Cause The World is The Place to Explore
Posts tagged Holiday
Luggage And Your Children On Holiday
Sep 8th
Going on holiday is a big enough challenge as it is, with all the preparation and planning that is required. It can almost seem like a military operation. As anyone who has ever experienced an airline will know that there are particular challenges facing the tourist who decides to take any kind of luggage onto an airplane.
However, the challenges and trials of the average holiday experience pale into insignificance compared to the challenge of taking children as well.
Quite apart from any interesting behaviour challenges the children might present, there is also the issue of their own luggage. Three particular problems present themselves. The first is the anxious parent who wishes to make sure that their children will be prepared for any eventuality. Some parents seem to take with them almost everything short of a personalized lifejacket and a lifeboat. Clearly, children will require their own particular items, but as a general rule, the same sensible rules that apply to your own packing will apply equally well to your children’s. So, thinking about flexibility and versatility, and thinking about the type of materials that you use, will work just as well to reduce the number and volume of items that you pack for your children as they do for yourself.
The second issue regarding children and their luggage is whether to pack it with yours, or to pack it separately in their own case. Clearly airline restrictions might play a part in this decision, but equally it is worth bearing in mind that whilst children may be excited about the idea of having their own little suitcase, there can be downsides to this. Read the rest of this entry »
Speeding Skiers Face Jail Time
Aug 24th
Reckless skiing is a real problem in some areas. Those disobeying the speed limit signs in Utah may face jail time and fines.
The speed limit was put in place in certain areas where less experienced skiers are trying to learn the sport. Reckless behaviors of others have caused 10 percent of all collisions in Park City and Deer Valley. A report in the Salt Lake City Tribune states that reckless skiing is now considered a Class B Misdemeanor.
Ski patrollers will be monitoring the slopes in search of people disobeying the speed limits or skiing recklessly. The ski patroller can now call the police, and the offenders may find themselves in court. If a reckless skier is called to court, the patroller will be called in as a witness to the incident. If skiers are found guilty of reckless skiing, they will be fined 1,000 USD and face a six-month jail sentence.
Some ski resorts in Europe are also adopting the ski speed limit, including Switzerland’s Grindelwald and Verbier. Pierre-Yves Deleze with the Verbier Tourist Office said, ‘The idea is to allow beginners to learn without people skiing by them too fast and frightening them.’
The problem isn’t simply fast skiers. Other reckless behaviour also endangers other skiers on the slopes.
‘We did it because that’s what people wanted’, said Susanne Daxelhoffer at the Grindelwald area tourist office. ‘The project is based on complaints of people skiing too fast and therefore fulfills a need’, Daxelhoffer added.
Swiss ski resort Grindelwald was the first European resort to introduce a speed limit on one of its slopes. A growing number of high-speed collisions on crowded slopes helped fuel the decision to implement the 30kmph speed limit. France reported several deaths in the 2006-2007 ski season due to high-speed collisions.
Resort owners hope to combat deaths and injuries by decreasing speeds on crowded and beginner slopes.
Richard Slater, a British skier and father of three told reporters, ‘It’s particularly good if you have young children and want them to be able to ski without being hit by out of control skiers going too fast.’
According to BBC News, a study of 24 resorts reveals that all are keeping an eye on the experimental speed limit enforcements.
Speed limits for skiers and snowboarders might soon become commonplace on slopes around the world. The resorts of Park City and Deer Valley, both in Utah, are the first to implement a fine and jail time. Grindelwald and other European resorts that are adopting the ski speed limit do not plan to fine offenders. There they are simply warned to slow down.
When the proper amount of care and respect are given, skiing in general is a relatively safe sport. Some members of staff and skiers at the affected resorts are torn. They can see the importance of safer skiing, but some feel the punishment far exceeds the crime.
Some skiers see the new law as a way for authorities to control what they do in their leisure time. These skiers feel the law imposes unfair restrictions on a fast-paced, thrilling sport.
Skiers on the other side of the fence believe the law will stop some skiers from recklessly skiing and putting others in harm’s way. This law gives less experienced skiers hope that they can safely enjoy their time on the slopes.
A Swiss insurance group is installing timers on certain slopes. These timers allow people to see their speeds and should encourage them to ski within set limits. Ski resorts world-wide hope the implementation of timers and patrollers will help make the slopes safer for more inexperienced skiers.
