Adventures for Anyone

Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Back to Marissa's List With Venice!

This week as I perused my friend's bucket lists, I ran across that wonderful country of Italy on Marissa's list. This time of year, my attention turns to Venice and all of the unique things it has to offer the world of travel. So, here we go...Venice!

Venice is in the far northeast corner of Italy and if you don't like water, not for you. Sitting in between the Po and Piave Rivers, this metropolitan area of 118 islands connected by I don't know how many canals and crossed by 400 bridges is entirely about water. There's also the lagoons and the Adriatic Sea. If you want to go to the beach, visit in the summer. They are numerous and beautiful.

As far as the islands go, there are private islands, garden islands, village islands, fishing islands, and of course Murano.

Murano is known for its art glass around the world. This colorful island community is a water taxi or Vaporetto away and a great place to spend some time. There are five glass companies on the island, three glass factories to tour and a ton of shops to buy the beautiful creations made in the factories. There are shops, restaurants and all kinds of colorful things to see.

Probably the second most visited island is Burano, which is famous for their cookies. Not joking, but a great place to spend some time.

I always advise that when visiting a city, to get out of the city center and find some of the less touristy parts of town. I would definitely say to visit a garden island or a fishing island or whatever. Broaden the horizons.

Venice is one of a handful of cities around the world that really shouldn't exist due to its geographic location. It was built as a port prior to the 1,000's and has flourished through several different regimes and rulers, to become part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866. The city center in the modern era boasts about 260,000 residents while the entire metropolitan area boasts roughly 2.6 million. It has been home to such celebrities as the explorer Marco Polo and the infamous Giacomo Casanova. It was the location for Shakespeare's Othello and the obvious Merchant of Venice.

Venice is more than a place, it's a culture. The local sport is Volga Alla Veneta, a rowing sport that holds several regattas a year. It's done in gondolas and the athletes stand throughout the races.

Gondolas are a great way to get around, but they are highly for cruises and set up for tourists. If you want to take what I would call a regular gondola, there are Traghettos. These multi passenger gondolas are comparable to water taxis in New York. There are also Vaporetto which are water buses and the cheapest way to get around by mass transit. The one thing you probably won't do in Venice is drive. There are a few areas where you can and a couple of islands, but for the most part, you will either walk or travel by some sort of floating craft.

We've all heard a lot about Venice over the years, and architecture is one of the big reasons to visit this amazing city. The cathedrals, palaces, basilicas and bridges are creations of legend. The styles range from Gothic to Baroque to Renaissance to Rococo. There's so much to look at that it can be overwhelming. For this reason, I would recommend a local tour if you don't want to miss anything. Maybe a couple of them. Walking tours are great. Gondola tours are also fabulous. You have to ride a gondola while in Venice. If you don't at least take one up the Grand Canal, you'll be missing a right of passage of every tourist. St. Mark's Square and Basilica are something that you have to see, along with the Basilicas of di Santa Maria and St. Anthony. You should visit Doge's Palace where Casanova was incarcerated and his home across the canal. There are hundreds of other great places to see, but those are the musts for the first time visitor.

There are over 400 licensed gondoliers in Venice. There are dozens of different kinds of services and tours they provide. But, what's the best? That varies. If you want to see the most popular parts of Venice, take a standard tour that will cover the Grand Canal, the bridge at Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Square. If you're being romantic, take one with a serenade. Be aware, most gondoliers don't sing. If you want to get a bit off the beaten path, take one that goes to the Jewish Ghetto of Venice. There, you can see unique architecture and even visit a museum. Like most major cities in Europe, the Jewish Quarter was necessary for the Jewish folks to preserve their way of life at the time that it was constructed.

When traveling anywhere, you will have to eat and want to shop. Venice has you covered. The city hosts shopping streets, stands, massive malls, and luxury shopping areas. Restaurants are everywhere and have all kinds of food. The food is primarily seafood, but other than that, varied. There are several different Italian cuisines represented with very little local specialties. Venice was such a melting pot during their height of being a trade hub that they absorbed a lot of different cuisines and several are still represented. Needless to say, you won't get hungry, and you will be able to find a great place to eat outside with a view.

Venice is known as a city of romance, leisure, and luxury; also history and beauty. You will enjoy the sea, the water, the canals, the gondolas, hotels in old palaces, ancient basilicas and great food. It's a place of mystery, as most people don't know that Casanova wrote his own story. You can take a night tour that will cover any ghosts or mysterious tales of the city. They can normally be arranged by the concierge at your hotel.

But, what should you know about visiting Venice? First, know that the best time I believe to visit is either in late May or in September. The winters are wet, the summers are crowded. Unless you feel the need to hang out at the beach and go swimming, I wouldn't visit in the summer.

As has been reported for decades, Venice encounters more and more water issues. The city is built on water, with most buildings standing on ancient wood pilings. St. Mark's Square was indeed flooded not long ago. Keep all of that in mind when planning a trip to the city.

How do you get there? I would say, fly. It's easy to arrange transportation from the airport into the city. Don't drive. It's just not worth it. You can take a train. Transportation is once again easy to arrange into the center of the city.

