The Alps are a 750-mile mountain range stretching across south-central Europe. Peaks soar as high as 15,776 feet. Long known as a winter ski destination, they are equally as beautiful in the summer months with their alpine lakes and lush green meadows. The alps encompass Germany, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and France. The latter four countries have the greatest alpine territory. Over 13,000 species of plants have been identified in the alpine region, make the summer months especially beautiful. The best known of them is the Edelweiss. It thrives in the higher altitude's rocky limestone environment. The European mountain range is also home to 30,000 species of wildlife from the tiniest snow flea to the Alpine ibex — a species of wild goat. Italy's dolomites have 18 peaks. In 2009 UNESCO listed these as a World Heritage Site. Switzerland has the actual Matterhorn, made iconic by Disney's famous amusement park ride. Ariel trams funiculars, and a railway make it possible for European visitors to enjoy the Swiss Alp's peaks. The French portion of the mountains are popular for biking, paragliding, even white water rafting. As is Austrias. Germany's Bavarian Alps have quaint villages tucked among breathtaking scenery. It's popular for spas and health retreats. Mother Nature's beauty bestowed upon this area makes it a must-visit destination in summer, as well as winter. Here are 10 photos to inspire you to visit Europe's playground! There are tours available to destinations in the mountain region. Here a a few popular ones to choose from: Day Hike in the Alps Paragliding Over the Swiss Alps Related Posts: 10 Photos to Inspire You to Visit La Paz, Mexico
The Alps are a 750-mile mountain range stretching across south-central Europe. Peaks soar as high as 15,776 feet. Long known as a winter ski destination, they are equally as beautiful in the summer months with their alpine lakes and lush green meadows. The alps encompass Germany, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and France. The
Less than a one hour drive south of Reno is Lake Tahoe. Known for its beaches and ski resorts, the year-round play ground straddles the Nevada and California border. At 22-miles long and 12-miles wide, it’s the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. All this makes it a great destination for a couples getaway. My husband and I decided to celebrate valentines weekend at the resort town. Here are tips for a couples ski getaway to Lake Tahoe! Getting There Eleven commercial airlines fly into Reno/Tahoe International Airport, the closest airport to Lake Tahoe. The concourse is easy to navigate, with slot machines interspersed for passengers who want to try their luck. Little Miss Biscuit, a therapy dog who volunteers at the airport with her owners to make travel less “ruff,” patiently waits for lovin’ near the baggage claim. Daily shuttle service is offered from the airport to destinations around Lake Tahoe. Reservations are required 24-hours in advance. Another option is to rent a car. Make sure it includes unlimited mileage. Check with your car insurance company ahead of time to see if they cover rental car damage. It’s an easy drive from the airport to Lake Tahoe and you’ll have a car to use while on vacation. Where to Stay South Lake Tahoe has two nice Marriott locations — Marriott’s Timber Lodge and Marriott Grand Residence Club. Both are steps away from the Heavenly ski resort gondola. We stayed at the latter. The guest room included a fully equipped kitchen, separate bedroom, living room, fireplace and a pretty view of the snow covered pool and Fitness Center. The resort’s Serenity Spa is a treat after a long day on the slopes. Massages, facials, body wraps and steam rooms provide the ultimate relaxation. Restaurants Walking distance from
Less than a one hour drive south of Reno is Lake Tahoe. Known for its beaches and ski resorts, the year-round play ground straddles the Nevada and California border. At 22-miles long and 12-miles wide, it’s the largest freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. All this makes it a great destination for a couples
Whether you are visiting San Diego with your family or winging it with a group of friends, you do not have to go broke getting to know this sunny, fun-loving city. Finding budget-friendly attractions to visit can be a challenge, but they are out there. Spend time at the beach, lounge in a park, take in a ball game, go seal watching, or visit Old Town San Diego. You can even find inexpensive tours that take you through the sites all for one low price. Download an app for a free self-guided walking tour that will guide you through the city and point out all the points of interest. Most of the apps are free to download and the great thing is, you can go at your own pace. While you are out and about in fantastic San Diego, find suitcase storage nearby to keep your things safe. Don’t lug your heavy bags and backpacks around the city while you are exploring. See the sights hands-free! How it works is you search the most convenient location for your needs, whether it be downtown, near the San Diego Zoo, the Airport, etc. You then book online to reserve your unit. Head to the location, show them your reservation and drop off your suitcases. Prices run about $5.90 per bag for 24 hours. Balboa Park While not the typical park you usually think of, Balboa Park is a collection of sculpted gardens and museums offering fantastic cultural experiences for everyone. While the museums do charge small admission fees, you can still check out a few on a budget. Look for available discount and combination tickets. If you happen to be a San Diego local, check out free admission Tuesdays and see even more of Balboa Park. The Air and Space Museum is
