The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe (almost) made me want to ski!

If The Ritz Carlton Lake Tahoe had been around when my children were younger, I may have taken them skiing! What a perfect ski destination for families. Northstar is literally on the back doorstep. Guests of the Ritz can call down to the ski concierge, and a few minutes later be skiing out the back door to the lifts, or the Burton Academy – the only snow boarding school of its kind. I imagine this must be snow-boarding paradise because Sean White has moved his training operation to Northstar. There are 18 lifts and 89 ski trails (and more in development), but for those who conquer Northstar, there are daily shuttles to Squaw Valley and Heavenly. For those who want to take things at a slower pace, there are extensive cross-country trails. And for those who prefer to stay warm, I highly recommend the wonderfully inviting spa.

The Ritz has a private gondola into the village with a skating rink at the center and many dining options. Within 15 minutes drive are the towns of Truckee or the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, both worth exploring and with great dining options.

While I envisioned the Ritz Lake Tahoe as a skiers paradise, I was lucky to experience it in the summer. It is truly a year-round destination, with the snow giving way to miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. You can also golf, boat and fish. The perfect escape from blistering temperatures in Texas!

The property is easily reached from the Reno airport, serviced by many airlines. There are countless combinations of connecting rooms, suites and multi-bedroom residence to accommodate any family configuration. All in classic Ritz Carlton style, befitting the mountain environment. There is an inviting club lounge on the fifth floor with stunning views and complimentary food and beverages throughout the day. There is a spacious gym and complimentary fitness classes daily. The cherry on top is free wifi.

Close Encounters with Mountain Gorillas

I was drawn to Uganda and Rwanda by the Mountain Gorillas – fewer than 800 left in the world – living in the mountains that straddle Uganda, Rwanda and the Congo. But there is so much more to these countries, completely different from their East African neighbors, but equally fascinating.

Our journey started in Kampala, a colorful andmesmerizingly chaotic city filled with commerce and motorbikes and the deeplyspiritual Kasubi tombs.

From there, we drove across the country with our wonderful guides John and Wilson to the crater lakes outside of Fort Portal to stay with Aubrey and Claire Price at Ndali. Their home, set atop a hill overlooking tea and vanilla plantations, served as the perfect welcome to Uganda. We explored Kibale National Park, tracked chimps and learned the intricacies of harvesting vanilla.

Then it was off to Queen Elizabeth National Park where the rivers were filled with hippos, but the trees had lost their lions. We camped by the river, throwing stones into the Congo and hearing stories of a Ugandan youth by the fireside. We witnesses the birth of a kob and fleeting forest hogs.

We then climbed into the mountains, staying in the aptly named Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. While we were graced with a visit at the lodge by a beautiful family of mountain gorillas, we also hiked into their environment to commune with the Bitukuru Group on the vine covered hillsides - a veritable salad bar for gorillas.

We journeyed south, across the boarder, into Rwanda. This country, so recently devastated by unimaginable genocide, has risen above and is working to rebuild itself. The mass burial graves, and ubiquitous signs “Never Forget,” are silent reminders. But the people work hard - everyone is in the streets, carrying a heavy load. There are new schools and houses and roads. Their prosperity seems to have surpassed their Ugandan neighbors.

Our next gorilla adventure is in the Virunga mountains, with Francois, once a porter to Dian Fossey and the elder statesman of Volcanoes National Park. He has been with these gentle giants for 29 years, and has adapted their language and mannerisms.

We are treated to a morning with the Sabinyo group, calmed by the presence of Francois, and oblivious to our fascination.

We made friends with the children of the Home Sainte Famille orphanage in Ruhengeri, so endearing that we had to return the next day after a quick trip to Lake Kivu.

Our final stop was Kigali, an incredibly vibrant city. We were humbled by the Genocide Memorial, burial sight of 250,000 victims, then bolstered by the inimitable spirit of people like Joy Ndunguste at Gahaya Links and Nicole Pageau at Centre Caesar, working to improve the lives of many survivors by giving them skills and a trade.

I take away a beautiful visual memory of these two countries – a patchwork of colorful, happy, hardworking people, lush green tea covered hillsides and dense forests, and the intense gaze of the majestic mountain gorillas quietly trying to keep their species alive.

If you have been to Africa, but not yet to Uganda or Rwanda, then you have at least one more safari in your future.

Russia Trip Report

I just returned from a spectacular journey to Moscow and St. Petersburg. April in Russia can be a little chilly, but perfect for avoiding the heavy cruise crowds that descend upon St. Petersburg June-August.

