Starting May 7, 2025 all travelers flying domestically in the USA will need a REAL ID.  Here’s the FAQ page about it on the Department of Homeland Security’s website: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs

Basically, the United States Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in response to the terrorist attacks on 9/11. The REAL ID Act requires states to adopt and implement uniform standards for the issuance and production of state-issued driver licenses and identification cards if they are to be accepted as identity documents by the federal government. This Act strengthens the integrity and security of state-issued cards in an effort to reduce identity fraud and terrorism.

What if you’re not even sure your driver’s license is a REAL ID?

REAL ID-compliant cards will have a star marking on the upper top portion of the card. If the card does not have a star marking, it is not REAL ID-compliant and won’t be accepted as proof of identity to board commercial aircraft. Enhanced Driver’s Licenses and Enhanced Identification cards (EDL/EID) are also acceptable forms of identification and can be used to board commercial aircraft. EDL/EIDs can be identified by having an image of the U.S. flag and the word Enhanced at the top of the card.

If you are going to be flying soon but don’t have your REAL ID yet you can bring your passport as identification for your flight. (You might want to get your passport out now and put it somewhere where you can see it so you won’t forget.)

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach

“Get Fit with Witt”
Individuals / Groups / Corporate
310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main

Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube 

Discover Portugal Tour – October 4-14, 2025 – Click here

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Now that all the post-pandemic “revenge travel” is over and everyone’s pent-up travel dreams have been released, many travelers are opting for “Slowcations.” This is an alternative to fast-paced travel itineraries where you change hotels frequently and have back-to-back activities each day that you are ticking off your list.

The Slowcation Balance

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love traditional active travel tours such as the ones I host through Active World Journeys. There’s something about having a full day of activities and sightseeing and tastings and then heading on to the next location in the program that percolates my adrenaline and nurtures my wanderlust. However, it’s good to strike a balance between that kind of traveling and going on a vacation to rejuvenate. Over the past couple of years, I’ve had requests to put together some of these so-called “Slowcations.” This is where the group stays in one location and one accommodation. Perhaps a resort or a villa or even a castle or a tree house.

Slowcation – relaxation and travel reimagined!

What’s Your Slowcation Vibe?

So, I am pleased to announce that I will begin hosting these Slowcations now in between my active travel tours. Each traveler will be able to choose what they want to do each day depending on how they’re feeling. For example, local nature walks, arts and crafts workshops, cooking classes, bike riding, kayaking on a serene river, yoga and meditation, stargazing, and visiting museums and artsy boutiques. Best of all, if you just want to stay in bed all day and read a book that’s perfectly fine too! There are no expectations or logistical commitments to be with the group on any given day. On a Slowcation, your main priority will be to recharge and reset, and that will be unique and personal for each one of us.

On a Slowcation, we’ll most likely stumble on hidden gems that we might not see on a regular-paced tour. And it’ll provide us an opportunity to connect better with the local community.  We won’t be racing against the clock to get everything we’ve seen in a day posted on our socials. We are going to be more mindful and “in the moment” and savor the experience to the fullest.

Stay tuned to my travel brand www.activeworldjourneys.com for the details of my inaugural Slowcation small group trip announcement, and I hope to see you come along for what promises to be a transformative experience with like-minded individuals.

Cheers,
Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach
“Get Fit with Witt”
Individuals / Groups / Corporate
310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main

Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube 

Discover Portugal Tour – October 4-14, 2025 – Click here

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Traveling to the UK just got a bit more tedious for us Americans. We now need to apply ahead of time for a visa waiver program called the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). You can apply on the UK’s official ETA website. Be ready to take some photos of yourself, scan your passport, provide contact information, answer a handful of background questions, and pay the fee by credit card (about $13). They’ll in turn send you approval by email within three business days.

Now, this ETA thing isn’t to be confused with the new requirements for Americans traveling to Europe Union countries (places such as Spain, Germany, Italy). That visa waiver program is going to be called the ETIAS and it’s not quite ready yet but expected to be rolled out in the summer of 2025. Stay tuned here for more info on that one.

Now, back to the UK’s ETA program. Our gate agents here in the USA are going to be the ones enforcing that, so you won’t be able to board your flight from the USA to the UK (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales) if you don’t have it. Most everyone will be approved for it, but just in case, it’s best to apply for it before you book your flights so you’re not stuck with a plane ticket you can’t use. If you are approved, however, the ETA is good for a full two years.

Important to note: Even if you’re flying through the UK en route to somewhere else (such as a layover in London’s Heathrow on your way to somewhere in Europe like Greece) you still need to have that ETA.

I know, all this sounds like they are being unfair to us Americans. However, the United Kingdom is basically emulating the United States, which already has a nearly identical system (the ESTA) for non-visa travelers. Other nations (like Australia and New Zealand) also have similar digital stamps; and as I mentioned, the European Union plans to introduce their version, called ETIAS, very soon.

It’s an extra hoop to jump through now, but we can do it. Happy travels everyone!

