Winter and summer travel » Holiday travel

Stay in Aspen for 50% Off During the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival

admin — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 21:41:01 +0000

June is the perfect month to enjoy the Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS). Especially since the St. Regis Aspen Resort is offering a promotion: stay one night and the next night is 50% off! A quick 20 minute jaunt from the St. Regis Aspen Resort takes you to JAS , where you’ll enjoy the talents of Jamie Cullum, Chris Botti, Al Jarreau and, our favorite, Smokey Robinson.

There is no better time to enjoy Aspen than the third week of June. This year marks the 18th annual not for profit Jazz Aspen Snowmass (JAS) running from June 18 – 27, 2009. This year, the JAS June Festival is featuring world-class jazz musicians such as Grammy nominated Jamie Cullum, world’s top selling instrumental artist Chirs Botti, five-time Grammy winner Al Jarreau and America’s “greatest living poet”, Smokey Robinson.

And, the festival gets even better. This year, JAS has teamed up with the world famous Food & Wine Classic in Aspen to create a Night & Day Pass. This includes a 3- Day Food & Wine Classic Pass as well as a 3 Night JAS Gold Patron Pass.

Jazz, Food, Wine and Smokey Robinson? In our opinion, there’s only one way this festival could get better – if one of the best hotels in Colorado just happened to be running a promotion.

Thankfully, we’re in luck. The St. Regis Aspen is offering a special promotion: stay one night and the next night is 50% off with a minimum four night stay.

Surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains, this eco-friendly resort delivers a benchmark of personalized service and unending attention to detail and guests can expect nothing less than a remarkable experience, perfect for enjoying JAS!

Arrive Sunday through Wednesday for a four night minimum stay through September 30, 2009 to take advantage of the promotion.

Due to the exceptional nature of this offer, rates are pre-paid and non-refundable. 50% is taken off the best available non-restricted rate.

source to this post: Stay in Aspen for 50% Off During the Jazz Aspen Snowmass Festival
From the Winter and summer travel website

5 Exceptionally Odd New Mexico Attractions

admin — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:31:01 +0000

Join us as we journey to New Mexico, to bring your more tales of the off-beat and bizarre from across the U.S.A. Spend a week or two in New Mexico yourself and you’ll quickly understand why its earned the name, The Land Of Enchantment.

1. The Black Hole: Atomic Surplus Store & Museum: Los Alamos New Mexico

Put on your best radioactive suit, and head into the The Black Hole, a 17,000 square foot store and museum brandishing some of the great relics from Los Alamos’ radioactive past.

Need a new fallout Shelter? You’ll find it here. Need a Geiger counter? You’ve come to the right place. Need a kilo of Uranium? Come on in (we’re kidding on that one).

Since 1970, store owner and former nuclear machinist “Atomic” Ed Grothus has been collecting and dealing non radioactive nuclear waste to the masses. His efforts to preserve Los Alamos’ nuclear history have been so profound in fact, that his story was made into an award winning documentary in 2002.

2. Smokey The Bear Grave and Museum: Capitan, New Mexico

Once just an average bear, Smokey likely never envisioned becoming a national advertising icon. After being rescued from a forest fire in the mid 1950’s, Smokey took off to Washington, giving 20 years of service to the United States Forest Service before his death in 1976.

Today you can pay your respects to Smokey in his final resting place, a simple grave-site lying in the small town of Capitan, New Mexico.

If the emotion of it all leaves you feeling famished, stop in the Smokey Bear Restaurant, and order up a famous Smokey The Bear Burger (we checked, and the meat contains no parts of Smokey or any other bear). Just be sure to smother it in plenty of ketchup because; only you can prevent bland burgers.

3. Lightning Field – Quemado, New Mexico

Take 400 stainless steal polls, arrange them in a one mile grid, wait for lightning to strike, and zap, you’ve got mother nature’s answer to the laser show.

For $250, you can spend an electric night in a 3-Bedroom cabin, watching lightning violently batter into the metal rods before it. You better hope there’s a storm in the forecast though, as there’s no money back guarantee if lightning fails to strike.

4. Roswell New Mexico

It wouldn’t be a trip to New Mexico, without experiencing the extra terrestrial. Roswell’s downtown strip features no less than a dozen otherworldly attractions. Even the local Walmart and Arby’s have signs exclaiming, “Aliens Welcome”

For a close encounter of your own, head to the International UFO and Research Centre and learn the mysteries behind alien encounters, crop circles, and the infamous UFO crash of 1947.

