http://wandermelon.com Updates and insights on the world's best experiences. Fri, 17 May 2013 23:25:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.4.2 http://wandermelon.com/2013/04/08/sierra-nevada-resort-elevates-the-eating-and-sleeping-scene-at-mammoth/ http://wandermelon.com/2013/04/08/sierra-nevada-resort-elevates-the-eating-and-sleeping-scene-at-mammoth/#comments Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:27:14 +0000 Jason Kessler http://wandermelon.com/?p=22275
Mammoth has always been more of a ski town than a dining destination, but Jim Demetriades is trying to change that image. Demetriades owns the newly remodeled Sierra Nevada Resort  in Mammoth Lakes, CA, which just officially reopened on February 1st after a multi-million dollar, three-year renovation. What used to be a Rodeway Inn is now a rustic-chic lodge with family-friendly amenities and three restaurants that have enhanced the Mammoth scene. The resort boasts 149 rooms in...]]>
Mammoth has always been more of a ski town than a dining destination, but Jim Demetriades is trying to change that image. Demetriades owns the newly remodeled Sierra Nevada Resort  in Mammoth Lakes, CA, which just officially reopened on February 1st after a multi-million dollar, three-year renovation. What used to be a Rodeway Inn is now a rustic-chic lodge with family-friendly amenities and three restaurants that have enhanced the Mammoth scene. The resort boasts 149 rooms in...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2013/04/08/sierra-nevada-resort-elevates-the-eating-and-sleeping-scene-at-mammoth/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2013/03/28/from-ruins-to-rainforest-the-bounty-of-belize/ http://wandermelon.com/2013/03/28/from-ruins-to-rainforest-the-bounty-of-belize/#comments Fri, 29 Mar 2013 01:42:21 +0000 John Montgomery http://wandermelon.com/?p=22247
An insider's guide to this magical Central American destination, rich in ancient Mayan culture, exotic wildlife and underwater beauty For travelers looking for a destination with that rare mix of ancient culture, active adventure, natural beauty and perfect beaches, Belize is the perfect prescription. Unique among Central American nations, Belize is English speaking, compact (about the size of New Jersey), and un-crowded. The laid-back destination offers warm waters teeming with aquatic life, lush jungles and luxurious...]]>
An insider's guide to this magical Central American destination, rich in ancient Mayan culture, exotic wildlife and underwater beauty For travelers looking for a destination with that rare mix of ancient culture, active adventure, natural beauty and perfect beaches, Belize is the perfect prescription. Unique among Central American nations, Belize is English speaking, compact (about the size of New Jersey), and un-crowded. The laid-back destination offers warm waters teeming with aquatic life, lush jungles and luxurious...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2013/03/28/from-ruins-to-rainforest-the-bounty-of-belize/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2013/03/04/explore-chicago-with-kids/ http://wandermelon.com/2013/03/04/explore-chicago-with-kids/#comments Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:27:07 +0000 Dana Sara http://wandermelon.com/?p=21970
Chicago native Dana Sara offers an insider’s guide to memorable kid-friendly entertainment for the entire family and stays at the grand 92-story Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. Chicago offers experiences that will make a lasting impression upon you and your children, creating memories that will last a lifetime.  A weekend in Chicago can open your family’s eyes to a not so distant past where imagination, creativity and perseverance were the values that turned a prairie...]]>
Chicago native Dana Sara offers an insider’s guide to memorable kid-friendly entertainment for the entire family and stays at the grand 92-story Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. Chicago offers experiences that will make a lasting impression upon you and your children, creating memories that will last a lifetime.  A weekend in Chicago can open your family’s eyes to a not so distant past where imagination, creativity and perseverance were the values that turned a prairie...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2013/03/04/explore-chicago-with-kids/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2013/02/07/xcaret-the-riviera-mayas-family-fantasy-land/ http://wandermelon.com/2013/02/07/xcaret-the-riviera-mayas-family-fantasy-land/#comments Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:25:56 +0000 Judy Zimmerman http://wandermelon.com/?p=21770
