I will admit that my plan will most likely change for several reasons – 1. Budget. This plan is based on a certain budget, and if this were to change (for better or worse – hopefully better) it might alter my plan; 2. Every year I attend an International Destination Expo put on by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). I try to plan a vacation around that expo, as it serves as a good opportunity to explore the area.  I am not sure where this conference will be past 2012, so as I find out these destinations, I will add them in to my plan and adjust accordingly.

Here is what I have so far, rough draft form. In order to be at least somewhat realistic, I left a few holes where necessary:

March 2012: Peru. This trip is in the process of being booked. I’ll be attending the ASTA expo in Lima, then heading to Cusco/Valley of the Incas/Machu Picchu, and Puerto Maldonado for a taste of the Amazon/rainforest.

May 2012: Oahu, Hawaii. This is for an organization retreat. Believe it or not, I have never been to Hawaii despite having sent many travelers there, so I am quite excited about this!

 Spring 2013: River or Barge cruise through Europe (exact destination TBD, most likely Central, Eastern Europe)

Fall 2013: Istanbul/Turkey

Spring 2014: To be determined by ASTA Expo

Summer 2014: Iceland and Scandinavia (Sweden, Denmark and possibly Norway)

Winter 2015: India (this timeline subject to change)

Fall 2015:  Galapagos Islands

As my schedule is subject to change due to business travel, I stopped my planning at 2105.  Otherwise it starts to become more of a wish list. However, other destinations I plan to fit in, either within this time frame or after include:

• Vietnam and Cambodia
• Southern/Eastern Africa: Destinations include but aren’t limited to Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and get back to Botswana
• Re-visiting Australia and New Zealand
• Israel and Jordan (same trip)

This list certainly doesn’t exhaust desired destination options. It is simply those that I hope to visit in the next few years. I’m sure as happens in life these will change somewhat along the way – places may be added or shifted. For now, this is my travel plan. What’s yours? I’d love to see it – you never know, your suggestions might influence my plan!

1.  Hat! You know the ones gardeners love and everyone else won’t go near? These gardeners have it right – the hats protect best from the heat and the sun, which ultimately should rank above fashion, though I’m sure some are more fashionable than others. If you just can’t make yourself wear a safari-type hat, at least bring a baseball cap or something similar to cover your head and block the sun from your face.

2.  Waterproof sun screen with high SPF. Regardless of how used to warm climates you are, being out in the open planes in the heat of the day could wreck havoc on your skin, and bad sunburn could ruin your safari or worse. Waterproof is ideal, since you’ll most-likely be sweating in the African heat. If you’re looking for brands that are healthy for your skin and good at protecting from UVB and UVA rays, try brands such as Badger, Soleo Organics and Vivesana.*

3.  Bug spray – Many regions home to the “Big 5” are also home to mosquitos that may carry diseases such as malaria, yellow fever or dengue fever. Keeping the bugs away could be not only more comfortable, but essential! Best to find a bug spray at a sporting goods or outdoors store – it might cost a bit more and smell a bit worse, but it will be worth it. In addition to the sprays, you may want to pick up some bug repellent wipes, which can be easy to pull out for a quick re-apply during the day (which you’ll need to do).

4.   Water bottle – while you can’t bring the water itself on the plane, purchase a good water bottle which you can fill with safe drinking water. Dehydration is a very real problem when spending hours in the sun. Our bodies can’t process the bacteria in water from some destinations, so finding a source of treated water and bringing it with you can help you avoid stomach illness and discomfort.

5.  Light-weight, breathable pants (or shorts) that wash/dry easily. Ideally, if you can stand the heat, a light weight pant is best for safari, as it keeps your legs protected from the sun and bugs, but the lightness of the fabric still allows you to keep as cool as possible. If you can’t find these, go for a longer short with the same qualities. While they might not be the most fashionable, the best option might be the pants that can zip/snap off into shorts, allowing you to adjust easily as the temperatures change throughout the day. When choosing clothing, opt for materials that can be easily washed & dried – safari’s aren’t the most pristine activities and this will come in handy.

