A Guide To The Very Best Ways To Save On Travel

April 6, 2016 by Leave a Comment

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There’s something extremely exciting about visiting new places and learning about other cultures. The only problem with travelling is the cost – vacations rarely come cheap. While you might find a deal on your accommodation, for example, your flight tickets may end up costing you an arm and a leg. Travel can be a lot of fun, but if you’re not smart about it, it can leave you with an empty wallet and a drained bank account.
The good news is that it doesn’t have to cost you the earth to travel abroad. If you know all the best tips and tricks for saving money on travel, it can actually be relatively affordable. To make travel a little more budget-friendly, we’ve compiled a list of all the very best money-saving travel tips. From booking your flights to choosing where to stay, we’ve got you covered. For everything that you need to know to cut the cost of travel, keep reading.

Avoid peak time travel

The price of flights varies significantly depending on the day and time that you choose to fly. If you want to save on the cost of plane tickets, the best thing to do is avoid booking for peak times. A peak time ticket can cost up to three times the amount as an off-peak one, so it’s worth being choosy about when you travel.

Try out a few different dates and times and see what the price difference is between flights. You’ll often find that on weekdays, daytime flights are the most affordable. While on weekends, flights late at night and in the early hours always tend to cost less. If you take the time to compare the best times to travel, you can significantly reduce the cost of your trip.

Use travel comparison sites

It’s not just about the time you travel at, but also who you choose to fly with. There are plenty of online comparison sites that allow you to not only compare the cost of flights but also show you what the cheapest airline is. Don’t be put off using budget airlines just because they’re seen as being cheap. They work just the same as standard airlines but they charge around half the price.

Of course, it’s not just flights that travel comparison sites can help you to save money on. They can also help you to save on the cost of accommodation, by showing you the best low-cost accommodation options. Take the time to use comparison sites and you can ensure that when it comes to the cost of your trip, you keep it as budget-friendly as possible. One of the best travel comparison sites is Skyscanner.net, so take a look and see if you could save.

Collect air miles and travel points

Have you ever heard your fellow travellers talking about their air miles and how they cut the cost of their trip? Air miles can be a great way to cut the cost of your travel, as they can be put towards the cost of your plane ticket. If you have enough air miles, they may even completely cover the cost of it. The question is, how do you build up air miles?

 

The easiest way to gain a lot of air miles quickly is to sign up to a credit card that comes with a big incentives scheme. Some credit card companies offer up to 100,000 travel points to new sign ups, so applying for a credit card is definitely worth considering. To find out more about the best credit cards for saving money on travel, check out Upgradedpoints.com and have a browse. There’s plenty of information on here to help you make an informed decision about the best card for you and your travel needs.

Obviously, you also earn points every time that you fly. You can also earn points by shopping in certain stores and using specific websites to order products online. Even buying your weekly food shop could give you air miles, if you shop in the right place, that is. Some hotels offer a travel points scheme as well, so before you book, it’s worth finding out about this. Want to save on the cost of travel – make air miles your best friend.

Book early or last minute
You might have already heard this one, but it’s definitely worth repeating. One of the best ways to save on the cost of travel is by booking your flights, accommodation and transfers either early or late. The best option is to book early so that you have plenty of choice over what you select. Booking late may save you money, but it won’t give you much choice.

If you’re going to book last minute, you need to be decisive. As well as using last minute booking websites, it’s also worth looking on the websites of your flight company or hotel of choice. Sometimes, the cheapest deals are on the company’s direct website, so it’s always worth starting there. You can find out more about last minute deals by visiting Nerdwallet.com.
Book tickets to attractions in advance

When it comes to keeping the cost of travelling low, it’s not just about how you travel and where you stay. The expense that comes with getting out and about while on vacation can be high. However, if you opt to book tickets to sights and attractions in advance, often you can save on them.

