Escape the Crowds in Western Canadaâ??s Local Ski Resorts

Make this year’s winter ski vacation one to remember by getting away to a hidden gem of Western Canada. While the crowds flock to big-brand resorts, you’ll be waist-deep in North America’s best powder with no lines to get in your way of making fresh tracks.

Canada ski vacations have it all: snowy landscapes of mountains, valleys, and glacial lakes; deepest and most consistent snow; internationally known parties and resortsâ?¦ and the crowds who love them.

So, for a line-free ski vacation this winter, consider one of Western Canadaâ??s lesser known gems. They may not have Whistlerâ??s glitz and glamour, but locals in the know find the best powder here. FernieWhere is it? In the Canadian Rockies, a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and an hour and 15 minutes from Cranbrook, BC (served by Time Air and Air BC). The town of Fernie is five minutes away. Why you should go: This world-class ski area is known among locals as the powder capital of the Rockies â?? the snow is excellent. In addition, the ski area has recently been redeveloped to offer more accommodation (including ski-in/ski-out) and vast new terrain. It features a vertical drop of 2811 ft/857 m, 2500 acres of skiiable terrain on 106 trails, and 348 inches of snow a year. Sun PeaksWhere is it? In BCâ??s interior, 4.5 hours from Vancouver along the scenic Coquihalla Highway, and 45 minutes from Kamloops. Why you should go: Sun Peaks is friendly and fun, with great snow, blue skies, and lots of trails. It features a vertical drop of 2891 ft/881 m, 3678 acres of skiing terrain on 117 runs, with 220 inches of snow a year.Kicking HorseWhere is it?Above the town of Golden in the Canadian Rockies, 3.5 hours west of Calgary (a scenic drive through Banff and Yoho national Parks). Why you should go: Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the Rockiesâ?? newest alpine resort and already gaining notoriety as offering â??the champagne of powders,â? the lightest and driest snowâ? , as well as the second longest ski-out in Canada. It features a vertical drop of 4133 ft/1260 m, 2600 acres of skiing terrain over 78 trails, with 275 inches of snowfall a year. Red MountainWhere is it? In southern BC just outside of Rossland, 2.5 hours from Spokane, Washington, or 7.5 hours from Vancouver or Calgary. Why you should go:Known for its powder and terrain over two mountains â?? Red and Granite â?? Red Mountain Resort appeals to skiers and boarders alike, and particularly those looking for a thrill. It features a vertical drop of 2909 ft/887 m, 1686 acres of terrain on over 87 runs, and 300 inches of snowfall a year.Panorama Mountain Village ResortWhere is it? Located on the western slopes of the Canadian Rockies, Panorama is a 3.5 hour drive from Calgary International Airport and 2 hours south-west of Banff.Why you should go: Panorama has its relatively remote location in the Purcell Mountains to thank for the lack of crowds plaguing other resorts in the Rockies. It features a vertical drop of 4000 ft/1220 m (the highest in the Canadian Rockies), 119 trails and 187 inches of snow a year.

Whether youâ??re taking to the slopes for the first time, or looking for an expert thrill, these mountains have it all. Fewer crowds mean more time on the mountains, so get outside this winter with these unknown gems.

Avoiding The Worst Costa Rica Tourist Traps

Like all thriving tourist economies, Costa Rica’s tourism industry has its share of shady operators.  While they are far outnumbered by the honest and friendly tour operators and Ticos, you don’t want an encounter with one of them to spoil what could otherwise be the best vacation of your life.  We’ve collected just a few tips to help you negotiate your way around some of Costa Rica’s more notorious tourist traps:

Having  a travel agent book your trip to Costa Rica may not be necessary and could end up costing you more than you need to pay, because some travel agents tack on as much as $50 per night to the cost of you hotel in Costa Rica.   Spending a few hours to confirm your hotel reservations online could pay off with enough savings to let you extend your stay.

While you’re making your hotel arrangements, be sure to check on the distance from each hotel to the major tourist attractions.   The closer they are, the less you’ll have to spend in cab or bus fare. 

If you’ve decided to rent a car and drive yourself to the sights of Costa Rica, be aware that the metropolitan police have a habit of appearing out of nowhere to nail drivers on traffic violations.  What most tourists don’t know is that if they are tickets, they can pay the tickets at any Bank of Costa Rica and should never hand money over to a policeman who says that for a fee he will take care of the ticket himself.

