If you live in the northern hemisphere and are looking for summer skiing options, particularly between the months of June and October, when warm temperatures eliminate the possibility of skiing at the resorts nearest you, consider heading to the southern hemisphere, where ski season is in full swing. There are some incredible resorts in South America, Australia, and New Zealand; for the ultimate in summer skiing options, head to ski Chile or Argentina, where the Andes offer brilliant swathes of gleaming powder, just waiting to be discovered.

Skiing in Chile

There are a number of world-class resorts in Chile; one of the best known is Portillo, which is definitely worth a visit. Another area, which is commonly known as the 3 Valles, combines three ski resorts: El Colorado, La Parva, and Valle Nevado. All three are easy to access from the city of Santiago, and each offers in-bounds skiing and snowboarding, plus access to backcountry adventures.

Heli-skiing is available in Chile and so is Cat Skiing, which is available at El Arpa. Further to the south, you’ll find skiable volcanoes, including Termas de Chillan, which offers natural hot springs, two excellent hotels, and outstanding runs. Antillanca, Pucon, Las Araucaria, and Corralco are other options for Chilean skiing.

Skiing in Argentina

In Argentina, you’ll find incredible dry powder skiing and snowboarding that is without a doubt some of the very best on the planet. Argentina ski resorts include Chapelco, Catedral, La Hoya, Cerro Bayo, and Cerro Castor. The mighty Andes mountain range here is astounding; at Las Lenas, you’ll find skyscraping peaks that soar to 4,000 meters above sea level. Guided snowboarding and skiing trips are available, and so are adventures like heli-skiing. The hotels are fabulous here, and so is the night life – the daily party on the mountains continues into the evening at fantastic nightclubs where you’ll meet fellow powder hounds from all over the world.

The Summer Ski Season

While people in the northern hemisphere are sweltering between the months of July and October, those in the south are strapping on boots, skis, and boards, hitting the slopes, and mingling with world famous professional skiers and snowboarders, some of whom even offer clinics with small class sizes. Although the snow often starts to fly in mid-April, the very best skiing and snowboarding in South America takes place during the high season, between June and September. Make reservations in advance, especially in July; you’ll be glad you did. As summer skiing options go, these are the best.

With fresh snow already falling in the Andes, the buzz online is that it is going to be a great season in South America. Only two months and counting before those summer powder dreams become a reality.

Image source: UnofficialSquaw

Summer Powder Dreams – Skiing and Boarding Options

Family holidays have been falling by the wayside in the last few years due to many families having such difficulties making ends meet. While it may seem like there is no end in sight for the financial struggles of today’s families, the reality is family holidays are still very possible and it’s all about your approach to the financial planning aspect of such a vacation.

Whether you want to go to Disney World or explore the landmarks of Paris as a family, know that you can achieve such goals with the right amount of planning, a commitment to savings, and some good organisational skills.

Here are some guidelines to help you orchestrate the best family vacation yet:

Start Moving Forward

If you have difficulty making ends meet, you’ll need to give yourself plenty of time to plan when funds are tight. A dream holiday can be a great motivator for reprioritising your financial management moves so don’t give up.

Plan Far Ahead

Decide as a family where you want to go early on, even if it’s a year or two in advance. Once you have settled on a destination, it is time to do your research. Start online to find your point of interest, holiday discounts, or speak with a travel agent for the bigger scale trip so you can estimate the total cost of getaway. You’ll need this estimate to continue planning.

Do the Math

A holiday budget is a useful tool for staying organised and making your vacation a reality. Create a family household budget with various categories broken down based on the total amount of the estimate. Remember to include spending money, food costs, travel expenses, new purchases before you go, and any other cost related to your travel.It is always better to overestimate the cost than underestimate the amount you’ll need. Total the amount of your estimated holiday costs and divide the number by the amount of time left until you plan on leaving for your family trip. For instance, if the cost of the trip will be £2400 and you have 12 months to save, you’ll need to allocate £200 each month to get to your goal.

