Travel

Though the bicycle has remained a durable form of transportation for well over a century, both for pleasure and for fun, certain aspects of biking come and go. BMX bikes had their heyday thirty years ago. Bike racing soared in popularity when Greg LeMond and Lance Armstrong were winning the Tour de France. There was even a time when banana seats and stingrays were all the craze. This year and the foreseeable future might be known as the age of the e-bike. There is even an adult tricycle for sale that is powered by an electrical motor. This newer innovation brings comfort, power and extra balance to the adult rider. The bike is even easy to get on and off with a step-through frame. An ample wire basket sits comfortably on the back with enough space for groceries or a change of clothes. The bike also places a premium on comfort with a specialized ergonomic design that takes it easy on hands, shoulders, knees and other joints and muscles. It’s perfect for the person who still loves biking but isn’t so fond of pain.

Other Trends for 2020 and Beyond

Changing patterns in society create trends that few expected just months earlier. That has certainly been the case in 2020. So far the year has created a demand for the following in the bike universe:

• More commuter bikes
• More commuting apparel
• Functional accessories such as lights, bells and baskets
• Comfortable bikes
• Family bikes

In many parts of the country, more people are riding than ever before. This includes families out for fun, commuters getting to and from work and seniors seeking entertainment and exercise. A quality womens electric bike can be bought online and fit to the body shape of the customer. An unobtrusive motor sits on the back of the bike, offering power when needed. With the motor engaged, the rider can be propelled up hills with the barest of effort. With the motor turned off, the rider can pedal until she is at her destination or too tired to continue. A 500 watt motor can reach speeds of 30 mph on some e-bikes.

Outgoing Trends for 2020

It can be hard to say what things will lose their appeal in the remaining months of 2020. Perhaps consumers will be more careful with their money and look for value over glitz and glamour. Perhaps bicycle tourism will take a hit as people stay closer to home and travel less for at least the near future. What does remain certain is that the bike will play a large role in getting people to and from they places they need and want to go to.

It looks like the time for good electric bikes has arrived. The right bike for men and women can be chosen online without much trouble at all. A Body Fit tool makes it easy to make certain the bike will fit a person’s body shape and size. The bike can be shipped right to a person’s home and used without penalty for a trial period in many cases.

 

Hilton Garden Inn Roseville is within a short drive from attractions in Sacramento, as well as key destinations of Lake Tahoe and Reno. In every guestroom, travelers can find amenities to help them work or relax. Enjoy your access to free Internet, remote printing, and cable TV. There’s a 24-hour snack bar for quick eats during the wee hours of the day.

Reserve your hotel room at Hilton Garden Inn Roseville with Reservations.com

You Should Know:

• Stylish guestrooms appointed with refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and a flat-screen TV
• Complimentary WIFI Internet and ergonomic work area inside the rooms
• Convenience store at the guest’s disposal
• Wind down in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool or fitness center
• Complimentary parking provided in the property
• Business center offers remote printing service from the rooms
• Restaurant is included in the hotel

In and Around:

• Located off Interstate 80, near Westfield Galleria
• More shopping options await at nearby Creekside Town Center and The Fountains
• Diamond Oaks Golf Course is a couple of miles from the hotel
• Within half an hour’s drive to Sacramento International Airport

When it comes to planning a trip for you and your special someone, it can sometimes feel a bit intimidating trying to make sure you get everything just right. How do you determine the location of your romantic weekend? Do you fill every moment with adventures and excursions or leave your schedule open to see what happens? You want to make sure everything goes perfectly, so let us help you out. Take a look at our top tips for planning a romantic getaway!

1. Choose the Location

With so many beautiful, romantic destinations, it can sometimes feel overwhelming trying to choose one for your special trip. Take a moment and consider a few factors. What is your budget? How is the weather? What do you and your significant other enjoy doing together?

If you’re trying to be frugal, consider a staycation at an Airbnb and explore the city as tourists. If it’s getting chilly and you are longing for some sunshine, consider taking a trip somewhere warm and exotic, such as a beach trip on the west coast or an excursion in Brazil. If you are both avid hikers and lovers of the outdoors, consider checking out some hotels near Zion National Park and plan a few days inside the park.

