St. Lucia Day

December 13th marks the day that Swedes honor a saint from the third century. She was Italian and a martyr. But on this day, young Swedish ladies don long white robes, the bravest a crown of candles, and wake their relatives bearing a tray of pastries. There is even a special bun made with saffron called Lucia Cats just for this celebration. It is believed that St. Lucia represents light in the darkness, and well, in Scandinavia, winters are long and it often appears that the sun is visiting the other side of the planet.

St. Nicolas Day

This saint’s birthday is marked on December 6th. He was the role model for the non-religious jolly old elf and was known for giving all his possessions and even his food to help others. Something to think about as we tear into our presents, and feast on multi-courses of rich food and drink.

Christmas

In many European countries, this holiday is considered sacred and/or a time to give thanks for nature’s bounty. In the Ukraine, for example, Christmas Eve is marked with the ‘Holy Supper’. Instead of stockings, houses are decked with sheaves of wheat. The holiday commences when the first star in the sky is sighted.

Kwanzaa

This holiday was created in the 1960s by a California college professor to honor centuries of African traditions and to bring African-Americans together as a community. Celebrated largely in the United States, the name means “First Fruits” and honors the ideals at the core of life- family and unity. Again, light plays a dominant role in the celebration as a candle holder known as a ‘kinara’.

Mardi Gras

In many countries, this day as well as New Year’s Eve, mark time to reflect and ask departed ancestors for guidance and assistance. For the Japanese, it is the most important holiday of the year. At midnight shrines and temples are visited. Many homes strike a ceremonial bell 108 times to represent the negative behaviors believed to be at the root of all evil and misery.

In Ecuador, a straw effigy representing the old year is burned along with his ‘will’ drawn up by each family. The will lists their faults and weaknesses. As the figure burns, it is hoped that their negative behaviors will be destroyed as well.

Mardi Gras

The date varies by year, is celebrated with new clothes, and a lantern parade headed by a silk dragon who represents strength. Firecrackers are thrown at the dragon to keep him from falling asleep. Sounds like fun!

Other Asian traditions include praying to departed loved ones asking them for guidance and wish-fulfillment. Intentions are placed inside a paper horse which is burned so its smoke will convey each message to the intended relative.

Mardi Gras

Marks the day in January that Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar AKA the ‘three wise men’ first saw the infant Jesus. The French celebrate with King Cake, Puerto Rican children awake expecting to find a treat under their beds, and in Spain, it is the day their Christmas is celebrated. The only question this author has is how, in the first century BC, did travelers from India, Arabia, and Persia learn about the coming birth and decide to make a pilgrimage?

Mardi Gras

Revelry’s last hurrah before the solemn Lenten season is celebrated in diverse ways around the globe. The American tradition in New Orleans that includes floats decked with celebrants throwing bead necklaces in celebration of Fat Tuesday, a Lenten precursor. Brazil’s Carnivale is an explosion of bright costumes, parades, and loud music. Then there’s England, where some villages note this event by holding a race where the women of the town run a distance while continuously flipping a pancake. No butter. No maple syrup. For real.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse of how other global citizens celebrate the same holidays we do. Why not incorporate some ideas and cross-generate some new traditions into your family’s holiday gathering? It could be as simple as adding saffron to your stuffing recipe or in lieu of greeting cards sending a list of customized well-wishes or the coming year to everyone on your list. Whatever you decide, make sure you and yours have as joyous a time as possible, each and every winter season!

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The Rocky Mountain National Park, located in Northern Colorado, is the third most visited national park in the United States and a popular destination for its breathtaking views. Many visitors note that scenery is the reason they visited the park. You can take a scenic drive on several trail rides including Trail Ridge. This drive takes you to the alpine tundra and reaches heights of over 12,000 feet. Bear Lake Road is another popular drive that includes high mountain lakes, rivers, and glacial moraines.

It has over 300 miles of diverse hiking trails that wind through the amazing evergreen forest or easy hikes around mountain lakes, this park offers options for hikers of every skill level. There are five different hiking regions within the park that offer something for everyone. The west and the north sides are known for its big meadows and wildlife views. The Alpine area covers the alpine tundra. Check out the Bear Lake area for its spectacular views and access to lakes. Finally, Longs Peak and Wild Basin are great backcountry hikes with amazing waterfalls. Whether it is a day trip or a multi-day backpacking excursion there is something for everyone.