Next, point your tractor beam at the Area 51 museum and pose for pictures with E.T in the over 20 handmade alien scenes. For the truly ambitious, there’s even alien autopsy to perform. Bring your gloves, it could get messy.

5. Sparky’s Burgers, BBQ and Espresso: Hatch, New Mexico

Only in America could a restaurant serve up the odd combination of burgers, BBQ and espresso and pull it off with such flawless perfection. Drop in for a meal at Sparky’s and be blown away by how beautifully a fresh ground java cuts through the barbecued goodness of a pulled pork sandwhich.

Besides the unlikely coupling of cuisines, you’ll also find enough kitschy decor to fill a museum. A giant Uncle Sam, a 10 foot tall A&W momma, and an army of scrap metal robots are just some of the many off-beat marvels eagerly awaiting your visit.

- Sam

source to this post: 5 Exceptionally Odd New Mexico Attractions
From the Winter and summer travel website

Spanish Golf Perks Up The Holiday Industry

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:40:01 +0000

As a pastime or sporting activity, golf, played on any fine course, certainly satisfies one’s need for embracing the great outdoors. The satisfaction quotient is definitely higher when you combine golf with a vacation. This is where Spain steps up admirably. The country offers holidaymakers myriad opportunities for enjoying the game and some sun, sand and surf.

One region known for great golf getaways is the “Coast of the Sun,” Costa del Sol. Located in the south of Spain, it is in the autonomous community of Andalucia. The area encompasses coastal towns and communities along the Mediterranean coast of Malaga province. The city of Malaga is in this popular tourist region.

The region is home to approximately 60 lush golf resorts from Sotogrande in the west to Velez Malaga in the east. Combined, these golf destinations contribute significantly to Spain’s tourist economy.

The lure for golfers in Costa del Sol is the dry, sunny weather conducive to pleasurable playing. Golfing in Costa del Sol in the winter is the perfect antidote to the grey, cold climates of northern Europe, and competes for gofers in the winter months with Lanzarote

With golf’s popularity growing significantly in the past 20 years, the influx of tourist euros grows too. Golf vacation providers work hard to attract clientele their way. For golfers, some providers offer personalized green fee booking at some of the finest courses in Costa del Sol and other regions. Competition for holidaymakers’ euros is intense, so bargains await those looking to golf in the region.

Preferred bookings at discount prices signify the high demand for tee times in these exotic locales. Often, golfers can obtain special rates if they book golf course times in conjunction with accommodations or other services. Vacation golf packages abound on the Internet offering packages to golf in Antequera, Benalmadena, Marbella’s Golden Mile and more.

The effect on Spain’s economy in general and Cost del Sol’s in particular is easily measurable. The golf courses and resorts benefit, but so do other sectors of the economy. The golf courses bring increased business to accommodation providers, restaurants, cafés, clubs and transportation providers in Costa del Sol and its environs. Recognizing the importance of golf tourism, Spain has the welcome mat out to ensure golfers come in hordes.

Tourists descend on the Malaga airport, a bustling hub of activity, and major employment provider. Taxis and public transportation also benefit from the diverse holidaymakers who make their way to this vibrant resort region. With golfers galore arriving in Costa del Sol, attractions such as the Benalmadena Aerial Cable Car benefit. The Picasso Museum in Malaga and the shops along the street of San Miguel in Torremolinos also benefit.

Many of the golf courses have stunning views of the sea and mountains. In addition, the variety of courses available to play offers much choice to golfers. The areas golf courses are suitable for players of all levels.

East of Malaga are courses such as the Baviera Golf Club and the Anoreta Golf Club. The Guadalhorce, Lauro, Malaga Parador and El Candado golf clubs are available in Malaga for golf enthusiasts. There’s also the Torrequebrada Golf Club in Benalmadena Costa and the Alhaurin Golf facility between Mijas and Coin.

In Sotogrande, there’s the La Reserva de Sotogrande course. The La Duquesa Golf and Country Club sits between Sotogrande and Estepona. In addition, the Atalaya Golf and Country Club is in Estepona, as is the El Paraiso Golf Club. These golf options are a small sampling of the host of courses available in the region.

The province of Malaga has the most extensive network of hotels in Spain. The area offers other activities for golfers to engage in when away from the links. Water sports are popular and 11 marinas exist on the Costa del Sol. A pulsating nightlife, top-notch restaurants and stylish boutiques and shops contribute to the ambience of the region.

