Montego Bay, Jamaica--the island of All Right

Montego Bay,Jamaica ranks number eight among preferred vacation destinations for Americans.  No wonder: It’s the island of happy days—the island of All Right--inspired by a colorful native culture that comes alive in the tropical environment of the Caribbean.

The city of Montego Bay is the capital of the parish of St. James and the fourth most populous city in Jamaica. It is a popular tourist destination any time of year because it has duty-free shopping, a cruise line terminal, and several beaches to attract visitors—all with scenic mountains in the background.

Although we arrived at Montego Bay on a cruise ship, we choose our own slice of paradise by booking our own excursion through http://montegobayexcursions.biz  The Montego Bay Bengal Falls and White Water River Rafting Excursion allowed us to appreciate several natural attractions on the island.

The first part of our excursion took us on a scenic drive to Bengal Falls. Our guide then led our group on a short walk through the rain forest to the beautiful hidden falls. The cascading water pours over a natural path carved out by the river, so we traipsed over large rocks and boulders (with the strong helping hand of our guide) to several thundering cascades—and a wonderful back massage as we allowed the invigorating water to pour over us.  We also climbed and splashed around gentle pools and thoroughly enjoyed the refreshing interlude.

Our guide then led us to inflatable rafts at the edge of the river. Safety gear and instructions were given before we started the scenic journey downstream. With the captain steering the raft from the rear, guests navigated the craft on the Rio Bueno River through class one and two rapids--gentle and suitable for family groups. Actually, the current mostly carried us along, so paddling was minimal, which gave plenty of time to admire the jungle landscape and listen to the birds onshore.

At one point, in a calm area under almond trees, we stopped and took turns flying on the rope swing, dropping into the cool water. After the brief break we resumed our spots on the raft and let the currents carry us over a few more rapids. We passed under an old stone bridge as we made our way towards the Caribbean Sea.

The river eventually opened up to the sea, and we arrived at a private beach at the end of Bengal Bay. This lovely tropical setting, filled with blooming pink bougainvillea, was the perfect place to relax with a cool drink, listen to some reggae music, and shuffle our feet in the sand.

As the day ended we agreed that Jamaica was indeed the Island of All Right.

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Yellowstone's bright colored hot springs explained

Brilliantly colored hot springs in Yellowstone National Park

One of the key attractions of Yellowstone National Park (beyond geysers, canyons, and wildlife) is the brilliantly colored thermal springs.  You may have seen stunning images of bright turquoise, deep blue, and clear green rings in these steamy pools.

Amid all the geothermal wonders of the park, Grand Prismatic Spring and surrounding springs are among the most wondrous and beautiful. When fur trapper Osborne Russell wrote the earliest description of the park in 1839, he featured Grand Prismatic Spring, Yellowstone’s largest single hot spring and the world’s third largest hot spring.

Reflections in the steamy hot springs at Yellowstone.

Steam suspended in the air above the enormous spring reflects the colors of the rainbow.
Scientists explain the brilliant hues as the result of a complicated interplay of underwater vents and spans of bacteria.

In the case of Morning Glory Pool, located at the end of a path by Old Faithful, scientists at Montana State University were able to simulate what the pool looked like between the 1880s (when temperatures were significantly higher and colors more vibrant) and 1940s when an accumulation of coins, trash, and rocks lowered the pool’s temperature, killed some of the bacteria mats, and shifted its appearance to orange-yellow-green hues.

We didn't expect to see such incredibly beautiful colors in the springs.

Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 hot springs and geysers and is the largest geyser field in the world. Some geysers erupt 300 times annually, while others, such as Steamboat Geyser, may not erupt for 50 years.  One of the best places to see these steam vents is Upper Geyser Basin, located between Old Faithful (which erupts every 92 minutes) and Biscuit Basin Road. Within a span less than half a mile wide are countless geothermal features including more than 150 geysers and hot springs.

Old Faithful erupting in
Yellowstone National Park

Other notable areas to see when visiting Yellowstone National Park include Lower Geyser Basin, Fountain Paint Pots, Roaring Mountain, Artist’s Paint Pots, West Thumb Geyser Basin, Norris Geyser Basin (Yellowstone’s hottest basin at 459 degrees F), Mud Volcano near the center of the caldera, and Mammoth HotSprings where about two tons of travertine limestone (calcium carbonate) are deposited in terraces every day.

Plan to spend several hours on boardwalks surrounding these steamy vents to appreciate this unique and amazing example of biologic interactions in nature. Don’t be deterred by a possible rotten egg odor which results when bacteria eat the sulfur and create sulfuric acid which then evaporates as smelly hydrogen sulfide gas. The colorful hot springs are a unique example of nature’s beauty you won’t want to miss.

