Holidays

Three Reasons to Rent a Cabin in Minnesota This Fall

Holidays,

If you and your family are taking a trip to Minnesota this Fall, then you are in for a real treat! Not only is the weather nice and cool but you can also enjoy the Fall colors that seem to be everywhere this time of year. But, instead of staying in a hotel room during your trip, why not consider renting a cabin? Today, we are going to learn three reasons why you should rent one of these beautiful and cozy cabins this year.

You Will Have More Room

When you consider size, cabin rentals in MN will give you more room. If you have a large family or you are bringing a lot of friends along on the trip, a cabin will give you plenty of space. Your cabin can include several bedrooms, a full-sized kitchen, and even a laundry room so that you don’t have to go out for anything. All the comforts of home will be right where you need them, and you can spend your time enjoying your time here. Cooking inside your cabin can be fun and a great way to save some money while vacationing.

It Will Enhance the Feeling of Fall

There is nothing like staying in a cabin in the Fall. The rustic surroundings will put you in the Fall spirit and everything will just seem better. Many cabins will come complete with a fireplace so that you can even build a fire to add to the ambiance. If you have kids along for the trip, they will love to help you build the fire and you can roast some marshmallows with them. Cabins are also perfect for couples and staying in a cabin in Minnesota can be a very romantic experience. In fact, some people choose to stay in a cabin during their honeymoon.

No Loud Neighbors

When you stay in a hotel room, chances are you will have someone staying in the rooms above you and beside you. Some of those people might not be as quiet as you would like them to be. So instead of dealing with these noisy neighbors, why not rent a cabin instead? Cabins are well insulated and you won’t have to deal with so many people being around you. Some cabins are even secluded, and you won’t see any other person while you are staying there. So, if you enjoy your privacy and you don’t want to deal with annoying people, renting a cabin just might be the right option for you.

These are just a few reasons why you should consider staying in a cabin this Fall in the beautiful state of Minnesota. As you have learned, a cabin will give you lots of room to move around in and you won’t have to deal with the loud neighbors next door. You will be able to do laundry on site and cook some of your meals in the comfort of your own cabin. A rustic cabin is a perfect place to spend a few days or weeks with your family or friends this Fall.

Easy Guide to Cutting The Cost of a Ski Holiday

Holidays, , ,

Many families would love to hit the slopes for their holiday, but the single factor that always puts people off taking a ski holiday is the cost. Often cited as the biggest obstacle for people who have never been skiing but would like to, taking a ski trip can become an expensive undertaking once you’ve considered the travel, accommodation, equipment rental, spending money and those all-important lift passes.

However, there are a few ways to cut down the costs if you’re looking to hit the slopes this winter, and here are my three biggest tips to taking a ski holiday on a budget.

– Choose your resort carefully

People often head straight for France when it comes to skiing, and it’s not hard to understand why. The country is beautiful, the skiing is incredible and the scenery is breath taking, but it can also be an expensive option compared to other areas of Europe.

Eastern Europe is an excellent option if you’re looking for lower-cost skiing, particularly places like Slovenia. However you can also find surprisingly affordable options in Italy and Austria, particularly areas such as Ellmau or Livigno. If you really want to try something different, then don’t rule out Scotland – it’s much, much cheaper and the skiing is surprisingly good when the winter is conducive to snow.

– Time it right

It stands to reason that going in peak time will be more expensive, so you should use this to your advantage. If you can take your holiday as the season is coming to an end, you should be able to get a much better package. Similarly, midweek is generally much cheaper than the weekend. Of course this isn’t always possible if you have to work around school holidays, but it’s worth looking into as the timing can make a massive difference to the overall price.

– Rent or borrow your equipment

Equipment will be one of your biggest expenses when you’re going skiing, but it’s often cheaper to rent in the resorts than buy the equipment (even if you’re buying it second hand). Similarly, if you can borrow equipment from friends or family, you’ll save yourself quite a lot of money in the long run.

Some pieces of equipment will be more expensive than others too, and your personal taste will impact the cost. For example a pair of top of the line Oakley goggles and brand new state of the art skis will cost a lot more than a fairly standard model – think about what you actually need, and see if you can go for a less ‘fancy’ option if you want to save some money.

