Travel Tips & Trends

Toll roads in Colorado

Colorado has three toll roads: the HOV Express Lanes on I-25 in downtown Denver, E-470 on the eastern side of the Denver metro area, and the Northwest Parkway. All three are now fully automated and do not have physical toll booths. How do you pay if you want to use these toll roads? Here are the details, and a few things to be aware of.

HOV Express Lanes

The high occupancy vehicle (HOV) and Express lanes on I-25 through the downtown Denver area opened in 2006 and are familiar to most local commuters by now. If you’re not sure how they work, here’s a quick refresher course.

Any vehicle carrying more than one person (including motorcycles, buses and passenger cars) may use the HOV lanes free of charge. Hybrid vehicles can also use the HOV lanes free of charge, even if not carrying a passenger, but a permit must be obtained first. For more information on hybrid permits, visit www.coloradodot.info or call 303-757-9716.

Single-occupancy vehicles may use the signposted Express Lane by paying a toll. There are two ways to pay:

If you intend to use the lanes regularly, the cheapest method is to get a transponder. When carrying this device in your vehicle, your presence in the Express Lane will automatically be registered each time you drive through, and charged to an account which you set up with the toll service provider.
If you don’t have a transponder, simply use the Express Lane and your license plate will be automatically photographed as you pass through. A bill is then sent to you at the end of the month.

E-470 and Northwest Parkway

Both roads previously had cash toll booths. These are now gone, and payment works the same as the HOV Express lanes: when you are on the toll road, your presence is noted automatically by license plate photography and a bill is sent to you at the end of the month, or you may obtain a transponder and open an account. The rates are lower for drivers who use a transponder. Tolls are not based on the number of people in the vehicle.

What about motorcycles?

Tolls for motorcycles are the same as for two-axle vehicles. If you have a transponder, it’s best to carry it in a saddlebag or in your pocket instead of mounting it on your motorcycle. This will help avoid theft or weather damage. Transponders are designed mainly for interior use in a car and don’t stand up well to being out in the weather.

What about rental cars?

Next time you have visitors from out of town who may be using E-470 in a rental car from the airport, here’s an important fact to bring to their attention. Most of the major rental car companies have toll road accounts registered for all their vehicles, so if you drive a rental car on a toll road in Colorado, the toll will automatically be added to your bill when you return the vehicle—often with an additional fee which goes to the rental company. These extra fees can range from $2.50 to $8.95 per day, over and above the actual toll costs you incurred. If you intend to use toll roads, ask about the terms and conditions when picking up your rental car so you aren’t stuck with an unexpected cost at the end of the trip.

Find out more

For more information on Colorado’s toll roads, including how to get a transponder account, visit www.expresstoll.com or call 303-537-3470. Transponders can be obtained online, or in person at certain King Soopers stores, Safeway stores and a number of other locations which are listed in detail on the website.

Disney isn’t just for kids

By Linda DuVal

Older travelers may hesitate to go to Walt Disney World in Florida without the arm-candy of grandkids in tow. But they shouldn’t.

There’s plenty for senior—or shall we say “seasoned”—travelers to enjoy, and Disney’s family-friendly parks also are comfortable and accessible for all ages.

Consider Downtown Disney, where you can buy souvenirs for young relatives and dine at a dozen venues, including the kitschy Rainforest Café. You just haven’t enjoyed a salad like this before…with a screaming monkey hanging from the vines above your head!

To avoid the stroller-derby, head straight for Epcot Center. It appeals to all ages, but possibly more to adults than kids.

Crossing the bridge into the center, it quickly becomes apparent that one could spend the whole day here. In France, you’ll watch a gorgeous 180-degree film on the country and nosh on French pastries while you wander.

Germany, then Morocco, and China, each has its own unique shops, restaurants and attractions. At China, the audience stands against rails to watch a 360-degree film on that nation!

In Mexico, take a mild water ride that also escorts you through the colorful history of that country, with lots of visual treats. In Africa, children from the audience are invited up to help beat the drums.

If you try to eat lunch at noon, you may be out of luck. Hint: go early, or late, or make a reservation. If you’ve had enough of Epcot, take a quick look through the Magic Kingdom. Board the tram and you’ll be there in no time.

Here is where the kids congregate. Mickey, Minnie and friends perform regularly at the Sleeping Beauty Castle. The Laugh Floor, where characters from “Monster, Inc.,” entertained us with corny jokes and pranks, tickles all ages.