But why risk any encounter with the local law enforcement if you don’t need to?  Taxi and bus service extremely easy to find in Costa Rica, and  it will remove any chance of your winding up with your rental car stuck in a muddy ditch on some one-lane mountain road with the nearest help hours way.  Simply include carfare in you’re your travel budget, and keep some extra cash hidden in your sock or other safe place for a cab should an emergency arise.

If you’re tempted to spend money on the Canopy or Sky Bridge Tours of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, stop and think.  It’s called a cloud forest for a reason, and if the clouds are present during your visit, the chances are that you won’t see much in the way of forest wildlife.  Even if you arrive at the Cloud Forest on a clear day, you shouldn’t attempt the tours unless you have a streak of daredevil.

The Sky Bridge will have you walking on a bridge high enough to clear the forest canopy, and the Canopy Tours will have you riding a ski-lift type of car attached to the forest trees. While both may provide tremendous views on the wildlife, neither is meant for people who suffer from vertigo. 

One rather disturbing facet of traveling to the remote areas of Costa Rica is that the public restrooms lack not only toilet paper, but toilet seats!  If you know you have an adventure in the Cost Rican wilds scheduled, make use of the restroom at your hotel or restaurant before you start, and bring along your own toilet paper to be on the safe side.

Remember to book your Costa Rica vacation at http://www.myroadtotravel.com

Travel To Eastern Europe: See Life Bursting At The Seams

Eastern Europe today is an understated treasure-trove of sites, sounds and history. The exuberance for life in the post-Communist era has found expression in a proliferation of music and arts festivals, celebrations of national identity and history, and an eagerly welcoming attitude toward foreigners. Travel in Eastern Europe is a rewarding journey for those seeking insight into the most significant moments in recent history. It is also the perfect place to leave your cares behind and immerse yourself in the magical terrain and genuine hospitality of a region slowly opening its doors to the global community.
Travel Through Time in Eastern Europe
Throughout history, Eastern Europe has been continuously molded by the hands of great clashing powers. Travel through this region will reveal monumental reminders of the Holy Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire’s struggle to retain the land, and the once expansive Austro-Hungarian Habsburg rule. Imperial palaces and exquisite national museums adorn the entire region. A journey along the Danube between Budapest and the Black Sea exposes the most heavily utilized route of human migration and invasion into Europe from the Celts and Greeks to the Mongols and Turks. The Danube is also where a fascinating fusion of cultures has occurred. Christianity and Islam met along these banks and the lifestyle of the Orient was introduced to Europeans.
During the 20th century, Eastern Europe was devastated by the Holocaust and World War II. Many of the countries were used as staging grounds for the great powers, which continued through the Cold War era. Today, visitors have the privilege of touring many of these testaments to history, including battle grounds, internment camps and abandoned Soviet bunkers.
Anyone’s Adventure
Eastern Europe boasts some of the fastest growing cities and the most energetic nightlife on the European continent. Prague, Vienna and Belgrade are a fascinating blend of unchanging history and Eastern Europe’s addiction to hyper-modernism. Additionally, winter ski resorts abound, particularly in the north and near the Balkan Peninsula, and there is no shortage of summer arts festivals; most notable are the film festivals in Vienna and Warsaw.
Travel to Eastern Europe and take part in the progressing celebration of life and nationalism in a way only post-Communist countries know how. Avoid the overwhelming crowds of its western neighbors and discover the sweet satisfying secret of traveling through this historic wonderland!

Golden Triangle of India

The ‘golden triangle’ of India when strikes our mind, we starts our own speculations regarding this aspect that may or may not be the reality. The triangle is usually a mathematical figure consisting of three points joint by line segments. In this texture, we are consulting with practical golden triangle of India leaving the theoretical one aside. Agra- the loveliest spot; Delhi- the fun and food place and Jaipur the pink city forms the famous golden triangle of India covering the smaller area with greater diversity. This golden triangle in India refers to the countries most visited cities- Agra, Delhi and Jaipur. These cities are situated in the north west of India. On the Indian geographical map, these three cities form a roughly equilateral triangle, approximately 200-250km next to each side. This triangle has been named-golden for its amazing wealth of cultural and historical monuments positioned in each of the three places.Golden triangle India tour gives a golden opportunity to the observers to gather an intensive unforgettable feeling in their hearts through close observation with keen experimentation. Naturally, every time imagination does not works but sometimes manual transient journey helps a lot to develop a bond to join the nature and mankind. These three places have been given the name golden triangle of India for their miraculous fantasy had unavoidable importance. They had carved golden incidence in the Indian history covering past period, medieval era and contemporary era. Examples can be taken from “Taj Mahal of Agra”-the symbol of love, India gate of Delhi and the evergreen palaces of Jaipur. Destination to India is a simplified combination of beauty and transparency. Globalization has given cascades of opportunities to the whole world to explore India in an indefinite but systematic manner. With the help of India golden triangle tours facilities, you may conveniently find transportation from Delhi via Agra via Jaipur encompasses the most suggestive feature of an incredible Indian holiday. Indian railways offer eight comfortable classes of travel, from unreserved wooden benches to one tier air conditioned berths which consist of bedding and meals. So, if you are preparing for golden triangle India tour for the very first time, there is no better option from these three places – Covering Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. This tourism triangle is the most well-liked tourist route in India. This golden triangle of India is a standard introduction to this country: if you have never been to the subcontinent before, start here.

