Ripping Travel Rewards - Travel Like a Pirate on Air Miles

This article talks about Canadian travel rewards credit cards. Staying out of debt, and using those air miles to the max.

Ok, you're a Canadian Motorist and you have a few credit cards. Hopefully you don't have more than 2 cards. One for Personal and maybe one for Business. If you have more than that GET RID OF THEM. If you need more credit or you need a method to pay things off at a little lower interest rate than the credit card company's offer then be smart, Get a Line of Credit. If you don't have a business, then you could easily manage with one credit card and a line of credit.

In Canada I recommend the American Express Air miles Rewards Card, or a new card from American Express in Canada called the Blue Sky Travel Rewards Credit Card. Both these cards are excellent. They are accepted everywhere and they allow you to accumulate travel points on all your purchases.

The Reward provided by these cards really give you an incentive to use your credit card for all your basic expenses. The more you charge, the more rewards towards travel and or products you get.

If your an irresponsible spender the rewards are a bit of a trap in that you will end up with few points a full balance on your card and very little points. However if you are responsible with your credit and debts pay off your card monthly and don't carry too much of a balance these cards are perfect for you. Giddy up and ride the Amex Rewards Programs - just be sure you work it smart.

Now, that you have the card. What's the plan? Here are a few ideas to accumulate as many rewards as possible and trade them for a nice vacation every year or couple of years depending on your cash flow.

- Always pay your card off monthly.
- Purchases that will take several months to pay off should be charged to the credit card, and then at the end of the month this debt should be transferred to a line of credit or low interest loan.
- Run all your monthly utility charges through the card and pay off at the end of the month. This means your cell phone, your electricity your rent if possible, and your heat, dry cleaning, etc
- If you are on an expense account at work you can run all your personal expenses through the card also.
- In the case of the Airmiles Amex Card, you can accumulate extra miles just by shopping at selected merchants.

The methodology is endless. Shop smart have fun by getting yourself an American express rewards type credit card.

And travel on points me hearty!

Dewey Finn is a selfish pirate who likes to rip as many rewards as he can from the credit card industry. He hates to see people accumulate debt, and is a self appointed specialist in the finance field. He has written numerous articles on various topics.

Apply Now For The Amex Air Miles Rewards Card
American Express air miles application page - Safe Secure.

By Dewey Finn
Published: 10/6/2008

Condo or Hotel: Whatever Suits your Needs in Breckenridge

You’re off to a Breckenridge vacation, so make sure you’ve taken care of the things you should have done before going. When planning a vacation, one of the most important thing you do is to look for the best accommodations in advance.

When you’re planning a Breckenridge vacation the first thing you should always do is to look for the best accommodation for you. Your accommodation should cater to your needs. Space wise, location and amenities, your accommodation should fit your needs. Of course there are factors you need to consider first. Your lodging should fit your need, and must be very accessible to the activities you will be doing. Whether you’re going to enjoy the wildflowers covered mountains during summer or go skiing in the world class snow on one of the best Breckenridge ski resorts during winter, you always have to consider where you’ll be staying because your accommodations can make or break your whole vacation.

For some, vacations are a good excuse to eat out everyday. While it can be so tempting to sample the local delicacies and great restaurants in Breckenridge they can get very expensive when added up. When you’re staying in a condo, you will have full access to a kitchen. Breckenridge play host to quaint Farmer’s Market every summer, and with a whole kitchen at your disposal why not take advantage of the fresh produce and plan a whole meal with the fresh ingredients you bought. A home cooked meal is enjoyed best when labored with love together with your friends or family.

If you are one of the people who spend too much of their vacation budget on their hotel because let’s face it, staying in cheaper hotels can sometimes give you a lot of frustration and can ultimately ruin your whole trip. An alternative way is to rent a condo, town home or a vacation home instead, they give your family the space to enjoy a vacation together and sometimes even offer extra space for others. This is really recommended if your party is big. Staying in a vacation home or town home means you will have more privacy because staying in a hotel can sometimes get cramped.