 

Many places offer a 10 percent discount for booking online, as well as group deals. So if you’re part of a big travel group, it could be worth booking everyone’s tickets together. By ordering your tickets in advance for each sight and attraction, over the course of your break, you could save a lot. So this is definitely something that’s worth looking into.

Save on food with deals apps

To save on the cost of food – restaurants can be expensive, use deals apps. There are plenty of apps that not only work at home but also abroad too. So before your trip research the best ones for where you’re going and download them. You can then get an idea of the types of deals on offer and which are the best places to eat and drink.

There you have it, all the best tips and tricks for saving on travel. It’s no secret that going abroad can be expensive, so any way that you can save is worth thinking about.

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The Discovery of King Tut Exhibit in NYC #TutNYC

April 5, 2016 by 2 Comments

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King Tut is one of the most famous Egyptian pharaohs, not because of what he accomplished, but because of the (fairly recent) discovery of his tomb, which was never found by raiders.  Because of this, all the treasures as well as his entombment were undisturbed all these many years. We were able to learn much from this discovery, and King Tut has become a household name.

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The discovery of his tomb and the wonders enclosed in it are the subject of the newest exhibit at the Premiere Exhibition at 5th Avenue in NYC.  The exhibit is a very cool experience unlike any museum you have ever visited.  Because all the originals are in Egypt and not allowed out of the country, this is as close as many of us will ever come to seeing the treasures of Tut’s tomb.

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Instead of placards and dry information, you are led through an exhibit hall which acts as your time machine, bringing visitors through the discovery of opening King Tut’s tomb and all the of hard work and hazards associated with doing so.  From rooms set up to look exactly like those in the tombs (right down to the direction statues are facing) to true life sized replicas of gold leafed sarcophagi, it is a very interesting exhibit.  The amount of craftsmanship and detail brought to the public is intense, with tons of information and interesting facts about King Tut and his role as pharaoh as well as the man who discovered the tomb, Howard Carter.

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This exhibit is fun for both kids and adults bringing together facts and actual physical items to make a learning experience many can enjoy.  Open every day, but with a special family day of activities April 10th if you are interested.

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Sunday, April 10th
 
11am, 12pm, 1pm:
Returning to our exhibition by popular demand:
Museum Hack tours of our galleries
2-4pm:
The Mummy Makers of Egypt
Egyptologist Tamara Bower will read from her new book, “The Mummy-Makers of Egypt”, and will lead craft activities featuring the mummies, hieroglyphics, and more.
3pm, 4pm, 5pm:
Family Tours
In these drop-in tours of our galleries, Egyptologist Dr. Phyllis Saretta guides visitors around the exhibition, telling wonderful stories about the Golden King and his treasures.
 
The Discovery of King Tut is located at Premier Exhibitions 5th Avenue, 417 5th Avenue (at 37th St.) in New York City. For tickets and more information on the exhibition and the upcoming Family Sundays, go to www.TUTNYC.com.
 
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ABOUT THE DISCOVERY OF KING TUT, NEW YORK:
Seen by millions of visitors worldwide, The Discovery of King Tut takes visitors back more than 3,000 years to trace the story of the boy king who reigned for a decade and died suddenly at age 19. This thrillingly unique experience explores the legendary tomb and its treasures as they were at the exact moment of their discovery. Visitors can feel the rush of excitement as they step into a moment only ever witnessed by Howard Carter’s excavation team, view more than 1000 precisely crafted replicas and reconstructions and discover the story behind one of the most iconic moments in history.
The tomb’s magnificent burial goods have been reproduced exactly down to the finest detail by expert Egyptian craftsmen and renowned Egyptologists. These exquisitely crafted replicas and reconstructions, allow visitors to step into the wonder of the discovery as if the original excavation in the Valley of the Kings has been reopened. Crucially, the exhibition also brings together a collection that can only be seen separately elsewhere, even in Egypt: because the king’s treasures are kept in the Cairo Museum. In addition, Tutankhamun’s beautifully painted tomb in the Valley of the Kings has been stripped of everything but his mummy, the outer coffin and the stone sarcophagus. By contrast, the exhibition experience culminates in exact reconstructions of three chambers from Tutankhamun’s tomb, revealing themselves just as the discoverers saw them. A radioplay-like audio tour based on Howard Carter’s diaries, video documentaries, extensive texts and object descriptions and unhindered access to the objects together provide an exciting, as well as informative, experience for all the senses. The Discovery of King Tut is now scheduled to run through May 15, 2016. Tickets are on sale now at www.TUTNYC.com.
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Great American Road Trip Tips You Shouldn’t Ignore

