There are popular tourist towns right up to the gates of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, each of them filled with hotels and motels, as well as more secluded Smoky Mountain cabins and chalets stretching into the outskirts. Among these towns, Gatlinburg is the one through which the most park visitors pass. Near Sevierville and Pigeon Forge (the former being the birthplace of Dolly Parton, and the latter home to her Dollywood amusement park), Gatlinburg will strike you as one-of-a-kind - outrageously indulgent, truly memorable and downright hilarious fun. I kid you not - you will find countless pancake houses, a ski lift that transports you to an ice rink and captive bears, and an Aquarium of the Smokies, which boasts the highest attendance of any aquarium in the country. I love it all! In what other town can you buy a Jesus money clip from the gift shop of a religious wax museum, take in a haunted house or two, re-energize your body at an oxygen bar, and wrap up the day by entering a glass tunnel surrounded by sawtooth sharks and rays? Go there and have some fun - wallow in the joys of the American tourist town. Try some of the barbecue, sip some microbrew. I recommend the Tuckaleechee Porter.
Gatlinburg sports an abundance of shops, which tend to be a little more straight-laced or high-end than those in Pigeon Forge - if that's what you're into. Personally, I look for the truly bizarre, borderline-offensive gift shops and for that, Pigeon Forge is the answer! Do you want to find a bear-held toilet paper dispenser? Who doesn't?! Pigeon Forge's strip of go-cart joints, Hillbilly-themed trinket stores and dinner theaters is as incredible as the sheer number of Ripley's operations and fudge shoppes in Gatlinburg. Look for the backyard moonshine museum.
Pigeon Forge, as mentioned earlier, is also home to Dollywood! Have you ever seen someone prepare pork rinds? Have you ever gone down a waterslide in a fishtailing foam raft? Have you ridden on an authentic steam-powered train? Come enjoy the rides and the entertainment at this Appalachian gem! For more information on Dollywood, visit How To Plan a Dollywood Theme Park Vacation.
Be sure to invest in some Dolly Dollars when you enter the park. The exchange rate is 1 Dolly Dollar to 1 U.S. Dollar, and probably always will be. 1 Dolly Dollar equals 0.7777 Euros.
Cherokee is North Carolina's answer to Gatlinburg, but you'll find it much quieter than its fudge-filled neighbor to the north. Owned by the Cherokee tribe, it's not the built-up extravaganza that you encounter elsewhere around the Smoky Mountains; the change of pace can be quite refreshing. Children will enjoy getting their picture taken with Cherokee 'chiefs' in front of teepees, and you'll enjoy the casino.
If you're interested in getting away from it all (people, sharks, t-shirts featuring giant confederate-flag-adorned stags), you could consider camping in the Smoky Mountains park itself and visiting town only when you need a night with a bed and shower! I say that because you won't find showers at the campsites.
There are about ten campgrounds scattered through the park, evenly divided between Tennessee and North Carolina. The three most popular campgrounds in the park are Smokemont, Elkmont and Cades Cove (not surprisingly). They're open from mid-May to the end of October and you can reserve space months in advance. If you're visiting in the summer or fall, you might want to reserve your space instead of leaving it to chance. Backcountry camping is also an option, although you won't be able to remain sedentary as long in the backcountry as you would at the other campsites. You can call 865-436-1200 for more information on camping in the Smoky Mountains, or visit ImagesBuilder.com, a great site loaded with camping information.
Outdoor recreation.
With more than 800 miles of trails, hiking is one of the primary outdoor activities in the park and you'll find hikes to accommodate every level of endurance and physical ability. Check out the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's website for a list of popular hikes. You can also visit the Sugarlands and Oconaluftee Visitor Centers for more hiking information and trail ideas when you arrive. Check out the stretch of the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap to Clingman's Dome - the highest you'll get on the Appalachian Trail and the highest trail in the Smoky Mountains.