Where to stay? I'd say on this one to stay in the center of the city. This does get to be expensive, but Venice is expensive. It's a luxury trip and not something you will do on a dime. Spend the extra and stay in the center of the city. There are apartments to rent that may be far less than a hotel.

Should you take a tour? You could. Dozens of cruise lines go to Venice. It's easy to take an Adriatic cruise and book day tours through the ship. It's also easy to find a tour company to take you around Venice. I recommend talking with your concierge about local tours. You could also book a local tour online. Sometimes, if you intend to stay several days in the city, you could schedule several different local tours and see exactly what you want to. Tours By Locals, is a favorite of mine.

The other way to look at this is that you may not want a tour. Most of the sites that you will see on a first trip are so famous that they aren't hard to find. Transportation is plentiful and lots of people speak English who work in tourism. It's entirely up to you whether or not you want to book tours. I would for some things and not for others. Personal preference.

Ah, Venice. The amazing city of canals is home to one of the most famous Carnivals in the world. The event had fallen to the wayside, but the amazing Venetians revived the tradition in the 1980's and it blossomed into the massive event that exists today. This year, Carnival runs from February 12th to March 1st, 2022. There are parties, contests, and dinner shows, and balls throughout Carnival. It's one of the world's largest parties. It's the single most crowded time of year, and the most expensive time to visit. Costumes are elaborate and commonly seen on guests all around town.

My advice is if you visit during Carnival, don't be scared of Covid-19, be prepared to spend a lot of money on at least one costume for the event, book events ahead of time, and brace yourself for a loud giant party everywhere you go. Sounds like a lot of fun to me, but if that's not for you, wait until May.

So, there you have it. Venice. It's one of the most unique cities in the world. There are numerous festivals, including a world renowned film festival to attend. There are islands to visit, gondolas to ride, shopping, eating and architecture. There's so much to look at that a good week should be spent in that single city. It's a once in a lifetime trip to take, and it's something that may be falling into the sea. So, now is the time to visit Venice and enjoy!

https://www.visit-venice-italy.com/carnival-venice-italy-balls.html

https://www.silversea.com/landing-why-silversea-4-1.html?CID=PS_M_BS_FT_US_PRO_GNL__BS_FT_USA_PRO_GEN_ALL_EXPAD_NWS4V1&?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NAM_genericsretargeting__non-location&utm_content=textad&&msclkid=92bb3c17d7c810e70f975e13d60b14ca&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=B_US_Generic_Core_Retargeting_ALL_est5114&utm_term=cruise&utm_content=NB_Core_PHM&gclid=CPu3sbCa8_UCFV0NiAkddFQBxw&gclsrc=ds

https://www.ncl.com/port-of-call/venice-trieste-cruises?cid=PS_TSI_DESTMED_NBDDST_BIN-o_LEN_SRH_NA_cruise%20to%20venice%20italy_76690952539900_NA?cid=PS_TSI_DESTMED_NBDDST_BIN-o_LEN_SRH_NA_cruise%20to%20venice%20italy_76690952539900_NA

https://www.venicecruise.com/?source=bing&cn=cruiseregionsports&ag=venice&msclkid=a788f4e0b1e916fb03a096e4b02aafa6

https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans/destinations/italy/index.html?cid=SEM|BNG|999|c_73554934_kwd-27347905378:loc-4086_77446995886883&utm_id=sem:NB-Search-Oceans-Italy&utm_content=VOC-US-BNG-NB-Core-Italy&msclkid=c9483b8bb6bd16837054598fb77e5bac&gclid=c9483b8bb6bd16837054598fb77e5bac&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-to/venice-italy

https://www.cruisecritic.com/cruiseto/cruiseitineraries.cfm?portofcall=71

https://www.msccruisesusa.com/cruise/destinations/mediterranean/italy-cruises/venice

https://www.pocruises.com/ports/venice-italy?otprrf=https_search.yahoo.com%2F

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-from/venice-italy?&country=USA

https://www.expedia.com/Hotel-Search?HotelID=917744&destination=Venice%2C%20Veneto%2C%20Italy&endDate=2022-02-10&langid=1033&msclkid=b90eddf98779169609c2bffd859d40f1&regionId=3687&selected=917744&semcid=US.UB.BING.PT-c-EN.HOTEL&semdtl=&sort=RECOMMENDED&startDate=2022-02-09&theme=&useRewards=false&userIntent=&utm_campaign=USA%3AENG%3A%24%3APT%3AEMEA%3AITA%3AM%3ANC%3A%3A&utm_content=USA%3AENG%3A%24%3APT%3AEMEA%3AITA%3AXX%3AVenice%3A179981%3AHotel_Al_Ponte_Antico%3APE917744%3AM%3ANC%3A&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=al%20ponte%20antico%20hotel

