FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

By Clay Larroy

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Look at the article below for a mesmerizing viewpoint on travel.

Christmas in Hawaii - Ten Good Reasons to Start Packing

 By Cindy Blankenship

Already took the family for a summer vacation this year? Here are 10 excuses for taking them on a Hawaiian Christmas vacation this December.

1. Hawaiian Christmas airfares are cheap compared to summer airfares. Hawaiian Airlines often runs Mele Kalikimaka specials for as little as $300 roundtrip from the West Coast. But you can be there for the Christmas fun and save even more if you go earlier in December. Hotwire.com and Hawaiian Air often offer rates as low as $175 to $225 (L.A. and San Francisco to Honolulu.

2. Honolulu City Lights: The city of Honolulu (including Waikiki) goes all out for Christmas. Beginning with the Kawaiahao Church Service (the first Christian church built in Hawaii), a spectacular electric light Parade and the lighting of the decorated 63-foot Norfolk Island pine in front of Honolulu Hale (City Hall). The Hilton Village and other Waikiki Beach hotels are all decked out too. And there's a special trolley for Honolulu Christmas light viewing.

3. Hawaiian Santa: Children greet Santa at Waikiki Beach where he arrives in his red canoe.

4. Hawaiian Christmas Ornaments: These are so much fun! My kids used to weave the coconut frond ones for our tree, and there are lots of free or small fee workshops at this time of year for all kinds of Hawaiian Christmas decorations and wreaths that you can bring home with you.

5. Hawaiian Christmas Craft Fairs: Music, good food and lots of beautiful and fun Christmas decorations are found at the craft fairs. I've lived in some pretty artsy places, and I've never seen so many Christmas craft listings as in Hawaii. Just think how delighted your family, friends and neighbors back home will be when they see your tree decorated with real Hawaiian local style ornaments like kukui nut, tapa cloth angels and Santa's on surfboards.

6. Hawaiian Christmas Concerts: Children's choirs and favorite local musicians like the Brothers Cazimero sing songs like "Here Comes Santa in a Red Canoe" and the Hawaiian version of "The 12 Days of Christmas." And then there's "Silent Night" sung in English and Hawaiian. Live music is everywhere at Christmas whether you've got tickets to the Honolulu Symphony or you're strolling through Waikiki!

7. Hawaii Sand, Surf and Snow: And where else but on the Big Island can you build a snow board down a mountain slope and snorkel over a coral reef in the same day?

8. Balmy December Weather: Hawaii's daytime temperature at Christmas time ranges from a "chilly" 68 degrees in the evening to 80 degrees in the daytime. The trade winds keep you nice and comfortable. The water's also inviting year round - - you can snorkel, swim, kayak and surf in nothing more than a bathing suit.

9. Whale Watching: Speaking of the water, here are two more great reasons for a Hawaiian Christmas. In December, the humpback whales return from their feeding grounds in Alaska to mate, give birth and frolic in Hawaii's warm waters.

10. Hawaii Surf Championships: And in December, you'll also be able to watch humans "frolic" in the really big surf on the North Shore as they ride two-story waves competing in the Triple Crown.

So there you have it. 10 good reasons and all the excuse you need to Christmas in Hawaii this year.

For more great reasons to Christmas in Hawaii and to learn how to start planning a super cheap (but packed full of fun) Christmas in Hawaii, surf over to http://www.coconutroads.com/hawaiibudgetvacation.html

Mele Kalikimaka!
Cindy Blankenship

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Cindy_Blankenship/16924

The smell of pine needles, spruce and the smell of a Christmas tree - those to me, are the scents of the holidays.
Blake Lively 

Travel  and create magnificent memories for your family!

FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

BY CLAY LARROY

Traveling is great personal interests because it will make a more open-minded person when it comes to inter acting with people. It also made it easier to understanding as to why people act the way they do in their own society and in a society as diverse as the U.S. It has long been said that travels “broadens the mind”. Now new evidence proves that jumping on a plane will not only make you smarter, but more open-minded.  When you need to plan a vacation contact me!

