Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Did You Give Powder Catskiing A Chance Yet?

Monday, August 30th, 2010

People are always on the lookout for great new ways to keep themselves entertained and whether they are related to mental stimulation or physical activities, it is nice to see that there is such a large variety. In terms of physical entertainment people have a lot of preferences ranging from sailing and racing to more demanding activities such as surfing, paragliding and powder catskiing. Powder catskiing is for those of you that may not know a great alternative to the old and traditional sport. If you are passionate about skiing then it is not possible that you have not at least once thought about not going on a winter skiing vacation because of the large crowds of people you would have found there.

Powder catskiing fixes this issue and numerous others also through its very nature. Because snow cat skiing and all other variations to powder catskiing are considered to be adrenaline sports more than anything else, people tend to stay away from the mountain lodge spa resorts that specialize in snow cat skiing services. Generally those that travel to a mountain lodge spa for a nice powder catskiing vacation don’t go there to practice their skills, they go on these trips to take them to the highest levels. If we are to compare skiing to driving cars, for example, then the traditional form of this sport would be like driving a car down the interstate whilst snow cat skiing would be like racing on a track. It is easy to understand the differences even after watching a small video.

This doesn’t go to say that it is a sport only for those that feel the need to get their heart pumping really hard but for anyone that is interested in finding out how good they really are. Although there are numerous variations to powder catskiing you should know that snow cat skiing is probably the most wide spread out of all of them. The reason why millions of people from all over the world choose snow cat skiing as their vacation activity is that it is really like no other sport available today. When going on a snow cat skiing vacation you will be transported to the top of the mountain or any point you and your group choose in a really short time.

You can forget all about having to hike up the mountain in snow that goes up to your waste, or ride for long periods of time in those truly uncomfortable ski chairs. The vehicles used for this sport are called snow cats and they can easily be compared to tanks in terms of durability and safety. Comfort is also taken into account and you won’t have to suffer from the effects of cold more than you will in your luxurious mountain lodge spa room. Most people would not dare to think it but just because you will be stationed in a remote mountain area for your vacation does not mean you will have to sleep in a small wooden cabin.

Cat Skiing – An Unforgettable Experience

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

Skill and experience are everything that is needed to take your passion for skiing to the next level. Some say that powder catskiing, which basically means riding down an unmarked portion of a mountain, also requires a small dose of insanity but in my own personal opinion courage is everything you will ever need. Cat skiing does require you to purchase a new pair of skis because the snow is much softer and regular skis are way too narrow and would sink right in. If you do not want to spend a few hundred or a few thousand dollars for a new pair of skis then don’t worry because the vast majority of cat ski resorts from all over the world welcome their customers with a wide selection to choose from for the entire period of their stay.

Apart from the great adrenaline rushes you get each time you make your way down the mountain you will also be pleased to experience a sense of complete freedom that lacks completely in regular skiing vacations when you have to ride down slopes filled with complete beginners and kids. Going on a powder catskiing trip means that you are ready to take your passion for this sport into your own hands and be responsible for your experience. The companies that specialize in offering cat skiing services to customers from every corner of the world provide exhaustive safety training meant to get everyone back home. Since the portions of the mountain used by tourists during powder catskiing trips are covered in freshly fallen snow the risks for avalanches are slightly increased so aside from the numerous safety tips, the instructors also hand out specialized safety gear.

If there is one constant variable to all cat skiing trips then it is certainly the fact that they are all memorable. In regards to the price, you do not have to worry about it one bit because the sheer amount of possibilities and resorts available in countries around the world make it impossible for you not to find the absolute perfect destination. Cat skiing uses two main means of transportation to bring tourists to the top of the mountain, or more precisely to the point of departure, and these are helicopters and snowcats.