Allocate Your Savings

Establish savings accounts specifically for your getaway funds. Consider researching CD rates and utilise these secure resource to keep your accounting separate and benefit from higher interest. Ideally, automating deposits right from your paycheck or checking account will be the best way to ensure the money goes where it should. If you get the cash in hand, you may be tempted to spend it on something besides your getaway goals.

Continue Investigating Options

Sometimes finding the right place to holiday in is the hardest part for a family but once you have your plan in mind, don’t stop looking for discounts and deals to help you save on your trip. Take advantage of frequent flier miles, online travel coupons, and destination-specific discounts. You can earn your family more spending money by staying on top of deals.

Off the Beaten Path

Remember there are many great holiday destinations that are off the beaten path which can be just as fulfilling and fun as the higher profile, more expensive tourist resorts. Consider the things your family enjoys doing together and look for ideas using the whole family’s input.

Keep the Family Motivated

It certainly can be difficult for a family to stay patient while waiting for that dream vacation to happen but it can help to use creative ways to get the kids involved in the process. Make a visual savings chart so kids can stay inspired to help you save rather than begging for impulse buys. Allow children to help contribute to the savings account by hosting a jumble sale, selling cold drinks, or helping elderly neighbours with household chores. By including all family members to work towards the same savings goal, you also help to instill the valuable lessons in savings and money management that will be beneficial for a lifetime.

Saving for a Family Holiday: A Guide to Planning the Perfect One

Get Back to Basics

Finding a cheap hotel on bank holiday weekends, even for short breaks is far easier said than done. But camping pitches, even in high season, are often still cheaper than the price of a budget hotel. Avoid striving for 5 star luxury and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones in a tent or caravan. Camping can be an extremely fun and a great way to visit tourist destinations for a fraction of the price.

If you want to head to London for the Jubilee weekend then consider opting for a tent in a London suburb. Not only will you save money on accommodation costs but you’ll also have the bonus of beautiful surroundings. Most London campsites are well-served by public transport to Central London.

Look for Cheap Days Out

Who says you need to stay over somewhere? Look for interesting days out in your local area! Horse Racecourses can be a great place to visit on a bank holiday. Grandstand admission fees aren’t generally too expensive, and can be a great day out with family or evening out with friends. At some racecourses they even have enclosures which allow you to bring your own food and drink (yes that includes alcohol).

If you’re looking for a family day out then keep your eyes peeled for places which offer free admission for children. For a touch of royalty head to the Epsom Derby, where the Queen will kick-start her weekend of celebrating!

Take a Break Earlier

If you really want a short break but simply can’t afford to be away on the Monday (or Tuesday in the case of the Jubilee) then take your break a day or two earlier so you arrive back on the Sunday. That way you’ll avoid the highest prices but will still feel like you’ve gotten away for the bank holiday period!

What will you be doing with your bank holidays this year? Let us know by Tweeting @HolidayParking with your ideas!

Image courtesy of Flickr AberCJ

Stretching your Money on Bank Holiday Weekends – Travel Tip of the Week

Visiting a foreign country = fun!

Getting ripped off with your currency conversion = not fun!

So how can you keep things fun and not fall victim? Here are some pointers you will want to remember.

1. Conversion by the merchant is not a “convenience”

When visiting another country, you will find that many stores and restaurants will offer to convert your currency at the point of sale. They claim this is a “convenience” to help you out. However in reality, they’re typically only helping to bolster their profit margin by giving you a rotten conversion ratio.

For example years ago I vacationed in Cancun, which is arguably the most popular tourist destination in Mexico. Not surprisingly, every business in town would accept payments in not just pesos, but also US dollars (which is my native currency). The problem is that in Quintana Roo (the state Cancun is located) there is no regulation of exchange rates, so businesses can give you whatever they darn well please!

What I found was that if you paid with dollars instead of pesos, you could easily end up paying 10-25% or more depending on what you were buying. For example, a bar might sell 5 beers for 40 pesos. Alternately, you could pay with US dollars at a 10:1 conversion ($20 USD). However since the actual conversion rate is almost 13:1 you are basically getting ripped off by 30%. Not much of a “convenience” huh?

