Bestsecrets Travel Articles Database

Ski Resorts For Kids In North America And Europe

Tasari — Tue, 09 Aug 2005 23:23:50 +0000

Skiing is fun, but finding a place for children to learn has been a problem for parents for some time. Consequently, a number of adults have taken a sabbatical from skiing while they raise their children. These days though, the holiday ski resorts are fighting backing – now there are ample of places to take your children, both in North America and in Europe, for their first skiing experience.

North American Skiing Resorts

* Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont, USA
Often rated as probably the best place in N. America to take your children on a skiing holiday. Smugglers’ has an array of activities and entertainment options for the kids with some very friendly beginner slopes. The instructors at Smugglers’ have also been specially trained to deal with young learners, so this really is a fantastic place. However, what makes this such a popular choice is that in accommodating for little one, Mums and Dads have not been forgotten and there are also lots of things for Mum and Dad to do when little one is safely tucked-up in bed. All-in-all, a great resort town.

* Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Already known as one of the best ski resorts in the world, Whistler also qualifies as one of the best places in N. America to take your children on a skiing holiday. Here, Whistler is one of the few high-end ski resorts in N. America that not only freely allows snowboarding, but actually encourages it! Specially trained ski instructors also means that you can leave your children with the instructor for a while whilst you go off and ski some of Whistler’s more advance slopes. And, if your child decides that skiing is not really for them, this wonderful resort town has plenty of alternative activities that will keep them entertained for hours at a time.

* The Canyons, Utah, USA
Centred around Park City, the Canyons in Utah are considered one of, if not the, most family-friendly ski resorts in N. America. Not far from the Canyons is Salt Lake City, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Certainly a top consideration for young families looking for a scenic, learner-friendly, ski resort.

European Skiing Resorts

* Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs holds itself out as being the first purpose built ski resort in the world catering to children! The resort is designed on a French-Canadian style village with a cable car linking it to the resort of La Plagne. The resort is huge, and has ample ski runs to satisfy both the more professional skier and the complete novice. The ski resort area at 1800 has a specially built children’s zone with magic carpet lifts and sledging tracks. Really, if Europe is the ski destination of choice this year for you and your family, give serious consideration to this resort – it’s superb!

* Ski Schools, Soldeu, Andorra, Spain
The ski resort in Andorra is set up specifically to help young children learn how to ski and is widely considered one of the best schools to learn to ski at. Many of the recent graduates of this school have gone on to compete on the European ski circuit. However, the school also offers classes to adults; and is so diverse and in tune with the public’s feelings towards skiing, now has a snowboarding school! Skiing lessons here are given to children wanting to learn from as early as 12 months old – showing that you have to prepare children early in the modern world of skiing championships. It should be noted, however, that this school is set up specifically for the serious learner, so if you want to partake in extra activities, you’ll need to make arrangements to go off camp. Aside from that, fun is the order of the day at the school!

Popular European Holiday Destinations

Tasari — Thu, 04 Aug 2005 19:22:46 +0000

From early Victorian times, Europeans have enjoyed taking time out during the summer to relax and recharge their batteries in one of Europe’s many scenic and beautiful holiday destinations. If this sounds like just the rest and recuperation you need, why not follow their lead and venture off to one of the following leading European holiday destinations – where the European’s are sure to make you feel right at home:

* Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany is the heart of Italy’s vineyards and wine industry. The province also happens to be one of the most scenic in all of Italy. So, if you feel up for a holiday of country air, as you cycle or drive from scenic village to scenic village, this must be the place for. What’s more, one call to “pranzo” – the Tuscany traditional midday meal - and you’ll be feeling like Tuscany has been your home for a lifetime! Why not enjoy the warmth and comfort of traditional Italian hospitality, mixed in with a healthy appreciation of Tuscany wine in the evening. It really isn’t hard to see why so many Europeans elect to spend a few weeks roaming around this grand Italian countryside.

