Traveling the Highway

Movies glamorized the phrase "road trip" into a spontaneous exciting adventure, but those who've traveled the highways on vacation mostly dread it. Regardless of the impending dread, more and more of us are hitting the road rather than the airways, like our parents and grandparents use to do, for affordability. The cost of flying is just too high for an entire family. Making traveling from point A to point B; from home to our desired destination and back stuck in a vehicle a necessary evil.
We don't utter an excited, "Road trip!" We envision "road weary." We just can't stand the idea of endless hours of highway, knowing at some hour everyone in the car will be miserable. Although planning ahead will help, no amount of games, books, music and scenery can thwart the inevitable fatigue and frustration. I know, from the countless trips we've taken from South Florida to North Florida (7-9hrs) or from South Florida to Upstate New York (more that 24hrs). I can't change the distance or the fatigue that comes with it, but as I have in the past I can recommend things that will make it a little easier.
I can't stress enough the value of good books on CD, if the whole family can agree on one or two. You can pick them up at your local library or stop at a Cracker Barrel Store and rent them. You can return it to any of their stores throughout the country when you're finished and you only pay around $3.50 per week. This tip has eased the distance for my family immeasurably. Trust me, time will fly. If you can't agree on a book, drivers take precedence. Children, depending on their ages, can use headphones with portable players.  Of course, it goes without saying to have games and snacks at the ready and to take those stretch your legs breaks. Don't try to "drive straight through." Yes, we've all done it at least once. Miserable is the only way to describe it and you end up passing out from exhaustion when you arrive.
When it comes to long trips, ideally I would recommend breaking your trip up and finding something exciting to check out along the way; a one or two day side adventure. However, with limited time a side trip is not always possible. If your goal is to get to point B as quickly as possible, iExit is for you.

My new favorite travel recommendation is the App, 'iExit'. Road travelers don't often plan their stops. We like to go as far as we can (especially that first day) before stopping for the night. That leads to searching for a place to crash for a few hours before moving forward. Obviously this is not the ideal time for trying to find affordable lodging or even sustenance; you're in brain fatigue. You can still search for hotels in the area ahead through various search engines and websites, but iExit had the foresight to make it a lot easier. Simply put, iExit tells you what's ahead when driving on the interstate. It's all about right off the road ahead and no further out. So you're not seeing what's six miles out or popular downtown, but rather what's right around the next few exits. iExit also claims their app, "contains over 2,500 nightly hotel deals with rates cheaper than you'll find anywhere online. Never overpay for a hotel off an exit again." I haven't tested this thoroughly, but I have found it to be true on the occasions I've used the app. The app also tells you what food, gas, banking, car repair, etc. are up ahead right around the exit. I love this app!

Welcome to Florida's Winter Wonderland

It's not news that people love to visit Florida. They come here for the warm weather, the beaches and the theme parks, but did you know that winter is the perfect time to visit Florida's natural areas? Besides getting a break form the heat, it's a reprieve from the bloodsuckers. No, not your boss, the IRS or your lender, although you may consider that to be true as well, I'm talking about mosquitos and no-see-ums. Every Floridian can relate to this metaphor, "If you don't think a small thing can make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito." The good news is at 50 degrees, the tiny evil creatures shut down for the winter.

Fireside chats can go on to nearly dawn

Given the absence of the usual discomforts, suddenly hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing and camping are a lot more enticing. Gathering around a campfire and counting stars, once again, become romantic notions, rather than insane ones. It is absolutely the best time for visiting Florida's wonderful natural areas. Although, you will want to bring a long sleeve shirt and a hat, because the sun burns as bright as ever. Ask yourself, When was the last time you made S'mores, went hiking, sat around a bonfire, or gazed at a million stars in a clear night sky?
Here are some great places for getting back out. The Florida Everglades and the Florida Keys parks, such as, John Pennekamp State Park, are obvious choices, but there are plenty of wonderful, less than obvious places for your consideration. Here are a few of my recommendations. Cayo Costa State Park, just north of Sanibel and Captiva islands, is accessible by boat or small plane. It is a beautiful, serene island park with camping, cabins and plenty of water activities. Alafia River State Park, near Tampa, is known for mountain biking trails. Sebastian Inlet State Park, south of Melbourne, although a little chilly in winter, is popular for surfing, beach cast fishing and treasure hunting (a 1715 Spanish fleet wrecked just offshore). Myakka River State Park, near Sarasota has 12 miles of river flowing through it and 15 miles of horse trails. Dry Tortugas camping is a bit more challenging due to its location, but more than worth the trip. Almost 70 miles (113 km) west of Key West, it is accessible via Key West Ferry or your own boat. A 10-site, primitive campground is located on Garden Key, the same island as Fort Jefferson, and is a short walk from the public dock. Nothing beats the view from here and you can explore the 19th Century Fort and snorkel crystal clear waters. An unforgettable experience. All of these parks have camping areas. My last recommendation is not a park but a journey; a Peace River canoe camping trip. It's an experience your family will always remember. There are exceptional guides and group outings available, so all you need worry about is having fun.

January - North Captiva Island / Cayo Costa State Park

Winter Wonderland

Variations on a theme –
 

 
Wish you 
were here?

Florida - Winter Wonderland?

Sorry, no snow here, no lumps of coal either. Instead you'll have to build a sandman, shed the coat, hat and scarf and use shells for the eyes, then falls asleep from warmth of the sun and gentle lapping of the water against the shore. Trust me, you won't miss the snow. Wish you were here?

The Right Track - Rovos Rail

ALL ABOARD!