As you may probably already suspect there is a significant price difference between the two options, but the final price is based on the amount of time you spend using the vehicle and also the level of luxury you demand from the service operator. People might not think it but even though you will go to the most remote regions of Canada for your cat ski trip you can sit as comfortable as you would in a 4 or 5 star hotel. You can of course entrust your entire powder catskiing vacation to a tour operator in return for a fee or you can take matters into your own hands and start planning the cat skiing trip for you and your friends.

How Safe Is Cat Skiing In BC Canada?

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

All reputable cat skiing BC Canada operators are widely renowned for offering high-standard cat skiing experiences. They all provide access by means of snowcat to untouched backcountry terrain so that skiers can enjoy skiing or snowboarding untracked powder snow. Nowadays there are plenty of enticing BC Canada cat skiing holiday offers to choose from, ranging anywhere from daily or weekend escapades organized in a valley community, and all the way to seven day packages in secluded and quiet lodge settings.

While some catskiing BC Canada operators focus on providing top notch lodging and dining, others also offer very affordable packages designed especially for budget conscious customers. As you can see, BC Canada cat skiing services are all about diversity and flexibility, but how safe are they?

Winter sports enthusiasts new to cat skiing are mainly concerned about the safety levels associated with practicing catskiing, and their biggest fears revolve around the increased risks of avalanches. And to a point, their worries are in fact well-grounded. Despite the ongoing efforts sustained by dedicated cat skiing operators to make trips as safe as possible, in truth it is virtually impossible to completely eliminate the element of danger from the equation. There’s always some room left for accidents to occur, but if (or when) these do happen, the crucial thing is that the operator be well prepared to intervene promptly and in a highly professional manner.

As for avalanches, know that they can be forecast, although to a lesser extent than other natural phenomena. In fact, avalanche prediction is more an art than a science, and it takes great skill and experience to come up with accurate and actually useful readings. Just like common activities such as driving your personal car or sailing at sea can involve a certain degree of risk, so there will always be an element of risk attached to cat skiing.

When you are a rookie to cat skiing, it is reasonable to be concerned about these risks, but as soon as you gain more experience and familiarize yourself with the surrounding scenery, you will become much more relaxed and confident about it. And with support from a group of seasoned guides, you will find it much easier to set all worries aside and concentrate instead on your skiing.

Popular, reliable cat skiing BC Canada companies only hire professional guides who have undergone lengthy and comprehensive stages of training. These people are well aware of their responsibilities and they always cater to groups according to skill and hands-on cat skiing experience levels. As guides, their main priority is to ensure safety, and only when this aspect is fully covered they can take care that their groups also have fun.

Although minor accidents do occur occasionally while cat skiing, such events are a natural part of the learning process. However, with a solid catskiing BC Canada company, you can rest assured that such risks will be kept to a minimum. By choosing to practice skiing or snowboarding with a solid Canadian operator that promotes a “safety first” policy, you have the guarantee that the best guides in the branch will cater to you in a highly responsible manner and help you stay away from trouble on the ski slopes.

Cheap luxury holidays to Egypt or Turkey with JustLuxuryTravel.com

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

What are cheap luxury holidays? Elegant resorts in stunning locations, first class service by attentive staff in luxuriously appointed 5* hotels, gourmet cuisine, comfortable and spotlessly clean accommodation, outstanding views from your hotel bedroom window and excellent hotel facilities.

Think golden beaches, clear warm blue sea, colourful marine life, add a gentle breeze and a backdrop of snow capped mountains, and you have pure luxury.

How about a weekend city break in a luxury hotel, take a jacuzzi , sauna, massage or a relaxing swim in the hotel pool, then a walk to the shopping mall, perhaps, do some sightseeing, or visit an art gallery, then back to the hotel or to a quiet cosy restaurant for an intimate meal. This is luxury heaven.

Luxury cruises, perhaps on the Med or around the Caribbean islands, will allow you to really indulge yourself in fabulous, comfortable surroundings, international cuisine, relaxing bars, and evening entertainment, all on your doorstep. With frequent stops en route at major ports of interest and the chance to do a bit of sight-seeing, photography or shopping, you’ll have plenty to chat to your fellow guests over dinner. Cruises are a fantastic way to meet new friends.