Italy Cycling Holiday, Free Style!

The last frontier of the tourism is the discovery of the nature, of its landscapes, its colours, its inhabitants and their traditions.

More and more tourist operators head at the natural beauties of the territory and at the harmony that a slow holiday can offer. Sustainable tourism, eco-tourism and green tourism are new holidays market keywords.

Today we talk about a new way to travel and destinations to discover: cycle tourism. The tourism on bicycle is an increasing tendency, addressed both to the professionals of the two wheels and to the cycle amateurs, who want to spend their holiday far from the mass tourism places, from the noises and the pollution. The background of bicycle holidays is nearly always a natural park, a country side, roads and paths far from the traffic of the city.

The sound track are natural sounds, songs of the birds, noises of the forest.

In order to live extraordinary emotions and to satisfy curiosity you do not need to dream exotic and far countries, Europe is a coffer of treasures, Italy offers sea, mounts, art, history, culture and cuisine tradition, Riccione, in Emilia Romagna, on the Adriatic Coast, offers everything and much more.

The historical hospitality of these places, devoted to the hotellerie since the boom of the 60’s, is always careful to the new tourism market trends and always ready to satisfy the new requirements of its visitors. In order to give impulse to its country side and its natural reserves, Riccione has married the new formula of the cycle tourism: holidays designed around bicycle.

There are routes adapted both to the challenges of the elite runners and the amateurs. 14 hotels of Riccione are equipped to answer to every requirement: bicycle rent service, sportswear laundry, warehouse, mechanical and medical assistance, cycle route maps and special guides, sport menus. An holiday by bicycle is a good idea for all the family: you can organize easy daily excursions, with pic-nic and children in the baby-seats available for free.

Along the Road of wines and savours, you can find small farms and producers of wines, typical oils, jams, honey and typical products. You can stop and taste in order to discover the rural and gastronomic traditions of this land, rich of history and culture. Before reserving a standard travel offer, think how much special could be to move slowly in charming landscapes, cuddled by nature.

The Influence of Mariachi on Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

Mariachi music, quite obviously the heart and soul of Mexico to anyone that has traveled south of the border, frequently permeates the Puerto Vallarta evening air. Mariachis can be heard serenading women at weddings, special occasions such as quinceaneras (girls’ fifteenth birthday celebrations) and baptisms, Mother’s Day fiestas, and at private parties. The mariachis are also often seen and heard in many of the restaurants and cantinas and can be found roving along the beachfront malecon and throughout public parks.

The mariachis that perform at parties and special occasions are generally paid by the hour, whereas those practicing their trade in public areas, restaurants, and cantinas usually request a given amount of pesos per song. Other mariachis acting as street musicians or buskers simply play their beautiful music for the public enjoyment and appreciate the tips they receive.

We all recognize the unique sound of mariachi music when we hear it, however few of us truly appreciate what differentiates mariachi from other music. In order to be classified as mariachi, the group must include a guitarron (a small acoustic base) and a yihuela (a high-pitched five string guitar) along with a Mexican guitar, three or more violins, and one or more trumpets. Normally, at least one of the musicians will also sing. The appearance of the mariachis is also quite unique in that they commonly wear silver studded charro outfits with bow ties and wide-brimmed sombreros.

