Let’s discuss lack of time………….

Putting aside time for a vacation is just like planning for any other aspect of your life.  If you really sit down and think about it, you plan in advance when scheduling your calendar for personal and work time so treat your vacation as your personal time and a necessary break from work.  If your vacation is booked in advance, you are more apt to go on a trip instead of procrastinating and leaving it to the last minute or even worse, not going at all.

So how can a Travel Advisor help?  I can help you discover the endless possibilities worldwide based upon your timeframe, budget, and travel style.  People are so overwhelmed with so many options, they get discouraged and miss out on that extraordinary journey or life changing experience.  A travel advisor is no different than any other professional.  I can help you narrow down your options based on your feedback and provide you with solutions to your questions.  The internet cannot do this.

So now the destination is chosen, it’s time to budget time!

The average consumer gives up on that life changing experience due to ‘lack of funds’.  People are surprised when I sit down with them for a face-to-face consultation and discover that they can go to one or more bucket list destinations based on the figures they provide me.  My in-depth knowledge of worldwide destinations, 1000+ personal contacts ranging from General Managers of hotels to Presidents of renowned travel companies allows me to send clients with opposite budgets to the same destination.  However, your budget will quickly determine the level of accommodation and service you experience with suppliers and I can decipher this very efficiently.  The internet cannot do this.

So now we come to product knowledge……………….

Consumers can surf the internet for hours, weeks, if not months  on end to research for that ‘dream’ journey only to find themselves more confused than when they started.  As a travel advisor, countless hours are spent on each travel project to ensure that the trip is as unique as the client.  Each month, I attend hours of destination training and I have the ability to travel to destinations to experience first- hand the accommodation, food, transportation options, and most importantly, the culture.  I work with in-country suppliers who have in-depth knowledge and can provide my clients with exceptional service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  To take it one step further, I can provide one-on-one telephone calls or product webinars directly with a supplier and connect them with my client to ensure the value being offered to them is exceptional.  The internet cannot do this.

So what is it that I really do?

“I work with busy affluent travelers who are well travelled or sometimes not, and are looking to be inspired on their next journey.  I help them by creating life changing escapes to extraordinary destinations.  With each journey they are swept off of their feet by my personal and tailored touches.”

So now that it is 2012, you have no excuse not to book that dream journey to experience a life-changing moment that can shape your life forever.  Don’t wait until December 31^st to say I wish I should of booked it!

Get out there and discover your next adventure…………………………..

Many families like to get away with their children for the opportunity to re-connect with one another and to create memories that will last a lifetime.  Teaching children the importance of active living and exercise at an early age can have a positive influence towards a healthy body for their adult life.  Trying to find a balance between relaxing and being active can be challenging for some families to plan, but you’d be surprised at the options available for vacationing families.

Adventures by Disney

There’s more to Walt Disney World than you think.  Guided group vacations await those families who are looking for that ‘off the beaten path’ experience in some of the most fascinating destinations worldwide.  If you love the Disney experience, hassle free travel, and are looking for an authentic and cultural trip for your children, you need to check out these adventures.

Staying fit isn’t all about going to the gym, it’s about enjoying activities that provide fulfillment and sometimes even have that wow factor to continue it as a daily or weekly activity.  Did you know that taking the family on a hike can be fun and fit at the same time?  Just think of all the cultural experiences your family can discover while walking.  White water rafting, horseback riding, zip-lining are all active activities that families can enjoy together and these can be found in an adventure by Disney.

The Adventure Center

Life changing can mean different things to many people.  For me, this phrase represents a moment in time that provides greater fulfillment in some aspect of my life.  My passion for travel has taken me many places, but none have compared to what I experienced in the Galapagos Islands with the Adventure Center. Snorkeling for 4 hours a day, hiking for 3 hours and learning everything about marine life and the environment through the eyes, ears, and mouth of a marine biologist/botanist.  This was truely an adventure I will never forget and I took home with me so very valuable information.

The Adventure Center offers over 2000 different itineraries worldwide.  From budget to luxury trips, from cultural experiences to hard core adventures, there hasn’t been a trip I couldn’t find for the active minded family.  What sets the Adventure Center apart from others?  It’s simple. The ‘off the beaten path’ experience.  Families can appreciate the safety and comfort in a small group while having a tailored itinerary created specifically for their needs.  Give your family a chance to enjoy an extraordinary experience, not an ordinary one.

