14 August 2008

So you’ve finally taken the plunge and decided on an overseas snow experience?  Or maybe you do it every year, but want to make this one stand out a little more?  How to do it – do you go up a notch with your accommodation?  That would probably be the safe option, but there are other ‘add ons’ that will take your trip from ‘great’ to ‘fantastic’.  Think about:

Go One Way By Train

The Rocky Mountaineer travels between Vancouver and Banff during the winter months and is world renowned for the scenery it travels through and the unique experience it offers.
Imagine – fly in from Australia to Calgary, have 10 days skiing Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Ski Banff @ Norquay, stay in downtown Banff and enjoy the scenery and hospitality of this fabulous town…then to take your trip to another dimension, catch the Rocky Mountaineer from Banff to Vancouver before flying home (direct to Sydney from December 2007…!).
Add on $740 per person, based on twin share in Red Leaf (mid range) class.  This includes overnight in Kamloops and transfers to and from your hotel there. 

Slot in a City Stopover (perhaps Venice…)

So, you are heading for the snow in Europe.  Everyone is asking you where you will visit and making endless suggestions of where they or their family/friends have been.  Your mind is in a whirl, especially because, at the end of the day you don’t have too much time on your hands for your trip away. 
Take our advice, in this situation ‘less is more’.  You will have much fonder memories of some amazing skiing and mountain scenery and then a few days in a glorious European city than trying to fit in a flying visit to several ‘must sees’ and a day or so in each.
Mid-range accommodation for 5 nights in Venice?  Add on $250pp for a double hotel room (3-4*), nice and central.

Big Waves, Big Island, Hawaii

Does your flight touch down in Honolulu?  Want to get off and see some beach on the way back from the mountains?  A 5 day/4 night trip, including accommodation in Honolulu, accommodation on Big Island, car hire and flights between the two islands will set you back $750pp (double, mid range).

Buy the Kids a Burger  - in Disneyland

Wear out your children on the slopes of a Colorado mountain and then let them wear you out dashing around Disneyland!  A classic stopover for a US ski trip and a lot of fun to boot!
Add on $120 per adult for a 3 night stay, with any children 17 and under staying free in existing bedding (mid range accom).  This is accommodation only, you go as large as you like at Disneyland!

Private Instructor?  The Treat That Pays Off!

No time to add on a bit at either end of your holiday, but keen to make it a memorable trip?  Consider a private instructor for all or part of your stay – a little bit of luxury that pays off – you avoid lift queues, know where the best snow is, put a stop to the ‘where shall we head for now’ arguments and improve your skiing or boarding.  Got to be a plus!
In Méribel, France this will set you back $500 per day (group of max 6) or $450 in Silver Star, Canada (for 3, add $75pp up to a max of 5).