Taking Skiing Holidays To Another Dimension
Aug 14th
One of the most popular and oldest form of activity holiday and still remains to this day a top choice for many young people and families, is skiing. It is a holiday that is guaranteed to revitalise and refresh your senses, whilst providing an opportunity to relax on the resort chalets. One of the more popular destinations is ski holidays in Chamonix. This is considered one of the most challenging skiing resorts in the world, offering diversity in their ski slopes and impressive panoramic views.
Ski holidays in Chamonix are more popular with people who are experienced skiers and enjoy watching major winter sports take place. Other outdoor sports that take place in Chamonix are rafting, ice and rock climbing, extreme skiing, paragliding and canyoning. Chamonix is renowned for its extreme sport variety and is often referred to as ‘the death sport capital of the world’. Many who travel up to this region are impressed by its diversity and accommodation for people of all levels.
The ski season for Chamonix is usually in December; however, it is an open tourism destination for the whole year round. For people thinking about Chamonix as a possible ski holiday’s option should bear in mind that there are skiing tutors available for those intending to ski for the first time. However, first time skiers should bear in mind that there are a number professional skiers travelling into this resort; therefore, the high number of experienced skiers may put them off. There are separate slopes available for beginners, which is a safer option for those not to keen on sharing the slopes with professionals.
As well as ski holidays in Chamonix, one is also able to enjoy the ever-popular winter sports events, which take place nearly every year. The resort is considered one of the most demanding and challenging areas to ski, which makes it a perfect location for sporting competitions to be held here. In 1924 the winter Olympics were held, which then followed many other sporting events throughout the years, including mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, speed skating and ice hockey.
Chamonix’s profile was raised after the holding of the first Winter Olympics, which helped it to become the main source and destination for sporting competitions. However, visitors may also be impressed by its famous scenery used in top blockbuster movies such as some scenes from Frankenstein, James Bond The World Is Not Enough and one episode of Alias. This has also been captured and used in Sony’s Gran Turismo 4 and the name Chamonix has been used for a Chilean ice-cream brand, which is currently owned by Nestle.
It is estimated that approximately 5 million visitors travel to Chamonix each year, making it one of top most popular international tourist destinations in the world. Whether it is pure skiing you are after, or a spot of culture experience and sightseeing, Chamonix incorporates all of the above and more!
Anna Stenning loves to take her ski holidays in Chamonix, as she is a big fan of extreme sporting activities.
How To Be The Smug Traveller Everyone Envies
Aug 10th
Don’t you just hate some tourists? They always seem so prepared, so cool, calm and able to float through the whole business of travel without a care in the world, and having anticipated every potential problem. It seems that some people simply have all the luck.
And yet, the truth is that it takes very little to help solve some of the most commonly experienced problems facing tourists and travellers. One of the most infuriating parts of a journey is often the problems facing luggage handling at airports. Having to check your cases in and wave them a cheery goodbye, and then sitting gloomily at the other end of your holiday watching other people’s cases journey round and round the conveyer whilst yours seems to have been deliberately held until last is another aspect of the holiday that no one looks forward to. Naturally those people that swan off the plane, straight through the lounge and off to a waiting taxi are given glances equal in measure of both envy and hate.
Is it really possible to manage to go on holiday without a suitcase? The answer is yes, perfectly, and many people are doing that every day. By having a simple over the shoulder carryon bag and by thinking carefully in advance about what you really need to take with you on your holiday, it is perfectly possible to reduce the overall volume and quantity of items that you take, helping you to keep your luggage with you at all times.
This obviously increases the security of your possessions as they are always with you; it will help speed up the process of checking in and checking out, and will save you a considerable headache. There are plenty of articles both on this website and others to help offer advice as far as achieving this is concerned.
Another aspect of a typical holiday which no one looks forward to is arriving at your destination and discovering, once you unpack your clothes, that none of them are wearable, During your travel it seems that someone had a sense of humour and unpacked your case, squashed all your clothes into a ball, ironed them into a ball ensuring the wrinkles were permanent, and then repacked your case for you.
In truth, it would not seem that there are such humorous baggage handlers, but actually poor baggage packers. Using simple techniques such as choosing suitable materials, polyester rather than cotton for example, and by rolling clothes rather than folding them, it is possible to protect your clothes from damage in transit. There is nothing quite like arriving at your hotel, opening your case and taking out an outfit, being able to put it straight on and enjoying the first few minutes of your holiday as you had always intended.