Photos by Beverly Burmeier

 

 

 

 

Don't let the flu bug bite when traveling

Getting sick is never fun, but it’s especially annoying—or worse--on vacation. Traveling can be hazardous to your health, since eating and sleeping schedules are often different from your usual times. You’re likely to be exposed to new germs, and re-circulated air during flights can be dehydrating . All of these things can weaken your immune system and leave you vulnerable to illness.

It’s especially important to be vigilant about healthy practices during the winter cold and flu season. If you’re traveling, keep these tips in mind.

Get plenty of rest prior to leaving, and sleep enroute, if possible. At your destination, try to get on schedule quickly and continue to get sufficient rest to allow recovery from the stresses of travel. Having a flu shot a few weeks prior to leaving can lessen your chances of getting the flu.

Wash your hands regularly. It’s the single most important thing to do. Your hands touch so many items and surfaces that strangers have also touched, but keeping hands clean (and away from your face) can help you avoid another person’s germs.

Clean surfaces with antibacterial wipes, including arm rests and seat trays on airplanes and other public transportation. If you’re feeling even mildly ill, help prevent the spread of germs by wiping down surfaces you touch.

Drink water. Skip sodas and alcoholic drinks that can further dehydrate your body, especially when flying. Bring an empty bottle through security and fill it up once you’re at the gate, so you’re not dependent on flight attendants’ serving times.

Bring basic first aid supplies. In addition to prescription medications you might require, include bandages, pain reliever, eye drops, nasal spray, anti-diarrhea pills, decongestants, antacid tablets, antibiotics, and motion sickness pills. A pack of tissues also comes in handy—and use one when you must cough or sneeze.  Then wash your hands.

Bring your own travel pillow and blanket on long flights. Despite being placed in plastic bags, the pillows and blankets on airplanes are not cleaned after every flight and could harbor germs from the previous user. Your own might also come in handy in hotels.

Ask to change seats when someone next to you is coughing or sneezing. If you’re particularly susceptible to germs, wearing a face mask might be an effective alternative. Check out the cool, comfortable, and fun masks at Tutem.

Move around. Whether traveling by car, train, bus, or plane, walk around when you can, or exercise at your seat if you’re stuck there awhile. Moving your body helps with circulation, and it can prevent deep vein thrombosis or blood clots in your legs. Besides, you’ll feel better.

Taking simple precautions to prevent illness is better than trying to recover later--Beverly Burmeier

Plan a grand vacation with the grandkids

It’s not too early to start planning spring break or summer vacations, especially if you’re a grandparent or parent who wants to include the kids. Multi-generational travel is more popular than ever with nearly 30 percent of traveling grandparents including a grandchild in this bonding experience. You can plan a trip to a national park or favorite destination on your own, or choose an organized tour specially designed for different generations. 

White water rafting in Costa Rica is a great adventure for older kids.

Many travel companies offer vacation packages geared to grandparents and grandchildren. This is a great way to go because other travelers are in the same demographic. All the details are planned with two generations in mind, and there are usually some activities specifically for the kids and others geared for adults as well as those that combine generations. Typically summer vacation packages are geared for children from age seven through teens, but check on specific activities to find tours that appeal to the interests of your family group.



Seeing wildlife in their natural habitat on African safari
is life-changing for all ages.

National Geographic Expeditions family trips feature itineraries that span the globe and offer enriching, hands-on travel experiences that will inspire all the explorers in your family . Adventures are geared to children ages seven to 17 and cover destinations as varied as Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks, Alaska, China, Ireland, Spain, Tanzania, Costa Rica, and Australia during the months of June, July, August, and December.

Road Scholar (formerly Elderhostel)   (800-454-5768) offers educational vacations in the U.S. and abroad for adults 55 and over. Popular intergenerational trips include Costa Rica and Cuba for college-age children and an African Safari in the Serengeti designed for children ages 7-11.




Glaciers in Alaska will wow even the most tech-dependent kids.

Sierra Club (415-977-5522) offers a week-long outing for grandparents and grandkids in Tahoe National Forest, California. Participants can help maintain the  forest while enjoying environmentally-geared activities.

Grandtravel (800-247-7651) offers Adventures by Disney tours with destinations to European countries, Alaska, and New Zealand. Some are geared especially to teens while others are suitable for younger children, too.

Generations Touring Company (888-415-9100) is a voluntour outfit that works like a travel agency dedicated to volunteering and humanitarian vacations. But they focus on projects that cater to the vacationer rather than the gung-ho volunteer--excursions are light on labor, but the mix is still a worthwhile bonding experience.

