Quirky, Comfortable Minturn

You’ve got to love a town where you can stroll down Main Street in your slippers, enroute for your first cup of coffee.

That’s Minturn. Relaxed. Comfortable. Friendly.

This cool little enclave first came on the scene during Eagle County’s mining boom in the late 1800s and was essentially a railroad division point. Located just off I-70 five minutes down valley from Vail, the town has a traditional main drag dotted with shops, casual restaurants and galleries. Nestled aside the Eagle River, the historic homes, quaint shops and family atmosphere help retain the old time charm.

If you are looking for an alternative to the high-style and glitz of Vail Village or Beaver Creek, settle in to Minturn. Here’s a sampling of what you’ll find:

Sweat Sexy

Find out how you can pack for any adventure! Read more in my Good Housekeeping Adventure Mom blog.

Sisters in Sisters

Free To Roam

The parades are behind us. The fireworks have faded.

But it is never too late to celebrate our personal freedom and independence. During this summer month we can examine our own thoughts, beliefs and actions. How do we express these indispensable gifts in own lives?

How do we discuss personal freedom with our children? Do we model healthy independence?

Perhaps this is the month to develop fresh goals, to create new opportunities for ourselves and perhaps our family members. We have choices. There are options.

We are free to roam. Take advantage of it!

A Hungry Calf and Hank

“Here baby. Here baby.” I called tentatively to the adorable, brown and white calf whose mother is unable to feed her. An infection means someone must feed this young creature twice each day. I am an eager volunteer.

I was soon to learn that Mom The Cow may not be able to provide milk to her calf at the moment, but she is not short on the instinct to provide protection.

She stood behind her baby, sizing up the human holding the large bottle, full of warm sustenance, intended for her wobbly, young one.

The baby was equally tentative as she approached me, hungry, but wary. Read more!

Fly Tagging In Montana

Branding Day

Sail Away!

Sailing holidays are just one great way for families to enjoy a summer getaway together and even learn a new skill. Find more about traveling with Maine Adventure Sails in our Family Adventure Travel Collection.

Looking for Travel Deals?

We have partnered with GoodHousekeeping to provide our readers with great travel ideas and special opportunities. Find out more!

Join Me In Bhutan!

Imagine......... an ancient Buddhist kingdom, nestled in the heart of the sacred Himalayan Mountains, which for centuries has remained insulated and apart from the rest of the world.
Tradition and Buddhism infuse every facet of life here, from the jingling brass bells of prayer wheels to ornate monasteries perched high above terraced rice paddies.

Imagine......... yourself there!

I hope you will join me from March 1 though March 11, 2008 as we explore the mysteries of this magical place where the pursuit of happiness is a government goal! Don't miss this opportunity to see Bhutan while it is still pristine. Plan your trip now!

Kids Fly Free!

Families who choose Beaver Creek can take advantage of free airfare for kids when flying into the Vail/Eagle County Airport (EGE). Each paying adult (18+) may bring one free child, aged two to 12.

There are great ski deals to be found at places like Snowmass, Vail, Telluride and beyond. Find out more!

Voluntourism: A Holiday For the Heart

Help build a house in Mexico, save the turtles in Costa Rica or teach young children to read in Malawi. In 2006 more than 61 million Americans dedicated 8.1 billion hours to volunteerism. And now, voluntourism, the concept of doing good while having a good time, is one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry.

During a recent trip to the Peruvian Amazon region my sons and I, along with two family friends, traveled 90 miles by speedboat deep within the jungle. There we delivered much needed school supplies to several communities along the river. In return, the students sang, danced and read original poetry in our honor. It was among the most memorable aspects of our adventure.

Here are five ways you and your family can enjoy a holiday and provide some help along the way.

I-to-II-to-I offers volunteer vacation experiences in Honduras, India and Costa Rica working with sustainable, locally-run community projects, environmental efforts, and educational endeavors. Their travel advisors will provide specific information about each country and project so that you might make the best decision for your family. 1-800-985-4864, http://www.i-to-i.com/

Global Volunteers

Founded n 1984, Global Volunteers offers short and long term opportunities in more than 20 countries. Popular family projects include working with the Blackfeet Indians in Montana, teaching conversational English, assisting in orphanages and working on building projects in Costa Rica. http://www.globalvolunteers.org/

