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Things to Look For in a Hunting Lodge

There are many things to look for in a hunting lodge. Your hunting lodge will be your refuge for a weekend or a week. If you are a beginner hunter, you may or may not know what to exactly look for while choosing between hunting lodges. You should also realize that there are hundreds of hunting lodges around the world. If you have no idea where to begin, then you can start at the beginning with a few key questions in order to determine what your hunting lodge needs.

Here’s where you need to begin in your hunting lodge search. Do you want an international and exotic trip? Or do you prefer a hunting lodge across the country or down the road from your home? Once you know the general area of where to begin your search, you can look for travel arrangements. You want to make sure that travel arrangements are available for the hunting season that you are choosing to go in. There are hunting lodges all over the United States, Scotland, Australia and Argentina just to begin. Then you can start your search for specific hunting lodges.

Some of the most important factors to remember while researching an appropriate hunting lodge includes such factors as price, location, hunting season, rentals, surrounding area, etc. Service is very important. This hunting trip will most likely also be your vacation. You are going to want to be around helpful people who can be helpful during your hunting vacation. Therefore, the quality of the service is very important. Check hunting lodge reviews and post questions about the service at the hunting lodge in order to find out who’s the best in the area.

Food is definitely a major deciding factor in where to stay. Some hunting lodges offer mini cabins that include one or two bedrooms and a good-sized kitchen where you can make all of your meals. However, if you are looking to be catered, you may look for a hunting lodge that offers a restaurant or even room service. You can also choose a hunting lodge that offers a kitchen and may have a few restaurants close to the lodge so that you can dine or cook when you want.

Many hunting lodges will include a place to rent hunting supplies which is ideal for those who are traveling long distance or simply do not have the space to carry their equipment. You will also want a lodge who not only offers top quality service but also one where the staff knows a lot about hunting, including special hunting hot spots, hunting seasons and techniques. Many lodges will also offer tours and packages which may interest many hunters. You should definitely find a hunting lodge which offers these packaged deals so that you will not only receive a great rate at the hunting lodge but also an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide.

You should thoroughly investigate the hunting lodge that you are planning to stay in. This way, you will find a great place to stay at a great rate, which will be stress free and an excellent hunting trip.

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Things to Do in Dubai (part 1)

Dubai Attractions / Things to do in Dubai

SUNDOWNER DUNE SAFARI

Are you ready to leave the city behind? Are you ready for an experience that is truly one of a kind? Do you have a stomach made of steel? If you answered yes to those three questions, you will definitely want to experience the Sundowner Dune Safari. Your safari guide will take you in a four wheel drive dunebuggy vehicle on an exciting trip over rolling sand dunes right into the heart of the desert. But be forewarned – this is not a slow, easy cruise through the Dubai desert. You’ll be driven by expert drivers who will speed you up and down the sand dunes of Dubai’s desert. Hold on for the ride of your life! As you journey deeper and deeper into the desert, you’ll stop and see camels having a rest at their camp, and from high atop a sand dune, you will watch the most incredible sunset you’ve likely ever witnessed. Down below, your Arabian camp waits to welcome you in traditional fashion. You’ll relax on cushy low cushions in Bedouin tents, your hands will be painted with intricate designs, you’ll discover a traditional spice souk, hop on a camel for a short ride, and enjoy some sweet shisha. Afterwards you’ll enjoy a delicious feast of fresh salads, grilled meats and Arabian sweets served to you under a sky so filled with stars you won’t believe it’s real. Sit back on your cushion and enjoy the entertainment provided by the amazing belly dancer as she moves to haunting Arabian melodies. This is a definite must to when in Dubai.

RIDDLE OF THE SANDS

This amazing journey has you leaving Dubai on an off road adventure into some of the toughest and most incredible land in the country of Dubai. You’ll drive over huge towering sand dunes, you’ll visit traditional desert villages and will journey down deep into the steep wadis of the rough Hajar Mountains. You’ll see a camel farm and plantations of alfalfa. You’ll visit the famous Fossil Rock, an incredible reminder of when this part of Arabia was covered by the ocean over 80 million

years ago. You’ll enjoy a trip into the rocky rough Hajar Mountains, the mountain range that goes across the eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula. After a nice cold lunch in one of the wadis, you’ll return be returned to Dubai. This is a full day safari.