Similarly, breakages are an excellent way of ruining the start of your holiday. Arriving to find that your expensive perfume bottle broke will certainly ensure that you smell fantastic for your holiday, so fantastic in fact that the people back home will be able to detect you, but it is unlikely to put a smile on your face. Therefore, to ensure that you are one of the smug tourists, make sure that you pack your liquids and cosmetics in separate sealable bags or containers, so that in the event of a breakage, the liquid will not leak out onto other clothes.
All of these techniques, and others, are extremely simple, and very easy to put into practice. The hardest thing about them is trying to keep a straight face when you find yourself one of the envied travellers who seem to fly through the awkward parts of tour travel and get on and enjoy your holiday, whilst other people are recovering from the experience caused by poor planning.
Corncrakes For Twitchers In The Morning
Aug 8th
If there’s one reason to enjoy car hire in Poland, it has to be to experience the wildlife.
Poland is at the geometric heart of Europe and much of it is still unsoiled in that it supports such diverse wildlife, the likes of which you will be hard pushed to see elsewhere. A dis-used bunker in the West of Poland houses some of the rarest bats in the whole of Europe. The Nietoperek bat reserve houses Barbastelle, Bechstein’s, Whiskered, Natterer’s and Brown Long-Eared bats among others.
Twitchers would be in their element if they used car hire in Poland to travel around this beautiful, picturesque countryside. While taking in the breathtaking scenery they may just be in luck to see a Corncrake. An attractive bird with a very distinctive call and the world’s most threatened bird, the Corncrake is on the wish list of all avid bird watchers.
Other delights in the world of twitching come in the form of the White-backed Woodpecker, three toed Woodpecker, Hazel Grouse, Aquatic Warbler, Red breasted Flycatcher, Thrush Nightingale, Great Snipe, Cranes, Black Storks and Golden Eagles. In many towns, storks can be seen nesting all around. This is because Poland has the largest concentration of white storks than any other European country.
Take car hire from Poland out of the cities and into the forest areas and expect to come across Grey Wolves. Nowhere else in the world are packs of grey wolves to be with such significance, due to the fact that Poland is the last country with a large enough forest complex to support such animals.
The world’s largest rodent, the European Beaver, can be seen near waterways. So, if using car hire in Poland to camp out, be aware that you may come across these rather large animals. Also look out for the Eurasian Lynx, a distinctive wild cat with a short tail weighing up to 80lbs.
Poland hosts one of Europe’s last remaining primeval forests and this is what allows it to sustain such creatures. One such animal is the European Bison – one of the largest of its kind that you will come across.
If it’s more of a historical feel you are after, then car hire in Poland is the way to go. This country is covered in castles and fortifications that are steeped in history. For one of the most moving trips you can possibly make, visit Oswiecim, the site of the Auschwitz and Birkenau German death camps. Might not seem like a holiday but my goodness you will appreciate your life, even with all its stresses, when you get home.
Another moving site to see is skull chapel in Czermna. Founded in 1776, this church is made up of human skulls and tibia bones from the victims of the Silesian wars and epidemics. This is a very shocking place to see and quite macabre for my taste. However, this is thought provoking stuff and one way for all the victims to be remembered. Possibly a wedding venue for the slightly unhinged?
For mountain lovers, take car hire in Poland into Zakopane, on the edge of the Tatra Mountains. Home to some of the most beautiful wooden churches, it makes an excellent base for those wanting to experience skiing and mountain hiking.
One way or another, there are innumerable reasons to use car hire in Poland. Whether you are a nature lover, twitcher, history and architecture enthusiast or just want to encounter the unhurried pace of life enjoyed by our Polish friends, take some time to visit this country and you will not be disappointed.
How To Keep Sane Whilst Keeping Your Luggage Company
Aug 4th
None of us particularly enjoy the experience of carrying our luggage around with us on the way to, or coming back from our holiday. We all perhaps wish earnestly that we could reduce the quantity of luggage that we take with us, or that somehow they would invent luggage that would be able to compress all of our belongings so that perhaps they would pop conveniently into a pocket, yet at the same time be able to be unpacked and fill an entire wardrobe.
Sadly this isn’t possible, and so we have to think of ways in which we can strike a balance between taking enough for us to be able to enjoy our holiday successfully, whilst at the same time being careful not to take too much so that we end up almost breaking our back just getting to our holiday.
