Janet Loves To Travel

LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE

 06 OCT 2011:

Transat Discoveries offers small-group, single-language, escorted tours in the countries listed above, along with additional mini-tours, beach stays and ‘city explorer’ programmes.  In addition to the trips shown in the brochure, Transat Discoveries can also provide customized trips via its specialized team dedicated to organizing such trips for small groups and individual travellers.

The new Transat Discoveries is a niche tour operator within the Transat Group, offering specialized tours that provide “a perfect blend of leisure and culture”.  Hitherto only available under the Rêvatours name in Quebec, this product line has now been rebranded to become Transat Découvertes in Quebec and, now, has expanded into the Ontario market, although, of course, all Canadians will be welcomed on these tours.

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Its summer vacation time! As many of us travel this summer, we see longer lines, airline cut backs and fees, not to mention unpredictable weather. Here are a few simple tips to make your trip a wonderful adventure to remember.

Attitude is key! If you start with a good attitude, others you encounter will mirror that, and you can handle anything that happens. 

Be flexible. Sometimes things happen, good or bad, changing your plans in an instant. If you are willing to just smile and “go with the flow,” you will certainly have an adventure, and it may even be better than the original plan. (more…)

map of GAP Antarctica Classic Expedition

In November, Janet fulfilled a lifelong dream and took a trip to Antarctica. GAP Adventures offers an 11 day Antarctica Classic Voyage, sailing from Ushuaia (the world’s most southerly city) on the southern tip of Argentina, across the Drake Passage and along the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the MS Expedition.  There are few places on this planet where you can witness such large congregations of wildlife in such a seemingly inhospitable landscape!   Icebergs, penguins, seals, whales and possibily the albatross are on the viewing list.  Did you know there are at least 8 species of penguins?  Five are common in the region we visit.  Check back soon for Janet’s comments! 

Description:  A true adventure to the world’s most remote wilderness! Our 11-day Antarctica Classic expedition focuses on the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, home to some of the planet’s most impressive wildlife and dramatic landscapes. Throughout our voyage, our team of lecturers and guides will share their knowledge of the region’s remarkable natural history. Check out this mini video clip for a taste of the adventure…. 

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To enjoy every aspect of your journey to either Australia or New Zealand, I highly recomnmend Relaxing Journeys. They offer personalized itineraries, escorted groups tours, and small group tours. So if your journey is short and localized, or encompassing the entire area, Relaxing Journeys will take care of you from start to end. You just need to pack your bag and enjoy the scenery.

www.relaxingjourneys.co.nz and www.relaxingjourneys.com.au

I  had clients in New Zealand when the earthquake devastated Christchurch in Feb 2011.  Before I had a chance to worry and send an email to them, I  heard from them advising me that the folks at Relaxing Journeys had already left a few messages at their hotel, indicating that alternate arrangements had been confirmed. What exceptional service even in the face of chaos. So to have a holiday where you can say “no worries, mate”, consider Relaxing Journeys.

Have you dreamed of a horseback riding adventure in the Rockies?? The clean fresh mountain air, rides through uninhabited valleys, magnificent scenery and flower-filled alpine meadows all add up to a holiday unrivaled anywhere in the world. http://www.lostguidetours.com/main.html

Welcome to Lost Guide Adventure Tours. Riding experience is not essential as qualified guides accompany and assist you each day. The horsese are sure-footed and gentle and are assigned to you according to your experience.

Picture yourself relaxing, after a carefully prepared meal that has been cooked over an open campfire, as the setting sun alights the granite in a blaze of orange and dusk envelopes the valley of Ranger Creek.

On the grassy meadow, deer and elk mingle with your saddle horse, grazing contentedly. (more…)

Check out my adventure Feb 13-20: Cycle Cuba with Revatours and Gap Adventures:

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Getting you there and back in the best shape possible.

Dawn McNevin Joseph, of The Right Fit Fitness, offers these tips to help you feel good when traveling.

Here are a few fitness tips to keep you feeling well (energized and pain free) throughout your flight and upon arrival at your destination. For those of you who fear doing arm circles and lunges down the aisles, these are for you. They are subtle but effective.

DRINK WATER

Before – During – After your flight.

The recycled air on a plane is very dry with little humidity (10-20%). Dehydration can lead to discomforts (dry mouth, throat, eyes and skin), and fatigue.

Drink 8 ounces of water for every hour you are onboard a plane.

When choosing a drink from the cart, keep in mind that alcohol and caffeine dehydrate the body.

 WALK AROUND

Before. During. After. your flight.

Why sit in the waiting room when you know you will be sitting for an indefinite amount of time once you board. Walk around the airport terminals.

While flying, don’t feel guilty about asking someone to move so you can get up and walk around. Prolonged sitting in cramped quarters causes pooling of blood in deep veins of the lower limbs, resulting in leg swelling, so try to move once every hour to hour and a half.

*Remember to plan your walk around in-flight meal services.

Upon arrival, get your leg joints moving after the flight (more than just to your taxi!). Use the stairs, not the escalator and walk around the baggage claim area while you are waiting for your luggage.

In Flight Exercises:

Ball Rolling

 Bring a tennis ball. Roll it under your feet (shoes off).? This relaxes the fascia and increases circulation.

You can also place it under your glute (butt cheek) to release glute tension.

 Pectoral (chest) Stretch

Stand parallel to the corner of a wall. Place one arm at a 90 angle on the wall (at the rear of the plane there is usually room).? Keep elbow and forearm supported. Step the same foot forward as arm that you are stretching. Lean your body gently forward as you rotate away from wall. The stretch should be felt across your chest and into the front of your shoulder.

 Glute (butt) Stretch

Sitting in your seat, cross one ankle over the opposite knee. Sit up tall through your spine. If you need an additional stretch, pike straight forward at your waist, keeping your low back straight. Hold for 1-3 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

Sit up straight in your seat and cross arms across shoulders. Rotate gently as far as you can to one side, side bend to that side, unbend and rotate a little further. Repeat 3 times each side. Your upper back rotation should improve.

Keep in mind that some airports have gyms. Bring your gym clothes or at least a pair of running shoes and make the best of a layover or delayed flight.

For a list of gyms in and near Canadian and US airports, check out:

http://www.airportgyms.com/

Don’t Just Do it, Do it Right.

In late August of 2006, Janet travelled into northern Idaho, Washington and British Columbia to enjoy the scenery, sunshine and cycling.

The weather was fantastic- hot and sunny every day, so the numerous lakes and waterways proved a refreshing treat.

Around Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, there are several miles of trails for all abilities. We prefer pavement, so the converted railway lines were a delight. A paved trail runs along Lake Coeur d’Alene through the city, so it is a terrific way to enjoy the water views, see the city and get some exercise. There are several small cafes downtown when it is time for a break, and the large public park at the beach was a perfect place to cool. Lots of shade on the grass, or tons of sun on the sandy beach. The water was clear and refreshing. Hard to leave! (more…)