Travel COOL TRIPS
JULY 2016
How families can make the most of festival season
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ummer is synonymous with many things, including festivals. Music fans love the festival circuit because it gives them a chance to see many of their favorite musicians in a single place while simultaneously enjoying the great outdoors. Foodies enjoy festival season because they have the opportunity to try a variety of new foods in a single day or weekend without having to travel far and wide. Festival season also tends to be family-friendly, providing families with numerous chances to spend quality time together. Festival season is even more enjoyable when parents take the time to plan their visits so their Saturday or Sunday afternoons at festivals go as smoothly as possible.
· Do your homework. Festivals tend to offer an array of entertainment and cuisine, and that can be a lot to digest all at once. Parents can ensure they get everything they want out of a festival by studying the festival schedule and offerings ahead of time rather than arriving and trying to take in everything at once.
· Bring supplies. Conditions can be unpleasant during summer festival season, when rising temperatures and long lines can try families’ patience. Bring enough sunscreen to ensure no one gets sunburned, and explore the festival guidelines in advance to determine what you can bring onto the festival grounds. If it’s permissable to bring water onto the grounds, bring enough to keep everyone hydrated. In addition, bring hats and sunglasses as well as bug spray to keep potentially pesky insects at bay.
· Explore transportation options. Festivals can attract considerable crowds, and families who want to avoid being stuck in traffic should explore their options with regard to getting to and from the festivals they plan to visit. Use public transportation where available. Public transportation can help families avoid potentially costly parking fees and relieve parents of the stress of navigating traffic jams. If public transportation is not available, look for free or low-cost parking lots in the vicinity of the festival.
EAGLE CAP Excursion Train
· Consider the viability of strollers. Parents who typically transport their tots in strollers may want to reconsider taking strollers to summer festivals. Large crowds can be difficult to negotiate with strollers in tow, and parents may find strollers more frustrating than functional at popular festivals. If you must bring a stroller, leave the large jogging stroller at home in favor of a compact stroller that’s comfortable for kids and easy to push through crowds.
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Summer festival season tends to be family-friendly, and parents can take certain steps to ensure the coming festival season is even more enjoyable.
Travel
July 21, 2016
Tips for finding a great summer rental
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he growth of lodging websites such as Airbnb and VRBO has given travelers more temporary housing options than ever before. Such sites may appeal to those vacationers who want a taste of home away from home without having to pay potentially exorbitant hotel prices.
The cost savings of vacation rentals can be considerable, providing more bang for budget-conscious travelers’ bucks. But vacationers who have never strayed from the hotel/resort path may be hesitant to dip their toes into the vacation rental waters. While travelers accustomed to staying in luxury hotels may need to adjust their expectations when booking vacation rentals, the following are some ways to find a great vacation rental that suits you and your fellow vacationers.
· Make a list of your lodging priorities.
· Don’t pull the trigger too quickly. Low prices may tempt prospective travelers, especially those accustomed to staying in expensive hotels, to book lodging before they full vet a property. Fight the temptation to book a rental before you have done your homework. Learn as much about the rental as you can before booking your stay. Read reviews of the property and carefully examine the property listing so you know exactly what you are getting. Carefully examine any photos included in the listing, and try to confirm that the property is not in foreclosure, which may pose problems when you’re ready to embark on your trip. Find out as much as you can about the property owner as well. Some are renter-friendly while others may have poor reputations.
· Determine who handles any potential problems that arise during your stay. Unlike a hotel stay when you can simply call the front desk and request a maintenance staffer be sent up to address any problems that arise in your room, you may be on your own in a vacation rental
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should the refrigerator go on the fritz or the air conditioning unit suddenly stop working. Determine how problems are handled before booking a rental. Rental homes that are part of a homeowners’ association may have on-site maintenance ready to respond to any issues, while homes offered by private homeowners may come with no such benefits.
Eagle City Park
privately owned recreational gold prospecting & mining park Enjoy Gold Panning, “Sluicing,” Metal Detecting, “Sniping,” Outdoor Recreation, and more! And best of all,“You Keep All The Gold You Find!” Non-park member leases are $10 per day per family. Special leases are available for groups. Eagle City Park • (208)699-8128 439 Eagle Creek Rd,Wallace, ID 83873 478882EY_16
· Book early if you’re attending a specific event. Hotels book up quickly on busy weekends, and so do vacation rentals. Vacation rental prices fluctuate just like the cost of hotel rooms, so begin your search early if you are traveling to attend a festival or another event that figures to attract large crowds. Vacation rentals can save travelers money, but finding the right fit requires effort on the part of vacationers.