 2. Be careful which debit/credit card you use

The merchant isn’t the only one who can stick it to you, as your bank can be guilty as charged, too. Whether you’re from the UK, US, or other country, there’s a good chance your credit card company charges you a fee of around 3% when making purchases outside your home country.

So what’s the solution here? Well obviously you can skip paying with plastic altogether – there’s one fix to the problem! But if you still want to pay with a card, try and go with one that charges no foreign transaction fees. In the UK, I know the Halifax clarity card doesn’t charge any conversion fees. Meanwhile over in the US where I live, there are a number of travel rewards credit cards such as the Chase Sapphire, AmEx Platinum, and Capital One Venture which will convert your foreign currency purchases for free.

3. Convert your cash ahead of your trip (not at the airport!)

Okay so we’ve already discussed why it’s a bad idea to let businesses in another country do the conversion for you, but the same holds true (albeit to a lesser degree) when you switch your money out at the airport.

As we all know, buying anything inside an airport is always going to cost you more! Once you’re inside, businesses know you’re a captive audience so they’re charge whatever they can get away with. This includes charging bad rates at the currency conversion stands inside. Sure, you may not be getting milked for the crazy +30% like I was in Cancun, but you’ll still be overpaying by a few percentage points.

Your best bet is to handle this task way before you leave for the airport. Major bank branch offices will do currency conversion at better rates, but probably not the best. My recommendation would be to go online and do it that way. There are many sites like XE.com which publish their rates in real-time and allow you to have most major currencies sent to you trough a bank draft, wire transfer, or electronic funds transfer.

Just an added editors note; from personal experience I also found in some countries that the best exchange rate was found when withdrawing from a bank’s cash machine abroad. Although it is wise to withdraw large sums rather than keep visitng the cashpoint, as Mike mentioned your bank may sting you for a transaction fee!

This advice comes from MT, the head honcho over at Credit Card Forum.

Image courtesy of Flickr Images of Money

How To Avoid Getting Ripped Off With Foreign Currency Conversion

If you haven’t yet visited Machu Picchu, you probably want to. This Incan site regularly makes bucket lists, tops vacation wish lists, and wins travel-related awards. However, getting there can be a bit tricky. Here are a few Machu Picchu travel tips to help you start making that dream vacation a reality.

Tip #1: Know the Basics.

Machu Picchu is located several hours outside the highland city of Cuzco, located in central Peru. Because most international flights into Peru arrive in Lima, the country’s capital, you will need to make your way from the seaside inland. A flight from Lima to Cuzco takes about an hour. Alternatively you can take a 24-hour bus ride through the Andes. I recommend the first option. From Cuzco you need to travel to the town of Aguas Calientes, the town at the base of Machu Picchu. You can get here by a combination of bus and train, or all the way by train. From Aguas Calientes, you take a bus to Machu Picchu’s official entrance.

Tip #2: Decide Early If You Want to Hike the Inca Trail.

The Inca Trail is a sought after trek through the mountains to Machu Picchu. The number of visitors allowed on the trail per day is limited to 500, including all guides and porters. Because demand for Inca Trail is typically higher than the supply of allocated permits, you must book your tickets months in advance. If you’re interested in hiking during peak season, consider booking up to 6 months in advance. However, be aware there are several alternate treks always available.

Tip #3: Keeps Your Papers in Order.

Traveling to Peru does not require a visa. However, you do need a passport valid for 6 months from your date of travel. You’ll also need to hold onto your Andean Card, a small white piece of paper given to you upon arrival to Peru at immigrations. You will need your passport (with the Andean Card) when you check into any hotel in Peru, take any long-distance bus or plane, and to enter Machu Picchu. Remember, Machu Picchu tours require that your entrance ticket is pre-purchased; you cannot buy your entrance ticket at the gate. If you book with a Peru tour company, your tickets will be purchased as part of the package.

Tip #4: Go Beyond Machu Picchu.

