Daily Archives for April 14, 2012

Packing For A Skiing Vacation

Destinations - Ross French - April 14, 2012

ski

Guest Post

The first thing you will want to pack when going on a ski vacation to somewhere like St Anton chalets is your clothing.  Pack everything in the order that they go on: underwear first, then sweaters/trousers, not forgetting the fleeces and padded jackets.  Once that is done, the accessories need to go into the suitcase: Goggles, hats, gloves, sunglasses, sunblock and lip balm.  Do not over do it.

For a two-week holiday, two or three of each item will suffice.  Next, it is a good idea to pack the clothes that you will wear when not on the slopes. Forget slinky evening dresses. Warm trousers, long skirts and boots are a great idea. Thick tights and extra socks need to go into the case too.  The next step is to figure out whether the ski equipment you need will be rented or will you take your own?

If you are renting, double-check all the details prior to boarding the plane. Will you be hiring everything, including boots? If you intend to take your own equipment, make sure it all goes in. If travelling a long distance, it may be wise to hire it all. It can be quite reasonably priced and less of a hassle. If you do take it all with you, check what the airline policy is regarding ski equipment. Some airlines like to be notifies beforehand.

Stuff small items such as extra socks, sunscreen and underwear in the ski bag. It will save more room in your suitcase. Take several pairs of thin socks rather than very thick ones.  Thin socks can be layered on and are a great deal more comfortable indie thick, heavy boots. Ski jackets are great to use for storage as they normally come with a lot of pockets. Stuff gloves, goggles, helmet liners, tissues and pre paid lift tickets into the pockets. This saves room and makes the task of finding stuff that is needed on the slopes easier.

A pair of decent walking shoes/boots is a must for a skiing holiday – high heels are a definite no no. In addition, take painkillers as your muscles will be working over time – muscles that may not have been worked so hard in a long time. A swim suit is a good idea as many ski resorts offer relaxing spa baths or swimming pools to unwind in.

Take a good moisturizer too. The sun can get quite hot at high altitudes so protecting the skin, especially the face and lips is a necessity.  To prevent dehydration on the slopes, it is a great idea to pack a water bottle and keep it with you at all times. Fill it up at every opportunity and drink as much water as possible.

It is easy to be carried away with the excitement of it all but being prepared can save a lot of trouble and disappointment. Taking along a favourite snack such as nuts or dried fruit – or some other healthy option will keep energy levels up and you will not be distracted by hunger pangs when on the slopes. These can easily be stored in the pockets of your ski jacket.

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Best things To Do In Bodrum

Destinations, Europe - Ross French - April 14, 2012

Bodrum

Guest Post

BodrumOnce you have landed in Bodrum in Turkey, you may want to hit the beach.  Flights to Turkey, Bodrum can be pretty affordable and well worth the trip. Yes, the beach here is fabulous but full of tourists, so for some of you holiday, you may want to venture into the less known areas of this vibrant town.  There is so much to see here that it would be a great shame to just stay on the golden sands (even though they are some of the best).

Night lovers will adore the Bodrum Bar street.  During the day, it is quaint with small shops selling jewellery and sweets.  However, in the nighttime, the place comes alive with music and various bars – from rock to disco.  The smells of lamb and herbs will not be lost on the discerning customer. The lights here in the evening are splendid and reminiscent of Christmases spent with the family.  The atmosphere, spent between locals and tourists is fabulous, like there is an electricity is hanging in the air.  Who knows what may happen to further the adventure you have started on by landing in this Turkish of cities.    Turkish baths are very popular amongst natives and tourists but do try to have one, the experience is out of this world.  A woman will see to you every need from warming your towel to giving you a wonderful massage.  Much better than staying on the beach 24/7.

For a real adventure, hire a gutlet.  This is an old-fashioned Turkish fishing boat.  They are now adjusted so that more passengers can board but venturing on one of these will allow you to see many places such a blue caves.  Jut to smell the ocean without hundreds of tourists about is worth the effort.  Be aware though that many street companies charge more than if you book with the hotel.

Bodrum castle is well worth a visit.  Built in 1402, it is a true statement of Greek history.  It is a bit wrecked now but take in the atmosphere of the relic and imagine the past. This place was a time of trouble but also of romance. You will learn all about it on the trip. Sanding in the hot sun, feeling dreamy, this place is the perfect one to unwind and to feel that you are really away from home-which is what holidays are all about.

Of course, there are lots of water sports to take part in from snorkelling to diving.  The sea life that can be witnesses here is amazing, so if you are  partial to water, do have a go. I would suggest wearing sea shoes (those deep rubber plimsolls will be fine) as there are many fish not to be trodden on.  Lionfish and several shellfish when trodden on can be poisonous to humans.  Don’t worry too much as the instructors are quite good and will tell you everything about the wildlife in the sea.  Use your common sense when travelling beneath the sea and a wonderful time will be had.

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