Posted by Nick on January 7, 2011
In the past, I wrote about the unusual lodging at Under The Thatch in Wales, UK. But you don’t have to go to Wales to find unusual lodging.
The Unusual Hotels of The World website lists unusual hotels from everywhere. For example, the Dog Bark Park Inn in the United States is actually shaped like a beagle. At the Baumhaus Hotel in Germany you can stay in treehouses. The Iglu-Dorf Engelberg in Switzerland is an igloo hotel.
If strange and usual lodgings are your kind of thing, you will definitely want to check out the site before you plan your next vacation.
Posted by Nick on December 7, 2010
If you are preparing for a vacation that involves airplane travel, the key to packing is efficiently. And to save time and money, that usually means going with just a carry-on, if possible.
As you probably already know, you can only take liquids in your carry-on if they are in 3 oz. or smaller containers. And all of your liquids must fit in one of those quart size plastic baggies.
Include enough items to keep you occupied during the flight. If it’s a short flight, you may only need a book. For longer flights, you may want an MP3 player, laptop, headphones and plenty of snacks. You can pack your dry snacks before you get to the airport, but you can’t get drinks till you pass through security.
Dress in layers so that if it’s too warm, you can shed your outer layer. Include a small blanket or hoodie in your carry-on in case you get cold on the flight. As a bonus, you can use the items as a pillow if you need to.
Include an eye mask in your carry-on if you want to get some shut-eye on your trip. If you’re taking a red eye flight, don’t assume that it will be dark and you’ll be able to sleep. I once took a red eye from Los Angeles to London and the people in front of me had their overhead lights on and were drinking and loud the entire flight.
Pick up some napkins at one of the restaurants or food kiosks near your gate and put them in your bag. You never know when you might need one on the flight.
Posted by Nick on December 6, 2010
Best Ski Resorts for Celebrity Sightings
- Aspen, Colorado
- Sun Valley, Idaho
Best Ski Resorts for Short Breaks
- Les Gets, France
- Samoëns, France
Best Ski Resorts for Après-ski
- St Anton, Austria
- Verbier, Switzerland
Best Ski Resorts for Energetic Skiers
- Val d’Isèr, France
- Vail, Colorado
Best Ski Resorts for Foodies
- Klosters, Switzerland
- Zermatt, Switzerland
Posted by Nick on December 4, 2010
Off-piste skiing is also known as backcountry skiing. It is when you are skiing a few metres away from or between controlled trails and slopes.

ski slopes in Niseko by countries in colors
Niseko, Japan
Pleasure skiing got its start in Niseko back in 1945. Here you’ll find few people on the broad ski trails.
Whistler, Canada
If you want awesome terrain and the longest vertical drop in North America, you must visit Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in Canada. This ski resort is best for intermediate and advanced skiers.

Whistler, Canada by globalreset
Posted by Nick on December 3, 2010
Looking to take the road less traveled when planning your ski vacation? Why not head to a less crowed ski resort that is off the beaten track? If you’re not sure where to go, check out these best off the beaten track ski resorts.

Pyrenees back-flip by Cedric's pics
St Lary, France
You may already know about the Pyrenees ski resorts, but head on over to the French side to ski at St Lary. There you will find 32 lifts and cheaper prices than ski holiday resorts in the Alps. The skiing at St Lary is best for beginners and intermediate levels.

Mount Baker, Washington, USA by Amit Chattopadhyay
Mount Baker, USA
Ski season at Mount Baker runs from mid-November to early May. Skiing at Mount Baker is mostly for those on an intermediate level. The Mount Baker ski resort has a wide variety of terrain, 38 ski trails and nine modern lifts. You’ll find the majority of accommodation and restaurants 20 miles away in Snowater.