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT

Fitness and Health Coach

“Get Fit with Witt”

Individuals / Groups / Corporate

310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main

Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube 

Magical New Zealand Tour – March 19-31, 2025 – Click here

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I have an up-coming New Zealand Tour that I’ve been curating with my tour partner Michelle who lives in New Zealand. I asked Michelle if I could do a short interview with her for my blog on what it’s like to live and work and play in New Zealand and give us a little more insight into the local way of life, unique foods and drinks, tips for tourists, and more.

How long have you lived in New Zealand?

I am originally from South Africa and made the leap across the oceans in 1999, so I have spent most of my life living as a “Kiwi” in our paradise which we also call Aotearoa. Auckland is where my family and I have planted our roots and we thoroughly enjoy living in New Zealand’s largest city. Auckland is one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities and is home to the largest Polynesian population of any city on earth. As a result, we have many amazing eateries with international offerings as well as lots of cultural festivals throughout the year.

Tell us about what New Zealanders like to do for fun.

Many kiwis live in close proximity to the ocean, so we love spending our time at one of the many surrounding beaches either having a picnic, walking our dogs, playing beach cricket/volleyball/rugby or simply having a beach stroll. New Zealanders by nature are very outdoorsy people so we enjoy exploring our National Parks and going hiking/tramping, playing sports (especially rugby), going fishing and camping to name a few. During the winter months skiing and snowboarding are popular pastimes for those who live close to the ski fields to enjoy. And of course, we love to bbq!

How long have you been in the travel industry and what do you like most about it?

I graduated from travel college 20 years ago and this is the only industry that I know, selling both inbound and outbound travel experiences. Having worked in various sectors of the industry in both New Zealand and overseas (UK and Canada) I cannot see myself doing anything else. All three of our motu’s (islands) in NZ are very different (yes, we have 3, including Stewart Island) and we have an abundance of amazing travel products and experiences on offer from untamed wilderness to rich culture. I simply love tailor making itineraries and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for our overseas guests.

New Zealanders are often referred to as “Kiwis,” how did that nickname come about?

To us, the word “Kiwi” can mean one of three things: The bird, the person and also the fruit.

Our native (and sadly endangered) kiwi bird is an internationally recognised symbol for New Zealand.

There seems to be a bit of a debate as to how New Zealanders got the nickname “kiwi”. Some think that it started in the early 1900s and has something to do with the Kiwi Shoe polish brand or more likely newspaper cartoons about rugby where New Zealanders were depicted as kiwi birds. During WW1, New Zealand soldiers were called “kiwis”, and the rest is history.

Our national fruit was originally called the Chinese Gooseberry, however in the early 1960s it had a name change to “kiwi fruit” due to the furriness, brown colour and round shape resembling the kiwi bird. These days there are many different varieties of the fruit, including green, red and my favourite “gold” kiwi fruit.

Can you tell us a little about your indigenous Maori communities?

Māori were the first occupants of New Zealand, and they have been the indigenous people of Aotearoa since arriving here from Hawaiki (Polynesia) over 1,000 years ago. Māori legend believes that Māui, the demigod, fished New Zealand from the sea. Today in modern New Zealand, many traditional and cultural practices are still kept alive, and according to our last census, Māori comprise approximately 17.8% of our population. Te reo Māori (still a threatened language), alongside English and NZ Sign language, is an official language of New Zealand and as of recent years has undergone a revival in our country. Many non-Māori and everyday Kiwis have taken to learning the Māori language. It is not unusual for us to use certain te reo words in our daily life like “Kia Ora” = hi, hello, goodbye, “kai” = food, “mahi” = work, “Tamariki” = children, “wai” = water, “maunga” = mountain, “waiata” = song and “whanau” = extended family. Māori Culture is prominent all over modern New Zealand and there are many ways to experience this,  like a cultural show including a traditional hangi meal,  exploring one of our many geothermal valleys and parks, seeing an ancient kauri tree, bathing in a hot spring, visiting a local Māori arts and crafts centre (weaving and carving) or a Pounamu (greenstone) workshop, experiencing the traditional Māori performance of the haka or visiting a local marae (meeting ground).

What are some typical food dishes and unique drinks in New Zealand?

Everyone loves fish and chips (try a paua, mussel or white bait fritter) and a traditional kiwi meat pie washed down by an ice-cold L&P (our famous brand of soda). A good old kiwi BBQ, lamb and our pavlova dessert are also staples that you will find at most get togethers or celebrations.

New Zealand’s two main Islands are the North Island and the South Island, what are the main differences between them?

The North Island is home to many of our diverse larger cities which offer many historical and cultural experiences. Best for beach visits (both golden and volcanic black sand) and geothermal wonders.

The South Island provides pure natural dramatic landscapes. Experience glacial valleys, outdoor adventure, pristine forests and star-studded skies.

Is it easy to get around New Zealand if a traveler wants to rent a car or take public transportation?

See our Kiwiway website – https://www.kiwiway.com/getting-around

New Zealand is a small and diverse country.  It is easy to get around and experience a huge range of things in a short period of time. You may choose to get behind the steering wheel and self drive, sit back and relax on a coach tour, or travel in style with your own driver guide

Self Drive: Rental Car

Hire a rental car to go wherever you wish to go and at your own pace. Hiring a rental car offers extra flexibility and a range of vehicles is available for all holiday makers.  