If adventure is what you seek, the park offers white water river rafting down the Colorado River, horseback riding, fishing adventures, four wheeling, hunting, and many more outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. The array of family-friendly activities including Jr. Ranger programs will have your kids begging to come back year after year.

When many people talk about where to go for top-notch skiing, Colorado is generally at the top of the list. Known for its snow-covered Rocky Mountains there are several ski destinations that are highly regarded as some of the best. Consider these as a destination if skiing is what you are after, Vail, Telluride, and Breckenridge are a few of the top spots.

Vail is the largest ski area in the state and home to the third-largest ski mountain in North America. The skiing is some of the best with a variety of terrains for all types of skiers and snowboarders. The town itself is modeled after Bavaria in Germany and offers world-class dining and shopping. If skiing is not your thing there are several attractions including snowmobile tours, sleigh rides, ice skating, and more to enjoy.

Located in Western Colorado, Telluride is known for its epic terrain and top tier skiing. The layout of the mountain makes it easy to get around compared to other resort towns. The driving distance from Denver keeps the crowds down. Rich in wild west history this location gives off a more down to earth vibe. It is also home to famous festivals such as the Telluride Film Festival and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

Breckenridge is the most popular resort in Colorado and was voted one of the best ski towns in the US. This town offers skiing but it also offers year-round alpine activities to make this a top stop any time of year. The town offers many different options and attracts outdoor junkies for its extensive hiking trails, fly-fishing, and white water rafting. If dining and shopping are your things, you won’t be disappointed in Breckenridge. The culinary scene in Breckenridge has exploded in recent years with dining that brings things to the next level. The Main Street area offers over 200 shops including chic boutiques with trendy fashion, jewelry, antiques, housewares and more.

While the skiing is superb in Colorado, there are many other spots that are just as worthy of a visit. Located in southwest Colorado is the Mesa Verde National Park. This park provides a spectacular look at ancient Puebloan cliff dwellings and protects over 600 dwellings including Cliff Palace. These pueblos that were built in 1200 AD along the cliffs provide an impressive look into the history of Paleo-Indians.

Denver is the largest metropolitan area in Colorado and also known as the Mile High City. The amazing weather and over 300 days of sunshine each year will not disappoint. While it is not located in the mountains, it offers breathtaking views of over 200 peaks including many over 13,000 feet high. The downtown area in Denver is one of the most walkable areas in the US. It is home to three major sports stadiums, a plethora of art and history museums, an aquarium, a water park, and a river with white water rafting available. There is also a mint that produces billions of coins each year. All within walking distance of each other.

Denver is home to over 200 parks and over 20,000 acres of parkland including the Red Rock Amphitheatre. It is an open-air amphitheater located 15 miles outside of Denver and is sure to impress on your visit to the Mile High City. It is an iconic highly sought after venue with picturesque views and amazing acoustics provided by the rock formations. It is a notable landmark in Colorado and often is a filming location for music videos and films.

Colorado is often referred to as an outdoor lovers paradise and it doesn’t disappoint when it comes to adventures offered with its skiing, winter activities, hiking, fishing, white water rafting, mountain climbing, and more. However, when planning your vacation there it is also home to many metropolitan areas and cultural experiences that shouldn’t be missed. Make sure your travel itinerary has something for everyone on it.

The post Vacation Spots In Colorado You Don’t Want To Miss appeared first on Koshka.

The Mouse

Anyone with children has been nagged since they could speak about the need to visit Mickey and the gang. What better time than at the holidays. Expensive? Yes. But, worth it? Absolutely. There is so much to see, do, and experience at the various parks that comprise the Disney enterprise, that no one can possibly visit them all. Some are one-time events, others are on a rotating schedule. Be sure to check to avoid disappointment.

Here are some highlights:

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party: held at the Magic Kingdom this event will be the one the kids remember.
• Sunset Seasons Greetings Projection Show: Imagine giant snowflakes falling against the castle to cheery holiday music while you watch wearing shorts and flip flops. Mouse-eared headgear optional.
• Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Fireworks Spectacular. Because fireworks!
• Lifesize Gingerbread House and Carousel Display at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Beach Club. What a lot of ingenuity, an aromatic spice, and gigantic baking pans can do!
• Epcot: For insight on holiday traditions in different countries around the world.