There are many hikes that will remove you further from crowds. A guide book or a trail map will be a valuable investment when choosing hikes from the multitude in the park. But no matter what hike you choose, you'll get away from most of the crowds when you move away from the road and onto a trail - particularly an unpaved one.
Fishing in the Smoky Mountains consists mainly of trout. You can fish year-round here, and can purchase a license in any of the towns at the gates of the park. If you catch a brook trout, remember that you must release it.
By talking to the Park Service, horse owners can get permission to camp with their horses in the park. For the rest of us, there are horse rentals at Smokemont, Cades Cove and the park headquarters.
Soaking up the history. Care to learn more about what life used to be like for settlers and farmers in the pre-park Smoky Mountains? Consider visiting some of these sites.
Cades Cove. The most visited destination in the park, Cades Cove offers a working mill and some of the churches and buildings that remain from the farming community that once resided there. You'll also find a visitor center and lots of informative stops along the way. The small road can get quite congested in the heavy season. If you can walk or bike the road, you'll have a much smoother visit before 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Wednesdays between May and September; at those times, the road is only open to walkers and bikers!
Cataloochee Valley. Like Cades Cove, this destination rewards you with glimpses into a bygone time in the Smoky Mountains. But unlike Cades Cove, it isn't crowded. There are two good indications that Cataloochee is worth a trip. First of all, you have to hike just to get into the place. And second, this is where trapped bears are taken to be released. It's that isolated.
You'll surely have a memorable Smoky Mountain time here viewing the old remaining buildings, a small forgotten slice of history just basking in quiet.
Mingus Mill. Unlike other operating mills in the area, this one sports a horizontal wheel.
Oconaluftee Mountain Farm Museum. Watch and learn as old-time farming techniques are shown to you.
Now, do you wonder what really causes the Smoky Mountains to be so characteristically smoky? Is it rain? Fire? Noxious tourist fumes? The hot air of parental advice?
Wonder will likely give way to a primal appreciation and awe when you see it for yourself - ridge upon blue ridge of mountain cresting over the mist and retreating into the distance. Smoky wisps rising from the mountaintops and, nearer, the dewdrops almost too crisp to process, and the fresh smell that even nine million annual visitors can't ever befoul - a description of a Smoky Mountain morning inevitably falls short of what you'll experience. 'Is this the same place,' you might wonder, 'that two nights ago sounded as though thunder was carving new mountains out of the earth?'
There's more to the haunting smokiness than rain, just as there's a greater reason for the park's popularity than its proximity to big east coast cities. My dad might have been technically right, but you see he also missed the mark a bit; evaporating moisture rising from a landfill doesn't elicit irrepressible awe. You can't find this at home, unless you're extremely lucky. You can't look at the halos drifting from their ancient mountains and not be moved. The Smoky Mountains possess a deep, old earthy power, deeper than root and taller than treetop. So let's all thank Coolidge for setting the land aside. Let's thank the Appalachian settlers who gave up their property. Let's thank Ripley's for the sharks.
2008-04-18
How To Pack for a Family Beach Vacation
Use separate bags. If you don't already have luggage for the entire family, invest in some. For a beach vacation, even large duffel bags are appropriate. By allotting a separate bag for each person in your family, you will keep yourself organized and it will make the job of unpacking at the beach all that much easier.
Must-haves. Of course you should pack a swimsuit or two for everyone in your family for your beach vacation. If you have a hooded terry cloth beach cover, pack that too! Make sure to pack enough underwear, shorts and t-shirts for everyday wear. Pack at least one dress-up outfit per person, even if you think you're not going anywhere fancy-- you never know what's going to happen!
Consider the weather. A vacation at the beach means warm sunny days, right? Not necessarily. Nighttime at the beach can be downright chilly. Be sure to pack a good mix of summer essentials as well as some cold-weather clothes. Pack at least one jacket or sweatshirt, a long sleeved shirt and a pair of long pants for every member of the family.
Toiletries. If you're renting a beach house, you may not be sure if items like shampoo and soap will be available. To play it safe, pack all of these essentials: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, razors and shaving cream. Be sure to pack all of your favorite facial cleansers, moisturizers, makeup and deodorant, too.
