Bates Blog

(ARA) - The world is full of amazing things to see, but there are a select few sites that people agree are truly wonders of the world. The tradition started a long time ago, in ancient Greece, when Antipater of Sidon listed the unrivaled buildings of the day. More recently, new lists of world wonders have been proposed including both man-made and natural sites, providing the perfect blueprint for a traveler's "bucket list". Luckily, Americans can start checking things off right in their own spectacular backyard by taking a Grand Canyon tour.

The Grand Canyon is not just something to see, but a destination to be experienced. Standing on the rim will give you breathtaking views, certainly, but a natural wonder of the world deserves being seen within a more in-depth context. The added dimension of hearing the story of the canyon's formation is easiest to come by if you join a Grand Canyon tour, like those offered by Tauck. Not only does a tour give you unusual access to the sites, enriching your visit, but the cost savings, when compared to arranging everything on your own, can be as much as 40 percent.

To make the most of a Grand Canyon tour, be sure that you include these essential elements in your itinerary:

• Go beyond the average view of the Grand Canyon. The complex history of the Grand Canyon stretches back eons. Rather than sticking your nose in a guide book and missing the scenery, a lecture given by an expert geologist gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of what you're seeing. Learn about the ecology and geology during your Grand Canyon tour before heading out for a full day's exploration.
• Take in the surrounding scenery. Because the Grand Canyon is situated in one of America's most scenically dramatic regions, the opportunity to see the surrounding areas is one that you should take advantage of as well. Places like Sedona, Ariz., Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park are all within reasonable distances and should figure into your travel plans as well; check to see if they are built into your Grand Canyon tour.
• Relax in stylish hotels. The American Southwest is home to some of the country's top resorts and hotels, where a memorable stay adds to the overall experience. Don't miss the chance to stay at a lodge within the Grand Canyon National Park, where you can experience the landscape from sunrise to starry night. Nearby travel hubs like Scottsdale and Las Vegas offer the ultimate in luxury hotels for kicking back, pre- or post- your Grand Canyon tour adventure.

Explore your adventurous side. Taking a hike is a great way to get up close and personal with the landscapes of the Southwest, but there are other ways to dive into the experience. Try a float trip down the Colorado River, which winds its way through the region and carves out a dramatic path through the Grand Canyon. Or take wing on a helicopter ride that gives you a whole new perspective on the size and grandeur of the site.

While there's no denying that the Grand Canyon is a photogenic place, traveling to this natural wonder will show you just how difficult it is to capture its true beauty, immensity and magic. And because it epitomizes the concept of a "wonder of the world," it's the perfect place to kick off your goal to see the most amazing sights on the planet.

Guided snowshoe walks are great opportunities to explore the park. Here, chief naturalist Tom Medema greets visitors at the trailhead. (NPS photo)

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Marked winter trails around Badger Pass, Crane Flat, and in the Mariposa Grove accommodate beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers. (NPS photo)

For many, winter is the best time to come; a secret season when the crowds are gone and the air is clear. Yosemite visitors have formed winter traditions for generations in places like Yosemite Valley and Badger Pass. We asked our Chief of Interpretation, Tom Medema, an epic winter sports enthusiast, to share his impressions of a perfect winter day in Yosemite. Here is his response: Winter has the opposite effect on me as it does on much of Yosemite's wildlife. Instead of entering hibernation, it is a time of awakening and invigoration like no other! Crisp clean air, brilliant blue sky set against the blanket of white, silence except for the stride of my skis, joyful screams of trepidation and glee on the ski hill and ice rink — these are things that keep one coming back to Yosemite in winter day after day, week after week, year after year. Imagine the perfect winter morning: Yosemite Valley is blanketed in white with a fresh coat of snow outlining every detail – rock walls, black oaks, riverbanks, and historic buildings. The sublime scenery created in winter here is almost overwhelming. And it's not just the stunning site that takes my breath away … the historic and significant ice rink at Curry Village offers visitors and locals alike a unique and addicting way to raise heartbeats and stretch cramped winter legs. In the 1930s, Yosemite boasted a successful travelling club hockey team, a team that travelled as far as Los Angeles to play matches. Figure skating, speed skating, and ice dancing were all the rage at Curry Village; a unique tradition that continues today with adult and youth hockey, figure skating lessons, and open skating for the public — all in the shadow of Half Dome and Glacier Point. It is unquestionably the most scenic ice rink in the world. For ski enthusiasts, the perfect day starts with a careful drive up the mountain road to Badger Pass for a quiet morning of cross-country touring on trails surrounding the downhill ski area. Follow this with a fun and adventurous snowshoe walk with a park ranger and end the day in high spirits with an afternoon of lift-line-free downhill or telemark skiing at the oldest and most historic ski area in California! Badger Pass is a perfectly unintimidating family mountain, great for beginners and tough enough for experienced skiers to find great lines through the trees or on the short steeps. Want to get involved and learn more about how you can create a perfect winter day? To start your own Yosemite tradition, visit our website at www.nps.gov/yose and start planning.