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g187870-Venice_Veneto-Vacations.html

https://travel.usnews.com/Venice_Italy/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/venice

https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/venice

https://www.onetravel.com/booknow/cheap-flight-fares?fpaffiliate=ot-bing-generic&fpSub=Generic_Phrase_ATLAS_Global&utm_term=cheap%20travel&msclkid=9ab9a1173a181c403c94c31338fc4f6b&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Generic_Phrase_ATLAS_Global&utm_content=product%3Dcheaptravel

https://travel.gocollette.com/en/landing-pages/media_ppc?cm_mmc=Bing%20PPC-_-Non%20Brand-_-%5bSearch%5d%5bClassics%5d%5bUSA%5d%20NB%3a%20Country%20-%20Italy-_-EMBD_Broad&campaign=329731227&campaign_type=NB&msclkid=5765963c9d781c42e286f4389ef3b675&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=[Search][Classics][USA]%20NB:%20Country%20-%20Italy&utm_term=EMBD_Tours_Dest:All_Category:All&utm_content=EMBD_Broad

https://www.travelocity.com/Vacation-Packages?SEMCID=TRAVELOCITY-US.UB.BING.GT-c-EN.EPACKAGE&SEMDTL=a1412282776.b11198468322568920.r1.g1kwd-74904466342707:loc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k11910.f1.n1.l1o.h1p.m1&msclkid=927ca3dfd12b177a1bd1c1dbd2a0d371&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TVLY%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%25%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AX%3AX%3Acatchall%3A&utm_term=%2Btraval&utm_content=TVLY%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%25%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3ATravel%3A

https://www.venice-travel-guide.com/

https://www.tripsavvy.com/venice-travel-guide-and-attractions-1548175

https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/italy/venice

https://www.veniceitaly-travel.com/en/index.htm

https://veneziaautentica.com/tips-first-trip-in-venice-italy/

https://intentionaltravelers.com/italy-travel-restrictions/

https://www.booking.com/searchresults.en-gb.html?aid=1181029;label=msn-8caYRsh%2AztOCjlvPOfOH8Q-14135298609%3Atidat-138074246648%3Aaud-808219487%3Aloc-190%3Aneo%3Amtb%3Alp44736%3Adec%3Aqspalace%20venice%20italy;sid=6fa42b541f79590d3113661500e9b2fe;city=-132007;expand_sb=1;highlighted_hotels=2278009;hlrd=no_dates;keep_landing=1;redirected=1;source=hotel&msclkid=19005583a13413ee94453787a578672d&utm_campaign=English_United_States%20EN%20US&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=8caYRsh%2AztOCjlvPOfOH8Q&room1=A,A,;

https://palazzoducale.visitmuve.it/en/home/

https://www.venice-museum.com/doge-palace.php

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Products-g187870-zfg11865-a_contentId.1176477727652532+268395677-Venice_Veneto.html

https://veneziaautentica.com/venice-gondola/

https://www.gondola-rides-venice.com/

https://theromanguy.com/tours/italy/venice-gondola-tours

https://www.glassofvenice.com/

https://www.visitmuranoglassfactory.com/

https://www.visitacity.com/en/venice/activities/all-activities?activitiesSearchByName=ycftno&sbi=Murano%20Island%20with%20Venetian&sbn_sec=tour&actid=9555P2&campaginid=418430539&adgroupid=1277632895761488&targetid=kwd-79852275356253:loc-190&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Venice%20ActivitiesAC%20G-US-In-EUR&utm_term=murano%20island%20with%20venetian%20venice%20tour&utm_content=Venice%20Tours%20-%20AI:9555P2

https://www.vivovenetia.com/glass-factory-venice/

http://www.vecchiamurano.it/

https://www.muranoglassitaly.com/murano-island/

https://italyexplained.com/getting-around-in-venice/

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/venice

http://www.ogvenice.com/getting-around.html

https://www.visitvenezia.eu/en/shopping

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/italy/articles/the-best-and-most-exclusive-shopping-malls-in-venice/

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-places-for-shopping-in-venice

https://italy.com/venice-shopping/

https://www.muranoglassitaly.com/shopping-in-venice-where-to-shop-in-venice/

https://www.globalblue.com/destinations/italy/top-shopping-streets-in-venice

https://www.venice-museum.com/st-marks-basilica.php

https://www.italyscapes.com/places/veneto/venice/churches/st-marks-basilica/

https://www.st-marks-basilica.com/

http://www.basilicasanmarco.it/?lang=en

https://www.thetravel.com/st-marks-square-venice-italy-guide/

https://www.planetware.com/venice/st-marks-square-i-vn-vpsm.htm

https://www.opentable.com/s?lang=en-us&covers=2&metroId=84&regionIds=245&neighborhoodIds=10298&cuisineIds=48e9d049-40cf-4cb9-98d9-8c47d0d58986&ref=15187&SP=ppc_b_us_nontm&mt=e&bmt=be&oiid=76141540278105&aid=1218259334601114&adid=76141321571542&tid=kwd-76141540278105:loc-190&d=c&nw=o&cmpid=382525253&msclkid=021adbf54ed81ab2b4ebb9f146ee4d32

