British Columbia Stays in Spotlight as Paralympic Games Launch March 12-21, 2010

British Columbia, Canada’s westernmost province, rolls out the red carpet for the Paralympic Winter Games in Vancouver and Whistler,  March 12 - 21, 2010.  After two weeks of the amazing 2010 Olympic Winter Games, disabled athletes from around the world will compete for medals in five winter sport disciplines. When you are not watching events, there's plenty to do in Whistler and Vancouver - here are two stories that I wrote about my trip there in 2009!
• Olympics Aside, There’s Lots of Cool Stuff To Do in Whistler This Winter
• The Last-Minute Guide to Olympic Fun in Whistler/Vancouver Three Adventure Activities That Will Get You Moving

I took the three snow photos, below!

Visitors and spectators will visit hotspots, including the British Columbia Canada Pavilion at the Vancouver Art Gallery. And  LiveCity Sites in Vancouver and Whistler will come alive again with free music and entertainment.

Tickets to Paralympic sporting events are available and affordable!
To purchase tickets to the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, visit www.vancouver2010.com.

Accommodation can be found at a variety of price points in Vancouver and Whistler as well as around the province with spring promotions and other special offers.

For travel information and to book accommodation and activity packages in British Columbia, visit www.hellobc.com. More information on the Paralympics can also be found on the blog of Tonya and Ian Fitzpatrick, the talent behind World Footprints (formerly Travel'n On Radio) headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Olympics End, but Vancouver remains in spotlight for Parlympic Games

While the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics officially close tomorrow, it's just the beginning for the Paralympics Games, March 12-21, held in the same venues. Surely, Vancouver, in British Columbia, Canada, will remain in the world's spotlight long after both events conclude. I didn't go to the Winter Games, but I had the opportunity to visit all the Olympics venues in Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler before the Games. While I was there, I scoped out all kinds of fun things to do on a visit there. 

Here are the links to two stories that I wrote for Tripatini and Fanatchicks websites. You can use the activities I experienced as a winter vacation guide to Whistler and Vancouver - Try all kinds of fun stuff, from a Sno-Limo, to the Peak to Peak Gondola, to just chilling out in a cozy lodge!

Fanatchicks.com
February 12, 2010
The Last-Minute Guide to Olympic Fun in Whistler/Vancouver Three Adventure Activities That Will Get You Moving

Triapatini.com
February 1, 2010
Olympics Aside, There’s Lots of Cool Stuff To Do in Whistler This Winter

2010 Travel Plans, Winter Olympics and 2009 Highlights

Happy New Year!

A sports and travel highlight of 2009 was a 7-day trip to Vancouver, Whistler and Richmond in British Columbia, Canada, to visit the cities and venues that will host the Winter Olympics next month.  The Games take place February 12-28, 2010, and the Paralympics, March 12-21, 2010.

The Inukshuk, pronounced "in ook shook," is the image of a man that was originally created by the Inuit people to act as a compass or a guide. The stone monument is unique to the Canadian Arctic region. It is the symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympics. I took this photo in Whistler in Feb. '09.

Photo by Karen Kefauver

Another highlight of 2009 was my running vacation with 70 other runners from around the world with The Coastal Experiences in Costa Rica! Check out my photos and story on that trip!

I'm excited about my 2010 travel line-up:

January

Florida. I'm headed to  Orlando for a Society of American Travel Writers workshop and then to see family in Naples.

February

Winter Olympics!

Please help me with my bid for the Olympics - not to compete, just to attend.  I don't have a travel ticket or accomodations YET, but  I am going to make this happen! Any tips appreciated!

The Games will be held February 12-28 and the Paralympic Winter Games will be held March 12-21 in the following Host Venue Cities:

• Vancouver
• Whistler
• Richmond

  Photo by Karen Kefauver

March

Ecuador tops the list! Jorge Perez, of Tierra del Volcan, whom I met through the Adventure Travel Trade Association, has convinced me that Ecuador is the country to check out for amazing mountain bike adventures. In 2008, I sampled the amazing mountain biking in Peru, and now I'm ready to tackle Ecuador.

October

Scotland- The Adventure Travel Trade Association will host their annual world summit in Aviemore, Scotland, October 4-7. I have attended the past Summits in 2006, 2007 and 2008, in Seattle, Whistler and Sao Paolo, Brazil. They were spectacular experiences and it was an honor to be selected as a speaker there in 2007 and 2008 on media panels. I missed 2009 in Quebec, so hope to return in 2010 with an active role there.

Riding in the  Peak 2 Peak Gondola at Whistler Blackcomb in February 2009, I'm smiling at the stunning view during the 11-minute journey over the peaks. It's the longest continuous lift system in the world. 

What adventures do you have lined up for 2010?