Disney World can be a magical experience for visitors of any age. For seasoned travelers, however, here’s some advice:

Go when it’s less crowded—weekdays right after Thanksgiving and before Christmas week. Or the last week of August, before Labor Day.
There are lots of places to sit down, and plenty of strategically placed restrooms.
Go early. It’s less crowded in the morning, and small children tend to be happier that time of day—before they’ve missed their nap.
Make reservations for meals if you want to eat somewhere special, such as Emeril’s or Wolfgang Puck’s.
Park your car at your hotel and leave it. Buses, ferries, light rail and other public transportation at Disney World would put most major cities to shame. It’s easy, free, accessible and convenient.
Wear comfortable shoes. No matter what, you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
Let yourself go. Giggle when Donald Duck offers to have his picture taken with you. It’s OK to indulge your inner kid. Nobody will notice.

Linda DuVal is a freelance writer in Colorado Springs.

Grand Canyon offers shorter mule trips

More than 600,000 people have ridden mules down into the Grand Canyon since the trips were first offered in 1887. Up until last year, however, taking the famous mule ride meant a lengthy time commitment. In October 2009, a shorter version was introduced—the Abyss Overlook ride which lasts three hours. The overnight and two-night trips to Phantom Ranch on the floor of the Grand Canyon are still available for those with more time to spend.

The three-hour ride departs from Grand Canyon Village on the South Rim, twice daily from March 15 through October 31, and once daily during the rest of the year. Riders follow a trail heading west through a forest of ponderosa pine, piñon pine and junipers to the Abyss Overlook on the rim of the Grand Canyon. The ride takes approximately one hour and 15 minutes each way, with a stop at the overlook for riders to dismount, stretch their legs and shoot photos. The Abyss features a 3,000-foot vertical drop and views of many of the Grand Canyon’s colorful pinnacles, buttes and mesas.

No riding experience is necessary, but riders must be in good physical condition, at least 4’7” tall, and weigh less than 225 pounds fully dressed—and yes, they weigh you to make sure! Spaces on mule rides can be booked as much as 13 months in advance, but if you already have a trip to the Grand Canyon planned, put your name on the waiting list in case of cancellations. You might be lucky, especially in winter. Call 888-297-2757 for reservations.

TRAVELING WITH PETS

According to a survey commissioned by AAA and Best Western International, more than 75% of pet owners would take their pet on every vacation if they could, and 28% said they would rather travel with their pet than with their spouse!

Thirty-five percent of respondents admitted they have sneaked their pet into a “no pets allowed” hotel or motel. The top five frustrations respondents have with others who travel with pets:

Owners who don’t clean up after their pet (77%).
Those whose dogs constantly bark (53%).
Those who do not notify others their dog is aggressive (45%).
Unleashed pets (42%).
Owners who have not housetrained their pet (30%).

Volunteer vacations

Did your New Year’s resolution list include giving back to the community, getting outdoors more and meeting people with similar interests? The American Hiking Society’s volunteer vacations provide the opportunity for all three.

Hikers and trail enthusiasts of all ages can volunteer for more than 60 public trail maintenance projects in 26 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Volunteers participate in week-long trail building projects as part of a crew of 6-15 volunteers, supervised by an experienced crew leader.

Volunteer work is available to suit a range of physical abilities, from easy to very strenuous, and no previous experience is required in most cases. Many projects are suitable for families. Tools, food and project supervision are provided, and all trips provide free time to hike and enjoy nearby attractions.

The American Hiking Society is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails. For more information visit www.AmericanHiking.org or call 301-565-6704.

Colorado has one of the nation’s largest pet walks

On May 1, dog owners from all over the state will be heading to Denver’s Washington Park for this year’s Furry Scurry. The annual outing is one of the largest dog walk events in the nation, drawing nearly 10,000 pet lovers and 5,000 dogs.

The annual event is a fundraiser for the Dumb Friends League, a 100-year-old organization that finds new homes for pets and subsidizes spay/neuter programs in under-served areas.

The two-mile walk starts at 9 a.m. In addition to the walk, pet lovers can meet adoptable pets, watch demonstrations, enter contests and shop for pet-friendly goods and services. Though dogs are the only pets allowed at the event, people without a dog can participate in honor of their cats or other pets.

To join the Furry Scurry, register online at www.ddfl.org or in person at the event. Call 303-751-5772, ext. 1378, for more information.

Rainbow Bridge celebrates its centennial

It’s the world’s largest known natural bridge, a vast stone arch taller than the U.S. Capitol Building and nearly as long as a football field. Rainbow Bridge, hidden in a canyon on the shores of Lake Powell, Utah, became a National Monument 100 years ago this May.