6.  Clothes for layering – Despite the heat of the day, many safaris start in the early morning or go into the later evening to view those animals less likely to make an appearance during the daylight hours. Depending on the season, these times of day with less sunlight can be rather cool, especially if you’re doing any river safaris.

7.  Snacks – Safari days can be long, especially if your group is determined to not turn back until they’ve seen everything they’re hoping for. While most safari guides will bring food, everyone’s metabolisms are different and your growling stomach could be keeping away that leopard that everyone’s waiting to see (not really, hopefully, but it could be uncomfortable for you). Check with your guide first to make sure if there are any restrictions on what you can bring, and make sure your snacks won’t spoil in the heat. Foods such as granola bars can sustain you for a while and fit easily in a pocket or small bag.

8.  Binoculars – you always hope you can get close enough to see the animal with your naked eye, but some animals are notorious for camouflaging and staying hidden, so a magnified view might be your only chance to see them. If you have a camera with a good zoom, this could work as well.

9.  A notebook – The great varieties of some species can be tough to keep track of. In Africa, the birds, antelope and apes/monkeys can be especially tricky to recall. Recording a few facts about them – their colors, size, where you saw them, maybe a unique feature about the animal could help you remember each more distinctly and identify them in your photos later.

10.  Backup camera equipment – Think of all the pictures you’ll take trying to get that perfect shot of your favorite animal. Having a backup memory card, battery and even backup camera (even a smaller, cheaper one) could be incredibly helpful. The middle of the safari is not the time to have your battery die, your memory card fill up or you camera destroyed by an unexpected rain storm. Better safe than sorry! Also, if you have the option, choose a camera that allows you to take some video too – capturing a unique animal experience on video is an exciting way to recall your safari after the trip.

11.  Small backpack (all-weather if possible). If you’re going to bring all of the items above, you’ll need to put them somewhere while out on safari. A small backpack is an easy way to carry these while on safari, and still have your hands free for photo and note taking. If you can’t find an all-weather backpack, bring ziplock bags to keep your notebook, camera and snacks in to protect them in the event of rain. This “weather resistant” bag at REI for under $30 is a good example of a relatively inexpensive option: http://www.rei.com/product/778466

*Suggestion provided by Jolene Hart, a natural beauty expert and Beauty & Health Coach and owner of Beauty Is Wellness.

Upon visiting, Winston Churchill called Uganda the “pearl of Africa”, a slogan the country still boasts today. While it’s history has steered visitors clear in the past, this East African country is welcoming tourists with open arms, and upon seeing the country’s beauty and wildlife, tourists are equally as enthusiastic.

Uganda is probably most known for it’s gorilla and chimp tracking. In fact, there are only three countries in the world where you can see mountain gorillas – Uganda, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Bwindi Impenetrable Forrest and  Mgahinga Gorilla, Uganda’s smallest national park, are the the two areas in which to view gorillas, while over 1450 chimpanzees reside in Kibale National Park. Access to both of these activities is limited and permits will be needed for gorilla tracking, so planning ahead is a necessity.

What most travelers do not realize is that in addition to gorillas and chimpanzees, Uganda offers a wide array of wildlife, including the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and buffalo. Giraffes, zebras, water bucks, bush bucks, cheetahs and baboons also roam the parks. The country is home to more species of bird than any other country in Africa – over 1,000 species, some endemic to Uganda. Queen Elizabeth National park holds 605 different species alone.

Wildlife isn’t the only reason that Winston Churchill was so taken with Uganda. The country’s ten national parks stretch from the sprawling open plains to the forrest-lined Lake Victoria, from the rushing white water of the Nile River and it’s plunge downward at Murchison falls to the tropical rainforest that the chimpanzees call home.

Those who enjoy being on the water can take a cruise on the Kazinga Channel for some spectacular photographic opportunities – the channel is has one of the largest concentrations of hippos and Nile crocodiles in the world, and is a particularly rewarding experience for birders. The Victorian Nile, the longest river in the world, also offers an opportunity for animal viewing via launch trips and boat rides. For those seeking slightly more adventurous river activities, the section of the Nile where white water races towards Murchison falls provides one of the best rafting opportunities in Africa.