Read the article below for a remarkable perspective on travel.

  

12 Reasons We Love Caribbean Christmas

by Austin Keith

A visit to the Caribbean is always a good thing, but a Caribbean Christmas is the best time of all. Tipping our hat to a favorite holiday tune, we've got 12 reasons why a Christmas vacation in the Caribbean should be on your list this year.

Who wants a partridge in a tree? Visit the Caribbean for crystal-blue waters, perfect white-sand beaches and resorts that cater to your every whim. Now that's a gift.

While turtle doves are for lovers, your special someone might appreciate an escape to a couples-only resort even more. Head to Rendezvous St. Lucia for some of the best pampering and couples only fun around!

You can't do better than Cancun, which garners rave reviews from travelers in the know. Although the secret is out on how great Cancun is, you're still going to love Secrets Playa Mujeres with its romantic setting, all-inclusive luxury and gorgeous views.

Need four calling birds to make the perfect Caribbean Christmas? Visit tropical US national parks to hear those calling birds. San Juan NHS includes Castillo San Felipe del Morro. Virgin Islands National Park spans 7,000+ plus acres over two islands.

With the price of gold, forget the five rings. Stay at one of Conde Nast Traveler's Gold List resorts! St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort offers pure luxury and pure secluded paradise.

Sea turtles are way better than geese (or turtle doves), and at Turtle Beach Resort you can spot a hatchling making its way to the water in December!

Swans would give anything to be a guest at Atlantis Paradise Island Beach Tower! That 141-acre water park easily replaces sugar plums in our dreams.

You might have to travel back in time to find maids doing the milking, but Christmas travel lets you mix history with fun as you walk in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus, learn about pirates or discover Mayan wonders.

Head to Aruba, and dance, dance, dance. Palm Beach is home to hip clubs, and Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino wins our vote for where to wind down after the party.

The talented staff at Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach Resort teaches guests to leap through the air with trapeze lessons!

For fans of cool jazz and reggae, a vacation in the Caribbean makes it easy to attend some of the best music festivals around.

And finally, drum-roll please! The main reason why we love Caribbean getaways? It's all about the beaches!

So this year, ask Santa for the gift of a Caribbean Christmas. It's easy to wrap, fits under any tree and comes with a lifetime of memories.

REFERENCE SITES

Article from

http://www.cheapcaribbean.com

“The main reason Santa is so jolly is because he knows where all the bad girls live.” 

― George Carlin

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

By Clay Larroy

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places.  When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 Look at the article below for a fascinating viewpoint on travel.

Beach Christmas Vacations

 By Corae Alden  

There are many ways to enjoy a Christmas vacation. Many people living in a cold winter location, still prefer the good old practice of staying home with family and feeling the atmosphere of the festive season. Some people prefer a location, which is bright and filled with sunshine and beautiful scenic landscapes. There are even some individuals who prefer the crowded shopping malls where they can shop until the day drops. Christmas is a mixture of all the fun activities such as shopping, cooking delicious recipes, exchanging gifts, and having a gala time with family and close friends.

The ideal way to bring in the celebrations for the festive season, is to organize a Christmas beach vacation because people can enjoy, as well as, take a break from their routine stressed lifestyles. The warm sunshine and the coolness of the sea water make it a dashing combination and are fantastic stress busters. All you need to do, is to have a constructive plan well in advance and make the necessary arrangements. There are a large number of locations which are suitable for a fun-filled beach Christmas vacation. Some of the options are as follows:

Hawaii is the best option for an exciting beach party during the Christmas vacation. It is the only American state which resembles an island. Besides having the most popular and best beaches in the world, Hawaii also has rainforests, volcanoes, mountains, numerous waterfalls and desert regions. The beaches are equipped with all the possible luxuries and plenty of hotels that provide the best customer service, which helps to make the Christmas vacation an unforgettable one.

