The town of Aspen which is nestled atop of the Roaring Fork river valley in Western Colorado makes most people think of the ski resort as a playground of only the rich and famous may be true if you were planning to buy a house there, (average price has now reached the £4 million mark) but you should not be put of taking a skiing holiday there, as you don’t need a megastar wallet to go.
There are more than 5,300 skiable acres over four mountains in the Aspen area all with varying terrain, ideal for everyone from beginners to experts. There are other perks to skiing in the US compared to European countries especially for beginners with many ski instructors English speaking. There is also Buttermilk which is a ski school where beginners can learn in safety from the faster slopes that are further up the mountains. There is also plenty to enjoy off piste with lots of forests to explore and other activities to enjoy like trekking and the usual sleigh rides.
Although you may think a holiday to Aspen may be expensive, if you shop around you can normally find some great ski deals that won’t break the bank and once your there you can keep the cost down as there are many bars and restaurants that won’t break the bank.
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The UK is yet again braced for another cold spell with freezing temperatures so now is the best time to look at getting away and warming up, if you would like a relaxing holiday then why not visit the chic island of St Lucia which is the perfect place to de-stress. Stars such as Amy Winehouse go here to relax especially at this time of year where you will find temperatures of 30C and fresh breezes from the Caribbean coast that cut through the humidity. It’s not just a great escape for couples but also you can bring your family with lots to explore on this unspoiled exotic island.
For those who don’t want to spend all their time sunbathing on the golden sandy beaches there are other activities to enjoy such as diving, snorkelling, sailing, yachting, wind surfing, hiking, running and trail riding, if you prefer a more sedate holiday you can also relax in a spa and have a massage.
There is also lots of natural beauty to enjoy from the island’s landmark Piton Mountains which offer vistas across sparkling seas to some secluded sunspots such as Pigeon Island and Reduit Bay. The island is also famous for its local tipple Bounty Rum where you can sample it at the local island distillery, St Lucia Rums. There are also many festivals held on the island like the St. Lucia Jazz festival and the annual Carnival to International Cricket matches.
St Lucia
Picture courtesy of mickpix
Vaujany is a French ski resort that is not very far from the Italian border; the region is a quiet little hamlet – a wonderful place for ski holidays.
The resort is designed primarily to cater for beginners – just about 60 percent of all of the runs are for them – a third of them are for intermediate skiers, and only ten percent of the slopes are the kind that advanced (single black diamond) skiers would be able to attempt.
The resort has eight-four ski lifts, but it does not have any trams or gondolas. The top of the mountain is located at just over 9000 feet above sea level, the bottom is at around 3,600 feet, and the longest ski run is just slightly less than ten miles in length.
There is a hydroelectric plant nearby that provides ample power to the entire region, and the area also has the largest cable car in the world; it connects the resort to the Grandes Rousses region.
There are five hotels in the immediate area for people to choose from for their ski holidays, and the ski resort provides care for children from as young as six months; plus there are various other activities for youngsters and skiing lessons are available for the older children.
You can access the area by plane or by driving yourself if you have the stamina.
The restaurants provide good French and Italian food; there is a variety of cuisine to select from.
If you are on a tight budget when looking for your ski holidays check with the Vaujany hotels about special offers that they give for certain times of the year.
It would be fair to say that the coast of Alaska will be a cruise destination like no other. This captivating and unspoilt corner of the North American continent is famed for its stunning landscape and will be an ideal option for anyone looking to combine exhilarating adventures with their cruise holiday. The opportunities to discover nature and wildlife in Alaska cannot be found anywhere else.
Cruise and stay holidays are becoming increasingly popular for newcomers to cruises and there is a range of exciting stopovers along the way. Petersburg is one example and is renowned for its idyllic scenery and Norwegian-influenced architecture. Elsewhere, the blissful town of Haines will be an ideal place to take in the sights at a relaxing pace and its boat trips along the river are highly sought after.
Nearly all cruise companies that have routes in Alaska organise excursions deep into the countryside. The powerful rivers and thick forests are great places for adventure and you can often see Alaskan bears in their natural habitat. Water sports, such as white-water rafting, canoeing and kayaking are other options on the itinerary.
Many Alaskan cruises take in major ports along the West Coast of Canada and the US, including Seattle and Vancouver. Both these city’s airports cater for international flights and are the recommended destinations for the first part of your trip.