If you’re traveling to Peru, don’t make the mistake of only seeing Machu Picchu. The country has a lot of beautiful sites to offer, including Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, and the Amazon rainforest. Consider combining your tour with a trip the Peruvian Amazon, or if you’re really ambitious consider some Machu Picchu and Galapagos tours, which you can usually book through one company to make the multiple-country travel easier. Combining the Galapagos Islands with a visit to the Inca Heartland is becoming increasingly popular because long-distance international flights are increasing in price, and many people are happy to hit two travel hotspots in one vacation.

How to Visit Machu Picchu

Built in the early 1500’s under the supervision of architect Francisco de Arruda, the tower serves as a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. During this time the country made impressive findings, such as inaugurating trading passages throughout the majority of southern Asia, discovering Brazil, and sending the very first nonstop European maritime trade. The Belém Tower was a starting point for a number of these voyages of discovery. It was also an integral part of the city; during the 16th century life in Lisbon revolved around the iconic port.

Not only is the building a rich representation of Portuguese history but it is also one of the most symbolic examples of Manueline art and architecture. For those of you who are unaware, Manueline is a style of Portuguese adornment which was very much fresh and innovative in the 16th century. The style is also known as ‘Portuguese late Gothic’. It mixes elements of the complex and the lavish, and draws inspiration from Italian urban architecture and Spanish Plateresque style. You can also expect to see Moorish influences throughout. The result is something truly spectacular, the level of detail and grandeur witnessed on the Belém Tower is breathtaking.

The structure is split into two main areas, these being the bastion and the four story tower. The bastion possesses an intriguing shape and the walls mark out a hexagon like effect. This area was used to house cannons; underneath there are storerooms which were subsequently utilised as prisons. The other part of the building is of course the tower itself. As stated the Belém Tower possesses four floors, and each floor has its own room. On the first floor you will find the Governor’s hall. The second floor is home to the King’s room. The audience room is located on the third floor. Finally, on the top floor you will find the chapel as well as a beautiful terrace which will give you an outstanding view of the Tagus River and the neighbouring landscape.

The tower epitomizes the beauty and history found in the area of Belém itself. It is certainly the most impressive place in Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. Thus whether you are visiting the town for a day or more, you will certainly enjoy all it has to offer. There are lots to do and see and an array of quaint traditional little cafes and other charming places to grab a drink or a bite to eat in between. The only thing to be wary of is visiting Belém on a Monday, as a lot of the sites are in fact shut.

Belém itself is stunning but you simply cannot visit without witnessing the Belém tower. The significance of the unique building is how the site earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site classification just under thirty years ago in 1983. Whether you are interested in history or not, whether you enjoy sight-seeing or not, you can rest assured that your visit to this monumental landmark is something which will not leave you disappointed. The magic feeling you get whilst approaching the Belém Tower is a feeling that touches all. So be prepared to be impressed on your enchanting journey back to 16th century Portugal.

Nathan is a prolific author of travel, food and health articles. This article was written for Outdoor World Direct, visit their site to buy camping tents, sleeping bags and everything you need for a camping holiday.

Image Source: Flickr Crismatos

A guide to the Belém Tower, Lisbon, Portugal

Like all great cities in the world, there is an abundance of fun things to do at nearly all hours of the day. London can proudly claim to be one of those cities. Whether you want to indulge in some of world’s leading brands on Oxford Street, take a walk down the stunning bankside to see the Millennium Bridge or enjoy a beverage in a local independent coffee shop, London will have something for everyone.

Westfield Shopping Centre

The newly built Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford is attracting people from everywhere. Being easily accessed from the Tube Station next door, it is a shopper’s paradise. The Westfield can boast about having over 100 shops inside the complex ranging from men and women’s fashion, restaurants, gaming and a whole load more.

Traditional British Pub Experience

A relatively unknown gem in the city is based in Zone 3. Again, a minutes’ walk from the Tube Station sits a family friendly pub in East Finchley called The Old White Lion. It prides itself on its old country manor look bearing wooden beams on the ceiling and traditional British meals. What separates this pub from the rest of the country style pubs within London is the furniture. In-between the restaurant and dining area are couches that are of a vintage styling but still very comfortable.

