Category Archives: Holiday Tips

Spring Break Ski Trip Tips

spring break skiSpring break is virtually synonymous with places like Daytona Beach, South Padre Island, Cancun, and other warm weather destinations. However, not everyone desires the sand, surf, and teeming hordes of students at this time of year, which is why ski trips are becoming increasingly popular among spring breakers. If you’d rather party in the mountains than in more traditional locales, check out these spring break ski trip tips we’ve collected here.

  • Gather the whole gang together: Try to book travel and accommodations for as large a group as possible to reduce individual expenses. Once at your destination, you can decide whether to break up into smaller groups and go your own way or stick together.
  • Look for lift ticket discounts: Paying full price for lift tickets can really eat into your budget, so look for discounts wherever you can find them. Buying in advance, purchasing group packages, and taking advantage of birthday specials are just a few ways to get a better deal.
  • Check the weather forecast frequently and dress for the conditions: Being underdressed for a day of skiing or snowboarding is the quickest way to kill the fun. Avoid this problem by checking the weather forecast before you go out and dressing in layers. Wear a battery-heated vest or gloves for adjustable warmth all day long, and use an electric boot and glove dryer to make sure your gear is ready for the next day as well.
  • Take lessons before hitting the slopes: Chances are not everyone in the group is a competent skier, so we recommend taking lessons first in order to help prevent injuries. Most resorts offer beginner classes for complete newbies, as well as refresher courses for those that simply need to review the fundamentals.
  • Spend time away from the mountain: Many top ski destinations offer a wide range of off mountain activities at this time of year. From beer, film, and food festivals to shopping, sightseeing, and a variety of nightclubs, you’ll find something appealing for everyone in the group.

Do you and your friends want an alternative to the usual spring break scene? Then skip the beach and use the above tips to help plan an unforgettable ski trip instead.

How to Have a Cozy Valentine’s Date at Home

cozy valentine dateTraditional Valentine’s Day celebrations usually involve going out: to dinner, to the theater, to the cinema, on a carriage ride through the city, for a night of dancing, or any number of other activities. But spending the evening at home for some quiet one-on-one time with your love can be every bit as fun and romantic as going out, especially if you put some effort into the planning. To help get the creative juices flowing, here are some ideas for having a cozy Valentine’s Day night at home.

Food and drinks

No matter what other activities are on your agenda, you’ll require sustenance at some point. Stock the fridge with snacks and finger food and prepare a home-cooked meal to share. Even if you barely know your way around the kitchen, you can pick a simple recipe from an online cooking site and do your best. Your date will appreciate the effort—and you can always order takeout if things turn out badly.

Acceptable beverages can run the gamut from a nice bottle of wine or champagne if you want to feel fancy to beer or cocktails if you’re keeping things simple. Depending on your tastes, nonalcoholic options such as coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and soft drinks may also be considered.

Ambiance

Creating a romantic ambiance is critical for getting into a proper Valentine’s Day mood. Dim lighting, candles, and soft music are a must, while heart-shaped decorations or red and pink embellishments can add to the effect. Other ways to create the right ambiance include decorating around a particular theme, such as “A Night in Paris”, or setting up a picnic blanket in front of a roaring fire. No fireplace? No problem; just lay out an Under Area Rug Radiant Floor Heater from CozyWinters under the picnic blanket for a similarly cozy effect.

Activities

Having some activities planned for after dinner can help make the evening more fun and memorable. Playing board games or video games, putting together a jigsaw puzzle, exchanging gifts, or simply talking without the distraction of phones or other electronic devices are popular choices, as is snuggling together under a heated electric throw and binging your favorite TV series on Netflix.

Whether you’re staying in for Valentine’s Day because you couldn’t get reservations at your favorite restaurant, want to save some money, or merely wish to enjoy each other’s company in private, these ideas can help make your at-home celebration more special.