Sometimes Even the Best-Laid Plans Go a Little Sideways

December 8, 2020 by Ann Petronio

For our first real vacation during COVID, my husband and I planned a long-weekend getaway to Colorado. We wanted to spend a few days in Rocky Mountain National Park, visit a quintessential ski town (Vail) and go hiking in the Garden of the Gods. The idea was that we’d stay away from cities like Denver and Colorado Springs, and spend all of our time social-distancing in the great outdoors. Happy to finally have a trip to plan, I spent hours researching great hotels, making dinner reservations at interesting restaurants, and mapping out some scenic drives.

Then, because it’s 2020 after all, things took an unexpected turn.

Raging wildfires in and around Rocky Mountain National Park meant we had to scrap our visit there and re-plan the first half of the trip at the last-minute. And then an early-season snowstorm drove us down out of the mountains in the middle of our trip, and left us scrambling to come up with a “plan B” for the last two days. In the end, we did not actually follow through with a single thing I had pre-booked (hotels, restaurants, etc.) but we managed to have a pretty wonderful getaway nonetheless.

selfie of Annie and her husband in the snowy landscape of Garden of the Gods Colorado

And I think it was a valuable reminder that travel is all about your attitude — if you can roll with the punches, and enjoy the unexpected adventures along the way, you’re going to be a lot happier overall.

Here’s what we ended up doing:
{and if you want any info about the original plans, just let me know!}

We flew from Providence to Denver (via Charlotte) and were interested to see that crowds got heavier as we went along. The Providence airport was empty, Charlotte felt like it had maybe half the usual number of people, and the Denver airport was very busy. Everyone wore masks, the flight crew handed out little bags with hand sanitizer and snacks, and overall we felt pretty safe.

When we landed in Denver we picked up a nice big SUV and drove about 15 minutes away to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. This is a true hidden gem – right outside the city, and so close to the airport, with free admission from sunrise to sunset.

The refuge is over 15,000 acres in total, and we did the scenic 11-mile auto loop through the park (you can also stop and do various hikes along the way).

taking photos of bison from the car at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver Colorado

We downloaded the free app that gave us turn-by-turn narration of everything we were passing through, and we got to see buffalo, prairie dogs, deer, and more. It was an awesome introduction to the area, and I would highly recommend it on your way in or out of Denver.

From there, we drove an hour to Golden, Colorado, in the foothills of the Rockies.

a man in a blue jacket with the sculpture of a fish, a river and green trees in the background in Golden Colorado

The town is famous for being the home of Coors Brewing, but it’s a cute place in its own right, and I was really impressed with all the public art – there were sculptures on every street corner. The brewery is unfortunately not open for tours right now, but we enjoyed strolling through town and had a great dinner at Woody’s Pizza. The altitude was already kicking our butts, so we had an early bedtime and a restless sleep.

The next morning we left Golden in cold and icy conditions and took a scenic route through the mountains to Aspen. Having never been to the Rockies before, we absolutely loved this drive, with its mountain passes, changing elevations, and expansive plains. By the time we arrived in Aspen, it was sunny and in the 60s, which was totally unexpected!

the pools, hot tubs and outdoor patio of the Limelight Aspen hotel with the mountains and pine trees looming in the background

We checked into a lovely room at the Limelight Aspen (I would recommend this hotel highly) and headed out to explore the town.

Although I’m not a skier, I would go back to Aspen again in a minute. The compact downtown has cute shops and galleries, with the ski mountains looming right next door, and there are gorgeous hiking/biking trails that start right in the center of town.

a paved path through beautiful tall trees with yellow leaves in Aspen Colorado

We did a very pretty walk on the East Rio Grande Trail, which included a stroll through the John Denver Sanctuary. The restaurant scene is fabulous, as you would expect, and we enjoyed cocktails and lunch at The White House Tavern, and a delicious dinner on the outdoor patio at Tatanka.

The next day we were back on the road through the Rockies to Breckenridge (about 2 ½ hours). Where Aspen had felt upscale, quiet and luxurious, Breckenridge felt like a spring break destination. To be fair, the weather was positively springlike, so everyone was outdoors, but it was crowded and busy and felt a little unsafe given the pandemic. We checked into an unremarkable hotel, ate an average lunch, and decided to check back out and head down out of the mountains before the impending snow storm.