Beware though, despite New Zealand’s small size, it takes a lot longer to get to places than you think and it’s not just because of all the photo stops you’ll want to make!

In many parts of the country, roads wind around hills and have one-way bridges so allow plenty of time to get to your destination.  And, you need to know, driving in New Zealand is on the left-hand side of the road.

Private Touring

Private touring in your own exclusive vehicle is the perfect choice for couples, families or small groups. Our private transport providers offer a wide range of vehicles in their fleet to cater for your traveling party.  Modern and luxurious, vehicles are meticulously maintained for your comfort and safety.  Your driver is a professional chauffeur who also acts as your guide.  With their passion for New Zealand, your driver guide loves taking you to places where others cannot go and sharing their local knowledge along the way.  Relax and take in the scenery in a vehicle specially designed for comfortable touring.  Travel in luxury at your own pace and stop wherever you choose.

Independent Coach Tour

Daily departures and flexible arrangements. Sit back, relax and take in the sights while someone else does the driving.  This is a cost-effective way of touring around New Zealand, departing whenever you want and visiting the sights and activities you choose to see.  Independent coach touring offers flexibility with daily departures, you travel with different drivers and passengers every day and have the freedom to do your own thing.

Do Americans need a visa to visit New Zealand?

United States passport holders will usually require a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) to enter New Zealand. An NZeTA is valid for 2 years. The processing time may take up to 72 hours. Visit https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/nzeta

What are you most proud of being a New Zealander? 

For me, it’s the warm sense of acceptance and hospitality that Aotearoa has shown me since immigrating here so many years ago. I have always felt very welcome here, a quality that I consciously wish to extend to all our visitors. I am very proud to live in such an incredibly diverse nation that deeply embraces Kiwi Ingenuity through their “Number 8 Wire” mentality.

If New Zealand is a travel dream for you, there are still a few spots left on my Magical New Zealand Journey, March 19-31, 2025. Come along with us and surrender yourself to the irresistible beauty of New Zealand on a 13-day, small-group active tour. 

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT

Fitness and Health Coach

“Get Fit with Witt”

Individuals / Groups / Corporate

310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main

Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube 

Magical New Zealand Tour – March 19-31, 2025 – Click here

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Each year I travel to London to attend one of the largest travel and trade shows in the world – World Travel Market – WTM. It gives me a chance to meet tour guides and operators in exciting destinations around the globe where I might want to bring my groups of merry travelers. I’ll usually extend my trip for a day or two to explore more of London or take one of the many terrific day trips that you can do from London. This year I decided on a day out in Kent.

Kent is often referred to as “The Garden of England” due to its abundant orchards of fruits such as apples, pears, cherries, and plums. For decades, London families from the east end would travel to Kent in September and stay for several weeks picking hops in the countryside. Their accommodations were specially built hop-picker huts. It was a chance to escape the busy city and be on a sort of working holiday in Kent.

But my day trip to Kent was going to be a little less labor intensive – The White Cliffs of Dover and Canterbury were on the itinerary with my friends over at Go Tours.  They specialize in small group travel with pick-up and drop-off from central locations in London for their day trips and their guides/drivers are really fun, experienced, and informative.

Our first stop was Canterbury, and I really enjoyed the cathedral there, which is regarded as one of the most important religious sites in England. In the 12th century, the archbishop of Canterbury – Thomas Becket, was slain by King Henry the 2nd’s Knights for not being obedient enough to the crown. Then, for about 400 years, up to 100,000 pilgrims a year traveled here to visit the shrine to Becket, who had become a martyr. The shrine was ultimately removed though by King Henry the 8th and today there is a candle that burns on the floor where the shrine once stood.

We then stopped for lunch in a charming coastal town in Kent called Deal. It hasn’t changed much for the past 60 years or so. Cute pastel houses, quirky shops, little restaurants, and a pebble beach with a pier really make this one of England’s hidden gems, and it’s mainly tourist free.

The last stop on our day out in Kent was the White Cliffs of Dover. Rising up from the narrowest part of the English Channel, they’re only about 25 miles across from France. In fact, my phone got confused and all of the sudden said welcome to France and showed me a data plan. Before air travel existed, this was the first and last sight of Britain for travelers. The cliffs are about 8 miles long and were important for England’s defenses in WWII against the Nazis.  I hiked for about ¾ of a mile out from the visitor center along the edge of the cliffs and returned. Although you can go further out along the National Trust path there to a lighthouse and back (3.5 miles), but I didn’t have the time, and it was a little cold out for this Southern California boy. An interesting tidbit, the nearby port of Dover is considered the world’s busiest passenger port!

We had a pleasant drive back to London for our drop-off and then I decided to grab a pint of “Trooper” beer at a local pub in the east end called Cart & Horses on the way back to my Airbnb. This pub is where the rock band Iron Maiden got their start and there’s lots of signed memorabilia from the band hanging up on the walls. I made a quiet salute to all the east-end hop pickers of yesteryear who used to travel to Kent for their working holidays and to the rocker boys from the east who ended up conquering the world. UP THE IRONS!