If you’ve been to one hotel, you’ve been to all. Unless you’re staying in a suite, hotel rooms can be pretty standard. There may be complimentary newspaper, chocolates, flowers or mints but the room can be very standard, a bed, bathroom, TV and small closet. When you’re renting a condo or a vacation home you will feel a little bit cozier like you’re just spending it your vacation on a friend’s house. Condos and vacation homes are designed to come fully equipped like a home, kitchen, patio and all, you will definitely feel cozier and more at home, some even have a game room and an entertainment room, with movies and all. It’s like home away from home.

Don’t you ever wonder how it would be like to live everyday like you’re on vacation? I certainly am one of those people. What I would give to wake up everyday without a worry in the world. Many vacationers who visit Breckenridge dream of purchasing a vacation home someday, but with the economy and the rising costs of home ownership these days even considering is just simply out of the question. Renting a vacation home or condo can give you all the perks of having a vacation place all to yourself and your family without having to worry about making your mortgage payment next month.

Added extras like a gym, pool, or a hot tub is a must for some vacationers. These amenities are usually the reason why vacationers choose their hotel. This definitely can be a must for some but for most an added bonus. Relaxing in a hot tub is just not the same when you’re sharing it with complete strangers. Nowadays, these amenities are available in condos, vacation homes and high end cabins. Breckenridge have long been a favorite destination and know how to cater their vacationers needs You will find that condos or vacation homes have all the features offered in any hotel, and some of that little extra you are looking for and more. You will have privacy, your very own kitchen; maybe even has a game room but certainly more storage space for you, your family and friends.

Choosing the right accommodation for your vacation is the key in having a drama free and fun filled stay in Breckenridge. So make sure to plan ahead. A well thought out itinerary together with great accommodations will most definitely spell fun in Breckenridge as far as vacations go. Visit to Breckenridge

By Chris Cook
Published: 10/14/2008

Mysterious Tibet and the Legend of Ancient Tea-Horse Road

The ancient Tea-Horse Road plays a similar role as the Silk Road, and is a significant part of the international trade in the history. Besides a road of wealth, it was also a road of cultural exchange that created a cultural bond between Tibetans and Chinese in the history, and facilitated the spread of Buddhism in China.

Unknown by the western world until the 20th century, Tibet has always been the synonym of mystery. When you visit Tibet, You will immediately be amazed by its pure heavenly natural beauty, and be overwhelmed by its holiness of religious atmosphere. It is a journey that purifies your soul, and a discovery of outstanding culture and nature. From the impressive Buddhism ceremonies in the monasteries to the breathtaking sacred mountains of the Himalayas, Tibet, the roof of the world, will give every of its visitors a memory never fades away.

The symbol of Tibet is the majestic Potala Palace perched on top of Marpo Ri Hill in the center of the city of Lhasa. It is the must-go of most visitors to Tibet. The Potala Palace is the religious and political center of Tibet and the former residence of the Dalai Lama. It is the most sacred place in Tibetans’ heart. Although place like Lhasa is definitely somewhere that tourists can not miss, this article is going tell you something about Tibet that is absolutely magnificent but out of the spot lights.

Among the snowy mountains and deep gorges between Tibet and Yunnan, there are some mysterious footpaths winding through the mountainsides, some are even carved into cliff face crossing one of the most dangerous terrain and uninhabitable area in the world. These footpaths have been called the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Hardly to be called a road it starts from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces in Southwest China, runs along the eastern foothills and deep canyons of several major rivers, than heads into Tibet spanning the two highest plateaus of China (i.e. the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau), and finally reaches India, south of the Himalayas. But why have these ancient footpaths been called the Tea-Horse Road, who discovered this ancient route into Tibet, and what is the role it plays in the history?

It can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Tibetan people liked drinking Pu-erh tea (i.e. post-fermented tea compressed in thick rectangular blocks, flat squares, discuses or other shapes) because they ate high calories food such as butter, Tsamba, beef, and lamb but consumed very little vegetables. Pu-erh tea not only helped them to digest the heavy food but also offered their Vitamin need. Tibetans did not drink the Pu-erh directly but mixed the tea with the yak butter creating a salty and rich tea which is still common today. However the environmental situation of Tibet did not allow for the growing of the tea. Luckily, the neighboring Yunnan was an ideal land for growing tea, and they made Pu-erh tea in great quality. Those who could manage to transfer the tea from Yunnan into Tibet were going to make good money.

