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Camping Near Healdsburg at Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping
Camping Near Healdsburg at Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping
Are you dreaming of a glamping getaway? Recently, my family had the chance to get away from it all at Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping near Healdsburg and it was an easy and comfortable way to experience the outdoors without too much effort.
Have you considered camping near Healdsburg, California? Here at Trekaroo, we’re big fans of the outdoors, and that includes glamping. At Wildhaven Sonoma glamping…
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Top 10 Things to do in New Orleans with Kids
From the lively-music scene, to the nostalgic streetcars, New Orleans has something to offer visitors of every age. Families are fascinated at the history of the French Quarter. Kids love climbing the towering oaks of the Garden District. Check out our top 10 list to see what New Orleans has to offer your family.
10. National World War II Museum
Photo by trekaroo/kristined
Follow the life of a…
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Image Post Format Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts.
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Mashpi Lodge: Where luxury meets adventure in Ecuador's cloud forest
Mashpi Lodge: Where luxury meets adventure in Ecuador’s cloud forest
I watched her sky blue rain poncho ascending up and up. With her short legs my little girl tackled each stair with a fearless determination as we ascended high into the canopy of the Choco-Andean cloud forest. Emerging above the trees 85 feet in the air, the sheer vastness of green surrounding Mashpi Lodge made me gasp.
The tall observation tower we were standing on seemed to shrink into a…
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The Natural Side of the Czech Republic: Off the Beaten Path Europe with Kids
Since visiting Krakow, Poland over a decade ago, the nearby Central European city of Prague in the Czech Republic has been on my personal bucket list. Both cities have castles and fairy-tale like towers rising high above busy market squares where sweet regional treats are sold out of tented stands. However, as I planned our summer road trip through Central Europe, I read about high season crowds…
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Driving in Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria: Tips for Planning a Central European Road Trip with Kids
In August 2017, my family rented a car in Frankfurt, Germany and spent roughly two weeks driving throughout Central Europe with an itinerary including the Czech Republic’s Bohemian Switzerland National Park (Národní park České Švýcarsko), Krakow’s Wieliczka Salt Mine, Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains and Austria’s Salzkammergut. Thanks to our rental car, we were able to spend the night in city suburbs…
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We were standing in the main square in Antigua, Guatemala. At the very center of this UNESCO World Heritage city is Parque Central. At the center of Parque Central is a beautiful fountain. And that’s where we first put our Grayl water bottle purifier to the test for the first time.
Using the Grayle water bottle in Antigua, Guatemala — Photo by: LiLing Pang
We were very curious to see how this ingeniously simple water purifier would perform under all sorts of conditions. We’re grateful that Grayl agreed to send some complimentary water bottle purifiers for our family of five to put through the wringer during our six month trip through Central America.
Testing The Grayl Water Bottle Purifier
The Grayl looks like a pretty ordinary water bottle from the outside. So, as the kids and I fumbled to get it ready to test, we could see the eyes in the Sunday afternoon crowd fixing on us. This is a town that is no stranger to crazy tourists doing strange things. But even then, to see a family hopping over the knee-high fence and scooping water out of the dirty fountain into a water bottle was almost too much for our audience of street vendors, performers, and locals. They watched us with intense curiosity as our teen fit on the middle piece and leaned in to press the water through the purifying filter. He then proceeded to lift it to his mouth to drink. You could almost hear the crowd gasp. Truth be told, I too was nervous. Considering that all the tap water in Guatemala needs to be filtered and boiled or purified, we were definitely putting our stomachs on the line to test this nifty water purifier at the town fountain. While a beautiful fountain, this was no Roman drinking fountain.
Purifying water from Cueva de Setzol in Guatemala – Photo by: LiLing Pang
I am delighted to report that we all survived the test with no stomach-ache or parasites. After this bold first test, it gave us confidence to put the Grayl to the test at lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls, and swimming holes from Lake Atitlan to the Andean streams of Ecuador. Here are some of our photos of fun places we didn’t just get to swim in during our 6-month travels through Central America and Ecuador, but we also got to drink out of. It was so fun to taste our way through these countries, all thanks to our handy-dandy Grayl water bottle purifier we carried everywhere with us.
Guachepelin, Costa Rica — Photo by: LiLing Pang
Agua de Ojos, Guatemala — Photo by: Brennan Pang
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala — Photo by: Brennan Pang
Traveling with The Grayl Water Bottle Purifier
Anyone heading overseas should always be concerned about the safety of the water supply. Even some towns in developed countries have issues with heavy metals and harmful chemicals present in their tap water. You might not get sick from the water immediately, but drinking it can have long-term effects on your health. However, if you’re traveling to Central America, South America, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, or the Middle East, clean and safe water becomes a primary concern in staying healthy.