Try booking a DIY package

Instead of booking a package deal, think about booking your flights and accommodation separately, as it can be possible to find a much cheaper overall holiday by booking everything yourself.

4 Family-Friendly Things to do in Quebec

Holidays, , ,

Canada is one of the most gorgeous countries in the world, with its breathtaking natural landscapes including remote lakes and forests and awe-inspiring mountains, and the province of Quebec is home to many of its must-visit destinations. If your family is planning a trip in the Belle Province anytime soon, here are some fantastic family-friendly activities that may interest you in between bites of poutine and sugar pie.

Cycling Tours

Looking for a great way to bond as a family while also getting some exercise at the same time? Quebec is a veritable haven for cyclists and features countless bike paths and routes to explore.
Bicycling is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the beauty of the fall foliage or explore the outskirts of a quaint village. If you plan on taking the family across the entire province, there are many easily-discoverable Quebec cycling courses that will be fun for the whole family.

Old Quebec

Old Quebec is one of the most charming locations in the capital city. Your kids will be filled with a sense of wonder as they take in the historic architecture and scout the various boutiques along cobblestone roads.
Stop in at one of Old Quebec’s many pubs to enjoy some traditional French fare or visit the famous Basilique Cathedrale, a 17th century cathedral. Planning a trip near Halloween? Have a spooky good time by taking the Ghost Tours of Quebec, a 90-minute walking tour exploring the supernatural and macabre.
For a truly splendid experience, why not stay at the Chateau Frontenac, one of the world’s most iconic hotels located right in Old Quebec? Every floor of this magnificent building is teeming with history.

Nature & Wildlife

Are any of your family members nature and wildlife fanatics? Then they will be right at home in Quebec!
Head on over to Montebello to visit Omega Park, a popular safari park that features friendly forest animals including giant elk and even lets you stay overnight in a genuine tee pee! Visit one of the provinces many zoos and aquariums or, if you’re staying in Montreal, be sure to check out the Biodome and Insectarium for some educational fun.
Other interesting explorations for nature lovers include the Foresta Lumina, a magical nighttime walk, and many mountains that you can hike to experience beautiful views at the top.

Museums

Quebec is home to some of the most interesting and enlightening museums in the country. For military enthusiasts and history buffs, there’s the Citadelle de Quebec and the Canadian Museum of History.
Art lovers can be dazzled by the creative works at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts or the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal for more contemporary pieces. There are also numerous small art galleries waiting to be discovered in practically every town and city.

As you can see, there is no shortage of fun and exciting things to do with your family in the province of Quebec. And the best part? You can visit in any season and find something unique and different every time.

Best Places to Spend Your Holidays on an Island

Holidays, , ,

Turks and Caicos Islands are a hidden gem of the Caribbean and are largely ignored in the favor of its more popular neighbors. This archipelago is located in the Atlantic Ocean and near the Bahamas so many tourists take the trip to Bahamas instead of exploring this collection of islands for their beauty and culture. Turks and Caicos have a low population and the locals are very welcoming, which makes this destination the perfect spot for a long and relaxing holiday.

While these islands aren’t as popular as the Bahamas, they do have a well-developed tourist infrastructure. The gateway island called Providenciales is home to excellent luxury resorts and restaurants. Turks and Caicos villas are also very popular and are often completely booked during favorable tourist seasons. You find beautiful villas for rent in Turks and Caicos Islands and can spend your entire holiday relaxing in comfort and luxury. Of course, there are a number of things to do and explore when you step out of the villas.

1. The beaches

Turks and Caicos are a collection of small islands with low banks in the Atlantic so you can be sure there are plenty of beaches to explore regardless of where you are. Some beaches are very popular and experience a surge of tourist activity while others are hidden gems and allow you time to relax in relative privacy. If you’re not in the mood to explore the local cultural and historical attractions and simply want to relax, beaches are a great way to soak up some sun and spend time watching the beautiful ocean.

