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  • Last Minute Winter Vacation Ideas…

    Last Minute Winter Vacation Ideas…

    It is never too late for a fun winter getaway. Since many of us are working from home these days, why not take your remote work someplace fun this winter? Our team got together and researched a few great ideas for people looking for a fun getaway while staying safe and healthy. Check them out below!

    Last Minute Golf: Whether you are an experienced golfer or picking up clubs for the first time, golfing is a terrific idea for those looking to get outdoors without going too far from home. Sites like golfnow.com, Teeoff.com, and rockbottomgolf.com all provide great search directories and links to courses near you. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to find a tee-time.

    A Weekend at the Beach: Nothing says relaxation and fun like a gentle sea breeze, sand between your toes, and a refreshing dip in the water.  There are very few things to do that are as relaxing and fun as a day at the beach. Roughly 200 million people in the US live within 100 miles of the coast. If that includes you, get out to the beach! Websites including vrbo.com, hometogo.com, and airbnb.com have curated great selections of vacation rentals at or near the beach.

    Hiking in a beautiful National Park: Need to get away from the city? Do you love fresh air and being in nature? In the Fall and Winter, you will find many parks are empty! There are 419 national parks in the US which span more than 84 million acres in each state. Needless to say, there is plenty of space to spread out and soak in the natural beauty. Make sure to check out us-parks.com, nationalparkguides.com or nps.gov to learn more!

    Poolside in the Desert: Most people think of Palm Springs, Scottsdale and other desert cities as places to go to bake in the Summertime. However, there are great savings and deals to be had in the Fall and Winter in the desert. Just make sure that where ever you stay, a pool is close-by! visitpalmsprings.com or experiencescottsdale.com are a must!

    The Holidays are here… get out there and enjoy them safely before they are gone-


  • Playa del Carmen: ALL-INCLUSIVE Caribbean Vacation Destination!

    Playa del Carmen: ALL-INCLUSIVE Caribbean Vacation Destination!

    When you think “beautiful Caribbean getaway,” you’re probably normally thinking about some island out in the middle of the ocean, right? There’s nothing wrong with that: Caribbean islands are some of the most beautiful places on Earth. However, there’s another stunning Caribbean destination you might be interested in. Playa del Carmen, a resort city on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, is a place you should be considering for your next vacation.

    Playa del Carmen

    The City

    Located in the municipality of Solidaridad, in the state of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist areas. This is due in large part to its location on the gorgeous Caribbean coast, which offers stellar beachfront views and breathtaking natural sights. Another factor in the city’s popularity is its location along the Riviera Maya, a tourism route that cuts down along the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

    This has, in turn, led to the city’s explosive population growth. As of 2019, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico in terms of population. Cruise ships in and around the Caribbean often use Playa del Carmen as a stop, docking at the nearby Calica docks near the quarry.

    Weather

    One of the biggest draws to Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya in general, is the weather. The region is tropical, sporting sunny and warm weather year-round. It shares this in common with nearby Cancun, another extremely popular tourist destination. In relation to the surrounding towns, Playa del Carmen tends to get hotter weather on average than the other cities in the Riviera Maya, due to its position as southernmost town on that route.

    The region is somewhat insulated against hurricanes thanks to its location along the Southern region of Mexico. However, hurricanes like Wilma in 2005 have been known to hit the city and cause substantial damage. Thankfully, the region is usually at a lower risk for this kind of damage than areas like the Caribbean islands.

    Attractions

    As you might expect, the region’s gorgeous beaches and ample natural beauty make it a no-brainer for tourism. If you’re interested in visiting the area, there’s a lot to look forward to. The numerous five-star resort hotels are only the tip of the iceberg. There’s plentiful nightlife, including clubs and bars, as well as numerous restaurants to sample the local cuisine.

    There are also countless entertainment venues for everything from concerts to burlesque shows. Whatever kind of entertainment you’d like to find in a Caribbean paradise town, you’re likely to find in Playa del Carmen. The Playacar complex is home to most of the resort hotels, and also is home to the world-renowned golf course. The campus is also home to residential developments like condos and apartments for those who want to call the resort town home.

    Visiting the City

    If you’re interested in visiting the region, there are a few ways you can do so. The first, and most straightforward, would be to simply book a vacation package. These can usually include airfare and your hotel stay, and often include a few fun activities in and around the city, too.