https://www.visitacity.com/en/venice/activities/all-activities?activitiesSearchByName=food%20tour&sbi=Cicchetti,%20Ghost%20Stories,%20Rialto%20Market,%20Bacaro&sbn_sec=food%20tour&actid=&campaginid=418430539&adgroupid=1282030942441556&targetid=kwd-80127153105400:loc-190&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Venice%20ActivitiesAC%20G-US-In-EUR&utm_term=venice%20food%20tour&utm_content=Venice%20Food%20Tours%20-%20AI:

https://www.thefork.com/restaurants/venice-c577979

https://italybest.com/10-best-restaurants-in-venice-italy/

https://www.audleytravel.com/us/italy/places-to-go/venice?audcmp=286018280&audadg=1253443260777274&audkey=%2Bvenice%20%2Bvacation&auddev=c&audadid=78340341519010&audtrgt=kwd-78340204665445:loc-190&audtel=ppcnb&audnet=o&infinity=ict2~net~mac~ar~78340341519010~kr~78340204665445~kw~%2Bvenice%20%2Bvacation~mt~p~cmp~31-505%20Italy~ag~Italy%20-%20Place%20-%20Venice%20-%20Broad&msclkid=8185b1d2380713951ee4d3d630bc4a67&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=31-505%20Italy&utm_term=%2Bvenice%20%2Bvacation&utm_content=Italy%20-%20Place%20-%20Venice%20-%20Broad

https://www.timeout.com/venice/things-to-do/best-beaches-in-venice

https://www.venetoinside.com/discover-veneto/venice-art-cities/venice/areas/other-islands/

https://www.venetoinside.com/hidden-treasures/post/cell-giacomo-casanova-doges-palace-venice/

http://www.casanovasvenice.com/callecomedia

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187870-d194257-Reviews-Casa_di_Marco_Polo-Venice_Veneto.html

https://veneziaautentica.com/grand-canal-venice/

https://www.toursbylocals.com/Venice-Tours

https://www.firebirdtours.com/welcome/italy-tours?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=FT_Italy_EN_US&utm_term=italy%20tours&msclkid=eeaf32be07bf103f59d150ba0da7b43c&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=FT%20%7C%20Italy%20%7C%20EN%20%7C%20US&utm_term=italy%20tours&utm_content=Italy%20Tours%20%7C%20MT%3ABMM

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g187870-Activities-c42-t226-Venice_Veneto.html

https://www.livitaly.com/tour/venice-private-ghost-tour-with-gondola/

https://www.carnevale.venezia.it/en/

https://www.venice-carnival-italy.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g187870-d8820179-Reviews-Carnival_of_Venice-Venice_Veneto.html

https://www.state.gov/countries-areas/italy/

Wednesday, February 2, 2022

A Little Sidestep Into Embracing Winter! Northern, Arctic and Antarctic Travel in Winter!

Ah, winter. That season that makes you want to run away to a tropical paradise, curl up with a good book, do in home projects, or just be cozy. It can also make you stir crazy and want to do something a little nuts.

I'm a person who hates February. By that point, I've had enough of waiting for Spring. I also am not made for a tropical paradise. This leaves me in a bind. Going stir crazy is one of the hardest things to overcome when living in northern latitudes.

On top of being stir crazy in February, Covid-19 has rendered us all but travel free. Planes are dealing with nutjobs. Crossing borders can be tricky. Crowds are to be avoided. Therefore, I give you northern winter travel. I also give you extreme southern winter travel. One thing you don't see much of is Covid amongst people who spend their time in frozen areas outside.

I know what you're thinking. She's nuts. Maybe, but I've done this. I've been to car racing on a lake. I've been to St. Petersburg in January. I've been on vacation inside a mall for days in Edmonton in February. Let me tell you. You don't have to ski, snow machine, snowboard, or ice fish to enjoy the winter. You can be a plain old boring tourist and have a great time.

Let's start with the basics; accommodation. Have you ever wondered what an ice hotel was really like? They have them in several locations now, including Alaska. If you don't want to get a passport for an exotic frozen adventure, there you go. You can stay in Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Canada, and Russia in an ice hotel, but Alaska has one too. You don't have to be active, young, talented on skis or anything to stay at an ice hotel. Most of the ice hotels have local activities to go along with your experience. You can meet the local Sami and their reindeer. You can go dog sledding. You can see the northern lights. You can experience Banya, Sauna, and even drinking vodka right out of holes in a lake. It's your choice.

Dog sledding is one of the most universal winter activities/sports in the world. If it's something that you've always wanted to do, you can do it almost anywhere that there's snow. Nunavut even has winter tours that include dog sledding. So, if you ever wanted to go to the North Pole, there you go. There's a winter tour to Svalbard. This is the island at the top of the world. It will be dark, but you WILL see the northern lights, you WILL travel by dog sled and you WILL see some of the most amazing terrain in the world.

Winter is dark in the northern parts of the world. However, the people are hearty and warm. In Iceland, you can go out and do any number of things in the winter and enjoy the blue light. In a lot of northern areas, it never gets to be bright sunlight during the day in the winter. It's called the blue light and it's the direct opposite of the summer's white nights.