2. Sightseeing

While these islands have ample natural beauty, they also have distinct culture and history that you shouldn’t miss exploring when you’re visiting them. The oldest settlements of this region are located in Bight and Blue Hills in Providenciales. These villages have a typical Caribbean atmosphere and most inhabitants just go about their daily lives in it . Tourists can soak up the culture and the relaxed lifestyle of the local people while they’re here. If you visit north of Caicos, you see the ruins of Loyalist plantations and the most impressive of these are Wade’s Green. You can also see artists practicing straw work here.

3. History

Grand Turk is the place to visit if you want to explore the islands’ history. It’s believed that Christopher Columbus made landfall here on his first voyage to the New World. The capital of this island is full of colonial buildings and you can also find the Turks and Caicos National Museum here. You’ll also find some great Turks and Caicos villas to explore and even rent for your holiday.

4. Water sports

If you’re on the beach and still want to have some fun, there are a number of water sport options you can explore. These activities are quite popular so you won’t have to go far from your Turks and Caicos villas in order to find something you love. Scuba diving is the most popular water sport in the area as the islands have some of the best diving spots in the world. There are stunning reef walls and several marine species to explore in these waters. If you visit during January and May, you will also spot some humpback whales.

Next time you thing of holidaying in the Caribbean, consider Turks and Caicos as an option. You can explore the beautiful natural scenery and soak in the culture while you stay in luxurious Turks and Caicos villas.

Five Must-See Natural Wonders on New Zealand’s North Island

Holidays, , ,

As many travelers and locals alike know, New Zealand is no stranger to breathtaking natural beauty. While the South Island generally receives more attention for its nature, the North Island has plenty of landscapes and scenery to offer as well. Whether you use a car rental in Takapuna, or travel by motorbike from Auckland, or even decide to hitchhike, there’s plenty of ways to find the ultimate thrill or the perfect place to relax and take in incredible views. From volcanic havens, national parks, and modern cities, it’s time to wander from The City of Sails and head out on an adventure like no other. Natural wonders await, so check out our list of the very best sights that this gorgeous country has to offer.

1. Mount Taranaki

An active stratovolcano clocking in at 2,518 metres high, this natural wonder is one of the most symmetrical volcanic cones in the world. A magnificent sight to behold and surrounded by lush greenery, it’s no surprise why Mount Taranaki is at the very top of our list. There are tons of easy and accessible viewing points around the volcano, but if you’re looking for a hike you can find more difficult spots to view the volcano as well. Ancient Maori mythology says that when the mountain is covered by rain clouds, Taranaki is hiding his sadness. But when the sun comes out, he is showing himself to his love. How romantic!

2. Hot Water Beach

Found in Mercury Bay on the East coast, the hot water beach is the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day. Bath in underground, hot spring water that goes up to 64 celsius! The best time to get in on the action is two hours on either side of low tide, when the thermal water filters up into the sands. Take a shovel and a bucket, dig yourself a hole in the sand, and chill out in your own personal bath.

3. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Volcanic activity in the region has lead to the creation of around 300 wonderful caves in the Waitomo region. Made from Oligocene Limestone, you can take a tour through some of the greatest caves in the area, or even attempt an extreme-sports crawl. We recommend finding the caves that call themselves home to an array of beautiful glowworms. For an extra special experience, take a boat ride under the starry skies of glowing light.

4. Rangitikei River

Over 185 metres long and used in the legendary Lord of The Rings films, Rangitikei River is a famous adventure spot you simply cannot afford to miss. Try your hand at jetboating, white water rafting, kayaking, or fishing. If none of these water activities are your cup of tea, head to the sharp, clay cliffs that are unique to this area for something even more adventurous—bungee jumping!

5. Huka Falls

These breathtaking falls stand 11 metres high, are part of Lake Taupo, and push through around 220,000 liters of water per second, making them an intensely powerful sight to see. Stop here to take in the view, have a picnic, take a boat trip, or even go mountain biking along dedicated tracks.

Get to the Heart of Entertainment with a Trip to Las Vegas

Holidays, , ,

Las Vegas is hard to describe, and is something you can only really learn about upon entering its neon-lit streets and towering hotel casinos. Sin City has always been infamous for its incredible entertainment offerings, but it is actually an excellent place for a family vacations, as well as a gambling spree.