On the other hand, Chinese army needed strong warhorses desperately, comparatively Tibetans had a strong mounted army and they also had access to Middle Asia, where possessed the best military horses in the world. However, it was almost a mission impossible to exchange goods between Tibet and Yunnan, because any possible land connection between the two regions was almost cut off by the harsh terrain. The natural border between Tibetan plateau and Yunnan is formed of endless snowy mountains and deep gorges with steep cliffs which is tough for any land animals to cross the area. Finally the irresistible temptation of making huge profit had given the merchants enough courage to make their way through cleverly however dangerously. If the mountains could not be climbed they went around them on the mountainsides. By following the rivers they could take advantage of the narrow river banks under the cliffs. In continuous and collective efforts in many years, the trading link was established. Through this route, Yunnan merchants traded Pu-erh tea for strong military horses from Tibetan, and resold these horses to the rest of China. On the other hand, Tibetan merchants also made good money by selling the tea to India and middle Asia. This is why this trading route has been called the Tea-Horse Road.

Therefore, the ancient Tea-Horse Road plays a similar role as the Silk Road, and is a significant part of the international trade in the history. Besides a road of wealth, it was also a road of cultural exchange that created a cultural bond between Tibetans and Chinese in the history, and facilitated the spread of Buddhism in China. Even today, when people are trekking on this ancient route into Tibet, they can still sense the spirit, the courage, and the wisdom devoted to this road, and marvel at this great legacy of our ancient ancestors.

This article is one of China Odyssey Tours’ serial introductions about adventurous China. Other topics include the "Simatai Great Wall, a real adventure tour", "Home of Giant Pandas – Chengdu", "Tiger Leaping Gorge and ancient town Lijiang", "The legend of Dragon Back and the fairy tale of Third Sister Liu". You would find the adventurous routes cover the above topics though China Odyssey Tours , or custom design a dream route exclusive to you.

By Professional travel consultant at chinaodysseytours.com
Published: 10/14/2008

Fontainebleau - a fabulous slice of French life

Fontainebleau - a treasure of a town just a stone's throw from the French capital.

It's maybe not as well known as it's more famous cousin Versailles, which lies to the south-west of Paris, but Fontainebleau is definitely a town worth more than a casual visit.

And it has probably been given an extra boost - in terms of tourism here in France - by being featured in this week's edition of one of the country's leading news magazines.

L'Express sells around half a million copies each week, and is a pretty good read, bringing anyone who's interested, bang up to date with what's happening here in France.

Of course it has a political bias, but that can be balanced by maybe reading one of its competitors such as Marianne or Nouvel Observateur.

Anyway I have a subscription and receive my copy every weekend.

Imagine then my combined horror and surprised delight as this week's edition popped through my door, and there emblazoned on the front was a banner headline "Fontainebleau and its surroundings" with the promise to reveal 60 top names and addresses of "must sees" and "have-to-go tos" in the town itself and the neighboring villages.

One of those neighboring villages is the one in which I live, and about which I wrote here a couple of weeks ago.

Without waxing too lyrical, it's a great place. It's home to around 1,500 people, sits on the edge of one of the largest forests surrounding Paris and is chocolate-box pretty while retaining a real soul.

Any thoughts I might have had when I first moved here a year ago that it was one of those "best kept secrets" we all like to look for, were quickly dispelled when I realised that it attracted bus loads of Japanese tourists - come rain or shine - who visit to pay homage to a hotel in which Emperor Hirohito once stayed.

Add to that the fact that it also has a school of painting named after it (one of its most famous sons was Jean-François Millet), has numerous artists' ateliers, restaurants and hotels and a calendar jam-packed with cultural events, then it's no surprise perhaps that it pretty much acts as a magnet for tourists all year round.