I first want to rave about Singapore Airlines non-stop service from Houston to Moscow which made this destination an easily accessible one.

In Moscow I stayed at the Ritz Carlton, a perfect location from which to visit the Kremlin, Red Square, Pushkin Gallery and the breathtaking Bolshoi ballet. A little off the beaten path is the Museum of Cosmonautics and the Park of Fallen Sculptures.

From Moscow you can now travel leisurely by train to St. Petersburg. I stayed at the aptly named Grand Hotel Europe. This elegant grand dame of a hotel has generously sized rooms, 5 spectacular restaurants and impeccable service. You can easily spend a week in this safe, beautiful city, exploring the Hermitage, Peter Paul Fortress, city palaces such as Stroganov and Yusupov, the Museum of the Siege and taking day trips to Peterhof and Pushkin to visit Catherine and Pavlovsk Palace. You can fill your evenings with cultural performances from the ballet and symphony to the circus.

The Mighty Amazon

I just emerged from a week navigating the Peruvian Amazon. Well, I did not really do the navigating. The amazing crew aboard the charming Amatista did all of the work, and I just absorbed the beauty, the wildlife and the local culture. The Peruvians are proud and gracious hosts, and eager to share their country with visitors. We were welcomed into local schools, blessed by a medicine man, and mesmerized by the river and over 150 species of animals that we identified (with the help of our local naturalists). Even to a non-birder such as myself, you can not help but be enthralled by the myriad of colorful birds – macaws, parakeets, toucans, hawks, egrets, the list goes on and on.

And each day our skiffs would be escorted by pink dolphins who shyly just give you a glimpse of their fins as they slide through the river. The neon colored frogs and insects added to the rainbow of colors. Even the infamous piranha were stunningly beautiful and a treat, since we were catching and eating them rather than the reverse! And for this primate lover, the monkeys never failed to entertain. The little squirrel monkeys are the most prevalent, and amusing, leaping from tree branch to tree branch. We also saw howlers, spiders, and a rare sighting of nocturnal night monkeys nestled in a tree. Overall, the vastness and remoteness of the Amazon is powerful, as is its importance –without the rainforest we would have trouble breathing. It is one of the few places left on earth where you can escape “connectivity” to the outside world, and step back into a simpler life.

Health Security!

We are starting to feel tingles of spring coming in sunny Austin! Hooray! However, it seems that right now is peak time for colds, flu, and major allergy issues. We are also in full swing putting together everyone’s spring and summer travel plans, and starting to think about our own, providing we can actually get away from our desks. In any case, this brings a scenario to mind that I’m sure you are all too aware of: the dreaded cougher/blowing nose/sore throat neighbor of doom.

Getting stuck on a plane with a sick person is like being trapped with the plague for hours on end. All the shared space, rubbing shoulders, and cold, recycled air makes airplanes virtual incubators, and I for one have fallen victim to the post-flight illness that has ruined one too many vacations. Even in a perfect world where all appears smooth and healthy, you never know if you’ll be sharing someone’s germs from ten aisles behind you.

But, never fear! In this post I have put together a plan of attack to help prevent any surprise bugs:

BEFORE YOU FLY

- Load up on those immunity-boosting vitamins. Seriously consider rounds of ProBiotics—healthy bacteria and yeast in supplement form—for the whole family. At the very least, pile up the Vitamin C, especially for the last 3 days before your departure. Pack some Emergen-C just in case.

- Consider flu shots for the whole family. It’s not a guarantee, and even I have a hard time getting myself to the clinic each fall, but flu shots are your best chance to completely deflect the myriad of flu germs floating around at 30,000 feet.

Image courtesy of MSNBC.

EN ROUTE

- I know this is almost unspeakable, especially for those long international flights, but skip the coffee in lieu of green or black tea with lemon. Tea is loaded with healthy antioxidants, lemon is full of germ-killing citrus and Vitamin C, and both are way more hydrating than caffeinated, diuretic coffee. For you Starbucks lovers, the Green Tea Lemonade is delicious!

- Sit in an aisle seat. This is another toughy for those of us who like to snooze by the window, but consider that statement—EVERYONE likes to snooze on the window. Think of all the foreheads and noses that have touched that area, not to mention how many people have been breathing all over it. Invest in a neck pillow and spare your neighbors the sleeping shoulder sloucher.