Part of Uganda’s charm is the fact that it’s still being discovered by tourists, particularly westerners. Each park has a distinct feel, and the this is reflected in the accommodations, tours and activities offered. Accommodations range from tented camps to luxury tents, traditional cottages to exotic tree house suites and rates throughout the country can be quite reasonable. Uganda is best explored with guides for many of the activities, so work with a travel professional to find the best options for you – most trips are private and customized to fit your specific interests and preferences.

Santa Fe

I have never really been to the Southwest (that I remember at least, though I’ve been told I visited at the impressive age of about 10 months old). While I can’t particularly say why, the culture of this region holds some mystique for me. I believe it’s probably the desert atmosphere, the Mexican influence and just the fact that for me, it’s a bit undiscovered. I’ve heard a lot of great things about New Mexico, and Santa Fe in particular (I’m a city person at heart, after all), so this city has made my list.

Painted Desert & the Grand Canyon

For all of the places I’ve traveled, I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon. Or Arizona, for that matter. I feel almost ashamed of this, and I feel I’ve put this national landmark off long enough (plus, I earnestly would like to see it, this is not just to check it off on some list). As mentioned above, desert landscapes intrigue me and by all reports, the Painted Desert is not to be missed if you’re in Arizona. Figure I might as well combine them in one trip!

San Diego

Consistently warm and sunny is my idea of climate heaven. Add to this being on the ocean, and that pretty much makes the ideal destination, at least in terms of physical characteristics. Plus, my dad lived in San Diego for several years when he was growing up, and having these familial ties always increases my interest in visiting a destination.

Charleston & Savannah

I’ve placed these two cities together simply because of the reasons I hope to visit them – they may or may not be combined in one trip. First, pardon the cliche, the “southern charm” (in terms of architecture and atmosphere) that these cities are depicted with fascinates me. It’s seems so different from the Philadelphia area that I think it may feel just as foreign than some of the international cities that I’ve visited. Secondly, these are considered to be two of the most haunted cities in the U.S. I love ghost stories, and these are prime locations for not only ghost tours, but ghost tours with a very historical background on which they can be based.

Crater Lake (and surrounding area)

I took a road trip through Oregon in the fall of 2009. It was one of the best trips I’ve taken in the U.S. to date. Between the natural beauty, the friendly people, the diverse and laid back cities and the opportunities for outdoor activity, Oregon quickly became one of my favorite states. I didn’t, however, get to Crater Lake (made it as far as Eugene). Given how enamored I became with the rest of the state, I can only imagine that one of it’s “star” natural attractions would entrap me further. I could easily spend weeks exploring Oregon, though if I want to visit all of the place above (and still actually work), I’ll have to make it a slightly more concise trip.

I often think that if I’m just slightly not feeling well a good workout will “knock it out of me”. Sometimes this actually works. If you’re just feeling lethargic or down or maybe sore because you’ve not been working out out as much, a good adrenaline inducing workout can be just the thing to get you going again. However, if it’s a bad sinus infection, or a stomach bug, or something worse like the flu, I do not recommend a workout, particularly a strenuous one. (And for the sake of others, if you have something highly contagious please don’t go to the gym and get everyone else sick as well! No one likes to hear you hacking away or sneezing on the elliptical next to them).

This got me thinking about two troubles that could arrive with an active vacation – one in the pre-travel training, and one while on the road. The first will be the topic of this blog, the second of the following blog. What do you do when something happens like what has just happened to me – you’re going along great in your training or eager to start and wham, you get sick enough that you can’t train for a while? Here are some basic, but very important tips:

• As I mentioned before, let yourself heal and don’t rush back before you’re body is ready. If you do, it could take you much longer to recover than if you had just waited another couple of days. You could also risk injury from feeling weak or dehydrated.

• While you want to allow yourself to heal, don’t give yourself permission to stall. When you do feel better, start planning out your workouts again.

• Check with your doctor. If you’ve been under doctor’s care, ask them about working out and any particular restrictions.

• Start back slow. You may not even be able to start back where you left off, especially if you’re at a more advanced stage of training. You may have to start back just a few minutes at a time.