Beach safety. It is essential that you pack plenty of sunscreen. If you have young children in tow, pack a sunblock that is 45 to 50 SPF. Chapstick with SPF protection will help keep lips from getting burned. Also, be sure to pack sunglasses for every member of your family-- UV rays are everywhere, and they can damage your eyes. Pack a sun hat for young children-- and wide brimmed hats for adults aren't a bad idea either. Make sure you pack some family-friendly bug spray-- depending on the weather, the biting flies on some beaches can be quite nasty! Also, if you are planning to spend long days on the beach, be sure to pack a small cooler that can be loaded up with drinks, snacks and bottled water.
Shoes. You will need more than just a pair of flip flops for the beach. Consider bringing a pair of water shoes for everyone in your family-- some beaches are loaded with shells and water shoes can be great protection. Also pack a pair of sneakers in case you have an urge to go for an early-morning run on the beach (you never know). Flip flops are acceptable footwear for most beach restaurants and shops.
Other items you may want to include: beach chairs, a beach umbrella, boogie or surf boards, a kite for the kids, beach toys like sand buckets and shovels, reading material (magazines and books) and a blanket for the beach. Also, make sure to pack plenty of beach towels. A small first aid kit containing sunburn spray or aloe vera cream, pain relievers, band aids and antibacterial ointment could also come in handy. And don't forget to pack your camera and/or camcorder to catch all of those special moments that are bound to occur on your family vacation!
Must-haves. Of course you should pack a swimsuit or two for everyone in your family for your beach vacation. If you have a hooded terry cloth beach cover, pack that too! Make sure to pack enough underwear, shorts and t-shirts for everyday wear. Pack at least one dress-up outfit per person, even if you think you're not going anywhere fancy-- you never know what's going to happen!
Consider the weather. A vacation at the beach means warm sunny days, right? Not necessarily. Nighttime at the beach can be downright chilly. Be sure to pack a good mix of summer essentials as well as some cold-weather clothes. Pack at least one jacket or sweatshirt, a long sleeved shirt and a pair of long pants for every member of the family.
Toiletries. If you're renting a beach house, you may not be sure if items like shampoo and soap will be available. To play it safe, pack all of these essentials: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, razors and shaving cream. Be sure to pack all of your favorite facial cleansers, moisturizers, makeup and deodorant, too.
Beach safety. It is essential that you pack plenty of sunscreen. If you have young children in tow, pack a sunblock that is 45 to 50 SPF. Chapstick with SPF protection will help keep lips from getting burned. Also, be sure to pack sunglasses for every member of your family-- UV rays are everywhere, and they can damage your eyes. Pack a sun hat for young children-- and wide brimmed hats for adults aren't a bad idea either. Make sure you pack some family-friendly bug spray-- depending on the weather, the biting flies on some beaches can be quite nasty! Also, if you are planning to spend long days on the beach, be sure to pack a small cooler that can be loaded up with drinks, snacks and bottled water.
Shoes. You will need more than just a pair of flip flops for the beach. Consider bringing a pair of water shoes for everyone in your family-- some beaches are loaded with shells and water shoes can be great protection. Also pack a pair of sneakers in case you have an urge to go for an early-morning run on the beach (you never know). Flip flops are acceptable footwear for most beach restaurants and shops.
Other items you may want to include: beach chairs, a beach umbrella, boogie or surf boards, a kite for the kids, beach toys like sand buckets and shovels, reading material (magazines and books) and a blanket for the beach. Also, make sure to pack plenty of beach towels. A small first aid kit containing sunburn spray or aloe vera cream, pain relievers, band aids and antibacterial ointment could also come in handy. And don't forget to pack your camera and/or camcorder to catch all of those special moments that are bound to occur on your family vacation!
How To Download and Fill Out a Passport Application
Downloading the passport application: The passport application, Form DS-11, is available for download on the US Department of State's website.
