Top 5 Dog Sledding Places for a New and Exciting Vacation Idea
It is widely recognized that dog sledding was invented by the Inuit people in what is now Canada thousands of years ago. Early on, a single dog likely pulled a single small load of goods like firewood. Later, dog sledding became more advanced by using teams of dogs to pull larger loads and eventually humans through the Arctic regions of the world.
Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Canada
Alberta, specifically the Canmore area, offers the opportunity to glide through snow-covered trails in t
by Celine von SchweetzJan 06, 2023
Celebrity-Frequented Ski Resort
When winter comes, the stars flock to some of the most luxurious ski resorts in the world. From impeccable service to top-tier skiing, these five resorts offer an experience like no other.
Enjoy the thrill of rubbing elbows with the famous, as well as the extra amenities, like luxurious lodging and a superb selection of slopes. So if you're looking for a winter getaway that offers the same quality experience as the stars, read on to find out which ski resorts the rich and famous love to frequent.
Whistler, Canada
Whistler ski resort, the largest ski area in North America, is a haven for all levels of skiers. From the Beckham family learning to ski on the beginner slopes to Tom Cruise's expert moves, the resort is sure to have something for everyone. For après-ski fun, visit The GLC lounge bar for live music, poutine, and breathtaking views of the surrounding cliffs.
Vail, Colorado
Vail ski resort is the USA's premier celebrity ski destination, boasting 5,000 skiable acres and a world-class selection of spas and restaurants. Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton celebrated his 32nd birthday here in 2017, and in 2015–2016 Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris were seen making snowmen. You'll even have the chance to ski alongside the Kardashians, who have been visiting since Kim was a child. If you're looking to ski with the stars, Vail ski resort is the place to be.
Verbier, Switzerland
At Verbier, a top celebrity spot in Switzerland, aprés skiing is a must. The renowned Farm Club has welcomed guests such as David Bowie, Diana Ross, Madonna, her family, magician David Blaine, and James Blunt, who is also a co-owner of La Vache restaurant. For over 40 years, Farm Club has been a popular destination for the famous and affluent.
Courmayeur, Italy
At the base of the majestic Mont Blanc lies the charming medieval market town of Courmayeur. Its narrow alleyways offer a perfect place to escape the paparazzi. This renowned ski resort boasts impressive pistes with slopes for all difficulty levels, reaching heights of over 2,500 meters.
Gourmet extraordinaire, Heston Blumenthal, visited the Aosta Valley and was captivated by its rustic cuisine and marvelous wines. For a taste of local culinary delights, be sure to make a stop at Chiecco, a mountainside restaurant that serves dishes such as wild boar ragù with polenta.
Courchevel, France
At Courchevel Ski Resort, located in the Les Trois Vallées area, you can find four distinct villages, each named for its altitude in meters, ranging from 1300 to the highest, and most exclusive, 1850. Here, celebrities such as Prince William and George Clooney can often be spotted. After a day on the slopes, join DJ David Guetta and singer Taio Cruz for signature cocktails at L'Apogée Courchevel or try one of the 12 Michelin-starred restaurants for an outstanding meal.
by Nikki CampbellJan 05, 2023
Phuket, Thailand: The Island You Can Escape to This Winter
Why Phuket?
The southwestern island of Phuket, in Thailand, is a popular tourist destination for its white sand beaches, aquamarine water, and limestone cliffs. Surrounded by the Andaman Sea and about an hour by plane from Bangkok, Phuket offers travelers tropical appeal along with affordable prices for everything from accommodations to spa treatments and boat tours.
Although its beaches and tourism operators have bounced back from the 2004 tsunami that hammered its western coast and tragically claimed thousands of lives, Phuket has not forgotten its past—it remembers through its memorials and a better warning system should the area come under threat again.
What to do?
With so many things to do and experiences to have in this part of Thailand, many visitors have created an exclusive bucket list to ensure that they cover everything. Here's a list of things you should try as well!
Beaches
If you love beaches, Phuket is the place for you. This tropical island in Thailand has many beautiful beaches where you can lie in the sun, stroll hand-in-hand with your sweetheart, watch a spectacular sunset and even enjoy some water sports. Beach hopping is one of the most popular things to do in Phuket.