Club Med

For those of you who don’t like to venture off the beaten path and are looking for an all-inclusive family vacation that incorporates both relaxation and leisure activities, try Club Med.  With resorts located in many exotic locations, the name speaks for itself.  The newly renovated Sandpiper Bay in Florida is just an example of a resort that offers world class golf, tennis and fitness for those families looking to keep to keep in shape while enjoying a favourite pastime.  However, these resorts just don’t cater to the adults, children can enjoy various activities such as the ‘flying trapeze’ at the resort in Guadalupe and have ‘mom & dad’ join in as well.  Activities like these can be fun for the entire family and provide confidence to those looking for it while expending some calories at the same time.  Take advantage of the Club Med promotions which are offered all year round bringing you luxury, comfort, fun-packed activities for all ages without breaking the bank.

Tauck

If budget is of no concern, Tauck Bridges is a division of Tauck that offers all-inclusive, unique and guided experiences for families with one up-front price and no hidden costs.  Since Tauck is a family based company, the experience is all about shared enrichment.  With active adventures in North America, Latin America, Europe & Africa, each trip is unique as those who are taking it.  Families get to stay in the best locations in all destinations that are still well priced.  Give your family or multi-generational family the chance to re-discover the great outdoors and travel with an industry leader.

Setting an example for your children at an early age can impact them for life.  Here is your chance to discover the world like you’ve never done before.  Get out of your comfort zone, take your family on an active journey to a place that will truely inspire all.

Have you ever heard the phrase, ‘Use What You Were Given’?  Many travelers don’t realize the equipment they have at their disposal so my guest blogger, Art McDonald, Certified Exercise Physiologist (CESP), is going to provide you with some basic tools and workouts to maintain your fitness level while away from home.

To the Beach!

Running at sunrise on Myrtle Beach

As an avid runner for over 30 years, beach running is still one of my favourite workouts while traveling. Running on the beach can be so exhilarating as you make your way down on an open stretch of sand while the crashing of the waves race up towards you. Taking a break from the treadmill while traveling can not only rejuvenate you but also let your body experience a completely different type of surface to run on. Art McDonald comments that “whether your heart rate is 150 bpm running at 6 mph on the safety of your home treadmill or 150 bpm doing a light jog on the beaches of Hawaii, the calories and cardio-vascular benefit are eerily similar.”

Relaxing by the Pool?

No Time for the Gym?

Art comments “you can maintain your muscle tone in just a few minutes per day. Next to your passport and toothbrush, the most important article that needs to be packed may in fact be your exertube. For just 10 or 15 dollars, you can purchase a tube that will take care of all your strength maintenance needs. It weighs only a few ounces and will take up very little room in your suitcase. You can mimic your bicep curls, triceps extensions, squats, lateral raises and almost any other traditional fitness center workout with the tube. Doing a quick circuit (one exercise immediately after another) can provide you with the opportunity to maintain strength while on vacation in just 10 minutes every other day, otherwise you’ll need to do more catching up when you return back home and that can be very de-motivating.”

Active Getaways?

Last words from Art………….
You don’t need to be as objective as you may be when you’re at home with a regimented routine. Have fun with it, get a bead of sweat on your forehead for a half an hour or so and you’re covered. Unless you are taking a 6 month vacation, this approach will keep you covered until you return home to your more regimented routine and you won’t have to spend the first two weeks losing the weight that you gained while on vacation and getting the heart back to your pre-trip condition.

Stay fit & happy travels…………………….

If you visited my blog last week, I devised some tips for a vacation pre-departure, so I’ve decided to write about health and fitness tips while in transit and what to do on arrival in destination for the active traveler.

With all the trips I have taken and all the vacations I have booked for my clients, there is one portion of the trip that most of us dread, the flight!  Whether it’s a short or long haul flight, these tips will help you improve your experience while flying.

H20 – This little miracle fluid actually does work wonders. I can’t express enough the importance of water, especially for maintaining body hydration.  Make sure that you fill up that water bottle before you board your flight.  Even though most airlines are fully stocked with water, it’s nice to have your own supply on hand for unforeseen turbulence.  My suggestion is to consume an extra 6-8 ounces for every hour in the air.

Keep the Body Moving – To keep the blood circulating, try to get out of your seat every 1-2 hours and walk the length of the plane.  I also suggest to book an aisle seat so you’re not bothering the person beside every hour for you to get up and stretch your legs. If you don’t travel in business or first class, book a seat in the emergency
exit to allow for more leg room especially for longer-haul flights.

If you have a layover, stay off the plane as long as possible and go outside the terminal to take in some of the fresh air.  It’s important to keep the body moving for circulation, blood supply and think about the  calories you’re expending at the same time.