Another good choice for a terrific Christmas vacation experience is Maui. It is another great destination in the United States, where you can have a fabulous lifetime experience. For many years, Maui has been hailed as the best vacation spot in the world. It has beaches on the west coast and provides visitors with lots of fun. The night life is famous for its authentic food and the clubs have the options of casinos and discos. Maui has numerous attractions, things to do and see. Besides the beaches, shopping, and sightseeing, Maui hosts land, air, and ocean activities such as a popular golf club, volcano air tours, whale watching excursions and is one of the best locations in the world for diving and snorkeling. This place is also known for its scenic beauty and resorts such as the Kapalua Resort and its villas.

Apart from the above given locations, one may try out the beaches in Florida, which are popular worldwide. Hence, these are some of the finest options for a cherished beach Christmas vacation party.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Corae_Alden/777405

I love the excitement, the childlike spirit of innocence and

 just about everything that goes along with Christmas. 
Hillary Scott
 

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

 SKIING AND SNOWBOARD VACATION
BY CLAY LARROY

Leisure travel is a wonderful experience that everyone should have in their lifetime. Even business travel can be made enjoyable. There are some aspects of travel that can detract from your enjoyment.  When planning to fly for a trip, don't forget any frequent flier miles you might have racked up. It does you no good to hang onto those once you've already gone on your big vacation. Even if you don't have enough miles to cover the whole trip, many airlines will allow you to discount your rate using your miles. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Ski Skill Levels and Variations

Colors: Resorts categorize their ski runs into different colors that can vary from resort to resort, but the following colors and their meanings are most common.

• Green runs are the easiest and best for beginners, allowing new skiers to practice without steep slopes or narrow paths.
• Blue runs are somewhat trickier with more turns. They are steeper. They are often ideal for anyone who has had some experience or perhaps as a warm-up for those who only ski a few times a year.
• Red is where you start to get serious. These are classified as difficult and steep slopes. They have challenging turns that make them out of reach for beginners.
• Black represents the most difficult runs that should only be attempted by would-be James Bonds.

Snow: Not all snow is created equal. Snow can be wet or dry and have various grades. You’re likely to find dry snow higher on a mountain where it’s colder, since it is formed when temperatures are sub-zero. Dry snow is also likely to be blown around into drifts and has a characteristic crunch when you walk on it. Wet snow is formed when snow’s tiny ice crystals start to melt. This type of snow is found on lower slopes where temperatures increase.

So what’s the difference to a skier? Dry snow takes less effort to ski across, and melting snow is problematic, particularly for beginning skiers.

Glacier skiing involves skiing on natural glaciers, often providing year-round skiing. Most European glaciers have a variety of terrains for different skill levels and are most commonly found in Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland. In North America, British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb ski area offers the continent’s only glacier skiing.

Heli-skiing, for advanced skiers only, offers an opportunity to go far into the back-country via helicopter to off-trail regions difficult to reach by any other means. To avoid endangering yourself and others, you should be in good shape and proficient in a variety of steep slope and snow conditions.

Before you go

To make the most of your skiing tour, you should be as fit as possible. Injuries are not uncommon, particularly for those who are out of shape.

So what can you do before taking your tour? Engage in physical activities that build your strength, particularly in your thighs and legs - many gyms have machines that simulate skiing. You could also try lessons at a dry ski lodge or an indoor facility, if you have one in your area. This will accustom you to skiing and familiarize you with the necessary equipment, saving lesson time while you are on vacation.

What do you pack?