• Give yourself time to rest in between workouts. You don’t have to go back 5 days a week. Start with every other day, or three days the first week. However, give yourself enough to keep the momentum going. If you do just one day a week, it’s tough to get back into a regular pattern. (This does not apply to severe illness, if you’ve been out for a couple of months due to illness, for instance, one day per week might be all you can or are allowed to do).

• Plan out your workouts. Nothing makes it easier to get off course then just “fitting it in when you can”. While you may have to use this strategy in particular unique circumstances, you want to get back to a training schedule to get your momentum going again.

• If you feel yourself getting worse, ease up. You might have pushed yourself too quickly.

• Use common sense. If you’ve had a stomach bug, an activity that jostles or focuses primarily on your stomach probably isn’t the best idea. So forego the running and stomach crunches for a week or so and choose something calmer such as the recumbent bike. It might not be the activity you are training for in the long term, but it gets you back into working out without as much chance of illness relapse.

*It is important to note that I am a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, but not a trained medical professional. If your doctor prescribes a particular workout regimen, follow it. These are guidelines for minor illness such as the ones mentioned in the opening few paragraphs. If you have a severe or prolonged illness please speak with your doctor before you begin exercising again.

Despite the growing trend for upscale adventure vacations, many are skeptical. Can you have an authentic adventure experience while staying in a 5-star hotel? Don’t you feel bad spending so much for a fancy hotel when the country’s residents have so little?  Why would you spend that for an eco-tour when you can do it for way less?

While this is certainly a subjective topic, here is my take on the debate.  It is entirely possible, and even probable, to love exciting adventure and the finer things in life at the same time. Among my top activities to purse are an East African Safari, a Galapagos eco-vacation, a walking vacation through Tuscany or France, a biking vacation through any number of beautiful countrysides. However, I always joke that I “camp” at 3-star hotels. I can’t help it, and it’s nothing against those more hearty than I who enjoy roughing it I (or against three star hotels). I just like to come back to my creature comforts. Sure, I might not have the same experience as those who chose to camp out in the wilderness, but it doesn’t mean it’s not authentic or worthwhile. It’s simply different. Have you ever stayed in a 5-star tent resort in the desert? Those who choose the budget option don’t have this one-of-a-kind experience, just as those who go luxury might not have other experiences.

The next issue might be the biggest concern I hear regarding luxury travel – spending money in suffering countries.  This I can speak to first hand. I traveled to Zimbabwe a year and a half ago. This country is in such a bad state they can’t even accept their own currency – they use that of surrounding countries as well as U.S. Dollars and Euros. Our tour guides there told us it was perfectly fine if we paid them in old clothes or shoes (we would have brought some to donate if we’d known, though not to pay with). Our guides also said that they were incredibly excited to have us there because when tourism season gets quiet, they are out of jobs and don’t know how they’ll buy food for the next few months. The more money we spent there, the greater chance these people could feed their families through the down season. People often think that the tourism dollars don’t reach the local people struggling. These guides demonstrated  explained quite the opposite – that they didn’t know how they’d survive without tourists coming to Zimbabwe. While this might not be the case in every country, it certainly was here. So the answer is, no I don’t feel guilty one bit. I feel proud that I helped my tour guide feed his family for an extra week.

Finally, why do I spend money to do a more pricey adventure trip when I could save so much and do it on a budget. I think I’ve answered this in the above paragraphs. I like the experience of a luxury trip, and I also love adventure. I don’t need people fanning me and feeding me grapes, but a nice fluffy mattress and large bathroom are right up my alley. These are part of what makes me feel like I’m on vacation. If it helps the local economy, all the better! It’s truly that simple.

I certainly don’t think luxury adventure vacations are for everyone. First of all, everyone can’t afford them (I can’t always either, but I often travel with others and we can split costs). Secondly, if you feel more connected to your adventure by doing it on a budget, than that’s how you should do it. I don’t think there are too many arguments against people wanting to do budget adventure travel, but there are against luxury travel and I simply wanted to examine the less popular sides.

What are your thoughts? Do you prefer one over the other? Why? Would love to hear from you, as always!