Boat Tour
Phang Nga Bay is a popular destination for boat tours that take you past rock formations standing vertically from the water, letting you witness breathtaking views and amazing surrounding scenery. You can opt for a full-day tour to the fishing village of Koh Panyee, or spend some time at Phi Phi Islands' white-sand beaches. If you have at least one full day at hand, visit Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park—home to mangroves, birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.
Tiger Kingdom
Tiger Kingdom offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with tigers in their natural habitat. These tigers are rescued from the wild and live in a large enclosure where they can run around freely, just as they would in the wild. It is a great day out for the whole family and you will not want to miss out on this opportunity.
Phuket FantaSea Show
In Thailand, you can’t miss Phuket FantaSea Show. It is a combination of modern technology and state-of-the-art show elements. Thai ethos, such as love, fun, freedom, and courage are represented in various acts including magic illusions, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, stunts, animal performances, and special 4-D shows.
What to eat?
Phuket has thousands of restaurants, but this island is best known for its delicious street food. In this article, we'll give you some recommendations for some of the city's most authentic dishes.
Dim Sum
When you visit Phuket, be sure to try dim sum. A popular Chinese fusion dish, dim sum is available in a variety of flavors and styles. While there are many different kinds of dim sum to choose from, the best ones are those that have been folded seven times and have a fluffy texture. When you eat dim sum in Thailand, you can expect it to be smooth and flavorful.
Kanom Jeen Phuket
Kanom Jeen, another popular soup in Thailand, is a spicy chicken and mushroom dish added with galangal, tomatoes, and lemongrass. The dish can be made mind-blowing by using beef, chicken, fish, crab, and vegetables.
Satay
If you're a foodie traveling in Thailand, don't miss out on the satay culture, especially in Phuket. From chicken to pork to beef, there is a huge selection of satay for you to enjoy. This dish is usually served with a delicious peanut sauce made from fish sauce, ginger, green onions, cilantro leaves, jalapenos, pepper, peanut butter, sesame oil, lemon juice, and coconut milk. The combination of these ingredients makes the sauce the star of the show, making satay a greasy favorite treat!
Roti Pancake
Thai-style sweet pancakes are truly unique. They're a mix of flour, egg, condensed milk, sugar, and salt. The filling can be any of the fruits you want to eat. Some people like to eat these pancakes with thick coconut milk or ice cream on top. If you see a street hawker selling them with signs, make your way over for this treat!
by Nikki CampbellJan 05, 2023
8 Things You Need to Prepare Before Seeing the Aurora
The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, is a natural phenomenon – an incredible light show in the sky that can paint the entire sky with colors of green, purple, and red. It's not something we can see often in many parts of the world, but those lucky enough to see it will remember it for many years to come.
Are you planning a trip to see the Northern Lights? Or maybe you're wondering if you should take a chance and visit Iceland? Either way, here are the 8 things you need to prepare before seeing the aurora.
What to Wear
In case you are not aware yet, aurora can only be seen in the part of the world where it's dominantly cold. Even so, you don't need to dress like the Michelin Man. You can wear three layers and still feel comfortable.
If you want to be able to change conveniently between low-temperature and room-temperature environments, consider the onion-style method. Using this method, you only need to wear mainly two types of clothing, the inner and the outer. For the outer, you would want to wear a two-layered jacket, one layer being a waterproof windbreaker while the other layer is made of warm wool. This is to prevent outside wind from entering your body and causing you to catch a cold. Most people may sometimes opt for a neck scarf as well. As for the inside, either a thermal undershirt or even a T-shirt should be enough.
Gloves can make your life easier
In addition to the above attires, if you want to stay longer in the cold, having gloves is a must. Ski gloves are the more popular choice, but the problem is that the material is sometimes unnecessarily heavy and you may need to take them off every time you need to use your smartphone.
That's why you should spend more time looking for the right one. Consider buying a more comfortable and lighter style that enables using your camera or smartphone, so you never miss a moment.
Snow chain is unnecessary
As long as you are driving on a public road with asphalt, avoiding mountain roads and seasons when it snows heavily, gearing your car with the snow chain is not necessary. Additionally, there are snowplow trucks clearing the snow and spreading salt to maintain the road every day. Right now, Canada and the United States do not allow using snow chains.