We were able to grab last-minute reservations at a very nice Colorado Springs hotel, so we booked our last two nights there. The Mining Exchange is a charming historic hotel in the middle of the city, walkable to tons of restaurants and we knew we didn’t want to have to drive anywhere once the storm arrived.

two people in front of the Garden of the Gods sign in the snow in Colorado

The snow started early the next morning, but we were still able to sneak in a quick visit to the Garden of the Gods. We were VERY glad to have a big heavy four-wheel drive SUV (and a native New Englander’s experience driving in snow) because there were lots of little rental sedans sliding all over the roads in the park.

the impressive red rock formations with a snowy landscape below at Garden of the Gods Colorado

But we enjoyed a snowy walk through the monumental rocks and a quick stop at the Visitor’s Center for context. The park is gorgeous, and admission is free, and it would be well-worth a much longer visit in better weather.

Back in Colorado Springs that afternoon we had a yummy lunch (and a flight of craft beers) at Colorado Craft, and a lazy afternoon watching football.

Our drive back to the airport the next morning was a white-knuckler, as the snow had continued through the night and the roads were not yet treated or plowed (which really surprised me, in a place that presumably gets lots of snow and should know how to deal with it). We eventually made it to the Denver airport, and back home to Providence, without incident.

a beautiful stream lined with fall foliage and light streaming through in Aspen Colorado

All in all, we loved Colorado, and we would happily go back to see the things we missed – especially Rocky Mountain National Park. The unexpected and unplanned things along the way more than made up for the stress that Mother Nature threw at us, and it was honestly just wonderful to be traveling again 😊

Vacation Pods

December 1, 2020 by Ann Petronio

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s the importance of connecting with loved ones. Most of us have had plenty of family time at home by now, and are yearning to find a way to get outside the same four walls. Finding a change of scenery, sharing adventures and laughter with friends, letting your little ones get out of the house and be around people their own age — this almost seems like an impossible dream. But there IS a way to make the impossible possible: Vacation Pods. This travel trend is all about minimizing risk while satisfying your urge to travel and your need for connection. Here’s all you need to know:

What is a Vacation Pod?

Vacation Pods (also called travel pods or quaranteams) are a new way of taking a vacation with others while minimizing the health risks typically associated with group travel. A pod is a group of families and/or friends (who follow and value the same safety standards) taking a trip together. This can include two or three families merging together or a group of friends. Typically, pods should be kept to 10 people or fewer.

By staying in the same group and with the same guides through the whole trip and not mingling with those outside your pod, you reduce risk. Of course, any travel will always carry some risk of infection and spread, and it’s important to stay vigilant, but pods can help you control that risk and keep it to a minimum. Pods also allow you to split the travel costs, making your vacation more affordable.

three young boys jumping into an infinity pool

Pods offer you peace of mind and a sense of safety, while still sharing an adventure. They’re particularly great for families who want to give their children a chance to socialize and play with other kids. Pods are a perfect way to salvage that annual vacation you look forward to every year (as long as you make smart, thoughtful choices.)

[Photo Credit: Marc Tutorials via Pexels]

Keys to making your Vacation Pod great

Same risk-aversion attitudes: When considering who you want to travel with, make sure that you have the same attitudes, priorities and risk aversion thresholds. Find like-minded people who agree with your risk comfort level.

Trust: Forming a vacation pod with another family or two involves a lot of trust. You’re trusting your pod with your health and they’re trusting you with theirs, so you want to make sure to choose people whom you trust to strictly follow the guidelines the group has established.

Communication: When you’re planning any group trip you have to agree on the destination, the activities, and who’s sleeping where. With a vacation pod designed to minimize the risk, there are few more details you need to work out.

a woman wearing a mask with a small backpack on a forest trail

Discuss in detail the precautions you’ll take before the trip. It’s best to negotiate to meet the needs of the most at-risk person. What makes this trip possible for them? Whether it’s everyone getting tested a few days before or going through a two-week quarantine or both. Consider everyone’s habits and who they’re exposed to daily. Make sure everyone agrees to follow social-distancing guidelines and wear a mask when out in public or with people outside of the pod.

[Photo Credit: Tsunami Green via Unsplash]

two women having a picnic in a field with a green tree

After the pre-vacation arrangements are agreed-upon, it’s important to discuss the safety guidelines you’ll follow while actually on the trip. When are masks required? How much exposure are you willing to risk? Are take-away or grocery runs ok? Or do you want to buy all the food beforehand and cook it on-site? We recommend having a zoom call and writing down all the agreed-upon guidelines so there’s no room for misinterpretation.