Food – Remember those pre-packaged snacks?  They will come in handy for a long flight and will help you keep your blood sugar level elevated so as you don’t purchase any unhealthy or salty food while on the flight.  Need a special meal for your dietary needs?  The majority of airlines accommodate consumers and their diets. Check with your travel advisor to help you with any dietary needs.

Overhead Storage Injuries – You’ve just reached your destination, you’re tired from a long flight, and you’re anxious to get off the plane to start your holiday.  Are you one of those people whose reaching to get their luggage in the overhead compartment from the aisle?  This is where an injury can occur to your back, shoulders or wrists unexpectedly. Waiting an extra 2 or 3 minutes to stand up fully in the aisle to collect your luggage won’t hurt you, in fact, it will help you.

So you’ve reached your destination and know what do you?

Baggage  Collection – If you are travelling solo and have an extra heavy bag, ask for help from someone to lift it off the carousel for you.  Again, you can sustain back injuries if you are lifting a heavy bag improperly.

Hotel/Resort Arrival – If you’re not taking an ‘active’ holiday, then make sure you know about fitness facilities at your place of stay. Your travel advisor can suggest hotels/resorts that can accommodate your fitness needs and provide you with details on the type of equipment used.  For my clients, I provide them with detailed information on the trainers and services offered by the hotels and schedule appointments in advance to save them time upon arrival.

Being Active on a Non-Active Vacation – So  many people like to break away from routine while traveling but don’t want to give up being active altogether.  Depending on how many times per week you participate in cardiovascular activity, you can lose your cardio capacity if not maintained.  I’m a big fan of active living and there are so many activities you can do while traveling that involve keeping the body moving. Here are some tips:

1. Hop on/hop off tours – try walking for part of the route as you might discover some ‘off the beaten path’ place.  Most big cities offer bike rentals at a very reasonable price.
2. Elevators – they are so easy to use but we were given two feet to walk on so why not take the stairs to your hotel room; especially if you’re on the lower floors.
3. Taxi’s – If you’re tourist attraction is only a few blocks away, walk instead.  Take in the fresh air and expend some calories while doing it.
4. Sightseeing – if you’re like myself, the best way to see the city and get some exercise at the same time, it to run.  For some of more active clients, I will actually map out a route of the city where they can run safely that will allow them to take in tourist attractions that they might find interesting.  The routes are all specifically tailored to fit my client’s needs.

Eating Out – One of the most difficult tasks for travelers in foreign countries is to find dining establishments to accommodate their dietary requirements.  The key is research, research, research! One of the many requests I receive from clients are which dining establishments would I recommend for them and their families.

Providing several options for my clients based on their budget and taste can be very time consuming but this is when I pull out my little black book of contacts (thousands of them!) from just about every country worldwide for suggestions.  If all else fails, always keep a healthy meal in mind that is low in fat with a combination of carbohydrates and proteins.  This will allow you to keep up your energy level to do the things you’ve planned on your getaway.

Stay tuned next week for Travel Workouts on a Budget.  Art McDonald, Certified Exercise Physiologist (CSEP), will guest blog along with myself to provide expert knowledge and advice for simple but challenging workouts on abudget while traveling.

Until next week, keep fit & happy travels……………..

To start off this series, I want to focus on pre-departure tips before walking on that plane for short or long haul flights.

Proper Footwear & Clothing – Do your body a favour and invest in a good pair of comfortable shoes.  When travelling, you could be walking for long periods of time on surfaces you might not be used to.  I see so many people wear flip flops, sandals or heels and travellers can sustain foot and ankle injuries from improper footwear.  This is not the time to make a fashion statement.  Opt for comfortable clothing especially on longer flights. Jeans, t-shirts, or loose fitting clothing can make all the difference in being comfortable when sitting in a small space for a long period of time.  Business travellers can still be comfortable while having the option of changing on the plane after take-off and before landing.

Flight Booking – Try and book a daytime arrival. Expose yourself to as much natural light as possible as light acts as a natural cue and keeps your internal clock on a schedule.  As soon as you arrive, do something active in the daylight (go for a walk or book a sightseeing tour) as your recover from jet lag more quickly. Resist the urge to
go for a nap.

H2O – Being on a plane can drier than being in the desert.  Fill up your water bottle for your drive to the airport to combat dehydration and then fill it again before you board the plane.  Dehydration can lead to fatigue so you will need to drink more water than usual.  Even mild dehydration is one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue.  Limit your consumption of alcohol, coffee and sodas as these beverages can leave you parched and are also diuretics which can lead to dehydration.  Wait until your arrival to enjoy these beverages.