Feeding a dolphin at Sea World with one of my grandchildren.

Rafting America Families that crave outdoor adventure may choose a white water rafting excursion. Tours can accommodate youngsters from age five or get wild enough to challenge teens. In addition to the excitement of navigating a river on a raft, tours provide kid-friendly meals, river games (both on the river and off), teach kids the basics of whitewater commands, and share guide stories and whitewater lingo.



Cruise ships offer kid-friendly thrills like this ropes course--fun
for parents or grandparents, too.

Other options: Nature tour  company International Expeditions designates certain tour dates from their regular itineraries as family excursions. Or consider taking a cruise, where there’s a variety of activities to keep everyone happy. Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Princess are known for programs appealing to all ages. www.cruisesforfamilies.com (877-386-9243)

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

Why do you travel?

Have you ever thought about why you choose to travel?

Are you curious about other parts of our planet?  Desire to know more about other cultures? To see beautiful scenery and natural wonders? To have unusual or challenging adventures? To broaden your educational and life experiences? To meet new people?

 

Getting acquainted with Maasai women in northern Tanzania, Africa.

Each of us has our reasons—which can change from trip to trip--but the bottom line is that travel enriches our lives in many ways. Its effect is multi-dimensional and often inspirational, whether a trip covers a few days or months at a time.

Trying out native dress worn by
women in the Highlands of Peru.

Studies have shown that money spent on travel experiences makes us happier than money spent on material items.  Memories often last longer than material goods, and the feelings of fulfillment definitely do.

Travel affects our ability to get along with others. We become more social and flexible and learn to adapt to different situations and cultures.

Travelers learn how to solve problems, which boosts confidence. We gain a broader perspective of the world and other ways of life and that often leads us to appreciate our own circumstances more. 

Traveling gives us experiences to share with our companions. Breaking away from routine can also be relaxing and rejuvenating, both individually and for couples. Travel can also be a great bonding experience for family members of different generations.



Yoga on a redwood tree in Humboldt Redwoods State Park in California

Travel allows us to be adventurous. It can provide opportunities to try new activities and to challenge yourself physically and mentally.  It might even set you on a new life course.

Observing beautiful scenes and landscapes creates a sense of awe about our natural world and encourages us to protect the environment and the remarkable places on our earth. We also marvel about man-made wonders and appreciate the ingenuity of mankind.

Gorgeous reflections of Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.

No matter why you travel, it’s almost sure to have a positive impact on your life. So stop dreaming and start planning your next trip.

Where do you want to go next?

 

Photos from our travels by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

 

Pack like a pro (and avoid baggage fees)

A large duffel bag may be all
you need for a short trip.

Most airlines now charge for a checked bag, so passengers cram as much as possible into their wheeled carry-ons. And (bummer) a few airlines have begun charging for bags you bring onboard the plane.

The most typical fee for a checked bag for U.S. airlines is $25 each way or $50 for a round-trip flight, but you can often avoid that by traveling with carry-ons only.

These packing tips can help you fit up to a week’s worth of clothes and necessary items into the maximum-size carry-on, which is 22 x 14 x 9 inches (Even so, you might be required to gate check your bag on smaller planes).

Don't be this person!

1. Make a list of what you’ll need—then follow it. You can have a general list that covers any travel; then add specific items needed for the current trip.

2. Before starting to fill your suitcase, set aside the clothing items you plan to take—then put at least a third of those items back. Same with jewelry and personal care items. Do you really need three gold necklaces and four lipsticks? Most hotels supply shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion, so you can leave yours at home.



Choose a soft side bag with wheels.

3. A soft-side bag will stretch to accommodate over-stuffing, unlike hard-shell luggage. Wheels are necessary—no longer a luxury--as are strong zippers and reinforced corners. Stash travel documents or other items you might need on arrival in outside pockets.

4. Packing pros recommend rolling rather than folding clothes. Shirts, pants, and skirts take up less space and wrinkle less when rolled. Or purchase bags specially made for vacuum packing these items.

Rolled clothes take up less space and wrinkle less.

5. Stuff small items like socks and underwear (and chargers) into shoes or other odd-shaped items. After your main wardrobe is packed, slip these small items into the nooks and crannies. Mesh bags of various sizes can help keep socks, sleepwear, and T-shirts organized.

6. When traveling to a cold destination, wear jacket, boots, and scarf on the plane. These items take up too much space in a suitcase, and chances are you can stash them in an overhead bin if they’re too bulky at your seat. That coat might even make a good pillow if you want to sleep.