* Connemara, Western Ireland
The area in and around Connemara in Western Ireland is widely considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Europe. Consequently this part of Europe sees a large number of Europeans on walking and hiking tours. Whilst you are in this historical part of Ireland, you’ll also have the chance to take in both the town of Westport and Clew Bay. Located not too far away from these is Croagh Patrick, where St. Patrick (the patron saint of Ireland) is said to have fasted in prayer for 40 days and 40 nights. A tour of the resort towns of Western Ireland is more than a mere holiday, it’s a calling – a coming home – regardless of where you are from. You’ll also find the Irish to be very hospital people who offer plenty of fun and entertainment.

* Disneyland, Paris
Walking tours of the resort towns of Ireland and bike tours of Tuscany are not for all, and a tour to Disneyland, Paris is more inline with the traditional modern holiday. As it happens, this popular European destination has some of the famous attractions found at other Disney resorts, such as Space Mountain, but also contains some of its very own home-grown attractions. Its close proximity to Paris centre also provides you with the perfect opportunity to spend some time in one of the world’s most romantic cities as you take in the atmosphere of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees. Disneyland, Paris has a wide selection of good hotels that make this a good choice for those of you travelling with young children. Great, traditional, fun!

* Venice, Italy
A trip on one of the famous gondolas in Venice, Italy must rank as one of the most romantic activities to do in the world. However, Venice is so much more than gondolas; it has the historic St. Mark’s Square, the Accadmia Galleries –showcasing some of the world’s finest Venetian paintings- and its very own Mardi Gras! With a vast range of accommodation available in the city – from some of the most exclusive and expensive 5-star hotels to the family run pensions, a holiday in Venice, Italy is a fantastic way to unwind from the stresses of modern day life with the one you love.

* Iceland
You may well be wondering how Iceland can work its way into a list of popular European vacation destinations. The truth is it’s not popular unless you’ve been there or heard of it: but it is included in this list because Iceland is the up and coming place to visit in Europe! Home to some of the finest examples of natural beauty in the world, more and more European’s and now going out of their way to spend some time in the resort towns along its rich coastline. Whilst here, you’ll have the perfect to chance to see why Iceland is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice” – there are literally hundreds of samples of black lava and active volcanoes, as well ice glaciers and snow-capped mountains. So, if a holiday in one of the world’s oldest, newest, destination resort sounds like it may be just the ticket for you –why not check this place out, before all your friends discover it before you do!

Top European Ski Resorts

Tasari — Fri, 29 Jul 2005 19:21:50 +0000

Each year more and more of us seek that uniquely pleasurable feeling that comes with a holiday in one of Europe’s leading ski resorts. However, probably unlike the case in North America, a large emphasis of having a skiing holiday in Europe is placed on the social, as well as sporting, facilities that the resort has. What’s more, with ever increasing numbers of us now having the means to enjoy both a winter and summer break, booking your winter skiing holiday early has become even more pressing. The following are 5 skiing resorts in Europe considered to be among the best in the world – and are widely regarded as being the best in Europe:

* Chamonix Mount-Blanc, France
Located at the foot of Europe’s tallest mountain (Mount-Blanc at a height of 15,771ft), Chamonix ranks a common mention in any list of the “world’s most elite skiing resorts” -especially among the French. As the home of the first ever Winter Olympics, in 1924, there has to be a lot said about this fantastic resort: and the resort lives up to its name by having both the longest vertical drop (9209 ft) and the world’s longest ski-runs (13.7 miles). Chamonix is certainly a good choice resort for the serious snow freak and the well-heeled. Which is not to say that you cannot go and enjoy the ski-run and stay in nearby cheaper accommodation and watch from afar as the rich and famous go about their business in the many boutiques located here. Certainly a place for people watching!

* Cortina, Italy
One of the world’s first purpose built ski resorts, Cortina is where the 1956 Winter Olympic Games were held. Although this may lead you to think that Cortina is now an outdated resort, in fact nothing could be further from the truth. Like many other ski resorts in the Alps, the resort centres around a pedestrian street with lots of shopping arcades, restaurants and other pleasure activities. For the serious skier among you, this resort has a number of ski runs, ranging from the basic to the professional, of a rich quality.

