever hope for. The second time we went with friends, and it was very foggy, and had a different type of beauty…almost forlorn, I would say. Our third drive was to famous Spanish Bay, where the first rate golf course closes each night with a Bagpiper, walking from the 3rd Hole to the Club, at sunset. I will say it is absolutely the best way to spend a sunset in Pebble Beach! [Read more…] about Is The Scenic 17 Mile Drive along the California Coast Worth It?