Contrary to popular belief, luxury holidays are not expensive. Cheap luxury holidays are holidays where you get to choose your accommodation in the resort of your choice and the hotel amenities you require at a price you can afford. Cheap luxury holidays are not bad or tacky ones!

LUXURY HOLIDAYS TURKEY

Turkey is where Europe meets Asia. Bazaars selling spices, coffee beans, leather goods, cafe bars to stop and rest and take in the local scene. Turquoise sea, Taurus mountains, crystal clear lagoons, mosques, palaces, fortresses, small fishing harbours, nature reserves, wonderful beaches with coves and bays, and a myriad of watersports to enjoy. Turkey is an historic and architectural delight. Enjoy the local cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, have a coffee in a pavement cafe and watch the world go by. Luxury holidays Turkey is a service JuxtLuxuryTravel.com specialise in so be sure to checkout our website for more details.

LUXURY HOLIDAYS EGYPT

With breathtaking temples and monuments, painted tombs, the wonderful Cairo museum, magnificent sunsets over the Nile, these are just a few things that make your visit to Egypt unforgettable. If you want a beach holiday, then the Sinai Peninsula is the place to head for. Seemingly unending palm tree lined beaches of golden sands dipping down into the warm Red Sea, colorful marine fish swimming in and out of the coral reefs. Enjoy the balmy evenings strolling along the promenades and soak up the atmosphere. Pop into the hotels that you pass on the way, and wonder at their opulent interiors, tropical gardens, sit in the lobby and people watch. Egypt is a relaxed country, with so much to do and see and enjoy. Luxury holidays to Egypt are truly something to be enjoyed.

justluxurytravel.com will tailor-make a luxury holiday just for you. Tell us what you’re looking for and we will do the rest.

Canada Heliskiing Makes for an Unforgettable Experience

Saturday, July 17th, 2010

Skiing is a great sport because it offers people a lot of thrills and also because it is not necessarily easy to practice it. The reason why the number of people interested in this sport is growing tremendously each year is that anyone with any level of experience can fully enjoy it without ever becoming bored. For experienced skiers that are no longer interested in riding slopes that are open to the general public and that may not have a high level of difficulty the top choice is Canada heli skiing. This service uses helicopters to bring skiers to the top of the most beautiful mountains in Canada.

The hunt for the highest and most thrilling peaks is the main objective for many people nowadays that get involved with this sport and you can’t get any higher than with a Canada heliskiing service. Going on a heliskiing BC trip means that you can fully access the limits of your skills and reflexes but it also means that you won’t have to avoid beginners anymore. A heliskiing BC trip means that you will go where no one has skied that winter, on a portion of mountain with fresh snow that really takes you to the limit. While it is definitely not for amateurs as it has an increased level of danger over regular slopes, Canada heliskiing makes for a truly unforgettable vacation for anyone who has the courage to try it, and this is why a large number of those that book a Canada heli skiing trip are returning customers. You can also forget about those really uncomfortable ski chairs because on a heliskiing BC trip you will ride in true stile in a latest generation helicopter.

There are virtually no limits to what you can do and where you can go when you are on a Canada heliskiing vacation apart from weather which could raise some restrictions for certain regions of the mountain. Throughout the world there are numerous destinations that are nowadays preferred by people from all countries, but out of all of them heliskiing BC services have stood out not only through the unforgettable sights you will have access to but also through the very high standards in quality. Going on Canada heli skiing trip in the middle of nowhere basically and riding the most beautiful and dangerous at the same time mountain regions in the world does not mean that you can’t enjoy all the comforts you have grown accustomed to.

ACanada heliskiing companies are prepared to take any size groups of tourists so you can take with you as many friends or colleagues as you want and turn your stay into a continuous party. Of course, due to the slightly increased level of danger you will encounter on heliskiing BC trips there are certain rules that have to be respected to the letter. For example, there is safety equipment that each and every skier has to bring with him or her whenever heading for a descent.