The Globe Theatre

The Globe is famous worldwide for being the theatre that William Shakespeare first performed several of his plays in the 1600’s. It is unique for being open top so that even if it is raining, the show does go on and the audience is involved in an experience which is particular to them. Although the theatre has been refurbished over time, the lay out has remained the same as to stay true to what the original concept of the space was. This means that there is a large standing area where the audience can actually be right next to the stage and even lean on it. The plays at the Globe are known for incorporating this into their productions and having the actors roam through the audience. This was hugely effective in their production of Titus Andronicus in 2006. The quality of the productions at the Globe can provide you a theatrical experience that you will never forget.

Like New York and Tokyo, London is a city that does not like to go to bed early. The night life in London is alive with clubs like Reflex and Abacus in Bank. You will be sure to find some cheap London hotels around the city if you are able to book far enough in advance as well. If you can avoid the centre then you will no doubt save some pennies on accommodation.

Image source: Flickr Markhilary

Fun Things to do in London

Today’s top tip is for those true romantics and newlyweds who wish to extend their dream day to a week or even more of special experiences. Surprising your new spouse with a honeymoon to remember is a daunting process but also a massively romantic gesture.

Begin planning early and research common hotspots which are well established for their romantic attributes. The build up to your wedding will most probably have been hectic, so the more relaxing and tranquil destinations are often the most favoured. White sandy beaches and beautiful sunshine often only seen on the front of travel magazines unquestionably boast this idea of extravagance which is guaranteed to make your new partner feel special.

Booking your trip through a travel agent can make the process a lot easier and less stressful. They can recommend ideal places as well as help you get the most for your money.

Splurge out on luxury accommodation as this is the first way in which to impress your partner and deliver the most opulent impression that you are surely keen to continue. Often a once in a life time experience, push the boat out with features you wouldn’t normally treat yourself to. Ensure you have money left over however to further indulge your other half and make the most of your whole trip although all inclusive packages could be an ideal alternative in order to enjoy everything on offer at your leisure.

Your honeymoon is one of the best times to adopt the cheesy cliché’s, so lay down the rose petals and make sure the champagnes on ice. Arguably, small, personal touches which are sentimental to you as a couple can prove the most amorous. Quality time is precious and should be taken advantage of as much as possible whilst away.

Be outspoken about the fact you’re on your honeymoon and take advantage of any complimentary services or gifts you may be given. Most importantly, relax and remember that sometimes, it’s the most spontaneous and unplanned gestures that are the most memorable.

The Honeymooners How-To-Guide – Travel Tip of the Week

Travelling with your furry companion can be a fun way to see the world. And if you’re anything like me, you never want to leave your four legged companion at home for too long. I understand, as the type of person who treats his own dog like a child, I get it. Buying the healthiest pet food, finding the best dog insurance, letting her sleep on the bed, I can barely stand leaving for work, let alone for weeks at a time.

Never fear! This guide should help you in your quest to minimize separation from your pet with advice on how to best travel with them. But there are a lot of arrangements to consider ensuring you both have a safe and happy trip. Here are the top five tips for doing it right.

1. Airport Security and Border Control

According to the TSA, traveling through security shouldn’t be a hassle as long as you follow the same guidelines you use for yourself. If you have your pet wear a pack, put it through the x-ray scan. Remove your pet from their kennel and carry them through the metal detector or have them walk beside you.

If you’ll be traveling internationally, make sure to look up the regulations for your destination country. Most will require a health certificate and proof of a recent rabies vaccination and animal origin. Utilizing good pet insurance should make this process go smoothly. Some countries like New Zealand, which has suffered from one plant, animal and disease invasion after the next, will be more stringent about dirt and seeds, so it’s best to give your pet a bath beforehand. Other regions, like flying within the United Kingdom or the European Union, will require your pet to be micro-chipped or have a passport.

2. Dealing With Airlines

Every airline has specific pet policies, so make sure to research guidelines on their website. Check for any pet type or breed restrictions and make sure to make a separate reservation for your pet, whether they’ll be traveling in the cabin with you or down below – and do it soon, as most limit the number they will take on each flight. Be prepared to pay a little less than you would for a regular ticket.

