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Archive for the ‘Guided Tours’ Category

For those of you searching for a holiday that involves lying on a beach and sipping a margarita, do not read any further, the information ahead will be of no interest to you. For those of you looking for a trip that involves non-stop action, read on and learn about an island, which in my opinion has been overlooked by adventure travellers for far too long.

Vancouver Island, located off the west coast of British Columbia is home to well over 700,000 Canadians. Surrounded by the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean, the island’s mild climate, which is steady throughout the year, makes it an ideal place to visit and retire for older age groups.

For decades Vancouver Island has been a choice destination for singles, couples and groups of people in the ‘over-50’ age category. They come from countries around the world to visit the island; attracted to the relaxed tours that cater to suit their individual needs, the friendly people they meet, which prompt them to return for a second time, and most importantly the beauty of the oceans, rivers, lakes and mountains – all of which secure Vancouver Island’s uniqueness and separate it from the competition.

My issue lies in the fact that only a portion of the international travelling community recognizes Vancouver Island (V.I.) as a place to be visited in their lifetime. I feel this is happening because it has been popular with a particular age group for a long period of time and younger travellers are failing to notice V.I., not realizing all that it has to offer younger generations.

I am really quite shocked that for so many years the island has appealed more to older generations when in fact there are far more activities appealing to those seeking wild adventures than there are activities intended for a slower paced crowd. V.I. alone has well over 300 operators who cater to the recreation and adventure industry. Whether you’re looking for the ultimate adrenaline rush of diving off the first legal bungy jumping bridge in North America or swimming 100’s of meters below the surface of the “emerald sea”, in what has been named one of the best cold-diving destinations in the world, V.I. can guarantee you an unforgettable adventure if that is what you are looking for.

The website www.viadventures.net is a perfect example to the plethora of recreational and adventure activities that V.I. has to offer, but for so many years have gone relatively unnoticed. The website operates as an adventure directory to every type of activity offered on the island. Every traveller who visits this site will be overwhelmed by selection. Fishing, hiking, surfing, kayaking, sailing, diving, surfing, skiing, paragliding, horseback riding, wake boarding, caving, mountain biking, rock climbing, you name it, Vancouver Island probably offers it! If you don’t believe me, check out VI Adventures for your self, you will not be disappointed.

Don’t be afraid to get wet, get dirty and experience the ultimate adventure. When booking your next trip consider adding V.I. to your itinerary and allow yourself to experience the wilder side of Canada’s west coast. It is an island like no other you will have visited before!
Lauren Johnson

It can be tricky finding fun, safe places where children can play when traveling, and even trickier finding fun, safe places where children can play with high voltage electricity. Fortunately San Francisco’s got you covered on both counts.

Founded in 1969 by famed physicist Dr. Frank Oppenheimer, the Exploratorium is a truly unique hands-on science museum which aims to educate kids of all ages, including those in retirement. Science hounds and families visiting San Francisco in foul weather—along with anyone with a natural curiosity about the world around them, should consider a stop at the Exploratorium during their stays.

The museum is housed in the back of the spectacular Palace of Fine Arts, which was built for the 1915 International Exposition and remains one of San Francisco’s most romantic sites. However, the Exploratorium itself is more like a large warehouse. Be sure to bring a sweater if you’ll be visiting in cool weather. Here are some general quick tips to help you plan your family’s visit.

Visiting with toddlers and preschoolers

Given how much there is to explore here, those visiting with preschoolers and toddlers will most likely prefer to save the upstairs exhibits for later and proceed directly to those on the lower level (toward your left) where the spinning sand tables, bubble exhibits, “steam tornado,” and other exhibits with greater tot appeal can be found. There is also a fenced off baby / toddler play area if you need to set your little crawler free from the stroller or carrier to get some exercise during your visit. After your young child is saturated by dancing in the tri-color lights, helping beach balls float suspended on air, making walls of bubbles and the like, you can explore more big kid exhibits with the time remaining.

Visiting with older children
The other upstairs exhibits can be a lot of fun with big kids (and big people) as you pedal-power a light bulb and test out various experiments with high-powered magnets, electricity and more. If your child is interested in joining a flower or cow’s eye dissection, check the schedule on arrival. Don’t miss the microscopes and sound booths—and more musical experiments on the lower level as well.

Eating at the Exploratorium
There is a café counter and dining area on the downstairs level with mostly organic and some vegetarian offerings. Popcorn and ice cream bars are also available as snacks. For those visiting on a budget, I recommend packing your own lunch along and enjoying it on the scenic grounds of the Palace of Fine Arts just outside—you have in and out privileges with your Exploratorium admission.

Getting there by car, bus, BART…

Given its somewhat tricky location and the free parking in its own lot, the Exploratorium is often best visited by car (like oh-so-many San Francisco sites).

However, you can take public transportation using SF Muni buses #28, #30, and #43. From Montgomery BART downtown (at 3rd St. / Stockton) or Fisherman’s Wharf, you can take the #30 Stockton bus to the Palace of Fine Arts/Exploratorium. You can plan your trip online at the Transit 511 site.