Photo by: Bigstock/kozorog
Many municipal water sources in developing countries have issues with microscopic bacteria such a giardia, cryptosporidium, and Hepatitis A in their water pipes. Sometimes this is due to the poor quality of water treatment, other times, it’s due to sewage pipes contaminating water pipes. Once these bacteria are in the pipes, it’s really expensive to get rid of them. As a traveler, you’re likely to be even more sensitive to these contaminates. Not only can it ruin your trip to spend weeks with stomach troubles, dysentery in young children can quickly lead to dehydration, which is a very serious condition. So why even risk it?
Water Purifying Options
Delivering and installing water filters in Guatemala. — Photo by: LiLing Pang
There are several portable options at hand to keep your water intake safe. The one that most travelers reach for first is bottled water, but bottled water consumed in large qualities (6-8 small bottles per day per traveler), is a lot of waste to incur, especially since many developing countries simply burn their plastic trash or poison the ground by burying the plastic waster. Most disposable bottles have BPA and other harmful plastics in them. Bottled water is an expense that families don’t often factor in while traveling. A family could easily spend $20 a day on bottled water.
Photo by: Bigstock/Luca Lorenzelli
Boiling, Iodine, or UV treatment:
Boiling or treating water with iodine tablets or UV light will kill bacteria and viruses in water. However, iodine treated water can taste really strange and your kids might turn their noses up to it. Boiling water can be rather troublesome when you’re on the go. None of these methods will remove heavy metals and chemicals in the water.
Filters with activated charcoal:
To remove heavy metals and chemicals from the water, you can use a filter with activated charcoal in it and the water usually tastes pretty good after being run through one of these filters. However, filters will not remove bacteria that can cause dysentery and completely ruin your trip.
Purifiers
Purifiers typically include both activated charcoal as well as silver ion/chlorine dioxide to kill microscopic bacteria, viruses, and protozoans and will also make water taste quite neutral.
A Water Bottle that both Filters and Purifies
Photo by: LiLing Pang
The Grayl water bottle purifier both filters and purifies! And it does so in such a simple and quick way. Even our kids could filter their own water safely. Working on the same principle of a french press, you simply scoop up water from your source, fit on the middle cartridge, put some weight on the top of the press, and push down. In 15 seconds, you have clean great tasting water.
It was fantastic to know we would never run out of clean water wherever we were. It was even more awesome to go on hikes through the humid rainforest and not have to lug a heavy backpack full of extra bottles of water. We carried one bottle each and we were set.
The bottle was water tight when sealed. It is narrow enough to fit in a car cup holder or in your backpack’s side pocket. It is, however, heavier than a regular reusable water bottle. If you do not think your group is going to be separated often, you could just bring one Grayl water bottle purifier while everyone else carries a lighter water bottle that is easy to re-fill. Then you can use the Grayl to fill up the other bottles.
Each Grayl water bottle purifier has a capacity of 16 ounces. Basically about the size of a travel coffee mug. The filter cartridges are good for about 300 filter cycles (or 40 gallons of water). After you return from your trip you can store the filter for later use if you store it correctly in an air tight plastic bag. While the Grayl is very easy to use, pressing the filter into the water was too difficult for our 6-year-old, a little challenging for our 11-year-old, but really easy for our 14-year-old.
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Pros of the Grayl:
Removes 9,9999% of all the pathogens (viruses like Hepatitis A, SARS, Rotavirus, disease-causing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella and protozoan cysts like Giardia)
Filters and purifies water in just 15 seconds or (2L/min)
Easy to use with no fuss
Compact and highly portable
Well constructed
BPA free plastic
Reasonably priced in comparison to other portable water filters
Water tastes good and looks clear
Cons of the Grayl:
The capacity of the bottle is a little small at 16oz but this is only an issue if you don’t have access to a water source for a long time
Heavy for a water bottle at 10.4oz without water (but light for a water bottle + water purifier)
What’s the bottom line? Is it a Yay or Nay for the Grayl?
Absolutely a Yay! This is an essential item to have if you’re traveling to a developing country or backpacking into the wilderness. No more spending tons of money on bottled water. No more hearing your kids say they want a soda because the water tastes bad. Instead, say yes to reducing your plastic waste as a traveler, and staying healthy and hydrated so you can enjoy your whole trip.
Disclosure: Trekaroo receives complimentary products from companies like the Grayl to facilitate our honest reviews. However, as always, our opinions are entirely our own.