If this is your first trip, or if you don’t own many outdoor or ski-specific clothes, visit a local sporting goods or outdoor shop for helpful advice. The list below offers some ideas to get you started:

• It’s always safe to layer clothing - warm interior layers combined with waterproof outerwear is ideal
• It used to be that wool was the best fiber for an outer layer, but it has since been replaced by several synthetic fibers, since wool is not very breathable and snow will stick to it
• Cotton should be avoided - it gets very cold when wet and takes a long time to dry
• Thermal underwear made of an appropriate material is helpful because it can easily be worn underneath other layers and doesn’t take up much room in a suitcase
• Pack socks specifically for skiing and wear only one pair at a time
• Don’t rely on jeans or track suits! They become wet, cold, heavy and uncomfortable
• Operators say you should spend extra to purchase or rent high-quality ski pants; if you plan to rent, just be sure to check availability while you are on your trip (this can also save you space when packing)
• Gloves and hats are essential - check temperature and wind conditions before making a purchase to be sure your face and ears are fully protected
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and an SPF lip balm are also mandatory

Some operators provide equipment such as bindings, daypacks, or sunscreen, in addition to snacks and lunch; others do not. If you check before you pack, you may be able to preserve precious luggage space.

You will have to decide if you are going to rent equipment or take your own. This is a personal decision, often made in context of the complicated logistics of traveling with expensive equipment. A ski bag to hold poles, boots and skis is a must. Attach tags containing your address, telephone and cell phone numbers to your equipment and bags.

Finally, make sure you pack any travel documentation you need (ask your travel consultant) and any pre-purchased vouchers or lift tickets.

Reminders

Find your own skill and comfort level. Resist the temptation to overdo it on the first day or so of your vacation. Give yourself time to adjust to the altitude. Frequently apply sunscreen and sun-protective lip balm, even on cloudy days. Carry a water bottle and drink frequently to prevent the dehydration that results from high altitude and outdoor activities.

Finally, tip your guides and instructors 15-20% if you are happy with the service - they count on tips as a major part of their wages.

Ready? It’s time to hit the ski-trails and enjoy an entirely new take on winter!

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

“Sharing the holiday with other people, and feeling that you’re giving 

of yourself, gets you past all the commercialism.” 

— Caroline Kennedy

Live a Better Life Travel Often!

FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

BY CLAY LARROY

After working and studying hard all year long families across the United States will be taking long awaited vacations. Family vacations and travel can be the most rewarding experience. Families that take vacations together build memories that will last a lifetime. Family vacations are so important, as it gives us a way to connect with each other in a stress free relaxed environment. Whenyou need to plan a trip contact me!

Read the article below for a remarkable perspective on Canada.

Exquisite Holidays in Canada For a Wonderful Christmas

By Anurag Ahluwalia  

Canada Christmas Breaks

Canada is the ideal country to visit for a Christmas break whether you want to escape the Christmas mayhem or attend it in another country, you won't be disappointed with what it has to offer. Located in North Northern America Canada offers its visitors dazzling cities of Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver and further cities of Calgary, Winnipeg and Ottawa can offer more peaceful and scenic surroundings.

Canada is a popular Christmas break retreat - where better in the world would you find natural Christmas idyllic surroundings where you are certainly guaranteed a white Christmas, endless pine tree forests and outdoor natural ice-skating rinks, sparkling gigantic Christmas trees, winter festivals and traditional Christmas customs all in cased within some of the most beautiful surroundings you are ever likely to encounter. Canada's geographic location with the arctic circle means that temperatures can drop well below freezing during the winter months so it is advisable to bring plenty warm and waterproof clothing. Its proximity to the North Pole is ideal for two day trips from the mainland to Santa Land - a rare and exciting treat for the kids and the parents.

Going away for Christmas is becoming more and more popular with travel agents and tour operators making custom made Christmas breaks for singles, couples and families. Lets face it everyone has their own idea of what makes a great Christmas holiday it could be to spend hours preparing Christmas dinner, feast on chocolate in front of the TV all day or entertain the family with games and drinks or if like many you want to escape the high street queues, extravagant cost and boredom of the holiday season then maybe a trip to a sun drenched beach listening to the waves is more appealing or if you just love everything about Christmas then a break in a Canadian mountain resort such as Calgary is perfect - where its knee high in snow and freezing cold.