[ Photo Credit: Toa Heftiba via Unsplash]

Finally, make sure you have some back-up plans in place. Ask yourselves if/then questions. What if someone tests positive? What if someone’s test results don’t arrive on time? Having a clear plan will ensure that your vacation is as relaxing and worry-free as possible.

Where Should You Stay?

These days, vacationers the world over are looking for private, controlled spaces, away from the crowds, and with plenty of outdoor activities. Vacation pods are no different.

Many resorts and hotels are offering pod-friendly accommodations, where you can rent out an entire floor for your pod! These pod packages often include room service, local take-out, in-room entertainment, balconies and large suites that can be configured to perfectly suit your group. Some places have private pod events like wine & chocolate nights or a murder mystery party. Others offer you a private elevator and dedicated beach beds.

a private pool with two lounge chairs and a hotel room at a resort tropical

Some hotels and resorts even offer detached villa-style rooms with private pools. Depending on the size of your group, it can work out to be the same price per person as renting a couple of mid-range hotel rooms.

[Photo Credit: Anam via Unsplash]

a cabin in a snowy landscape across emerald lake, Canada

If you’re looking for even more control over your environment you and your pod can always opt to rent a stand-alone space. Choose from a cozy cabin, a luxury condo, a chill beach house, or a spacious Villa! The possibilities of where to stay with your vacation pod are endless!

[Photo Credit: Alex Hawthorne via Unsplash]

Utilizing the Experts

Ready to start but not sure how to narrow down the endless possibilities? We can help you find the right place to stay with the strongest health and safety protocols (and the right amenities) to make everyone in your pod happy.

Even before the pandemic, organizing a group trip meant juggling multiple opinions, priorities and budgets, but now you also need to know the ins and outs of local COVID regulations. This is where we can really help! We’re staying up-to-date on all the rules, and can keep you advised on the ever-changing local guidelines. We can also find you pod-friendly private tours or specialized events to enhance your trip!

Forming a conscientious vacation pod is becoming the future of travel. Finally getting out of the house and being able to enjoy a little company in a risk-minimal way is great for everyone’s mental health. Let us help you make it a reality, so all you need to do is enjoy the breath of fresh air and a change of scenery with your favorite people!

[Photo Credit: Min via Pexels]

A Winter Wonderland

November 24, 2020 by Ann Petronio

Visiting Norway in Winter Pin — *Pin It For Later!*

It’s easy to understand Norway’s appeal. With stunning landscapes, lots of open space, and friendly people, this coastal Nordic country is a delight at every turn. While summer brings the midnight sun, and beautiful green hiking trails, it also brings bigger crowds and higher prices than at other times of the year. In-the-know travelers visit Norway in the winter instead, and are rewarded with a veritable winter wonderland! What makes Norway such a perfect winter getaway? And why should you add it to your bucket list for post-COVID travel?

Atmosphere

The Temperature: Norway is actually not as cold as you might think, thanks to the Gulf Stream. Coastal areas rarely get below 0°F even in the northernmost islands, while the inland mountains can get a little bit colder than that (perfect for skiing, with lots of light fluffy snow.)

Polar Nights: Long hours of darkness, twinkling holiday lights, reindeer in the north, little wooden houses, and no crowds – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie! The deep snow and twilight of winter add a magical aspect to an already staggeringly beautiful landscape. The long evenings allow you to stargaze, catch the Northern Lights, and see the world from a different, more mystical, perspective. Enjoy the winter evenings in Norway by snuggling up next to the crackling fire with your favorite book and mug of hot cocoa.

[Lofoten Islands, Photo Credit: Johny Goerend via Unsplash]

Unique Scenery

Some of the best places to visit in winter are, surprisingly, along the northern coast. Characterized by contrasts, you’ll find crystal clear water and sandy beaches next to peaks of craggy granite mountains.

the side of a cabin, a small boat docked with lights and sunrise over the bay and snow mountains in Norway

The northern archipelagos like Lofoten, Helgeland, Vesterålen, and Svalbard offer UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fjords, glacier walks, wildlife and fishing, sustainability, and steep mountains full of troll legends.