Finding a Reliable Car Rental Costa Rica San Jose Service

Saturday, July 17th, 2010

Whenever we find ourselves in a remote city for a holiday we all want to make the most out of our stay. Generally people want to disconnect from their traditional lives in many ways in order to fully enjoy their free time and create beautiful memories. There are however certain things that most of us are not willing to renounce and car rental is definitely one of them. When they find themselves in their own cities, people from all over the world prefer the comfort of a car to the detriment of public transportation because it allows them to have full freedom and not worry about keeping the strict schedules of these operators.

When travelling on holiday to another country this just as important because whichever activity you may decide upon nothing beats the freedom given to you by a car rental Costa Rica San Jose service. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with numerous opportunities for tourists and seeing them all by using public transportation is basically impossible unless you plan on staying a really long time. The best idea is to rent a car Costa Rica and take things into your own hands. Regardless if you decide to opt for a regular car rental Costa Rica San Jose or a car rental Costa Rica airport service, you are sure to find exactly the vehicle you are looking for and for the right money also. The rates available at car rental Costa Rica San Jose agencies are not too different from those you see in other countries.

The conditions to rent a car Costa Rica are also similar to those found in other countries around the world. Those interested in using a car rental Costa Rica airport service have to be of a minimum age and possess a driver’s license. The number one concern for anybody going on vacation is safety and this has to also cover the experience with the car rental San Jose airport service, meaning that you need to pick a company that has reliable and safe vehicles which you can use without any worries. Finding a car rental Costa Rica airport service or a car rental Costa Rica company can be quite easy but you should not settle for just anyone of them and should do some research prior to booking a car for your vacation.

Since the internet is now a great place to find virtually anything you might be looking for, finding the best rent a car Costa Rica opportunity can be done in a short time if you spend a few minutes sifting through the numerous available. Obviously the main priorities are the selection of cars the company welcomes its customers with and the prices. While the prices may not vary a whole lot from one car rental Costa Rica San Jose company to another, the hunt for a specific vehicle may take some time. If you plan to only travel through cities than a smaller city car may be the best option for you.

Start Planning for Your Cat Skiing BC Trip

Sunday, July 11th, 2010

With catskiing becoming one of the main activities for a growing number of people in North America, Europe and many other regions across the globe, everyone is now looking to find the best destinations. Finding great places to practice this regular skiing is really easy because there are so many resorts spread across the world that the only thing that can end up limiting you in any way is your budget. However, when it comes to catskiing there are more factors you need to consider in order to make your vacation truly unforgettable.

The decisive factors include the downhill opportunities of course but also the quality of the services being offered by companies, the vehicles used to take you up the mountain, and more. In all the tops put together by specialized magazines, Canada is rated the first on the list of destinations for people from all over the world, and if you have ever been on a cat skiing Canada trip then you know why. Perhaps the main thing you need to consider when you start planning for your catskiing Canada trip is how much time you and your group intend to stay. This is important because companies are booked for various periods of time and it would be pretty unpleasant if you plan to stay for two weeks but find that lodge is only free for seven days.

The next thing you need to think about is the mode of transportation that will be used to take you and your friends to the start of your adventure. If this is your first cat skiing Canada or cat skiing BC trip then the best choice for your is definitely the snowcat. Highly versatile and reliable, the snowcat can take you wherever you want to go in a really short time, whilst still offering a warm and comfortable ride. Considerably more exciting but also more expensive is heli cat skiing Canada services which use helicopters to take you wherever you feel like is a great spot to start your descend on the fresh, untouched snow. Also named powder cat skiing BC, this sport allows you to make the most out of your snow adventure by riding the freshly fallen snow.