March 22, 2016 by Leave a Comment

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There is so much to see in America that even mature people still encounter new sights. That is why taking a domestic road trip could be the best choice for your vacations this year. Spain and other European countries might seem exotic, but there’s no need to travel that far. The climate in the South of France is not unlike that in states like Nevada. In truth, temperatures in the US often exceed those recorded in other Western countries. So, do yourself a favor and holiday in America this year. You’ll support the local economy, and you’re guaranteed to love the experience. Just make sure you use the following tips.

Pack clothing for all weather conditions

If you want to travel across the country, you’re going to encounter many different weather patterns. So, it’s wise to prepare for anything you might encounter. Keep some jumpers and jeans in your suitcases alongside those t-shirts and shorts. Make sure you also pack enough underwear and socks for the journey. While you’ll probably have to wash your clothing along the way, it’s nice to have some new briefs. People who plan to take their children should remember coats and boots to ensure they never feel cold. Like it or not, there’s often a strong breeze in the mountains of Montana.

Determine your route and tell someone

Next up, it’s sensible to plan your entire route ahead of time. IOS TripAdvisor and similar tools will make that easier. You can let friends and family members know where they can find you during your journey. If you get into trouble for any reason, they should notice before the situation becomes dangerous. Arrange to call them on specific days from particular locations. They will then know to alert the authorities if your call doesn’t arrive. The other advantage to planning your route is that you can make sure you don’t miss anything interesting. It would be a real shame if you drove through Nevada without visiting the Grand Canyon. However, that might happen if you didn’t research the route before leaving home.

Download some travel apps

There are many good travel apps you can download to your smartphone. TripAdvisor is currently the most popular solution on the market. It’s ideal for those who want to learn more about tourist attractions or accommodation. However, the Shofur Android solution is also making waves at the current time. Applications of that nature allow travelers to book seats on buses anywhere in the country. It’s wise to have something like that on hand for a couple of reasons. Firstly, you never know when your car is going to stop working. Secondly, your smartphone will handle all the hard work and even direct you to the bus stop.

You should now have a good grasp of the actions you need to take during the next few weeks. Failing to prepare for your road trip could mean you run into many different issues. So, take some advice from this page, and but the tips into practice. People who ignore this information are more likely to have negative experiences. That is why I decided to publish an article explaining everything today. With Easter just around the corner, it’s probably not too much time before you get behind the wheel.

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Why Dubai Is One Of The Most Popular Destinations For 2016

March 16, 2016 by 1 Comment

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If you’re thinking of a great family vacation for 2016, you may not have considered Dubai. As a family vacation destination, it provides so much. If you’re willing to take the kids on a plane and visit somewhere new, then Dubai may be the perfect vacation hot spot for you.

Dubai is growing all the time. New buildings and properties are springing up in record time as more and more people realise the value of being here. In just a few years, Dubai has become a vacation hot spot, from almost nothing. Sure, there is a lot of money here. And yes, some things may be quite expensive. But if you’re looking for an experience that can’t be matched, you may just find it here.

Many tourists come here to spoil themselves. Luxury and fine things are both big business in Dubai. You’ll find gold toys, and diamond encrusted cars. There are plenty of celebrities here buying them too. But Dubai also offers an incredible itinerary for families with children too. The Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is a firm favorite for a great day out. And if the sun is too much, you can find even more great activities indoors.