I have talked to a lot of people, both in travel planning and with health and fitness advice, who have difficulty turning their wishes into goals and their goals into actions. They want to do that walking tour through Tuscany or create a biking program, but they don’t make it much past that initial step of formulating a wish. So, I though that as an incentive, I’d pose a little challenge.

For those who have ever wanted to take an active vacation, choose one. There are plenty of options – walking, hiking, biking, canoeing, and much more. There are more intense options and less intense options. If you can’t afford to take a vacation right now, that’s ok – just pretend you are taking one. If you can’t find one that fits you, create one. The idea is to have a goal, and one more exciting than just a number of miles or time at the gym. It’s certainly more motivating to work towards a bike and wine trip through Europe than just to count calories – at least for me!

The challenge can be a single activity or multiple. It can include non-active portions such as wine tasting, food tours, and sightseeing. It can be a large group, a small group, or a private tour.  If you’d like to get an idea for your trip, check out Gordon’s Travel Guide which provides information on active tours around the world.  I realize that fall and winter aren’t the best time to train, especially outdoors, so choose a tour/goal for next summer or early fall. This gives you the next 5 months or so to create your program and get the basics down – getting into a regular workout routine, finding the best cross-training activities – and then when spring comes around, you’ll be ready to start training fully.

As part of this challenge, I’m offering a free 30-minute consultation to help you create your training schedule and/or determine the best active vacation for you. This consultation can be done in person, via phone or even by email. To set up your appointment, send me and email or call me at 856-266-8898.

So what is your active challenge? Where do you want to go, and what do you want to do? I’ll be putting mine together and giving the details in my next blog! I can’t wait to hear about yours!

A misconception, however, is that because we walk on a regular basis, that a walking vacation requires no training or preparation. This is entirely untrue. While you may walk frequently throughout the day, a walking vacation may involve weather conditions, terrains, intensities and distances that you want to be prepared for, and the best way to do so is to create a training program.

To get started, it’s best to establish a baseline. If you already include walking as part of your exercise routine then you have a head start. Spend two weeks tracking your workouts. You want to make note of the number of days you walk, distance per day and speed.* This gives you an idea of where your workouts are in relationship to the walks required for the trip.

If you don’t have a walking program yet, it’s time to start! Choose a week where you can start fresh, rather than starting in the middle of the week. Plan to do your walks on the days that you have the most time, so that you don’t feel rushed. Here is a sample program for the first week (in other words, change the days of the week around as necessary):

Sunday:  Walk 1 mile

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: Walk 1.5 miles

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: Walk 2 miles

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Cross-train (this could be any type of activity that isn’t walking)

At this point, speed is not important. What is important is that you are able to complete the distances. Since the point of many of these walking vacations is to enjoy the scenery and surroundings, you won’t be rushing your walks. Still, make a note of the time it took, as this is often a way to see improvement as your train. Similarly, make notes of how your felt before, during and after your walk.

For tracking your distances, there are several options. If you are walking on a treadmill, it will show you the distance and speed as your walk. (Treadmills are great for this reason, but I highly suggest doing the majority of your walks outside. After all, your vacation most likely involves no treadmill walking.) If you are walking outside, there several good tracking methods. The first are online tools, such as Google Pedomenter or Map My Run, which allow you to chart your route and provide the distance. These are especially helpful if you are setting a distance goal and want to ensure that your route covers that distance. Another option is to find a local track – many schools have them and they are generally open to the public. While not as exciting, a track gives you a solid measurement for how far you’ve walked. As with the treadmill, however, the track doesn’t involve varied terrain, and shouldn’t be used for all of your walks. Plus, try doing seven miles on a quarter mile track – the likelihood of boredom and therefore not completing the workout is much greater.

A final option, if none of the above suit you, is to purchase a pedometer, which you can find at a wide variety of stores, as well as online. These start as low as approximately $10 and get more expensive with additional features. The very basic ones just measure your steps, so I suggest one that also measures your distance – you just have to calculate your stride length and input it into the pedometer for this feature to work.** While pedometers provide a good general guide for your distance walked, and are certainly great motivation to keep moving during the day (I find it creates a bit of self competition to try to beat yesterday’s step count), they aren’t entirely accurate, as the depend on your stride measurement, the placement on your body and other factors subject to human error.