This incredible formation was millions of years in the making, eroded by water flowing from Navajo Mountain to the Colorado River. It is a sacred place to the Navajo, who call it Nonnoshoshi—meaning “rainbow turned to stone.” The arch was first seen by non-Navajo visitors on August 14th, 1909, when a dozen men from the University of Utah and a federal survey group were led there by local guides.

When John Wetherill, Bryon Cummings, William Douglas and the rest of their team arrived, they didn’t just want to prove the existence of Rainbow Bridge. They also wanted it preserved. Less than a year later, on May 30th 1910, President William Howard Taft established Rainbow Bridge National Monument.

A fossilized dinosaur footprint is still preserved at the viewing area of the bridge, and charred wood from a fire pit nearby was carbon-dated to AD 540.

Tour boats to Rainbow Bridge operate every day from Wahweap Marina on Lake Powell. The cruise itself is remarkable, through the red-rock scenery and steep walls of Lake Powell to a secluded canyon where visitors disembark for the half-mile walk to the arch. The trail is a mixture of rock, sand and dirt, mostly level, and an easy hike for most people. The moment of rounding the final corner and seeing Rainbow Bridge for the first time is a stunning experience.

More adventurous visitors can travel overland with an authorized Navajo guide on a 16-mile, two-day hike to Rainbow Bridge from Navajo Mountain, one of the four sacred mountains of the Navajo culture.

For more information, visit www.pagelakepowelltourism.com, call the Page/Lake Powell Tourism Bureau at 888-261-7243, or talk to your travel agent.

Take a class at Yellowstone

Every year, visitors to Yellowstone National Park can take part in a varied lineup of private or small-group educational programs. Thirty-three new field seminars have been introduced this year, covering topics from wildlife to park history.

Field seminars are available from late April until mid-October. They are taught by college professors, research scientists, park staff and other experts. Most seminars last from one to four days and are limited to 13 participants. Multi-day “Lodging & Learning” packages are also available for those who want to explore the park by day and stay in comfortable hotels at night.

“We are always adjusting our course schedules and reacting to our guests’ interests,” said Jeff Brown, director of education for the Yellowstone Association Institute.

Just a few of the topics this year: bird identification by sound; Native American plant identification and uses; open-air art classes ranging from landscape photography to botanical drawing; ghost hotels of the National Park, and wolf management and ecology.

“Yellowstone for Families” is a popular package designed for families with children between eight and 12. It includes four nights at Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel or Grant Village, with age-appropriate field activities such as animal tracking, wildlife watching, painting, hiking and evening programs.

For a course catalog, visit www.YellowstoneAssociation.org or call 406-848-2400.

Preparing for travel overseas

If you are travelling overseas, the telephone number for emergency assistance from the U.S. Department of State is 202-501-4444. Calling this number will get you help from the nearest United States embassy if you are injured, the victim of a crime or impacted by a natural disaster while travelling abroad. It’s also a good idea to register with the U.S. Department of State before you depart for international travel. In the event of a crisis the nearest embassy or consulate will be able to keep better track of you and offer assistance. Register on-line at travelregistration.state.gov.

Glacier glories in its 100th

By Linda DuVal

Glacier National Park is open only in summer and early fall, so the opportunity to visit it each year is short. And scientific studies show the glaciers are melting. On top of all that, the park celebrates its 100th birthday this year. So…don’t you think it’s time to go?

The Blackfeet call the sharp peaks here “the backbone of the world,” but the Continental Divide that bisects Glacier really is a line of demarcation. From the summit, the park presents two distinct faces.

“If you look to the east, you can look right down into St. Mary Valley to the plains beyond. If you look west, you can look into the McDonald Valley, but it’s greatly obscured by trees. The face to the east is very craggy, jutting and angular. The face to the west is softer. If it was a man, it would be a man with a beard,” says park information specialist Amy Vanderbilt.

Glacier has only one road through it—the Going-to-the-Sun Road—the estimated date for the road opening is June 18. Tucked up against Waterton National Park in Canada, the two combine to create an international park.

The place is crawling with grizzly bears, black bears, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, deer, elk, mountain lions and just about every other large mammal the West has to offer.

While exploring its vast natural landscape, check out the annual bumper crop of wildflowers. And this year, Glacier will offer special programs to educate and entertain visitors.

“With over 100 activities designed to inspire personal connections and engage future stewards, the centennial of Glacier National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Kassandra Hardy, Centennial Coordinator for the park’s celebration. “This year will be unique for both visitors and locals alike.”

There will be a rededication ceremony (May 11), history and art exhibits, storytelling and musical events ranging from hootenannies to symphony performances. There also will be employee alumni reunions, a film festival, educational lectures and historical society conventions. Legacy projects will restore historic buildings, too.“This year is going to be an engaging year for all,” Hardy says.