SAND SKIING & CAMEL RIDING

Nothing can compare to the thrill of skiing on sand, or riding on a camel! Why not do them both in the same day? You’ll leave Dubai at 8am, taken by a four wheel drive car deep into the desert. There, you will join your camel caravanand ride across the beautiful red sand dunes of Margham for half an hour. Next, you’ll simply put your sand board on, and slide down the steep dunes to the valley below. Nothing is quite as fun or exhilarating as skiing on sand – make sure you try it when you are in Dubai!

WILD WADI DUBAI WATERPARK

Has the heat got you a little hot? Well, nothing is quite as spectacular than the Wild Wadi Waterpark in Dubai to cool you off. This is a great family outing, with 14 interconnected water slides. And these aren’t just any water slides, these are some of the fastest and most exhilarating rides in the world. Dubai does everything the best, the biggest and the greatest, so you can expect their water park to be the same!

SHOPPING IN DUBAI

You’re in Dubai, so I hope you like to shop! With some of the world’s most amazing shopping centers all in one area, you are in for shopping heaven. Check out Ibn Battuta Mall on Sheikh Zayed Rd, between interchanges 5 and 6, Dubai, United Arab Emirates · 4-362-1900. Ibn Battuta Mall is hands down definitely one of Dubai’s most amazing and glorious shopping centers. This theme based mall is based on the travels of Ibn Battuta, a 14th century Arabian explorer. The mall is made up of six courts, each one reflecting the unique architecture and culture of a specific region. In addition to a copious amount of clothing stores, you’ll also find a 21 screen cinema and IMAX theater, loads of restaurants, and an immense supermarket. It’s a jaw dropping place to visit, if only just to see the amazing decor of each court. You’ll see an intricate antique elephant clock and a life size replica of a Chinese junk boat in addition to many other amazing sights.

Here are some other great shopping options while in Dubai:Deira City Centre, BurJuman Centre, Mercato Mall, Wafi City Mall, Al Ghurair City Mall, Lamcy Plaza, Al Mulla Plaza, Al Bustan Centre, Al Mamzar Shopping Centre, Al Manal Center, Bin Sougat Centre, Hamarain Centre, Karama Center, Mazaya Centre, Oasis Centre, Palm Strip Shopping Mall, Town Centre, Twin Towers.

ART GALLERIES IN DUBAI

Creative Art Center

Phone. : +971 4 3444394

P.O.Box. : 53673

Culture Art gallery

Phone. : +971 4 2641071

P.O.Box. : 80835

Four Season Ramesh Gallery

Phone. : +971 4 3349090

P.O.Box. : 504411

Green Art

Phone. : +971 4 3449888

P.O.Box. : 25711

Hunar Center

Phone. : +971 4 2862224

Majlis Gallery

Phone. : +971 4 3536233

P.O.Box. : 42885

Total Art

Phone. : +971 4 2282888

P.O.Box. : 14214

Burj Nahar Dubai

The Burj Nahar Watchtower was built in 1870 to guard the old city of Dubai. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, Burj Nahar is a must-see destinations when visiting Dubai. Steeped in history, Burj Nahar in Dubai is one of three original towers built to protect Dubai from north or east invasion. Burj Nahar and its surrounding beautiful landscaped gardens are a major destination for photographers, historians and tourists from around the world.

While in Dubai be sure to to visit a Bedouin Village. Outside of Dubai you can see for yourself what a traditional desert experience of life means as you visit a Bedouin Village and walk among blankets, beads, hand knotted rugs and other unique items spread before you on the ground. Take a camel riding lesson and feel the experience of sitting on top of a huge camel. Watch a camel race as the trainers follow the camels in four wheelers on the dusty track. If it is luxury that you’re looking for in Dubai, you can stay at Al Maha, a beautiful luxury resort on over 3000 acres of sand dunes.