The Grayl: The Easiest to Use Portable Water Filter/ Water Bottle Purifier We were standing in the main square in Antigua, Guatemala. At the very center of this UNESCO World Heritage city is Parque Central.
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Family Guide to NYC's Central Park
Family Guide to NYC’s Central Park
I love New York City. And one of my favorite places to visit in NYC is Central Park.
Central Park is massive (843 acres) and chock full of adventure and fun for both locals and visitors alike. Families could honestly spend an entire week exploring Central Park.And while we know that isn’t likely the ONLY place you will visit on your trip to NYC, we wanted to fill you in on the awesome,…
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Guide to Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The splendor of Christmas meets the magic of Harry Potter and Universal Studios this winter and the result is nothing short of spectacular! The all-new holiday experience will began November 24th and runs through January 7th. Your family will not want to miss this event filled with new treats, interactions, and a one-of-a-kind light show.
Photo By Elizabeth Bickford
Holiday Shows at the Wizarding…
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2017 Holiday Gift Guide - Shopping Ideas for Travel-Loving Families
2017 Holiday Gift Guide – Shopping Ideas for Travel-Loving Families
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Get your family ready for Christmas with this handy gift guide for travel-loving families. From toys & games to play and enjoy together to gadgets on the go, gifts for your significant other, and of course, presents for the kids, this gift guide has a little something for every family who loves to explore.
Click the category image below or hit next to…
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Pampering & Luxe Options at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Florida
If the sunny Florida skies are calling you, and an attractive, family-friendly lodging option with great amenities is what you’re shopping for, the newly remodeled Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood is just what you want to book. This 36-story beachfront resort, which is close to both Fort Lauderdale and Miami and offers views of both the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway, has been serving…
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Colorado's Keystone Resort with Kids
Colorado’s Keystone Resort with Kids
Photo by: Daniel Milchev, Keystone Resorts
What if you like the idea of skiing, but really prefer to sip hot chocolate by a roaring fire and simply take in the view of the snowy mountains? After two previous ski vacations to Taos Ski Valley and Ski Santa Fe, my husband and I realized that we need other diversions besides skiing. On the other hand, two out of our three kids believe they are bound…
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20 Unforgettable Costa Rica Family Vacation Experiences
20 Unforgettable Costa Rica Family Vacation Experiences
While some countries might boast of having wildlife reserves and others of stunning landscapes, Costa Rica IS the world’s nature sanctuary.This country is the closest thing our modern world has to the Garden of Eden. Preserved within its borders, the size of the state of West Virginia, is 5% of the world’s biodiversity. That’s more than double the biodiversity of the entire United States of…
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I have always been a fan of the great outdoors. Hiking to magnificent vistas, discovering natural flora and fauna, finding a refreshing stream or lake, and breathing in the fresh air of every season are all magical experiences we have also taught our children to seek. The best way to position yourself to discover all of these nuances of the outdoors is to experience camping.
This is where my love for the outdoors finds a snag. While I really do love camping: the campfires, chilly nights, communing with nature, and cooking on a camp stove, there is one thing I truly hate about camping. Preparation and packing are overwhelming. You need EVERYTHING and there is so much gear! Compounded with the ‘stuff’ of 3 kids and honestly our minivan looks like it belongs on an episode of Hoarders. Once it is all packed then of course we have to find places for it at the site and this is especially cumbersome when we are only going camping for the weekend. Enter Glamping.
I have casually read materials about glamping before but never really understood the significance until recently. In my mind I imagined it to be “glamourous” like those wispy well-appointed safari tents you may have seen pictures of while searching travel options. We recently spent the weekend in the newly opened Huttopia facility in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and learned about a style of glamping that has my attention.
Huttopia: Glamping in the White Mountains of New Hampshire
Huttopia is a French company with many well-loved and well-used campgrounds sprinkled around France and parts of Europe. Recently they have moved their brand of camping into Canada and this June migrated into the US into New Hampshire. Here, I discovered a brand of camping that matches my idea of what glamping should be.
The Campground at Huttopia
Huttopia has refurbished an existing campground on a lake in Albany, New Hampshire on the eastern end of the White Mountains nearby Conway, New Hampshire. The campground is close enough to the hustle and bustle of the happening towns of Conway and North Conway for those looking for a slice of cosmopolitan New Hampshire, but far enough away to feel a bit remote. Huttopia is set up for tent site campers, cabin lovers, and glamping tenters.
On site there is a brand new heated pool with comfy loungers, a reception area stocked with natural and organic camping necessities along with a few bags of chips and soda, brochures about the area, campfire wood, and some excellent adult beverages including French wine.