[Tromso, Photo Credit: Zu Photography via Unsplash]

If the wild north isn’t your cup of cocoa, the modern cities of Oslo and Bergen are always great starting points. Oslo boasts 50 different museums, historic buildings, and interesting modern architecture as well as having its own medieval castle — Akershus.

the colorful houses on the waterfront of Bergen Norway

Bergen is notable for its colorful buildings and high-quality restaurants that will impress any foodie. Oslo and Bergen are also great home bases for smaller day-trips to see the fjords or the impressive countryside in only a few hours.

[Bergen, Photo Credit: Michael Fousert via Unsplash]

Winter Activities

People often worry that the cold, snow, and long evenings will mean they won’t be able to do as much on a winter visit. Yet Norway offers so many activities that are only possible in the ice and snow!

a man skiing down the slopes with the sea and mountains in the backgroun in Norway

Skiing, sledding, ice skating & snowshoeing are all major sports in Norway. With some of the best ski resorts and their own Alps, you’ll often find these activities available through your hotel, no matter where you stay.

[Lyngen Alps, Photo Credit: Hendrik Morkel via Unsplash]

top image of a dog sled team with the northern lights in the sky, bottom image a hand feending a white reindeer

Dog sledding & reindeer rides: If you stay in the northern region, you’ll have the chance to check these items off your bucket list! Happy teams of dogs tow you across the arctic landscape — maybe even try your hand at steering the sled. Or you can learn about reindeer herding and Sami culture from the herders themselves.

[Photo Credit: Top: Thomas Lipke Bottom: Arseny Togulev via Unsplash]

Safaris & whale watching: From arctic foxes to moose to sea eagles, there’s a lot of wildlife to see in Norway! Take a safari through the rich landscape, or head out onto the water.

a huge whale tail dives down next to a small boat in winter in Norway

While you can spot sperm whales all year round, humpbacks and orcas are only seen in the winter and spring.

Pro tip: Head to Vesterålen for a 95% chance of seeing whales even on short trips due to the nutrient-rich continental shelf being incredibly close to the mainland!

[Photo Credit: Simon Infanger via Unsplash]

two small snowmobile headlights traveling across the frozen tundra Norway

Glacier walks, Ice Caves & Snowmobiling: for more adventurous spirits, try hiking along an icy glacier and exploring ice caves with a guide. Or enjoy the frozen landscape and the rush of speed in a snowmobile!

[Photo Credit: Vidar Nordli Mathisen via Unsplash]

Iconic journeys

One of the best ways to enjoy the stunning views of the Norwegian landscape is from a comfortable and warm seat on the train! The Flamsbana train line to the small town of Flåm is often touted as one of Europe’s most beautiful train rides. With panoramic views of the fjord landscapes, deep ravines, waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountains, it’s definitely worth taking a ride. Make it an easy 3hr day trip from Bergen or have a whole adventure of it with a 6hr ride from Oslo.

Cruising near Trollfjord [Photo Credit: Pascal Debrunner via Unsplash]

Because Norway’s north is primarily made of islands, taking a cruise is the perfect way to get the most out of your trip and see it all. Choose from short 2-4 day cruises or take a long trip on a 12-15 day cruise from Hurtigruten. You’ll have the option of mini shore-excursions during the day, so without too much extra hassle, you can go on mountain hikes, city tours, kayaking, dog sledding, and other cultural activities.

Bucket-List Accommodations

Ice Hotels – Another thing you can only do in winter, there are a few of these hotels around Norway, including the northernmost ice hotel in the world – Sorrisniva. They are, quite literally, a work of art. Carved by local sculptors each year, they’re usually kept around 25°F. Even so, you can snuggle up on your ice bed with reindeer furs and an all-weather sleeping bag for a cozy, comfy night.

The hotels usually include a farm-to-table restaurant, relaxing sauna, and warm main lodge with free wi-fi. The ice hotels themselves include an ice bar and around 30 bedrooms with ice furniture, while the bathroom facilities are kept in the main warm lodge.

[Photo Credit: Tobias Fischer via Unsplash]

Glass Igloos — Taking social media by storm, these are domes/igloos/cabins with at least one wall and much of the ceiling transparent. They range from a small cabin with a separate kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, to a simple igloo with a bed, fireplace, and underfloor heating (but with sauna, shower, and dining facilities located in a nearby lodge.) In Norway you’ll find the glass igloos are often less expensive and a bit more spaced out, offering more privacy than the more famous Finnish ones. And the views of the Aurora are priceless.