The passport application form is a Portable Document Format (PDF) file, and your computer must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to open it. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you must first download the Adobe Acrobat software. You can do so by clicking here.
If you would like to download a blank application, click here. If you would like to fill out the application online, then print it, click here.
Printing the passport application: When printing the passport application, there are several requirements that must be followed.
You must use standard paper that is sized 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches.
The printing must be clear and legible.
The paper must be a standard medium weight, matte white (not shiny), and ink must be black.
The printer's ink must be black and there may not be any holes or perforations in the paper.
After printing, make sure that the box for pasting on your passport photo is the correct size of 2 inches by 2 inches.
It is important to print the application on one-sided paper. An application that is printed on double-sided paper will not be accepted.
For more information on these guidelines, visit the US Department of State's website.
Filling out the passport application: As stated above, there are two ways to fill out the passport application: 1) typing your answers into the online form 2) writing answers by hand, in black ink, or by use of a typewriter. In both cases, you will need to provide the following information.
Your full name
Age
Date of birth
Place of birth
Phone number
Hair color
Social security number
Mailing address
Permanent Address.
Occupation
Employer
Your parents' names and birth information
Your spouse's name and birth information
Any other names you have used previously
Your travel plans
Emergency contact information
Signing the application: It is important that you do not sign the application until you take the oath administered only by an authorized passport acceptance agent.
Submitting the passport application: Along with the completed passport application, you must submit the following:
Proof of US Citizenship
Proof of Identity
Two recent passport sized (2x2 inches) photographs
The passport application fee
The passport application form is a Portable Document Format (PDF) file, and your computer must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to open it. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you must first download the Adobe Acrobat software. You can do so by clicking here.
If you would like to download a blank application, click here. If you would like to fill out the application online, then print it, click here.
Printing the passport application: When printing the passport application, there are several requirements that must be followed.
You must use standard paper that is sized 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches.
The printing must be clear and legible.
The paper must be a standard medium weight, matte white (not shiny), and ink must be black.
The printer's ink must be black and there may not be any holes or perforations in the paper.
After printing, make sure that the box for pasting on your passport photo is the correct size of 2 inches by 2 inches.
It is important to print the application on one-sided paper. An application that is printed on double-sided paper will not be accepted.
For more information on these guidelines, visit the US Department of State's website.
Filling out the passport application: As stated above, there are two ways to fill out the passport application: 1) typing your answers into the online form 2) writing answers by hand, in black ink, or by use of a typewriter. In both cases, you will need to provide the following information.
Your full name
Age
Date of birth
Place of birth
Phone number
Hair color
Social security number
Mailing address
Permanent Address.
Occupation
Employer
Your parents' names and birth information
Your spouse's name and birth information
Any other names you have used previously
Your travel plans
Emergency contact information
Signing the application: It is important that you do not sign the application until you take the oath administered only by an authorized passport acceptance agent.
Submitting the passport application: Along with the completed passport application, you must submit the following:
Proof of US Citizenship
Proof of Identity
Two recent passport sized (2x2 inches) photographs
The passport application fee
How To Find Road Maps
Visit the Travel section of your local bookstore and check out its selection of road maps. Open them up, look them over, and do a comparison of its layout and contents. You don't want to find yourself in the middle of a trip and discover yourself on a road that's not on the map! Also, it is very important to choose a map--whether a single-page foldout or a much bigger, bound version--that's easy for you to use.
Online booksellers, such as Powell's or Amazon, also offer lots of options for your road map needs. They also have customer reviews, so you can get other people's opinions on the best maps out there, as well as share your findings with other customers. Amazon has a feature that allows to you search inside a publication before you buy it, which affords you the same privilege as going to a physical bookstore without having to get out of your sweatpants.
Members of the American Automobile Association can get free maps at any AAA office. AAA can also provide you with free travel guides and coupons, as well as an extensive selection of road maps. A road map from AAA is always a safe bet; they guarantee the quality of their publications, which are updated annually and are accurate and comprehensive.