2. Get on the Same Page with Expectations

For some people, they hear “romantic getaway” and envision a couple days full of exciting adventures, discovering an exciting new place, and a whole lot of walking. Other people think of sleeping in and booking a couple’s massage. Make sure you are both on the same page in terms of what to expect on the trip. Consult with each other to determine how you can plan out your trip so you can both enjoy it. Unless it’s a surprise, in which case you could talk with a family member or close friend to get an idea of what your partner would like.

3. Plan Carefully

Once you have an idea of what the expectations are for the trip, do some research into what activities are available. You want it to be enjoyable for both of you, so while you might enjoy a day full of sightseeing, your partner might prefer to visit a nearby museum. Don’t feel like you have to fill every moment either! Giving yourself some free time in the mornings and evenings to relax and recuperate can provide the perfect balance for your trip.

You might also want to take into consideration the time of year you will be taking your romantic trip. Holidays can make many destinations pretty crowded, as can warm weather. Scheduling your getaway during the off-season is likely to provide smaller crowds and give you the opportunity to explore more freely.

4. Ask the Locals

Perhaps one of the oldest tips in the book is to talk to the locals about where to go, what to eat, and what to do during your stay. Sure, the tourist destinations and exciting sights are worth the trip. But chatting it up with some of the local residents can give you insight into opportunities and experiences that you probably wouldn’t know about otherwise. They can point out all of the best “hole-in-the-wall” food spots, and at the very least can give you easy-to-follow directions if you get lost.

5. Romance is in the Details

Sometimes the most romantic gestures are not the most elaborate. Show your affection for your significant other in small ways to take your getaway to the next level. Get some greeting cards and write little notes for them, and then hide the cards in various places throughout the vacation for them to find. Talk to the concierge at your hotel or resort and see what can be done in terms of floral arrangements or chocolates, and above all, make it a point to disconnect from technology. Turning your attention from your phone to your partner will perhaps be one of the most meaningful parts of the trip.

 

For my good friend Thomas Leeper Myrtle Beach has been his entire life, he was born here, he was raised here and apart from the odd trip across to other regions in North Carolina, he has remained here for the majority of his adult life. As someone who loves to travel I just struggle to understand people who don’t want to go out and see what the world has in store for them, and so I began to try and convince Thomas to take a trip away. Thomas had concerns about traveling alone, but I gave him plenty of reasons as to exactly why he should. Thomas took the advice and spent what sounds like a wonderful week in Costa Rica last year. I wanted to extend what I said to Thomas about solo travel to anyone out there who isn’t sure whether or not they should do it.

The Trip is Your Own

When you go solo traveling every decision that is made is your own, you don’t have to listen to what others want, you won’t have to compromise, nor will you have to sacrifice any aspect of the trip. When you travel solo you can eat when you want, go to whichever attractions take your fancy, go to bed early or late, and you won’t have to hear anybody else complain if things aren’t working out well. This autonomy on the road is so valuable.

Time to Reflect

Traveling can often be a very sobering experience and one which causes you to look at your own life and reflect on where you are going and where you have been. Now when you travel with others you can talk about these things but there is far less time for a personal reflection. When you travel solo however this is exactly what you will get, the chance to hit the pause button on life and just take stock of everything that is going on.

Meet People

Whilst you can of course meet people when you travel with others, it is not the same as when you travel alone because you are more of a package deal. When you travel alone, however, this is not to say that you have to stay alone, and you should take the opportunity of meeting new people during your trip. People are much more inclined to approach you if you are on your own than with friends or family and this can open up the chance to meet a number of interesting people, you may even make a friend!

Drinking It In

In my personal experience, I find that I get much more from a destination when I go there on my own. Whilst it is nice to share your experience with others and to chat about what you are seeing, you really get to focus better when you are by yourself.

If you want to go away alone but you are unsure, take my word for it, you will love it!

 

Going away for Christmas with the family can be a lovely idea and ensure that it is a year that you never forget. Whether you are setting off to get some much-needed winter sun or you are heading to a winter wonderland to feel as Christmassy as possible, you will find that it can be stressful travelling with kids so here are a few tips to make the experience as smooth as possible.

Choose an Easy Destination

First, you should choose somewhere that will be simple to travel to and provide an easy holiday experience. There are lots of good options for Christmas, including many major European cities which come alive at Christmas with beautiful lights, markets and festive events or you could look to somewhere with warmth and sunshine.