There are northern lights tours all over the world. Most recently Atlas Obscura joined the ranks with an offering of a tour from St. Petersburg to Murmansk in Russia. They are all guided tours with special accommodations to bring out the best of the northern lights. They also include many other activities and the chance to experience life in a completely different culture.

In many places, festivals are held in the middle of winter. In Quebec City, they have one of the world's most famous winter festivals. It lasts for weeks and visitors get a chance to see competition, participate in activities and try local food. In Quebec City you can take a ride on the icy toboggan run and learn to sculpt ice, in addition to many other things.

In Fairbanks, Alaska, they hold the world championship of ice sculpting. Artists come from all over the world to compete and they have a great festival to go with it. There's an ice hotel in the area, and Alaska is famous for their dog sledding. It's an all around win in a climate that you probably aren't used to.

On Moosehead Lake in Northern Maine on most Saturdays in February you can watch car racing. Right on the ice. On some weekends they have snow machine drag racing too. In February they also have a local chocolate festival. It's a great time. I can personally vouch for that.

There are so many ways to take a chance and enjoy the great north in winter. But, if you have to be extravagant, there's always Antarctica. It's their version of summer down there in winter, but visitors are limited. Once again, you won't get into much of a crowd. You can take a cruise, which is highly recommended. You can go on ship, icebreaker, or even sail to Antarctica on a schooner. It's a once in a lifetime experience and shouldn't be missed if you have the time.

Churchill, Manitoba is another great arctic destination. They are famous for their tundra buggies that take visitors out to have a real life encounter with polar bears. It's the only place in the world you can do that, and what an adventure.

Iceland. There you can do just about anything year round. You can take four wheel drive tours year round to see the sights of Iceland. Winter doesn't phase these locals one bit. The great thing about Iceland is the swimming. From the spa at the Blue Lagoon to over 300 swimming venues around the country, you can just ignore the cold and enjoy a swim. They have both outdoor and indoor facilities. There are hot springs, pools, and water parks available. It's a must experience in summer or winter, but in winter you get to see the Norther Lights.

So, let's say you aren't hearty enough to spend your time outside in the cold to beat the winter blues. That's okay. A few years back I found the best alternative in the world. I went to stay at a mall. The West Edmonton Mall is the largest mall in North America. I spent four days there and had a great time. The entire time it was below zero outside. I spent the day in an indoor water park and even went zip lining. I went to an amusement park and rode rides. I went to the movies. I celebrated Chinese New Year in a Chinatown. I watched the winter Olympics on Bourbon Street. I played mini golf, went to the movies, went to an aquarium and tried all kinds of food and drink. I also went shopping. My hotel was right in the mall, and it was an amazing time.

Don't think that you should try to go to Canada during a pandemic? That's okay. Minneapolis is home to the Mall of America, and you can visit that one. Also an amazing super mall with tons of things to do.

I took a few years and experimented with ways to survive the winter blues, and I've come to know that doing something a little crazy is the best way. You can throw caution to the wind and do something amazing. It will bust up those winter blahs. There are a lot of ways to have fun in the frozen depths of winter, and I wholeheartedly recommend giving some of them a try. Stay in an ice hotel, race on a lake, see the Northern Lights, or take an indoor vacation in a super mall. Whatever it is, embrace the winter and enjoy!

https://www.atlasobscura.com/unusual-trips/arctic-russia

https://iceland.nordicvisitor.com/travel-deals/winter-travel/?rf=m055-23&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=winter%20arctic%20tours&utm_content=iceland+winter+tour+s+23&utm_campaign=IS+m055+iceland+winter&msclkid=c5df2677132c14086f35478df407f38c

https://www.aurora-expeditions.com/destination/antarctica-cruises/

https://www.goarctica.com/winter-tours

https://www.fiftydegreesnorth.com/us/tour/spitsbergen-arctic-darkness

https://hughrosephotography.com/tour/winter-arctic-alaska-and-northern-lights/

https://travelnunavut.ca/nunavut-svoffers/arctic-discovery-winter-2/

https://northernalaska.com/tours/arctic-circle-winter-drive-adventure/

https://www.kensingtontours.com/travels/tours/iceland?c3api=bing,1298523449565795,81157848586536&iv_=__iv_m_e_c_81157765884065_k_81157848586536_w_kwd-81157848586536:aud-805956192:loc-4086_g_1298523449565795_n_o_e__h_44736_ii__p_2_b_be_d_c_vi__&mkwid=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81157765884065%7Cpkw%7Ciceland%20northern%20lights%20tour%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1298523449565795%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81157848586536:aud-805956192:loc-4086%7C&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BING-Iceland-November%202019&utm_term=iceland%20northern%20lights%20tour&utm_content=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81157765884065%7Cpkw%7Ciceland%20northern%20lights%20tour%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1298523449565795%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81157848586536:aud-805956192:loc-4086%7C&pgrid=1298523449565795&ptaid=kwd-81157848586536:aud-805956192:loc-4086&msclkid=5f8ef8b1941a1186f474994b7cb77552