There are really no comparisons in terms of the thrills you get between regular skiing and catskiing Canada. In fact it would be like comparing bike riding on a street with mountain riding. You definitely need skill and this is normal but you also need a certain degree of courage because you will be required to plot your own route without any help aside from a few general directions from the cat skiing BC guides that accompany each group. The prices for cat skiing Canada trips range depending on which type of transportation you plan on using and of course on location. Going on a cat skiing Canada trip does not mean you will have to put up with very low lodging conditions. Instead, you get all the luxuries you would expect from any regular mountain resort.

Heli Skiing BC Canada Opportunities and Destinations

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

Canada is an extremely popular and highly appreciated destination for practicing winter sports, and it stands out as skiing and snowboarding fanatics’ primary choice of location for spending their seasonal holidays. Canada’s ski resorts have built a reputation for being adequately equipped and professionally managed and maintained, and are widely renowned for the staggering beauty of the surrounding scenery. Thanks to the large number of Canadian ski resorts and winter sports operations functioning in the region, nowadays it is so much easier to access more secluded and challenging skiable terrains and slope circuits, especially when you are looking for a memorable heli skiing or cat skiing experience.

Of all Canadian provinces, British Columbia benefits from the greatest concentration of ski resorts in the country, each with its own offer of dedicated services. At present, you can choose from a selection of over 50 competitive ski resorts offering tourists the chance to practice quality downhill skiing. Among other benefits, skiing enthusiasts are attracted to British Columbia thanks to the abundance of snow found here, the perfect consistency of the powder in full season, the magnificent mountain landscapes, as well as the balanced and welcoming climate of the region, which makes heli skiing and all other winter sports a joy and a bliss.

Probably the best thing about British Columbia is the diversity of winter sports options one has the freedom to choose from. If you are looking for relaxation and a more forgiving skiing experience to enjoy with the family, you can opt for a conventional selection of beginner to intermediate level ski slopes. Conversely, if you are in for an adrenaline rush and want to take skiing to the next level, you can choose backcountry skiing, cat skiing or heliskiing destinations capable to satisfy your thirst for adventure. With a reputable, high-standard heli skiing BC Canada company, chances are you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience and have the vacation of your lifetime.

Heli skiing BC Canada is the ultimate experience for the adrenaline junkies looking to get their fix. British Columbia enjoys a huge area of wild terrain perfectly suitable for heliskiing and catskiing, interspersed with many challenging natural obstacles ranging from trees to imposing steeps and chutes, which make the delight of thrill seekers. Apart from the enticing opportunity to practice extreme skiing and boast around your moves to the spectators while tackling difficult terrains, you also get the chance to try out activities like snowshoeing and explore the surroundings by snowmobile.

If you are undecided where to spend your skiing trip in British Columbia, the following is a list with some of the popular regions worth visiting.
The coastal and mountain Vancouver regions, home to the highly appraised Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, are primarily renowned for the beauty of the surrounding scenery and the breathtaking ocean views.
Vancouver Island and Kootenay Rockies are mostly popular for the extensive skiable terrains and mild temperatures all year round, but also for the quality of the powder on the ski courses.
Northern British Columbia welcomes winter sports enthusiasts with a balanced mix between quality skiing options and competitive accommodation conditions, while Thompson Okanagan and Cariboo Chilcotin Coast regions of BC offer the finest selection of family-friendly resorts in North America.

Try Canada for Your Next Heliskiing Trip

Monday, May 31st, 2010

Catskiing is the natural next step for any skier that has accumulated some experience. Skiing is one of those sports that you can never get bored of because once you master a slope or a certain type of terrain you can always take your passion to the next step. Catskiing is definitely not for complete novices and it requires people that are passionate about catskiing to have great reflexes and be able to master their skills when rapidly descending on a slope that has not been ridden yet. For those interested in catskiing there are numerous countries and locations all across the globe where they can go to have the time of their lives. Definitely one of the most sought after destinations for catskiing is Canada.