Taos, New Mexico

Not to favor those on the East Coast, but for families who definitely want to escape urban living, we present Taos, NM. It is small, remote, and relaxing. Nestled 70 miles north of Santa Fe, this small town has Southwestern flair. Its historic downtown features quaint adobe buildings decorated with ‘snow’ for the holidays, comfortable accommodations, fine and family dining destinations, and out of the ordinary events including bonfires to illuminate special holiday performances by traditional Aztec dancers. And not a jolly old elf in sight!
Frankenmuth, Michigan (Bronner’s)/Santa Claus, Indiana

Maybe on your way to another holiday destination, your family will appreciate a visit to Bronner’s, billed as the world’s largest Christmas store. With an inventory of tens of thousands of different items, such as holiday trees, lighting, decorations, trimmings etc. This is no small enterprise. In fact, Bronner’s spans about two stadiums in size and is open daily, every day, including Christmas. In addition to secular merchandise, there is a focus on religious holiday items as well. The store is so big, it rates its own restaurant. You will need a break. It is wonderful, but can truly provide retail overload.

Santa Claus, Indiana is an ideal day trip if you’re spending the holidays with relatives in the MidWest. This town has something to offer everyone who is young at heart. It is truly Christmas here 24/7/365, even when the temps soar into the 80s. During the actual holiday season, the town hosts one of the best light displays in all the land. The rest of the year, stay at Santa’s Lodge, watch elves make presents and polish the sleigh, view the 22-foot tall statue of the man himself, and enjoy a day at an amusement park with an eponymous name and theme. Plan to pass through Frankenmuth, MI to round out your visit.

Las Vegas

If you like to roll the dice when selecting your holiday destination, consider Las Vegas Christmas Town. It is a seasonal attraction at the Wet ‘N Wild waterpark, to provide the locals with Christmas spirit, and visitors with a reminder of the blustery weather they escaped back home.

For a few short weeks, Christmas Town rivals Sin City in dazzle: the display features over 2 million lights. Attractions include Jingle Bell Sledding Hill, whose slope and snow are man-made but highly effective. Visit with Santa at his winter home, and ride several trains including the Polar Express, view the Merry Magic Tree, skate on an Olympic-size rink, and just enjoy each other.

Gotham

NYC to some, Manhattan or the Big Apple to others, when the chill hits the air, it is time to celebrate this unique locale with a regal name: Gotham. Family festivities include the lighting of the tree in Rockefeller Center, and absolute must: a stroll up and down 5th Avenue to view the festive holiday-themed window decorations (soon, in this internet age of online shopping to become a bygone memory). If the kids are young enough, treat them to a visit with Santa at Macy’s Herald Square. After all, they made a movie about it, people! Perhaps the best thing about spending the holidays in New York City, is that there is magic and wonder to be had whatever your activity. Taking in a show at Radio City, visiting the Natural History Museum, exploring the Central Park Zoo, all provide quality time for families to be together. Your holiday visit will be pricey (think Groupon), but your memories priceless!

If suddenly your plans to go to grandmas’ again this year look a tad bit pale, tell her to pack her bags and make this a multi-generational Holiday to remember in an exciting locale!

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The first consideration is who all is going. Is this a solo trip? Couples getaway? Or a family sojourn? Since there is a lot of ink that enables families to save, we’ll leave that segment alone. Another major consideration, is time off. You can get more bang for your buck and see more places if you break up your vacation time into extended weekends. Employers are also more amenable to granting time off if it is taken in bite-sized pieces and not a two-week stretch. This way your long-suffering co-workers do not have to try and fill in for you when you’re away. Also you do not run the risk of being discovered to be expendable.

If you have not been harboring a desire to see a particular place at a particular time (like Washington D.C. during the cherry blossom festival) then let your fingers do the walking on your computer keyboard and search for the top places to visit. Depending on your location and interests, compile a list. Next, whittle it down to a short list based on your next line of online inquiry: airline and hotel sites. Since I do not have the benefit of being you and do not know your interests, for example only, we’ll use mine.

Asheville

The time to find a real estate bargain in this hip Southern burb was the late 1980s. For the next twenty years this town was a thriving center for artists and free spirits. What has it become today? Only the biggest beer hall in the United States per capita with more breweries, brands of craft beers, and bars in which to enjoy a draft than anywhere else. And that interest draws a completely different crowd. Unique ABNB-type places to stay and eat make Asheville a mecca for all. Gift shops that feature locally sourced wares such as pottery, stained glass, mosaics, and handcrafted furniture tempt the walk-in trade. In addition to the commercial downtown, one can quickly escape for a hike in the Blue Ridge Mountains, consider a picnic. Forage online for discounted tickets to the area’s biggest attraction, Biltmore, or a ticket to this Vanderbilt mansion (the largest in the U.S.) will set you back over $60. Either way it is worth the spend.