Still it was a bit of a shock to see the face of the local butcher staring back at me from the cover of L'Express, with the recommendation to all readers within driving distance that this was the place to buy some of the juiciest and most tender cuts.

I mean it's not as though I disagree - far from it. It's just that I feel a little protective towards a man I've come to know and like over the past year. He's MY butcher and I don't want anyone else muscling in.

Philippe Auguin. is the guy from whom I buy some of the best meat available - all of which is organic, top quality and simply delicious. So much for my "find". Now the rest of the world (or at least those who read L'Express) are likely to make a beeline for the village to stock up

Mind you, his popularity and great reputation are more than fully deserved, and it's hard to begrudge him his new found notoriety. He's the kind of fellow who is very much the heart of the village, always has a smile for his customers and makes the chore of shopping a pleasure, by offering a personal and personable alternative to the anonymity of the "Grand Surfaces" superstores.

Philippe loves his job, works a long day and takes the shortest of holidays simply because as he told me recently he "loves being back home and at the center of what's happening."

Somewhere in that is a lesson for all of us perhaps.

His is not the only "address" featured in L"Express. The special pull-out lists 60 of them, all in villages surrounding the main town of Fontainebleau - just over 50 kilometres south east of the French capital.

For sure It's less well-known that Versailles but that doesn't make it any less worth a trip out to the "sticks".

By no stretch of the imagination is it poorer architecturally, culturally or in terms of setting.

It too has its own chateau, which although less ornate that the one in Versailles is actually older. With its trademark horseshoe staircase, the château de Fontainebleau was the largest one built be François 1 in the 16 century.

For French history buffs, François 1 was prone to building chateaux all over the shop, leaving them empty and instead just moving the royal court (complete with furniture) around when he fancied a change of scenery.

For those planning a visit, the opening hours are a bit haphazard - depending on the time of the year - and it constantly seems to be undergoing renovations of one sort or another, but it's definitely a must see.

Fontainebleau also boasts one of Europe's premier business schools, INSEAD, and during the 1950s and 60s was home to Nato's HQ allied forces central Europe - until that is the former French president, Charles de Gaulle, took the country out of the organisation.

What really sets it apart though from many other towns in or around the French capital is its forest.

It's enormous - more than 250km2 and hugely popular with Parisians looking for a weekend break in the countryside while not wanting to face the dubious delights of spending huge chunks of Friday and Sunday evenings sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

At the moment of course there are guided crack-of-dawn tours to help those that are interested in identifying and collecting edible mushrooms. There are huge boulders for rock climbers to tackle, cycling pistes for the lycra-clad cross-country enthusiasts, bridle paths and a criss-crossing network of footpaths for the serious or even more humble rambler.

Throw in the enormous variety of fauna and flora, the stags currently roaring their night time rut and wild boar rampaging through the place, and you have an ideal cocktail of preserved nature just a 40-minute train journey from Paris.

The townsfolk go by the delightful name of Bellifontains or Bellifontaines and are well used to foreigners dawdling around the center of town with maps in hand and phrase books at the ready.

While their English might not be the most robust, they're a pretty friendly bunch with none of the infamous arrogance for which the French, and in particular those living in the capital are often accused.

And if all you want to do is sit outside a brasserie and watch the world go by or see what a "proper" French market is all about (three times a week) it's all here (and more) in living technicolor.

So there you go. L'Express has done its bit at telling the rest of France a little more about Fontainebleau, and now I've chipped in giving readers here a taste of what they can look forward to.

Just promise though that you won't all be descending on Philippe and depriving me of the joy of bagging the best cuts for myself.

By Johnny Summerton
Published: 10/14/2008

Money for Traveling - Calculating a Budget

Money for traveling, even if it is not the most important part of a trip, failing in planning it properly can leave us with some disgusting surprises, as running out of it or simply spending a lot more than were able to forecast. Let's take a look at how an appropriate budgeting should be done to know how much money for traveling do we need.

