Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Image provided by Flickr Rob Sinclair

What do you think of when you hear the words Rocky Mountains? Jagged mountain ranges? Big open skies? Breathtaking views?

What if I told you that not only could you get all of the above, but you could also throw world-class entertainment into the mix? Pack your bags, you now have another reason to visit Colorado, aka the Rocky Mountain State. What is it? Well, Red Rocks Amphitheater of course!

What is Red Rocks Amphitheater? It is a geologically formed amphitheater that provides acoustic perfection! It is the only one of its kind in the world! Based on that alone, it’s not hard to understand why we Coloradans are obsessed with Red Rocks. You can literally fulfill all of your summer needs here.

• Exercise: This is one of the best places to get your fitness on. Once the weather starts to warm up there are so many Boot Camps that you can partake in. Join a group or go alone–running the stairs at Red Rocks is no joke. Best part is as long as there isn’t a show or festival going on the park is free!
• Hike: Walking around the Amphitheater can be a trek in itself, but the area surrounding contains some great hiking trails.
• Film on the Rocks: Wait, what?! Yes, during the summer Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Denver Film Society, and the Arts & Venues Denver collaborate to bring iconic movies to the masses at an affordable rate.  You can find me this year at the showings for Spirited Away and (ahem) the Notebook – Ryan Gosling – I’m just sayin’.
• Concerts: I mean hello! Red Rocks is a favorite place to play for so many artists. And I am going to say it; there is no such thing as a bad show at Red Rocks. Seriously, Yanni, would be amazing here – no offense to the Yanni fans out there. You have: your favorite bands, the massive, awe-inspiring sandstones that give the venue its name, panoramic views of Denver and guaranteed amazing sunsets!

I can go on and on but it won’t do you any good. This is something you need to experience for yourself.  Trust me, one show here and I am certain you too will prefer to spend your summers on the rocks.

Check out their website for more information about the history, geology, and events at Red Rocks Amphitheater.

Who would you love to see at Red Rocks? Better yet, what was your favorite show at Red Rocks?

Image Provided by Flickr Lali Masriera

I have received a record number of wedding invites this year, which can only mean three things – I’m getting old, I will soon be broke and it’s wedding season! Love is most definitely in the air. While I myself am not getting married, I have to admit I cannot help but think about what my own wedding would be like. My thoughts range from the food that will be served, the flavor of the cake, the dress (obv), and (drum roll please) the honeymoon! Ok, so based on those topics, maybe I just want to have a great meal in a beautiful dress while on a beach – the wedding can wait. For those of you who are preparing for your upcoming nuptials but are not quite sure where to go for your honeymoon, here are a few ideas to get you started:

According to the travelchannel.com, some of this year’s Top Honeymoon Hot Spots for 2012 include Botswana, Bali, the Virgin Islands, Italy, Mexico, and Greece. Although I have to say this unique list of Honeymoon Choices for 2012 caught my attention which includes Croatia, Mozambique, Boracay, and Buenos Aires to name a few. As much as I love laying around and being a bum while I’m at home, I prefer to be as active as possible while traveling. I’m sure my hypothetical honeymoon would be much the same!

Here are some exciting things to do in a few of the countries listed above:

1. Bali, Indonesia: Definitely spend some quality time on the beach, but then get out and about. Here’s a list of a wide variety of Bali tours available to satisfy your travel dreams, be they cultural, leisurely or adventurous! You can enjoy the beauty of Kintamani while experiencing two forms of traditional Balinese dance, go white water rafting on the Ayung River, or my personal favorite, ride an elephant ride through the countryside!
2. Mozambique: For an easy, comprehensive guide to Mozambique, Lonely Planet is the place to turn to. They have created an itinerary for a 14 day vacation to ensure that you don’t miss a thing. Go fishing on Lake Chicamba and you are likely to spend your day checking out the Zebras that tend to hang around. Go on a game drive at Kruger National Park for a chance to see the famous “big five” animals: lions, elephants (my favorite!), leopards, cape buffalos, and rhinoceros. And when you’re tired of adventure, kick your feet up in Vilankulo, a paradise that promises glistening sandy beaches and gorgeous coral reefs.
3. Boracay, Philippines: Did you know that Bulabog Beach in Boracay is known for being the best kitesurfing destination in Asia? You do now! This island in the Philippines has so much to offer and is said to rival the best beaches in the Caribbean. Which is OK, I mean, if you are into that sort of thing. Check out White Beach, Puka Beach, Baling Beach, and after you’ve had too much sun, escape into the Bat Cave. Not to be confused with Batman’s lair, but it is home to insectivorous bats.

OK that’s all for now. Now go, get married… or dream about getting married! What would your dream honeymoon look like? Let us know in the comments below! I know you think about it, if you didn’t, Pinterest wouldn’t exist… just sayin. And if you’re already married and want to brag about your amazing honeymoon, tell us what you did! (If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Honeymoon Ideas in Time for Wedding Season)

My family of 5 just finished spring break. Well, most of us were on spring break but one member of the family had to work (gasp!) during the week of our family vacation.

Due to the working nature of one family member, part of our vacation included a stay at a traditional “business” hotel. Not a family friendly resort but a wear-your-professional-attire kind of place.

The decision to stay at a hotel predominantly occupied by the traveling business person turned out to have a boatload (yes, that is a technical unit of measurement) of benefits that bear repeating as we will definitely repeat a trip like this.

By being the only family staying at the hotel, the staff was quite enamored by us. We were singled out (in a good way) with complimentary cookies and milk for the kids, extra special treatment in the restaurant and best of all – a pool all to ourselves.

While everyone else worked the days away and the meeting rooms were filled to capacity, we ruled the pool and the hotel grounds. The nights and weekend were a different story but during the workweek days we were hotel royalty.

I’m sure this isn’t always the case but in my humble opinion, it might be a gamble worth trying. Especially if your kids are as cute as this one. (But, I’m a little biased.)

Have you had an unusual trip become a pleasant surprise? Share with us in the comments! If you can’t see Facebook comments, click here: Getting Down to Business on Spring Break Travel Blog.

Hula Dancers at Hawaiian Sunset Luau

When visiting Hawaii many travelers wonder if a luau is on the “must-see” or “must miss” list. For me, it is definitely a must-experience each and every time we visit the islands. The following are my own personal top 5 reasons never to miss a luau when the opportunity presents itself:

5. A Festivus for the Rest of Us – A luau is a wonderful festive gathering. People are generally friendly attending these soirées and I have met many lovely people from around the world when partaking in the luau experience.

4. Music and Dancing – Hearing those distinctive drums and watching the fire dancers just makes me happy.

3. The Sunsets are Breathtaking – The luaus I have attended have had amazing sunsets in full view. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the end of yet another beautiful day in Hawaii.

2. The Mai Tai – Enough said.

1.  When will you ever see a darling baby look as cute as this little girl?

Well, do you luau? Let us know about your experiences in the comments below! (Having trouble viewing Facebook comments? Click here)