Located In Mexico's Yucatan Region, this popular eco-adventure park entertains families with everything from cultural spectacles to lagoon snorkle trips. Xcaret (“Ssh-karet”), the site of a centuries-old Maya trading post, is now a unique ecological theme park built on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.  It’s just four miles south of the lively nightlife of Playa del Carmen and about an hour’s drive from Cancun on what is now known as the Riviera Maya. But...]]>
Located In Mexico's Yucatan Region, this popular eco-adventure park entertains families with everything from cultural spectacles to lagoon snorkle trips. Xcaret (“Ssh-karet”), the site of a centuries-old Maya trading post, is now a unique ecological theme park built on the Caribbean coastline of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.  It’s just four miles south of the lively nightlife of Playa del Carmen and about an hour’s drive from Cancun on what is now known as the Riviera Maya. But...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2013/02/07/xcaret-the-riviera-mayas-family-fantasy-land/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2013/01/10/winter-travel-skiing-in-idaho/ http://wandermelon.com/2013/01/10/winter-travel-skiing-in-idaho/#comments Fri, 11 Jan 2013 01:13:00 +0000 Elizabeth Rodgers http://wandermelon.com/?p=21520
Although the Rocky Mountains offer some of the best skiing in the world, the overlooked state of Idaho can offer excellent deals with short lift lines and great value.  Not only does Idaho have eighteen ski areas, offering some world class skiing and snow boarding options -- powder, terrain parks, cat-skiing, heli-skiing -- it’s also a big empty state with blue skies and fresh tracks. Crowds are few in this part of the Rockies.  Come...]]>
Although the Rocky Mountains offer some of the best skiing in the world, the overlooked state of Idaho can offer excellent deals with short lift lines and great value.  Not only does Idaho have eighteen ski areas, offering some world class skiing and snow boarding options -- powder, terrain parks, cat-skiing, heli-skiing -- it’s also a big empty state with blue skies and fresh tracks. Crowds are few in this part of the Rockies.  Come...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2013/01/10/winter-travel-skiing-in-idaho/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2012/12/23/australia-an-outback-christmas-on-the-rails/ http://wandermelon.com/2012/12/23/australia-an-outback-christmas-on-the-rails/#comments Mon, 24 Dec 2012 02:48:36 +0000 Marie Barbieri http://wandermelon.com/?p=21423
Marie Barbieri discovers that desolate townships, gourmet cuisine, and ever-changing landscapes make The Indian Pacific Australia’s most iconic journey. Sitting patiently in the Outback Explorer Lounge, I munch on welcome canapés of lemon myrtle curry puffs. I’m itching to hear the hoot and feel the train glide out to begin my 4,352km journey across the continent. A childlike wave of excitement kicks in as we jolt, leaving behind Sydney’s Central Station and its frenzy of tourists...]]>
Marie Barbieri discovers that desolate townships, gourmet cuisine, and ever-changing landscapes make The Indian Pacific Australia’s most iconic journey. Sitting patiently in the Outback Explorer Lounge, I munch on welcome canapés of lemon myrtle curry puffs. I’m itching to hear the hoot and feel the train glide out to begin my 4,352km journey across the continent. A childlike wave of excitement kicks in as we jolt, leaving behind Sydney’s Central Station and its frenzy of tourists...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2012/12/23/australia-an-outback-christmas-on-the-rails/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/27/dreaming-of-peru/ http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/27/dreaming-of-peru/#comments Wed, 28 Nov 2012 04:47:40 +0000 John Montgomery http://wandermelon.com/?p=21213
Striking visuals and musings on Peru's rich and diverse attractions by adventure traveler and trip leader John Montgomery, founder of Mosaico Travel.   Peru occupies my daydreams with unique regularity. As a fifth-grader I was amazed by a photo of Machu Picchu, and vowed to see the legendary ruins first-hand. As soon as I was able, I left for Peru. The reality exceeded my expectations. I'm drawn back regularly, but I also retrace my journeys as I...]]>