https://www.nathab.com/alaska-northern-adventures/northern-lights-tour/?utm_content=northern%20light%20tour&utm_source=Bing_Yahoo&utm_medium=cpc&msclkid=8453793d28971abb34e918c7c03a715d&utm_campaign=Search%20-%20Northern%20Lights&utm_term=northern%20lights%20trips

https://www.tourradar.com/v/region-northern-lights

https://www.nordicvisitor.com/europe-tours/scandinavia-northern-lights/

https://alaskatours.com/alaska-natural-attractions/alaska-northern-lights/

https://www.re.is/northern-lights-tours/

https://www.tourradar.com/i/canada-northern-lights

https://northernlighttromso.com/

https://authentic-scandinavia.com/themes/finland-winter-tours

https://www.globaljourneys.com/tours/finland/winter

https://www.tourradar.com/u/d-winter-2021-finland

https://www.baltictravelcompany.com/finland-winter-holidays/

https://authentic-scandinavia.com/tours/winter-finland-ice-hotel-hurtigruten

https://www.tourstolapland.com/tours/winter-sweden-finland

https://www.56thparallel.com/russia-tours/northern-lights-arctic-winter-magic/

https://russianarctictravel.com/tours/

https://anotherrussia.com/arctic-circle/4-days-winter/

https://www.56thparallel.com/trip-style/russia-winter-tours/

https://www.smarttravel.ee/holiday/murmansk-winter-discovery-tour/

https://www.kolatravel.com/ktor13.htm

https://www.globaljourneys.com/tours/norway/winter

https://www.norwaynutshell.com/winter-tours-in-norway/

https://nordicsaga.com/norway-independent-winter-packages

https://www.fjordtravel.no/tours-cruises-norway/winter-christmas-tours/

https://www.truenaturesweden.com/winter-experience-tours

https://www.wildsweden.com/winter-tours

https://www.vacationsbyrail.com/tours/northern-lights-winter-nights/

https://www.andersonvacation.com/canada-winter-tours

https://arctictourscanada.rezdy.com/catalog/339451/winter-hotel-packages

https://www.globaljourneys.com/trip/apt-utw15

https://www.canadianbucketlist.com/canadas-top-10-winter-festivals/

https://wfol.com/

https://www.carnifest.com/winterlude-ottawa-canadas-winter-festival-2022/

https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/what-to-do-quebec-city/quebec-winter-carnival

https://www.icehotel.com/

https://www.tripstodiscover.com/ice-hotels-around-the-world/

https://www.alaska.org/destination/fairbanks/winter-sightseeing-tours

https://icealaska.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQXknTR-x_0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuIIHky9zH4

https://www.facebook.com/westcoveice

https://www.wem.ca/

https://www.mallofamerica.com/#

https://www.h2oasiswaterpark.com/

https://www.whitewaterwest.com/en/projects/aquapark-akvamir/

Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Jenn Wants to Get Away From it All...Easter Island!

As I perused Jenn's bucket list, I noticed an item that would allow us all to get away from it all. It's also a particularly good time of year to run away to Easter Island!

Most of us are aware of the giant stone figures with long heads and sometimes enormous hats that inhabit the island. We are aware that the Rapa Nui inhabit this island as well. Then what? What else do we really know about this mysterious island?

Easter Island is one of the most isolated places on Earth. It belongs to Chile and lies almost 2300 miles off that country's coast. Strangely, its closest neighbor is a mere 1200 miles away at Pitcairn Island. Pitcairn Island is the most isolated place on Earth.

Isla de Pascua, or Easter Island, is a mysterious place of volcanic craters, giant sculptures, traditional peoples, sea turtles and some original traditions.

The indigenous peoples have only been there since sometime between 800 and 1200 AD. The exact time of their arrival isn't clear. The Rapa Nui are Polynesian people who immigrated to the island centuries ago.

Today, the area inhabited by the some 1,000 sculptures is a national park. It is easily approached by car or other vehicle. Wear you walking shoes, because there's a lot of land to cover. Other areas that are commonly visited by tourists are Rano Raraku, believed to be the quarry where the stones originated, and Orongo, home of the fort like dwellings within a crater where it's believed people once lived. Some of the in ground buildings in Orongo align with certain celestial bodies at certain times of year, leading scientists to believe that they may have been designed as observatories.

Just a sidebar: Robert Doherty wrote an entire series of books called "The Area 51 Series." It's one of the best series of books to find stories of Easter Island in the later part of the series.

Easter Island was once an active volcanic area. There are a few massive craters on the island, and hiking is permitted in most areas. The entire island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many protected areas and animals. Hiking is a popular activity on Easter Island.

Sea Turtles are king on Easter Island. The species of Sea Turtles that live on the island are beautiful and reproduce there as well. But, poaching is a huge offense and highly illegal, so don't harm the turtles.