Food – Consume high-protein, low-fat foods to boost alertness.  Limit your intake of carbohydrates as they can induce sleep if taken in large amounts if your goal is to stay awake for the flight.  However, don’t eliminate them altogether as they are a fuel source and are required as fuel for your body.  As much as airlines are trying to provide travellers with more healthy choices, my suggestion is to prepare healthy snacks to bring with you on the plane to help you avoid temptation and to save you some money.  With mother nature
affecting flight delays with unforeseen weather conditions, it’s best to over-pack with extra snacks if you are stranded due to travel delays.

Luggage – Invest wisely in your luggage.  A suitcase with wheels is wise, especially those with ‘Spinner Wheels’. Four wheels…zero effort, four multidirectional spinner wheels that allow 360 degree upright rolling in multiple directions so there is no weight on your arm.  A great carry-on option is the Back Pack.  Yes, it’s coming back and with rollers!  This is a great option to take on the plane with you (make sure you know the required airline measurements before purchasing) as the weight of the bag is evenly distributed on the body and you can also wheel it around the airport when it’s not on your back.

Flight Delays – Workout while you wait.  Make the best of a weather and/or flight delays.  Remember why you wore those running shoes and comfortable clothing before departing for the airport?  Stash your luggage or carry-on suitcase in a storage locker and take a power walk around the terminal.  Avoid the escalator and take the stairs instead.  Most large airports have either hotels located inside the terminal or close by so check out to see if there is a gym that you can use for the delay. For those yoga lovers, you can go to a quiet area of the terminal and do your yoga routine in peace.  Did you know that you don’t need any equipment to get a great workout?  Stay tuned for my third blog in my series for work-out options in destination.

Next week – Part 2 of 4 – While in Transit & What To Do on Arrival.

Keep fit and happy travels…..a healthy lifestyle means a more memorable journey!

With there being so many options these days, adventure travel can be booked for those who are on a strict and tight budget to those where money is of no issue.  Of course, if you are expecting to stay in a 5 star accommodation, expect to pay 5 star prices.  Of course, booking a 3 star vacation, you can still have a 5 star experience.  The flexibility for booking options is endless which means that you can still experience nice accommodations on a tighter budget.

So one question remains, what do I love the most about selling adventure travel?  Simply, organizing some of the most exotic trips on a budget that is suitable to any client and providing them with life long memories of destinations so as they want to keep coming back for more.  The adventure is personalized for my clients based on their budget, comfort level, sense of adventure, but most of all, the journey they want to experience.

Your next adventure is just around the corner……………………

Adventure travel is one of the most popular niches in the travel industry and the number of travellers looking to experience one of these trips is increasing in popularity.  The trend going into 2012 is that travellers are looking for an ‘off the beaten path’ experience and special interest holidays. So what types of adventures are included in this niche of travel? Well, just about everything you can think of.  Yoga, cultural & heritage, safari’s, culinary, and volunteer trips are just to name a few.

I try to demystify the myths of adventure travel to many of my clients; old and newand it’s surprising how most of themvisualize this type of travel to be the following:

• Harsh conditions in remote locations
• Need to be physically fit
• Need to be young
• Very expensive
• All trips are camping in tents

If I thought the above criteria were the definition of all adventure trips, it wouldn’t be very enticing for me to try anything adventurous either.  So what are travellers looking for now?  They want to experience wildlife, they want to be part of nature, they want to learn about local cultures & the history of ancient civilizations and still be active
while trying all of these things.  People want to discover how the other part of the world lives and come back feeling changed by their travel experiences.

Have you ever heard the term, ‘experience the unknown’? This is what adventure travel truly all about.  By stepping outside of your comfort zone, you will truly learn how it feels to come close to an elephant in the wild where it
is truly unconstrained.  You can climb a mountain and look down to see the plains of an untouched civilization that is only inhabited by four legged creatures, you can sleep in the middle of the jungle in a 5 star resort above the tree tops or simply enjoy a glass of wine in the middle of the desert in your own private tent after receiving a relaxing massage.  The world is your oyster.

So your next question should be, where do I sign up and find out about all these magnificent journeys?  Stay tuned. You’ll find out tonight.