* Kitzbulhel, Austria
People have been skiing in the scenic resort of Kitzebulhel since 1892, making this one of Europe’s oldest skiing towns. Although this resort is neither particularly lively, nor particularly popular among the trendier younger age groups, the “Pearl of the Alps” (as it is affectionately known) is a popular choice among the more serious skier and those looking for a holiday combination of serious scenic sightseeing and gentle skiing. Kitzbulhel would also be a good choice skiing resort for the first-time skier looking to take things at a little more leisurely pace.

* St. Moritz, Switzerland
Mention to anyone that you are considering going on a skiing holiday in Europe and the name St. Mortiz is going to crop up. Home to the Winter Olympics of 1928 and 1948, St. Moritz has been the European ski resort of choice almost since its first visitors (two Englishmen) ventured there in 1864. Today the resort is equally famous for its Cresta Run and the array of 5-star hotels located here. For the more adventurous of you, the frozen lake in St. Moritz doubles up as a golf course during the winter!

* Zermatt, Switzerland
What can be said about Zermatt that has not already been said! Probably one of the world’s most famous ski resorts, Zermatt is actually an extremely peaceful ski resort to visit. In part, the reason for Zermatt’s relaxed and peaceful atmosphere has to do with the fact that automobiles are not allowed in the ski resort. However, the fact that most visitors to Zermatt elect to stay at the more popular nearby skiing resorts of St. Mortiz or Gstaad, and come over to Zermatt for a day visit, also plays a large part in this. Certainly an ideal skiing resort to come to if you have a young family as there are, in the surrounding areas, activities other than skiing. It would also make a good location for a quick romantic skiing break.

Protecting Your Home When You’re Traveling

Tasari — Tue, 19 Jul 2005 21:42:05 +0000

There are a variety of ways you can protect your home while traveling. Trim trees and bushes near areas where burglars can hide. Have outside lights including motion-sensitive ones. Use lights with automatic timers in the living room and bedrooms. Make it hard for the burglar to get in your home. Nails, screws, padlocks, door and window locks, grates, bars, and bolts can help prevent intruders. An alarm system would be a good investment. Neighbors will hear noise, and help would be on the way. Don’t put valuable items where they are visible such as in windows. You can inventory your items by markings and serial numbers. This would be helpful for the police and insurance.

Don’t tell people other than trusted ones your travel plans. Ask neighbors to pick up mail and newspapers; tell your neighbors when you are leaving and coming back. Leave a key with a trustworthy neighbor; give the neighbor phone numbers where you can be reached in case of emergency. Cancel deliveries if nobody can pick them up. If you’re going to be gone a while, have someone cut the grass. Leave the blinds open in the normal position. Hide empty garbage cans. See if someone can put trash on your curb on trash pickup day. You can put your valuables in a safe deposit box. Find out if the police will check your home while you’re away. Before you leave, make certain the doors and windows are locked especially basement and garage doors. You can leave radios or televisions on or put them on automatic timers. If possible, leave a car in the driveway. By doing these things, you can come back to a safe home.

Advantages of Hiring a House/Pet Sitter When Traveling

Tasari — Thu, 14 Jul 2005 21:36:53 +0000

There are many advantages of hiring a house/pet sitter when traveling. You may be tempted to take the pet on the trip with you, but think of the pet’s needs. Traveling can be very stressful for some pets. Suppose the car breaks down, or there are other transportation problems. Keeping the pet in crates and cages can be upsetting. The weather is a big consideration. How does the pet react in hot/cold weather? Could you leave the pet in a car? Suppose the pet gets sick; its veterinarian will be far away. The trip could be bad for you and the pet.

There are kennels, but the pet could pick up sicknesses while there. Also the pet would be in a strange environment. A pet sitter would allow the pet to be in a familiar setting while protecting your home at the same time. The sitter will make sure the client’s home looks lived in while the client’s gone. A pet sitter can give the pet the routine care it’s used to.