Whether you are visiting San Diego with your family or winging it with a group of friends, you do not have to go broke getting to know this sunny, fun-loving city. Finding budget-friendly attractions to visit can be a challenge, but they are out there. Spend time at the beach, lounge in a park, take
Last week, America’s newest airline — Northern Pacific Airways — put on a fabulous show at the unveiling of their first aircraft, a Boeing 757-200. Press from as far as Great Britain, Barcelona, Hawaii, and New York City flooded the event; many representing aviation media. As we entered the hanger at California’s San Bernardino International Airport, a video of the shiny new bird was projected on the wall, garnering excitement for the unveiling of the actual plane later that evening. Rob McKinney, the airlines CEO, was there for interviews. McKinney has been instrumental in launching and resurrecting numerous airlines in his career. Most recently, Alaska’s RAVN airline in 2020 to which Northern Pacific will join. McKinney touts Northern Pacific as an Alaskan company initially making Anchorage their hub. Starting the end of 2022, flights from East Asia will stop in The Frontier State before continuing on to cities in California, Nevada, New York and Florida. Eventually, Northern Pacific will expand their routes. But for now, with COVID restrictions, the soon to be fleet of eight planes will shuttle between those locations. Within five to seven years they’re hoping to have 50 planes! The Boeing 757-200 narrow-body will have three classes — business, economy plus, and economy — with hopes of filling 180 seats daily between the classes. Unlike traditional loyalty programs which offer points or miles, Northern Pacific will provide the cryptocurrency Fly Coin. Passengers will acquire cryptocurrency they can use to book future flights and eventually Anchorage airport merchants will accept Fly Coin as a form of payment. It’s both exciting and peculiar launching an airline during a pandemic. But then again, should Northern Pacific need to iron out any problems, this will be the time before air travel is in full swing again. https://np.com/
Last week, America’s newest airline — Northern Pacific Airways — put on a fabulous show at the unveiling of their first aircraft, a Boeing 757-200. Press from as far as Great Britain, Barcelona, Hawaii, and New York City flooded the event; many representing aviation media. As we entered the hanger at California’s San Bernardino International
Spring has sprung. After a long, sheltered winter, it’s time to get outdoors, freshen our homes, and shed our winter coats. This year especially, spring has a heightened sensed of renewal. With COVID vaccinations accelerating, we’ll be able to throw open our doors and spend time with friends and family. As the days grow longer, we’ll hang out at the beach and have meals around the picnic table with fresh produce on the menu. Embrace the season and its blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and singing birds. Here are tips to usher in spring! Plant Herbs & Vegetables There’s nothing like fresh vegetables and herbs straight from the earth. It’s simple to grow your own. Starting from seed is the most fun and cost effective option. You can grow spring veggies and herbs in pots or in the ground. Both work great! Botanical Interests, a USA based seed company, offers non-GMO, organic seeds. Their veggie collection has ten packets delivered in a gift box tied with a bow. Pretty! You’ll be eating these goodies all summer. It includes: Heirloom Organic Bush Bean "Blue Lake 274" or “Contender.” Heirloom Organic Broccoli "Di Cicco.” Heirloom Organic Carrot "Red Cored Chantenay" or "Scarlet Nantes.” Sweet Corn "True Gold.” Heirloom Organic Cucumber "Spacemaster" or “Marketmore.” Organic Pea "Sugar Snap.” Heirloom Organic Radish "Cherry Belle.” Heirloom Organic Summer Squash "Black Beauty Zucchini.” Tomato Bush Roma “Supremo.” Heirloom Organic Tomato Pole "Black Krim.” Click here to order. Growing herbs is a great addition to your produce garden. A ten packet collection of Botanical Interests’ non-GMO seeds (also in a gift box tied with a bow ????) includes: Heirloom Organic Basil "Italian Genovese.” Heirloom Organic Chives “Common.” Heirloom Organic Cilantro "Long Standing.” Dill “Tetra.” Heirloom Organic Lemon Balm. Heirloom Marjoram. Heirloom Organic
Spring has sprung. After a long, sheltered winter, it’s time to get outdoors, freshen our homes, and shed our winter coats. This year especially, spring has a heightened sensed of renewal. With COVID vaccinations accelerating, we’ll be able to throw open our doors and spend time with friends and family. As the days grow