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach
“Get Fit with Witt”
Individuals / Groups / Corporate

310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main
Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube 

Magical New Zealand Tour – March 19-31, 2025 – Click here

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To say that Iceland is amazing is an understatement. With geothermal wonders in every direction, northern lights that constantly captivate, and a colorful and quirky capital city, Iceland is a place that erupts with wonder and sparkles with excitement.

Continuing my celebration of hosting fun groups on active tours for the past 10 years, I had the pleasure of spending eight scheduled days (plus one extra…we’ll get to that) in The Land of Fire and Ice with 10 intrepid travelers.

Our flight from the USA arrived in Iceland early in the day and we kicked things off with a leisurely 3-hour afternoon walking food tour around old Reykjavik city center. Walking down the famous Rainbow Street, we could feel the artistic and cultural spirit of the city welcome us. We learned during the tour what the Vikings ate and how Icelandic people have survived harsh winters with special cooking techniques and preservation methods. We sampled everything from lamb tartare to puffin to fermented shark. (We all agreed the fermented shark was a one-and-done thing…it sort of tasted like jet fuel!) However, once we got to the licorice-tasting portion, there was no stopping us.

Did you know that Iceland has over 10,000 waterfalls!? 

On day two, we set out to start discovering some of the best ones. The Silver Circle driving route from Reykjavik takes you to Hraunfossar & Barnafossar Waterfalls which are a collection of countless creeks and cascades small and big streaming out of the lava, spanning over 3,000 ft. wide. It was a feast for the eyes and really unlike any waterfall I’d ever seen. We hiked through the surreal landscape of the Highlands afterward, ending with a geothermal soak in little pools nestled in magnificent Húsafell Canyon. The pools varied in temperature from 86F – 105F. This was a perfect way to get acquainted with the outdoor vibe in rural Iceland.

Making our way down to the South Coast of Iceland on the program we visited The Caves of Hella. The caves are thought to be Iceland’s oldest still-standing archaeological remains. In the 8th century, before the Vikings even settled in Iceland, Irish Monks came and lived and worshipped in these caves. Much of the reasons they came and why they left still remain a mystery to this day. We were treated to an Icelandic Whiskey tasting while we were down in the caves, which along with the subtle lighting in the caves and the ancient crosses carved into the walls, really created a medieval monastery-type atmosphere.

Continuing our “chasing waterfalls” theme, we went to Seljalandsfoss Waterfall (I really liked this one because you could walk behind it) and Skógafoss Waterfall (very large and elegant). Our guide then took us to the famous Black Beach.

It was very crashing, foreboding, and moody. Nobody swims there…that is unless you’re planning it to be the last swim of your life.

Eventually arriving at Sólheimajökull glacier we laced up our crampons, grabbed some ice picks and did a glacier walk. It was a magnificent experience to be on this glistening glacier and we even drank the water that was running down the glacier in a little stream. It’s the cleanest and purest water in the world you know!

When we checked into our eco-friendly hotel in the south, the front desk clerk asked us if we wanted a “Northern Lights Wake-Up Call.” I had never even heard of that. Well of course we all confirmed with great excitement. 2024 was indeed supposed to be an active year for the Aurora Borealis. And so, it was about 11pm that evening and I was just about to drift off into a happy trip leader slumber when the front desk called with that Northern Lights alert )))

They said they were visible right behind the hotel! I quickly jumped out of bed, threw my coat on over my pajamas and raced down to catch this magical phenomenon with all the other hotel guests for an impromptu party in the parking lot.

As we ventured further in the south, we went to Skaftafell National Park, a beautiful and rugged area of mountains and glaciers. We did a great hike and soaked up all the good energy and views.  Next, we suited up and took a zodiac boat ride in Fjallsárlón Glacier Lagoon. It was so enchanting as we circled icebergs of all shapes and sizes in an otherworldly landscape.

The next day we swapped out our private group van for a private 4×4 Super Jeep. It really allowed us to get off the beaten track and explore Iceland’s hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes a little deeper. We went to The Valley of Thor, a natural paradise between glaciers where we did a wonderful hike and afterward barbecued some Icelandic hotdogs at a secluded campsite. We were all channeling our inner Viking by this point in the tour and felt invincible!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oR7HrqB-jI 

Heading back towards Reykjavik we explored the Golden Circle driving route. Our first stop was the Geysir Geothermal area. The dormant geyser Geysir, is the one and only geyser that gave all other geysers their name! It is no longer active, but Strokkur Geyser close by erupts every 20 minutes or so with a crowd-pleasing burst.