Where can you find a pet sitter? You can find professional ones through veterinarians and the yellow pages. Most professional pet sitters are insured and bonded so they’re liable for any problems. You could ask neighbors to pet sit. This could be a good way to hire a young neighbor looking to make extra money. The young person can learn responsibility, but make sure the adult in the household knows about this. Tell the adult what has to be done so there is supervision. A good way to get neighbors to pet sit is to do favors for them as well when they’re away. They can also pick up newspapers and mail and turn lights off and on. Keeping a pet at home under good care will give you peace of mind while traveling.

Popular European Holiday Destinations

Tasari — Mon, 04 Jul 2005 19:43:40 +0000

Top European Ski Resorts

Tasari — Wed, 29 Jun 2005 19:42:34 +0000

The Growing Popularity Of Sporting Holidays

Tasari — Fri, 24 Jun 2005 19:34:56 +0000

In 2002 we had the football world cup; in 2003 it was the turn of the rugby world cup; and this year it was the Olympic Games. In between we have had such occasions as the Ryder Cup (golf) and the America’s Cup (yachting/sailing). Essentially there’s something for everyone interested in sport these days. Catering to these big events, with respect to organizing tours, has become a huge business within the travel industry. But, amazingly, these huge global sporting events are simply the tip of a massive iceberg. Sport, nowadays, has become so big that sports orientated holidays have now become a multi-million dollar industry. But, what type of things can you expect from a sporting vacation?

Golf
Without doubt, golf has to be one of the biggest sports holiday packages within the travel industry. These days golf enthusiasts fly the world looking for a round of golf. However, really successful golf resorts, like those on the Gold Coast of Australia, in the USA and South Africa, not only offer the golf enthusiast with the opportunity to play a round of golf or two, but also offer other alternative activities for the golfer and his family to get up to. Therefore, many of today’s successful golf resorts will include huge entertainment areas, such as Sun City in South Africa, or casinos, such as in Las Vegas. Indeed, golfing holidays have become such a big industry these days that even Walt Disney is in on the act!

Cycling
Cycling enthusiasts love to go on cycling holidays. Popular among cycling route holidays are France (and the rest of mainland Western Europe, from Spain to Italy), the USA and even Asia. Whilst you have to have a certain level of stamina, organizing a cycling holiday is fairly straight-forward, even for the novice: and most travel agents have this among their holiday brochure options.

Climbing
Becoming ever more popular are climbing holidays. Climbing holidays can include the brisk walk among fens and moors, such as in the North of England, to medium mountains, such as Kilimanjaro in Kenya, to the outrageous, as is the case with Mt. Everest (now seen more as a tourist destination than an epic feat!). Whatever the choice may be though, there is little doubt that you would be hard pressed to find a more picturesque and spectacular holiday than whilst climbing some of the world’s best known peaks.

Sailing
Always popular, sailing holidays around such places as the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are now more in demand than ever. As people have become used to the increased exposure to such events as the America’s Cup, sailing has taken off. To meet this demand, many yacht and boat owners today are more than willing to rent out their yachts and boats to the willing and eager tourist.

As you can see from the small sample above then, there is really is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy a fun sporting vacation!

Popular North American Skiing Resorts in 2004-2005

Tasari — Sun, 19 Jun 2005 19:31:47 +0000

Whilst it is always going to be difficult to tell ahead of the snow which ski resorts will be offering the best runs in any given year, certain ski resorts in North America remain more popular than others no matter what happens with the snow. So, if you’re thinking of a North American skiing holiday this winter, here are some of the ski resorts you might want to check out (in no particular order):

* Aspen, Colorado, USA
Possibly as well know as the being the Mecca of the jet-set and famous as for its skiing, Aspen has four (not connected) mountains and steeps in which to ski. This ski resort accommodates for all levels of skier, from the pro to the novice, and is the resort of choice for many.

* Banff / Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada
Ranking as possibly the most picturesque ski resort in North America, Banff ski resort is located in the heart of Canada’s Banff National Park. With Mount Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise all within easy reach of this ski resort, many have argued that you don’t need to be an ace skier before deciding to come here: the sheer magnificence of the views are enough on their own to attract you to this most delightful part of the world.