Today, March 2nd, is Read Across America day — the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The purpose is to excite children and adults about this waning pastime. People from all walks of life engage with their community, spurring on enthusiasm to get lost in the pages of a good book. This day resonates with many people, myself included. As a journalist, I spend a large portion of my day with the written word. Afterwards, I want to veg out in front of the TV. But, then I remember the pleasure of a good novel. Books teach us, open our eyes, make us laugh, let us escape, and expand our minds. In honor of Read Across America day, here are a few of my favorite books I think you’ll enjoy. Their genres run the gamut. Many have stood the test of time and are still relevant today. A few you’ll want to purchase, allowing you to reference them anytime. Here are 10 favorite books for Read Across America Day! Winterdance I read this book prior to an Alaskan Iditarod vacation. But that needn’t be a prerequisite to thoroughly enjoy Gary Paulsen’s adventure. The escapades of Paulsen and his lovable team of misfit mutts will make you belly laugh! Their collective lack of wilderness knowledge results in a roller coaster of emotions during the 17-day, 1,180 mile Alaskan Iditarod race. This is a book you'll read more than once. Click here to purchase: https://amzn.to/3uh79z9 What Should I Do With My Life? At the age of 41 I made a career change. After years working in advertising, I segued my skills of writing press releases into writing travel articles, and never looked back. But, it wasn’t without a bit of angst. Given the current employment climate, many of you may be wanting to make
Today, March 2nd, is Read Across America day — the nation’s largest celebration of reading. The purpose is to excite children and adults about this waning pastime. People from all walks of life engage with their community, spurring on enthusiasm to get lost in the pages of a good book. This day resonates with many
Oaxaca, Mexico is known for its mole — a rich, velvety sauce comprised of chilis, spices, nuts, fruit, tomatoes, and chocolate blended and served over browned meat. The state claims seven different types of mole, each with a unique flavor. They range from savory-sweet to spicy. While the indigenous dish takes approximately one hour to prepare, the steps are simple and a good way to spend time with friends and family in the kitchen. Cooking mole from scratch requires about two dozen ingredients. However, it's the perfect recipe to make in large batches and pop in your freezer for future meals. As I learned on a recent visit to Oaxaca, no trip to the southern state is complete without taking a mole cooking class. My husband and I enrolled with Me Encanta Oaxaca. Due to COVID-19, they currently only offer private classes. Our chef, Betsaida Lopez Dias, was wonderful! We called her Betsy. She speaks perfect English and her culinary skills are top notch. Me Encanta’s tour includes transportation to and from your hotel, a stop at the local mercado, and an at-home cooking class with Betsy’s sweet Mama and Papa as sous chefs. Their authentic Mexican kitchen and cookware enhances the experience. You’ll enjoy lots of laughs while learning to create this delicious dish. I chose to make almond mole. Other options include rojo, verde, negro, amarillo, coloradito, chichilo and more. You can learn about each one in the cookbook “Oaxaca: Home Cooking From the Heart of Mexico.” Here is how to cook Mexican mole from scratch! Ingredients The ingredients can be found at your grocery store or local Mexican market. Measurements are simple — a pinch of this, a handful of that. It’s how Betsy cooks, adding to the fun! ● 4 pieces of chicken — 2
Oaxaca, Mexico is known for its mole — a rich, velvety sauce comprised of chilis, spices, nuts, fruit, tomatoes, and chocolate blended and served over browned meat. The state claims seven different types of mole, each with a unique flavor. They range from savory-sweet to spicy. While the indigenous dish takes approximately one hour to
Flying during COVID-19 is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong. Remaining close to home is understandable. And with precautions, venturing further can be done safely. This month, I’m taking my first international trip since the pandemic started in February. Mexico is the destination to celebrate my 60th birthday. I’ve taken extra safety precautions outlined by the CDC to protect myself and others. These provisions in conjunction with airlines’ strict sanitizing protocols will help reduce the chances of contracting coronavirus. Here are five tips on flying during COVID-19 Book With Airlines Who Block Middle Seats Aircrafts are cleaner now than they’ve been in years. Mandatory fogging and daily deep cleaning ensure sanitation measures are at their utmost highest. Commercial aircrafts use a HEPA filter in their cabins, according to Collins Aerospace. These generate air as clean or cleaner than in a hospital operating room. The environmental control system replaces the air in the cabin every 2 - 3 minutes on commercial aircrafts. The addition of required face masks for passengers and crew helps lower the risk of being exposed to coronavirus particles. To take safety one step further, choose an airline which blocks the middle seat in each row. The empty seat between you and a fellow passenger helps create social distance. The list of U.S. carriers who adhere to this standard changes daily. As of now, these airlines do not sell the middle seat when flying during COVID-19: Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian & Southwest. Take a Sanitation & Immune Boosting Kit Sanitizing your seat, and surrounding area, as well as maintaining a strong immune system are both important. Put together a kit with essential items to take onboard the plane when flying during COVID-19. My sanitation and immunity kit contains the following ten products. I’ve provided links