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541-432-2951
Joseph, OR 97846 www.FlyingArrowResort.com 460321GU_16
Popular lodging and vacation rental websites offer an array of options, so make a list of your lodging priorities so you can find the right fit without having to peruse hundreds of listings. If you want to save money by cooking your own meals, then a home with a full kitchen may be your biggest priority. If beach access tops your list, then you can save time by searching for oceanfront homes or condos. If saving money is your biggest priority, then expand your search to properties further away from coastal areas or homes, but are within walking distance of local nightlife. What you sacrifice with regard to view and convenience you’ll recoup in cost savings.
541-432-2391
Joseph, Oregon www.WallowaLakeResort.com
Budget-friendly family vacation tips
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amily vacations provide wonderful opportunities for families to bond and make lasting memories. But such opportunities do not come without a price, and that price is oftentimes very steep.
According to the 2015 TripBarometer study from popular travel website TripAdvisor, travelers across the globe are open to spending more on travel in 2016 than they have in the past. Those figures are good news for the travel industry, but travelers should expect to encounter rising room rates when planning their trips.
· Book through a travel agency. Many travelers now book their own vacations through popular do-it-yourself travel websites such as Orbitz, but going it alone may not be the most cost-effective approach for families. Many travel agency representatives are accustomed to working with travelers who are on a budget and building vacations that include all the sights their clients want to see for the amount they’re willing to spend. Travel agency representatives typically have considerable connections in the countries they specialize in, and those connections can produce memorable experiences at lower costs than travelers would likely pay booking the trips on their own. In addition, many travel agencies include the cost of admissions to various sights in their packages, making it easier for travelers to budget for their trips.
· Consider alternative accommodations. Families accustomed to staying in hotels while on vacation may be able to save by exploring some budget-friendly alternatives to hotels. Vacation rental properties, which may include private homes or condominiums, may charge less per day than four- or five-star hotels in the same city. Before booking accommodations, parents should explore all lodging options, including online bed and breakfast websites that may showcase private homes that boast lower nightly rates than large hotel chains. Open All Yea r
· Scour discount websites for deals. E-commerce marketplaces such as Groupon aren’t just for date nights at home. Such websites and services also provide domestic and international travel deals. Families can book entire trips through such websites, many times at considerable discounts, or scour the sites for deals on sightseeing opportunities in the cities where they will be vacationing. · Plan to cook.
RV Park, Cabins, Camping, Motel Rooms, Marina, Swimming Beach, C-Store, Fishing Supplies and Restaurant
www.boyerpark.com 1753 Granite Road, Colfax, WA 99111 For reservations and information
call 509-397-3208.
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Meals can quickly consume travelers’ budgets. The Consumer Expenditure Survey released in 2015 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated that food and alcohol can take up about 16 percent of the budget for international travelers, and 27 percent for domestic travelers. Such estimates seem low and might reflect the difficulty surveyors had distinguishing between travelers who visited friends and family, and subsequently spent little on food, and travelers who had to purchase all of their vacation meals. Families can cut meal costs by planning to do some of their own cooking. Rental properties and extended stay hotels are typically equipped with full kitchens, which can help parents save money without sacrificing the quality of their vacations. Families looking forward to their next vacations can implement several strategies to make those trips affordable.
Travel
July 21, 2016
How to stretch your vacation dollar
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udget-conscious travelers can still visit their favorite resorts without breaking the bank.
educated decision based on your research.
The affordable vacation is becoming more and more rare. Rising fuel costs have made air and automotive travel considerably more expensive, hamstringing many wouldbe travelers’ budgets before they even begin their search for a hotel or private rental. While vacations may have become more expensive in recent years, that should not prevent men and women from booking trips to enjoy a little rest and relaxation. In fact, there are many ways to stretch your vacation dollar without sacrificing the quality of your getaway. • Shake things up with your travel schedule. Flexibility can be your greatest ally with regard to stretching your vacation dollar, so consider traveling on less popular travel days when planning your vacation. For example, instead of booking your vacation to coincide with a typical work week, consider breaking your vacation up over a two-week period, leaving on a Wednesday and returning the following Tuesday. Both your outgoing and return flights will likely be less expensive than they would be if you were to travel on a weekend, when flights tend to be more expensive, and you will still get to enjoy a full week’s worth of vacation. • Consider booking through a travel website.