What is not so obvious and well known is the derivation of the word mariachi and the birthplace of mariachi. Although there are differing opinions regarding the origin of the word mariachi, many believe it was derived from the French word “mariage” meaning wedding or marriage. There is no doubt that mariachi originated in the small city of Cocula, Jalisco, which is located in a farming valley approximately 100 miles east of Puerto Vallarta. Cocula, known as “the cradle of mariachi”, has a population of less than 30,000 inhabitants with its roots from Franciscan monks who persuaded the indigenous inhabitants of the surrounding areas to relocate to the valley soon after the Spanish Conquest around 1530AD. Their unique form of music was first documented around 1880 and has grown in popularity ever since. In fact, mariachi music became the symbol of the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920 because it represented the national spirit of the indigenous Mexican blood. It really wasn’t until after 1930 that this distinctive form of music was even recognized outside the state of Jalisco. Of course, today the sights and sounds of mariachi are worldwide and well known by almost everyone.

Next, because numerous mariachi troupes were performing throughout the state of Jalisco and the music was ideal for dancing, their admirers started the zapateado; the traditional mariachi dance technique which originated in Spain. It became so popular that one of its varieties, the Mexican Hat Dance from Guadalajara (the capital of Jalisco and the second largest city in Mexico), soon became the national dance of Mexico. The female dancers with their beautiful costumes provide a memorable sight as they strike the floor with the heels of their shoes and flare their brightly colored dresses of intricate patterns and designs while dancing around a sombrero.

Now that we know that mariachi, the symbol of the Mexican Revolution, originated in the state of Jalisco, and that the national dance of Mexico, the Mexican Hat Dance, is also from Jalisco, we ask how these facts influence life in Vallarta today. Well, aside from the perfect winter climate from November through May and the incredible scenery of the Sierra Madres and the Pacific Ocean, a visitor to the region might not even realize he’s in Mexico with all the taxi cabs, “big box” stores, air conditioned shopping malls, multi-level parking garages, stadiums, airport, bus and maritime terminals, golf courses, hospitals, university, convention center, and other large and modern facilities that you would expect in a city of 350,000 residents. Therefore, in order to obtain that unmistakable feeling of being in Mexico while visiting Vallarta, one should take in some mariachi music and a hat dance (not to be confused with a lap dance!). Only then will the sensation of being in Mexico be fully appreciated; only then will the true flavor of Mexico be savored. The sights and sounds associated with mariachi are uniquely Mexican as they exemplify the centuries old cultural mix of Latin America and Europe.

In summarizing; picture this: you’re with your wife or girlfriend enjoying an evening dinner at one of the fine beachfront restaurants with an ocean view and mountain backdrop. The temperature is perfect, there’s a gentle evening breeze, tropical flowers are on the table, and you’re sipping a frozen margarita or cerveza while listening to mariachis and watching the sunset in Paradise. It just doesn’t get much more romantic than that! Mexicans are known to be very romantic by nature, and influenced by mariachi, it’s no wonder that Puerto Vallarta is known as one of the most romantic resort destinations in the world. What better place to retire, than amongst the romantic sights and sounds of mariachis?

Jim Scherrer has owned property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 25 years and resided there for the past eleven years. The mission of his series of 43 articles pertaining to retirement in Puerto Vallarta is to reveal the recent changes that have occurred in Vallarta while dispelling the misconceptions about living conditions in Mexico. For the full series of articles regarding travel to and retirement in Vallarta as well as pertinent Puerto Vallarta links, please visit us at Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Buyers‘ Agents and click on ARTICLES.

