LYRA MAG.

For those not tied to a school schedule-which is more than half of Americans-NOW in the so-called 'shoulder season'-is a great time to get out and beyond. For childhood nostalgia-discovery one's ancestry-can inspire trips to destinations. For those with African ancestry- Spector Travel -based in Boston -has been a top ranked roots and culture HERITAGE tour operator for years. Destinations-from Senegal-Ghana-to South Africa (to name just a few)...can be experienced and combined with safari adventures in other African continent locations. In the lower 48-Wyndham Hotels has smartly recharged the iconic (and affordable) Howard Johnson (HOJO) brand -with a revamp of design features-think interiors with a  mid-century Modernist  style- ...in those signature blue/orange colors-paired with this decade's must haves-like USB equipped lamps for charging up personal electronics, free breakfast and WIFI...etc. No -the rooms aren't candy tricked out -but the sle...

Late year holidays might be for large gatherings...but early year weeks are for escaping  to travel destinations without the vacationing crowds. Telluride PART One:  Winter Wonderland : COLORADO  Now it's easier than ever to arrive hassle free- to some of the best snowy terrains-blessed with great powdery fluff, abundant sunshine,  no chairlift lines AND  Colorado Ski Country USA (CSCUSA) member resorts   DISCOUNTS :-) .  BONUS-In season flights to Colorado's big name-and smaller mountain resort towns abound-all shuttle connected (and an express train connecting Denver-Winter Park) - so no car rental - driving needed either.   Planning ahead?  T he  Gems Card , which provides either two buy-one-get-one or two 30 percent off adult lift tickets at 11 ski areas in Colorado for just $25, provides families a great chance to visit multiple ski areas across the state. New to winter's vertical challenges...no worries!...

Part One : Travel Much has been scribed about millennials spending $/time on experiences vs stuff-but we think that's true of every generation...and has more to do with personal awareness, overall health economic status, and values-not age. Eastern Cape-Indian Ocean-South Africa Nevertheless- it's obvious that companies providing goods and services are pitching differently to that 18-35 demographic...embracing the transparency-clean ingredients-wellness- self care mantra including welcoming doses of environmental responsibilities (carbon -neutral emissions, recyclable packaging, sustainable sourcing, eschewing toxic substances- regulated or not ).  So much so-it's already a punchline.

No time LIKE NOW to plan short, snowy jaunts-away from home, the big vacay crowds of recent holidays, and to take advantage of longer daylight hours, the best conditions of the season,  AND meaningful resort values. L.L Bean pillow Be an Olympian ... or act like one . Lake Placid N.Y, in the scenic Adirondacks -offers top notch, powder loaded- on the mountain fun via Whiteface -site of the 1984 Olympics...but even better ( maybe )...unique off the 'hill activities-that will make one feel like a champion. THINK luge/bobsled lessons -rides for true speed demons, skating on the rink where the the USA's hockey Dream Team-clinched gold, cross country trails galore plus lessons for acing biathlons, opportunities to figure out just what is curling (ha ha), and good old fashion tubing opps with meaningful verticals from top to bottom. INFO:  http://www.lakeplacid.com    https://www.whiteface.com BRING a friend ...all ages of snow bunnies/moguls, welcome! Ski V...

To have and to haul-the best durable big lightweight backpacks and duffels for any road (or rail). via GIPHY source reddit.com Made from the rugged material reminds us of sail clothes....Dyneema® Cuben Fiber-non-woven ripstop composite laminate is the primary material...in an eye candy collection by Hyperlite Mountaingear that easily wears well off the trail...  "stripped down high performance." Waterproof, insanely light, high chemical, water and uv resistant minimalist gear made in the USA too. Backpacks of several sizes including WINDRIDER , $340-$375-with three external mesh pockets, YKK zipper and Dyneema®Hardline shoulder straps w/ ⅜"closed cell foam and spacer mesh-¼" foam back panel, Dyneema®Hardline zippered pockets on hip belt, ice axe loop, and compression system with  roll top closure system with 4 top Y-strap compression and side compression straps, adjustable sternum strap, plus a hydro port and internal mesh hydro sleeve.