People are now looking to experience something different when travelling and realize that the value of memories is more important and meaningful.  Through my one-on-one  consultations with clients, I get to sit down and really help them focus on what they want to get out of a holiday and to educate them with my product expertise on worldwide locations.  Value is not just about price, but the anticipation of the holiday, the experiences you will get to encounter, but most of all the memories you bring back with you from your trip.

For some, spending a week on a beach and relaxing is their perfect way of spending a much deserved holiday whether it be by themselves or with family.  For others, this is simply not enough.  The ever growing popularity of consumers looking to get more value of their vacations is increasing at an explosive rate.  Price is always a factor when budgeting for a trip especially if you have a family to take with you. However, can
you put a price tag on an expression of a child’s face when they are swimming
alongside a dolphin or sea lion in their own natural habitat or when you reach
that summit of 19,000 feet and look down over the plains of Africa and view its
natural beauty?  Can you imagine what it would be like to look into the eyes of a Gorilla that is on our endangered species list or take a train ride up a mountain to an ancient Inca civilization?

How would you feel if you arrived at your hotel and were greeted by the General Manager and they knew your name and treated you as a VIP client?  How would you feel if you couldn’t afford that ocean view room but found out when you arrived, that you were upgraded for free to experience the views of majestic seas below?  What about a private tour of a museum or winery that is made only accessible to you and your guests?  As a Virtuoso Travel Advisor, I have made these dreams come true for countless people and because I have access to Virtuoso properties all over the world, (cruise lines, hotels, resorts, rental cars, etc.) you will receive the best service in destination and experience the amenities that each property has to offer you and you can’t find this anywhere else.

So my next question to you is, where is your next extraordinary experience going to be?

The Virtuoso Experience

I have flown with many airlines over the years, some have merged together, others have ceased doing business and some still remain.  This past week was a whole new experience while flying non-stop from Toronto to Myrtle Beach with Porter Airlines.

Never have travelled from the Toronto Island Airport before, it was a complete new experience for me. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised with how smoothly every step of the process turned out.  My journey began from the Royal York Hotel in which Porter offers free shuttle service to and from the Island Airport Ferry Terminal every 15 minutes on the hour.  Arriving at the ferry terminal, you literally hop off the shuttle bus into the terminal where customer service staff are awaiting your arrival and are ready to answer any questions you have.  You have the choice of checking in at the ferry terminal or you can wait to check-in when you arrive at the island itself.  The ferry service (which isabout a 4 minute ride across) runs every 15 minutes on the hour taking passengers and their cars across the water to the island.

Upon arrival at the island terminal, you are directed to check-in and baggage check-in if you haven’t already check-in on-line.  With Porter flying short-haul flights to both Canadian & US destinations, I love the fact that I check-in 1 hour prior to my flight departing with no line-ups. Going through security is a quick and easy step.  Amazed at how quickly everything takes place, from arrival at the ferry terminal to my arrival in the Porter lounge, it took about 10 minutes.  WOW!

The great experience doesn’t end, it’s just the beginning.  The Porter lounge is amazing.  Free WI-FI access and complimentary MAC & PC computers are readily available to passengers while sitting in a very up to date cozy lounge.  There is also complimentary Starbuck’s coffee, pop, juice, and water that you can enjoy in the lounge or take with you on your flight.

Boarding the plane 10 minutes before you are scheduled to depart is heaven.  I know I am travelling on a smaller plane with less passengers but it’s something to think about when booking your next short-haul flight.  Aren’t we all limited for time these days?  Take advantage of the time you can save when choosing your next airline.  The seats on the plane are very roomy with lots of leg space or should I say more than what other airlines would offer.

Complimentary, complimentary, complimentary.  This would be the word used when describing Porter Airlines other than great service. Once on the plane, your choice of complimentary drinks & snacks are provided to passengers which is very hard to find these days.  Hot drinks include Starbucks Pike Place, Roasted Coffee and a selection of Tazo  teas. Cold drinks include pop, assorted juices and water. If you feel like a little drink while flying to calm your nerves, you can enjoy red or white wine compliments of Jackson Triggs (Proprietor’s Edition) or Steam Whistle Premium Pilsner.  Snacks include Terra chips cookies or almonds.

Being a travel advisor, I pride myself on service.  Flying with Porter Airlines there is no shortage of service so when you’re looking for your next short-haul flight, give me a call and I can book your comfortable ride to your next travel destination and keep you up to speed on their deals.