As always, last minute cruise deals can be found for Alaska and certain times of the year will feature discounted travel options.
Alaska
Picture courtesy of jimg944
The Swiss ski resort of Zermatt has now opened four new slope for slower skiers in mind, the ‘slow slope’ have been designated to keep speeding skiers away so for those who wish to enjoy a leisurely jaunt down the slopes without the worry of being knocked over by fast skiers. The aim is to reduce accidents on the slopes and it also means less experienced skiers can enjoy their ski holiday without worry.
Ski speed limits have been used at resorts in the USA for some time and people who have visited them will be used to the ski police with their flashing helmets chasing and fining reckless skiers. The slow slopes will be monitored and any offenders who are seen to be speeding or skiing recklessly will lose their ski pass. There are calls for more slow slopes in the Alps to improve safety and reduce the risks of accidents, almost 30 a year die in skiing accident on the alps and number there hoping to reduce with the new measures. Skiers across France will also see a post campaigning for more caution on the slopes with the Foreign Office teaming up with French Officials to educate the large amount British tourists who have taken up many of the cheap ski deals on the perils of drinking at high altitudes.
Many people think cruises are reserved for the rich and affluent but in recent times there are many great cruise deals to be had with many cruise lines discounting their stays to keep their ships full. Many destinations are available at reduced rates like tours around Northern Europe, Mediterranean and Alaska, as well as longer breaks to New York from Southampton and exclusive breaks around the Caribbean.
Cruising is a great way to see the world and you can also quite easily stick to a budget because cruises are all inclusive, so you can save your money to enjoy some great excursions. There is also plenty of entertainment to enjoy on board and plenty to keep children occupied. So if you want an affordable holiday where all your needs are looked after you should think about a cruise.
Riyadh, which in Arabic means the Gardens, is the Capital of Saudi Arabia, as well as the largest city there and is situated in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula on a large plateau. Described as a ‘true oasis in the desert’ Riyadh is full of culture, history, beautiful architecture and an exotic feel of opulence that enchants any visitor. It is also easy and economic to get to with cheap flights to Riyadh departing from most UK airports.
Riyadh has the best of both worlds for any visitor, for tourists it has retained its ancient heritage and sight-seeing opportunities and for business travellers there many modern amenities which this city has to offer. With skyscrapers towering above the desert Riyadh is one of the most affluent cities in Saudi Arabia with amazing shopping opportunities in the Kingdom Centre, which has a state-of-the art three-level shopping mall with more than 160 stores and many other things. As well as glitzy shopping you can still find more traditional shopping experiences with little markets nestled down side streets selling a wide range of local produce and individual handmade gifts. As with other Saudi Arabian cities fast food is very popular with many western fast food chains in the city, however there are many small local restaurants where you can sample native food.
The best time to visit is the late winter to spring when there is little to no rain and the average temperatures are still warm and the city is known for its evening thunderstorms that cool the city down in time for the night to come to life. The city is also run on a strictly Islamic moral and cultural code, and visitors should respect the rules while exploring the sights, both ancient and modern, as women have restricted access to certain attractions and sites.
Kingdom Tower
Picture courtesy of Alan Light
Skiing can sometimes end up being quite an expensive but you can find ski holidays that don’t break the bank, if you choose your destinations and time of year to travel correctly.
For some of the cheaper places to go you need to think past the popular resorts in France, Switzerland and Austria and head more towards the Eastern Bloc countries like Bulgaria and Romania who slopes might not be as slick as France and the rest but you will find your money goes a lot further. Some of the best resorts in Bulgaria are Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo, with Bansko being one of the best for novice skiers and Borovets good for nightlife. In Romania their top resort is Brasov which is also excellent for beginners as well as intermediates, they have also recently expanded their lift system with an eight-seater gondola.
Many resorts also offer chalet accommodation, which can be more expensive however you can buy or rent chalets which can save you a bit of money rather than paying hotel prices, a chalet is a cheap base in the mountains for years especially if you like to take many skiing trips. As well as your own chalet if you buy a lift pass for a whole season, for example, sometimes costs less than four times the price for one week.
Bansko
Picture courtesy of NachoMC
Many people think cruises are normally for those of retirement age who wish to spend their time relaxing on a cruise ship with no hassle, but there are also many cruise ships out there specifically designed for families to enjoy with plenty of activities for everyone to take part in so everyone can enjoy a cruise holiday.