Snowy road: driving and parking 101
Do not powerfully stomp either your brake or your gas pedal, to prevent your vehicle from skidding. If you ever find yourself skidding a little, slightly moving your steering wheel should be enough to bring you back to balance. This is why it's important to not speed and leave some distance to stop your vehicle safely.
If you are driving during November and December when the temperature is usually the lowest, make sure you park your vehicle near engine heaters and connect it to your car to prevent your car engine from freezing.
Photography equipment
Nowadays, with the improvement of the performance of equipment, you can take pictures of the northern light with some manual-operated micro monoculars or even high-end small cameras, as long as they have good noise control and pure high-sensitivity ISO performance, combined with a tripod and a large aperture to extend the exposure time, most of them can record the graceful dance of the aurora. But keep in mind that aurora is a large-scale natural phenomenon, so it is recommended to use a wide-angle or fisheye lens for shooting.
How to take beautiful pictures
Taking pictures of the aurora may be a little bit more complicated if you want to capture its elegant movement. When shooting the aurora, most people will use a high sensitivity above ISO 1600 with a large aperture. Generally speaking, the aperture of F4 is sufficient, but don’t forget to adjust the focus to manual, and then turn the focus position to infinity.
When you are ready, you can carefully observe the dancing movement of the aurora, and then press the shutter for the long exposure time, usually about 5 to 15 seconds. If the brightness is high and the movement is fast, you may need to close the shutter early. Therefore, when shooting, you should keep your eyes on the situation of the aurora. Sometimes you can close the shutter for a big turning picture, because if the aurora changes too fast, although it's very beautiful to our own eyes, it may be too blurry in the image presentation, and the beauty would not be captured perfectly.
Dealing with different brightness
Generally speaking, the brightness of the aurora is divided into 10 levels. The camera needs more than 30 seconds to clearly identify brightness level 1 and 2, otherwise it will look like a white smoke, lightly floating in the air. Level 3 and 4 will slowly begin to turn from white to green, appearing in front of our eyes as light green light, which is commonly known as green light. Brightness level 5 and higher will be very dazzling, and the change in color is crystal clear visible, with the light lavender color sometimes emerging in the night sky.
If you are extremely extremely lucky, you may have the opportunity to see the aurora with level 8-10 brightness, illuminating the earth. During this moment, quick, take out your iPhone and snap.
Keep yourself informed of the weather
If you are using iOS, here are the two app you can consider downloading.
1. Aurora - By Roger Moffatt http://goo.gl/cC3Rl4
2. Aurora Forecast - by TINAC Inc http://goo.gl/Mc053j
Through those free apps, you can observe the geomagnetic response and radius trend of the aurora, so as to know its predictability. There are 5 levels in total.
Although the predictability of the aurora is based on sunspots and geomagnetic reaction, if the weather is not supportive and thick clouds covered the sky, the northern light would not be visible, no matter how exaggerated and beautiful it bursts all over the earth. That's why it's important to look for the aerial condition on satellite cloud images, analyze the route, and plan properly. You can also utilize the aurora forecast website provided by the University of Alaska below.
Aurora Forecast | Geophysical InstituteForecasts of auroral activity, updated daily.Geophysical Institute
In addition, you should also pay attention to the position of the moon and the change in the lunar phase, as the brightness of the moon will also affect the brightness of the aurora. Many people always visit on days during the new moon where the aurora is less affected by the moonlight. However, it is actually beneficial sometimes to have moonlight. In this way, parts of the landscape can be clearly captured without exposing for too long, but of course the magnificence of the aurora depends on the brightness level of the performance at that time.
by Danny WilliamOct 18, 2022
Experience the Most Scenic Hot Springs Destinations in the USA. The Perfect Place for an Unforgettable Getaway!
Mother Nature has blessed the United States with numerous natural wonders such as mountains, lakes, rivers, forests, waterfalls and hot springs. A hidden jewel amongst these nature’s bounty is the beautiful hot springs in USA. Besides its calming effect on people, the hot springs in USA are also frequented by many for its therapeutic uses. There are many famous hot springs in USA, as a result of which, there is a steady rise in the number of resorts and spas around them.