7. You’re allowed to carry on a personal item, so make sure it counts. A large shoulder, duffel, or tote bag can hold a week-end's worth of clothes and a computer thus increasing your packable space. Just be sure it will fit under the seat or in the overhead bin of smaller planes for take-off and landing.

A neatly packed suitcase

8. Packing liquids can be a problem when you’re not checking a bag. You can’t take a jar of barbeque sauce to your friends or sneak in a bottle of wine purchased on your trip. The TSA limits liquids to 3.4 ounces or less per container, and all of these together must fit into a quart-size plastic zip bag. That’s a tall order for women who typically have a variety of personal care and cosmetic items.

Instead of packing liquid perfume, deodorant, sunscreen, insect repellent, make-up remover, etc., switch to solids and wipes. Many hygiene products now are designed in sizes and composition that meet the regulations of air travel.  

9. Realize that you don't need a different outfit for each day of travel (will you ever see these people again?).  A pair of all-purpose shoes (sandals or ballet flats can work for day or night) saves a lot of space. Bonus--lighter luggage is easier on your back and shoulders if you need to lift it into overhead bins, and it's more maneuverable in tight spaces like the aisle of an airplane.

All photos from free sites.

How to Get Really Close to a Polar Bear

Sparring is a form of play-fighting for male polar bears.

Read my story "How to Get Really Close to a Polar Bear" in NowU, USA Today publication, about traveling to Churchill, Manitoba, Canada to see polar bears in their natural habitat.
http://www.nowu.com/article/travel/the-bounties-of-bear-country/20752879/

In addition to observing polar bear activities, we observed beautiful sunsets and sunrises in the frigid tundra climate.

Sunset over the tundra landscape on our first excursion into the wild.

Another bonus--we also saw the Northern Lights!

Spectacular green Northern Lights illuminate the cold, clear sky.

http://www.nowu.com/article/travel/the-bounties-of-bear-country/20752879/

Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier

Driving through Peru highlands to Colca Canyon

Jarenta plant is 100 years old
and hard as a rock.

As we continue our day-long drive to Colca Canyon in southern Peru, we ascend higher than 18,000 feet—and the effects of lower oxygen levels are definitely taking effect. When I complain of a headache, our local guide Bernice checks my palms to see of my blood vessels are turning dark. Reassured that this will pass (it does as soon as we start our descent), she points out flora including the jarenta plant, an extremely hard, large green plant resembling a rock. This plant is about 100 years old, growing very slowly in the harsh climate of this high altitude.

We pass the “under rocks,” the oldest rocks in the Andes, as well as the caldera of a volcano. Eventually we start descending, driving on a series of “switchback” roads. There’s a fair amount of traffic as we approach Chivay, largest town in the province, on the upper Colca River at the bottom of the canyon.



The land is terraced in order to grow crops on the sloping hills.

In the 15^th century, long before a group of Polish rafters descended to the river on the canyon floor in 1981 bringing it to the world’s attention, the Inca and pre-Inca cultures had developed the area agriculturally with an incredibly complex network of irrigation channels and terraces. These agricultural terraces cover the hillsides even today. Every three to four levels create different micro-climates with specific characteristics for growing crops.  The same terraces are still cultivated on this rugged terrain by the Incas just as their ancestors did.



The market in Chivay provides goods and services for local people.

We stop to walk through the Chivay market, a sort of supermarket or outdoor mall. Held once or twice a week, people come to buy everything from fresh produce to cooking oil, dish soap, brooms, clothes and shoes---even to get a haircut. The women are dressed in colorful skirts, blouses, and jackets—it looks ceremonial, but it’s what they wear every day.  We also take a peek in the church, since that’s the most important building in any of the Highland communities. Soon we’re on our way to beautiful, but remote, Colca Lodge, Spa & Hot Springs where we’ll spend two nights.  

Majestic Andean condors ride the thermals between the canyon walls.

The next morning we rise early and drive to Colca Canyon where we hope to see gigantic Andean condors soaring on the thermal air masses that develop between the 10,000-high canyon walls. Almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, Colca Canyon’s grandeur comes from rock towers that go on for miles, thermal springs, and giant birds like the condors sailing overhead.



We hiked along the rim of the canyon.

Larry soothes his muscles in
one of the hot springs at
Colca Canyon Lodge and Spa.

With each excursion we appreciate the area’s charm and uniqueness even more: Alpacas, llamas and herds of wild vicuñas populate the terrain, while Incan ruins, quaint Franciscan churches and small indigenous towns perched on canyon rims reveal the history of Peru. We spy overnight hikers on a ledge on the opposite canyon wall but are grateful that we can return to our lodge after our own modest hike and a relaxing soak in the hot springs there.

 Photos by Larry and Beverly Burmeier