American Hiking Society

On an American Hiking Society volunteer vacation, family members will visit stunning backcountry locations to construct or rebuild footpaths, cabins and shelters. You’ll meet other volunteers while exploring and restoring some of America’s great outdoor places. American Hiking members qualify for discounts. http://www.americanhiking.org/

Amazonia Expeditions
Amazonia Expeditions subscribes to the philosophy that tourism companies have an obligation to invest in the well being of the environment as well as native people.
The wilderness lodge owner Dolores Arevalo Shapiama de Beaver, a native of the Amazon, has worked to identify individuals with special needs that can be alleviated with medical or educational intervention. Visitors can provide and help distribute school and medical supplies as well as clothing while learning about the native people, conservation and the rain forest habitat. http://www.perujungle.com/

GiveSpot.com
Craft your own family volunteer vacation from hundreds of opportunities provided on this website. You’ll find connections to projects and causes around the world. www.GiveSpot.com

Vote and Win!

FamilyTravel.com readers Kathy and Derrick O'Neill, and their children Drake and Maison, are in a quest for victory in the Hyatt Family Adventure Challenge. Vote for the O'Neills or your favorite family and have a chance to win 50 free nights at a Hyatt Resort!

Road Trip!

Ted and I have embarked on a road trip and are chronicling the adventure on another blog. Our pal Rob began "Rob's Road Trip" .. in search of an affordable family vacation. He encountered a family emergency and we are filling in for a time. Check out our story and adventure at www.RobsRoadTrip.com.

Ramble Through Ireland

I recently spent five days hiking and exploring in Ireland. Long a favorite destination for walkers, planning your outing is easy, thanks to a plentiful range of tracks. Pick from one-day loops or longer distance hikes. Wander through national parks, verdent green forests or embark on pilgrim paths. You'll enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the pint at the end of the road! Plan your trip here!

Montana Majesty

Montana is amazing. I will be lucky enough to spend a good part of the summer in this beautiful state. You may be lucky enough to win a trip for the whole family to this wonderland. Find out how!

Santa Fe Family Style

Details: Grab a backpack, round up the kids and head to Santa Fe. Santa Fe Mountain Adventures’ action-filled family program features a memorable combination of outdoor adventures and arts and cultural experiences. Enjoy Mountain Treasure Hunts, whitewater rafting, family cooking classes, Star Parties and much more.

Only for FT: Our readers will receive 20 percent off family adventures. Just mention Special Offer code FT. To qualify, your family must be four or more guests on the same activity schedule. This offer is good through June 30, 2007, for new reservations and must be requested at time of booking. Find our more!

High Altitude

From MacGillivray Freeman Films, producers of the blockbuster hit Everest, comes the giant screen story of THE ALPS: its breathtaking beauty, harmonious culture, perilous avalanches and irresistible allure to a mountaineer on a personal journey to make peace with the mountain that killed his father.

“Against a backdrop of overwhelming natural beauty, The Alps is a true-life story of extraordinary courage,” says director Stephen Judson. “It’s the intensely personal journey of a man, John Harlin, who has every reason not to climb the deadly Eiger North Face – yet climb it he must.”

It’s an inspiring tale, coming to an IMAX theatre near you!

Grand Travels!

Multiple generations of family and friends traveling together is one of the fastest growing trends in the industry.
The tables have turned. Consider that today’s 70 million baby boomers are more fit and active than ever before. As parents and grandparents, they are more mobile than any previous generation. Today’s “older generation” is shunning retirement communities and seeking adventure and opportunity. Meanwhile, modern youth is struggling with high rates of obesity, diabetes and inactivity.

One solution? Active travel! Together! Read our tips!

Explore More!

The adventure holidays I have taken with my teens are among my favorite of all family memories. From the great Grand Canyon to the Inca Trail to the Boundary Waters of Minnesota to the shimmering seas off the Bahamas and on to the murky and mysterious Amazon. We have bonded through exploration. One company that shares my long held view is Seattle-based Wildland Adventures. They have discovered that throughout the turmoil of the teenage years, family travel experiences provide the perfect opportunity for parents and teens to re-connect. Combining expertise in creating authentic and personal worldwide travel adventures with years of first-hand experience traveling with growing children, Wildland has expanded its Family Program to offer journeys created expressly for families with teenagers. Each adventure is crafted to provide an active and adventurous escape from the stresses and routines of home creating a chance for family members to grow closer as they share new experiences full of conversation, laughter, and a new appreciation for how other cultures live. Find out more!