Choose Easiest Form of Transport

Often, the most stressful aspect of going away with small children is travel so you should think about the easiest possible route. If you are flying, you might find it less stressful to catch the train to the airport instead of having to drive which can be another cause of stress. You can also book your tickets online in advance, such as a train travelling from Portsmouth Harbour to Gatwick Airport.

Create a Loose Itinerary

You will want this to be a holiday that is special and create many happy memories so it is a good idea to have something planned for each day. It is helpful to have plans but this should also be flexible as you do not want to force the family to do things if they do not feel like it.

Pack in Advance

Every parent that has taken their kids on holiday knows just how stressful packing can be. This is why it is a good idea to create a checklist for your kids and to help them to do a practice pack in advance of the holiday. They should then have their bag packed and ready well in advance of leaving the house so that there is no major rush and stress to start the holiday.

Going on holiday over Christmas can be fantastic and make it a festive period which is extra special, but it is also sure to cause some stress for the parents. Travelling with children will always be difficult but with added expectations it can cause a great deal of stress. Hopefully, these tips will help to reduce stress and allow for the best Christmas yet this year.

 

Most drivers look forward to going on a road trip. It feels liberating and destressing to drive along the open highway with the wind blowing through your hair. A long list of adventures awaits you as you explore different places and do things that are out of your comfort zone. If you are a new driver and it is your first time going on a road trip it is essential to create a list of things that you need to prepare.

You can never predict what will happen to you in the middle of the road. That is why you should be ready for whatever circumstances might come your way; for example, getting in touch with companies like Fort Lauderdale Towing Service, so you can rely on someone to help tow your vehicle in case it breaks down in the middle of the road. Here are more essential tips to ensure that your road trip will turn out to be as smooth as possible.

Look for good companions

Your co-travelers can make or break your road trip experience. You want to make sure that you have pleasant companions while driving for long hours. Make it a point not to bring illegal stuff inside the car like alcohol and prohibited drugs. There is a possibility that your vehicle might get pulled over by cops, and you do not want to be taken by surprise and get in trouble with the law.

Update your insurance policy

The rule of thumb is never to drive your vehicle if you have not updated your full insurance policy. Remember that neither you nor your friends can ever predict an accident. Driving without insurance will give you a big headache and cost you thousands of dollars in repairs and settlements. Regardless who is driving your vehicle when the accident happens it is your insurance that will cover the damages.

Prepare your back up tools

Never go on a road trip without packing all the essential tools that you might need during the trip. Get ready with your jumper cables, spare tire, wrenches, and a hammer that can be used to break glass windows in case of emergencies. If you are not sure of the tools that you need to buy, ask for assistance from your local auto supply store.

Plan your stopovers

You may be excited to drive for twenty hours straight, but it is not safe to do so. You have to be realistic when it comes to calculating the distance each time you travel. Rest every four hours, take a bathroom break, keep yourself hydrated, and eat healthy snacks between stops. Book motel rooms where you can sleep and freshen up.

Lastly, do not pressure yourself to drive if you are feeling tired and sleepy. Doing this can lead to road accidents that can cause serious injuries. As a driver, you are responsible for the lives of your passengers. Remember that it is better to be safe than sorry.

Image: https://pixabay.com/photos/road-winding-street-bridge-1030789/

 

Located in the midst of the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea, lies Greece’s largest island and popular holiday destination, Crete. This idyllic island is like no other, as it offers varied terrain from the white sands of the islands pristine beaches, to its rugged mountain ranges and dark caves. The island of Crete is a destination where its mythical history meets modern day, as many of its ancient remains still stand tall, offering the perfect cultural Greek experience. As well as majestic architecture and a rich Greek history, the island also offers a more modern, luxurious destination which has made the island one of Europe’s most loved holiday destinations.

Crete is a popular island loved by tourists from across Europe and further afield, mainly due to its diverse offerings no matter what type of holiday you desire. Whether it’s a romantic honeymoon with a luxurious feel, or a family holiday packed with Greek history and architecture, this beautiful island has it all to offer. Whether it’s sampling some of Greece’s finest cuisine overlooking the surrounding waters, or visiting the islands famous Ideon Cave, the birthplace of the mighty Greek god Zeus; we want to share some reasons as to why Crete should be your next holiday destination.