1. Iron Mountain Hot Springs, Colorado
Overlooking the mighty Colorado River in the historic town of Glenwood Springs, Iron Mountain Hot Springs offers a more intimate and varied soaking experience than at the nearby (and better known) Glenwood Hot Springs Resort. You can choose your own adventure at the 16 geothermal mineral soaking pools here (ages 5 and up only), connected by heated walkways.
2. Homestead Crater, Utah
As long as you’re okay with a hot springs soak that’s not as hot as most of them (temperatures max out around 96°F here), Utah’s Homestead Crater definitely delivers the most diverse onsite experiences of any hot springs we know. Where else can you not only float in womb-like waters but also scuba dive in them (if you’re certified), snorkel and even try some SUP yoga within the beehive-shaped dome of the hot springs’ natural limestone.
3. Castle Hot Springs, Arizona
Tucked into a scenic canyon in the Bradshaw Mountains, just an hour from Phoenix, Castle Hot Springs has been luring tourists since the late 1800s–and Indigenous peoples for far longer–with its healing waters. Now a luxury all-inclusive wellness resort, it’s well worth a stay here for exceptional stargazing at night, a thrilling onsite via ferrata course and, of course, 24-hour access to mineral hot springs that cascade across three pools of varying temperatures.
4. Chena Hot Springs, Alaska
If there’s any state in the US that naturally begs you to seek out a hot spring, then it’s Alaska. And one of the most famous ones in the state is found 150 miles south of the Arctic Circle near Fairbanks at Chena Hot Springs. If your luck is on point here during the darker months of the year, from late August through late April, you might even get lucky and catch the Northern Lights swirling overhead while you soak.
5. Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs, Colorado
You can come as a day-tripper or stay the night in adorable cabins (including the Chuck Wagon, which sleeps only two people and sits atop actual wheels) at this inimitable hot springs resort in Colorado’s sublime Crystal River Valley. Surrounded by mountains in the White River National Forest, Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs has three hot spring pools on the property of varying sizes that cascade, waterfall-like, down the mountainside.
6. Orvis Hot Springs, Colorado
Ten indoor and outdoor soaking pools beckon uninhibited lovers of lithium-infused water to this clothing-optional oasis just north of Ouray in southwestern Colorado. Water temperatures in the various pools at Orvis Hot Springs run the range from a nippy 65°F to a steamy 114°F in the lobster pot, so you can try alternating hot and cold dips if you really want to get your blood flowing.
7. Hot Springs State Park, Wyoming
What’s better than a hot spring surrounded by nature in a state park? How about free-entry hot springs surrounded by nature in a state park. That’s right, there’s no one taking tickets or sliding your credit card to access the Wyoming State Bath House in Thermopolis, Wyoming, at Hot Springs State Park. Indoor and outdoor mineral hot springs flow up from the earth at 128°F and are cooled to 104°F for your therapeutic bathing benefit.
8. Benton Hot Springs, California
Camping alongside your own private hot spring-fed soaking tub with spectacular views? We’re into it. The 11 private hot spring-fed soaking pools at Benton Hot Springs in California’s Mono County are available for overnight rentals and sit astride your own picnic table and fire pit for roasting s’mores post soaking session. Feel free to pitch a tent (or show up in an RV or camper) for the night to linger longer and enjoy the dark skies overhead (there’s an inn here with a few rustic rooms, too, but camping is where it’s at).
9. Tolovana Hot Springs, Alaska
Where Chena Hot Springs tends to draw the aurora-seeking masses to its sprawling outdoor hot pool, this more remote Alaskan hot spring destination 45 miles as the crow (or helicopter) flies north of Fairbanks makes you earn it—which means hiking or flying in during the summer months, or arriving by dogsled or on skis when it’s snowy. As you might imagine, arriving by dog sled to Tolovana Hot Springs pretty much takes the cake, and you can head out with Arctic Dog Aventure Co. to reach the springs on multi-night dog sledding expeditions that promise one awesome adventure (and often the Northern Lights, too).