    Another option for those who just want to stop in briefly would be to visit the region as a stop on a Caribbean cruise. This will allow you to visit the port city for a day before striking back out to check out the other ample attractions in the region. Some cruises tour the Riviera Maya, stopping in at ports like Cancun. Others head out into the Caribbean Sea, visiting islands like Grand Turk, the Dominican and Puerto Rico. No matter which path you take, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the gorgeous region.


  • Playa del Carmen: Caribbean Vacation Destination

    Playa del Carmen: Caribbean Vacation Destination

    When you think “beautiful Caribbean getaway,” you’re probably normally thinking about some island out in the middle of the ocean, right? There’s nothing wrong with that: Caribbean islands are some of the most beautiful places on Earth. However, there’s another stunning Caribbean destination you might be interested in. Playa del Carmen, a resort city on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, is a place you should be considering for your next vacation.

    Playa del Carmen

    The City

    Located in the municipality of Solidaridad, in the state of Quintana Roo, Playa del Carmen is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist areas. This is due in large part to its location on the gorgeous Caribbean coast, which offers stellar beachfront views and breathtaking natural sights. Another factor in the city’s popularity is its location along the Riviera Maya, a tourism route that cuts down along the Caribbean coast of Mexico.

    This has, in turn, led to the city’s explosive population growth. As of 2019, it is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mexico in terms of population. Cruise ships in and around the Caribbean often use Playa del Carmen as a stop, docking at the nearby Calica docks near the quarry.

    Weather

    One of the biggest draws to Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya in general, is the weather. The region is tropical, sporting sunny and warm weather year-round. It shares this in common with nearby Cancun, another extremely popular tourist destination. In relation to the surrounding towns, Playa del Carmen tends to get hotter weather on average than the other cities in the Riviera Maya, due to its position as southernmost town on that route.

    The region is somewhat insulated against hurricanes thanks to its location along the Southern region of Mexico. However, hurricanes like Wilma in 2005 have been known to hit the city and cause substantial damage. Thankfully, the region is usually at a lower risk for this kind of damage than areas like the Caribbean islands.

    Attractions

    As you might expect, the region’s gorgeous beaches and ample natural beauty make it a no-brainer for tourism. If you’re interested in visiting the area, there’s a lot to look forward to. The numerous five-star resort hotels are only the tip of the iceberg. There’s plentiful nightlife, including clubs and bars, as well as numerous restaurants to sample the local cuisine.

    There are also countless entertainment venues for everything from concerts to burlesque shows. Whatever kind of entertainment you’d like to find in a Caribbean paradise town, you’re likely to find in Playa del Carmen. The Playacar complex is home to most of the resort hotels, and also is home to the world-renowned golf course. The campus is also home to residential developments like condos and apartments for those who want to call the resort town home.

    Visiting the City

    If you’re interested in visiting the region, there are a few ways you can do so. The first, and most straightforward, would be to simply book a vacation package. These can usually include airfare and your hotel stay, and often include a few fun activities in and around the city, too.

    Another option for those who just want to stop in briefly would be to visit the region as a stop on a Caribbean cruise. This will allow you to visit the port city for a day before striking back out to check out the other ample attractions in the region. Some cruises tour the Riviera Maya, stopping in at ports like Cancun. Others head out into the Caribbean Sea, visiting islands like Grand Turk, the Dominican and Puerto Rico. No matter which path you take, there’s no wrong way to enjoy the gorgeous region.


  • The Best Places to Rent a Vacation House

    The Best Places to Rent a Vacation House

    Who doesn’t love skipping town for a week to party it up with some friends in a rented vacation house? It’s hard to match the fun and excitement of having a party pad all to yourselves in some remote region. No one has to worry about work or school, you’re far from all your troubles, and everyone’s able to cut loose.

    Today we’re going over some of the best places you can go to rent a vacation house. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront getaway or a retreat up in the mountains, this list will have something for you to love.

    Helen, Georgia

    The beautiful mountain vistas and quaint charm of Helen, Georgia make it an ideal vacation destination. Helen has a German village aesthetic that extends to the local food and drink offerings, with numerous German-style pubs dotting the mountainous landscape. If you like outdoors activities, river rafting and tubing are popular local attractions, and numerous nearby water parks make this adorable resort hamlet a must-visit in the summer.

