New Zealand

I'm starting to get excited about a planned trip to New Zealand this summer, which has me checking out "adventure" tours. I say "adventure" because while there are actual tours for people who enjoy having elastic cords tied to their ankles and jumping off cliffs, some of these so-called adventures are walking tours where your luggage is actually transported by car.

I like this option.

There are two problems, though:

1. There are too many out there! Apparently New Zealand is known for this kind of tour. It's amazing what you turn up if you do a search for New Zealand adventure tours. There are literally dozens of companies, each offering several tours.

2. Our summer is New Zealand's winter, which means some of the tours aren't running.

Still, I'm excited about this idea. Usually when I travel somewhere I tend to think of the touristy spots first -- you know, the "sights." I love the idea of getting off the beaten track, although given the number of adventure tours, I suspect the track will remain fairly worn.

Sales!

Guess what? We're coming up to the off season! And if you can manage it, this is THE time to travel.

Off season is a fancy way of saying, no one else wants to come here right now, so we've slashed our prices. And there are certain places you really WON'T want to go during off-season. If, for example, your main holiday goal is skiing, you won't want to hit the slopes in the dead of summer. But if you're short on cash and high on enthusiasm and creativity, off-season travel can be the perfect way to go.

First of all, unless you're absolutely determined to spend all your time on the beach, think about hitting a tropical location during rainy season. As long as you don't get actual typhoons or something, everything will be dirt cheap, and you can still do all the indoor type stuff. Not only that, but rainy season doesn't guarantee rain. We went to Thailand during rainy season and spent most of the week lounging on the beach.

Sometimes we're drawn to on-season due to specific events. That's great if you're really determined to see those things, but sometimes they're more trouble than they're worth. The Takayama festival in Japan is a perfect example. Sure, it's neat, and the floats are pretty cool, but is it really worth fighting the crowds? I would say no. Go see the floats at the museum and go during a quieter time when you can actually take a step without tripping over a tourist.

It's up to you when or where you travel. But if you want a deal, and if you haven't set your heart on a specific event, off-season travel can save you a bundle. Besides, there's something charming about exploring any location away from the hordes. Get a group of friends and plan a holiday outside the ordinary.

Winding Down

In the aftermath of the Christmas holiday, I find myself reconsidering the whole meaning of travel. For a long time I thought every time you set off on a holiday it should be an adventure. But how many times do you come back from a trip and think, I need a holiday to recover from my holiday???

Currently I'm on holiday at my parents' home, and I'm enjoying doing absolutely nothing. It got me thinking: sometimes you need a holiday where you do nothing. And you don't have to stay home to do it, either. Actually, you shouldn't: the thing about your home is that there's always something you could be doing there. Besides, people know how to get in touch with you! :)

No, if you want a do nothing holiday, find a secluded hotel somewhere you love. Pack a big bag of books, movies, sketchbooks, or whatever you think you'll enjoy. Grab a significant other or best friend if the mood strikes you. Hit the library and get a book that'll teach you a skill you've always wanted to learn: painting, woodburning, pottery. Make sure you have the supplies and take off!

Of course, if you're cringing, you could always hit a spa, someplace with lots of quiet nature trails, or an isolated section of beach (even some of the less-traveled islands in Thailand are great for this). The idea is to relax and return home refreshed, relaxed, and definitely not in need of a holiday to recover from your holiday!

Traveling by Car Sucks

I just drove 600 km in a single go, which took me almost six hours. Usually it wouldn't take so long, but after both the person in front of me and the person behind me were pulled over, at the same time, by two different cops, I decided I could take a hint, and I slowed the heck down.

You know, I could have flown this same distance in about forty five minutes? Of course, it's the cost that's so prohibitive: if you're traveling a (relatively) short distance, it still makes more financial sense to go by car.

Traveling by car has a whole host of disadvantages, though, noteably:

1. It's boring, and if you're tired, you start drifting off.

2. The aforementioned cops.

3. It's slow.

4. The roads sometimes suck (although today, thankfully, they didn't).

5. If you live where I live, deer constantly run across the highway in front of you, scaring you out of your wits (OK, by "constantly" I mean once. Still).