The one that really caught my eye, was Taughannock Falls.  As I was turning pages through the brochure, I noticed that this 215ft plunge fall was three stories taller than Niagara Falls and was a sight that I could not miss.  Once the bed of an ancient sea, the falls carve a 400ft deep gorge that is easily accessed by foot by hiking the gorge when the water levels are low or hiking the upper or lower trail.  The views are amazing from the look-out point but they cannot be fully enjoyed unless you go right to the bottom of the gorge to the base of the waterfall.  Less than a mile walk from the entrance of the park where the Lower Falls are located, as you hike the gorge, you cannot help but stop and look at the size of the rock formations that were created 10,000 years ago and be completely stunned when you hit the base of the falls.   There is a little ‘oasis’ to go for a swim in the small lagoon surrounding the falls.  If you are looking to hike directly on the river, best to visit when the water levels are low in the summer months, otherwise if you would like to see more a ‘water effect’, then visit in the spring after the winter thaw.

Taughannock Falls has more to offer than just a spectacular waterfall, it’s a nature lover’s paradise with so many things to do.  Taughannock Falls State Park offers anything from hiking trails, boat rentals, camping, to beautiful beaches to go for a swim.  The vehicle use fee costs $7 per/day that allows you in/out privileges all day long.  A great place to bring your boat and launch it for the day or sit by the water at one of the many picnic areas to enjoy your lunch by the water and let me tell you, the scenery is beautiful.  My husband and I spent most of the day here relaxing by the beach to enjoy a great picnic lunch, hike the gorge, bike the trails and view the magnificent waterfalls.  If you’re looking to spend a day on a budget with lots of adventure and activity, this is the place.

If you stay in the city of Ithica, you can actually bike or walk to Ithica Falls and many other like it in the surrounding area.  This 150ft cascading fall actually plunges to a pool of water below that is famous for anglers for lake-run trout and salmon.  The water finishes its journey to Cayuga Lake.  You can actually view the falls from the bridge on Lake Street or there is a footpath adjacent to the creek which is very accessible to walk on. Certainly worth taking the time out of your schedule to visit this gem tucked away in the city of Ithica.  From these falls, you can make your way up to Foaming Falls (15ft cascading waterfall) which can be viewed from the suspension bridge 140ft above the creek level which is only a few minutes away.  This area alone (Cornell University) sports so many amazing waterfalls. Cascadilla Falls which has a 20ft cascade is located on the Cascadilla Creek Trail and drops 400ft past nine waterfalls.  Triphammer Falls is the center of the Cornell Campus and is a 55ft multiple cascading fall.

My favourite waterfall on this journey was Buttermilk Falls and not because of its size, but it’s one of the 10 falls along Buttermilk creek and it offers so much beauty if you hike the stairs on the gorge trail.  As soon as you hit the entrance of the Buttermilk Falls State Park, the first thing you notice is the waterfall.  With a swimming area just below the falls, this is another state park that I highly recommend on visiting.  As we began our hike and turned another corner, there was always another waterfall or swimming hole.  The beauty and serenity of this trail was so breathtaking that I didn’t want to leave.  The weather that day started off sunny but as the day progressed, the weather changed but not enough to depart our journey on this trail.  As the rain pelted down on us, we took shelter under a rock formation almost like an opening to a cave.  We decided to break open a bottle of wine that we brought with us until the rain subsided. As I sipped my wine, I could not help but look around me to notice how peaceful this area was with not a person in sight and to be surrounded by waterfalls, flowing creeks, watering holes, and a lush forest.  At that moment in time, I could not think of any other place I would rather be. However, the day was pressing on, the weather was breaking and there was so much more to discover.

As we departed one state park, we decided to bike to another park that was not too far away and also enjoyed a little beer sampling on the way (next week’s blog post).   As we entered Robert Treman State Park, we had not idea of what we were about to embark upon.  Of course, when biking into a state park, the fee is waived so it saved us a little money again.  We noticed a sign for ‘swimming area’ so we decided to check it out as it was a hot day and we required a little cooling off.  As we approached the swimming area, we couldn’t believe our eyes; another waterfall.  Enfield Falls is a 70ft pulpit-type fall and a popular spot for waterfall swimming.  A great choice for families as the swimming area is lifeguarded and you also have the opportunity to try and walk across the falls which I’ve been told is not an easy task to perform.  A spring diving board is the main attraction here next to the scenery of the waterfall.  Again, a very inexpensive day for the family as you pay a $7 park fee for the entire day which provides your family with a full packed day of entertainment and active living.

With all the waterfalls aside, there is so much scenery here in the Finger Lakes region from rolling pastoral lands, state parks, wineries, but most of all, the stunning 11 Finger Lakes. Discover your next adventure in a place off the beaten path.