| Glamping: Rough it in style and Sail into luxury in Monaco |
|
|
|
|
(CNN) -- Endless cans of insect repellent, swigging water out of a canteen and the underlying thought of grizzlies creeping up: They aren't the most delightful aspects of camping, but these dramatic elements make for what some would consider a true plunge into the wild.But try bedazzling that image with a king-sized mattress, a steamy spa and catered eats under a fiery sunset and the natural camping experience is amped up with edge and luxury. This kind of camping is not an irreconcilable fairy tale; it's a lodging style that's literally gone global.Glamorous camping, or what's become known as "glamping," emerged in Africa and the coastal areas of Thailand in the early 1990s with tourists' growing interest in safari camps. But the roots of luxurious camping go back a lot further; comfortably outfitted tents date back to at least the sultans of the Ottoman Empire. [Read the full article] (Lonely Planet) -- While many visitors to Canada -- especially those who think Canadians live under a permanent blanket of snow -- are surprised to learn that wine is produced in Canada, their suspicion is always tempered after a drink or two.Canada's wines have gained ever-greater kudos in recent years and while smaller-scale production and the industry dominance of other wine regions means they'll never be a global market leader, there are some truly lip-smacking surprises waiting for thirsty grape lovers.The best way to sample any wine is to head straight to the source, where you can taste the region in the glass. You won't want to miss the multitude of top table wineries in Ontario's Niagara region or British Columbia's Okanagan Valley -- the country's leading producers -- but a visit to the smaller, often rustic wineries of Qubec and the charming boutique operations of Nova Scotia and Vancouver Island's Cowichan Valley can be just as rewarding. [Read the full article] (CNN) -- What better combination than railroads and leaf-peeping? No traffic, no driving distractions, just a leisurely ride featuring fiery blasts of fall color.Ride the rails in these five locations for a heaping helping of autumn or consider a scenic train trip in your neck of the woods.The Hobo & Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroads offer a handful of foliage train rides in New Hampshire, including a four-hour expedition from Meredith through the Lakes Region toward the White Mountains. Pass by Lake Waukewan and Lake Winona, rocky gorges and Livermore Falls on the way to Plymouth, where a hot buffet lunch awaits at the Common Man Inn. This special round-trip route is offered weekends through October 16. Coach tickets, including lunch, are $54 for adults and $25 for kids. Check the website for details and more foliage rides.Departing from Bryson City, North Carolina, this railroad offers two fall excursions. [Read the full article] |