* Stowe, Vermont, USA
Based around Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, Stowe is always a popular choice (as a ski resort) as it has close to 100 shops and over 50 restaurants. It also offers more to the holiday-maker than just traditional skiing. For those serious about their skiing however, Stowe is also one of the few resorts in North America that lift-links to other resorts.

* Mount Tremblant, Quebec
Mount Tremblant is Canada’s oldest ski resort – originally opened in 1939. However, a recent facelift has meant that this resort is now unrecognizable from what it was of old. Whilst the skiing here is good, the area is also well-known for its close proximity to other ski resorts and locations; for example, Montreal is only an hour away. Also, this resort is seen as being one of the most relaxing on the North American circuit.

* Vail, Colorado, USA
With over 5,300 acres of ski slopes, Vale is the largest single ski resort in the USA. It also, however, has the fastest high-speed detachable quads on one mountain! Add to that the sheer number of art galleries, museums, snowmobiling, ice skating, etc. activities that can be done here and it is not hard to see why Vail, Colorado is seen as the USA’s favourite ski resorts.

* Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada
Whistler ski resort was voted the number one global ski resort for the 2003-2004 season and one look at this exquisite ski village will tell you why. A purpose built resort (30 years ago there was nothing here!), the resort contains over 100 restaurants alone! On the skiing front, the two mountain peaks that make-up the backdrop of this resort are seen as excellent for skiing and snowboarding (note- not all North American resorts will allow you to snowboard). If you plan to come here though, you’ll need to book up early as this resort really is considered the world’s greatest ski resort!

Travel Tips : Before You Go

Tasari — Tue, 14 Jun 2005 19:08:42 +0000

Travelling anywhere new for the first time is always going to be a thrilling experience. However, to ensure that you have the best of possible times, it is always useful to make sure that you have planned for your journey before you go. To help you do this: here are 6 useful travel tips of things to do before you go on holiday.

1. Get the required immunizations
There’s nothing worse than falling sick when you’re on holiday. However, if you are entering an environment that is alien to the one that your body is normally used to, it becomes easier for infection to penetrate your immune system, as your immune system is not expecting an attack in that form. As such, always make sure that you have the required immunization shots. Also remember that in some vacations spots, visiting a local doctor may not fill you with over confidence.

2. Get the right visa and make sure your passport is up-to-date
It is always essential that you enter a country on the correct visa. Making sure that you have the appropriate visa should, therefore, be one of your primary goals before you depart. Also, you should keep in mind that some countries do not allow foreign resident/nationals to enter their country if the duration remaining on the visitor’s passport is less than one year. Consequently, if you have one year or less remaining on your passport, please make sure that you are not going to have any problems with this when you arrive.

3. Book your hotel before you leave
There’s nothing worse than sleeping on a park bench. However, sleeping on a park bench in a country you don’t know has to be the ultimate low. To avoid this you need to make sure that you book your hotel accommodation before you arrive in the place you’re visiting. Also, to make sure that you’ll have no problems with this, double confirm your booking 24 to 48 hours before you arrive at the hotel in question.

4. Make sure you’re fully insured
Overseas trips can become very expensive if anything goes wrong. To avoid this you can pay a small premium and obtain holiday insurance. The sort of holiday insurance you should be looking to get would include insuring your travel money; your health; and, in the event that you are going to drive, car insurance.

5. Make sure your methods of payment are going to be acceptable – not all countries are willing to accept credit card and/or travelers’ checks.
In order to have a good time, you’ll likely need to spend money. However, you should not assume that because your credit cards work in your home country they are automatically going to work overseas. Likewise, don’t assume that your ATM card is necessarily going to work. You need to check with your bank that both of these facilities are going to be available to you (and, as far as ATMs are concerned, it’s a good idea to get some idea of how many machines may be at your convenience). In this regard, you should also check that your travelers’ checks are going to be freely accepted. Some countries are reluctant to accept travelers’ checks drawn on banks that might charge them a commission for processing the check. As such, check this.

6. Finally, try and talk with someone who has recently visited
Finally, to make sure you don’t miss anything off your list of things to do, try and talk with someone who has recently visited the place in question to see if there have been any recent developments that you should be aware of. A good resource for this is the Internet.