Things

Back Into the Ski of Things..

Blurred vision, a sense of disorientation, and a serious loss of equilibrium… in spite of the symptoms, I hadn’t spent an extended session warming a barstool, I was simply drunk on snow. My senses were not clouded by booze, but by some seriously un-Colorado-like weather.

Touted as a destination which offers 300 days of sunshine per year, it seemed just my luck that I managed to arrive in the small ski town of Crested Butte on one of the 65 ‘snow dump’ days.

And dump it really does. I had arrived in the midst of one of the storms which gives the ski area its legendary powder snow. Up on the peaks, the winds picked up to freak speeds of up to 60mph, the white stuff zipped across the slopes horizontally, and it was cold. Bitterly cold.

But none of that matters when you are used to winters in the north of England, especially when there is acre upon acre of untouched powder just begging to swallow up a set of skis. With little more than a clack of my poles and a swoosh lost among the raging winds I was off – enjoying the best snow conditions that North America has to offer.

This was my first ski trip for about six years, so my confidence was a bit on the shaky side. ‘Don’t worry’ everyone kept telling me. ‘It’s like riding a bike’. Having skied after a prolonged gap, I can emphatically state that skiing is nothing like riding a bike. Six years is plenty of time to forget how to ski.

A leisurely morning ski had me panting like a St. Bernard and sweating profusely under my long-johns. Thankfully, Crested Butte’s slopes were close to deserted, making them ideal for re-acclimatising at my own pace.

However, a couple of days is all it takes to get back into the swing of skiing and pretty soon I was starting to find my legs. It’s remarkable how fast confidence comes and goes on the slopes.

To ease the physical burden on the unaccustomed skier, resorts in the ‘States have apres-ski down to a fine art. Crested Butte in particular offers ski-in, ski-out hotels with the cosiest of bars, friendliest of waitresses, and on the town’s sweet snowdrift-lined high street – more restaurants than you could eat at in a month.

After a tough day of skiing you find yourself longing for those endless coffees, cokes and snowboard-sized steaks that the Americans pride themselves with, so the apres-ski options in Crested Butte really hit the mark.

Celestial timing has never been more perfect than when it was time for me to leave the resort. Ever at the mercy of sod’s law, moments after returning my rental skis and checking out of the hotel, the grey skies swept away and were replaced by the clearest and most beautiful day I have seen in quite a while. For the first time, I could see the real reason why this little known resort is such a hit with ski-savvy Americans. It’s astonishingly pretty.

Steamboat, while not as attractive at base level as Crested Butte, benefits from a much larger ski area which seems to open up more and more the higher you climb. Because of this, there is a great deal more variety in the terrain, and it caters superbly for beginners.

The resort itself is arguably more user-friendly than Crested Butte. There are more shops and services, and it’s easier to reach. BA already flies three times a day to Denver and from there its just a short hop to Steamboat.

From the 31st of March United Airlines will also fly direct – quick tip: avoid US public holidays and you should beat the brunt of the crowds.

Once you are up the mountain, close to 3,000 acres of pistes await and there are several lodges to choose from, serving everything from diner-style American fare to much posher, sit-down nosh.

The scenery and skiing in Steamboat are as good as it gets. While not as dramatic as the peaks in the Alps, the mountains in Colorado roll away endlessly to form the perfect background to compliment the superb skiing.

My Steamboat experience was made even more enjoyable by going on their ‘first tracks’ programme. Pay extra (about £20) and you can get up the mountain for half an hour’s skiing before the crowds arrive. Accompanied by a guide, you can ski some freshly pisted runs or carve your own path through the most recent snowfall. It’s a treat that’s definitely worth the extra cash.

For non-skiers, there’s also plenty on offer. In Crested Butte, I had a snowmobile trek lined up, but that had to be cancelled due to avalanche danger (an occupational hazard, apparently). My other non-ski activity, a trip to Strawberry Park hot springs outside Steamboat, was in equal measure revitalizing and bracing. And, owing to the ‘clothing optional after dark’ policy – mildly disturbing.