    Wildwood, New Jersey

    People who live in New England often prefer to head to the Jersey Shore when it comes time to make for the beach. After all, driving a few hours beats having to fly to the Southeast, or to California! However, there’s a lot to love about Jersey’s beaches, and Wildwood is no exception. The beaches are pristine and gorgeous, and the boardwalks offer a variety of colorful attractions. Renting a vacation home in this area is ideal for party-goers looking to sample the nightlife of the region.

    Asheville, North Carolina

    Another mountainous town in the Southeast, Asheville is unlike many of the surrounding areas. The quiet and striking landscape rises all around a hip, trendy hamlet that holds numerous breweries, music venues and artsy attractions. If you’re a fan of all things hip and looking for a far-out vacation, consider renting a vacation house up in the mountains around Asheville. You’ll certainly come home with a story to tell!

    Miami Beach, Florida

    Any list of summer vacation spots would be incomplete without mentioning Miami Beach, Florida. Miami Beach is a great pick for a variety of reasons, including the surprisingly affordable rentals. You can even opt for the fancier group rentals, with amenities like dock access and rooftop decks, and make out on the lower end of a normal vacation cost once you split the costs with friends!

    The ample nightlife and numerous stunning beaches allow for a killer vacation. Not to mention, nearby attractions like scuba diving and helicopter tours make this a prime beach vacation destination.

    Santa Cruz, California

    The legendary beaches and temperate weather of California got their reputation honestly. Santa Cruz, a prime surf spot right on the coast, is no exception to this legendary pedigree. In fact, many home rentals in the area offer wetsuits and boogie boards as amenities just for renting. Meanwhile, the town itself offers ample fun for visitors, both on and off the waves. If your crew is looking to get away for a surfing vacation in the sun, Santa Cruz is the destination for you.

    Long Beach, California

    In many respects, THE beach to see in California is Long Beach. The gorgeous vistas of the Pacific, the pristine sands, the excellent location: it all makes for an unbeatable beach vacation destination. If you and your friends are looking for a vacation where you get to do a little of everything, Long Beach is for you. There are tons of home rentals available in Belmont Shore, which is close enough to walk to the shore, tennis courts, bike paths and tons of coffee shops!


  • Take a Unique Winter Vacation with a Northern Lights Tour

    Take a Unique Winter Vacation with a Northern Lights Tour

    There’s something really magical about the Northern Lights, or the Aurora Borealis. Northern Lights Tours allow visitors to experience the stunning natural beauty of this phenomenon first-hand while also enjoying a unique and breathtaking winter vacation. If you’ve been looking for a new winter tradition, you should consider taking a Norther Lights tour. It’s time to set out for the adventure of a lifetime!

    Northern Lights Tour

    Types of Tours

    There are Northern Lights tours in Iceland, Finland, Alaska and Lapland. They are available for as little as $800 or as much as $2000, depending on what you’re looking for. Whether you’re married with kids, single or anything in between, there are a variety of types of tours you can go on. In order to help you narrow it down, we’ll go over some of the more popular types of tours.

    Finnish Tours

    One of the most popular Finnish tours is the Northern Lights Finland tour. The tour is based around the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and offers some stunning amenities. Visitors stay three nights in traditional cabins, allowing them to enjoy the rustic beauty of the region. One of the four nights during their stay, though, they get to sleep in a heated glass igloo from which they can view the stunning Northern Lights. Talk about an adventure!

    The tour also provides four breakfasts and four dinners, snowmobile rides and more. If you’ve ever wanted to take a dazzling winter tour of Finland, this is the way to do it. It’s hard to overstate just how wonderful the sights and sounds of this region are.

    Did we mention the cross-country skiing? Because this tour totally includes cross-country skiing. Yeah, we figured that would get your attention. Who doesn’t love racing downhill on the snow while the sunlight shines down on your ski gear?

    This five-day adventure is $2,195 per person, making it a little on the high end. However, the number of awesome amenities that come with it make it quite worth it.

    Icelandic Tours

    Icelandic tours are rather popular among visitors to the region. The Golden Circle Classic is a four-day tour that leaves out of Iceland that is incredibly popular. It takes visitors through stunning landscapes that include volcanic rock, geysers and waterfalls. Of course, during the course of the tour you also see the Northern Lights. If you’ve been itching to take in the natural beauty of Iceland, the Golden Circle Classic is a great choice.

    Reykjavik is a stop on the six-day Golden Circle as well, allowing travelers to take in the beautiful Icelandic capital and enjoy the local culture, cuisine and sights. After all, when visiting a new place, it’s only right to sample the local customs! This tour also includes guided sightseeing through the breathtaking regions of natural beauty in and around Iceland.