Brooklyn/New York City

There is no chance that you will be able to take in all the sights and sounds of this region, so extend your stay, hop around to an assortment of B and Bs and.or short term rentals and make like a local. Whatever your focus, music, art, theatre, architecture, sports, it is all here and there is something to do 24/7/365. Did I forget food? OMG you will not know where to chow down next! For every 4-star restaurant you could not afford even if you could get in, there are legions of food trucks whose cuisine is just as magnificent and as varied. For this about to be former New Yorker, I know that it is when you are tired of New York and its environs that you are tired of life. So prepare to be exhausted when you leave. In a good way!

Seattle/Portland

Like Asheville, affordable housing went out with the 80s as the bumper sticker slogan, ‘“Don’t Californicate Washington/Oregon” began to proliferate. With its bustling seaside tourism (the fish market) and stellar coffee (Starbucks’ birthplace), Seattle is hard to beat. If you’re left of center, the offbeat charm of Portland will be more to your liking. Sweet toothed or not, a stop at VooDoo Donut with its unique fried offerings is an absolute must. Some folks have even taken their wedding vows there! Try the creme-filled maple bacon doughnut that originated on the premises. Nirvana on a plate!

Chicago

Think of Chicago as a smaller Manhattan minus Gotham’s elitism. People actually smile at you when you walk down the street. Crime is lower, too. Chi-town’s architecture is stunning, the winds off the lake-front bracing, the neighborhoods welcoming, and the food scene ever evolving. Not to be missed are the sweeping views of the skyline from a wide selection of dining establishments like Cindy’s or the Signature Room at the 95th (floor). There is art and culture here, too. Mass transit is decent, and with discounts, the grand hotels are more affordable. Just come.

Charleston

If you found New Orleans too raucous for your liking, come experience the bygone refinement and gentility that is Charleston. Much of the city’s pre-Civil war-era grandeur and charm has been preserved, as if in a time capsule. There is no sense of hustle in Charleston, it is as authentic as it ever was. Languid plantations with exquisite gardens, groves of towering swamp maples festooned with Spanish moss, art galleries, entertainment venues, and cultural centers- go explore! When the pace becomes too relaxed, get your blood going with some fishing, golf on a world-class course, or try a distillery tour, sing along at a piano bar, or join a pub crawl. All this, horse-drawn carriages, and Fort Sumter, too!

What to bring should not pose a problem. To pack for these quick getaways, just throw your weekend wardrobe into your suitcase. Don’t forget to pack any prescriptions- if you already use those daily pill packs then you’re set. Should you forget something major, remember that big box retailers will have everything you need from sunglasses,vitamins , flip flops, and swimsuits, so there’s no need to stress. If you have not been anywhere but your backyard in ages, even years, you owe it to yourself and to the economy to have some away time this year. Afterall, many of these urban areas derive a huge percentage of their revenue from the tourist economy. So do your part and get out there!

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#10 Cowboys Golf Club – Grapevine

You don’t have to be a fan of the Dallas Cowboys to appreciate Cowboys Golf Course. The club has tons of amenities and a beautiful par 72 golf course. The course offers a nice variety of play, challenging players regardless of their game. While this isn’t the best course, it has a lot to offer.

#9 TPC Four Seasons Las Colinas – Dallas

The Four Seasons is an award-winning golf resort with a beautiful par 70 course (there’s the Cottonwood Valley course too, but we like the Las Colinas better). Anyway, we’re big on this course because of the layout of the holes (especially the par 5s). The fairways are fairly open, but the approach shots are difficult, which is the perfect mix of fun and challenge.

#8 Rawls Course – Lubbock

Are you a fan of Texas Tech? Well, Rawls Course is open to the public and is beloved for good reason. Their course is renowned for its beautiful views and unique architecture. The par 71 has a strong variety of short par 3s and long par 5s, allowing you to exercise the full extent of your bag.

#7 Deerwood Club – Houston

We recommend visiting Deerwood, just don’t forget your driver. The near 7200 yard par 72 is like heaven for players that love to use the big stick. With that said, there are many open fairways and clear greens that turn into a fun round of 18 holes. Regardless of skill, you can have a blast at Deerwood.

#6 Old American Golf Club – The Colony

Old American gets its name for a reason, and we’re in love with it. The old school architecture really adds to the character of the course, which really turns it into a wonderful experience. Other than the beauty of the course, our favorite touch has to be the greens. Approaching the greens is tough, and the designs of the greens make it even better. Don’t be discouraged with how tough they are to read, it’s going to be a challenge for everyone!