The Costa del Sol golfing continues to refresh tourists and the Spanish economy. The sport provides enjoyment and employment throughout the region. With inviting and challenging golf courses and more, Spain’s Costa del Sol is scoring a hole-in-one with tourists.

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From the Winter and summer travel website

Tips When You Book Your Ski Holiday In 2010

admin — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 17:00:01 +0000

When you are booking your ski holiday for 2010, you need to keep several tips in mind. Most of us who are traveling today are doing so on a budget. However, you do not have to allow the fact that you wish to travel in an economic way to deter you from enjoying a ski holiday. There are many ways that you can enjoy a ski holiday that is both enjoyable as well as economical.

One tip that you need to consider when you are booking your ski holiday in 2010 is to look for an all inclusive package. When you purchase a ski holiday package that not only includes the accommodations for you and your family, but also lift tickets as well as any rentals, you can usually save money. If possible, you should look for packages that also include breakfast or another meal.

Air fare is another consideration when you are booking your ski holiday. You should look for air fare rates as soon as possible so that you can get the best deal. Work with an online agent that will help you discover the best air rates to your destination. Right now is the ideal time to book as the air fare rates are lower than ever. If you wait until the last minute to book your air fare, you will usually end up paying more money than if you plan ahead.

Take a look around at the different packages that are on the market. The tourism industry in the UK as well as in other parts of the world is down. Many ski resorts are offering discounted packages for those who are willing to book their trip in advance. By booking early, you can often save money.

One tip that you cannot afford to overlook when you are booking your ski holiday is ski equipment purchase. If you look for sales of ski equipment online, then you have a better chance of finding a bargain. If you wait until you reach your destination to decide to make a purchase of ski equipment or apparel, chances are that you will pay top price for the items. If you ski often, you can save money by purchasing the items that you need and taking them along with you during your ski holiday.

Another tip that you will want to take into consideration when you are planning your ski holiday is where you wish to visit. There is quite a bit of competition this year for travelers. This has forced down some of the prices of resorts. Be sure to shop around before you make a commitment with regards to your accommodations.

If you use a travel agency online, you can find the best deals when it comes to planning your 2010 ski holiday. No matter what your budget, there is bound to be a holiday package to suit your needs. Be certain that you are making comparisons between services and accommodations that are similar in nature so that you can get the best deal. Bear in mind lift tickets, meals, transport and other factors when you are trying to find the best deal for your ski holiday.

source to this post: Tips When You Book Your Ski Holiday In 2010
From the Winter and summer travel website

Take a Relaxing Easter Holiday in the English Countryside with Stoke Park

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:42:01 +0000

Now that Christmas and New Year’s have come and gone, we can start thinking about warmer times ahead – spring! And, of course, the next major holiday is Easter.

With comfy surroundings, amazing views, incredible food and great entertainment, you will not want to celebrate Easter anywhere else but Stoke Park in England.

Located in leafy Buckinghamshire, situated amongst 350 acres of breath taking parkland which will be beautifully blooming by April, this gorgeous hotel in England is the ideal place to host a giant Easter egg hunt.

Luckily for guests who are looking for a vacation in English countryside this spring, Stoke Park is having a few excellent packages just in time for Easter.

Family Easter Break

•?? ?Two Night’s accommodation

•?? ?Full English Breakfast each morning

•?? ?Three Course Table d’hote dinner on each evening

•?? ?Easter Sunday Lunch.

•?? ?Easter Egg for each guest in room

•?? ?For children 16 and under an Easter Egg Hunt will be organised. After lunch, with the help of two Easter bunnies the children will be given a basket to search for the hidden Easter eggs. An entertainer will also be on hand to face paint, play games and do magic tricks.

•?? ?Supplements will be added for those sharing a parent’s room.

•?? ?Based on a family of four in interconnecting room.

?275 per person

Couples Easter Break

•?? ?Two Night’s accommodation

•?? ?Full English Breakfast each morning

•?? ?Three Course Table d’hote dinner on each evening

•?? ?Easter Sunday Lunch

•?? ?Easter Egg for each guest in room

•?? ?A one Hour SPC facial, massage, manicure or pedicure

?320 per person

source to this post: Take a Relaxing Easter Holiday in the English Countryside with Stoke Park
From the Winter and summer travel website