The evening trip to the hot springs cost $35 including hotel pick up and was a great way of perking up my legs after a tiring day’s skiing and recharge me fully in advance of my flight back to the UK.

Skiing in Colorado was such a joy that I’m heading back as soon as I can. It’s nice to be greeted every morning by genuinely friendly and helpful lift staff. It’s nice to be able to ski without fighting your way through crowds just to get a place on the lift. It’s nice to have my coffee re-filled without having to catch the eye of a listless waiter who doesn’t want to be there.

Having skied a lot of Europe when I was younger and very little of North America, I’m officially a convert. The customer is key in skiing and in the USA they know it. For ski service with a smile and not a scowl, head to Colorado.

Travel facts

United Airlines will be offering a daily service to Denver from London Heathrow starting 31 March 2008. The airline also serves Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and San Francisco daily from London Heathrow. For the latest everyday low fares, visit www.unitedairlines.co.uk or call 0845 8 444 777.

Asher McShane stayed at Elevation Hotel & Spa at Mt. Crested Butte, www.elevationhotel.com. For more information on Crested Butte Mountain Resort visit www.skicb.com

In Steamboat Springs, Asher stayed at Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel, www.steamboatgrand.com. For more information on Steamboat Springs visit www.steamboat.com.

To find out more about visiting Colorado log on to www.colorado.com or call 08456 020 574 for a FREE destination guide.

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Things to See and Do in Anchorage Alaska

Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska, covering 1,697 square miles with a population of nearly 280,000 people according to the U.S. Census Bureau – a modern city boasting all that city life has to offer. But Anchorage is also much, much more – a haven for nature, outdoor, and adventure lovers. Wilderness  abounds all around Anchorage.

If you’re planning a trip to Anchorage Alaska, contact the Anchorage Log Cabin Visitor’s Center to get maps, brochures, and a copy of the Anchorage Activities Map so you can scope out some of the many area attractions, activities, and opportunities for adventure. The area enjoys four distinct seasons, and visitors will find special adventures in Anchorage regardless of what time of year they visit.

From fishing and hiking to hunting and exploring, sightseeing and shopping to history and skiing and everything in between – Anchorage truly has it all. The view is spectacular, as the city is bordered by six snow-capped mountain ranges, perfect for Nordic and Alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other exciting winter sports. You can also plan an excursion to see the glaciers or go whale watching.

And don’t forget to plan time for kayaking, canoeing and river rafting on a magnificent water way.

Other ideas for activities are almost endless. Go bird watching at Potter Marsh, a wildlife sanctuary just south of Anchorage, and travel via boardwalks to see trumpeter swans, bald eagles, grebes, and more than 130 other bird species. Don a pair of polarized sunglasses and head down to Ship Creek near the downtown train depot to view fishermen at work from a advantageously-placed footbridge that extends over the creek or try your own luck at fishing for King and Coho salmon.

Anchorage boasts a tremendous trail system. Be sure to save some time to take a relaxing walk on the The Anchorage Coastal Trail System or to visit the Eagle River Nature Center.

You can see Alaska via plane (flight-seeing) tours, riding the rails of the Alaska Railroad, or take a day cruise to see sights you won’t see any other way. Ride horseback through Chugach National Park and you might see mountain goats, Dall sheep, bears, or wolves.

Play with husky puppies and learn all about dog sledding, go camping in the great outdoors, visit a musk ox farm, or go to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. Then learn about the history of Alaska and its native people at the Alaska Native Heritage Center and see native dances, storytelling, singing, native dwellings, native art, and much more on the 26-acre complex that is open from early May through September each year.

The Native Heritage Center will surprise you.  It’s impressive.

The Anchorage Museum of History & Art is also a popular summertime attraction featuring 20,000+ pieces of historical value depicting 10,000 years of Alaskan history and even Russian-American history.

There’s so much to do in Anchorage that you can either plan your itinerary in advance or simply fly in to the Anchorage International airport and create your own spontaneous, action-packed vacation. Either way, with so much to see, your time in Alaska’s beautiful wonderland will fly by.  It may even seem like the day never ends – particularly during the season of the midnight sun!