The first thing you need to take into account is the main spending such as flights and hotel. And there's something I want to say specially when speaking about hotels. Look, if you are going to a hostel, just don't worry, probably the cost of your stay will be exactly the one shown in the paper. But if you are going to a better hotel, it is almost possible that you are going to use some of the services they offer, or possibly there will exist obligatory extra charges that you didn't expect. Is it fair? Not probably, but here I don't try to complain, but just try to let you know how to organize your money for traveling provided the real facts.

In any case, once you have added all this, there's another thing you should do that many people do in the wrong way. Many people love to include food within the traveling costs. While it is a good idea to include it in the amount of money you need to have prepared for the trip, it is not good to assume that food is costing you extra money to take your holidays. You would be eating at home if not in your holiday, and in case the country were you are going is cheaper, you will be even saving money by easting there. To calculate the money for traveling for food, the best thing is to take a look at immigration websites.

Another cost you should take into account is the one for activities. Museums, nature activities, guided tours, etc. Whatever you will be doing there that has a cost. Write the total amount in your list of money for traveling, but when planning to save money for a trip think about which extra costs you will not be doing by being away. Going to the cinema, the disco, the bowling alley... Whatever you normally do in the period of time given for your holiday.

Finally, there's one last thing you should remember for planning your money for traveling. And this one shall not be included in your trip costs, of course. When you are away you will be consuming no energy at home, doing no telephone calls, spending no water, etc. All this costs can be taken away when you are planning the savings for a holiday.

Planning a trip to Europe or somewhere to hang around in the world? You'll get some help at Travel to Europe.

If you look for 80-90% discounted hotels at your destination, you'll find the deal at Free Travel Certificates.

By Dani Alonso
Published: 6/26/2008

Cheap Backpacking - A How to Guide

Some cheap backpacking tips to keep that wilderness adventure affordable.

Cheap backpacking is accomplished in two basic ways? The first is to cut the cost of the trip. The second way is to spend less on the gear you buy. Here are some tips for doing both of these.

Cheap Backpacking Gear

Don't bother with high-tech gear. Is it really important to have a super wicking poly-fiber t-shirt for when you're hiking? Probably not, especially if it is the middle of July. Any regular t-shirt bought on sale for a few dollars will work. For that matter, a cheap plastic emergency poncho can replace that $200 breathable/waterproof rain suit if rain is unlikely and it's warm out there. You might want to spend the money for better gear if you want lighter versions. In that case, you can still save money by putting the next two tips to use.

Look for the deals. An obvious tip, but easy to forget when you get excited about that shiny new equipment. Shoes and hiking boots in particular can be bought inexpensively if you watch for the sales. Apparently some people won't buy last year's styles, so those $90 shoes go on sale for $40. Look for the closeouts from online vendors and local shoe stores. Thought outdoor clothing is most likely to go on sale, tents, sleeping bags are sometimes half-priced when newer models come out.

Look for used gear. Though I would never buy used shoes, I've found that thrift stores have plenty of used jackets that are in great condition. I've even found decent lightweight hiking pants at times, as well as aluminum pans that are really light and some other backpacking equipment.

Make your own gear. I know of backpackers who sew their own backpacks and sleeping bags. That seems like too much work to me, and I'm not sure the savings would amount to much. But I have modified cheap pans for backpacking, made hats from old thermal shirt sleeves, and bivy sacks from plastic and duct tape. And now that I think about it, I did make a backpack once from an old aluminum frame and a duffel bag. It weighed less than any commercial frame pack for sale at the time.

Skip the expensive foods. You don't need freeze-dried meals to enjoy backpacking. Snacks are a good way to go, and if you really need those cooked meals, bring simple foods like instant rice.

Cheap Backpacking Trips

Plan your own backpacking excursions. Although guided hiking trips can be nice, they are expensive. Just plan your own. Choose a location, do your research online, and start looking for the cheapest plane tickets that will get you there.

Go to free places. Many people automatically think of national parks or other places that have fees when they think of a wilderness experience. But there are many places that are just as beautiful and don't charge anything. Try national forests with hiking trails, for example, or BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land, or state forests. One advantage of this approach - apart from the money savings - is that you'll likely find such area less crowded.

Find a location nearby. For many backpacking trips the cost of getting to the trailhead is the biggest expense. Isn't there someplace interesting to see within an hour or two of where you are? Visit those areas and you might save a lot of travel money.