It has some advantages too, though:

1. Price

2. Traveling on your own schedule

3. It's far easier to travel with pets

4. The scenery is slightly more interesting (or I assume it is, if you don't live in the middle of a barren wasteland)


Hmm. Maybe traveling by car isn't SO bad, after all. What do you think? I guess a lot depends on whether you like to drive. I don't particularly, and I do like to fly. On the other hand, if I have enough new music to listen to, driving isn't that bad -- so thank heavens for the iPod!

The Most Wonderful Time...

Phew! My posting's been on-and-off lately, and it's all because of Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, have you noticed how stressed everyone gets at this time of year? And travelers are no exception. Every airport is crowded with angry, flustered people trying to make their ways home -- or wherever. Better still, most of them have children in tow, and the kids are angry and flustered too. What a joy!

Honestly, if you're going to travel at Christmas, do yourself a favor and leave yourself a buffer. I'll never forget the time I was coming home from Japan on Christmas eve and our flight broke down. We were stranded in Osaka, and what would have been an annoying experience at any time became a nightmare as we all began to panic we would miss Christmas with our families. If I had to do it again, I'd definitely leave a few days earlier.

Or take a couple years ago, when I came down from my apartment on December 23rd to find someone had heaved a rock through my windshield.

There are a couple rules about Christmas traveling:

1. Assume everyone's in a bad mood

2. Don't engage in an argument, ever, with anyone, if you can avoid it. It won't be a short one.

3. Leave yourself extra time when possible.

4. Try to have fun. No matter what happens it won't be a total disaster. Try to look on it as an adventure.

Of course, that's easier said than done when you're spending your tenth straight hour in an airport, but nonetheless....

Thoughts on Traveling with Children

As a teacher, I have WAY too much exposure to kids! One thing I've realized, though, is that kids are actually pretty easy to please. They're just as happy with a family camping trip as they are with a voyage to Disneyland (well, almost). There are a couple things you can do, though, to make your family holiday run a little smoother.

1. Build it up. Even if you're not sure the kids will have much interest in where you're going next, try to get them excited. When they're on board, they won't drive you crazy whining. And you might be surprised what they find interesting!

2. Feed them properly. I'm not saying not to give the kids a bit of an extra treat now and then, but if you stuff them with hot dogs, sugar, and fast food, they're going to be tired and cranky. Treats are fine, but square meals are important, too.

3. Make sure they get enough rest. Schedule nap time into your day if you have to. Try to avoid the hottest parts of the day if you're in a tropical location, and bundle them up warmly if you're someplace cold.

4. Involve them in picking a few special spots for your holiday destinations. If they feel like they have a stake in the trip, they'll be more likely to view it positively.

5. Make sure you pack plenty of small, portable, age-appropriate entertainment and diversions: colouring books, reading books, travel games, puzzles, even video games: things to keep them occupied in the car, on the plane, and even in the hotel room.

6. Check with your hotel. Many hotels offer babysitting services. Don't be afraid to let the kids take advantage of the hotel pool with a caregiver while you have a night on the town. After all, it's your holiday, too!

With a bit of planning, traveling with children can be fun for everyone -- even if you get stuck in three hour lines at Disneyland!

Where to Winter?

I know a lot of people who want to get out of the snow three days after it arrives. On the other hands, I have friends who live where it never snows, and they're itching to go someplace white and fluffy for Christmas. Why are we never just satisfied with where we are?

Okay, I'm not satisfied, either. Actually, I much prefer a temperate climate: extreme heat and extremem cold always get me. Nonetheless, either one can be a lot of fun to visit.

Snowy Climates:

Snow can be a lot of fun in the winter. You get to enjoy the "winter wonderland" feel of newfallen snow, bundle up against cold, crisp air, and enjoy loads of winter sports: snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, skating -- the list just doesn't end!

On the other hand, where there's snow, there's cold. The termpature can easily become unbearable in some winter locations. And with windchill, you might find yourself running for a fire and a mug of hot chocolate, not your ski poles.

Warm Climates:

Warmth is always nice. Hot sun, toasty beaches, bright sun, skin-cancer inducing suntans: the summer has it all! On the other hand, the heat and humidity can get to you after a while, too. Besides, what's Christmas with a palm tree covered in garland?

So whether you head somewhere warm, cold, or just stay at home this Christmas, it's really a matter of personal choice. Whatever you decide, you're sure to have fun!