There are aquariums, ski slopes and trampoline centers to enjoy. And if you fancy something lazy to do, there is always plenty of space on the beach. There are beach clubs to suit all ages, and plenty of indoor venues just along from the main parades when you need to get out of the heat for a while.

You are also spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodation. You can stay in an Islamic hotel and enjoy the full Halal experience. There are luxury hotels or private villas to choose from too. Dubai has become a very metropolitan destination. You can find accommodation and activities that will suit every family, whatever your background.

Getting to Dubai can be quite tiring especially for the kids. When you arrive, it might be easier to book a driver to take you from the airport back to your accommodation. This means you can start your vacation right way and relax. And if it’s relaxation that you’re looking for, you are spoilt for choice in Dubai. There are dozens of highly rated spas, or you can enjoy a comfortable stroll through the old towns.

Shopping is high on the agenda of most tourists that come here. But you don’t have to visit the expensive boutiques. Instead, you can find some charming local stores selling delightful items in the traditional styles. They can make great souvenirs, and they provide a lot of interest while you are here. There are also many great places to dine. You can enjoy a wealth of worldwide dishes, or sample something a little more local.

A vacation in Dubai provides everything you might be looking for. You can relax or be active and sporty. You can bathe in luxury with shopping or pampering spa treatments. And best of all, you can witness some of the most incredible real estate ever built. So why not come and enjoy the view from the Burj Khalifa?

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Getaway to the Catskills

March 8, 2016 by 7 Comments

We are fortunate to live near New York City, with lots of cultural events and attractions. However, going to NYC at any time has some drawbacks, namely that it is SUPER CROWDED, everywhere, and it can be SUPER EXPENSIVE.

I was recently hosted on a weekend getaway with the Catskill Mountain Foundation and discovered that there is much culture to be enjoyed just a two hour drive away from the city, with wide open spaces.

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Our home base for the weekend was Sherwood House, a guesthouse where students, teachers, musicians,
dancers and artists have stayed to collaborate and produce amazing pieces.

We were situated in Sherwood House because it is very convenient to Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts, a center for the study of studio arts. The arts are really poppin’ in the Catskills!

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In Hunter Village Square, the Kaaterskill Fine Arts & Crafts Gallery, features the work of local and regional artists in a variety of mediums, everything from craft exhibits to salon-style exhibitions for art work. Everyone in our group found something they needed to purchase.

Right across the street is the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s Piano Performance Museum, an unexpected and fascinating gem displaying the Steven E. Greenstein Collection of historic pianos from Europe and the Americas over the past four centuries. These pianos can actually be PLAYED and all can be featured in professional performances.

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This afternoon filled with music and art left us read to enjoy dinner at the Deer Mountain Inn lodge and restaurant.
Deer Mountain Inn is ALL kinds of luxurious. I felt like the Rat Pack definitely would have convened in the restaurant for a cocktail. The lodge has six gorgeous rooms appointed with a combination of turn-of-the-century design and rustic modern touches. The property is on 168 wooded acres, making for great views and relaxing nature hikes. After filling our bellies with top notch cuisine, we could only drive back to Sherwood House to recharge for our next day’s adventure in the Catskills.

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Summer Road Trip Essentials

March 4, 2016 by Leave a Comment

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Are you channeling Thelma and Louise this summer? If you’re gearing up for the road trip of a lifetime, here are some essentials to pack in your trunk.

Clothing

A summer road trip is all about sun, sea and sand. Pack your swimwear and some light layers for evenings. Choose a mixture of laid-back daytime outfits, beach attire and a couple of smarter looks for going out. Try and pack light, as you may have limited space.

Sat nav

The films often show glamorous starts wrestling with paper maps with the wind blowing in their hair, but the reality is that sat nav is a lot easier. Plug in motel postcodes and landmark sites to navigate your way without any stress or arguments with your co-pilot. Take a map with you just in case the road layout has changed, or your sat nav stops working.