From the reception area and its accompanying French music you enter onto the patio which overlooks the pool and a great kids playground with direct access to the food truck that serves quick French style croissants and crepes for breakfast and made to order gourmet pizzas for dinner, just in case you don’t feel like cooking. On the patio there may be entertainment at night. We saw a kid-friendly magic show and listened to a local Irish inspired three-piece-band play some toe-tapping tunes.
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Activities at Huttopia
In addition to evening shows, Huttopia holds kid’s activities in the morning for the 5-12 year-old groups. Kids were invited to go on a scavenger hunt or make crafts. While our children had aged out of these activities we made use of others at the camp and took a ride to nearby activities. Canoes and stand-up paddleboards are located on the beach of the lake and are rented by the hour. At first I thought an hour in the canoe would not be enough time but it was plenty to get across the lake, check out the beaver dams, watch the loons, and soak up the sun a clear New Hampshire morning. There are also several hiking trails on the property.
Off property we got refreshed with a cooling visit to nearby Diana’s Baths. This is a local hotspot with plenty of watering holes with weather eroded rocks, rushing streams, and natural slides. We had been there more than 10 years ago and were surprised by the crowds. My teens had fun getting wet and found the ‘bottomless hole.’
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Our Tent at Huttopia
We stayed in a Trappeur Tent situated on the lake so the first thing we saw in the morning was the sun reflecting off the lake; at night the last thing we saw was steam rising from the warm waters on a chilly evening. The kids had fun looking for critters, fishing, and skimming rocks right from the site. The tent itself was located a two-minute walk from the pool and reception building and in an area where no cars are allowed (a bonus for those with small children and bikes). Other similarly styled tents are located near brooks or in the woods.
Glamping in the Trappeur tent was the best of both worlds. We were camping in a tent, albeit a large one on a platform, with a kitchenette, bathroom and shower, towels, a table with enough room for 5, a rack to hang our clothing, 2 sleeping areas with cozy bedding (a double on one side, a bunk with a double on the other separated by the bath), outlets for lighting and charging, all cookware, glassware and dishes, as well as a French press to make coffee. Outside the tent were a propane stove, lanterns, a picnic table, campfire ring, and chairs. It was heaven. We didn’t have to pack a THING!
The kitchenette holds a small refrigerator (no need for that cooler) and a basin to wash your dishes. The bathroom, while not at all glamorous, is a tiny room with a toilet, ever-so-tiny shower, and even tinier wash basin. Brushing teeth requires a bit of contortion but no need to leave the tent to find a bathroom or shower in the middle of the night. It was so convenient.
The next time we go I will not pack anything except clothing and toiletries, with the exception of the few extra blankets. Our mini-van will be so roomy!
Know before you go:
You cannot park your car near your Trappeur tent. Parking for the Trappeur tents is a bit of a walk. Carrying your gear can be a bit of a chore but Huttopia does provide wagons to tote the “stuff.” My tip: don’t bring it!
When it is busy there can be a bit of a wait for food at the food truck. Take turns waiting or go early.
There are baby wash areas in the tent only areas.
Trappeur tents are located near the water. It is a good idea to keep this in mind if you have toddlers.
Trappeur tents are very close to each other. This was very difficult for my loud teenagers to understand, especially at night.
Glamping in the Trappeur tent is not for those looking to save money by camping. You are paying for the convenience and experience. The price of our tent during our stay was $195/night.
There is a drying rack available to dry wet articles but not many hooks inside the tent. I am a hook snob.
Thankfully it did not rain on our excursion. I do not know how these tents respond to getting wet.
You should definitely try glamping at Huttopia!
Disclosure: We were hosted as guests of Huttopia USA, however all opinions are my own and I was not required to provide any particular view. All opinions are my own.
Images by Michelle Brennan.
Huttopia: Glamping in the White Mountains of New Hampshire I have always been a fan of the great outdoors. Hiking to magnificent vistas, discovering natural flora and fauna, finding a refreshing stream or lake, and breathing in the fresh air of every season are all magical experiences we have also taught our children to seek.
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Vacation In Style With A Sophisticated Escape To Bermuda's Rosewood Tucker’s Point
Vacation In Style With A Sophisticated Escape To Bermuda’s Rosewood Tucker’s Point
Have you ever dreamed of celebrating a milestone birthday, an anniversary, or an event that’s special to your family in a place as beautiful as it is luxurious? Rosewood Tucker’s Point on the island of Bermuda delivers when it comes time to treat your family to something really special. If the beautiful views, the pretty landscaping, or the exquisite sense of relaxed but refined seaside style…
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