City tourist bureaus carry road maps (as well as city and state maps and guides). Pop in and ask a few questions; the employees are there to give you all the information you could want about local travel. They might not have as as many maps as a bookstore, but often they carry more regionally specific maps. If you're in search of the road less traveled, see what city hall has to say.
If you need more help planning your trip, go to a travel agency. For a fee, they can outfit you with everything you need in the way of travel, including road maps.
In a pinch, you can usually pick up a local or statewide road map at a gas station convenience store. They won't have the broad selection of a bookstore, but any road map is more help than no road map, especially if you're not entirely sure where you are!
Make sure you give your map a thorough once-over before heading out on the road. Check out the roads you want to take, and any alternate routes. Being familiar with the map's layout will help you to avoid any unintentional detours, or at least get you back to where you want to be in case of a wrong turn.
Online booksellers, such as Powell's or Amazon, also offer lots of options for your road map needs. They also have customer reviews, so you can get other people's opinions on the best maps out there, as well as share your findings with other customers. Amazon has a feature that allows to you search inside a publication before you buy it, which affords you the same privilege as going to a physical bookstore without having to get out of your sweatpants.
Members of the American Automobile Association can get free maps at any AAA office. AAA can also provide you with free travel guides and coupons, as well as an extensive selection of road maps. A road map from AAA is always a safe bet; they guarantee the quality of their publications, which are updated annually and are accurate and comprehensive.
City tourist bureaus carry road maps (as well as city and state maps and guides). Pop in and ask a few questions; the employees are there to give you all the information you could want about local travel. They might not have as as many maps as a bookstore, but often they carry more regionally specific maps. If you're in search of the road less traveled, see what city hall has to say.
If you need more help planning your trip, go to a travel agency. For a fee, they can outfit you with everything you need in the way of travel, including road maps.
In a pinch, you can usually pick up a local or statewide road map at a gas station convenience store. They won't have the broad selection of a bookstore, but any road map is more help than no road map, especially if you're not entirely sure where you are!
Make sure you give your map a thorough once-over before heading out on the road. Check out the roads you want to take, and any alternate routes. Being familiar with the map's layout will help you to avoid any unintentional detours, or at least get you back to where you want to be in case of a wrong turn.
How To Buy Travel Accessories
How to decide what to buy? Of course this depends on the length of the trip and how much space you have in your suitcase. Some essentials I have found to be necessary regardless of trip length and location are the travel alarm clock, money belt, quick drying towel, and plug adapter along with voltage converter.
Safety and security: TSA approved metal locks are a necessity if you want to lock up your luggage. Another option is the plastic flight lock which helps avoid getting your metal locks broken by security but will still provide some safety. A money-belt or neck pouch is essential when traveling abroad and can safely store your cash, credit cards, plane tickets and passport.
The weather at your destination: Check weather.com for up to the minute details and be sure to bring along a hat and sunscreen if it is sunny or an umbrella and waterproof jacket if it's rainy.
In flight needs: As the air on the airplane is recycled and flights are usually packed, you may want to take some precautions against getting sick. Airborne is one product that I always bring along, but Vitamin C is another option. The air on board planes is also much drier than what we're used to, so a small bottle of moisturizer and some chapstick would also come in handy.
Packing: Special plastic bags for compressing your clothes do indeed save a lot of space in your suitcase. These are easily found at Target or any specialty travel store. Plastic organizers or nylon bags are helpful for keeping shoes and dirty laundry in their own compartments. Miniature plastic bottles for your shampoo and soaps also save space.
Guidebooks and maps: Being prepared is essential when traveling to a new city or country, and having a guidebook will allow you some comfort. Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon have the best selection of the latest guidebooks and maps for wherever you're going.
Specialty travel stores will have all that you need and more, but I also like to stop by my local REI (or shop online) for essentials like backpacks, water bottles, my fast drying towel, money belt, and other organizers. Fry's or any electronics store will sell plug adapters and voltage converters. Flight 001 sells both frivolous items and essentials, all updated in cute colors and fun patterns.