To find out more about the park and this summer’s centennial events, call the National Park Service at 406-888-7800 or go online to www.nps.gov/glac.

Henry Moore exhibit comes to Denver

Denver Botanic Gardens is hosting its most significant exhibit to date: 20 monumental sculptures by Henry Moore (1898-1986). The exhibit opened in March and will run through January 2011.

Henry Moore, who is generally acknowledged as one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century, found inspiration in the natural environment and preferred to see his works in a landscape setting. “Sculpture is an art of the open air. Daylight, sunlight, is necessary to it, and for me its best setting and complement is nature. I would rather have a piece of my sculpture put in a landscape, almost any landscape, than in or on the most beautiful building I know,” Moore stated in 1951.

The sculptures are on display at both the York Street and Chatfield locations of Denver Botanic Gardens. In addition, an indoor exhibition at York Street will feature a selection of Henry Moore maquettes (small studio models) and tools. A variety of lectures, guided sculpture tours and other educational programs will be offered throughout the year. “This will be the first major open-air Moore exhibition in the western United States,” said Anita Feldman, curator at the Henry Moore Foundation. For more information visit www.botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3500.

Escape to Arizona

A very popular offering from AAA Travel is the Grand Canyon Railway’s Rails to the Rim packages from Williams, Ariz., to the Grand Canyon, which offers AAA members a 33% discount. Those who experience this remarkable journey first hand surely won’t be disappointed.

Passengers can choose their class of service (coach to luxury parlor) and will enjoy the gentle rocking of the passenger car as it charges over hills and winds through valleys. Stowaway musicians entertain passengers each way playing old tunes and taking requests. Pure anticipation best describes the trip on the train. And when you finally see the Grand Canyon there are no words to describe its sheer beauty.

Guests can customize their trip by taking a different class each way, adding a motor coach rim tour, or opting for an overnight stay at the Maswik Lodge to enjoy more of the canyon.

However, Williams, Ariz., has many other interesting features that are worth enjoying, so you might consider spending an extra night or two. The town capitalizes on its historic Route 66 atmosphere while remaining a very down-home and relaxed destination. There are excellent options for dining such as Rod’s Steakhouse (www.rods-steakhouse.com) and Red Raven (www.redravenrestaurant.com), among many others. There’s even a microbrewery, Grand Canyon Brewing Company (www.grandcanyonbrewingco.com). For a ‘50s-style experience, Twisters Soda Fountain (www.route66place.com) is a good place for burgers, shakes and ice cream.

The Wild West Junction (www.wildwestjunction.com) may look like a kids’ attraction—and kids will definitely love it—but it also contains an outstanding Western museum, including a huge private collection of John Wayne memorabilia, plus the Drover’s Hotel. The hotel has six rooms, each with a different theme but without a trace of the cheesiness usually associated with “themed” accommodations.

The Grand Canyon Deer Farm (www.deerfarm.com) is great for the whole family. There are several varieties of deer that will walk right up to visitors looking for an opportunity to be fed. There are also other animals such as peacocks, reindeer, llamas, bison, wallabies, and antelope. The Deer Farm even offers $1 off admission to AAA members.

There are five good fishing lakes within a day trip from Williams. For the golfing enthusiasts, there is Elephant Rocks Golf Course (www.elephant-rocks.com). There are also many hiking and biking trails in the surrounding Kaibab National Forest. Williams happens to be located in the largest stand of Ponderosa pine in the world.

To book your Grand Canyon vacation, contact your travel agent.

Hundreds of horses

It’s the largest horse herd in North America—and every May for 40 years, wranglers from Sombrero Ranches and a large team of assistants have moved the herd 60 miles from its winter quarters to summer stables in Craig. On the way, the “Great American Horse Drive” passes right through Maybell, where visitors can watch the amazing sight of hundreds of horses thundering through this tiny northwestern Colorado community. This year the herd will pass through town on May 9.

Maybell Heritage Days festival takes place at the same time, with free public celebrations in Maybell Park Maybell is approximately 60 miles west of Craig on Hwy 40. The town has three motels and one café, but many more accommodations and dining options are nearby in Craig and Steamboat Springs. While you’re there, check out the Museum of Northwest Colorado (590 Yampah Ave., Craig). Its Cowboy and Gunfighter Collection is one of the world’s best collections of western Americana. The spectacular scenery of Dinosaur National Monument is another attraction in this remote and little-visited part of the state.