In-car charger

If you’re planning to spend long periods of time in the car, it’s wise to pack an in-car charger. You may need to make calls and you’ll undoubtedly need your phone to stop off and take some snaps.

First aid kit

You never know when accidents could happen, and it’s always best to be prepared. Bring a first aid kit with you to treat any scrapes and scratches you pick up along the way.

Sunglasses

Don’t forget your shades, the ultimate road trip accessory. Not only will your glasses give you that retro road trip look, but they’ll also enable you to enjoy the views without squinting.

Beach accessories

Load up your trunk with beach chairs, a Frisbee and a bat and ball for endless hours of playing around and lazing in the sun.

Sun cream

Even the most beautifully golden sun-kissed skin can burn, so take care to protect your skin. Apply lotion before you sit out and avoid the powerful midday sun. You will need to be particularly careful if you have fair skin, or you burn easily. Wear a sun hat, use a high factor and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Drinks and snacks

There’s nothing worse that trying to drive when all you can think about is feeling hungry and thirsty. Stock up on bottles of water and some snacks to keep you going on long drives. You never know when you may hit traffic or puncture a tyre, so it’s best to be prepared.

Camera

If you’re a keen photographer, or you want to keep a photo diary of your trip, a camera is a must. Don’t forget to bring a charger and a spare battery.

ID

If you’re crossing borders, you’ll need the relevant identification documents with you. Check what you need before you go. In some cases, you may need a tourist visa. Always make sure your passport is in date before you make any travel plans. It’s also highly beneficial to take out travel insurance if you are planning to travel to a different country.

If you’re looking forward to a summer on the roads, follow these simple packing guidelines to avoid any hassle and have an incredible time!

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Visiting the Poconos

March 3, 2016 by 11 Comments

This most recent visit to the Poconos, we stayed at Split Rock Resort & Golf Club and visited Jack Frost Mountain ski area during the day. It was only a short ride, making spending the day outdoors easy (and coming back to our room was relaxing).

Winter is a great season to enjoy time at a resort- and to take advantage of the winter-weather sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing while you are there. Split Rock Resort and Jack Frost Mountain are the perfect escape combination that you are looking for this season. Split Rock Resort is not just for winter, however. Every season is a good time to visit, with a different experience each and every time. Located in the western region of the Poconos, you will find the sense of adventure that you have been missing from everyday life.

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Split Rock Resort has over 1,200 acres to explore, and is lots of fun for the entire family. The resort offers lots of on-site events and live entertainment, as well as a pool and several restaurants and eateries. You can check out local bands and award-winning festivals. There is something going on every single week, so while you are there you can soak in some music and festivities. There is also an arcade, movie theater, and bowling alley, all for additional fees.

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The resort has all sorts of accommodations, so whether you want to stay in a suite, lodge room, villa, or cottage, you have that choice. Lake Harmony is the gorgeous view that you will get from the lodge rooms. If you are planning on a longer stay (or you have a larger family), you may want to look into the suites or the villas, which offer a fireplace, full kitchen and even a dining area. The bathrooms were amazing in our room- there were showers and a whirlpool tub, which we loved.  What a great way to relax after a day outdoors! It’s like a home away from home, and in some cases, better. The cottages are perfect for an intimate stay.

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There is also the H2Oooohh! waterpark you and your family can visit, but that is a separate price from the rest of the resort. Ticket prices range from $16 for observer only (you can enter, but not ride or take part in anything) to $32 for adult and children over 12.   There are 53,326 square feet of water attractions, five exciting body, tube and raft slides, a wavepool, activity pool, water dumping bucket, and more.  There is also a surfing activity, where kids and adults can try to ride a wave standing up or body-boarding style on the Komodo Dragon – Pennsylvania’s First Indoor Flow Rider.  There are also hot tubs and a kiddie play area. This was the highlight of the trip for my son, and the place where we spent most of our time.