Easter Island has all the expected activities. You can go to the beach and scuba dive in season. Unlike some other South Pacific islands, Easter Island is less temperate. It can get too cold to swim in the season that we call summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In our winter, beaches are a great place to spend the day.

Have to add another sidebar here, and I find this fascinating. Where I live, we all know of the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. As with most polar events, there are Southern Lights or Aurora Australis in the Southern Hemisphere. It is not common to see the Southern Lights on Easter Island, but it does happen. If you happen to be on Easter Island during March or September, there is a chance you could see them.

The Rapa Nui welcome visitors. Most people, 90 percent, live in Hanga Roa, the island's only real town. Here you will find the small airport that you can fly in from Tahiti on LAN Airlines from. It sounds strange to me that the travel hub in the area is in Papeete. You can also visit by any number of cruise lines in season and may be able to include the Galapagos Islands in that way. Winter, by our standards is the high tourist season and it will get crowded...for Easter Island. Population on the island is somewhere around 7,000, so it doesn't get crowded by American standards.

If you like seafood, Polynesian food, or foods from South America; you will be happy eating on Easter Island. Seafood is the staple, so don't expect much else. The Central Market is a good place to find souvenirs in Hanga Roa, and visiting the Ballet Kari Kari is a must. The Rapa Nui enjoy sharing their culture, whether it be through language, food, crafts, or dance and music. If you attend events you will learn about their culture, and it is a rich one.

Dance is the featured cultural item most of the year, but in February there's something else. The Tapati Festival is a cultural festival that takes place the first half of February each year. There are traditional games and sporting events, including a triathalon, Rapa Nui style. There are events of sledding banana trunks down mountains and surfing canoes on the ocean, as well as many other exciting events. It's the height of the warm season there and a great time to visit.

Hanga Roa is full of hotels and resorts from basic to luxury to ecological. The choice is yours. You can take a tour that includes Easter Island and have a guide the whole way. You can come in by South Pacific cruise if you like and also have guides. You can always take a tour with a local guide, which would be my favorite choice. I also wouldn't stay at a resort, because I would want to interact with local people.

Easter Island is a mysterious place and should be respected. Don't dive without a guide. Don't hike without at least a map. Don't expect to find American food or shopping. Learn a little bit of the language; just a phrase or two out of respect. Go with the flow and respect the ways of the locals.

Do I think you should take a tour to visit this place? I think that I might consult a travel agent to make arrangements, but I don't think you need to book a guided trip. A cruise might be a good idea if you have the time to spend on a boat for a very long time. That being said, if you do, it could be a great trip. I wouldn't rent a car, even if you can. I would make arrangements with locals to see this island. Bigger companies might miss something fabulous.

When should you go? Interesting question. November to April is the height of tour season there. March through September can be a bit cool, but it's never truly cold on Easter Island. Sometimes cooler and less crowded are better. If you want to catch the Tapati Festival, you must go the first two weeks of February. It depends on what you want to see and do.

Most cultural activities happen year round. Remember, there are barely any trees left on Easter Island, which has that Iceland effect. It can be windy, whether it's hot or cold, so dress for wind. Wind can also be a factor in boating. Obviously boating, diving, fishing are all popular activity options on Easter Island, but be aware that the weather can change boating plans in an instant. Also, if you wish to sail yourself to the island, be aware that the South Pacific can be treacherous at times.

There are a few activities that are exclusive to Easter Island. The Rapa Nui are known for their traditional tatoos, which are well worth checking out. They make a hell of a souvenir. There are lava tubes and caves that you can hike to with a guide, some of them overlook the ocean and have quite a view. You can take lessons to learn the dances that you see at Ballet Kari Kari. The lessons are only available at certain times during the year, so check ahead before you book if you are interested.

There are many things to do on Easter Island. You will find bars and clubs as always, so don't think that you've completely gotten away from it all. They are designed for the traveler, so don't expect to see locals hanging out there. There are museums and visitor centers in key areas. They have a wealth of information about the history of the island and its peoples. I always try to learn while I visit.

Easter Island is one of the most exotic places on Earth to visit. The mysterious sculptures are what bring us there, but the people and the culture make us want to stay. Always check the State Department for Covid-19 and other recommendations when visiting anywhere. Also know that as of January 2022, this trip is truly a bucket list, because the island is currently closed to outsiders. Hopefully that ends soon.

When you do get to visit, dive into the culture. This is the kind of place where you can go and live in another world for a short time. There are so few places in the world where that is possible. Take the chance, take the plunge, take the one airline out of Papeete to Easter Island and enjoy!