    The four-day tour is priced at $1,016, while the six-day version is $2,349. This makes them a bit on the higher side, but comparable to most luxury vacations.

    Alaskan Tours

    Starting from Anchorage and lasting eight days, the Arctic Circle Tour offered by Pursuit is one of the best American Northern Lights tours. This tour takes you along the path of the Iditarod Dog Race, through glacier hikes, and, of course, lets you see the Northern Lights. If you want to enjoy a Northern Lights tour without leaving the US, here’s the tour for you!

    After starting in Anchorage, the Arctic Circle tour also goes through  Talkeetna, Fairbanks, and Coldfoot. Finally, there is a brief jaunt into Denali National Park, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic park firsthand. The tour is $1,843 per person.

    Another popular Alaskan tour is the Northern Lights Activity Tour offered by Go Alaska. This particular adventure is a really reliable way to catch the Northern Lights in all their glory. This journey, which starts in Fairbanks, lasts for six days and five nights. For those looking to stride down the historic Dalton Highway, this is the tour for you.

    The Northern Lights Activity Tour also goes farther north than most tours into the region, allowing travelers a stunning look at the Northern Lights. After their trip, visitors are given personalized authenticity documents to show they personally journeyed to the Northern Lights. It’s a fun activity for any visitors to the frosty north.

    Anyone who wants to enjoy this tour only needs around $800 for some of the starting packages, though some of the higher ones go up to $1,285. In any event, you’re sure to have fun out there!

  • Theme Park Vacation? Here are Some Tips to Save You Money

    Theme Park Vacation? Here are Some Tips to Save You Money

    A theme park vacation is a surefire way to make the whole family happy. What kid doesn’t love the idea of hopping on a roller coaster and doing loops and flips? Seriously, ask any kid where they want to go on vacation and they’re going to say Disneyland. If you’re planning a theme park vacation, here are some tips to help you make the most of it.

    Theme Park Vacation Tips

    Buy Tickets Online

    Don’t wait until you get to the gate to buy your tickets. That’s a surefire way to overspend. If you opt instead to buy your tickets online then you can likely save a great deal of money. When you buy online, you can see what the various deals, sales and promotions are and compare them at your own pace.

    After all, vacations can get pretty expensive. Why not save money on the tickets to get into the park? That’s the first thing you’ll need to spend on, so it might as well be the first thing you save on! Buying in advance online is a great way to plan ahead and save money all at once.

    Consider the Hotel

    Before you even get to the city the theme park is in, do some research. You likely won’t be using the hotel for much other than sleeping, so maybe you don’t need to be put up in a five-star resort. Instead, go for a more affordable hotel with less amenities.

    After all, if you’re visiting a theme park with a water park, roller coasters and ample attractions, why would you need a pool and included room service? Your theme park vacation will involve much more time spent in the park and much less time spent indoors, so spend your money accordingly.

    Don’t Forget Package Deals

    Many theme parks offer package deals with nearby hotels. Don’t forget to compare these deals to other nearby hotels and see if they’re right for your family. After all, some of these bundle deals can result in you saving a bit of money!

    Remember, you’ll often want to see all the rides the park has to offer if you’re going out of your way to visit it. As such, you’ll likely want to spring for multi-day passes. Multi-day passes ensure that you get a chance to see everything. In larger theme parks, this is critical, as it makes it so you don’t have to rush to see as much of the park as you’d like.

    Many hotel deals offer multi-day stays in a hotel as well as multi-day passes for guests. That’s the definition of hitting two birds with one stone, and it can often save you a ton of money.

    Make a Plan

    It can be difficult to hit every attraction you want to see in the park. Before you go, consider making a plan and following it through the map of the park. If there are rides you’d like to see, try to hit them before the busier times of day. During particularly hot hours, around four or five in the afternoon, head to the water-themed attractions to cool down!

    That said, you don’t need to strictly adhere to your plan. If you just follow what looks fun and make sure you’re not stressing over where you’re going and when, that’s what matters. The plan simply helps gives you some structure! These parks are designed for you to get lost in, after all, so it’s no surprise that many people don’t see all the attractions they want to.

    Eat Somewhere Else

    If you can help it, try not to eat in the park. The food served in the amusement park is tremendously overpriced compared to nearby restaurants. The only issue that crops up with this is that many amusement parks are so massive and have you park so far away that they are very difficult to exit and reenter quickly.