#5 Wolfdancer Golf Club – Cedar Creek

With all of the activities to do at Wolfdancer, nothing comes close to their golf course. It’s a beautiful scene on the hills that can really be so relaxing. The greens are so well designed and they placed the bunkers in such smart areas that really make you second guess your game. It’s enough to throw a wrench in your strategy, but not enough to totally frustrate you, so we strongly recommend Wolfdancer.

#4 Barton Creek Resort, Fazio Foothills – Austin

Right off the beautiful Omni Hotel, is the Fazio Foothills Golf Course, where you can have an absolute blast. Of the four courses on the property, we love them all, but Foothills Course stood out to us. The back 9 is really unique and we all know there’s nothing better than finishing your course on a strong note.

#3 Pine Dunes Resort – Frankston

Pine Dunes is gorgeous and is one of the staples that the state of Texas has to offer. There’s a reason it is a 4.5 star rated championship course. The experience alone has its own energy that you can enjoy for all 18 holes. The variety of holes is impressive, ranging from a 160-yard par 3 (3rd hole) to the 605 par 5 (11th hole).

#2 Black Jack’s Crossing – Lajitas

Black Jack’s Course doesn’t need much of an introduction, as it was named “Most Beautiful Course in Texas” by the Dallas Morning News. We’ve said a lot of nice things about the other courses, but the views of the course are among the best.

#1 TPC San Antonio AT&T Canyons – San Antonio

How can you not love TPC San Antonio? The Canyons course was even nice enough to host the Valero Open on the PGA Tour, which was a huge hit. Naturally, this course will be a bit more challenging than the other courses, so as beautiful as it is, be sure you’re not biting off more than you can chew.

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Travel should be a combination of adventure, relaxation, and education. You learn from traveling and it makes you a more well rounded person with a better world view. Take advantage of this! So to get the most out of your next vacation, consider these tips and you might see each place in a whole new light!

Why Embrace Culture?

Let’s start with this question. What is culture and how can it vary between different people? In short, culture is how people live their lives, it’s how they’re raised, it’s their general beliefs, it’s how they view the world, it’s what makes us all unique.

The belief that one culture can be superior is absurd because it implies that there is a set standard to judge one’s culture. Where is the bar set? Everyone starts with THEIR culture and that is the first problem. Judging something based on what you’re already accustomed to is judging one culture by the standards of another. Introducing that kind of subjectivity into your assessment immediately invalidates your claim because your standards are impartial.

One’s culture is a collection of learned behavior. In western culture, we are taught not to eat with our mouths full and to say “thank you” when we receive something. We are taught that at a young age, and as a result see that as a given. This is normal because it is what we’re used to, but should not factor into the evaluation of another culture, since (as a tourist) you would be lacking that context to fully understand the meanings surrounding their customs.

You Travel For Experiences

There are a few ways to see the value of traveling, but the one constant for all is perspective. There are people who visit things to say they’ve seen it, while others want to experience what the locals experience. It’s like a temporary pass that grants you to live another life (sort of).

There’s a certain level of excitement we get from going somewhere new. The culture and atmosphere that defines what people are about. Of course, people are products of their environment. It’s what shapes their upbringing and overall way of thinking, and that’s what makes us different on a level that is easiest to observe. But understanding the differences on the inside is what makes these experiences so unique.

What Does Food Have To Do With Anything?

Sharing a meal is virtually unmatched for a true, authentic traveling experience. Exchanging stories and comparing favorites can really form connections between people which tell us one thing. We’re really not that different.

But above everything else, food is something that contains our cultures and our stories. Each geographic location has more or less of certain food groups, and our ancestors had to make the most out of the resources that were provided to them. They passed on their favorite dishes down on to their families which represent traditions and a way of life. Each dish can contain a whole new flavor that can change the way you see certain food groups, whether it be from the ingredients, or simply the preparation. There’s a lot to learn from other cultures, especially on the culinary side and getting an authentic taste of as many specialties will only broaden your understanding of how others live and see the world around them.

Coming from America, we love a good steak house, but also understand that experiences come in all shapes and sizes. As much as we love the great American traditions, some of the best experiences we’ve had have been from unexpected places. Celebrations and unfamiliar traditions are things that we can feel and connect with on a far closer level than a plate of food.