#1: Ski Everest (if you dare)

That's right: you can actually make your journey into the Himalayan mountains and brave Mount Everest. This is less a holiday, though, than a hardcore adventure. Mount Everest is a hazardous ski slope and certainly not for any but the most experienced skiers.

At 29 035 feet, Mount Everest is the highest slope anyone has ever skied. The first successful attempt was made in 1996, and the first uninterrupted descent wasn't until 2000.

Before you can ski down Mount Everest, you have to climb it. This is a hardcore adventure, not a ski resort, and it shouldn't be undertaken by anyone who doesn't think they can handle it. If you do decide to give it a try, you need:

-an experienced guide
-a lot of practice with mountain climbing
-a first aid kit (and someone who knows how to use it)
-a cell phone (charge it first, okay?)

When climbing you should take things slowly. If you plan to climb all the way to the peak, beware of altitude sickness. You should turn around at the first signs that it's getting worse, because the oxygen is pretty thin up there, and if you're not used to it, the results can be disastrous.

Obviously, Mount Everest is not your typical ski holiday! But if you're searching for the ultimate adventure, it doesn't get any bigger than this!

Still afeared of flying

I'm continuing to dwell on this topic because I watched the Supernatural episode where Dean is afraid of flying last night. If you're not familiar with Supernatural, you should be: it's one of the best-written, most genuinely scary shows on TV.

But I digress.

The point is, in the show they mention how the Japanese have a belief that a specific demon or spirit controls every disaster, and of course, there's a demon particularly interested in plane crashes. I was watching this episode with the same friend who made me question the sanity of flight last time we took to the air, and he went on at some length about how much sense the demon-crashing airplane made to him.

He then directed me to a flight on the Discovery network where they sift through the ruins of plane crashes, personalize the victims, and air prolonged scenes of screaming passengers on a crashing plane.

To quote Bill Watterson from Calvin and Hobbes, "when you think about how well basic appliances work, it's amazing that anyone ever gets on an airplane."

But of course there's a but, because I LOVE to travel, and I have no intentions of stopping because planes occasionally crash, anymore than I plan to stop driving because hundreds of people die every year in car crashes. I think the reason we hear so much about plane crashes is because, although they're rare, they're horrible. They kill hundreds, not one or two or three. Still, when you actually sit down and look at the statistics, plane crashes are so rare that there's just no point panicking about them. Also, a significant portion of crashes are due to stupidity, not mechanical failure -- meaning you take your life in your hands every time you eat in a restaurant, too.

So keep flying, and don't worry about demons making the plane crash ;) It'll probably come right in the end.

Crash!

I have to pause once more to talk about something we've all probably encountered in one form or another: the fear of flying. Why? Because I traveled recently with a friend who is absolutely terrified of planes, and I made a unique discovery: the fear of flying is contagious.

Seriously. I'm a bit of a freak in that I actually love to fly. I love the rush of the plane cruising down the runway. When I flew from Osaka to Tokyo, the airline had a camera fixed to the front of the plane, and they channeled that picture to the screen in the cabin. Because Osaka is on the coast, the runway extends over the water. So what you saw on the screen looked like the ground vanishing, probably leading straight to a crash. The friend I was flying with absolutely hated it. I thought it was one of the coolest things I'd ever seen.

But on this recent flight, we encountered some pretty heavy turbulence, and my flying partner was clearly convinced we were headed for a horrible death. To my surprise, I found myself getting kind of nervous myself. I don't know if his nervousness leaped over the armrest or my own latent nerves sprang to life or what, but I was really surprised how much the turbulence on this flight bothered me. I never LIKE turbulence -- who does? -- but it's never frightened me before.

So my theory is this: if fear of flying really is contagious, those people need to be sedated or something before they get near a plane. Think about it. If you get enough people really freaked out, their fear might travel to the cockpit and infect the pilot, and the last thing we need is a terrified pilot guiding us through basic turbulence!

And just in case you think I'm being nasty, I mentioned this idea to my friend and he was all for it. Sedation, heavy doses of alcohol or drugs -- anything to keep him from thinking about his impending doom.

#2: Yabuli

These last two sites aren’t so much the best resorts around as they are just interesting places to visit! And if you can get some skiing done along the way, so much the better!