√  Brochure read (several times)
√  Scanned the website (every page)
√  Google searched (every relatable image)
√  Travel Blogs read (several)
√  Files created (virtual and actual)
√  Clothes packed (resisted the urge to buy khakis & pith helmet)

This trip clears a half dozen items from anyone's bucket list: scenery and wildlife, thrilling and exotic, decadent and luxurious. The mere thought of this adventure will leave you giddy as a school girl with anticipation.



If you could choose only one train journey in your lifetime, it should be a Rovos Rail journey. It's the winning lottery ticket of train trips - beyond spectacular! And, it's not just the view from the train that's impressive, the accommodations are nearly as incredible.

The London Daily says,

"Discover Africa in the wood paneled, gleaming five-star luxury of a bygone era."

A Walk Among the Trees

South Africas's Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Boomslang canopy walkway allows visitors to experience the magical gardens from a different perspective. A stunning, tranquil walk among the trees.

A Walk in the Clouds

Rise early. Put on your walking shoes or hiking boots. Prepare to be amazed! Just outside of Cape Town, looming large and inviting, is the crowning jewel of an amazing South African national park, Table Mountain. The park stretches roughly 60 km from Signal Hill around Cape Town then south to Cape Point, encompassing one of the most incredibly scenic mountain chains in the world. Fringed by beautiful valleys, forests, bays and beaches, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. South Africa has the rare claim of eight World Heritage sites, each an area of extraordinary beauty and importance. Table Mountain is also listed on the New 7 Wonders of Nature (a  2001 global pick initiative). Table Mountain is South African's precious jewel among jewels. Recognized for its rich, diverse flora, it forms a partial border for the thriving, cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Table Mountain National Park is actually divided into three separate sections. The Table Mountain section includes Signal Hill, Lion's Head, Table Mountain, Devil's Peak, the Twelve Apostles (actually 17 peaks), and Orange Kloof. There are a number of hiking trails accessible from Cape Town for exploration. If you are super fit, you can walk up Table Mountain in roughly three hours. Thankfully, the Table Mountain Cableway carries visitors from the Lower Cable Station to the top, allowing visitors to avoid the arduous walk up and offering spectacular views along the way.

"70% of its floral species here occur nowhere else in the world." Rich in floral biodiversity the park is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom World Heritage Site, said to be one of the most diverse floral areas in the world. Fynbos, an ancient type of vegetation developed over millions of years, is the most abundant plant which produces magnificent flowers in spring (September/October).

Although larger predators and large herbivores disappeared from the park at the hands of the European settlers long ago, smaller mammals are still found in the park and some large herbivores are being re-introduced. Sadly, the animals are gone, but the parks spectacular beauty and amazing views make up for the lack of wildlife.

You may even get to walk among the clouds. 

Table Mountain's "Table Cloth" 

Photo by Samantha Reinders for The New York Times

Photo by Alice e Marco

Far Far Away

Photograph by Ande Truman

Everything is possible, but where do possibilities begin...with a slumbering white lion and a train, of course. After all, the journey of a lifetime has to start with a BIG dream ~ Dream of Africa.

While you're at it, why not start with its furthest edge. On the southernmost end of the African continent. Here mountain ranges mark the last stronghold, before this rugged land gives way to the sea. Cliffs rise like fortress walls, while enormous boulders stand sentry guarding the shoreline, unwavering against the thieving sea. Not one, but two oceans battle for more ground here. This vibrant land, South Africa,  rises spectacularly, as if it were the last vestige of land at the edge of the world.

South Africa: a land far, far away...

It should be said, while a visit to South Africa will be incredibly memorable for its beauty, this is a land deeply scarred. It is a country still trying to resolve its rocky past; a country riddled with controversy and upheaval, but through it all settlers and travelers continue to come for its spectacular beauty. The wounds of the past are glaringly evident in Cape Town, where we begin this journey. Here a huge percentage of South Africans still live in poverty. The road is long both behind, and ahead of this country, but the possibilities are great. I keep a favorite quote by Maya Angelou on the home page of this blog. It is perhaps no more suitable than here. It reads, "Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends."* South Africa will hopefully become a place where all its citizens are treated and cared for equally well. Awareness is key.

Arriving in Cape Town ~

Groot Constantia Estate

As you can imagine, at this point, after the long flight, anticipation for the spectacular train trip ahead will be almost unbearable. You'll eagerly await the call, "All aboard," like mice waiting for the Pavlov's bell to ring. However, before you hop the train, give yourself a day or two to rest and explore this bustling, colorful city; a day or two to get acquainted with this country and its people. After all, this is your once-in-a-lifetime journey, so, arrive early. Why not? It is your big dream.

Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden

There are vineyards here and beautiful botanical gardens…museums, mountain ranges and oceans…penguins and, yes, even white lions. Bordered to the North by Table Bay, to the West by Signal Hill and the Atlantic, and to the South by Table Mountain National Park, it's not a place that is, "just as good as any," to start the trip of a lifetime, it is an extraordinary place to start.

The Old Biscuit Mill Market

Cape Heritage Hotel built in 1771 or the Vineyard Hotel, are both lovely places to choose as a base. South Africa's unique flavors can be found at any number of restaurants, but to truly experience an abundance of South African flavors and goods visit the markets: Greenmarket Square for traditional African arts and crafts, V&A Market on the Wharf known for fresh, organic or homemade, or at Saturday's ritual the Old Biscuit Mill. If flora is your thing don't miss Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden which boasts over 22,000 indigenous plant species, and was the first botanical garden to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There's a one of a kind "steampunk" coffee shop called Truth and more than one world class winery.
Cape Town is said to be one of the most photogenic cities in the world, so of course exploring it should be included in a trip of a lifetime to Africa.

Truth Coffee Shop

Cape Heritage Hotel

*Tourism does help support South Africans, but it's not enough. While visiting this amazing part of the world consider finding other ways to help South African's in need.