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Ten Essential Things To Do When You Visit Sweden

The Kingdom of Sweden lies on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe. It is a rich, ecologically friendly, progressive nation with a high standard of living. It offers much for tourists to see and do, both in the cities and countryside.

1.) Vasa Museum

In this museum in Stockholm rests the fruit of some remarkable engineering labor, the seventeenth-century warship Vasa. The ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 in Stockholm’s harbor and was recovered in 1961. The only extant example of the period’s ship architecture, the resurrected skeleton, is exhibited along with relics recovered with it.

2.) Stockholm

Sweden’s capital city is replete with museums. Aside from the Vasa museum, one can also visit the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Nordic Museum. There are also many examples of historical architecture scattered throughout the city including the Riddarholmskyrkan church, the oldest building in Stockholm, and every district and every neighborhood of this high-tech city has its own unique character, developed through the years.

3.) Liseburg Amusement Park

With over 80 percent of its population living in urban centers, it comes as no surprise that Sweden’s cities are well-developed to meet the needs of their denizens. In Gothenburg, treat yourself to a visit to one of the largest amusement parks in Europe. Nearby, you will find the Scandinavium, a large area which can seat up to 12,000, as well as the Trade Fair and Valhalla Baths.

4.) Gothenburg

This city is the largest port in Scandinavia, the destination of many flights and ship traffic. Close to a million citizens live here, and the city has an enormous range of attractions to keep a tourist busy. Take a stroll in the scenic Castle Wood Park, or view the masters at the Museum of Art, or listen to music from a variety of genres, from the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra to the death metal band Dark Tranquility.

5.) Hiking

The largely untouched expanse of Sweden’s northern regions gives rise to a rugged beauty that makes the place perfect for many outdoor activities such as hiking. Swedish law provides the right of public access for anyone provided that they respect both other people and nature. Biking is also a popular pastime here.

6.) Boating

Since the country has over 24,000 islands, 100,000 lakes and rivers, and a long coastline, boating and sailing are integral parts of everyday Swedish life. Many tours can be found to take you sightseeing around the Swedish archipelago. Of particular interest to the tourist is the Gota Canal, but there are lots more locations that are also interesting to the watercraft-bound traveler, and boat rentals are easily obtained, and they can come with or without a skipper.

7.) Linkoping Cathedral

Stop by this masterpiece in Ostergotland to steep yourself in history and gaze upon a superb example of Gothic architecture. The cathedral is the burial place of a fifteenth-century bishop, and is also decorated with priceless paintings gifted by King John III. Visitors can also see rare manuscripts at the Diocesan Library and drop by the Bishop’s Palace, which are nearby.

8) Skiing

Sweden offers some of the finest locations for skiing aficionados, especially in the mountainous north. In Lapland, one can find the Hemavan. This is a great ski destination for those who are looking for vast areas and mountainous locations.

9.) The Arefjallen Resort

The Arefjallen resort boasts of more than a hundred kilometers of ski runs. It is considered as the world’s largest downhill ski race. This ski race is held there every April.

10.) Riksgransen

Riksgransen is in the extreme north of the country. It is known for its snowboarding championships and 24/7 skiing during the spring. During the spring, it seems that the sun doesn’t go below the horizon, truly a sight to see!

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Countdown to ’10: Top people and things still on the sports landscape

Countdown to ’10: Top people and things still on the sports landscape
As we count down to 2010, USA TODAY recounts top moments in 10 categories from the last 10 years. Today: The things and people that have, maybe surprisingly, stuck around for the past decade:

Read more on USA Today

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Things To Do In San Francisco

Top 20 things to See and Do in San Francisco

Cable Car

With so much to see in San Francisco, where do you start? Here are the Top 20 Destinations among San Francisco visitors, according to statistics collected by the San Francisco Visitors and Convention Bureau.

Also: Top choice outside of San Francisco

Browse through to decide which spots interest you most.