    In such cases, consider packing a lunch and keeping it in a lunchbox in your car. If it’s too hot to leave in your car, consider getting a locker in the park and stashing your bag lunch there!

    Don’t Forget the Basics

    Finally, don’t forget the basics. You’re going to want sunglasses, sun screen and a backup battery for your cell phone. The parks are huge and you’ll be in the sun all day, so make sure you’re well protected. Not to mention, having a fully charged phone helps you get back with your group should you get separated!

    Don’t forget to have fun out there! They’re not called amusement parks for nothing.

  • Best Senior Tours: How to Narrow Them Down

    Best Senior Tours: How to Narrow Them Down

    There’s nothing quite as fun as going on an exotic tour with a number of people your own age. It can be so nice to go on senior tours with your friends or loved ones. There are so many to choose from, though, so how can you possibly narrow it down? Here are some features that make for the best senior tours.

    Best Senior Tours

    No Single Supplement

    The best senior tours are the ones where you can have your own room. Having to room with a stranger is less than ideal. Many people would sooner not go on a tour than have to room with someone they don’t know. Who can blame them? I certainly don’t want to room with a stranger.

    Slower Pace

    Some of the best senior tours are the ones with a slower pace. No one wants to be running all day. After all, you’re on vacation! Why would you want to spend the entire day sprinting from place to place? When looking for a good senior tour, make sure they itinerary isn’t too cramped.

    Good Value

    That said, you also want to make sure you’re getting enough for your money. When it comes to touring exotic locations, you also want to make sure you have a well-appointed and comfortable room on the boat. You also want good food to be a high priority, as well as ample activities to keep you interested.

    As you can see, it’s a bit of a balancing act between leisurely pace and good value for your money. That sweet spot does exist, though, so make sure you find the right tour for you!

    Flexible Schedule

    The sweet spot, it turns out, is tours with a flexible schedule. A good tour will allow you to engage in the on-shore activities if you’d like or allow you to stay in your cabin and enjoy the boat. By staying flexible, the tour allows you to decide how many activities you want to do.

    This way, not only do you get the best for your money, you also get the best of both worlds! If you keep some of these easy rules of thumb in mind you’ll have a great time when you pick your senior tour. Have fun!

  • You Won’t Believe Which City is the Best for Visiting a Tiny House

    You Won’t Believe Which City is the Best for Visiting a Tiny House

    Have you been thinking about living in a tiny house? If so, you’re probably wondering where you should go to get your tiny house fill. Which city is the best for these adorable little abodes? Look no further! Today we’re counting down some of the best cities for tiny house vacation living so you can try it before you get your own tiny house!

    Best Cities for Visiting a Tiny House

    There are ample tiny houses for rent in cities across the US. They’re priced like hotel rooms, but they have great amenities that make them comparable to a vacation house.

    Portland

    Portland, Oregon is a great place to visit to try out a tiny home. There are tons of wonderful little places to rent, which isn’t surprising. The Northwest is all about small living spaces. There are a few reasons for that: it’s crowded, housing is expensive and so on.  Whatever the reason, though, we recommend Portland highly for trying out tiny home living.

    There are a number of interesting tiny home rentals available here. One such example is the Caravan Tiny House Hotel. It features a number of tiny homes on wheels that you can rent. The tiny homes are arranged like a caravan, moving from place to place and showing off how luxurious tiny spaces can be. After spending some time in this little caravan you might not want a regular-sized home anymore!

    While you’re visiting Portland, make sure to try out the awesome food in the city! Portland is renowned as one of the best food cities in the country. The Northwest is a very unique and fun region, so visiting here is always a treat!

    Lyons

    The next city on our list is Lyons, Colorado. The most notable tiny home experience in the city is a resort called WeeCasa, which is touted as one of the largest tiny house hotels in the world. Located near Boulder, Colorado, WeeCasa is a really unique experience.

    When you visit, you’ll likely notice the large number of styles and builders on display in this resort. If you’ve been looking to figure out what you like in a tiny home, WeeCasa is a great place to start. You can try out a really wide variety of tiny home styles and build types while you’re here. You might be surprised at how much luxury you can squeeze into these small spaces.

    Colorado is also a beautiful region of the country. Tall trees, stunning mountains and friendly people make Colorado a worthy destination of any vacation. You can also enjoy the local food and nightlife, especially in nearby Boulder!

