Hotel, News

Spring Skiing Deals and Bargains

It’s time for the spring thaw again, but you don’t have to give up winter sports entirely, not just yet. Many ski resorts still have plenty of snow in the springtime, and the conditions are often more comfortable than in wintertime. Here’s some ways you can find great deals on spring skiing:

Hotels and Accommodations

Find the best deals on hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts near resort towns by visiting their web sites. Many offer special deals this time of year in order to fill their unused inventory of rooms. For maximum cost savings, try to avoid booking around holidays like Easter and most weekends. You will get the best rates during the week in the springtime.

Lift Tickets

Not only hotels, but also lift tickets often have their prices slashed or offer better rates than during the winter months. Check out web sites for the resorts you are headed to find current deals. Less people on the slopes means less lift ticket sales, so they naturally cut the rates during these times that are considered the last of the season or the off-season.

Package Deals

One of the best ways to get maximum savings is to go for an all inclusive package deal. These packages typically include airfare, hotel and even meals and lift tickets. Poke around ski resort web sites, the big travel bargain sites and check with your travel agent to see what’s on offer.

Transportation

Flying to a winter destination in the spring is often cheaper than in winter, due to less people booking during these times, of course. Like with hotel deals, you’ll want to check the rates for midweek arrivals and departures as they will be less expensive than weekend travel. Also, check out sites that offer last minute bargains. A last minute airfare can often be less than 50% of the original price. Don’t forget about checking the ski resorts nearest to you. While they may not have the famous name or the plethora of activities as some far away destinations, your local ski resorts will certainly be much cheaper and faster to travel to. Many even offer special prices just for locals.

Holiday Specials

While a ski vacation is understandably more expensive around holidays, if your only vacation time is around a holiday such as Easter or St. Patricks Day, then look for specific deals based on these holidays. Some holiday deals can even include more value, like special activities based around a holiday. With these holiday specials, booking farther in advance is the best way to minimize the cost.

Shop Till You Drop

In the springtime, many stores are clearing out their winter clothing, ski accessories, even ski equipment like skis, bindings and boots. Take advantage of the clearance pricing to upgrade your winter clothing and ski equipment. You can literally get all your gear and a new outfit at huge discounts at this time of year. Use your new buys on the slopes in the spring or save it for next winter.

 

News

Save Money And Travel The World In Luxury? It’s Possible, If You Know Where To Look!

With so many fantastic travel deals out there, why would you make a purchase without actively seeking out a bargain first? The online world, for example, affords endless offers on flights, accommodation and even activity-inclusive holiday packages – you just have to know where to look.

Many people refer directly to travel sites when trying to find special deals for flights or accommodation. However, it’s wise to keep in mind that valuable travel deals and packages can be found everywhere, including through companies which are not directly related to the travel industry. For instance, it’s not unusual for credit card companies to team up with airlines in providing their customers with “sky mileage”, discounted accommodation or even free flight tickets. After all, with an increasing number of people searching for and purchasing their flights online, it makes sense to use a credit card to finalise any purchases. And, with incentives to use a specific credit card to pay for travel products or services, the consumer, as well as participating credit card and travel companies, will benefit.

So what’s the best way to track such great deals? Take into account industries that might be related to the travel sector – even indirectly – like credit card companies. When you visit the website of the chosen company, make sure you click right through to their “special” or “current” offers; if there are any special travel deals to be had through the company, they’ll be listed in this section. And while many companies offer special travel incentives to drive business, clients who take advantage of the deals needn’t worry that they’ll end up paying more in the long run than they would if they had found travel arrangements on their own. For instance, your “sky mileage” or travel points might depend on the amount of money you spend with your credit card. But if you keep up with your credit card repayments, you’ll get to take advantage of the rewards without having to pay interest fees.

So whether you’ve been dreaming of exploring Thailand, relaxing in the Maldives or soaking up the splendours of Dubai, taking advantage of various money-saving travel deals ensures a comfortable yet cost-effective travel experience. It’s always possible to save money and travel the world in luxury – you just have to know where to find the best deals. And if you really keep your eyes open for great travel offers, you might even fly for free.

 

Camping

Survival Tips When Camping in Winter

Winter camping is one of the many varieties of recreational group activity that you can do outdoors. However, although it might be a very awesome experience, aspiring winter campers should note that such activity can be very dangerous and challenging. Camping in winter pose certain dangers that are far more difficult to handle that those offered by a forest camp. Keep in mind that when you camp out in winter, negligence may yield to a variety of accidents and disasters. That is why winter campers should conduct extra preparations for their trip. Obviously, the most challenging thing about winter camping is staying warm and comfortable. Below are some tips that you ought to consider:

a. Before you set out for camp, check the latest weather forecast. Winter weather can bring sun or storm. Make sure that you are prepared for challenges prompted by the weather. Match your camping gear with the weather predictions.

b. Make sure that you have an alternative plan in case the weather spoils your plans. Be ready to face adverse reality. You must have an alternative camp site and an alternative itinerary.

c. You must have enough food, beverages, and clothing in case you get stuck in a storm. Make sure that your camping gear and supply is enough to last for a week or more out in the cold.

d. Never forget to bring tools for navigation. Navigation in the snow can be very hard. That is why you ought to bring GPS tools that can help you find your way even if the roads and foot trails are all covered in snow.

e. When traveling for a winter camp, it is necessary to use camping boots that are capable of traveling even in the slippery snow. When traveling during the early winter, many campers recommend the use of sturdy leather boots.

f. If you are bound to pass by trails with less snow, you should still use your snow boots. However, if the snow is quite dense, you should opt for an actual snow traveler.

g. Never camp in places that are not frequented by many campers, especially if you are not an expert. Make sure that somebody knows where you are setting your camp. When choosing a camp site, choose places that are highly recognized by the local authorities as an official camping site.

h. Before you set your camp, check the signboards and warning signs. On your way to your camp site, take note of all the signboards and landmarks that you find along the way. This can help you get back on the right track in case you lose your way.

i. Bring things that can entertain you along the way. Although you can bring your electronic play stations, it will be best if you bring books, cards, or board games that you can share with your fellow campers.

j. During winter, keep in mind that sunsets are quite fast so you will have to bring flashlights with you, along with other lighting tools. It will be best if you have an electric emergency light aside from the usual matchsticks and lamps. Bring extra batteries as well.

k. To fight the cold winds, you should be dressed properly. In fact, you should wear layers of clothing. First, wear clothes that transfer moisture away from the skin. Then, wear clothes that provide adequate insulation such as wool or fleece. Lastly, put on something that’s water proof or those clothes that can drift snow.