China’s Yabuli Ski Resort, home of the third Asian winter games and just miles from the Russian border, is one of China’s main ski resorts.

You may not think “China” and “skiing,” and I wouldn’t recommend going to Yabuli if all you’re looking for is a great skiing adventure. But if you love to ski and the idea of checking out China appeals to you, Yabuli is a great place for a side trip!

Better still, you don’t even have to pack your own equipment: Yabuli expects their visitors to come from a great distance, so they keep a wide variety of extremely high-end ski equipment on hand as rentals. Accommodations are far from luxurious, but are extremely affordable (the location is popular with locals, however, so you’d do well to book ahead).

Yabuli also boasts English-speaking ski instructors, beautiful ski areas, some very challenging slopes, and authentic Chinese food (which may or may not appeal to you, depending on how you feel about eating things we usually trap in the garden). All in all, Yabuli is a great side trip and a wonderful way to get in a few days of skiing as you tour the Far East!

#3: Andorra

As we come to the end of my little consideration of the world’s best places to ski, we arrive at a hidden gem. Andorra is a tiny (200 square foot) ski resort tucked in between France and Spain, and encompassing the best of what those countries have to offer.

Andorra’s deceptive size hides a treasure of a ski resort where well over a hundred and fifty ski slopes benefit from the use of nearly a thousand snow cannons. With that much artificial snow behind you, a great ski season is guaranteed!

Better still, Andorra is just well-known enough to boast luxury hotels, high-speed ski lifts, and fantastic facilities. The weather is generally sunny and warm, and the snow is second to none. Many people who’d never heard of Andorra before are discovering this gorgeous ski resort.

Andorra has a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert trails, along with a large ski school and eight miles of cross-country skiing. You can reach Andorra through Barcelona, which makes a great stop-off to finish your skiing holiday.

If you’re a true skier, Andorra is the perfect location: sunny, beautiful, a refuge from the crowds, and with near-perfect slopes.

#4: Garmisch

I'm almost at the end of my twenty ski resorts :( It's been a lot of fun to explore what the skiing world has to offer! Man, do I need a holiday! But on with the show....

The hard to pronounce but beautiful ski site of Garmisch-Partenkirchen (better known simply as Garmisch) is located at the foot of Germany’s tallest mountain, Mount Zugspitze. As always, the Bavarian Alps provide a spectacular view, great skiing, and a well-rounded holiday opportunity for those who don’t intend to isolate themselves with a few mountain goats for
the duration!

With cross-country skiing, downhill slopes second to none, and fantastic snowboarding, Garmisch is also an historic site: it hosted the 1936 Winter Olympics. As always, some of the atmosphere of those games lingers in Garmisch, and the resort is known as one of Germany’s premier locations for winter sports.

If skiing isn’t to your taste – or if it is, but not for the entirety of your holiday – Garmisch has far more to offer. World class spas, shops, and restaurants line the streets, and you’d be hard pressed not to find something you liked. In fact, Garmisch features one of Germany’s most popular spas, a great place to relax for a massage after a hard day of skiing!

Whatever your tastes, Garmisch is sure to please you. It’s a rare combination of natural beauty, winter fun, luxury, and quaintness, all wrapped into a single resort.

#5: Innsbruck

It’s impossible to talk about skiing without bringing Innsbruck into the equation. Austria’s premier ski resort certainly deserves its reputation as one of the world’s best. Whether you’re intent on skiing throughout your holiday or just want a place for a winter getaway, Innsbruck never fails to deliver.

The town of Innsbruck is nestled in the Austrian alps, but it’s far from a secret: Innsbruck has hosted two sets of Olympic winter games, and it has the sports facilities to back up that claim. There’s far more to do than ski in Innsbruck: if you can do it outdoors, you can probably do it here!

Innsbruck primarily has intermediate runs, but advanced and beginning skiers are sure to find something to suit them. Snowboarders, too, are fond of Innsbruck’s natural beauty and many trails.

The town of Innsbruck is over 800 years old, and you can tell the moment you arrive: not because things are old and dilapidated, but because of the location’s historic and natural beauty. In addition to the ample skiing, Innsbruck boasts a host of historic sites and fascinating tourist spots, making it the perfect holiday destination for families, couples, and singles alike.