When you Stay in Vegas, however, there is so much more to do than just its main attraction in the colossal casinos. While its extreme glamour and vibrancy may make it the flashiest place you could ever hope to visit, the city is actually unbelievably accommodating to any of its guests.

The City that Never Sleeps

The skyline of Las Vegas is jam-packed with all manner of the world’s manmade wonders, such as the Empire State Building, the Eiffel Tower, and the Great Pyramid. Neon-lit streets wind their way around these massive icons, where you will find all manner of luxurious hotels, bustling shopping districts, and sensational restaurants, bars, and clubs.

In terms of Las Vegas Accommodations, staying at a place like the MGM Grand is the ideal way to experience the true spirit of Las Vegas, which just happens to be the number one biggest mammoth casino hotel out of all of the colossi gathered in this dessert.

With a total size of 22 acres, a reception that would dwarf some airport reception check-ins, a swimming pool fit for whales, and over six-thousand rooms, you will be overwhelmed with this level of hotel-based entertainment and luxury you didn’t know was possible. Make the most out of

vacation rentals this summer.

Restaurants Galore

If you are a foodie, you will be spoiled for choice at a city that values its food as much as it does its dice. Whatever your taste of preference – regardless of country of origin – you will have access to such a massive variety of professional cuisine, your mouth will never stop watering.

At the Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak, you will find some of the most perfectly cooked steaks known to Americans, so long as you don’t mind sharing elbow space with the multitude of hungry fans that Tom serves every single day.

If burgers are your thing, you must visit the Fat Bar, where the reasonably priced comfort food jackpot is waiting for you. For something a little more fancy, the Hubert Keller’s Burger Bar for some tantalizing craft burgers and condiments.

A World of Entertainment

For a surreal night of splendor, the Cirque du Soleil is an essential staple for any tourist. With its multitalented cast, fantastic music, and phenomenal acts, this is one of the most wonderful theatrical attractions in the city.

Las Vegas attracts some of the biggest names in the music industry. Whether you prefer mainstream pop, or are an indie rock devotee, there is something here for everyone’s ears to enjoy. Make sure to check the schedule according to your music tastes, you might just end up catching one of your favorite acts you dreamed of seeing.

Do You Want a Luxurious Holiday? Here’s Why a Self-Catering Apartment is a Brilliant Choice

Holidays

Staying in a hotel might seem like a good option when you plan a holiday, but if you’ve ever been on holiday with your family and booked a hotel, you know it’s not all that it appears to be. It may give you some level of comfort, but it’s always a little formal and it’s hard to truly relax when you’re confronted with the rules of the hotel and the schedule that you have to adhere to – not to mention the financial price you often pay.

Self-catering apartments solve all these problems; the advantages of such accommodation are truly numerous. Are you thinking about taking the family for some relaxation time? Do you want a luxurious holiday? Here’s why a self-catering apartment is a brilliant choice.

Privacy

When you’re in a hotel or an inn, you tend to bump into other people – and if you’re a social person, that’s great. However, when you’re travelling with your family and value your privacy, self-catering accommodation is much better for the purpose. You’re sure you have your own privacy, you won’t be disturbed by other guests, and (equally important) you or your kids won’t be disturbing anyone else. It’s you and your family, just the way you like it.

Relaxation

No matter how well you plan it, there’s always going to be something that gets on your nerves at some point – not necessarily so with self-catering accommodation, because you are able to relax at your own time, whenever you want to. You’re in a home away from home, and can do as you please. You can have that glass of wine anytime you want it.

Your own schedule

When you stay in a self-catering apartment like the luxurious apartments from www.edinburghpearlapartments.co.uk, nobody is going to arrange your schedule except you yourself; this is a big deal, because the notion of time constraints goes out the window. You’re your own boss, and you don’t have to watch the clock the whole time (which is the point of a holiday, after all).

More space

You’ll have a lot more space to move around in and will have more rooms to enjoy as well. It’s privacy and space in a more economical way.