(ARA) - No matter how strong the familial bonds, traveling with multiple generations of family members can be a challenge. Perhaps Grandpa loves visiting historic sites, while his toddler granddaughter prefers amusement parks. Grandma relishes museum hopping while Mom wants to shop the day away. And the only thing they all agree on is the need for an afternoon nap.

Adults traveling with children or grandchildren make up 30 percent of all adult leisure travelers, according to the U.S. Travel Association. And family travelers take an average of 4.5 trips per year, the association reports. Traveling with grandparents is on the rise, too; nearly four out of every 10 leisure travelers are grandparents, according to a report in TravelAge West.

"Interestingly, the economy seems to have had less of an impact on family travel than on other travel segments," says Kimberly Miles of the Myrtle Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "People see traveling with family as an important way to reconnect and enjoy each other's company. With today's hectic schedules, many families appreciate the opportunity traveling together gives them to spend quality time together and create lasting memories."

Traveling with multiple generations can be a rewarding experience. Keep these tips in mind to help ensure your multi-generational family travel is fun, safe and rewarding for everyone in the group:

Choose wisely

When you have to please tastes and preferences that vary as widely as those between grandparents and grandkids, the destination you choose for your family vacation becomes even more important. Choosing a destination that's focused on a single theme (such as an amusement park or beach resort) or that has limited access to a variety of attractions may leave at least some members of the group disappointed.

Look for destinations that specialize in accommodating family travelers with a wide variety of activities, attractions and types of lodging and dining. For example, Myrtle Beach has earned a reputation as a family-friendly destination for its broad range of things to see and do, including miles of pristine beaches, zoos, amusement parks, museums, natural preserves, and outstanding shopping and dining.

Another advantage of Myrtle Beach is its drivability from practically anywhere on the eastern seaboard. Family travelers often prefer destinations that are within driving distance of home. Road trips can help reduce transportation costs, and smart families can make the journey to their vacation spot part of the overall experience.

Consider special needs

In many ways, children and seniors have a lot in common when it comes to travel and special needs. In addition to an entertaining time, both kids and grandparents will need regular meal times and plenty of rest in order to maximize their vacation enjoyment. The adults coordinating the trip will need to keep in mind any special dietary needs of all members in the group.

Before setting out, adults should coordinate medication management to ensure everyone has an adequate supply of any necessary prescriptions. They may also need to provide additional transportation options for any family members with mobility issues. For example, grandparents who normally use a walker may prefer the convenience of a wheelchair or scooter if the family will be visiting an attraction where they will be doing a lot of walking. The family may also need to forego visits to attractions where the terrain would be challenging for very young children or others with mobility issues.

Get everyone involved in planning

Certainly all adults in the party should have a say in where the family will go, and older kids can also get into the act. The choice of destination and what sights you'll see can be a group activity, and grandparents and children can enjoy researching together everything there is to see and do.

Involving everyone in the planning can also make trip preparations go more smoothly. For example, retired grandparents can ease pre-trip stress by helping parents confirm hotel, airline and rental car reservations. Teens and grandparents can team up to research dining options and plan family meals on the road.

"Traveling as a family can be an enriching experience for everyone," Kimberly Miles says. "By choosing the right destination and putting some extra thought into planning and preparations, you can help ensure everyone enjoys the trip."

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Wilson’s Creek--Missouri State Guardsmen fighting on Bloody Hill. (National Park Service Photo)

Candlelight Christmas Tours, Gettysburg, Pa. - The Shriver House Museum in Gettysburg, Pa. will be hosting Candlelight Christmas Tours every Saturday through December 17. Guests will take an interpretive tour of the house, which will be adorned in 1860s Christmas decorations, while learning about how the Shriver family experienced the Battle of Gettysburg and the Civil War.

The Shriver House Museum is located at 309 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, Pa. For more information, visit: www.shriverhouse.org/2011_Christmas_Tour.html

Annual Olde Tyme Christmas Holiday, Harpers Ferry, W.Va. - The Harpers Ferry historic downtown area will host holiday events throughout the weekends of December 2-4 and 9-10. The festivities will begin on Friday, December 2 with a yule log celebration. Activities include all day bake sales, breakfast with Santa, horse and wagon rides, children's storytelling hour, and ornament making. Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will hold a special living history program, "Captain Flagg's U.S. Quartermaster City," depicting the experience of Union soldiers stationed in town at Christmas 1864.