Then it was on to Gullfoss Waterfall, the waterfall which gives the Golden circle its name. The sheer power and beauty of it was something to behold. Afterwards, we headed to Thingvellir National Park. Besides being a natural wonder, it is also the sight where the world’s longest continuously run parliament was founded during the great clan gatherings of the Settlement Age (A.D. 930). Thingvellir is also a site of geological wonders, as it lies in a rift valley between the Eurasian and North American plates. Getting out of our comfort zone and not feeling so invincible anymore, we suited up into special dry suits to snorkel in the freezing cold albeit crystal clear waters between the two tectonic plates. It ended up being one of the most surreal and incredible experiences on our tour. We could see 350 ft. down with 100% clear visibility. We celebrated our daring feat by going to a Friðheimar Restaurant & Tomato Farm, where we gained an insight into the processes of greenhouse horticulture, and the use of geothermal heating in Iceland. We had the most delicious tomato soup in the world, and let me tell you, the Bloody Marys there were to die for!

On our last full day in Iceland (we thought), we decided that after all the activities we did in Iceland, we deserved a relaxing pamper day visit to one of the 25 wonders of the World – The Blue Lagoon. It’s one of Iceland’s most visited attractions, famous for its ethereal milky-blue waters. Remaining at 102 degrees Fahrenheit all year round, the waters are rich in silica and minerals. The premium package that we had allowed us three different mud facial masks and two alcohol drinks from the swim-up bar. They also had a massage waterfall and a steam cave. We were glad we had an opportunity to go as just a few weeks prior the eruption of a nearby volcano had closed the Spa. What can I say, timing is everything.

After an exciting and wonderous eight days in Iceland, we boarded our plane at Reykjavik International Airport for our flight back home. However, our Captain made an announcement just before we pulled back from the gate that one of the engines could not start and that they were going to have to fly in a part from London. (Better to diagnose engine problems on the runway as opposed to 30,000 ft. I guess!) This meant that we were going to need to stay one more night in Reykjavik… oh darn (not really). So, we made the best of it and did a little hike from our new Reykjavik hotel that the airline put us up in, to the Perlan Museum. There we watched an intense Volcano movie short about the 2021 Geldingadalir eruption, experienced an 8K Northern Lights Planetarium show, and explored an Ice Cave made out of 350 tons of snow from Icelandic mountains and kept at a cool 15F. As we took in the view of the city from the hill-perched museum’s outer deck, we were convinced we were meant to spend this extra day/evening in beautiful Iceland.

And so alas with the plane’s engine repaired the next day it was wheels up on day nine of our trip.  As The Land of Fire and Ice got smaller and smaller through the window and the clouds eventually obstructed my view, I knew Iceland would go down as one of the most epic tours I’ve ever hosted and a destination that surely qualifies as a rite of passage for adventure travelers.

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT

Fitness and Health Coach

“Get Fit with Witt”

Individuals / Groups / Corporate

310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main

Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube 

Magical New Zealand Tour – March 19-31, 2025 – Click here

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“I know, it’s only Rock-n-Roll but I like it.” This past summer I got to visit the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. I have had some issues with some of their inductees in the past not exactly being rock-n-roll (Eminem and Dolly Parton for example). But hey, who really cares, it’s a museum after all that needs to make money and be relevant to each new generation. So as long as the artists that they are inducting exemplify the rock-n-roll attitude and spirit, then I suppose why not include non-rock artists… albeit sparingly, please. (Most genres of music do help bring people together and create a sense of social connectedness and we need more of that in today’s rude and crude social media dominant world!)

The first area when you begin your tour of the Rock Hall takes you through the early influences and roots of rock-n-roll: 1940s and 1950s rhythm and blues, country, gospel, jazz, blues, folk, and bluegrass. While I didn’t know very much about them, I learned the early influence inductees such as The Drifters, Buddy Guy, and Lead Belly contributed more to rock than musical influence – they were also the first to make myths of themselves, to become larger than life. Then as the decades go on, more familiar acts come into play in the museum that exemplify larger-than-life artists such as Elvis, The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimmy Hendrix, The Yardbirds, James Brown, The Pretenders, Joan Jett, Def Leppard, Metallica, Iggy Pop, and many more!

On level 2 of the Rock Hall is The Garage. Fans can pick up real instruments, learn to play, and jam with friends. 

On level 3 is The Hall of Fame floor. This is where all the inductees since its inception in 1986 are highlighted.  There’s also The Power of Rock Experience, a 15-minute adrenaline-fueled show that captures the excitement of a Rock Hall induction night.

On level 4 is Pink Floyd’s The Wall where you get to stand beneath the tour replica of The Wall. The rock opera was a huge success spawning three singles, a 1980-81 concert tour, and a 1982 feature film.

On level 5 is Legends of Rock, where you can see handwritten drafts of hit singles from some of the world’s most iconic acts, instruments they used in concert, and personal items.

And when I was there, up on level 6. (which is a changing exhibition) they had Bon Jovi Forever which displays four decades of the band’s career, along with never-before-seen artifacts from each of the band members. I’m going to age myself, but some of their songs like Runaway and In and Out of Love take me right back to my high school days! (Or is it daze?)

The general admission tickets to The Rock Hall are currently $35 which gets you into all the above-mentioned floors and areas. Is it worth it? I think so, but that is a high-end price for its value. With plenty of interactive activities to keep people engaged and a thorough exploration of the roots of rock-n-roll from a historical perspective, it’s an in-depth museum that you can easily spend many hours in and “Rock, Rock Til’ You Drop.”