Safety and security: TSA approved metal locks are a necessity if you want to lock up your luggage. Another option is the plastic flight lock which helps avoid getting your metal locks broken by security but will still provide some safety. A money-belt or neck pouch is essential when traveling abroad and can safely store your cash, credit cards, plane tickets and passport.
The weather at your destination: Check weather.com for up to the minute details and be sure to bring along a hat and sunscreen if it is sunny or an umbrella and waterproof jacket if it's rainy.
In flight needs: As the air on the airplane is recycled and flights are usually packed, you may want to take some precautions against getting sick. Airborne is one product that I always bring along, but Vitamin C is another option. The air on board planes is also much drier than what we're used to, so a small bottle of moisturizer and some chapstick would also come in handy.
Packing: Special plastic bags for compressing your clothes do indeed save a lot of space in your suitcase. These are easily found at Target or any specialty travel store. Plastic organizers or nylon bags are helpful for keeping shoes and dirty laundry in their own compartments. Miniature plastic bottles for your shampoo and soaps also save space.
Guidebooks and maps: Being prepared is essential when traveling to a new city or country, and having a guidebook will allow you some comfort. Barnes and Noble, Borders, and Amazon have the best selection of the latest guidebooks and maps for wherever you're going.
Specialty travel stores will have all that you need and more, but I also like to stop by my local REI (or shop online) for essentials like backpacks, water bottles, my fast drying towel, money belt, and other organizers. Fry's or any electronics store will sell plug adapters and voltage converters. Flight 001 sells both frivolous items and essentials, all updated in cute colors and fun patterns.
How To Find Discount Airline Tickets
Everyone knows of the usual discount internet airfare sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity, and while prices don't vary much between sites, they are worth a look. Two newer sites that offer price comparisons to try are Kayak and Mobissimo.
If flying within the United States, first check prices on the websites of budget airlines such as Jetblue, Southwest, America West, and Ted. Full priced airfares on these airlines are often found to be cheaper than a discounted ticket on a major carrier, and even better when on sale.
Sign up for email newsletters from the airlines you frequently use as oftentimes airlines will send out advance notice of fare sales to their loyal readers. Other e-newsletters to sign up for are Smarter Travel or Airfare Watch Dog, which are both catch-all travel websites with up to date listings of fare sales.
If flying abroad, it's best to double check fares with a good old fashioned travel agent because an agent can search for tickets in the cheapest fare class. Some of the best deals can be found at agencies that specialize in tickets to a certain area, for example: a travel agency in Chinatown might be the best place to buy an airline ticket if you are heading to Asia.
Anyone who is under the age of 26 and/or a student should first search for discounted student tickets. One of the best places to do so is STA Travel, a worldwide agency that specializes in student airfares. They often have airfare sales and a chat with one of their agents (on the phone, in their office, or an through an online search) may yield a hugely discounted ticket, especially if heading to Europe. Another useful website with listings of discounted student airfares is Smarter Travel, which compiles all current airfare sales of different airlines.
If flying within the United States, first check prices on the websites of budget airlines such as Jetblue, Southwest, America West, and Ted. Full priced airfares on these airlines are often found to be cheaper than a discounted ticket on a major carrier, and even better when on sale.
Sign up for email newsletters from the airlines you frequently use as oftentimes airlines will send out advance notice of fare sales to their loyal readers. Other e-newsletters to sign up for are Smarter Travel or Airfare Watch Dog, which are both catch-all travel websites with up to date listings of fare sales.
If flying abroad, it's best to double check fares with a good old fashioned travel agent because an agent can search for tickets in the cheapest fare class. Some of the best deals can be found at agencies that specialize in tickets to a certain area, for example: a travel agency in Chinatown might be the best place to buy an airline ticket if you are heading to Asia.