Now put it all together. Plan your own trip to a free place close to home and outfit yourself with basic clothing bought at thrift stores and equipment bought on sale. That's cheap backpacking.

Find more tips on Cheap and Light Backpacking and to get the ebook "Ultralight Backpacking Secrets (And Wilderness Survival Tips)" for FREE, as well as photos, gear recommendations, and a new wilderness survival section.

By Steven Gillman Published: 9/20/2008

Tips for Traveling on a Budget

In economically challenging times, you don’t have to skip your vacation…just plan carefully and stick to these tips to maximize your travel budget.

By Anastacia Mott Austin

If you’re feeling the pinch in your travel budget these days, you’re not alone. People are looking at all kinds of ways in which to reduce their spending, and unfortunately for many that means giving up luxuries, including vacations and travel.

But it doesn’t have to. Granted, you may have to adjust your expectations for travel and be willing to make a few concessions, but with a few changes, you can still have a satisfying trip without feeling guilty about the expense.

Here are my favorite tips for reducing the cost of vacation travel:

Plan ahead! This is the number one rule for saving money on your vacation. If you plan ahead enough, you can save a ton of money in all of your travel accommodations. It’s those last-minute procrastinators who are often stuck paying more than premium prices for having waited too long to make reservations. These days, you just can’t afford to be one of them.

Travel to your favorite vacation spot during the off-season. Of course, for some spots that means arriving just in time for monsoon season or during the months of giant-bug infestation or whatnot. Avoid those spots. But some locations are just as lovely during their off-peak months, and you will get unbelievable deals on fares, hotels, and rental cars. Plus, your sightseeing adventures won’t be nearly as crowded.

If traveling by car, make sure your vehicle has been properly tuned-up and is in top-notch condition. There’s nothing less fun (and frequently more expensive) than having your car break down in some godforsaken location like Kearney, Nebraska and need some exotic part they don’t carry (this actually happened to me….apologies to Kearney for the "godforsaken" part, but gee whiz, it really was). Use your best gas-saving techniques like hypermiling and making sure your tires have enough air, etc. There’s probably nothing you can do about the extra weight you’re carrying in the trunk – you are on vacation, after all.

If renting a car, try to not be picky about it. Don’t choose their most popular car with all of the fancy bells and whistles you may not use anyway – decide that saving money is more important, and go with the economy deal. Shop around for the best rental deals in advance, so you’re not stuck having to take what they give you, and talk to the dealer before you agree to a contract. Explain exactly what you need, and you may be able to dump some of the charges for services you won’t use.

If flying, try to have some flexibility about departure and arrival times. This might be difficult if you’re traveling with young children, but if you aren’t, making a few concessions on your flight will be worth it to your wallet. Choose a budget, no-frills airline, be willing to make a couple of stop-overs (these flights tend to be cheaper than direct flights), eat before you get on the plane so you’re not forced to buy the $10 "snack pack," and if you’re really budget-motivated, offer to be bumped off of your flight if it’s full. Often this means you’ll get a free ticket for a later date, and usually you’ll get on the next flight going your way…but check in advance with the airlines just to be sure.

Check the travel sites’ (like Orbitz or Travelocity) special deals or last-minute fares section. They sometimes have spectacular deals that might fit into your travel parameters. You have to be quite flexible about travel time though, because you need to be ready to take off the next day with those last-minute savers. If you’re feeling daring, check out fare bidding sites like Priceline or similar sites….you might lose out, but if you plan enough in advance, you just might get an unheard-of deal. Some websites will help you gauge whether to buy a plane ticket now or wait until fares improve.

At your destination, choose a budget hotel (are you sensing a theme?). For some people, this defeats the entire purpose of a vacation, and having to meticulously plan and choose the cheapest options in every aspect feels more like work than vacation. If you’re such a person, it might be a good idea to "splurge" on one area, like the hotel, and be a penny-pincher everywhere else. But if the accommodations aren’t the important part of the trip for you, all you really need is a bed and a bathroom, right? Again, pre-planning is the key here. If you plan ahead you’ll be more likely to snag a deal. Conversely, you can also get a great deal by snatching up a discount at the very last minute. Try Lastminute.com for deals like this.