    Eatonton

    Eatonton is a city in Georgia that is home to United Tiny House Rentals. This makes it an ideal destination in the southeast for tiny home visiting! While United Tiny House Rentals can deliver your rental to places other than Eatonton, we recommend visiting the gorgeous countryside of Georgia.

    There are ample lakefront camping regions in and around the state of Georgia that will make you long for the great outdoors. If you’ve never been to the region, we have to recommend you visit sometime soon! Friendly locals, delicious regional cuisine and unparalleled wilderness make it prime for camping.

    If you do visit the southeast, make sure to try regional favorite dishes like shrimp and grits and sweet tea! While you’re enjoying the luxury of a tiny wagon-style house you can also enjoy the great vistas. If you’re a fan of hobbies like fishing, Georgia’s lakes are also famous for their ample fishing opportunities. This makes it one of the best places in the country for visiting for tiny home rentals!

    McHenry

    McHenry, Maryland is home to a beautiful mountain resort named Blue Moon Rising. This tiny home resort is a great place to come for a remote getaway. If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, McHenry is the place to get it.

    The resort is near a deep, beautiful lake high in the mountains. The numerous tiny homes on display are varied and of differing builds and styles. This remote location, coupled with the otherworldly tiny homes, makes McHenry feel like a place out of a fairy tale. We’d highly advise you consider this Maryland hamlet for your tiny home getaway vacation!

  • Best Ski Resorts In the United States

    Best Ski Resorts In the United States

    Planning your next vacation? Why not head to one of the best ski resorts in the world! Today we’re looking at some ski resorts that you absolutely must go visit to make the most of your winter vacation! Nothing beats the rush of moving downhill at a high speed! The wind in your hair, the snow under your skis, it’s really just a great time!

    Best Ski Resorts

    Aspen Mountain

    Aspen is an iconic ski town, and many famous people enjoy skiing there. It’s a symbol of status to go skiing at this iconic resort! Aspen Mountain is well-known for the wide variety of slopes you can find with just a single ticket price. There are four distinct ski regions, Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk. The four regions are connected by a shuttle system, and your ticket gives you access to all four. That’s a pretty good deal!

    The various slopes are great for skiers of all skill levels. Aspen Highlands are great for people with lots of experience. Some of the best skiing in Colorado can be found in Aspen Highlands, thanks to the great snow and awesome terrain. If you’re a more middling skier, you’d be better off hitting Buttermilk or Snowmass. These slopes are more well-geared for an intermediate-level skier.

    The town of Aspen itself is a great place for resort hang-outs. There’s tons of nightlife, DJs and things to do in town. It’s a little pricey compared to some ski resorts, but it’s easily one of the coolest places to come ski. If you’re looking for a bit of glitz to go with your powder, you’ve got to visit Aspen! It’s a great town and it earned it’s reputation by being a cool place to visit.

    Vail

    Vail’s not a perfect ski resort: it’s got a lot of polish but can feel somewhat inauthentic. However, don’t let that undercut just how awesome the slopes themselves are. The runs are wide, well-maintained and exhilarating. There’s plenty to see for both beginners and experienced skiers, so it’s well-worth the crowds and somewhat cheesy corporate polish to check the place out.

    Vail is one of the largest skiing areas in Colorado, making it an ideal place to visit if you’re newer to skiing. The European-style village towards the base of the mountain is picturesque and charming, but quite pricey. In fact, everything in Vail is pretty pricey. That said, it’s one of the most visited ski resorts in the US, so the price isn’t out of nowhere.

    There are also a lot of crowds when it comes to Vail. On the one hand, that can be a good thing! There’s plenty of people to hang out with! On the other hand, it can make the slopes feel a bit overcrowded, and it can be hard to get elbow room in town.

    In spite of all that, Vail remains a fantastic destination. The terrain is wide and varied, offering something for everyone. Snow falls in great quantities, especially during the winter months, so there’s going to be plenty for you to ski on. The resort got as popular as it is for good reason, so it’s worth visiting if you’re looking for a high-end skiing experience and have a bit of money to spend!

    Jackson Hole

    If you’re looking for some of the best slopes in the world, leave the kids at home and head to Jackson Hole. This resort sports some of the downright meanest terrain in the US, making it a must-stop resort for experts. In fact, a full half of the mountain is rated for experts only. If you’re an intermediate skier, you’re probably better sticking to the forty percent of the mountain rated as intermediate terrain. Beginner-friendly terrain, you might have guessed, makes up a paltry ten percent of the mountain’s terrain.

