IRELAND BIKE & BREAKFAST Posted: 10/09/06
Dear Nan:
About 15 years ago I took a bike trip in Ireland with friends. We pre-purchased coupons for nights at B&B's and were able to call ahead 2-3 days in advance to book our room. We had a booklet with the participating B&B's listed. It was a great way to maintain flexible travel plans when we weren't sure how the trip would go. Is there still anything like this? My husband and I would like to do a similar trip, though by car.
Ginger B.
Dear Ginger:
Thank you for your question; it is a good one. I have a great memory of biking a day during my trip to Ireland. Biking through Ireland is wonderful; however you can enjoy "motoring" around the countryside with far less sweat. Europe Express (gotoday.com) which is the consumer direct booking engine for Europe and Virgin Atlantic Vacations all do this type of travel. I believe that Europe Express bought out Brian Moore International Holidays which strictly does Ireland.
© 2006 Nancy Zimmerman
BY THE TIME WE GOT TO WOODSTOCK Posted: October 11, 2006
Hello Nan:
We would like a vacation oriented towards couples, but not "swingers"....and boomers, not the "spring fling" crowd. I have found that just because it says 18 plus, we may not avoid the rowdy young "spring fling" partiers. We are not sticks in the mud, but we don't want to be around the 40 and younger crowd....nor the 70 and older crowd. Is there anything out there for 50 - 65 year old youthful and mature folks....without the grandkids? We were raised on Led Zep and the Beatles, but we don't party all night anymore! FYI, we both are well educated and professional. I hope you can help. Thanks!
Susan
Dear Susan:
First let me suggest you avoid blatant Spring break dates- mid March to early May or Christmas holiday. A great experience for boomer couples is a “Spa Vacation" and the "gold standard" is Miraval near Tucson (great for couples). www.miravalresort.com Canyon Ranch in AZ or Lenox MA are also excellent destination spas that will renew your mind and body. I have heard from other journalists that miAmo in Sedona is also a good bet, however I have not experienced miAmo so can't be 100% about recommending the resort. Last summer, I found Cranwell Resort & Spa in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. I do not recall any teens during my stay, but again no guarantees. Teens are not outlawed in most states. You can schedule your stay during the Tanglewood Music Festival and while in the area, take a long drive down memory lane to the famed Yasgur farm in Woodstock, NY. Beaches Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios usually host no teens (allows 18 +) but it is not guaranteed. An elegant all-inclusive part of the Sandals Resort chain, lacks what most teens and hardy-partiers want. Fortunately for boomers, it has a small intimate beach, small pool, teens and college rabble rousers prefer wide beaches and noisy bars! An escorted tour vacation through Abercrombie and Kent (luxury-priced) www.abercrombiekent.com or Gate One (moderately priced, but known for excellent guides) www.gateone.com or Tauck Tours (not Tauck Bridges) www.tauck.com would all be good bets. A cruise is another good choice. Carefully choose the line and the sailing week. SeaDream Yacht Club www.seadream.com would be a good choice, and some of the popular priced cruises may also be fine, but it is not guaranteed. Look for Special Interest "themed" weeks…….art appreciation, literary, gardening... and we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden.
© 2006 Nancy Zimmerman