Maybell is about three hours from Grand Junction, or just over four hours from Denver. Call 303-442-0258 for information about the horse drive, or contact Moffat County Tourism Association for general information on visiting the area—866-332-8436 or www.moffatcountytourism.com.

Seat belt myths and facts

Myth: I’m only going a short distance. I don’t need my seat belt.
The great majority of crashes occur within 25 miles of home, at less than 40 mph.

Myth: If I crash, I will just brace myself.
Even at a very slow speed, this is not possible! In a motor vehicle crash, your effective weight is your bodyweight multiplied by the car’s speed. For example, a person weighing 130 lbs and traveling at 25 mph will effectively weigh 3,250 lbs (130 x 25) if the car crashes. Even if you could react fast enough, you can’t stop 3,250 lbs with an outstretched arm.

Myth: If I wear a seat belt, I could be trapped in the car. It’s better to be thrown clear.
Only half of 1% of car crashes involve fire or submersion in deep water. In all types of crashes, you are four times more likely to be killed if you are thrown from the car than if you stayed in.

Myth: Seat belts don’t make much difference. Why bother?
Seat belts reduce the likelihood of death or serious injury in a crash by 50%. Nationally, each 10% increase in seat belt use results in 30,000 fewer critical and serious injuries, and saves approximately $800 million in direct costs to society. In addition, drivers who are restrained in seat belts are able to better control their cars in emergency situations, making them more likely to avoid a potential crash.

Myth: I’m a great driver. I don’t need to wear a seat belt because a crash won’t happen to me.
During a 75-year lifetime, your chances of being in a car crash are better than 8 out of 10. Motor vehicle crashes are the number one killer of Americans between ages 1–35, and even the most careful driver can be involved in a crash that was not his or her fault.

Myth: I’ll make sure others in the car are wearing seat belts, but it is my choice not to wear one. It doesn’t affect anyone but me.
In a car crash, anything (or anyone) unrestrained in the car becomes a missile. A common cause of death or injury is when an unrestrained person is thrown into other passengers—this accounts for a full 25% of all serious injuries in a car crash. By not wearing your own seat belt, you could injure or kill others. Remember the “effective weight” calculation above: in a crash, your body effectively weighs thousands of pounds.

Cruising with a disability

Although foreign-flagged cruise lines are not required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the cruise industry has long been proactive in accommodating guests with disabilities. Features available on various ships include the following:

Specially equipped staterooms with wide doors and large bathrooms.
Wheelchair-accessible bathrooms, some with roll-in showers.
Braille menus, Braille call buttons and stairwell banister deck numbers.
Easy access on and off the ship. Many cruise lines will also arrange tours on shore that can easily accommodate people with disabilities, and some provide accessibility ratings in their shore-excursion booklets so passengers can plan their tours in advance.
Special health services, such as kidney dialysis machines and oxygen tanks, can be accommodated when arrangements are made in advance.
Menus are available to accommodate special dietary needs, such as low cholesterol/low fat, low sodium, diabetic and vegetarian.
For people who are deaf or have a hearing impairment, cabins may feature TTY (text telephones) devices or vibrating alarm clocks as well as visual alerts for emergencies as well as door bells.

To be sure that a ship can accommodate a traveler’s specific requirements—whether it is medical, dietary, or physical—it is best to work with your local AAA Travel Agency to make sure these arrangements are accommodated.

Big Island adventures

From the technological advances of windsurfing, paragliding and wakeboarding has come a hot, new water sport that some people call kitesurfing and others call kiteboarding. No matter what you call it, this is a sport that takes wind, guts, the right equipment and plenty of practice.

Here’s how it works: The kitesurfer, standing on a kiteboard (which is a small surfboard with straps) is pulled across the water by a big kite. It sounds easy enough but don’t be fooled because it can take a season of kitesurfing before becoming a competent pilot. Enthusiasts say it’s worth the effort because the sport is more fun than windsurfing and not as dependent on high wave and wind action—though it is challenging and sometimes dangerous. Lessons and rental gear for the novices are available on the Big Island.

If you’d like your adventure slightly more tame, the Big Island has wonders to share from above during a helicopter tour. Along with views of Volcanoes National Park, you can explore the magnificent rainforests and waterfalls of the Hamakua Coast, or fly over gorgeous terrain and see the exquisite Waipio Valley. Another tour option is a visit to the Kohala Coast where more waterfalls, towering sea cliffs and ancient Hawaiian settlements blend into deep valleys and acres of rainforest. Some companies have designed tours that touch down in intriguing spots and combine their helicopter tour with other land activities. Tours may depart from Kailua-Kona, Hilo or Waikoloa on the Kohala Coast.

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