Your choice of menu

No need to stick to the hotel menu – go to the local restaurants or prepare your own favourite meals. This is especially important if there are people in your family with dietary requirements.

With a self-catering apartment, your options are limited only by your own imagination (and not by a hotel’s schedule, a touring requirement, or constraints due to concerns about others). You do as you please, and that’s the point of a holiday, after all – to have fun and relax, not the way that is prescribed, but just the way you like it.

Preparations for the ski season in Bansko

Holidays, , ,

Even at the height of the summer, the preparations for the new 2017/2018 ski season in Bansko don’t stop even for a moment. With each season our most popular ski resort manages to surprise the lovers of winter sports with something new and unique.

What makes Bansko such a popular and preferred winter resort?

*The town has a unique location. It’s in the embrace of one of the most beautiful mountains in Bulgaria – Pirin. Located at an altitude of 927 m, snow cover on Bansko ski tracks is held from December to mid-May, which is quite a long ski season.

*It has maintained tracks of varying lengths and difficulty levels allowing even inexperienced skiers to easily and safely run down the track.

*It is easy to reach the tracks (located at about 10 km above Bansko) thanks to modern Gondola type ski lifts that start from the town itself.

*Even if the natural snow cover is not enough, there are 45 snow cannons placed and the tracks are worked with modern machines.

*In addition to the world renowned tracks, Bansko has also with a one of a kind big snowboarding park where lovers of this sport can practice it and have fun.

In order to guarantee a perfect and unforgettable experience for all gusts of the town (regardless of whether they come to Bansko to go down the ski tracks or want to live their winter romantic fairy tale), the town offers accommodation in hotels of different types and stars do that anyone who’s decided to visit Bansko during the ski season can find their paradise winter place.

What’s new for the guests of Bansko in ski season 2017/2018?

Snowboard World Cup

The International Ski Federation appreciated the high image of Bansko as an elite ski resort and entrusted the town with the organization of the World Snowboard Cup. Snowboarders from all over the world will compete in a race for the World Cup on January 25, 26 and 27 in Bunderishka polyana.

A few days ago, the FIS inspection was completed, from which the inspectors remained fascinated by the largest track of the Alberto Tomba resort and its adjacent track 9A.

There is a great chance for Bansko to make a boast of an extended speed boardercross track next year. The currently functioning track is 330 m long but there is a proposal to extend it to 500 m.

What’s new about the accommodation places in Bansko?

At the moment hectic preparations are in full swing and all accommodation places and almost all hotels offer a possibility for early bookings for the 2017/2018 ski season. Early bookings will be valid if they are made by the end of October or November this year.

Luxury hotels such as Apart Hotel Lucky Bansko SPA & Relax are getting ready for the new ski season by offering a discount for early bookings. The visitors of the five-star hotel will not only enjoy an unforgettable ski vacation in luxury and comfort but can also benefit from various spa treatments, dip into the indoor biopools, relax and unwind in the sauna, the salt room or the steam room. And if they are ski lovers and spend the entire day on the track, after the interesting and fun day they can sit with friends over a bottle of wine in the best Italian restaurant of Apart Hotel Lucky Bansko SPA & Relax or simply relax in front of the fireplace in the luxury apartments of the hotel.

Not for nothing has Bansko found its place among the elite ski resorts in Europe – here not a detail is missed in the preparations for the ski season.

And they are in full swing so that all lovers of winter sports can spend their ski vacation just as they have planned it.

Are you ready for the white tracks of Bansko?

Here’s Why You Need to Try an RV Vacation

Holidays,

More people are vacationing with an RV these days, and the benefits make it easy to see why. Go anywhere with your family, meet others along the way, and enjoy the drive. While not everyone might want to be crammed into a mobile hotel room on your vacation, you should give it a try before you knock it. RVing may actually be your best vacation yet! Better yet, you won’t feel like you need a vacation from your vacation when you get home. Here are five reasons why you need to try an RV vacation!

Quality Time With Your Family

Even though you may not be looking forward to staying with your family in such close quarters, it is the perfect vacation to bring you and the family together. You can put down the phones and tablets for a little while and sit around the campfire, explore new places and meet new people while you’re at it.