Fisherman’s Wharf
Shops, shops, and a plethora of great seafood restaurants line the Wharf, where you still see vestiges of the old fishing crafts used by the Italian immigrants who brought the Wharf to life after the Gold Rush.

Chinatown
Home to the largest urban population of Chinese people outside China, Chinatown is so authentic, you’ll forget you’re in San Francisco.

Golden Gate Bridge
You’ve seen it in movies, television, books and postcards – now go ahead and take a walk on it! And don’t forget your camera.

Union Square
The finest shopping is found here with heavy-hitters like Macy’s, Tiffany’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Neiman Marcus. Side streets hide some great surprises, too.

Cable Car Ride
Can you really say you’ve been to San Francisco without a ride on a clanking cable car? And nobody thought they’d work back in 1873…

Dungeness Crabs

Golden Gate Park
A beautiful oasis in the middle of a bustling city, you’ll find museums, gardens, a lake – even a herd of bison.

Alcatraz
One visit to this foreboding island and you’ll know why escape was so appealing! Notorious criminals did time here: Al Capone and George “Machine Gun” Kelly, to name a few.

Museums/Galleries
Some of the finest museums and galleries in the world reside in San Francisco, from SFMOMA to the Asian Art Museum to the DeYoung—all of them offer a stunning diversity of artistic expression.

Union Street
Amidst chic shops and restaurants, enjoy the brightly painted Victorians and secret courtyards. As much fun at night as it is in the daytime.

Broadway/North Beach
Settled by Italian immigrants, the area offers outstanding Italian food and charming, old world cafés. The effects of subsequent immigrants makes this neighborhood a fascinating melange of history and cuisine. And talk about nightlife!

Fishing Fleet – Fishermans Wharf

Yerba Buena Center / Moscone Convention Center
In this area south of Market Street sits the city’s premier meeting and exhibition facility, the Museum of Modern Art, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and the newest addition, the Jewish Museum.

Haight Ashbury District
Nerve center of 1968′s “Summer of Love,” the neighborhood is more commercial today than it was then, but still worth a stroll for its history and exceptional architecture.

Mission District
So named because of Mission Dolores’ presence (oldest Mission in the state), the area remains largely Hispanic in its population and feel. Truly authentic Mexican food is found here, particularly at 16th and Valencia.

Japan Center
Since 1968, this tranquil 5-acre complex has showcased the best of Japanese life: a spa, shops, furnishings, and of course, great restaurants. Two public parking garages are available.

South of Market
With the proliferation of Internet companies in the Bay Area, South of Market (SOMA) is now considered one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city. Check out the California Historical Society, the Jewish Museum, and the Ansel Adams photography center, too.

Mission Dolores

Castro Street
Much of the gay and lesbian community lives and works in this neighborhood. Enjoy a fascinating assortment of shops, restaurants, pubs and a spectacular grand old movie palace.

Live Theater
The theater district (not far from Union Square) offers a wide range of live performances, both musical and dramatic. And fine dining is in close proximity for your convenience.

San Francisco Zoo
Located near the southern portion of Ocean Beach, the zoo is a great destination for family fun, 365 days a year. Admission is free the first Wednesday of every month.

Wine Tasting in San Francisco

Visit the Winery Collective is the first multi-winery tasting room in San Francisco focused on boutique wineries. This unique experience allowing you to taste wines from dozens of small wineries across California right in San Francisco without having to travel to each of the wine regions

Concerts, Performing Art and Sporting Events
Blessed with a fine symphony, a much-revered opera season, and an acclaimed ballet troupe, San Francisco offers something for every taste. San Francisco is home to two outstanding parks: famous Candlestick and the new Pac Bell, where home runs land in the San Francisco Bay.

Tall Ship Festival

TOP THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE OF SAN FRANCISCO

San Francisco Car Rental

Sausalito Tiburon and Muir Woods
A lovely Ferry ride transports you to Sausalito (a bayside village tucked amongst the hills across the Bay) or Tiburon (former railroad town now similar in atmosphere to Sausalito). Take a car or tour to Muir Woods, the 560-acre park where redwoods over 1,000 years old stand tall.