If your vacation is going to be less about relaxing poolside and more along the lines of sightseeing and experiencing a different culture, then an escorted vacation might be your most affordable option. On an escorted vacation, your itinerary is prearranged, and that itinerary likely includes many popular tourist attractions and destinations. Such vacations are typically offered at a set price per person, and that price typically includes the cost of transportation, which can be considerable when traveling abroad. • Pack light. Anyone who has traveled by air over the last decade is likely aware that baggage costs are another thing to consider when establishing a vacation budget. While men and women flying alone might be able to grin and bear it Need a room for out-of-town guests? with regard to baggage fees, parents traveling with kids in tow might be The Guest House is your home away from home. forced to shell out hundreds of dollars in baggage fees alone. When packing 112 & 116 S. 6th Street St. Maries, Idaho for a vacation, pack light so you aren’t Call M-F: 9am - 5pm left paying hefty baggage fees before (208) 245-5755 boarding your outgoing and returning flights. MARSH CREEK INN • Familiarize yourself with local tipping
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Many travel websites, including Groupon and LivingSocial, offer travel packages at heavily discounted prices. While some people are understandably skittish about booking trips through such sites, a little research can go a long way toward calming any nerves you might have about booking your trip. Read previous customer reviews of a deal before booking your trip, shying away from deals that fellow travelers felt fell short of their expectations. In addition to gauging reaction from past customers, do your own homework on the resorts included in each package you’re considering, and then make an
standards.
Tipping standards vary depending on the country, so it pays to research tipping standards before traveling abroad so you aren’t unnecessarily overtipping. Many resorts already include the cost of a tip when billing guests for food and beverage, and some all-inclusive resorts may have already factored staff tips into your bill when determining the cost of your stay. You may tip several hundred dollars over the course of a weeklong stay, and that might be money wasted if your resort has already factored tips into the cost of your stay. Doing your homework might just save you a substantial amount of money.
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Located on Highway 77 in Albion, Idaho, Marsh Creek Inn has 12 rooms with cable TV, telephones & refrigerators. Enjoy BBQs, Dutch oven cookouts, horseshoes, croquet, fishing, and boating nearby at the Snake River. While you're there, visit Shoshone Falls. Complimentary coffee and muffins available. Thirty miles away is the City of Rocks National Reserve, a landmark on the Oregon and California trails. Rock climbing and camping are popular activities in this area of unique granite formations. Enjoy an evening by the fire in our rustic lobby, which is located in a restored log house that was originally built in 1879.
20 Minutes from Pomerelle Ski Resort W FOR CALL NOTIONS! RESERVA
(208) 673-6259 673-5367
or (208)
386 South Main, Albion, Idaho
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• Book an escorted vacation.
Explore active vacations
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rekking the trails on horseback is one example of an active vacation. If the thought of lounging on a beach for a week isn’t exactly your idea of a memorable vacation, then you may enjoy more activity in your recreational pursuits.
Many individuals and families brainstorm their getaways well in advance of taking a trip. A jaunt to the coast may have satisfied an urge to wander in years past, but if you’re interested in something that is a bit more physical and demanding, you may want to spend your next days away from the office on a more active vacation. An active vacation is a trip that is built around physical activity. Instead of keeping the poolside chaise warm, you may be participating in a walking tour or hiking across a national park. Such vacations provide a respite from the daily grind and benefit the mind and body. Estimates from U.S. News and World Report suggest that active travel accounted for $60 billion in vacation spending in 2007. Over the past half decade, the number of people interested in active vacations has continued to grow and, as a result, more destinations are catering to such vacationers. Those ready to embark on an active vacation can choose from a host of options and locales.
Horseback riding Making a trek on horseback is a great way to see the countryside from a new perspective. Many resorts worldwide offer horseback riding in which you can tour mountains, crags, trails, and other adventures. Some resorts pair horseback trekking with camping and other activities for a well-rounded adventure.