    Jackson Hole is also an interesting resort in that Winter is its off-season. If you’re looking for a high-end experience that has less crowds and more gnarly slopes, head to Jackson Hole. There is a bit of nightlife in nearby Jackson, which is about 20 minutes from the lodge. This makes it less extravagant than places like Aspen. However, that might not be a bad thing for certain visitors. If you’re looking for a lodge where you can focus on the pure act of skiing, look no further than Jackson Hole.

  • World’s Best Luxury Cruise Lines

    World’s Best Luxury Cruise Lines

    Is there anything better than a cruise? Think about it: you’re in the ocean, on a luxury boat, enjoying a drink and lounging by the pool. Today, we’re looking at some of the world’s best luxury cruise lines! Time to start planning your next vacation!

    World’s Best Luxury Cruise Lines

    Oceania Riviera

    The Oceania Riviera is one of the best luxury cruise lines for food-lovers. Outfitted with seven gourmet restaurants, it’s hard to top their offerings when it comes to cuisine! There’s an Asian cuisine restaurant called Red Ginger that you can visit, as well as a French restaurant named Jacques. If you like steaks, you can visit Polo Grill for a traditional meal!

    There’s also a restaurant called Toscana, which offers fine Italian food. If you’re in the mood for something classic, you can go to La Reserve and try a seven-course meal that includes wine pairings. There’s also the Grand Dining Room and Privee, both of which offer luxurious dining experiences.

    The Oceania Riviera also offers cooking classes at an onboard cooking school. The Bon Appétit Culinary Center offers a great range of classes to teach you how to make delicious food! If you’re in the mood for painting, instead, you can head to the Artist’s Loft and take some classes on that instead!

    Cruising on the Oceania Riviera starts at $1,600 for their Caribbean cruise. There’s also a la carte pricing for a lot of their meals and experiences on-board. As such, it can get pretty pricey for certain experiences. That said, if you’re looking for a great food cruise, this is the one for you!

    Viking Star
    The Viking Star is a luxury cruise ship with some very awesome amenities. These include an open, spacious feel on the deck and very roomy cabins. The cabins have small touches like USB ports near the beds and heated floors as well as major upsides like verandas.

    The ship sails out of Miami and makes several stops in Cuba. This is a great opportunity for those who wish to visit Cuba and try things like Cuban cigars. Cuban cuisine is also unique, and many Americans haven’t gotten to try it!

    The food options on the Viking Star are numerous: there are two international restaurants, The Restaurant (catchy) and World Café. There’s a Norwegian restaurant (no, really) called Momsen’s, as well as an Italian place called Manfredi’s. The highlight is the Kitchen Table, where you pay extra to pick out food with the chef while at port and help them make the gourmet meal you’ll be having that evening.

    The only downside, in our opinion, is that the cruise doesn’t have a casino onboard. For some people, that’s a good thing, as they don’t want to be tempted! All said, though, the Viking Star is a great experience. Cruises out of Miami start at $3,000.

    Regent Seven Sea Explorer

    An absolutely extravagant cruising experience can be had on the Regent Seven Sea Explorer. This downright regal ship is adorned with masterworks of fine art from stem to stern. That includes pieces from masters like Picasso, making this almost as much of an art museum as a cruise. Marble and granite adorns the floors of the interior rooms, making the cruise feel downright lavish.

    Every single cabin on the Explorer is a suite. If you’re cruising with them, you’re cruising in style. The suites are gorgeously appointed, and each one looks like a top-of-the-line suite from a movie.

    If you’re looking for a cruise with great food options, you’re in luck, as the Explorer has them. There’s a pan-Asian grill called Pacific Rim that serves a number of favorites. Prime 7 is the on-board steakhouse for those looking for a classic meal. There’s also traditional French cuisine on offer from Chartreuse, another restaurant on board. There’s buffet-style food available from La Veranda during lunch and breakfast, and then it switches to a more traditional restaurant experience.

    While the Explorer doesn’t have the most robust entertainment selection, it is downright lavish. The extravagant and well-appointed suites are wonderful to spend time in, and it’s amazing to view the paintings onboard. If you’re traveling without children, you’ll likely greatly enjoy this cruise. Children, however, may be a bit bored by the cruise. Cruises on this lavish ship start around $4,300.