Wine Country
Sonoma and Napa counties are best known for their vineyards, thanks to the mild sunny climate and fertile soil. Well under two hours away from San Francisco, Wine Country is a perfect day trip.

Carmel and Monterey
For a romantic weekend, few spots offer the charm of Carmel along the Monterey Peninsula. Experience Monterey’s famous Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Aquarium.

Yosemite National Park
A three hour drive through the Gold Country takes you to the most spectacular National Park. Yosemite is home to North America’s five highest waterfalls, Yosemite Falls, Ribbon Falls and Sentinel Falls. See the images captured by Ansel Adams – Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks and the 3500 ft El Capitan.

Berkeley and Oakland
Berkeley is home to the first University of California campus and boasts a history unparalleled among American universities. College Avenue, Fourth Street, and Telegraph Avenue are your best bets. In Oakland, check out Jack London Square, the historic Paramount Theater (art-deco movie palace), and the Oakland Museum.

Reno and Lake Tahoe
Situated in the center of the highest concentration of ski resorts in North America with no less than 40 golf courses and countless casinos, Reno/Lake Tahoe provides recreational opportunities galore just a few hours from San Francisco.

Parks and Beaches in the region
San Francisco has its fair share of beaches (Ocean, Baker, and China), but don’t expect to do much sun-worshipping – it’s rarely warm enough to bare all. Go north and explore Point Lobos, or south to enjoy the unique college/beach town of Santa Cruz.

Theme Parks
Always a hit with families, San Francisco offers three regional theme parks. Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Bonfante Gardens and Paramount’s Great America.

Things

Things to Look for in Breckenridge Lodging

When looking for Breckenridge lodging, you’ll come across several options: condos, vacation rental homes, hotels and more.  There a few things to consider when deciding what accommodation is right for you during your Breckenridge vacation.

Condominiums offer the best of both worlds.They are easy to rent with a high level of amenities and services.Equip with kitchens, you’ll be able to choose between cooking in and eating out. Like all types of accommodation, location is key. In Breckenridge you’ll find many ski-in/ski-out condos. These slope side rentals are great for groups as each person has the flexibility to come and go from the ski slopes as they please. Another great location is in the heart of town. Walk to dinner, shopping and nightlife during your Breckenridge vacation from the comfort of your Breckenridge condo.

Hotels are a good option for those who want a high level of service and amenities. Breckenridge hotels are great for those on vacation who plan to dine in area restaurants and are looking for traditional accommodation. From ski-in/ski-out to the center of town, you’ll be able to find the right location for you during your Breckenridge vacation.

Breckenridge vacation rental homes are another option if you are looking for an accommodation for the whole family. From town houses, to chalets to traditional homes, there are many vacation home rental opportunities in Breckenridge. You’ll find slope side locations or in the heart of town. Settle in for a great vacation in your Breckenridge home rental.

Hopefully this article helped outline the things to look for in Breckenridge lodging. From condos and hotels to vacation rental homes, you’ll find a great place to stay in Breckenridge.

Things

Top Ten Things to Do in Calgary this Winter

When winter’s winds blow it isn’t all that tempting to go out and explore a city, but in Calgary there is so much to do that it becomes difficult to stay indoors!

Of course not all of the city’s top ten activities take place in the great and snowy outdoors, but they are all the more enjoyable because of the seasonal conditions. From January through March all of Calgary is bursting at the seams with great activities, and among the most preferred are:

1. Fireside dining – you don’t have to stay at home to enjoy a cozy meal beside the fire. There are many restaurants in Calgary that serve hearty fare in spaces gently lit and warmed by large fireplaces. Some have scenic views and park settings, while others are set on the areas lakes or rivers. Try such restaurants as the Q Haute, The Ranche, Newport Grill and River Café.

2. Salsa Dancing – there are literally dozens of dancing classes and schools in the city focusing on the highly active ballroom dance style known as salsa. It is a great way to really stay fit during the long winter months.