[Photo Credit: Christopher Chapman via Flickr under CC 2.0]

For the right traveler, Norway in winter has a lot to offer. It’s a unique, incredible escape and you may even get to cross a few things off your bucket list! If this post has sparked your interest in a winter-wonderland vacation let us know! It will more than likely be next year before Americans can travel to Norway, but a lot of the more unique experiences have limited space and we do recommend booking well in advance.

Oysters, Sake, Castles and The Sea

November 10, 2020 by Ann Petronio

discovering setouchi japan pin — *Pin it for later!*

These days, it seems, everyone is looking for a new and different honeymoon spot. It’s no longer enough to just get away for a week of beachy relaxation after the wedding. Couples want an exotic locale, unique accommodations, immersive adventures, delicious cuisine, and Instagram-worthy photo ops — with extra bonus points if it’s an under-the-radar place that their friends haven’t even heard of (yet).

If this sounds like you, then you’re in luck, because I’ve got a great suggestion.

The Setouchi region of Japan has it all! This inland sea, known as the “Mediterranean of Japan” feels remote and wild, despite being very accessible from international points of entry (approx five hours by train from Tokyo’s Narita Airport, or two hours from Osaka). The 700+ island archipelago has a temperate climate, with average temps in the 60s – 80s from April through October, and you can island-hop using the three long bridge routes or the ferry system. It’s easily combined with other regions of Japan, but can absolutely stand on its own as a single destination. And it offers SO much more than just gorgeous scenery and island beaches.

Beautiful romantic sunset scenery by the seashore. [Photo Cited from http://setouchitrip.com]

What will you find there?

a blue basket of fresh oysters from the Setouchi version of Japan

Amazing food experiences: Check out the oyster farmers on their bamboo rafts and do a tasting at Suzuki Farm, roll up your sleeves and learn to make your own somen noodles, or spend an afternoon with the sake masters in Kobe.

[Photo Credit Setouchi Tourism Authority http://setouchitrip.com]

a fish-eye view of a bridge across lush green mountains in Setouchi Japan

Outdoorsy adventure: Challenge yourself with the 70-kilometer Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road, which winds along the sea and across seven bridges and six small islands. Or get your dose of adrenaline in the Iya Valley with their precarious vine bridges and human-powered ropeways (just don’t look down!)

[Photo Credit Setouchi Tourism Authority http://setouchitrip.com]

A japanese castle lit up at night in the Setouchi region of Japan

Unique accommodations: A castle, a yacht charter, a traditional Japanese inn, or even a desert island that can be yours for the night!

[Photo Credit Setouchi Tourism Authority http://setouchitrip.com]

a japanese garden with lake and castle in background in Setouchi Japan

History, art and culture: Time your visit to coincide with the world-famous Setouchi Triennale art festival (the next one is in 2022), tour the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, and stroll through the Okayama Garden (one of the top three public gardens in Japan)

[Photo Credit Setouchi Tourism Authority http://setouchitrip.com]

And if all of that is not enough to tempt you, how about a visit to “Rabbit Island” (Okunoshima Island) where big herds of rabbits hop freely among the crumbling ruins of a former military installation. If you like, you can even stay overnight at the island’s one hotel so that you can grab some prime photos of rabbits during the sunset and sunrise hours when they’re most active!

[Photo Credit Setouchi Tourism Authority http://setouchitrip.com]

Setouchi is getting a lot of buzz lately, so this hidden gem won’t stay a secret much longer. Let me know if you’re interested in exploring the possibilities of an out-of-the-bento-box honeymoon destination😊

Sometimes Even the Best-Laid Plans Go a Little Sideways

Here’s what we ended up doing:
{and if you want any info about the original plans, just let me know!}

A Winter Wonderland

Atmosphere

Unique Scenery

Winter Activities

Iconic journeys

Bucket-List Accommodations

Oysters, Sake, Castles and The Sea

What will you find there?

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH US

PLAN AN ADVENTURE?

Here’s what we ended up doing: {and if you want any info about the original plans, just let me know!}

What is a Vacation Pod?

Keys to making your Vacation Pod great

Where Should You Stay?

Utilizing the Experts

Atmosphere

Unique Scenery

Winter Activities

Iconic journeys

Bucket-List Accommodations

What will you find there?

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH US

PLAN AN ADVENTURE?

Here’s what we ended up doing:
{and if you want any info about the original plans, just let me know!}