Welcome to Vacation Packages Guide
Florida Keys Vacation Packages Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
Ski Vacations, The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
from: Trevor PaetkauColorado, Vermont, Whistler? Ski publications have a grand ol'
time pumping the virtues of one ski destination over another.
Come fall, their pages are full of the glories of "this"
mountain, "that" village and the joys of dumping cash at either.
Of course, it's pretty much all meaningless.
As most skiers will attest, the ski experience is dependant on a
whole raft of factors, destination being only one of them. This
is something a wise vacationer will keep in mind before blithely
submitting a non-negotiable deposit for this year's ski
vacation. What are these factors?:
skier's ability skier's temperament skier's demographic skier's
pocket book
Skier's Ability
All else being equal, a novice skier will be happier at Mont
Tremblant, than Jay Peak. Likewise, SilverStar will treat the
novice better than Whistler and vice-versa. No matter what a
resort's brochure will tell you, every mountain has its own
character and suits a particular ability of skier.
Never rely on the ski press or marketing machines as your
primary source of information ... it's just not in their
interests to tell anybody to not go somewhere. This of course
means work ... there are legitimate online consumer review
sources that pretty much shoot the straight goods.
Skier's Temperament Skier, know thyself.
If you hate crowds stay away from any resort ranked #1 by any
ski-publication. Mont Tremblant during any holiday week is a
prime example ... you won't be able to move, much less turn.
If marketing excess turns you off, stay away from any resort
ranked #1 by any ski-publication. 'Nuff said.
If you're a fashion plate (or enjoy ogling fashion plates) any
resort with direct air connections to a major airport should
suffice. If the opposite applies, it needn't be said ... the
harder a hill is to get to, the fewer people will make the
attempt.
If you've got a tender tush stay away from the east in
mid-winter and stay away from the coastal resorts during the
early season. Horrible weather will apply in either case.
Conversely, spring is warm anywhere, but be aware, it arrives at
different times in different places.
Skier's Demographic This one is easy ... young people ski
at big mountains with busy bars; families ski at mountains with
great kids programs; and empty-nesters ski at mountains with
good restaurants and groomed runs. If you know yourself, you'll
know your mountain. Ignore this advice and you'll feel as
uncomfortable as a fish out of water.
Skier's Pocket Book
The best ski vacation is the one that where your expectations
and pocket book align. Don't go to Beaver Creek if you're on a
hamburger budget; you won't eat. And likewise, don't go to Jay
Peak if you're after anything more than pizza and a family
buffet; your cash will burn a hole in your precious Prada one
piece.
Once the package has been paid for, it's the cost of the extras
we all remember ... and remember, there is a hell of a
difference in the price of a beer between Aspen and Le Massif.
The truth is, a ski-vacation is a great way to spend a week, and
in my opinion wins out over a week on the beach anytime. I also
know, however, that of all the vacations I've had, the good ones
are the ones where everything has been in alignment. It's not
always easy or obvious but a bit of self-awareness, research and
ability to ignore the ski-industry's marketing magic should put
most vacationers in the right ball-bark (or ski-hill as the case
may be).
About the author:
In addition to his lifelong interest in the outdoors recreation
community, Trevor Paetkau is the proprietor of Moraine Adventure
Books, an independent source of
and Outdoor
Recreation books and resources.
Florida Keys Vacation Packages News
Vacation Rental Fraud Inquiry in Florida Keys - LoanSafe
Vacation Rental Fraud Inquiry in Florida Keys LoanSafe Photo: REUTERS/Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau After two victims contacted the Monroe County Sheriff's Office with complaints about possible vacation rental fraud involving a Key Largo home, Deputy Becky Herrin says the agency is asking anyone who ... |
A Fantasy Vacation: Fishing in Florida Keys - Set Piece Analysts
A Fantasy Vacation: Fishing in Florida Keys Set Piece Analysts If dreaming about fishing in florida keys is something you have been doing lately, now is the time to plan your vacation. You do not have to just dream it, you can live it. Bayandreef.com is the site to go to when you are planning your trip. |
Aruba offers all Patriots players an all-expenses paid vacation - Yahoo! Sports (blog)
 Yahoo! Sports (blog) | Aruba offers all Patriots players an all-expenses paid vacation Yahoo! Sports (blog) William • Orlando, Florida • 14 hours ago Hey Aruba, why are you catering to the people that have the money already to visit your island. I lost my keys the other day, can I get the same offer??? Jeff W • Alexandria, Louisiana • 12 hours ago Like they ... |
Keys for successful family, friends' reunions - Sun-Sentinel
 Sun-Sentinel | Keys for successful family, friends' reunions Sun-Sentinel Check each resort's website for best rates at the time you wish to visit and always check if there are specials or packages available. Key West -- The Last of the Florida Keys has multiple attractions for all ages including the Key West Aquarium; ... |
Presidential Descendants to Recall First Ladies Feb. 25 in Key West - Newman PR
 Newman PR | Presidential Descendants to Recall First Ladies Feb. 25 in Key West Newman PR KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Descendants of three former United States presidents are to share memories and insights about their “first lady” forebears during a presentation at Key West's Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida's only presidential ... |
Journey all the fun on best scenic drives - Local 10
Journey all the fun on best scenic drives Local 10 If you like being surrounded by water by don't want to be on a boat, try the Florida Keys Scenic Highway. The 126-mile drive to Key West runs over turquoise waters and 43 bridges. Along the way, stop and enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants. |
Keys start work to redo the islands' evacuation plan - KeysNet
Keys start work to redo the islands' evacuation plan KeysNet By RYAN McCARTHY State and Monroe County officials have begun hurricane-evacuation workshops that will affect land development in the Keys for years to come. As county Growth Management Director Christine Hurley pointed out at the first meeting, ... |