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While you are staying at the Split Rock Resort, you should take the time to visit the Jack Frost Mountain ski area. It is just as iconic as the resort that was founded for the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company to get away as a retreat. In 1942, it was built along the shores of Lake Harmony and had an adjoining Hazzard ski slope. When the lodge was sold in 1947, the ski slope was renamed to be known as the Big Boulder Ski Area. This was the first commercial ski resort in Pennsylvania and was where snowmaking was first used successfully for commercial enjoyment.

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Fun fact? John Guresh, an employee who was instrumental in building Big Boulder Ski Area, perfected the snowmaking machine.  In 1956, there was now a sprinkler type machine that released crystals that looked and acted like snow. Jack Frost was born in 1972 and is now a resort that is a companion to Big Boulder Ski Area. These two resorts are now a big part of the skiing community in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

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My son had the best time snow tubing (his favorite winter activity).  After you choose your tube, you drag it a short way to a tow-rope lift.  The way it works (for anyone who has not tried this before) is that you sit inside the tube, and an employee snaps the rope onto a tow-rope that drags you up the hill at a not-too-brisk pace.  Once you get to the top, you hop out of the tube, take the rope, and wait for your turn to go down the hill.  This saves you from having to drag it  up the hill yourself over and over again, which we all know is exhausting.  (And if you have small kids, to drag them, their tubes, and your own tube up as well!)

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At Jack Frost, the parking and tubing areas are at the top of the resort. You will find everything that you need in the Main Lodge, and the Tubing Park is right there as soon as you arrive. Parking is no problem, and it’s not far to walk to. There is also Big Boulder Park that operates mostly at night, but does have some daytime and weekend hours. They also have a tubing park. With a multitude of different runs to experience, there is never a dull moment.

Head over to http://www.splitrockresort.com/ to book your stay.  You and your family will have a great time!

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Top Tips For Planning A Family Ski Trip

February 24, 2016 by Leave a Comment

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Going on a family ski trip will give you all the chance to spend time in the great outdoors, having fun and learning new skills. Skiing is fantastic for families with kids of any age as more and more child-friendly classes and slopes are becoming available. It’s often been noted that the children often surpass their parents skiing abilities by the time the trip is over. But before you start booking hotels and choosing your ski gear, here are some top tips to help you plan the most perfect trip possible.

Stay somewhere local

It’s no secret that skiing can be strenuous, especially after a full day on the slopes. The last thing you want to do after such a long day is spend hours travelling back to your lodging. Remember that your children’s legs will tire before your’s do. So walking for miles or having to make multiple transfers to get back is not ideal. So wherever ski resort you decide to travel to, make sure your accommodation is local. Chalets, condominiums and hotels are just a few options you have and these will vary is size, price and quality. Always book with a reputable supplier such as tremblant hotels, who can accommodate families for a more comfortable stay.

Plan other activities
While skiing is the main reason you are planning this trip, try to include some alternative activities to do as well. Kids can get bored easily, and they may not want to ski every second of every day. Plus if it’s your first time, you all may find that your bodies need time to acclimatise to the ski positions and the weather. Being cold and wet is not something every child will enjoy so always have a backup plan just in case. You could go shopping around the local towns or visit other tourist attractions that are age appropriate. It will make the trip far more enjoyable for everyone and give your body a chance to rest and stay warm in between.

Make sure everyone has the right gear

While you might have the right ski gear and equipment, it’s unlikely that your young children will. It might be beneficial to hire their equipment as they are still growing. So you need to ensure that the ski resort or hotel you are staying with can provide your children with the appropriate skiwear and equipment. You should be able to find this out online or call the directly if you are unsure. It’s always better to find this out before you get there. Otherwise, your child may not be wearing the right sized clothing which can expose them to the cold and harsh elements. Equally not wearing the right boots or using the correct equipment can increase the chance of injury. So always make sure the right gear can be provided to every member of your family before you book.

You should now feel more confident about planning a one in a lifetime ski trip for your family. Always wear the correct gear, check the weather forecast and stick to the ski regulations to keep everyone happy and safe on the slopes.

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