Flying during COVID-19 is a personal decision. There is no right or wrong. Remaining close to home is understandable. And with precautions, venturing further can be done safely. This month, I’m taking my first international trip since the pandemic started in February. Mexico is the destination to celebrate my 60th birthday. I’ve taken extra safety
With travel plans on hold due to COVID 19, many of us had to cancel our summer vacation. But, not all is lost. You don’t need to visit far flung destinations to feed your sense of adventure! Most people haven’t explored their own backyard! Now’s the time for a staycation. An unforgettable weekend is waiting in your own hometown. Here are tips to plan a fun staycation! Mark Dates on the Calendar As you would with any vacation, choose the dates and mark your calendar. Make sure family events or previously scheduled commitments won’t interfere with your plans. Next, begin searching for gentrified neighborhoods which offer hidden attractions. A great source is Atlas Obscura . They profile unusual attractions and sites in cities nationwide. I’ve referenced their online content numerous times when traveling and found the recommendations to be lots of fun. Rent an Airbnb or Hotel Room We all need to get out of the house! A change of scenery is good. Rent an Airbnb or hotel room in a neighborhood you’ve always dreamed of living. Try the city life at a downtown high-rise hotel, or enjoy a quaint Airbnb cottage in the country. I've rented Airbnbs around the world — from Paris, France to Seattle, Washington. This allows me to live like a local. Charming boutique hotels and their many amenities are also fun. I like to alternate between Airbnbs and hotels when I travel. Try a New Restaurant No need to leave your city to try cuisine from other countries. Lots of local ethnic restaurants welcome diners to try flavors from other lands. I find the small, family run, hole in the wall is usually best. Immigrants put their heart and soul into the preparation. Food is the consummate unifier. Gathering for a meal is the
With travel plans on hold due to COVID 19, many of us had to cancel our summer vacation. But, not all is lost. You don’t need to visit far flung destinations to feed your sense of adventure! Most people haven’t explored their own backyard! Now’s the time for a staycation. An unforgettable weekend is waiting
These past few months have seen many of us snack a bit more than usual. Home isolation close to the pantry has savory and sweet treats constantly available. One of my achilles heel in the munchie world is pretzels. Salt and dough. What’s not to love? They’ve long been ranked around the world as a top 10 favorite snack. Most people have a preferred brand. But, few know about Hammond’s, the oldest family operated, handmade pretzel bakery in America. It opened in 1931, and the fifth generation now runs the small factory located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. How The Pretzel Began “Pretiolas” as pretzels were first known in 600 A.D., are the invention of an Italian monk who came up with the unique twist. It was embraced throughout Europe and became a symbol of luck and prosperity in the German culture. They brought pretzels to the United States during immigration in the 1800’s. William Hammond, along with his grandson William Lichty, started Hammond’s pretzel in their adjoining garages during the Great Depression. They used a Pennsylvania Dutch style recipe from when Hammond was a pretzel baker. Subsequently, family members joined the business. Fast forward 80 years, brother and sister, Brian and Karen, are keeping the shelves stocked for their fans. The Secret to Their Success Today the business continues to operate in the original Lancaster location. Bakers still hand roll and twist the sour dough. It's then baked in an oven on a soapstone hearth, and removed when golden brown. The result is an amazingly crunchy delight! Hammond's makes eight different varieties including regular salt, light salt, no salt, and extra salt, as well as chocolate covered and chocolate clusters. Hammond’s Pretzels are sold in stores throughout Pennsylvania. Those living outside the state can order off their website. I order a
These past few months have seen many of us snack a bit more than usual. Home isolation close to the pantry has savory and sweet treats constantly available. One of my achilles heel in the munchie world is pretzels. Salt and dough. What’s not to love? They’ve long been ranked around the world as a