Water sports Many vacationers enjoy water sports like kayaking, canoeing, river rafting, riding jet skis, surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Depending on your skill level, you may be able to work with a water sports TUNA company The largest Charter Company HEADQUARTERS on the Oregon Coast that offers experienced guides to help you through some of the more challenging parts of the trip. Some vacation providers also may offer training and certification, such as becoming SCUBA certified. DEPOE BAY, OREGON
Dockside Charters
Call (541) 765-2545 or 1-800-733-8915
Biking and hiking
Turn east at the stoplight and follow the signs (next to the Coast Guard Station-No Stairs)
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FISHING – Rockfish Ling Cod, Salmon, Tuna, Halibut WHALE WATCHING – On a 50’ Boat or 26’ Zodiac Style Boat Let us introduce you to our local Resident Whales up close & personal! www.docksidedepoebay.com Daily fishing and weather reports • Daily whale updates
There are thousands of miles of trails just waiting to be explored. Many national parks and wildlife refuges have walking and biking trails, or you can create your own travel itinerary and explore trails less traveled. Biking and
Travel
July 21, 2016
Mountain climbing
Volunteering Volunteering allows you to marry a vacation with social consciousness. For example, Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit with worldwide reach that helps make affordable housing a reality. You may be able to volunteer your time helping to build houses or making improvements anywhere in the world. People who enjoy staying active on vacation have many choices. Whether rafting down a river or touring a national park on horseback, active vacation opportunities abound.
Explore & Discover Exhibits
Discover why NE Oregon is so unique: Canyons, grasslands, plants & animals, rivers, forests, lakes & moraines, and the geology of it all!
Presentations
Experience Wild Science in person: Evening programs on great blue herons, bears, hibernation, pollinators, volcanoes, wildflowers, Wallowa Lake limnology and more!
Outings
Enjoy guided half-day Discovery Walks & longer Expeditions!
Workshops
Learn from local experts: Photography, cultural & natural history, all aspects of Wild Science!
Kids’ Activities
Explore our Kids’ Activities, and participate in parades, parties, hands-on fun!
Enter the Center Today! day!
Natural History Discovery Center Open Wednesday ~ Sunday 10am ~ 3pm
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Boost adrenaline levels by scaling mountains or rocky crags nearby. Many companies offer climbing courses so you can learn before exploring. Rely on experienced climbers to assess your skill level and choose mountain ranges that match up well with your skill level. Novice climbers may be able to rent gear if they’re not yet ready to purchase.
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walking tours also are possible in urban areas. See the sights and sounds of the city as a pedestrian and mingle with locals as you squeeze in some shopping.
Cruising is the no-work vacation
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ruising is one of the least labor-intensive vacations for travelers. People who are looking for a laidback and fuss-free vacation can turn to cruising.
Cruising remains popular and that popularity continues to grow. Data from the Cruise Line International Association, Inc. market profile survey for 2011 found that cruising ranks second as the most popular vacation behind land-based nonresort vacations. Almost 71 percent of the total vacation market has an interest in cruising. Among past cruisers, survey respondents said they will most likely take another cruise over the next three years. CLIA research indicates that cruisers tend to be middle-aged, predominantly married couples with a median income of $97,000. The higher household income may account for the ability to cruise amid a floundering economy. What’s behind the popularity of cruising? One of the main draws to cruising is its relative ease. From the moment a ship embarks, cruisers are aboard a floating hotel. All of their needs are met within the confines of the ship, and there’s no hassle with baggage or layovers like there is for air travel. There’s also no traffic on the open seas, and cruisers can customize their days and do as little or as much as they like. The all-inclusive nature of cruising extends to meals. A popular factor of cruising is that one needn’t look far for the next meal. Unlike other hotels and resorts, there’s no traveling far for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and passengers don’t have to carry around extra money for meal expenses. Cruise packages often include all-you-can-eat options. This can seem like a bargain, as the cost of meals on other vacations tends to be a significant. According to Ehow.com, vacationers spend upwards of $600 in food for a week-long vacation. In comparison, cruising costs on average $1,500 per person, which covers the accommodations, meals, some excursions, and onboard activities.
Open year round. Lodge · RV Park Natural Hot Spring Restaurant · Saloon Gas & Service Station and Mercantile
Travelers who are not interested in planning a day-to-day itinerary to keep busy often like the amenities of cruising. Most cruises have a cruise director who leads guests in various activities during the day. Most modern-day cruise ships offer ample entertainment options. From swimming pools to skating rinks to rock walls to surfing simulators, there are activities for most age groups. For an additional cost, cruisers can leave the ship and go on specialized excursions at ports of call. Still, cruisers who just want to sit on deck and relax can do just that. Because most cruise ships travel in international waters, they are not governed by the rules of the land. For example, gambling is often legal aboard ships when they are out of port.
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www.mountainvillage.com • 1-800-843-5475
Cruising remains one of the most popular types of vacations. And since CLIAsays that many people still book cruise vacations through a travel agent, cruising may be one of the easiest vacations to plan and enjoy. Simply pack a suitcase and set sail.
Travel
July 21, 2016