Places to go, things to do
And now for that beloved Friday tradition: the best from the week's press releases.
People often tell me they like to travel but not alone. Well, a few days ago I got a release about a travel companion matching site called Travel Chums (www.travelchums.com). The organization is eight years old and has over 40,000 members.
Then there are people who have partners but the partners are addicted to ESPN. For them, the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino has created a "Sports Widow Weekend." This release arrived in the middle of March Madness, but the package is available through Dec. 21. Because, what weekend in the U.S. doesn't involve some sort of sporting madness?
Then there are people who've always wanted to go to Ethiopia but found the prospect a little daunting. Ethiopian Airlines is starting "Ethiopian Journeys," a group of three tour packages including the "Queen of Sheba Tour" which takes in the Blue Nile Falls. There is also a package to Tanzania.
And lastly, there are people with teenagers. For them, Loews Hotels has created what they're calling "Edu-cations." These include a tour of the financial markets in New York City, a songwriting trip to Nashville, and immersion into the culinary arts in Miami Beach. Less educational but possibly more fun are golfing tours in Las Vegas and surfing tours in San Diego.
Comments
Who ARE these people that come up with these ideas? These hotel-chain bigwigs have long forgotten what being a teenager is like. Being the same brat most others were at that age, I don't think I could manage a glance at my parents (and their fanny packs, which they still wear) without rolling my eyes and becoming sullen and mopey. I guess everyone has different experiences with family trips...but usually taking a family vacation is bad enough in/of itself without the "educational" additions. I don't think young people start to enjoy intellectually stimulating trips until college at least..and even then, many would just opt for a beach in Mexico and endless shots of tequila. For a more enjoyable vacation for families with teenagers, plan something educational with your spouse and give your kids some cash and a curfew. Then talk about what you all saw at dinner.
Posted by: jen | April 8, 2008 5:25 PM