Of course, make sure to give yourself extra time to check your dog in and go through security. Check the weather forecast as well, as many airlines won’t fly a pet in their cargo bay in weather that’s too hot or cold for the animal’s own safety.

3. Find Pet Friendly Hotels

Not all hotels allow pets, so it’s important to do your research ahead of time on pet policies. You can do this by contacting hotels you’re interested in directly or by searching any number of pet friendly hotel sites on the web or on your iPhone. They might cost a bit extra, but such is the nature of treating your pet like a human.

4. Make Your Pet Comfortable

Travel, especially on airplanes, is disruptive to an animal’s routine and may upset them. Give them the most regularity as possible by including their favorite toys, bed or blanket in their carrying cage. If you have some time to train them, you may want to try associating a scent like lavender with a pleasurable reward and then spraying that scene into the kennel for reassurance en route.

Cages should be large enough for your pet to get up and stretch their legs. Make sure you attach water and food dishes that can be slipped inside without having to open the door.

Before you leave, give your pet a good bout of exercise to tire them out, and lots of water, as air travel can be especially dehydrating. Avoid tranquilisers since they can have an adverse effect at high altitudes.

5. Reward Your Pet Once You Arrive

Whether it’s a doggy spa or a cat massage, help your pet forget the recent stress with a little TLC after you’ve landed! Take them on a walk to explore all the new sites and smells of a new area.

With these tips, you and your pet can both enjoy a fun, relaxing vacation together. A little planning will go a long way.

Travelling With Your Pet

Nice Jazz Festival

From 1994, the festival shifted focus from its roots and concentrated on attracting the big names from pop and world music. In 2012 the current curator of the festival, Vivian Sicnasi, has reinstated a broader programme of traditional jazz and blues mixed in with a range of other musical styles in an eclectic programme. The organisers have also doubled the capacity of the venues, moving from the Arènes de Cimiez to the broad, open expanses of the plazas of downtown Nice.

During the eight days that the Jazz festival runs, Nice is a throng with tourists so it is highly advisable to book your hotel or Nice apartment early to avoid disappointment. The City’s most famous plaza will be given over to open-air live music from up-and-coming musicians and well-heeled jazzmen and women. The most famous of all the squares, Place Masséna, normally open and crowded with nothing more than palm trees, will become a thriving hub of music with a full programme on each day throughout the festival. The Albert 1st Gardens, which adjoin the plaza, will play host to a venue that will hold 6,500, significantly increasing the capacity and thereby reducing the price of tickets.

Nice other attractions
Whilst you’re in Nice, don’t miss the opportunity to see some of the other sights of the city while you’re getting a break from the beats. Now the festival will be held in the downtown area of the city, take a break from the music and head up to the old town. With plenty of restaurants, you can sit and watch the world go by for a while with a Pissaladière – Nice’s answer to the pizza and a perfect blend of the French and Italian influences in Nice’s culinary culture.

If, however, you’re looking for something a little less demanding on your holiday, you can get the best views of the city from the top of Colline du Chateau or Castle Hill; this is a breathtaking setting to book a holiday apartment. It’s a fantastic walk to burn off the calories of the beer consumed whilst listening to the music or your Pissaladière on one of the plazas. If you’re feeling a little less inclined to walk up the steep steps to the viewing point at the top, or if you have little ones who aren’t up to the climb, you can take the little train to the top for the stunning vista with views across the whole city and out to sea.

Cuisine in Nice
If your interest in Nician cuisine extends beyond sampling the famous Pissaladière, why not take a one-day cookery course at Cuisine sur Cours. The tuition by some of Nice’s finest chefs is second to none, and you’ll have a lasting taste of Nice to take home with you at the end of your holiday.

However you choose to spend your time – whether it’s listening to the music, sampling the gastronomic delights or taking in the views, you’ll find something to delight all of your senses on your visit to Nice.

Image Sources

Seb Chaumont Quartet playing on the Place Masséna in July 2011

Miles Davis playing the Nice Jazz Festival in 2008

Plazas, Pissaladière and perfect pitch – visiting Nice during the famous Jazz festival