Anyone who is under the age of 26 and/or a student should first search for discounted student tickets. One of the best places to do so is STA Travel, a worldwide agency that specializes in student airfares. They often have airfare sales and a chat with one of their agents (on the phone, in their office, or an through an online search) may yield a hugely discounted ticket, especially if heading to Europe. Another useful website with listings of discounted student airfares is Smarter Travel, which compiles all current airfare sales of different airlines.
How To Find the Perfect Ski Chalet
Choose your ski resort wisely. Not all resorts offer European-style catered ski chalets - there are more and more each year in Colorado, particularly in the larger resorts, which offer a greater choice of accommodations. Winter Park, Vail, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge all have these types of chalets and are also great resorts to ski in.
Decide how many people are going. Different chalets can hold different size groups. Chalet Bluebell for example in Winter Park holds 8-9 people, but others take more. If you have a group of 8 people you would be able to book the whole chalet and have "sole occupancy" so your group can take over the whole house and have it to yourselves.
Look for group discounts. Some companies offer group discounts for groups of 6 or more. If 2 families are travelling together you'll really want to take advantage of these deals.
Location. Check out exactly where the chalet is. Is it in the middle of town, near the shops, bars, restaurants and kids playgrounds or in the middle of nowhere so you can't walk to local amenities? Does it have easy access to the ski slopes? Is there a free ski bus? If so, does it stop near the ski chalet or do you have to walk miles lugging your skis? And do the buses go frequently? If the chalet is on the main street there should be buses going past every few minutes. As with everything, location is key.
Who are the owners? Find out whether the chalet is independently run or part of a big chain. Generally speaking the owner / independently run chalets care a great deal about customer service and have clients returning year after year. The owners often live in the ski town, know the locals and really have a great deal of local knowledge. The staff tends to be more mature, have significant cooking experience and will really look after your every need!
Amenities. Compare amenities at different chalets. Go for ensuite / private bathrooms. See if they have hairdryers, humidifiers, fans and toiletries provided for you. Look at the living areas - do they have a couple of living rooms - one where you can relax in front of the fire and one where the kids can disappear to and watch TV? What about videos, DVD, stereos, an Xbox? All great entertainment for the little ones. Hot tubs are fantastic on a skiing holiday to really relax and strectch those aching limbs. After a tough day on the slopes, what's better than that? And the kids love to play in them. Check for internet access, not that you'll want to be in touch with the office on this vacation, but it may come in handy!
Decide how many people are going. Different chalets can hold different size groups. Chalet Bluebell for example in Winter Park holds 8-9 people, but others take more. If you have a group of 8 people you would be able to book the whole chalet and have "sole occupancy" so your group can take over the whole house and have it to yourselves.
Look for group discounts. Some companies offer group discounts for groups of 6 or more. If 2 families are travelling together you'll really want to take advantage of these deals.
Location. Check out exactly where the chalet is. Is it in the middle of town, near the shops, bars, restaurants and kids playgrounds or in the middle of nowhere so you can't walk to local amenities? Does it have easy access to the ski slopes? Is there a free ski bus? If so, does it stop near the ski chalet or do you have to walk miles lugging your skis? And do the buses go frequently? If the chalet is on the main street there should be buses going past every few minutes. As with everything, location is key.
Who are the owners? Find out whether the chalet is independently run or part of a big chain. Generally speaking the owner / independently run chalets care a great deal about customer service and have clients returning year after year. The owners often live in the ski town, know the locals and really have a great deal of local knowledge. The staff tends to be more mature, have significant cooking experience and will really look after your every need!
Amenities. Compare amenities at different chalets. Go for ensuite / private bathrooms. See if they have hairdryers, humidifiers, fans and toiletries provided for you. Look at the living areas - do they have a couple of living rooms - one where you can relax in front of the fire and one where the kids can disappear to and watch TV? What about videos, DVD, stereos, an Xbox? All great entertainment for the little ones. Hot tubs are fantastic on a skiing holiday to really relax and strectch those aching limbs. After a tough day on the slopes, what's better than that? And the kids love to play in them. Check for internet access, not that you'll want to be in touch with the office on this vacation, but it may come in handy!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)