The perfect place to stay

With Crete being one of the most favoured holiday destinations in Greece, there are hotels to suit everyone’s needs. If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly hotel then your choices are endless. From freshwater pools to award-winning children’s entertainment, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect place to stay. Crete also offers a romantic paradise, perfect for you and your partner to enjoy a relaxing week in the sun or even your honeymoon. There are numerous luxurious hotels in Crete, which will provide you with a lavish and romantic place to stay, whilst forgetting about life back at home and enjoying the warm Mediterranean heat.

The pristine sandy beaches

One thing the island’s locals can be proud of is their beautiful beaches. With stretches of fine white sand and calming turquoise waters, relaxing on one of Crete’s pristine beaches is sure to provide you with some much needed rest and relaxation. One of the island’s hidden gems is Seitan Limania Beach, close to the city of Chania. The winding track down to the shore takes you through towering cliff edges before you meet the endless views of the waters in front of you. This surreal location does get busy during peak season due to its beautiful surroundings, so it’s worth enjoying the tranquillity of Seitan Limania early in the morning whilst paddling in the clear waters of the Agean Sea.

The ancient Greek history

One thing which makes Greece so famous is its rich ancient history. The island is full of architecture which still stands hundreds of years on from its creation and provides the perfect Greek cultural experience. From the majestic Fortress of Koules to Knossos Palace, known as Europe’s oldest city, there are an abundance of ancient ruins which help bring history to life and allow you to truly understand the beauty of this island. During your stay it’s also worth paying a visit to the famous Ideon Cave, which the locals past and present believe was the birthplace of the Greek god of the sky, lightning and thunder, Zeus.

No matter what your holiday desires may be, the island of Crete will have everything you’re looking for. From a romantic getaway with a splash of luxury to a history packed adventure; Crete is the perfect place for your next European break.

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

Travelling to a beach condo or mountain cabin for vacation is so old-school. These days, more vacationers are opting for something a bit different for their one or two week getaway. Visiting a luxury ranch resort is becoming more of a trend; it is one of the best ways to get in touch with nature, relax, and indulge your inner cowboy or cowgirl.

Some of the top-rated ranch resorts in the US are not just known for their luxury, but also for their stunning natural scenery. If you’re looking for your next vacation spot and want something a bit different than the beach getaway, try visiting spots like The Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana, Cibolo Creek Ranch in Texas, or Lost Valley Ranch in Colorado.

Or, here’s an even crazier idea…start looking for ranches for sale and create a luxury resort of your own. Obviously this requires an investment and a lot of hard work, but it you do it properly it can be quite lucrative. Here’s how to build the best luxury ranch retreat from the ground up.

Find a partner or two

Not only will it be difficult to invest all on your own, but it will also be difficult to do all the work if you don’t have a few team members backing you up. If you know of any friends, relatives, or acquaintances that might be interested in an endeavor like this, give them a call or take them out to lunch to see if they’d be interested partnering up.

Partnering with family is the best option for running a successful luxury ranch resort. One reason for this is due to the fact that visitors love seeing a family-run business more than anything. This especially applies to something like a ranch resort or adorable B&B. Many of the current ranch resorts and retreats in the US are family owned and operated, at least the most successful ones are.

Start out small and work your way up

There’s no need to go crazy right at the beginning. Some of the top ranch resorts have taken years, even decades, to become what they are today. Of course you need to start somewhere, so start simply with the accommodations before venturing into other aspects of the project.

Well established ranches have everything from 5-star accommodations to outdoor excursions like fishing, horseback riding, ATV rides, and nature walks. Chances are these resorts did not start their first day of business with all of these offerings, but instead they worked their way up to it. You can do the same.

Find a location that is remote, but not too remote

Part of the beauty of vacationing to a ranch resort or retreat is simply to get away from the hustle, bustle, and craziness of the everyday world. This means that is important to have your ranch somewhere secluded and away from the madness of the world.

However, you also want to make sure that your ranch resort is not too far away from the rest of civilization. This makes it extremely difficult to get to, and also makes it harder on you to have access to the proper resources to keep things running smoothly.

 

The Caribbean is a hotbed for cruise ships, luxury holidaymakers and tourists escaping the winter. Each and every island has its own culture and traditions as well as the paradise-like stretches of coastline. And you’re guaranteed warm weather where you can wear your t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops every day. So whether you want to indulge in one of the Luxury Caribbean getaways or soak up the colonial heritage in Barbados, here are our top destinations for the ultimate getaway.