Consider scaling down the scope of your vacation, and plan on say, camping instead of staying in a hotel, or driving instead of flying (which will be cheaper if you’re not going too far).

Consider a "staycation," in which you stay home, but act as if you’re a visitor to your own town. Take the week off of work, take care of chores in advance, turn off the computer, and check the local visitor’s bureau for fun things to do on your stay-at-home trip.

Some of these tactics might seem undoable, like being able to fly off at the last minute, or being stranded at the airport because you got bumped off of a flight. But if your focus really is on saving money, some of these tips will not be difficult to put into practice, and may make the difference between being able to go on your vacation or having to do without.

By Buzzle Staff and Agencies
Published: 10/1/2008

Fun in Sunny or Snowy Breckenridge

Breckenridge have all the perks when it comes to vacations anytime of the year. So if you’re planning to go on a vacation, take a relaxing mountain getaway to Breckenridge, Colorado.

It’s just so refreshing to be somewhere totally different from where you always are, work or home. If you’re working too hard or just simply want to get away from your repetitive schedule, vacations are well deserved. Planning a mountain getaway would be very refreshing. A perfect place to go would be Breckenridge, Colorado, there are lots of activities you can do in the mountains all year round and they have close to perfect weather for outdoor activities. Hiking, mountain climbing, biking, fly fishing and whitewater rafting are just some of the activities you can enjoy there during summer and almost throughout fall, during winter, Breckenridge is home to skiing enthusiast, not surprising since Breckenridge has world class ski slopes.

During daytime, there are so many activities that you can do in Breckenridge, but if you’re more of a night person don’t feel down; when the sun goes down, the fun doesn’t stop. Breckenridge has an amazing nightlife that can entertain any city slicker, so you might want to save your breath for the night time fun. Breckenridge is perfect for vacationers who enjoy the nightlife since their restaurants stay open late. There are also bars and clubs, if that’s not your thing sports bars and disco’s. You can enjoy the live bands in the many restaurants and bars if you enjoy listening to live music. You can walk into another spot because they are more likely within walking distance from each other in Main Street, so hop from one hot spot to another. You will not run out of new places to go to every night of your stay in Breckenridge.

Breckenridge is a very family-friendly vacation town. If you’ve brought your kids along, there would be enough activities to go around. Get a closer look at nature and take your kids hiking and camping. During spring, different species and colors of wildflowers are in bloom, so take advantage of this; pack a picnic and name as much wildflowers as you can. Summer is always perfect to be active outdoors; the weather is comfortable, not too hot or too humid. You can always plan a new adventure each day; you can go fly fishing, golfing, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting or horseback riding. Doesn’t that sound like fun? Vacations can get filled with too much activity that you burn yourself out and you’ll end up taking a vacation form your vacation. Take a time out to catch your breath. Visit the local art gallery and boutique shops. Breckenridge has its own chocolate factory that of course makes its own ice cream and an amazing cookie store. Treat yourselves to ice cream and cookies.

Very popular main attractions when you’re in Breckenridge during winter are skiing and snowboarding. But if your kids are too little to learn how to ski you can still enjoy the snow with them, nobody is ever too old for a snowball fight, make snow angels or snow forts. You can even make a snowman to get the Christmas spirit going early. Always remember to keep warm and make sure to pack some snacks and hot choco. You can also rent a snowmobile or go snowshoeing. If you want something a little more active, visit the local ice skating rink, you can rent skates if you forgot yours.

Don’t worry about where you’ll stay in Breckenridge; looking for a perfect place to stay with your family is never a problem. You can choose from the many Breckenridge condominiums, hotels, townhouses and vacation homes according to what you need. So take your family to Breckenridge, Colorado and have one of the most unforgettable vacations you will ever have, maybe even a start of annual family vacation tradition. Ask anybody who has been there because they keep coming back and so will you.

By Chris Cook
Published: 10/6/2008