Striking visuals and musings on Peru's rich and diverse attractions by adventure traveler and trip leader John Montgomery, founder of Mosaico Travel.   Peru occupies my daydreams with unique regularity. As a fifth-grader I was amazed by a photo of Machu Picchu, and vowed to see the legendary ruins first-hand. As soon as I was able, I left for Peru. The reality exceeded my expectations. I'm drawn back regularly, but I also retrace my journeys as I...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/27/dreaming-of-peru/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/16/introducing-wandermelon-journeys-trips-designed-by-travel-writers/ http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/16/introducing-wandermelon-journeys-trips-designed-by-travel-writers/#comments Sat, 17 Nov 2012 02:34:46 +0000 Eric Hiss http://wandermelon.com/?p=21114
Experience the amazing insider itineraries and off-the-charts access enjoyed by pro travel writers (without the annoying deadlines of course). "You have the best job in the world." Oh if we only had a frequent flyer mile for every time the wandermelon team has heard that sentiment expressed to us. As professional travel writers and photographers, it's true we enjoy a pretty enviable lifestyle, with exceptional travels abroad made possible through extensive global contacts, some hard-won travel...]]>
Experience the amazing insider itineraries and off-the-charts access enjoyed by pro travel writers (without the annoying deadlines of course). "You have the best job in the world." Oh if we only had a frequent flyer mile for every time the wandermelon team has heard that sentiment expressed to us. As professional travel writers and photographers, it's true we enjoy a pretty enviable lifestyle, with exceptional travels abroad made possible through extensive global contacts, some hard-won travel...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2012/11/16/introducing-wandermelon-journeys-trips-designed-by-travel-writers/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2012/09/19/paris-with-kids-in-715-easy-steps/ http://wandermelon.com/2012/09/19/paris-with-kids-in-715-easy-steps/#comments Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:28:21 +0000 David Hochman http://wandermelon.com/?p=20002
David Hochman finds visiting the City of Lights in autumn means saying adieu to summer crowds and discovering a kid's paradise that will charm adults as well. Somewhere between Babar and Madeline, “Ratatouille” and Hugo Cabret, my eight-year-old felt he knew Paris before we even got there. To Sebastian, the city was a place of roving accordionists, incandescent railway stations and pachyderms in impeccably tailored green suits. We adults have our fantasies, too. Each year, 27...]]>
David Hochman finds visiting the City of Lights in autumn means saying adieu to summer crowds and discovering a kid's paradise that will charm adults as well. Somewhere between Babar and Madeline, “Ratatouille” and Hugo Cabret, my eight-year-old felt he knew Paris before we even got there. To Sebastian, the city was a place of roving accordionists, incandescent railway stations and pachyderms in impeccably tailored green suits. We adults have our fantasies, too. Each year, 27...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2012/09/19/paris-with-kids-in-715-easy-steps/feed/ 0 http://wandermelon.com/2012/09/07/yorkshire-far-from-the-madding-crowd/ http://wandermelon.com/2012/09/07/yorkshire-far-from-the-madding-crowd/#comments Sat, 08 Sep 2012 07:03:06 +0000 Michael Webb http://wandermelon.com/?p=19915
For those who love London, and may have gone over for the Olympics, consider heading north for a change of scenery. There, in Yorkshire and the neighboring county of Derbyshire, you can savor an idyll of natural beauty, grand houses, lively market towns, honest food, snug inns, and warm hospitality, plus reminders of the industrial past. Everything the travel brochures promise and so rarely deliver. You’ll need a car, so book a bargain through Auto-Europe.com,...]]>
For those who love London, and may have gone over for the Olympics, consider heading north for a change of scenery. There, in Yorkshire and the neighboring county of Derbyshire, you can savor an idyll of natural beauty, grand houses, lively market towns, honest food, snug inns, and warm hospitality, plus reminders of the industrial past. Everything the travel brochures promise and so rarely deliver. You’ll need a car, so book a bargain through Auto-Europe.com,...]]> http://wandermelon.com/2012/09/07/yorkshire-far-from-the-madding-crowd/feed/ 0