Barbados

Barbados receives millions of tourists each year from around the globe. Many spend their time in an all-inclusive resort or a beachside villa overlooking the turquoise coast. This island offers some of the most luxurious vacationing experiences. And has dozens of activities to keep you busy throughout your stay. The first stop is usually somewhere around the coast. Spend your days lounging on the sand or in the beachside bars listening to reggae and soca. Rent a jet ski and speed around the warm waters under the clear sky. Or go sea kayaking to find hidden stretches of sand and coves. Away from the beaches, you can get to grips with nature. Barbados has a dense covering of jungle throughout its interior. Jungle trekking and wildlife tours allow tourists to experience the best of the island’s biodiversity. Make a special stop in the capital city Bridgetown to soak up the British colonial heritage too. And take the time to visit one of Barbados’s famous rum distilleries.

Grenada

Grenada in the West Indies combines white-sand beaches with dense rainforests. The tiny island nation has a rich colonial history that oozes in the architecture of capital city St George. And Grenada offers a unique experience found nowhere else in the Caribbean: An underwater sculpture park. Most of the resorts and vacation rentals lie around the coast. Picture yourself waking up next to the tropical Caribbean Sea. Then going for a swim after breakfast before jungle trekking later in the day. Visitors can enjoy cocktails overlooking the coast as reggae plays in the background. This tiny island-nation has a much better safety record compared to some of its neighbouring islands. So you’ll always feel safe and comfortable exploring Grenada independently. We recommend renting a car.

The British Virgin Islands

The British Virgin Islands (called BVI by the locals) has a reputation for high-end tourism and luxury. Wealthy holidaymakers have stayed in the tropical paradise since the 1960s. And tourism numbers just keep growing. You’ll find a highly developed tourist infrastructure and dozens of activities at your fingertips. Some prefer renting a private vacation rental on a secluded beach. Others take the chance to explore more of the archipelago. Add in the miles of coral reefs thriving in the shallow waters and the vibrant marine life. But the real highlight of taking a vacation in the British Virgin Islands is that you’ll feel like you have the place to yourself. Only a fraction of visitors take their holidays here compared to other islands in the Caribbean. And you’ll probably find that you’re the only person on the beach.

Jamaica

Jamaica is the Caribbean’s most famous tourist destination. The island has a reputation for the world’s finest reggae and stunning beaches. But aside from the resorts, Jamaica is a popular destination for golf enthusiasts. You’ll find several 18-hole courses around the island. These have been rated among the most beautiful in the world. Book yourself a trip and play a round of golf surrounded by the verdant and colourful tropical environment. Then return to the coast or your vacation rental and enjoy a cocktail next to the beach. Other highlights include day trips into Jamaica’s interior. Out in the jungle tourists can follow trails to waterfalls and search for wildlife. Birdwatching tours are recommended to witness the thousands of colourful tropical birds. But as with every island paradise, nothing quite beats returning home after an action-packed day to swing in your beachside hammock.

Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda has the luxury, but without the masses of tourists. You can find dozens of high-end accommodation overlooking the coast or Mount Obama (also known as Boggy Peak). But unlike some of the other island in the Caribbean, Antigua and Barbuda have lots of adventure activities. You can go zip lining along 12 lines in the jungle and horseback riding. If you’d prefer isolation and relaxation, book a villa along the coast. Or if you want some outdoor fun, put on your hiking boots and scale Mount Obama. This is the highest point at 400 metres. Trekking up is reasonably easy, and you’ll be rewarded with the most spectacular views of both islands. When you visit, try to visit both Antigua and Barbuda. Each island is different, and you’ll get to see and experience both sides of the island-nation. Regular boats and ferries connect them to each other in a few minutes. Or book a tour which takes you around the must-visit attractions.

A Luxurious Caribbean getaway

If you want the ultimate getaway with as much sun, sea and luxury as you desire, come to the Caribbean. Check out Barbados for its music and colonial heritage. Head to the British Virgin Islands for five-star luxury without the tourists. Check out the golf courses in Jamaica and get the adrenaline pumping in Antigua and Barbuda. Whichever island nation you decide to visit, take the time to explore all parts of its history, heritage and culture. And get away from the beaches to see the natural beauty inland.