Rather than list them all, here’s a link to all of the Rock Hall Inductees by year since 1986: https://rockhall.com/inductees/classes/.  It is the opinion of this writer that it is way overdue to induct Iron Maiden as well as Ronnie James Dio (singer in Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and Dio) into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame.

Thank you very much and “Long Live Rock-n-Roll.”

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT

Fitness and Health Coach

“Get Fit with Witt”

Individuals / Groups / Corporate

310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main

Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube 

Magical New Zealand Tour – March 19-31, 2025 – Click here

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Mammoth Lakes, California is truly a hiker’s paradise in summer. I’ve lived in Southern California for 20 years and for some reason never got up there to check the trails out. And wow, was I surprised; it really offers up incredible lake vistas and interesting geothermal wonders and there’s plenty of restaurants and bars in town to satisfy your after hike(s) hunger and thirst.

Mammoth Lakes boasts more than 300 miles of hiking trails. Here’s my hiking itinerary you can follow if you only have about 2-3 days to spend in Mammoth Lakes:

First, since Mammoth Lakes sits at about 8,000 ft. above sea level (and many hikes will be even higher), it’s best to get acclimated before rushing out to do a long and challenging hike. So, when I got into town, I did a nice 3-mile easy hike around the deep blue Convict Lake. The lake got its name from a famous shootout that took place there in the 1800’s between some inmates that had escaped from a nearby prison and law enforcement. But you’ll have a get-out-of-jail-free-card on this peaceful and serene loop.

The hike I did on my first full-day in Mammoth Lakes was called Mammoth Rock Trail, it is 5-miles out and back with an 800 ft. elevation gain. It has some great views looking down on the village area and of course the star of the hike is a prominent outcropping of white limestone and marble. Afterwards on that same day, I explored a couple geological marvels nearby… Inyo Crater Lake, which is about a mile and a half loop hike up and partially around a beautiful emerald green body of water, and also Hot Creek Geological site, which features boiling turquoise water bubbling up from a creek bed. It’s only about a quarter mile walk down to the site and back from its parking area.

On my next full day in Mammoth Lakes, I started off at The Devil’s Postpile. It formed when lava flow slowed and then cooled and cracked about 100,000 years ago. It is a truly unique formation to be amazed by. From there, you can hike 2 miles to Rainbow Falls, a spectacular 101-ft. waterfall, widely recognized for the vibrant rainbows its mist creates. Just a heads up, from 7a-7p, you have to take a shuttle bus from the Mammoth Adventure Center (plenty of free parking on the street) to Devil’s Postpile ($15 r/t). It’s about a 30-minute ride. What I did was instead of hiking back from Rainbow Falls to Devil’s Postpile trailhead to wait for the shuttle to return, I extended my hike from Rainbow Falls by about 1 mile to Red Meadows Resort (basically a general store, post office and cafe for Pacific Crest Trail through hikers) and from there it’s one of the shuttle stops back to the Adventure Center where my car was parked.

While not in Mammoth Lakes, I highly recommend driving about 30 minutes north to visit another unique attraction in the area: Mono Lake. At about 760,000 years old, ancient Mono Lake is known as “California’s Dead Sea.” Its water is mostly sodium chloride (table salt) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) and peeping up and out are limestone formations called “Tufas.” There’s a 1-mile loop trail called South Tufa Trail that is very easy. On the drive back to Mammoth Lakes, I detoured off of Route 395 for the 15-mile June Lake Loop drive that takes you past a half-dozen lakes, providing incredible views of the high mountains surrounding the high valley.

Later in the evening, back in Mammoth Lakes, I went to watch the sun set behind the sharp jutting spires of the Ritter Mountain range at Minaret Vista. It was so peaceful and relaxing.

On my last morning in Mammoth Lakes, I did the Crystal Lake hike. It’s only three miles (up and back) but has an 800 ft. elevation gain that gets the heart rate up quick. On the way up to this gorgeous high mountain lake, you look down on Lake George and Lake Mary from the trail. (I did this in mid-June and there was still some snow in scattered sections of the trail making it hard to stay on course, so I suggest downloading the trail directions from AllTrails Pro.)

As I was getting ready to drive back to Los Angeles, I felt that this alpine community in the Eastern Sierras that I just explored was indeed a world-class experience with boundless opportunities for hikers and adventurers. Mammoth Lakes is one of those places that you could return to time and time again and never get tired of.

Jack Witt, MS, CPTFitness and Health Coach
“Get Fit with Witt”
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Amazing Iceland Tour  – September 16-23, 2024  – Click here

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California has so many world-class attractions and natural beauty that one of the essentials often gets overlooked– and that’s the Eastern Sierra region, sometimes referred to as “The High Sierras.” With hundreds of miles of granite domes, craggy spires and challenging and remote summits, it is arguably one of the greatest ranges in the lower 48 states, and the section of Highway 395 from Lone Pine up until around Bishop makes it hard to even pay attention to the road because all you want to do is gaze in wonder at their sheer magnificence.

