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Sunday, February 5, 2012

How To Find Unusual Hotels

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.

How to Pack for Airplane Travel

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.

List of Best Ski Resorts

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

Best Ski Resorts For Off-Piste Skiing

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

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

Whistler, Canada by globalreset

Best Ski Resorts Off-The-Beaten Track

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 Cedrics pics

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, 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.