Travel to Martinique this January with Yogaway Retreats

Guest Post by Amy Perry Basseches

If you are thinking how much you’ll miss summer weather come January, consider heading to Martinique, January 13-20, 2019, for a week of sun, fun, yoga, beaches, snorkeling, good food, and great company. Nonstop flights from JFK and Providence on Norwegian Air are cheap (less than $300 RT). ActiveTravels’ friend Checka Antifonario of Yogaway Retreats is organizing a group which will stay at L’Impératrice Village Résidence Hôtelière in Les Trois Ilets, on the southwestern coast of the island. Still part of France, Martinique is located in the Lesser Antilles of the West Indies, in the eastern Caribbean Sea. The Cultureist wrote an article last year, "5 Reasons Why Martinique Should Be On Your Bucket List," highlighting the fresh fish, beaches, rum, adventure, and Mount Pelee on the island. Throw in yoga with an instructor we know and love and you’ll have a memorable winter escape. I plan on going and hope to see you there!
 

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Guest Post and Photo by Amy Perry Basseches 
 
Last week, I was driving with my husband Josh from Toronto to Garrison, New York for the wedding of our niece, Sarah. Hesitant to drive all day on Friday and head right into wedding festivities Friday evening, we left Toronto on Thursday night bound for Syracuse, where my family has roots. Syracuse often pops up on college tour itineraries in Upstate New York. Within an hour of Syracuse lie not only Syracuse University but also Cornell University, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, several SUNY Colleges, Colgate University, Hamilton College, Ithaca College, and many more. When I passed through on college visits in 2015, the place we stayed overnight was nondescript. 
 
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A steady arrival of Jewish immigrants arrived in Syracuse in the early 19th century and the earliest temple was founded in 1839. In 1870, young men who had immigrated from Poland began to worship together, and this transitioned into “Congregation Adas (later Adath) Yeshurun.”  The Congregation met in a South Crouse Avenue synagogue from 1921 until 1971, when a larger and more modern space for the growing community was deemed necessary. This South Crouse Avenue synagogue is now the Hotel Skyler.  The historic edifice of the original Temple is intact. In 2011, the hotel became the third in the United States and the first in Syracuse to be certified LEED Platinum. Hotel Skyler joined the Tapestry Collection by Hilton in 2017. 
 
After a good night’s sleep, we had excellent coffee and breakfast sandwiches at the Heritage Cafe, then we visited many other local sites steeped in family history for me. I’d recommend the Hotel Skyler if you pass through Syracuse. Contact ActiveTravels for more information, and we’d be glad to help. 
 
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Guest Post and Photo by Amy Perry Basseches 

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Oh Canada

The favorable exchange rate for the American dollar not only extends to Europe. If you haven’t looked lately, $1 US will now fetch $1.33 in Canada. I haven’t seen an exchange rate like that since I was at an Expos game. If the exorbitant flights to Europe limit your options to the continent, especially if you want to travel as a family, head north. I’m already planning to go to New Brunswick in mid-June for more adventures on the Bay and Fundy and possibly a trip to Churchill, Manitoba in winter to spot polar bears. 
 
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I’ll be back on Monday, April 10th, with my 5 favorite travel ideas in Canada from the conference. Have a great week and stay active! 
 

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