With a great variety of slopes suitable for everyone from absolute skiing beginners to well experienced catskiing aficionados, Canada also welcomes skiers with numerous opportunities in terms of accommodation and means of reaching the slopes. Perhaps one of the nicest things about catskiing is that you cannot reach these untouched portions of snow by using regular ski chairs or other similar traditional options. Instead, the best two options are snow cats and helicopters. The notoriety of heliskiing is constantly growing and more people become interested in taking a heliskiing trip.

This means that you have to orientate your search towards destinations that are not well known or countries that have a great variety of slopes. Canada offers both these options and it all depends on your expectations and requirements in terms of transportation method, budget, location and so on. Also, you can inquire about the peak season and find out from the operators when would be the best time to arrive for a less crowded experience.

When you put crowded and heliskiing in the same sentence don’t think about hundreds of skiers trying to reach the same slopes at the same time, instead more like a few dozens. In the price for heliskiing packages, companies specializing in this type of service usually include certain services such as transportation from the airport, comfortable lodging, 3 meals per day, access to a helicopter for several hours each day and more. Most people know that there are few experiences that rival taking a ride in a helicopter, but just imagine going heliskiing and taking in some of the best views in the world while on your way to a portion of the mountain that has not yet been touched by skis or boards.

Also, because the number of people from all over the world that become interested in heliskiing is growing each year, you should make reservations early in order to make sure that you won’t be left disappointed. Heliskiing is not one of the cheapest sports you can do, but if it was it wouldn’t be this much fun as there wouldn’t be many fresh slopes left. Depending on the location and the number of members in your group costs can run up to $1000 per day but after you try it once you will know that it is well worth it.

Before You Travel to Beautiful Costa Rica

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

Looking for a tropical beach side cottage to spend your vacation or honeymoon? Online companies offer romantic honeymoon getaways with beaches that stretch for miles, jungle rivers for rafting and kayaking, and spectacular cloud and rain forests with opportunities for bird watching and hiking. Having just returned from Costa Rica myself, I would like to offer some practical advice that you probably won’t find in the guide books.

When we planned our trip, we assumed that most people in Costa Rica would understand English fairly well. At several hotels, the front desk clerks spoke practically no English. The same goes for bus drivers. The staff at the Costa Rica Car Rental agency spoke the best English. They were able to give us directions to Sarchi, known throughout Costa Rica for its intricate arts and crafts. Prepare yourself by learning key phrases such as “Donde est? el banco” (Where is the bank), “Estoy buscando un restaurante” (I am looking for a restaurant), and “Donde est? el cuarto de ba?o” (Where is the bathroom).

The Pan American Highway runs through Costa Rica and is a reliable, well-paved road. However, many side roads in Costa Rica are very bad and full of deep potholes. I guarantee that you have never seen a pothole in your life like the ones in Costa Rica. I recommend that when you rent a car, take out the full coverage (usually an additional $20 per day on top of the regular fee). When you take the side roads, you need to allow more time to reach your destination. In some cases you may be only going 20-25 miles per hour.

Colones are the national currency and are very easy to translate into American dollars. If an item says 5,000 colones, just drop the 3 zeros and multiply the other number by 2. In other words, 5,000 colones is equal to 10 American dollars. If you need to convert other currency into colones, you can do that with an online currency converter.

The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May through December, but don’t let that stop you. Hotels are cheaper and there is less traffic and fewer people in the restaurants. Many times you will find that you are the ONLY people in the restaurant. My husband and I traveled in September, and experienced rain on only a few days of our trip. It would rain heavily for about one hour and then stop completely. We would spend the time indoors having a lovely Costa Rican lunch, and by the time we finished our gallon pinto, the rain was gone.

Bring a good camera and lots of film. Because of the rain, you will see some of the most beautiful exotic plants and over thirteen hundred species of orchids. The size and rumbling of the Poas Volcano will take your breath away. Waterfalls, like those near La Fortuna, are located off of the side roads, so drive slowly and allow more time. Even in the cities, you will want to photograph the brightly colored houses and ornate wrought iron that covers all the windows and patios in beautiful Costa Rica.