Skiing In Japan

Oh, how soon we forget. When my brother recently informed me he was planning to spend a week snowboarding in Japan I thought, “Japan?” I’m sure he knew exactly what I was thinking because he broke the silence with, “Hello… Nagano.” Of course… Nagano. Those of you with better memories probably don’t need to be reminded that Nagano, Japan hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics. And, while they may not be as well known as the Rockies or the Alps, Japan’s powdery slopes are magnets for winter sports enthusiasts just the same. Japanese mountain villages like Niseko are becoming increasingly popular … Continue reading

International Travel Deals

If you have ever dreamed of traveling abroad, but simply didn’t have the funds to pay for an international adventure, you are in luck. Several reputable companies are offering spectacular summer savings on popular foreign destinations—no strings attached. The best of the best include: DUBAI Emirates.com is catering to families who want to experience culture and adventure in a single trip. From now through September 30, 2010, you and your family can jet off to Dubai for a steal. The family vacation offer allows two children to fly to Dubai for free when traveling with two paying adults on flights … Continue reading

Hello Kitty Says Hello to New Travel Job

Regular readers of this blog know how completely obsessed my young daughter is with Hello Kitty. The popular fictional feline with the oversized face is a staple in our home. From shirts to pens, purses to sheets, pillows, sandals, stickers, sunglasses, hair pins, tote bags, duffels, backpacks, hats and banks, Japan’s No.1 export has invaded every inch of our living space and it looks as though she will be sticking around for a while. Hello Kitty is known for winning over the hearts of girls my daughter’s age, but now her cuteness is being marketed to another sector of the … Continue reading

Wii Fit Can Get You in Shape

I have to admit that I have become a Biggest Loser fan. I stayed away from previous seasons, since I am not generally one to watch reality shows, but got hooked on this one, in spite of the obvious product placements. It was inspiring. And now I am looking forward to seeing the new Wii Fit product in action. In fact, it might even require that we purchase a Wii. Wii Fit is anticipated here soon in the United States and is seen as the next big thing from Nintendo. It was released in Japan back in December, and it … Continue reading

Don’t Put Away Your Skis Yet

Residents and travelers to Wisconsin aren’t. Parts of the state just got slammed with a whopping 16 inches of snow in less than 24 hours. So much for a spring thaw. But the Midwest is not the only place in the world where you can take advantage of late-season powder. Slopes from Colorado to Vermont to Austria are offering spring ski deals that are worth checking out. Here are a couple money saving deals that might inspire you to take a final run down some of the world’s most famous mountains: MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CALIFORNIA It’s one of North America’s most … Continue reading

Heading for the Slopes? Don’t Leave Home Without…

Sunscreen. If you are planning to take advantage of the super ski deals I previously listed here in the Travel blog don’t think your skin is not at risk just because you are heading away from the beach. Don’t let the air temperature fool you. The sun’s powerful rays are just as harsh when you are shooshing down powdery snow on an alpine trail as they are when you are stretched out on powder soft sand near the Pacific Ocean. What’s more, because you are skiing at a high elevation you are being exposed to increased amounts of ultraviolet light. … Continue reading

Ski Getaways for the Entire Family

If you live anywhere in the northern portion of the United States then you are likely waiting for Old Man Winter to take a hike. However, given the number of ski deals still available for the months of March and April there are at least a few families who can’t get enough of (or are planning to experience for the first time) the thrills associated with shooshing down the slopes. Take a look: VERMONT The “Popcorn and Powder” package is ideal for families with young children or those who don’t have much experience on skis. For $305 per room per … Continue reading

Ski Deals Too Good To Ignore

I just got back from spending several weeks in Hawaii (where it was sunny and 84 degrees all but two days during our entire trip) and the last thing I want to do right now is strap on a pair of skis and spend time in the bone chilling cold. However, according to my brother this is the best time of the year to head off on a ski vacation especially if you are salary is not as lofty as the most popular ski hills. He’s right. I found several incredibly affordable ski deals that are still available—despite the fact … Continue reading

More Ski Resorts with Bonus Amenities

In my previous blog I touched on an issue many large families deal with when deciding where to take the entire clan on vacation–—finding a spot where everyone’s needs are met. It’s not always an easy task, especially in the winter when half your family might be dreaming of jetting off to a tropical locale while the other half is looking forward to shooshing down the slopes on fresh powder. If you have been reading my blogs on a regular basis then you know that a number of ski resorts are offering outstanding deals this month and next. If you … Continue reading

Ski Resorts with Bonus Amenities

If you have a large family then you know how hard it is to find a vacation spot that caters to everyone’s likes. It’s the reason some families forgo ski trips because not everyone in the clan enjoys shooshing down the slopes for five consecutive days. Enter the ski resorts with extras (that’s what I refer to them anyway). They are the places that don’t just offer top-rate skiing, but also have on-site spas, galleries, shops, and restaurants that are just as enticing as the slopes. The following areas are home to some of the world’s best ski slopes, but … Continue reading