3. Get out on the ice – Calgary has some great skating rinks, including the Olympic Plaza and Westside Recreation Center, as well as several others. A few, such as the Westside, are indoors and also offer full fitness facilities including a track and aquatic center.

4. Museum, museums, museums! – feel like taking in a museum? Calgary has galleries and museums galore as well as the fantastic Glenbow Museum and the ever popular Telus World of Science where visitors can become human “batteries”.

5. Slip sliding away – what is winter without the thrill of sledding? Calgary has dozens of great sliding and tobogganing hills, and most offer good parking and free runs. Check out Edworthy Park, Confederation Park, Deerfoot Athletic Park, Rundle Dry Pond, Canyon Meadows, Stanley Park, Elliston Park and the Fish Creek Escarpment.

6. The National Pastime – hockey is definitely one of Canada’s dominant sports and the Pengrowth Saddledome is the official home of the Calgary Flames Hockey Club. The award winning team has an enormous fan following, but tickets can usually be found for upcoming games.

7. Skiing – Alberta is chock full of world class skiing, with some less than three hours from Calgary. There is also the Canada Olympic Park for skiing and snowboarding as well.

8. Festivals – the winter months are not shy on festivals, and some of the city’s favorite events take place between January and March. There is the Calgary Fringe Festival, the $100 Film Festival, the Calgary Winter Festival and Zoolights among many others.

9. Cocoon – why not take in an on demand video or hop out for a quick video rental, order up some take-away food and nestle down in the warmth and coziness of the sofa or, even better, the bed.
10. Pretend that winter is gone – Calgary has two large greenhouses that make it easy to forget that winter is even occurring. The Calgary Zoo Botanical Garden and the Devonian Gardens are excellent cold weather escapes!

 

Things

Things To Do On Holiday In Hungary

Hungary is the landlocked country situated in the Central Europe. The country mainly experiences the continental climate. This means the country faces hot summers, with lower humidity levels. Summer months are the main months for people taking a family holiday in Hungary. You can rent a luxury villa or a self catering apartment direct from the holiday home owner.

Frequent rain falls and snowy winters are why Hungary is becoming more popular for winter sports such as skiing. Ski chalets are available to rent along with self catering apartments. Tourists who enjoy the outdoor lifestyle can rent a holiday cottage in the mountains, hiking, climbing, horse riding, fishing and swimming are just a few of the activities that can be enjoyed.

Many tourists rent a holiday villa or self catering villa and visit the world heritage sites of Hungary. Budapest is the most famous heritage site. It is the capital city of Hungary and famous for three sites, Buda, Pest and Castle Hill. You will find the marvellous Royal Palace situated here. It is built in Gothic style. It has been built and modified for more than 300 years. In 1968, the castle was destroyed by the Christian army. In 1715, the castle was rebuilt once again. Buda Castle Labyrinth is another famous tourist attraction. It is the underground maze which stretches all the way to Castle Hill.

Most tourists rent a holiday apartment or cottage and use this as a base to explore the local tourist attractions. One that is not to be missed is The Great Synagogue in Budapest. This is the largest synagogue is Europe. It is stunning monument. The Szoborpark statue park is another favourite for tourists and is well worth visiting.

Most of the statues are of communists from the history of Hungary. As you walk around, imagine driving to your job every day and driving past these monumental statues on your way to remind you of the leader that you must honour and accept, no matter how much terror he brings to your country. The museum is an introduction to the spirit behind the Iron Curtain.

For lovers of shopping there is The Central Market Mall. This is situated in Budapest. The 19th century market is the largest in the city. This was built in the 1890s and was re-established in 1994. Budapest offers rented accommodation such as self catering apartments and holiday villas; you can arrange this through the home owner.

Another great attraction are The Great Plains as they can be used for horse riding at the weekends. These plains are also the home to various popular stud farms that are used for regular horse shows and exhibitions. You can book for horse riding lessons or go on excursions with various horse riding schools.

Hungary is a great place for both summer and winter holidays, whether you’re looking to rent a luxury villa with a swimming pool in the sun, or a ski chalet in the snow, Hungary is the perfect location.

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