Ok, But What About The Food That looks Weird?

Did you not read the title? Try ALL THE FOOD! Trying a new dish, no matter how weird it may look, or how strange it may smell gives you just a hint of insight as to how people live their lives. There are so many dishes from all over that we thought we would hate, and have grown on us to the point that they have altered our perspective on culinary.

Remember this. Every dish tells a story. A story of a family, or of a celebration among friends. Having a slice of New York Pizza is more than just the taste. There’s a story behind that recipe!

The worst case scenario is you try something and don’t like it. Ok, maybe the worst case is you try something you think you won’t like, and wind up hating it. That’s ok! That’s what an experience is, they’re not always perfect. Besides, you have to try a new things you don’t like, because they actually keep your taste buds honest. Exposure to more flavors of differing varieties will help you appreciate the subtleties that make certain foods and even spices so good!

Tourist Traps vs True Culture

Remember when we mentioned that there are two (typical) types of objectives when it comes to traveling? Let’s discuss the two and before we do, we should mention that going to “touristy things” isn’t inherently bad because not everyone has the same interests. When we say that, we just want to make sure that our readers don’t confuse the cliche tourist traps, with authentic trips for culture appreciation, etc.

What You Should Takeaway

Culture is not black and white and you can only get so much out of a visit to a new place. Visiting a new location is more than a vacation – it’s an opportunity to open your mind and live in
the shoes of others to broaden your perspective of the huge world we all share.

So start your day with a nice cup of coffee and go explore!

The post Traveling? Here’s How to Get the Most of Your Experience appeared first on Koshka.

Travel agencies used to be on every Main Street. Now you’ll find them as online businesses only. What hasn’t changed is their package deals for up to four persons are usually all-inclusive and a great way to save time and money. Just pay with your credit card, print your reservations (or save a tree and use their app), and board at the gate.

As an interesting aside, in the United States there are 13.6 million single parent households raising over 21 million children. Agencies, airlines, hotels, and even car rental agencies are beginning to recognize this change in family dynamics. Many agencies no longer penalize or surcharge single parents and adults traveling with children, but without a spouse. Travel packages for singles are also on the rise as it has been noted that Millennials’ disposable incomes has eclipsed that of Baby Boomers’.

Adventure Travel on the Rise

Speaking of trends, a recent study by the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA) noted an increased demand for ‘adventure’-related travel over tours that offer experiences in a new region or culture. Food-oriented tours top the list and may include local farmers’ market trips, regional cuisine cooking classes, winery visits including wine tastings. ‘Immersive culture’ is a relatively-new term and includes in-depth studies, such as joining an archeological dig, learning a craft from an acknowledged master artisan, rock climbing, or simply living for a specified period with a remote people.

Speaking of trends, saving money ousted seeking warmer weather as the top reason many travel. Another consideration for those seeking a vacation that offers memorable life experiences without maxing out one’s credit cards, is to travel in the colder months. European travel, for example, is far cheaper from September through March, and their winters are milder. In fact, throughout the world there are winter festivals from Mexico to China and as far north as Sweden. Over a million visitors traveled to China’s month-long Harbin Ice Festival in 2017, a 200-acre city carved completely from ice and lit by brightly colored LEDs. Other tours include following the reindeer migration through Russia into Scandinavia. Not so adventurous? There are many options to view the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) including all-inclusive photography tours.

Whether you are looking to hang glide on the Mexican Riviera followed by a Margarita chaser, and five-star dining, or to rough in in the rainforest with the chance of seeing an endangered species first hand, online tour packages are the way to go. Your mind and horizons will expand, and your wallet will thank you.

Postscript: Travel Like Bourdain

One of the best-known chefs and travel show hosts, Anthony Bourdain passed away in June. His loss came as a shock to many, as even as he entered his senior years, Bourdain projected a vitality and energy force field that was youthful and irresistible. What Bourdain created in all of us was a sense of wanderlust. That we, too, could travel on our own (nevermind the entire film production crew) to some foreign land where we did not speak the language. That once there, we would move about in complete freedom, making acquaintances along the way, sampling the food, the culture, and the essence of what made that part of the world truly unique.

Embracing whatever happened, missing connections, less than 4-star accommodations, film crew denied access, whatever occurred, Tony taught us to regroup and to just go with it. For in those side-steps, he often found the most real life situations and unscripted personal experiences. Invoking that spirit of adventure in everyman is perhaps his great legacy and our open invitation to get out and explore the people and culture waiting in every corner of our world.

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