Rejuvenate With Nature

Being in nature can be very refreshing. Many times, people get home from vacations where they have flown, spent a few nights in a hotel, and ate out all the time. Yes, it’s nice to get away from your normal life for a little while, but after a vacation like that, you will likely feel like you need a few days to get yourself back to normal. The nice thing about camping in an RV is that being in nature will help you relax and get refreshed before you have to go back to work.

Affordable

Staying at a campground is way less expensive per night than staying in a hotel. You also won’t have to pay for a plane ticket. Additionally, you will have everything you need and can carry it with you wherever you go. You don’t need to spend money on going out to eat every day because you can cook your own food. There is also more to do when staying at campgrounds, so you won’t have to pay to go places.

See Many Great Places

The best part of the trip is the journey itself. On the road, you will see many new and exciting places. You can stop at places on your way and see different landmarks. There is camping no matter what state you are traveling to. Your trip can be flexible as well. It is easy to wing an RV trip and do what feels right. You can go hiking in the mountains one day and then head to the beach the next.

Bring Your Pets

It can be very stressful for people who have pets to travel. It can be difficult to find someone who can take care of your pets as well as you can. When you travel without your pets, it can also be difficult to leave them behind. When you RV, you can take your pets along with you so you don’t have to leave them at home or spend extra money paying for someone to take care of them.

The next time you are thinking about what to do and where to go for vacation, think about taking an RV trip. There are many great reasons why you should, and it could be the best vacation you ever had!

7 Best Islands to Have a Relaxing Vacation Trip

Holidays, , ,

Warm, sunny and tropical islands are undoubtedly what we think of when we picture the word vacation. White sandy beaches and little umbrellas in cocktails might seem like things found only in a dream. But there are quite a few options to make your dream vacation happen. Relaxing is the main draw of an island vacation and you can get it while basking in the sun. Here are 7 of the best islands to visit if you want to have a truly relaxing vacation.

  1. Mykonos

Located in the calm Mediterranean Sea, Mykonos gives a different kind of exoticism to its vacation setting. The beaches are smooth as silk and the island is great for relaxation but also has enough to meet the needs of a party crowd. This is also not a particularly conservative island destination. The party crowd can be rowdy and some of the beaches allow nudity.

  1. St. Kitts & Nevis

If you want to get a truly beautiful Caribbean experience, St. Kitts & Nevis makes a fine choice. These twin islands can provide historical sites, picturesque backdrops or just resort to relax. What these islands really specialize in is privacy and lush tropical jungles. There are also fabulous restaurants and special events, like music festivals and Carnival.

  1. Galapagos Islands

When you see the name Galapagos, you probably think back to your school days, Charles Darwin and giant turtles. But there’s more to this relatively untouched and gorgeous string of islands. There’s a sense of freedom and exploration to be found here.

  1. Bora Bora

Though it’s a fairly small island (barely 6 miles long), Bora Bora is a fantastic choice for a getaway. It’s been referred to as the most beautiful island in the world, or at the very least, the South Pacific. While the warm weather and luxury hotels make it a great place to unwind, Bora Bora has a hefty price tag. So it’s definitely worthy of a vacation, just make sure to plan and budget accordingly.

  1. Maldives

Regardless of how you pronounce the Maldives are a beautiful destination for a vacation. Unlike other islands where you have to navigate huge, loud crowds, the Maldives offers quiet and seclusion. There are okay of activities too, like snorkeling.

  1. St. Bart’s

If you want to feel like you’re living the high-life while you vacation, St. Bart’s is the place for you. The island offers a soothing atmosphere for the jetsetter’s life but even non-celebrities can enjoy it. There are over ten public beaches that you can explore. And St Barts villa rentals are a great way to add a romantic element to your trip. You can get a luxurious villa right on the beach.

  1. Bali

If you want to relax but want to take in a bit more sightseeing Bali has a variety of attractions, both natural and manmade. The natural scenery of the island is breathtaking and you can experience high mountains and beautiful beaches. There are also several historical sites featuring timeless pagodas and temples.