10. Burgdorf Hot Springs, Idaho
Topping the list of Idaho’s most epic and historic hot springs, Burgdorf Hot Springs is on the National Register of Historic Places and delivers a true western experience. Open to guests who overnight in the rustic collection of onsite cabins as well as day visitors who register their visits in advance, the springs are surrounded by the lodgepole-pine covered slopes of the Salmon River Mountains and original wooden structures built by miners in the 1800s.
by Celine von SchweetzOct 14, 2022
Don’t Miss Out on These Top 10 Winter Resorts That Are Perfect for Non-skiers
So, you're not a two-planker or a snowboard shredder. You'd rather not rip down triple black diamonds or gear up for a day in the park. And god forbid you have to ride up a chairlift. And you know what? That's OK. Winter wonderland vacations don’t always have to be about skiing. If you’d like to enjoy a wintertime adventure, make sure to check out these list!
1. Sun Valley, Idaho
Sun Valley Resort has been voted the #1 ski resort in North America by SKI Magazine readers two years running. However, this resort offers so much more than the freshly groomed, uncrowded ski slopes for which it is so well known. From luxury accommodations and delectable cuisine offerings to abundant outdoor activities and a world-class spa, everyone in your group can enjoy a perfect vacation at Sun Valley.
2. Keystone, Colorado
Keystone is one of the most popular ski resorts for families. Not only does it offer plenty of great skiing, but there is also practically an endless number of other things to do. The resort’s Lakeside Village is home to the largest outdoor ice skating rink in America and the largest Zamboni-maintained outdoor rink anywhere in the world. You can enjoy gliding across the ice while gazing at the soaring snowcapped mountains as well as taking part in a host of other winter activities like horse-drawn sleigh rides, tubing, and even snow biking. Yoga, group exercise classes, and outdoor tennis courts are available year-round, not to mention the numerous options for shopping as well as great spa services too.
3. Whistler Blackcomb - Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb is often ranked among the best ski resorts in the world, but that doesn’t mean non-skiers will be left twiddling their thumbs either. The resort’s village has so much to do, it almost feels like a big city that’s been dropped right into the mountains. There are practically endless shopping opportunities as well as outstanding restaurants and plenty of fun activities too.
4. Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
From delicious New Mexican food to unique art and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Taos, New Mexico, has plenty to offer travelers. Taos is a haven for artists, and there are endless galleries and museums to delight any art lover. Stroll through the historic Taos Plaza and you’ll find shops filled with handmade art, pottery, jewelry, and more. After all of the shopping, you can refuel on authentic New Mexican fare featuring traditional green chiles and mole — and grab a drink and enjoy live music at Taos Mesa Brewery.
5. Stowe Mountain, Vermont
Known for some of the country’s most beautiful fall foliage and as the “Alpine Ski Capital of the East,” Stowe Mountain Resort attracts the majority of its visitors during fall and winter. The resort and surrounding areas offer plenty of excitement and activities for skiers and non-skiers alike.
One of the most popular outdoor activities in Stowe besides skiing is fatbiking. The wide tires on this bike enable you to easily glide through the snowy, groomed trails. Many area shops offer fatbike rentals and can direct you to one of the many free-to-explore trails.
6. St. Moritz, Switzerland
Skiers know St. Moritz as one of the best ski destinations in Switzerland and as a two-time host of the Winter Olympics, but the possibilities for non-skiers are pretty amazing too. The active can take advantage of all of the usual off-piste options like snowshoeing, and adrenaline seekers won’t want to miss the heart-pounding ride on the Olympic bob run that comes complete with a professional pilot and brakeman – it reaches speeds of 80 miles per hour.
7. Avoriaz, France
Ideal for families who want to split their time between the slopes and non-skiing activities, Avoriaz was previously awarded the “Best Family Resort” at the World Ski Awards. This car-free resort, the only one of its kind in France, offers a relaxed, safe village with lots of restaurants, cafes, and shops that are all accessed by foot or horse-drawn sleigh.
8. Breuil-Cervinia, Italy
If you want an ideal destination that’s great for families with non-skiing and skiing members, Cervinia is a great choice. Plus, it’s a lot more affordable than Zermatt, which sits just across the Swiss border. Ski passes, ski rentals, and even coffee are much less expensive here. It also offers kids’ playgrounds and snowparks as well as a natural ice rink that features a bar and sun terrace.