- Don’t forget the absolute Golden Rule: wash your hands, over and over and over again. Between the check-in kiosk, the arm rests at the gate, the overhead bins, not to mention the on-board lavatory, we come into contact with billions of germs from literally thousands of different people. Keep a 3oz. hand sanitizer with you at all times. Wetnaps are also a great option for younger kids.

Image courtesy of TIME.

ONCE YOU ARRIVE

- The first 36 hours after landing are your most vulnerable. Everyone wants to hit the ground running, but in most cases are fighting some serious jet lag. When fighting to stay awake, plan some moderate walking tours that will keep you on your feet and engaged. Don’t fall asleep on the bus! If having trouble getting to sleep on time, pack some melatonin. Researches have shown that those who take as little as .3mg of melatonin get an extra 30 minutes of sleep.

- Shower as soon as possible once you arrive. Even if you miraculously come out of the flight without feeling grimy, you are still going to be covered in foreign contaminates despite your greatest efforts. Plus, a hot or cool shower can do wonders to ease some tension and get you in the right frame of mind for your trip.

Why Travel Agents?

It’s no secret that we are a little over-connected these days. Any kind of information is mere moments away, and more of then not, accessible via pocket-size computers we never go anywhere without. Planning travel is no exception. With the advent of such companies as TripAdvisor, Orbitz, and Kayak—all accessible via cell phones or even iPods—it’s easier than ever to research, plan, and purchase full vacation packages on your own.

But what if your flight gets cancelled due to a freak tropical storm, leaving you stranded at the airport in Cancun? What if you get to that fabulous boutique hotel in Paris just to discover the beautiful website photos were taken 20 years ago? Or, worse, what if you slip and hurt your knee in Antarctica and need immediate surgery?

There’s no App for that.

Getting you out of dodge is only part of our job. The main (and best!) part is the planning process. First and foremost, we are travelers, just like you. We know what it’s like to be disappointed, re-routed, delayed, and generally pushed to the brink of insanity when adventures go awry. We also know what it’s like to take part in a magical, perfect experience that can barely be put into words. When you approach us with a specific request or fuzzy idea of what might be nice, we call upon a plethora of contacts and resources that are simply not available to the public. We can find you a thatch-roof hut with plumbing on the beach in Indonesia (if you want), and we don’t have to gamble your safety or comfort because 90% of the time, we’ve been there ourselves!

As the warmer months approach and a whirlwind of destinations flood your daydream hours, consider giving up the hours of vague internet research for a smile and a handshake that truly cares about your wants and needs. Just as you are invested in the experiences your family will share, Small World Travel is equally invested in bringing those experiences to fruition.

Spring Break 2011

Now that the holidays are over, everyone can breathe a giant sigh of relief… and start thinking about spring! The warmer months are just around the corner, and what better way to start the summer than catching a little sun ahead of time. Spring break is one of the busiest travel seasons, however, so right now is the time to start making plans.

While winter and summer are nice for more exotic destinations, something about spring break speaks to simple luxury. Europe is a perfect choice – spring is low season, which means great discounts and no giant crowds to compete with! While the rest of the world packs into sandy hot spots like Florida or Cancun, consider the culturally stunning, history-rich coasts of the Cote d’Azur or Venice. Is there really any comparison?

Here are our picks for European destinations:

- A country of Celtic and Roman heritage, world-revered cuisine, vibrant cities and quaint villages, France is difficult to summarize. An epicenter for romance and color, France is one of the most visited countries in the world, and it is not difficult to see why. Whether your family’s interests lie in history, food, art, shopping, or luxury, France is the supreme destination for all.

- For those leaning towards a total cultural immersion, Italy is difficult to beat. With many towns of varying color and cuisine to choose from, a family can fill every minute with museums, architecture, fashion, and food. With 44 sites, Italy has more Unesco World Heritage sites than any other country in the world! And if none of that entices you, just remember that it was the Italians who invented pizza and spaghetti – yum!

- Step back in time into the misty isle of England, who straddles the continuum of historic and modern. From Stonehenge to the 2012 Olympics, England is a land of eccentric opportunity and adventure. This is the culture that gave birth to Shakespeare, the Magna Carta, and Mr. Bean! Learn about the origins of the USA in a place as equally diverse and quirky.

- Finally, if that beach vacation actually sounded pretty good, don’t worry! Spain is littered with beautiful, sprawling beaches set against green mountains, bullfighters, and medieval castles. A warm and sunny adventure land, Spain caters to the curious and comfort-seeking families. Even their dinner culture is formed around “family-style.”

So what are you waiting for? Send Small World Travel a message today!