The Best Resorts for Summer in the Alps
Many people’s thoughts may be a long way from thinking about ski holidays but the European Alps are not solely a winter wonderland, in summer they have a huge amount to offer visitors. Activities range from the extreme – rock climbing or mountain biking to the more sedate, such as hiking or simply taking in the amazing scenery. In the summer months the weather can often be hot and sunny, so the peaceful seclusion of the mountains can provide a great alternative to the Med’s more crowded beaches. In this article we’ve picked out some of the best summer holiday resorts in the Alps.
Morzine
As a summer mountain resort, Morzine is one of the best around. Once the snow has melted and the patchwork of green fields is uncovered – Mozine’s spectacular scenery becomes a haven of alpine tranquillity. Aside from relaxing in the stunning surroundings, there are numerous activities on offer Morzine. Read more…
Travel on the Rebound, US Tourists Plan to Spend $86.4 Billion this Summer
As the economy rebounds and the demand for travel is on the rise, Americans are expected to spend nearly 16 billion US dollars more on their summer travel of 2011 than they have spent a year ago. The total amount US tourists plan to spend on summer vacations this year is up 22% compared to 2010, totaling 86.4 billion US dollars.This comes as a bit of a surprise among serious concern over high gas prices, which were expected to drive down traveling for North America.
The data was released today in a survey by global travel assistance company Mondial Assistance USA and their travel insurance brand, Access America. According to the survey results, almost half (45%) of Americans are confident they’ll take a summer vacation this year, 5% more than in 2010, and 10% more than in 2009. Read more…
Americans Will Cut Costs But Not Give up on Travel this Summer
In spite of raising gas prices, more and more Americans are planning on travelling this summer. According to the most recent American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, 8% more Americans plan to travel this summer compared to 2010. The average prices they are willing to play on their summer vacations are of $300 per person for a weekend or three-day gateway and about $1,200 per person person for longer trips.
“Staycations, popularized during the recession, are falling to the wayside as consumers go beachside instead,” said Claire Bennett, senior vice president and general manager of American Express Travel. “Most Americans will be enjoying their summer away from home this year with many planning multiple vacations. This is terrific news for the travel industry.”
This year’s American Express Spending & Saving Tracker analyses consumers’ spending and saving as related to traveling on a random sample of 2,025 US travelers over 18. Read more…
Malta, Sicily and Sardinia: Battle of the Islands
So you’re thinking of heading off to somewhere warm, perhaps an islands somewhere in the Mediterranean. Malta, Sicily and Sardinia all spring to mind – and all are reasonably easy to get to, but which one is the best? Best is a relative term of course. Each of the islands has its own charm and quality and there are plenty of reasons to visit each.
The first thing to realise is that both Sardinia and Sicily are huge in comparison to Malta, and although size isn’t everything, this does make a big difference as to what’s on offer. Of course, if you’re looking for somewhere secluded then a holiday in Malta could be just the ticket.
Because Sardinia and Sicily are so big, you don’t just go to Sicily you go to one area and usually stay there or perhaps one other area for the duration of your holiday. Sardinia for example has a population of over a million and a half people and covers an area total of 24,000km, Sicily has a population of around 5 million and a similar size while Malta is only 316 square kilometres and has a population of less than 500,000. Read more…
The Best Summer Vacation Destinations Of 2011
Looking to plan a summer vacation that’s different then all of the others in the past? A dream of most is to travel but before we just jump on a plane and head to China, let’s take some baby steps. During the summer, enjoying a vacation overseas can be a bit challenging as many of the natives there leave their towns to vacation themselves making it hard to find good customer service. So to ease into your traveling dreams the places I have listed here are perfect for summer vacations and they make for great photo albums.
Best vacation spots for the summer of 2011:
Hawaii
Talk about great cuisine, thanks to Guy’s Big Bit and Man Vs. Food there have been some great restaurants exposed to the public. Also if you’re interested in warm weather, this is the best tropical weather you will ever experience. Want to learn how to surf? You can find lessons on every beach or you can soak in some of the rays the sun has to offer.
Photo Wednesday – Beaches of Oludeniz, Turkey
Now that winter is here, I’d so wish I were back there, in mid September, enjoying the sea, the breeze and the warmth.
