The best place to "beach bum" it up with Ken Steers

As we enter into the spring summer season it becomes time for beach weather. One of the best hidden gems in the world is actually in Split, Croatia. The doorway to Dalmatia is wide open: from 1 May (until 20 September), British Airways will fly twice per week from Heathrow direct to the regional capital, Split. That’s just in time to celebrate the city’s patron Saint Domnius in a tradition that dates back hundreds of years and attracts thousands of visitors.

The annual Sudamja festival features a cross-town procession and a mass, before dispersing into a series of lively street parties. Experience an alternative a cappella tradition with some Dalmatian klapa music, try your luck in a tombola raffle, or buy a wood-carved souvenir from one of the many craftsmen peddling their wares (St Domnius is also the patron saint of woodwork).

Top 10 Best Beaches to Visit

1. Seychelles
2. Maldvies
3. Bora Bora, Tahiti
4. The Hamptons, NY
5. Lanikai Beach, HI
6. Nantucket Island, MA
7. Fraser Island, Australia
8. St. Barts
9. Langkawi, Malaysia
10. Kauna'oa Bay, HI

How to Find the Hidden Wonders of France

While the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre are well known to travelers around the world, France has many less familiar but equally stunning attractions for those willing to travel a bit off the beaten path.

Here’s where to find them:

• Located on the border between France and Germany, the Neuf-Brisach citadel in Alsace is not only a scenic star-shaped architectural structure but has also been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was originally constructed in 1697 as a French fortification to defend against attacks from Germany.

• For fans of the medieval period and hunting aficionados alike, the extensive wild game preserve at Le Brame du Cerf in the Domaine de Chambord offers a chance to observe red deer, boars and stags in their natural habitat. Although hunting privileges are reserved for the French government, the grace and elegance of the deer who live at Le Brame du Cerf is an attraction in itself.

• The Alésia MuséoParc in Alise-Sainte-Reine is a newly opened historical site that reconstructs the ancient Roman military camp of Alésia. It was in this area that Julius Caesar achieved his victory over Vercingétorix and the Gauls in 52 B.C.

• The Palais Idéal in Hauterives was built by a small-town postman named Ferdinand Cheval and is a tribute to his persistence and dedication to his dream. It represents 33 years of work and contains sculptures of actual and fictional animals, mythological creatures and a variety of architectural styles.

Exploring these hidden treasures can help you to create memories of your vacation that will last a lifetime.

Ken Steers: Hurdling Over Hardships

As a young boy, Kenneth Steers was critically injured in a cooking accident. He spent nearly two years in the hospital and suffered burns over 60 percent of his body. During the recuperation process, Ken Steerslearned the value of patience and the importance of family in supporting and helping him through the rough times. The love and affection Ken received during this time provided him with added strength to take on the challenges he would face in later life and to stand up for his beliefs even when they were not the most popular viewpoints.

In high school, Ken’s drive to achieve allowed him to complete high school one year early. He chose to remain for his senior year, however, to participate in team sports and to continue his role as the manager of the school newspaper. He then pursued a degree in journalism at the University of Oregon but eventually dropped out to join the U.S. Air Force. While serving in the military, Ken completed an associate’s degree in business administration. After his reenlistment, he was diagnosed with colon cancer and was medically discharged from the Air Force.

Ken soon recovered from this serious illness and took on a position as a firefighter with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, better known as CALFIRE. He also spent some time working in construction before marrying his wife Lielanie and taking on new challenges at Freight Solution Providers. Ken and Lielanie have five children and maintain leadership positions in the El Dorado County community.