It’s important to create your walking program all at once, instead of week by week. While you can certainly adjust for unforeseen circumstances, creating it from the start provides several benefits. First, you know that you have a program that will, if followed accurately, allow you to reach your final distance goal. Secondly, it provides motivation as you look at your progress and the upcoming challenges. Additionally, it makes it tougher to “slack off”. Without a pre-planned schedule, one could easily decide to back off one week and not increase their distance, which could set you back from your final goal in the end. Finally, it ensures you are including the proper number of rest and cross-training days, which is just as important as including the necessary mileage. Interested in a tailored walking program for an upcoming trip? Send us an email!

*To calculate your speed without a treadmill, divide the distance you walked by the time it took you to walk it – preferably in hours, so that you are calculating miles per hour.

**Each pedometer that has the stride input feature should have directions on how to measure your stride accurately. This might vary slightly from one pedometer to the next.

Still, it’s important to choose the active vacation that is right for you and your traveling companions. Here are a few basic things to consider as you start your search:

• What type of activity do you actually want to participate in for 5, 7, 10, 14 days? This first step might seem too obvious, but what you enjoy doing for 30 minutes on a Saturday morning might not be as desirable after five days and many miles, no matter how magnificent the scenery.

• What intensity level is best suited for you? Again, consider the length and time of which you’ll be participating in this.  Also consider the activity levels of your travel companions. You might have to find a middle ground that everyone can feel comfortable with.

• How long do you want your vacation to last, and what number of days during that time do you want to be “active”.  This goes hand in hand with the intensity level. Some trips revolve primarily around the chosen activity, while others involve days of sightseeing, food and wine tasting and other less strenuous options.

• Do you want a single activity trip or multiple activities? Multiple activities could mean less risk of burnout or overuse injury, but it also means additional training and potentially activity specific gear and clothing required.

• What type of trip do you want – private for your group, small group with others, large group tour?

• How much will the training and equipment cost. Some activities, such as walking or hiking, require very little equipment or “start up cost”. Get a few good pairs of workout clothes, some appropriate shoes and you’re pretty much set. Others, such as canoeing or biking, require a little more gear and expenses could add up.

• What time of year are you traveling?  Summer in your destination might not only be more crowded, but being active for hours out in the summer heat may take its toll on your body and possibly your health. Alternatively, your joints and muscles become stiffer in the colder weather, and you could risk pulls and strains from exercising without your body being sufficiently warm.

There are plenty of other questions and thoughts that can be explored. These will get you started on choosing the best active vacation for you. Once you have narrowed down the type of activity, intensity, group size and time of year, you can work on the details of picking the specific itinerary and training for your vacation.

Imagine if, instead of passing your local parks, playgrounds and schools, you were surrounded by the hills of the French country side, the vineyards of Italy’s wine region, or the lush scenery of New Zealand’s South Island.

Biking vacations are an increasingly popular way to experience the world’s landscapes and cultures. These tours provide an active vacation, while immersing travelers in the beauty of the surrounding towns and cities. There are a wide variety of levels, so you don’t have to be an expert biker,  and they often combine several activities – both physical and cultural.

Here are just a few examples of the types of bike tours offered by Backroads, an industry leader in active vacations: 

Piedmont Biking – Biking through Italy’s food & wine-lovers paradise

Brittany and Normandy Biking – Tranquil farmland and historic coast

Prague to Vienna Biking – Old world charms and the Danube River 

Patagnoia Biking – Pedal the lake district beneath andean peaks in Chile & Argentina

Bali Biking – Bike, walk, raft and snorkel the land of tranquility 

Thailand Biking – Exploring the Golden Triangle near Laos & Myanmar

New Zealand Biking – Biking the south island from Christchurch to Queenstown

Crater Lake Biking – From Ashland to Bend amid the Cascades

Biking tours are available in virtually every corner of the world and can be booked as a vacation unto themselves or as part of a longer itinerary. These tours can be booked as private or part of a group and include accommodations along the way. They may be seasonal, depending on your location so best to plan ahead! 

For more information active vacations, check out our adventure travel page