http://www.mysteriousplaces.com/easter_island/

https://www.expeditions.com/itineraries/easter-island-tahiti?mrkgcl=1244&mrkgadid=1000000&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_campaign=US%7CSouth+Pacific+%28DSA%29&utm_content=246078373%7C442672336%7C0&utm_term=DSA&msclkid=8dfcdc9908661f5c2e67bd688bce13f2&gclid=8dfcdc9908661f5c2e67bd688bce13f2&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.expedia.com/Easter-Island.d6053648.Destination-Travel-Guides?msclkid=0501a5b2044910f28f43c44387e1fb12&pwaLob=wizard-package-pwa&semcid=US.UB.BING.DL-c-EN.PACKAGE&semdtl=a1268809100.b11280931209703859.r1.g1kwd-80058312926505%3Aloc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k1142101.f1.n1.l1o.h1e.m1&utm_campaign=USA%3AENG%3A%25%3ADL%3AAMER%3AX%3AE%3ANC%3A%3A&utm_content=USA%3AENG%3A%25%3ADT%3AAMER%3ACHL%3AXX%3AChile%3A36%3AEaster_Island%3A6053648%3AE%3ANC%3Atravel%3A&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=bing&utm_term=travel%20to%20easter%20island

https://www.travelocity.com/Vacation-Packages?SEMCID=TRAVELOCITY-US.UB.BING.GT-c-EN.EPACKAGE&SEMDTL=a1412282776.b11198468322568920.r1.g1kwd-74904466342701:loc-190.i1.d1.e1c.j144736.k1142101.f1.n1.l1o.h1p.m1&msclkid=cdd18d1d2eec1354677aececad44da30&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TVLY%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%25%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AX%3AX%3Acatchall%3A&utm_term=%2Btavel&utm_content=TVLY%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%25%3AGT%3AGLOB%3AALL%3AXX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3AX%3ATravel%3A

https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/south-america/chile/easter-island?k_clickid=50ecd623f25d16e3c906b7d271f56f15&ds_kids=p65301357872&ds_kid=43700065301357872&ksprof_id=700000002209551&ksdevice=c&ktarget=kwd-72430934426764:loc-190&kloct=142101&klocf=44736&utm_source=MICROSOFT&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VRB:USA:ENG:%24:DL:AMER:CHL:X:X:CON:Chile:36:CL:&utm_term=easter+island&utm_content=VRB:USA:ENG:%24:DT:AMER:CHL:X:Chile:36:Easter_Island:6053648:destinationonly:&&msclkid=50ecd623f25d16e3c906b7d271f56f15&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADL%3AAMER%3ACHL%3AX%3AX%3ACON%3AChile%3A36%3ACL%3A&utm_term=easter%20island&utm_content=VRB%3AUSA%3AENG%3A%24%3ADT%3AAMER%3ACHL%3AX%3AChile%3A36%3AEaster_Island%3A6053648%3Adestinationonly%3A&gclid=50ecd623f25d16e3c906b7d271f56f15&gclsrc=3p.ds

https://www.latamairlines.com/us/en

https://www.cheapfareguru.com/cheapflights.php?ref=ms-cfg-lp&kwd=Cheap%20Flights&source={bing}&medium={cpc}&device=c&network=o&campaign=388324154&adgroup=1145691991380552&keyword=lan%20chile&matchtype=b-bb&creative=71605878935827&devicemodel=&feeditemid=&targetid=default&gclid=6f74b642215618dae90cd7b3a516fbe1&adposition=&msclkid=6f74b642215618dae90cd7b3a516fbe1&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=CFG%20-%20Competitors&utm_term=smartfares%20flights&utm_content=Smartfares.Com

https://www.oneworld.com/

https://www.kensingtontours.com/travels/tours/galapagos_cruises?c3api=bing,1297423937770082,81089120987053&iv_=__iv_m_e_c_81089042039096_k_81089120987053_w_kwd-81089120987053:aud-805956192:loc-4086_g_1297423937770082_n_o_e__h_44736_ii_142213_p_2_b_be_d_c_vi__&mkwid=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81089042039096%7Cpkw%7Cgalapagos%20travel%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1297423937770082%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81089120987053:aud-805956192:loc-4086%7C&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BING-Galapagos-November%202019&utm_term=galapagos%20travel&utm_content=-dc%7Cpcrid%7C81089042039096%7Cpkw%7Cgalapagos%20travel%7Cpmt%7Cbe%7Cslid%7C%7Cpgrid%7C1297423937770082%7Cptaid%7Ckwd-81089120987053:aud-805956192:loc-4086%7C&pgrid=1297423937770082&ptaid=kwd-81089120987053:aud-805956192:loc-4086&msclkid=925ba94e1001198b3966c8bf94df14c9

https://www.silversea.com/destinations/galapagos-islands-cruise.html?CID=PS_M_BS_FT_US_PRO_GL__BS_FT_USA_S_PRO_GEN_ALL_EXPAD_NWS4V2R&?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=NAM_genericsretargeting__galapagos-islands&utm_content=textad&&msclkid=f4f40220b5fd1cc944e763d13123605d&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=B_US_Generic_Galapagos_Retargeting_ALL_est5114&utm_term=trip%20to%20galapagos&utm_content=NonCruise_Galapagos_Travel_EXM&gclid=CPnq5Nn4z_UCFUwIiAkdHrIBgw&gclsrc=ds

https://www.easterisland.travel/places-to-visit/rano-raraku/

https://imaginarapanui.com/en/easter-island-sightseeing/easter-island-volcanoes/rano-raraku/