Historic downtown Harpers Ferry is located off U.S. Route 340, in Jefferson County, W.Va. For more information, visit: www.historicharpersferry.com/articles/old_tyme_christmas.php

Christmas Open House, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, Prairie Grove, Ark. - On December 4-5, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park will host a Civil War-themed Christmas Open House. From 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., guests will be able to attend guided tours of the historic Latta and Morrow houses. The event will also include demonstrations of period crafts, including lace making and spinning and weaving, with local artisans.

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is located at 506 East Douglas Street, Prairie Grove, Ark. For more information, visit: www.arkansasstateparks.com/prairiegrovebattlefield/events/park-events-details.aspx?id=43435

Annual Luminary Driving Tour, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, Republic, Mo. - On Saturday, December 10, from 5:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Wilson's Creek National Battlefield will host its eighth annual memorial luminary driving tour, featuring 2,539 individual lights representing those killed, wounded, or missing during the August 1861 battle. Vehicles will embark on a five-mile driving tour through the battlefield, with stops at the Ray House and the visitor center. Visitors are encouraged to tour the Ray House and learn about the hardships faced by local families during the Civil War. Music, refreshments, and information will be provided at the visitor center.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is located ten miles southwest of Springfield, Mo., at the intersection of Highway ZZ and Farm Road 182. For more information, visit: www.nps.gov/wicr

19th Century Christmas at Ellwood Manor, Wilderness, Va. - On Saturday, December 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Ellwood Manor on Virginia's Wilderness battlefield will host its 19th Century Christmas. This family-friendly event will feature period decorations crafted by the Fawn Lake Garden Club, children's crafts and games, plus the event's highlight - a visit from the Victorian-era Santa Claus. Interpreters will recount how Christmas was celebrated at the manor, read Christmas letters from Civil War soldiers and perform period music.

Ellwood Manor is located at 36380 Constitution Highway (Route 20), Locust Grove, Va. For more information, visit: www.fowb.org/events

The Civil War Discovery Trail, a network of more than 600 sites in 32 states, the District of Columbia and three international destinations, is an excellent resource in planning visits this holiday season and beyond. Explore Civil War history and plan your next trip online at www.civilwardiscoverytrail.org.

The Civil War Trust is the largest nonprofit battlefield preservation organization in the United States. Its mission is to preserve our nation's endangered Civil War battlefields and to promote appreciation of these hallowed grounds. To date, the Trust has preserved more than 30,000 acres of battlefield land in 20 states. Learn more at www.civilwar.org, the home of the Civil War sesquicentennial.

(ARA) - This year, thousands of Americans will be hitting the roads in their RVs and facing cold temperatures, along with the snowy and icy conditions winter weather brings. These factors are not only a nuisance, but at times, very dangerous, even for the most confident and experienced drivers. Simple driving maneuvers, such as starting, stopping and making turns can become very challenging if vehicles are not properly prepared for inclement weather.

After their homes, the second-largest financial investment for most is their vehicle; helping it stay in good working order during the colder months of the year should be a top priority. Because money is often tight in the given economy, you may be reluctant to spend on services or maintenance that could be put off, at least for the short term. Such decisions, however, could potentially shorten the life of a vehicle, decrease its fuel efficiency or even help create unsafe driving.

To prepare vehicles for the winter months ahead, here are some simple tips to help you arrive safely at your destination.

Traction is key: The economy has forced many to postpone tire purchases, but with wet weather and unpredictable winter conditions ahead, now is not the time to have low tread on your tires. Your tires need good traction to help keep your RV on the road. It's important to have the correct tire tread and in particularly cold climates, drivers should consider investing in winter tires. For example: The Winter Reactive Technology used in Goodyear's Ultra Grip Ice WRT tires offer a combination of innovative tire features to help drivers react to changing weather conditions with enhanced starting, stopping and turning traction for superior performance on the roads. Winter driving experts such as the ILR Car Control School, located in Mount Albert, Ontario, choose Goodyear UGI Ice WRT for superior performance in winter conditions.

Feel the pressure: As temperatures change, so does tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and even good fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box and should be checked at least monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle's fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent.

Keep it clean: Consumers' RVs, trucks or SUVs are likely weathering the harsh conditions and corrosive elements associated with winter, including freezing rain, snow, ice, sand and salt. Keeping vehicles clean will help protect them from the chemicals and dirt that may attack the RV's finish and undercarriage. Be sure to use quality cleaners and waxes specifically designed for handling a RV's finish.

Keep it flowing: Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, helping to keep it running efficiently and effectively. Not sure what oil to use? Defer to a professional or use the grade of motor oil recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to achieve optimum engine protection and fuel efficiency.

Be prepared: Keep a survival kit handy. A flashlight with fresh batteries, a blanket, water bottles, cellphone charger, jumper cables, flares, a "help" sign, and a first aid kit will prepare you for emergency situations or unexpected breakdowns.

For more helpful information on tires, visit your local Goodyear retailer or go online to www.goodyear.com.