Christmas shopping trips where you can combine Christmas gift buying with a bit of sightseeing are becoming increasingly popular. Many people like to book a long weekend to Canada as the flight time from the UK is only around 7 - 9 hours - the same as a trip to New York and the shops and shopping Malls will see you spend all your hard earned cash on Christmas gifts for the family - just remember to buy an extra bag to take it all home in!

The best city for Christmas shopping is Edmonton as it has the fourth largest shopping mall in the world with over 800 shops, cafes, restaurants and department stores under one roof. The Edmonton Mall also has many indoor attractions such as a skating arena, theme park and Imax theatre and if you are completely shopped out there is even a hotel on site.

Enjoy a splendid Holiday in Canada

[http://www.flyglobespan.com/canada/] this Christmas and visit some of its wonderful winter destinations such as Toronto [http://www.flyglobespan.com/to/toronto/] and Calgary.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anurag_Ahluwalia/155284

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful. 

Norman Vincent Peale

Enjoy life and travel often, the more you travel, the more memories you create!

FAMILY HOLIDAY VACATIONS

By Clay Larroy

Make the most of your travel experiences. Taking a cruise is a great way to see many different places when you travel. Cruises offer many activities and things to do while on the ship, while offering you the opportunity to explore different locations each time you arrive at a port. Travel is a great opportunity to learn more things. Time spent abroad helps you understand and appreciate diverse cultures. In addition, it encourages an acceptance and tolerance of ways of life that differ from your own. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 The article below offers an interesting perspective on travel.

Ski Holidays - A Family Snow Filled Christmas Vacation in a Ski Chalet, Apartment Or Lodge

 By Lee J Bradley

Ski holidays are a fantastic way to spend quality time with your family, especially during the Yuletide season. Adults aren't the only ones who find excitement when spending time in a ski lodge, apartment or chalet. And on top of skiing, there are various winter activities available in many ski resorts, so kids and teenagers can also look forward to spending their Christmas vacations in some amazing places. No kid or teenager would be able to resist the call of tubing, snowboarding, sleigh rides, ice climbing, ice skating or hockey during their Yuletide breaks.

Let's face it, those of us who are lucky enough to have time off work at Christmas are often bored after Boxing Day and end up at the local DIY store, ready and prepared to ruin the house with our lack of handyman skills! But what about taking everybody off for a family ski holiday - have you given that any thought?

There are loads of family friendly places all over the world where you can spend your ski holidays. If you happen to be in Europe, you can visit fantastic slopes in France, Norway, Italy, Austria and even the United Kingdom.

For those who opt to spend their ski vacation in the North American or Australian continents, you won't be disappointed with the beautiful slopes and snow depths in a number of places in the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Most family-oriented ski areas provide snow activities that are ideal for the whole family to enjoy. For kids that are not familiar with skiing, there should be ski schools in most of these places. Some even provide Christmas-related entertainment for the locals as well as the tourists to enjoy. Book it right and the big man himself often makes a visit, being towed along by his reindeer. What could be better for the kids than seeing Santa in the snow?

You really don't have to spend a lot of money just to ensure that your ski holidays with your family are fun-filled and enjoyable. It's just practical for you to find ways to save as much money as possible during your Christmas vacation because you still have to think about food, transportation, entertainment and gifts to fit within your budget. Since package ski vacations can be quite expensive, regardless of the country or city you go to, it's a really idea to try ski holiday rentals. You're guaranteed to find a ski lodge, apartment, or chalet that's near the ski resort of your choice. And your search will be even easier if you particularly decide to visit countries or places that are well-known winter destinations. Besides, most ski holiday rentals are also fully furnished, which means they are often equipped with important amenities like log burning fireplaces, hot tubs, entertainment rooms, and well-equipped kitchens.

So take a look and find your perfect ski holiday today!

Lee Bradley

I am a partner in a travel website and have lived and worked abroad for a number of years.  

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lee_J_Bradley/278083

Don't let the past steal your present. This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.

Taylor Caldwell
  

                                                           Travel   and create wonderful memories for your family!