Lakes Resort

Sun, Sea and Sand Elements of a Perfect Holiday

There are a number of different ‘types’ of holidays out there - from the excursion geared towards activity enthusiasts to the getaway suited especially for those seeking a bit of relaxation. While, there are different destinations which offer both - the best has to be one which involves none other than sun, sea and sand. The idea of a ‘perfect’ holiday is undoubtedly different for every person; but with everything a seaside holiday has to offer - from a relaxing setting to a variety of options for activities - why wouldn’t you pack your bags and head for the shore?

For the water sport enthusiast, a seaside holiday is truly ideal. Choose from canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, jet skiing, snorkelling, swimming, and fishing, among a number of other exciting options. On a beach break, vacationers can also embark on learning how to sail or maybe going on a guided boat tour; and for those who prefer land activities rather than entering the sea, why not go horseback riding along the beach, hiking in nearby hills to get to fabulous views, and most seaside vacation locations provide golfing facilities and even, on occasion, champion courses? And, of course, there is always the option to take in the tranquillity of the surroundings while doing nothing except lazing on the beach. Loll on the sand and listen to the waves crash upon the shore, or if that is not enough, maybe having an extra special treat with a spa retreat which is guaranteed to melt away the pressures of everyday life, could be the ideal solution. No matter what types of activities are chosen for a seaside holiday, almost everyone is guaranteed to come away feeling rested, refreshed, and renewed.

When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of fantastic hotels and resorts to choose from throughout Europe and beyond - many of which are situated directly along the shore, to prevent vacationers the chore of having to walk even the shortest of distances. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves crashing gently on the shore, or to a view of the brilliant sun glistening upon the sea; such a serene setting is an invitation for anyone to unwind.

Many hotels frequently offer holiday package deals to include activities for individuals and groups alike - from guided outdoor tours and family-oriented activities to spa retreats within the hotel. So whether travelling alone, as a couple, or with family or friends, there are always a number of terrific deals available which can be found and tailored to requirements with little effort.

The seaside holiday holds a wealth of options in terms of activities to partake in; but with its dusky setting, it also offers every holiday-goer an opportunity to fulfil his or her idea of absolute relaxation. It’s therefore no wonder that the sea has always been - and still is - the ultimate holiday destination for people looking for a break from their normal lives.

Michael is a keen writer living in Edinburgh. Michael’s Website: Belfast Airport Taxis.

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Red River Ski Vacations - The Ski Town of the Southwest

Called the “Ski Town of the Southwest”, Red River Ski Resort lies on Black Mountain, rising directly above the town of Red River, New Mexico. The historical town of Red River itself has an altitude of 8,750 feet, while Black Mountain has an altitude of 10,350 feet and a vertical drop of 1,601 feet. The resort offers six chair lifts and one surface lift, with 58 trails divided equally on 290 acres of skiable areas for skiers and snowboarders, with 32% beginners, 38% intermediates, and 30% experts. With an annual snowfall of 252 inches, the snow is 85% man made. With a ski school, group and private lessons available, even if you’ve never skied before, you will quickly be on the slopes after your first lessons. There are even lessons for snowboarders, who are welcome on the Red River slopes. You can rent all of your ski and snowboarding equipment for very reasonable rates.

Red River caters to families and children, with both children and their parents enjoying a separate, full-service facility on the slopes. The children’s programs offer ski, snowboard, and snow blade lessons. Both full and half-day programs come with an optional lunch. The ski and snowboard schools offer these lessons for all ages and levels, with a fun-loving staff of certified instructors. Special clinics are available upon request. Child care programs are available, provided by an attentive staff which provides for child care, lunch, and play for children ages 4-months to 4-years of age. Both full-day and half-day child care programs are available. For children who are over 4-years of age, the Youth Ski Center is offered to provide ski and snowboard lessons.

Many activates make Red River stand out from the rest of the ski resorts. Their history is very much alive and part of everyday life, not shoved away in a museum to gather dust. On Wednesday, a free program offers guests a free Wednesday night if they have already checked in Sunday or Monday. In addition, guests who purchase any Red River Ski Area 3-day lift ticket can get equipment rental or lessons, receiving the 4th day free of the same item. But most of all, good ol’ mountain fun is a primary activity here, with old-fashioned western traditions bringing visitors and their families back year after year. An annual party, “The Mardi Gras of the Mountains”, is part of the western tradition for everyone - enjoying a mouth watering Texas-sized steak, cooked to how you like it, and then some fancy two steppin’ with your honey to some good music. What more could you ask for?

Red River Ski Resort also has several excellent places to eat, in addition to excellent night life. Some places of interest are the Motherlode Saloon or the Bull -O- Woods Bar, Texas Red’s Steakhouse, the Chalet Cafeteria, and Capo’s Italian Restaurant. Of course, if you want to eat on the slope area - choose the Ski Tip Restaurant located at 10,350 feet up, serving lunch, beer and wine, with wonderful scenic views. The Lift House Bar, at the base of the main lift, is open for lunch and spirits, an “apres ski libation”. Going out on the town is great in Red River. After a day on the slopes, sometimes people wants to just kick back and relax at the lodge, or visit one of the taverns in the area. For the younger crowd, there is a great game room located right in the center of the town. One of the great things about Red River is that everything is within walking distance of the lodging areas, and shuttles are provided for transportation to and from the slopes.

Check out http://www.winter-sportz.com/ for more articles on winter ski resorts and ski resorts in colorado.

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Wonderful Wildwood, New Jersey

The Jersey Shore boasts some of the most crowded vacation destinations going. However, one popular resort, The Wildwoods, is truly a happening place and well worth the trip despite the crowds.

Much of this venerable beach community took off in the 1950s with the opening up of the Garden State Parkway and the Atlantic City Expressway. Many of the hotels still gracing the area still reflect that fifties look: tail fins, big hair, Elvis, and more. Old hotels with a bit of tackiness to be sure, but still a fun place to check out.

The boardwalk is a two mile trek laced with all kinds of stores selling saltwater taffy, t-shirts, trinkets, games, rides, junk food, you name it. If you don’t like to walk, tram cars will take you to the end or to any point in between. Soon, you will hear the familiar “watch the tram car” recording emanating from the cars and all you have to do is flag one down, hop on, and you’re off.

The beach is free, by the way. And, it is very wide particularly by NJ standards. Most people familiar with the Jersey Shore know that many beaches are razor thin. This beach has sand added to it constantly and naturally by compliant tidal waters; it is at least 1/4 mile from boardwalk to surf [in low tide, that is].

Wildwood now boasts a convention center built on the beach and new rides jutting out from its piers. Historic Cape May, home to more than 600 Victorian houses, is only four miles to the South and a great place to visit when you tire of the boardwalk scene. Atlantic City is one hour to the north and is a frequent side trip destination, especially on rainy days. Alternatively, you can also escape to the county zoo for the day in the town of Cape May Court House.

The best time to go to the Wildwoods is during July and August as the water temperatures can be too cold before that time. Still, most hotels have outdoor heated pools which you may prefer to salt water.

The resort is changing as many old buildings are being torn down and replaced by condos. Preservationists are attempting to maintain the family welcoming theme of the resort, so it remains to be seen what the resort’s future will be. In the meantime, grab a beach towel and your sunblock and head over to wonderful, Wildwood, NJ!

Born and raised in New Jersey, Matt is no stranger to the Jersey Shore having spent summer weeks on Long Beach Island as a child. Later in life, with a family of his own, the Keegans added Wildwood to their itinerary. This summer he hopes to return to Wildwood despite relocating to North Carolina.

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