Renting a Car? Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

If you’re traveling by plane in the coming months, chances are you’ll be renting a car when you land. Driving an unfamiliar vehicle in an unfamiliar city can be stressful. But with a little foresight, you can be prepared and relaxed.
Before You Go
Your safety preparations should begin when making your rental reservations. While you want to get a good deal, you also want a good car. Web sites such as that operated by Consumer Reports can provide information on car safety ratings. Your insurance company may also have safety statistics on various makes and models, says Jeff Beyer, senior vice president and chief communications officer of Farmers Insurance.
Rent a car that is suited to your needs. If you are traveling with a family of four and lots of luggage, a compact car may not have enough room. Also, make any special requests when you arrange your reservation. For example, if you know you will need a child’s car seat for your two-year-old, be sure to reserve one early — don’t expect one to be available on the spur of the moment when you arrive to pick up your car.
You’ll also want to check with your insurance company to find out how your coverage works for rented cars, says Beyer. Find out if your insurance will cover service calls on rental cars, and ask your agent if you will need to buy any supplemental insurance from the car rental company. By doing a little research before you leave on your trip, you may be able to save money by not purchasing unnecessary and overly expensive insurance through the car rental company, he adds. Some credit cards also provide supplementary insurance if you use them to pay for the car rental. Check with your credit card company for specifics.
When You Pick Up Your Car
Check the contract to make sure you’re getting the rate and the car you were promised when you made the reservation. Ask the agent what to do if the car breaks down. If you’re not sure how to get to your destination, request a map and driving directions from the agent.
Once at the car, do a quick check for any damage; if you spot anything significant, call it to the attention of the rental company before you take the car off the lot, so you won’t be penalized for damage you didn’t cause.
Before You Leave the Lot
Familiarize yourself with the car: be sure you know how to work the headlights, turn signals and interior lights. Check the windshield wipers to make sure they work and that there is washer fluid; you don’t want to get caught in rain or snow with bad wipers.
Adjust the seat and mirrors. Check the seatbelts; is there one for every passenger? Are they easy to latch and unlatch? If you like to listen to the radio as you drive, tune in a local station that meets your tastes before you hit the road.
Enjoy Your Visit
Because rental cars are attractive targets for thieves, remove all valuables from the car when it is parked, if possible. If you have to leave your luggage or other property in the car, lock it in the trunk, out of sight.
By planning ahead and taking a few easy precautions, renting a car will be easy. Now if you can just fit all those gifts into your luggage for the return trip home.

Great European Skiing Destinations

When it comes to skiing and winter sports, Europe has more than its fair share of amazing resorts.  From the greatly priced, to the more than reasonable, Europe has it all, and has so much to offer any skier.  If you’ve never been to Europe on a skiing holiday, or if you’re looking to expand your experience, you’ll find something that catches your eye without too much research, and you might just end up joining the legions of skiing fans that wouldn’t go anywhere else in the world for their vacation.On mainland Europe, you have such a varied selection.  From the world famous French skiing resorts to Austria, Switzerland and the tiny principality of Andorra, you’ve got such a wide range of skiing to choose from.  France is known the world over as the true home of skiing, and the French really know how to do a quality vacation.  With naturally amazing resources, and scenery that can take your breath away, France is an ideal location for a skiing trip.  Why not try the Courchevel resort, which has four different ski resorts within one, providing the perfect blend of quality and affordability in a skiing trip.  From the grossly overpriced 1850 resort, the playground of Europe’s film stars and playboys, to the seemingly remote 1350 at the bottom of the hill, you have so much to choose from in Europe’s finest skiing country.  With the kids or with your friends, France is truly a destination that will make for a memorable skiing vacation.Or how about some of the Italian resorts?  Italy, famous for being the cheaper way to ski, also benefits from a diverse range of resorts, like the tiny Alba resort, as well as some larger, more sizeable areas to ski.  Famous for passion and a depth of culture, Italy is the ideal place to take a skiing break in Europe, and the weather’s good too!  Or how about Italy’s neighbor, Croatia?  A rising European nation, you’ll find a Croatian holiday outrageously good value for money, not to mention top quality.  From the international standard ski resorts to their world class restaurants, Croatia is certainly a country on the up, and its skiing facilities can only improve as more and more tourists flock to their slopes each year.  Additionally, Bulgaria is an excellent skiing destination to take the kids.  With open arms, you will be welcomed by the Bulgarian people, who are more than eager to tell you about their rich and deep past, and welcome you as part of their future.  In these expanding and developing European nations, you will come to appreciate the value of tourism, and the quality of treatment and service they are prepared to offer for your investment.How about Austria for your skiing trip?  When we think of skiing, we often imagine the Alpine ideal, with breathtaking scenery and fresh, clean air.  Well, it simply doesn’t come much better than Austria, and if you’re looking for a skiing destination that has it all, why not try Austria for that touch of class with your skiing.  Or why not pop over to Switzerland for their Alps experience?  Skiing the alps in the home of chocolate and cuckoo clocks, you will be amazed at how picturesque this modern nation has managed to be, whilst still becoming a world leader in financial industry.Skiing in Europe is the ideal way to spend your vacation.  If you love skiing, you are guaranteed to find a great resort somewhere, within your budget that meets your needs, and caters for your ability.  With most resorts also boasting strong training academies, you can also work to improve your skills while you are there, ensuring that your skiing trip is both useful and memorable.  Whatever you are looking for, choose Europe as your number one skiing destination, for that perfect blend of quality, tradition and culture, and for a holiday that is truly breathtaking.