It is always important to spend plenty of time before you go away thinking about what you will actually need to take with you. It is easy to fall into the trap of looking at the usual sorts of outfits that we wear, and putting them wholesale into your case. With careful thought, possibly with a need to purchase specific items, it is preferable to consider taking a range of separate items, all of which will be fully interchangeable with each other. It is more often the case that taking several items which are all interchangeable takes up less room, but at the same time provides greater flexibility and versatility when you are away, than does taking individualised set outfits.
With careful planning it is possible to reduce the quantity of luggage that you take, and this is the most important step in helping to keep you sane whilst going on holiday. Another point worth considering is the condition and type of case that you actually use. Of course, the ideal scenario is one where you have managed to reduce your luggage to a simple carryon bag. Providing that this is in good condition and that it conforms to both size and weight limitations, this will help you move more quickly through airport security. But if a suitcase is necessary, think carefully in advance of a few points. Is it a suitable size? A suitcase which really is too small will need to be bursting by the time you get to the airport, and you know that this will always be the occasion when the hinges snap or the fasteners won’t work. Overstraining a suitcase, especially an old one is a recipe for disaster.
On the other hand, taking a suitcase which is far too big, yet under packed, might mean that you pass the weight restriction, but its sheer size means that it can become an inconvenience itself. It may well be worth considering buying a new suitcase that is more suited to the trip you are planning. It is rare these days to be able to buy a suitcase which does not have some kind of wheels, and you would be wise to test these out and to identify wheels which are not bearing based, but more built along the lines of inline roller skate wheels. These are usually quieter and smoother, and less likely to seize should they get very hot.
Finally, take care about packing the items in your case, thinking about keeping the heavier items toward where the bottom of the case will be, and distributing them widely so that you don’t have a battle on your hands, with all of the heavy items off to one side, constantly forcing the case to steer in only one direction. These simple ideas can make a significant difference to the level of sanity you are able to keep hold of whilst departing for your well deserved break.
Holiday Accommodation in Rome
Jul 28th
It is also the smallest country in the world, and the capital of the only religion that has representation in the United Nations.
Once your holiday accommodation has been booked, look at some of the top tourist attractions that Rome has to offer. Most people go to the Basilica of San Pietro. This is the place individuals visit in order to receive the Pope’s blessing. You might need to set aside a whole day for this event as hundreds of thousands of people stream in on Sundays to see the Pope. It is well worth the time and effort though, a truly unique experience.
If you are interested in more spiritual tourist sites in Rome, the Pantheon is hailed as the top most spiritual structure in town. The Pantheon has a holy atmosphere, which is enhanced by the fact that its only light source comes through the dome at the top of the structure.
If you love Rome and prefer wishes to prayers, the Trevi Fountain is worth a visit. A most awe-inspiring fountain, and it is believed that if you toss a coin into it over your shoulder then you shall supposedly return to Rome many times.
The Colosseum is a must see site where the famous gladiators fought battles. It was originally planned to be a horse racing circuit, which would explain the massive size and the 55,000 seats. The ancient Romans knew how to throw a party and for the opening day celebration in 72 AD, they held a hundred day celebration!
Piazza di Spagna is the world famous theatrical square that is often utilized for international meetings. It has a fantastic staircase that leads up to the square’s entrance. One of the globe’s most renowned fashion shows is staged here. The square leads you to endless streets filled with exquisite shops and boutiques.
Domus Aurea di Nerone is an immense palace, which has undergone a fifteen-year restoration process. It’s an intricate and exquisite example of interior design, and gold, gemstones, and ivory abound. The ceilings have openings with ivory tiles frames that open up to create stunning showers of flowers and perfume.
If you are interested in the political history of Rome, the Roman Forum is well worth a visit as it used to be centre of the political, economic, and social life of the Vatican City. You will be able to view the remains of the Emperor Septimius Severus triumphal arch. It’s also famous because Shakespeare’s famous chatacter, Mark Anthony spoke here, after Julius Caesar’s assassination. Great news is that admission is free for all and there are many tours available.
If our guide has inspired you to explore the ruins of early Roman culture, make sure that you book your hotel accommodation in advance. With plenty to see and explore in Italy’s ancient capital, don’t forget you’ll be competing for good value Rome holiday accommodation with plenty of other tourists!Travel and Vacation Tips