Spending some time in Lone Pine I found quite interesting.  Did you know more than 500 movies and TV shows were filmed there!? And a really cool film museum in town showcases all the history. Most of the action that Lone Pine saw from the movie industry was 1920’s – 1950’s and they were mostly cowboy. But my favorite is the Noir thriller “High Sierra,” and they have the car that Bogey drove in it. Other notables include “Gunga Din,””How the West Was Won,” and recently “Iron Man,” and “Django Unchained.”

And right there from Lone Pine you can drive up the scenic Whitney Portal road (12 miles) to about halfway up Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the contiguous United States. You can park your car and there’s a little general store there and a waterfall you can walk over to.  This is also where the hard-core hikers start their 22-mile roundtrip hike to the top of Whitney at 14,800 ft. (Permit required)

Being in the Eastern Sierras is sort of a pilgrimage for any Angeleno. This is where our shower/faucet water comes from! It’s the water fight that inspired the Neo-Noir movie “Chinatown,” celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It’s loosely based on the success of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power syphoning off most of the Owens River, a stream fed by the snowmelt of the Eastern Sierra, and bringing it to the Los Angeles basin about a century ago. (I actually saw some LADWP trucks up there!) Before that it fed into a lake about 5 miles south of Lone Pine. I could see what must have been a giant lake at one point when I was passing through on the 395, but now it’s all mostly dried up and dust.

Just a few miles north of Lone Pine on Highway 395 is Manzanar; where during WWII, roughly 10,000 Japanese Americans were relocated. It’s a haunting and powerful place to visit. Walk through the mess hall and see where they ate, along with sound effects from speakers of clanging dishes in the background. Spend some time in the re-created barracks where they lived in close quarters and visit the school the children attended on-site and their makeshift basketball court & playground. There are lots of pictures and stories of the daily life in Manzanar all throughout the complex. The site was originally surrounded by barbed wire and had eight guard towers (there is one still remaining).

Passing through Independence on Highway 395, you’ll also see the Inyo County Courthouse, which was built in 1922 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

More to come about my Eastern Sierra adventure in my next article about spending a few glorious days in Mammoth Lakes hiking around and visiting the 760,000-year-old ancient Mono Lake further north off Highway 395.

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT
Fitness and Health Coach
“Get Fit with Witt”

Individuals / Groups / Corporate

310.562.5629 Cell / 818.760.3891 Main

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Amazing Iceland Tour – September 16-23, 2024 – Click here

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I have an upcoming Iceland Adventure I’m hosting and for the past few months I’ve been hand crafting an exciting and deep travel itinerary with my tour partner Anna who was born in and lives in Iceland. I asked Anna if I could do a short interview with her for my blog on what it was like to grow up in “the land of fire and ice” and give us a little more insight into the local way of life, unique foods & drinks, those pesky volcanoes erupting, tips for tourists, and more.

Which area of Iceland did you grow up in? What did your parents do for a living? Tell us about being a kid in Iceland.

I was born in the North, a town called Sauðarkrókur and lived there for the first couple of years of my life. Then my parents moved to Reykjavík and I grew up there, in the East part of the city, around 30-60 minutes’ walk from the city center. I used to travel a lot as a child, because my mother and stepfather were both teachers, so they got almost three months of summer vacation. We traveled all over the island each summer, with packed lunches and a tent in the trunk. We also rented summerhouses (which almost always come with a hot tub here in Iceland because we have plenty of warm water here), and sometimes we stayed in different accommodation as well, for example old farms and even a kindergarten in the middle of a forest in East Iceland that was rented out during summer. My father, who was a lawyer, always took me to the West fjords each summer as well, because his side of the family was from there, more specifically a small fishing town called Flateyri (which is, without a doubt, one of my very favorite places in Iceland). Growing up in Iceland was fun and safe – children here can play outside without any parental supervision from a very young age.

What did you do following high school? Tell us about being a young adult in Iceland.

After high school I worked for a year and saved up to buy my first apartment and went to the University of Iceland and did a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. After that I moved to Denmark for a couple of years and then returned to Iceland and did a diploma in International relations. When I finished my bachelor’s degree, the year was 2008 and we had just been hit by the financial crises, which made it hard for many to get a job after graduation since unemployment was higher than ever before and people were losing their jobs and houses. This played a big role in my decision to move to Denmark and stayed there during the hardest times. I enjoyed being a young adult in Iceland – college life was great and enjoyed every minute of it.

When did you decide that you wanted to be in the travel industry? Tell us about your first job(s) in the industry.

My first job in the traveling industry was some 13 years ago, while I was still in University, working in a warehouse worker for Icleandid Mountain guides; organizing and packing equipment and food for tours, mostly multi-day hiking tours. I worked there for two summers and then for 6 months in Skaftafell national park, organizing and selling glacier walks. I did not really plan on staying in the industry to be honest, but after I finished these three summers and was deciding on what to do next, I was offered a job as a sales manager for a super-jeep company and the rest is history. I have been organizing tours ever since, mostly in Reykjavík but also in Hvolsvöllur on the South Coast where I lived for a few years.

