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.

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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. The resort is frequently considered to be the spiritual home of mountain biking in France, with over 300km of sign posted trails in the region. Morzine will often host international standard mountain biking events including the World Cup and European Championships, so if you’re in town for one of these, it’s a good idea to book up accommodation as soon you can. There’s a whole range of options available ranging from luxury chalets to cheaper self-catering apartments to choose from in Morzine.

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Its location in the south eastern Alps means that Morzine is under two hours drive to the city of Geneva and the impressive lake, as well as the spa towns of Thonon and Evian. Evian is, of course, famous for its brand of mineral water but also makes for a great day trip out of Morzine. It is located on the shores of Lake Geneva and a dip in the town’s thermal baths is a must for any visitor.

Alpe d’Huez

This summer there will be a particular buzz around Alpe d’Huez when the Tour de France comes to town on July 22nd. While not the highest ascent on the “Big Loop” as it’s colloquially known, the climb up to resort is certainly one of the most punishing. It is famed for the 21 hairpin bends that litter the 13 kilometre climb, which very often can prove to be a key mountain stage in the tour. All of the bends are named after previous winners of the stage and the route gets packed out with cycling fanatics and holiday makers, giving it a unique and fairly intense vibe. The resort is usually heaving when the tour passes through but it tends to mean that there’s a party atmosphere and a lot of fun to be had.

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Verbier

Summer in Verbier is all about getting out there and exploring the region. Situated high in the Swiss Alps, bordering France to the west and Italy to the south, Verbier offers the best of European mountain scenery. There are a number of activities for tourists visiting Verbier, including white water rafting and canyoning in the rivers surrounding the resort, the more relaxing option of fishing or for those in search of a gastronomic treat fondue and chocolate are specialities of the region.

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So, with all this on offer in Europe’s Alps, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore!

About the author
Ed is a big fan of all things travel. He’s visited many countries all over the world from South America to Africa and Europe. He particularly enjoys the European Alps for skiing in winter and hiking in 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.

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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.

American tourists are not only planning to travel this summer, they also intend to spend larger amounts this year. The average family budget is of 1,704 US dollars; up from the 1,567 declared a year before, a year to year increase of 9%.

Survey data also showed men are a lot surer of their travel plans then women, 51% compared to 40%, just as those living in the Northeast (53%) are, compared to those in the South (47%), West (46%) or Midwest (36%). Family income also determines their confidence and spending plans, those earning more being surer of their summer vacation plans.

While gas prices do not stop them from traveling, 54% of US travelers are concerned with them, other worries including bad weather, rising travel costs, economic uncertainty or terrorism. As a result of past travel uncertainties, more tourists are planning to also purchase travel insurance.

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.

While Americans will still travel this summer, they are aware of financial circumstances and are willing to make sacrifices in order to cut costs and make sure they enjoy an affordable trip. 8 out of 10 travelers have their own strategy in place to spend less. Some will drive instead of flying to their destinations, while other will pick less expensive places to vacation.

US travelers are planning to save for their trips bu cutting their spending on dining out, clothing, home improvements, entertainment and outings, spas, salons and other luxury services, as well as gadget or tech purchases.

The tracker also shows family vacations are making a comeback this summer, as 70% of the travelers are planing their vacations together with their loved ones, a 25% increase compared to 2010. 64% of those planing their trips with their family will go on one or two week-long trips, while the average for this summer is of two week-long.

Weekend getaways lead in travel preferences, with 68% of respondents opting for them, compared to 63% who plan for week-long trips. Another interesting trend revealed by the tracker is that “man”cations and girlfriend escapades are trending travel options this year.

The top attractions that influence travel planning are getting good deals on transportation and/or accommodation, spending the holiday near friends or loved ones, benefiting from a wide range of activities to choose from, being able to visit a lake or a beach during the getaway or attending reunions.

The most popular local US destinations this year are Florida, California, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Nevada, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois and Massachusetts. Those who prefer traveling above rated the following destinations as the most popular: Bahamas, Canada, Italy, UK, France, Germany, Mexico, India and Japan.

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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.

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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.

Sardinia

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean and a very popular holiday destination, particularly around the Costa Smelda where it attracts sun worshippers and luxury holiday hunters. Sardinia is the quintessential Mediterranean destination and attracts all kinds of visitors from windsurfers to beach holidaymakers, although the latter is definitely what the island is most famous for.

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Sicily

Sicily is located to the tip of Italy, famously next to the boot-shaped landmass which looks as if it is trying to kick Sicily into the Mediterranean. Perhaps these images have had an effect on the islanders who often feel that they are more Sicilian than Italian.

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Aside from sun, sea and sand another great reason to visit the island is for the love affair its natives have with food. The cuisine is very exotic and has many spices and unique flavours to enjoy. Although its meditereannean there are strong hints of Arabic and Spanish flavours, giving a little insight into who conquered Sicily in the past.

Malta

Malta holidays are growing increasingly popular, particularly as flights and package holidays to the island increase. Unlike Sardinia and Sicily, Malta is its own country and that adds a significant amount of charm to it.

While there seeing the ancient capital of Mdina, also referred to as The Silent City, is an absolute must. This is surrounded by an equally inviting scenic town known as Rabat, which boasts beautiful views and beautiful architecture.

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Each of the Mediterranean’s most popular islands offers its own unique charms and attractions – I guess the only solution is to visit them all.

About the author
Jennifer is a part of the digital blogging team at digitalcrosstalk.com who work with a growing number of travel brands. For more information about me, or to keep up to date with the latest in travel news, check out my posts at digitalcrosstalk.com or visit my Twitter account, @dcrosstalk

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.

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Bahamas

All-inclusive resorts are a big thing this year. So take an all-inclusive vacation to the Bahamas where you can be completely stress free and enjoy some of the funnest water sports in the world as you skim over some of the clearest waters. Or try a cruise to the Bahamas. Sailing into Nassau, you are greated with some of the most stunning Bahamas real estate and historical landmarks. Make sure to enjoy a Corona on the beach!

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Naples & Marco Island, Florida

Looking for a vacation full of luxury? Naples has some of the most formal night life in Florida. If you can manage to pull yourself out of tunnel vision while driving down here you will notice some jaw dropping Naples real estate. The beaches on Marco Island are just as exotic as the Bahamas and Hawii and have extremely warm weather this time of year. I highly recommend a golf outing when you’re in Naples, just don’t forget to bring your sun screen!

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Dominican Republic

For those who are a little more experienced travelers, if you’re looking for a place that takes your breath away everywhere you look, book a vacation to the Dominican Republic. Waterfalls and meadows are as far as the eyes can see, it is as close as you are ever going to get to Pandora (think Avatar).

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Laguna Beach

It isn’t as dramatic as MTV made it out to be. In fact it is a great vacation spot to get away from the norm that we are used to over here on the east coast. The food is different and the beaches are better! When the sun goes down the parties begin and the party pants go on!

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About the author
Pat Shebby is well versed freelance blogger who often writes about various vacation and luxury real estate destinations.

Now that winter is here, I’d so wish I were back there, in mid September, enjoying the sea, the breeze and the warmth.