July 15, 2016 - Sicily & Ireland Equestrian Vacations, Concerts & Planning ahead!

Elisa's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 17 DAYS

Sicily & Ireland Tour on Horseback!!

Well, hello! 
How's it going for you today?  

I'm actually enjoying Fridays this month, since camp only goes from Monday through Thursday.  Normally, I would get to sleep late today, BUT, I have to bring my car over for an inspection. 

It's better to get there early, so I don't have to be without the car all day.

Now, believe it or not, July 15th is Natonal I Love Horses Day!!!  The perfect day for our cousins crowd, since we are all major horse lovers.  

(c) travelincousins.com

In additional to being one of the most magnificent of all animals, full of love and spirit, horses have also played an important part in our human history in all areas of our lives.

From transportation, to working fields, going into battles in war to moving cattle, these creatures have been a long-time companion to people.

Did you know...there are over 200 breeds of horses?

​Well, speaking of horses, I was inspired to do a little research about "horse-related vacations."

I stumbled upon a wonderful tour company called "Equitrekking" and boy, do they have some amazing trips available.

I was particularly struck by two - - see what you think...

Sicily on Horseback Equitrekking Vacations (equitrekking.com)

Sicily on Horseback
Now, I may be a bit prejudice, since my family hails from this island off the coast of Italy, but, it truly does sound amazing!

Visitors trek without danger through the unique environments of Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the world, witnessing the splendor of the stunning Madonie Mountains and Nebrodi Mountains.

Interestingly, in June 2013, Mount Etna was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.  

Horseback tours are available year-round. According to their website, "From February to November, guests have the chance to ride the well trained Sicilian horses to discover the amazing Madonie, Nebrodi and Etna Volcano National Parks with the history, traditions, people, ancient horse culture and incredible food of Sicily. 

Come in July and August to discover the Madonie Park, staying in two different country houses with swimming pools.

In September, participate in one of the oldest and widest Pilgrimages on horseback in the world, which attracts riders from all over Europe."

For the horse lover looking to really get an outdoor feel for the lovely terrain and beauty of Sicily, I cannot think of anything nicer!! (well, maybe partaking in the delicious Sicilian cuisine!!)

Click the link to read more - I'm sure you will be captivated!!!

Castle Leslie Estate Equestrian Vacation (Equitrekking.com)

Castle Leslie Estate, Ireland
I'm sure you have heard me say how much I LOVE Ireland! Yes, it is absolutely one of my favorite countries - gorgeous, historic and some of the nicest people in the world!!

One of the last great Irish Castle estates still in the hands of its founding family is Castle Leslie Estate.

Nestled on 1,000 acres of breathtaking Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and glittering lakes, this estate has been in existence since the 1660's, welcoming prominent individuals throughout the year, turning this magnificent home   into one of the finest luxury Castle hotels Ireland has to offer.

According to the website, 
"The Castle, at the heart of the Estate, offers authentic original interiors and old-style hospitality and is a complete respite from the world. The Lodge is the social hub of the Estate and brings locals and guests together in an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort. The Old Stable Mews and Village Houses are the perfect spot for groups on equestrian holidays that want the convenience of hotel living combined with private self catering.

The Estate offers an idyllic setting for outdoor activity, Ireland equestrian vacations and adventure. It is the perfect place to discover the thrill of exploring the beautiful Irish countryside on horseback. We welcome riders of all ability and offer expert tuition, gentle hacks and exhilarating cross-country rides."

What I loved about this particular equestrian vacation is that it is customized to riding enthusiasts of all levels, making it a great introduction for the beginner, which is often the case with families.

And Equitrekking.com has so many other equestrian vacations for travel here in the United States and all around the world!!! Check them out!!


Well, as my kiddies are working on their summer reading, I'm going to run up and pick up my car - it's ready - all inspected and an oil change to boot!!

Have a happy day!!!
-E
xoxo

Tanya's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 1 DAY

Plan ahead or miss out!

WooHoo!

It's FRIDAY. It's FRIDAY. Do a happy dance it's FRIDAY!

Do you love Fridays as much as I do?
I'm not even sure why I love Fridays so much...
But I do!

And today the focus of the day is us going to the PITBULL "The Bad Man Tour" concert tonight at the Honda Center. I'm sure it's gonna be great fun! 
Now, I've just got to figure out what to wear!!!

This will actually be the second time that we are taking Dominic to see Pitbull while performing in San Diego - back in 2012. It was Dominic's first ever concert.
And I'm pretty sure that he had an amazing time!

FLASHBACK to 2012 (c)travelincousins.com

FLASHBACK to 2012 (c)travelincousins.com

The other focus of the day will be PACKING.
 
Yup, I'm leaving first thing in the morning and I haven't even packed yet..

Obviously if it were for a longer trip I would already have my bag packed and ready to go - but I really do travel quite a bit and have barely unpacked from our last trip - the stay-cation-ish in San Diego.

Plus the next trip (to Big Sur - in 14 days) and the BIG one (Our Magical Anniversary Trip - in 32 days) will have me packing waaaay ahead of time!

Funny thing and not so funny thing about our upcoming trip to Big Sur -

Not so funny story - actually kinda sad:
My little niece Chaplin and her mummy and daddy came camping with us to Joshua Tree National Park last November - her first camping trip ever...
And she LOVED it!

FLASHBACK to 2015 - Camping at Joshua Tree NP (c)travelincousins.com

She really wanted her parents to agree to this what is to be EPIC camping up in the ever gorgerous
Big Sur, and surrounded by massive Redwoods.
​
Well her parents aren't much of planners - and although I made our reservations months ago (maximum per campsite being 5 people and 1 car) and suggested that they did too - they didn't.

They decided to chance it or not go.​ 

Well guess what - the site booked up as did all the surrounding sites and anything within a 50 mile radius!
And as of last week, when my poor little niece was really hoping that they could come and they decided to...it was too late.
I am truly bummed, and I doubt that my sister or Andrew will have learned their lesson for next time.

Funny story: 

I was getting my hair done a couple of days ago, and was excited to tell my hairdresser about our camping trip up to Big Sur.    Because she is planning a birthday trip up there next month - well guess what...of all the campsites to choose from she is booked at the same camp grounds as us! ​

Anyhoo, yesterday was quite a full day with several different flavors and plenty of running around all over the place.
One stop was the HOT stables. Yes it was HOT yesterday.

(c)travelincousins.com

(c)travelincousins.com

I had no idea that today is National I Love Horses Day! Check out Elisa's side for some cool info that she researched on Equestrian Trips - namely Sicily and Ireland. 
As much as I can't wait to finally go to Sicily - where part of our heritage reigns from. I personally would love to do the trip in Ireland on Horseback!  

(c)travelincousins.com

(c)travelincousins.com

(c)travelincousins.com

And it's baby Al - boy is he getting BIG (c)travelincousins.com

Time for me to hop to it!
​Oh and BTW - I've got lots of new travel updates to let you in on for Travelin Tuesday - and of course lots more between now and then!

See ya tomorrow from LAS VEGAS BABY!
​-T