Royal Caribbean Cruises have plenty of activities for your children if you want some time to yourself, during the day there are activity clubs for children as young as 6 months right up to 17 year olds. They have Royal Babies interactive classes aged 6 to 36 months, Royal Tots interactive playgroup for 18 to 36 months and they also have Babies and Tots nursery run by fully trained professionals with plenty of activities. For older children they have Adventure Ocean, activity clubs for 3 to 11 year olds. Aquanauts for 3 to 5 year olds, Explorers for 6 to 8 year olds and Voyagers for 9 to 11 year olds and all staff also hold a degree in childcare or teaching. There are also plenty of things to keep fussy teenagers occupied there is a wide range of activities going on all day if they wish to join in like the Scratch DJ Academy, Mocktail competitions, Open Mic Talent Show’s and Teen BBQ’s. Or they can just relax in the teen only lounge with their friends.
Celebrity Cruises are perfect for adults and families alike and the infinite is a comfortable, exclusive and relaxing way to see the world. There are plenty of fun things for younger people to enjoy like Breezes pool, Ship Mates Fun Factory and a video game arcade. For adults if you are a health and fitness fanatic the ship has a wide range of activities like the jogging circuit around the ship, a state of the art gym and an acupuncture clinic. If you’re looking to relax while onboard then there a plenty of places to go to like the Aquaspa, or therapy treatment rooms and of course the hair salon and if you want a quiet escape go to the ships two tiered library. However if retail therapy is more you thing then there are plenty of shops and specalised boutiques, you can then stop off at many of the onboard cafes and afterwards sit in the tranquil Persian Garden. Then on an evening you have a choice of various specialty restaurants with a wide choice of international cuisines and there are plenty of places to meet for after dinner drinks, before you catch the evening entertainment in the celebrity theatre, watch a movie in the cinema or head off to Fortunes Casino.
Onboard Oasis of the Seas
Picture courtesy of Nick Hobgood
Jeddah is also an up and coming tourist city in Saudi Arabian which is located on the coast of the Red Sea and is the major urban center of western Saudi Arabia. It is the largest city in Makkah Province, the largest sea port on the Red Sea, and the second largest city in Saudi Arabia after the capital city, Riyadh. Jeddah is the major gateway to Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, which able-bodied Muslims are required to visit at least once in their lifetime. It is also easy and economic to get to with cheap flights to Jeddah departing from most UK airports, making it popular with new tourists who wish to experience the Middle East.
There are a many artistic things to see in Jeddah, this is because during the oil boom in the late 1970s and 1980s, there was a focused effort to bring art to Jeddah’s to show in public areas. As a result of this, Jeddah now contains a large number of modern open air sculptures and works of art, these are typically situated in roundabouts, for all to see. Some of the sculptures include works by a variety of artists, such as, Alexander Calder, Henry Moore, Joan Miró and Victor Vasarely. Because Islamic tradition prohibits the depiction of living creatures you find the sculptures often depict elements of traditional Saudi culture like coffee pots, incense burners and palm trees to the completely bizarre like a mounted defunct propeller plane, a giant geometry set, a giant bicycle, and a huge block of concrete with several cars protruding out of it at odd angles. There are also many museums in Jeddah, some of these show a wide variety of history from Jeddah and Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah is quite a cosmopolitan city, more than any other city in the country it is also a diverse multicultural city which has many people coming from all over the world, who share their cultures. It also features many historical buildings and many hotels near to the beach. It is also popular because of its shopping districts, restaurants and cafes and with one of the most famous shopping districts in Jeddah being Tahlia Street
Jeddah also boasts the highest fountain in the world, named King Fahd Fountain, they also have the annual Jeddah Festival bringing many visitors to the city during which, there are many games and activities held in the city like, water skiing competitions, art exhibitions, and music festivals.
Jeddah has been a port and trading city for centuries, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan mix of inhabitants. Today, it is the major commercial center of Saudi Arabia. It also has many government offices. Jeddah is known in the kingdom for its. It also hosts the Jeddah Corniche (waterfront area), which is the largest in the Kingdom with a great bunch of hotels, beaches and resorts clustered around it.
King Fahd Fountain Jeddah
Picture Courtesy of helmutkunert