9. Cranmore Mountain, New Hampshire
Nestled in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire, Cranmore Resort is known for its family friendly atmosphere and easy to manage size with about 50 runs for all levels. However, the biggest draw may be North Conway, an idyllic New England town perfect in all seasons, but extra charming with a fresh layer of snow. It’s an amazing weekend getaway even if you have no plans to enjoy the slopes.
10. Mohonk Mountain House - New Paltz, New York
Located in the Catskills Mountains, this resort offers a variety of non-skiing activities like ice skating, snow tubing, and snowshoeing. You’ll also have the chance to take part in movie nights, watch blacksmith demonstrations, swim in the indoor pool, or join in on daily group exercise sessions. During many winter weekends, a host of other entertainment options are often available too, including tastings, demonstrations, and music.
by Celine von SchweetzOct 14, 2022
Follow These Steps and Find the Best Travel Companion for You
Do you need a travel buddy? What is the best travel companion for you? Here is a guideline to find your perfect match on the road.
Perhaps many people have heard, that after many years of friends or couples going out to play a trip back, the relationship will be drawn to a close.
Travel should be a happy thing, why does it seem to become a big test of a relationship?
What kind of travel companion is really suitable for you? You can refer to the following directions:
Travel at the same speed
I want to leave at 7:00 every day and not come back until I'm exhausted. You want to have breakfast at your place and rest until you feel like you can go out at noon.
It is common to see arguments over the difference in the speed of travel. There is no right or wrong travel, only whether it suits you.
Before you go, understand each other's expectations and habits, find a travel companion who is on the same frequency as you, or meet early and discuss possible adjustments.
The travel budget is similar
“
I want to eat a big meal, eat Michelin, isn't the whole point of travel to enjoy and expand your horizons?
I just want to go to the supermarket to buy bread or bring a noodle, so I can save as much as I can, no need to spend so much money on a trip.
”
The budget is realistic, he will decide a person's consumption, the way to live, eat, transportation options and activities to experience, and so on. Although not everything needs to spend money, travel is really a need for continuous spending.
Knowing in advance if the other person's budget is similar to your own can indirectly avoid inconsistencies in making decisions each time you travel.
Common hobbies are good
It's always easy to be together with like-minded people.
“
We both love to listen to concerts, so we can attend, immerse ourselves in, and discuss together during the trip, and we can remember together in the future.
”
Because we share the same ideas and interests. More like an additional person to accompany themselves to all their original favorite places.
Finding a travel companion with a common interest will always make the trip easy and full of laughter.
Different specialties/ interests are also great
“
I love classical music, and I love to watch opera when I go abroad.
”
“
I'm a fitness fanatic, and I still want to keep moving when I'm abroad.
”
Photo by erica steeves / Unsplash
“
I have a great sense of direction, but I don't speak the language.
”
“
I'm not bad at English, but I can never read maps and directions.
”
Photo by Nick Seagrave / Unsplash
In fact, travel companions with different expertise and interests can help each other very well and can make their trip more exciting and special.
We can help each other, some are good at finding airline tickets, some know a lot about food, you can show me how to experience and learn about opera, and I can play ball together in a different place because of you. The experience is more diverse, and you can do things more efficiently.
Don't limit yourself to finding friends with similar interests, it's often nice to be different.
Independence and respect can win the day
The most important point about travel companions is actually independence and respect. When travel companions are independent enough to travel on their own but choose to travel together;
when travel companions understand that there are no two people in the world who are exactly the same, and when each other's decisions and choices are different from their own, they show respect.
You will find that no matter when your interests are different, or when your spending choices are different, you can separate temporarily and reunite later. When you meet, you will hear a lot of interesting things and share everything you have experienced.
Independent and mutually respectful travel companions can overcome anything.
You may also want to know:
Life is Too Short to Eat Tapas10 unforgettable tapas bars in Toronto.BucktripDeweyBeing Bored is Boring21 items to bring on a long trip.BucktripKen SunThe Most Visited Museum around the WorldThe home of Muse.BucktripSandra Edwards
by MELO BaldwinAug 31, 2022