For someone planning a trip to Iceland, how would you describe the various times of year and the weather they can expect and how crowded it would be with other tourists during certain times?

A decade ago, the high-season here in Iceland was mainly the summer months, from May-September or so. That has changed a lot though, and now most operators offer tours all year round (with the exception that some are only possible in the summertime and others just in the winter), so we have a rather steady flow of visitors here throughout the year. Summers are still definitely the most popular time to visit Iceland, but the northern lights season (from mid-September until mid-April) is always rather popular, especially during mid-winter, from November-March or so, and Christmas and New Year’s Eve have also become one of the busiest times here in Iceland. Spring and Fall are usually my favorite seasons, not overcrowded, beautiful colors in the nature and rather mild weather (even though we usually have some rainy days as well). Summer is very bright and mild but definitely not as warm as around us, maybe 10-15 degrees (50-59F) most days, with some days reaching over 20 degrees (68F) and some down to around 5 degrees (41F). Winters here are dark and cold, but very cozy in my opinion – time for relaxing in a hot tub and admiring the northern lights (when conditions are favorable).

What are some typical food dishes and unique drinks in Iceland?

We have some strange food here, for sure! For example, shark and a sheep head (called “svið”). We also enjoy a bit more normal traditional food as well, for example smoked lamb and dried fish. Our best-known alcoholic drink is “brennivín” – which is very strong and often enjoyed with the shark. We also have quite a lot of beer breweries (at least per capita), which is a bit funny considering that beer was actually banned here in Iceland for years, between 1898 and 1935. For nonalcoholic drinks, we consume a lot of water, and many people consider the Icelandic tap water to be the best in the world! Many Icelanders also have a tablespoon of “lýsi” (fish oil) each day, because that is thought to contribute to good health and longer life.

Is it easy to get around Iceland if a traveler wanted to rent a car or take public transportation?

It is rather easy to get around in a rental car, both around the city and also in the countryside (in particular the South and South-East). It used to be a bit tricky to drive in some of the other parts (for example West and East Fjords), but the roads are gradually getting better, so people drive all around the country now, except the “off the beaten path” roads (so called F-roads), which is more suitable for 4×4 and, in many cases, also certified guides on modified vehicles. Public transportation is not great here to be honest – we don’t have any trains or anything like that, only buses (and even they are not very frequent compared to most countries), so most people here have cars, sometimes a few cars per family.

Is Iceland an environmentally friendly country?

It depends on how you look at it, but overall, I would say that Iceland is an environmental country. One of the main reasons is the development of renewable energy, which places us in the forefront worldwide. Iceland also has an abundance of freshwater resources, which are all in pristine condition and water in rivers and lakes are among the cleanest in the world. Iceland also focuses a significance of importance on fishing methods that are environmentally friendly. Also, Iceland has spent a lot of effort toward the preservation of its natural environment, for example the government has developed many national parks and nature reserves. The majority of Icelanders have a healthy respect for the natural world and actively participate in ecologically responsible behavior and generally place a high value on environmentally responsible practices (recycling, electric automobiles etc.). Despite all this, Iceland, like any other country, is concerned with their own unique set of environmental challenges. For example, the rise of tourism has resulted in some increased strain in some particularly delicate places. Another problem is that Icelanders have not been successful in organizing rubbish recycling programs, resulting in a significant portion of the garbage that is produced in Iceland is exported to other nations in an attempt to repurpose the material.

Do Americans need a visa to visit Iceland?

US citizens may enter Iceland for up to 90 days without a visa (for tourist or business purposes).

How much do erupting volcanoes disrupt daily life in Iceland?

Erupting volcanoes do not affect daily life in Iceland nearly as much as many people think. The volcano in Eyjafjajjajökull in 2010 was the one that affected daily lives the most in recent history, mostly because it affected air traffic all around the world, and we had a thick, black cloud over the South region for months afterwards, resulting in many farmers losing their harvest and animals. Other previous eruptions have resulted in people losing their homes, for example the one in Heimaey (Westman islands) in 1973 as well as the ongoing eruptions now, that resulted in people in the town of Grindavík losing their homes and livelihood. For people elsewhere in Iceland, life goes on as normal for the most parts.

What are you most proud of being an Icelander? 

I think in general; Icelanders are very proud of their country. We are proud of our nature and Viking inheritance. I love showing foreign friends my country and the contrast and uniqueness in our stunning nature. Also, I (and most other Islanders alike) am proud of our cohesion when times are tough, for example when facing natural- and economic disasters. In such situations, people come together and unite as a whole.

If Iceland is one of your once-in-a-lifetime travel goals, there are still a few spots left for the Amazing Iceland Tour in September this year. Come along with us and discover this country of extreme contrasts and dramatic landscapes. And just maybe you’ll get to meet Anna too! 

Cheers,

Jack Witt, MS, CPT

Fitness and Health Coach
“Get Fit with Witt”
Individuals / Groups / Corporate
Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn / YouTube 

Amazing Iceland Tour – September 16-23, 2024 – Click here

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