For a great winter vacation with great skiing on the side, Innsbruck simply can’t be beat!

#6: Bornio

Nestled high in the Italian alps is the picture-perfect ski resort of Bornio. Bornio has long been known for not only its famous skiing but its incredible beauty. The Italian mountainsides are home to incredible Roman-esque architecture, making it seem like you've stepped back in time the moment you reach Bornio's snow covered slopes.

Of course, none of this is to say that Bornio is a well kept secret (or even a secret at all). In fact, over 16,000 skiers and snowboarders brave the Italian alps every hour in search of fun and adventure. Don't let that stop you, though: Bornio is beautiful enough to brave the crowds. Waking up in Bornio is like waking up on the cover of a Christmas card.

Bornio is the perfect location for a romantic getaway with a touch of adventure underneath. The runs are pretty evenly divided between beginner, intermediate, and expert, so no matter your skill level, you're sure to find something to your taste. The resort also has the standard ski schools. Start your day off with a trip up the slopes, spend the afternoon at one of Bornio's world famous thermal spas, and relax for dinner in a beautiful Roman restaurant, enjoying the glittering snow and night time sky. Bornio is a great spot for a picture-perfect holiday!

#7: Takayama

Most people don't think Japan when they think skiing, but buried in the heart of the Japanese alps is the well kept secret of Hida Takayama. The city (composed of the characters takai -- high -- and yama -- mountain) is a relatively small city often refered to as Little Kyoto (Kyoto being Japan's cultural and historic centre).

Like Kyoto, Takayama is loaded with temples, old streets, and history; unlike Kyoto, it's a small, sparsely populated (for Japan) area -- as long as you don't try to go during festival weekend in April, when the population of this small city literally triples overnight.

Looming over Takayama is Mount Norikura, known through Japan for its fantastic skiing. There aren't a lot of actual ski resorts, but Takayama makes a great base from which to explore the mountainside: buses run frequently, carrying you up to the mountain's peak. The region receives a great deal of snow during the winter months and can get quite chilly. Japanese skiing enthusiasts flock to Norikura because, unlike Japan's other mountains, it's actually a wonderful natural skiing spot!

Again, Takayama isn't for hardcore skiiers. But if you're looking for a ski holiday with lots of exploration and culture thrown in, it's the ideal spot!

#8: Moena

Moena is an Italian ski resort perfect for weekend ski trips. It's near an airport, easily accessed, and branches to other skiing locations in Italy, all of which complement its fifty eight ski lifts and awesome peaks.

Moena is also a charming area in its own right, making it an ideal location for any holiday. It's an excellent base of operations for a join skiing and traveling holiday, as the ski trails cover about 500 km of intermediate alpine tracks.

Moena joins up to the skiing villages of Alba, Canazei, and Campitello. It also connects to the very attractive and quaint holiday areas of Pozza di Fassa and Viggo, both of which are rich in culture, history, and heritage. They also have small ski areas of their own, creating a much more intimate skiing experience than, say, St. Moritz.

Moena isn't for everyone, but if you're into a holiday that combines skiing, exploring quaint rural villages, and enjoying the great outdoors as opposed to wild parties, you'll have a great time in Moena, Italy.

#9: St. Moritz

Well, you had to know we'd get to St. Moritz eventually! Switzerland's most famous ski resort isn't nearly as expensive as you might think (as long as you're willing to cut corners and not spend much once you get there!). It's definitely not for the hardcore ski enthusiast – the slopes are almost all intermediate, with a decent selection of beginner. But if you want a flashy, glamorous, and highly entertaining holiday with skiing thrown into the mix, St. Moritz is the place for you!

St. Moritz focuses on providing all-around winter fun, so in addition to skiing, they boast winter golf, polo, and cricket (yes, in the snow), as well as fantastic fireworks displays and family activities. The town site, while not particularly attractive, is comfortable with its status as a tourist magnet, and provides plenty to see and do. You're sure to find something to your taste in St. Moritz!

Furthermore, the resort's surroundings are some of the most breathtaking Switzerland has to offer. A family hike will lead to spellbound silence as you gaze at the snow-covered Alps in all their glory.

And there's certainly no shortage of sophisticated, luxurious places to stay and eat – after all, that's what St. Moritz is known for!