WEAR SAFE ALERT, NITE IZE, SAFE STEPS via GIPHY source: http://gifovea.tumblr.com Adventures abroad, biking afar, hiking nearby, solo workers-interactwith strangers -or- for kids/elderly on their own...people now have choices for electronic safety monitoring systems...that rely on satellites as notification system.  Inspired by a horrific home invasion, the brains behind this affordable safety alert system crafted an easy to use -finger size WEARSAFE TAG-device-pictured above-on the left-that pairs with a smartphone/notepad...and when engaged, can send out an emergency signal to the smartphones-with the WearSafe download-able app- of up to 12 people, The monitoring service-$5/month - $60 a year-is better than other systems out there-that send alerts to Emergency workers only-(often resulting in false-unnecessary actions), WearSafe allows those contacted to hear what's going on too-for a minute prior to an event-and after an alert goes out. Benefits among many-allow...

The Nov-Dec holiday travels are typically for family gatherings-the rest of the winter months though- yay - it's all about fun-and/or relaxing getaways-aka ME times...with or without a chosen a few... Close by domestic USA destinations abound...that don't break the budget..and are easy enough to get to and fro, no passport needed. Part One: In Colorado: via GIPHY source vimeo.com "Days of MyYouth"/ Red Bull Media House and MSP Films The majestic Rocky Mountains beckon outdoors' types -and this year the snow is REALLY deep. In beautiful Colorado...lucky travelers or luckier locals- can partake of freebies courtesy of Colorado Ski Country's 22 members' resorts.** Wolf Creek Ski Area Free Horseshoe Bowl Snowcat to Reach Expert Terrain To help guests take advantage of powder that can usually only be reached by hiking, Wolf Creek offers a  Snowcat shuttle. The Horseshoe Bowl Snowcat Shuttle picks up skiers and riders at the Dog Chutes a...

Though it is SO tempting to put that strong USA$ to work overseas...nearby mainland ski/snow resorts have made outdoor adventures that much more affordable and easier to get to.

The gift of experience---is priceless---and the most appreciated ---imo. Whether last minute. or planned way ahead of departure---a trip anywhere- active or relaxing-is a wonderful. After all, there is probably no one who ever regrets (or regretted) traveling for vacation fun- too much. Ever. To get outdoors and experience nature combined with sporty endeavors,-the website of non-profit Ski and Snow Board Month is an easy way to plan and save plenty during the month of January-with an easy to use interactive planner----that helps one learn and save. Two web portals that combine the latest deals/travel savings and tips for planning snow adventures- SkiVermont  -and ColoradoSki with the latest snow conditions and travel/stay packages in beautiful Vermont and Colorado respectively-from resorts embracing -challenging- beginners-to-experts  that will please families+sophisticates, spa loving goers, rustic outdoors persons ready to ride straight outta a helicopter, and/or gourma...

MSR, VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY, SOLKOA, EAGLE CREEK Pineview Reservoir/SLC Part 14 nothing like competition…fast tent set-ups x-pole design-or using trekking poles-ultralight and portable…more space and user friendly… One of the easiest-fastest and lightest tents for those on the trails- MSR 's single walled FlyLite™($350)…made of tough and durable DuraShield™ coated fabric, taped seams and reinforced stress points. Lightest full-protection shelter for one or two humans, this ultra minimalist tent clocks in at lb.9oz-pitches quickly with two trekking poles-earning MSR's greatest volume to weight ratio with vertical walls and ample head (44") and elbow room (29sq ft floor space), a large vented door, covered entry. Victorinox Swiss Army Knives- epitomize compact multi-functional gear…set-up/break down is merely pulling out a tool-that folds right back in. one of four new handle designs-the Evogrip….contoured ergo handle that offers non-slip grip. Pic...