It is a well-known adage that time flies; perhaps you wish you could be a kid again and enjoy your trip to Walt Disney World more thoroughly. True, being a child helps when you're visiting Orlando, Florida's theme park wonderland, but there is certainly much more to do here than kiddy rides and cheap souvenirs. Consider Walt Disney World as a savvy shopping destination; you can find some great buys here that will make your trip to the Magic Kingdom even more memorable.
Remember that everyone's a kid when they visit Disney World! On that note, your first shopping stop should be the Chapeau on the architecturally stunning Main Street. (You might be interested to know that Main Street is designed after the town in which Walt Disney grew up). Here you can pick out "Mickey Ears" and the helpful staff will even embroider your name on the back! It may seem silly, but it's Disney World; visitors reserve the right to be a little bit silly!
My daughter felt she was a bit old for "the ears" when we visited but then leaving on the monorail, we noticed two teenage boys (and we all know how teenage boys prize their image) wearing Mickey Ears with their names embroidered on the backs! Needless to say, this made her feel much better. Getting the ears is a must-do shopping experience at Disney World.
We also knew that we had to visit the souvenir shop inside the base of Cinderella's Castle. The beautiful murals covering the walls outside of the shop were quite enough reason to visit, but we were impressed with the intimate atmosphere of the shop; there were very few people and a huge selection of everything from photo albums to models to pillows, and everything in between.
In the fun pavilion known as Adventureland, where you can enjoy a cool ice cream treat and rest under the shade for a few special moments, there is a place called Pirates Bazaar. You can find clothing, jewelry, ship memorabilia, pirate "stand-bys" like eye-patches and peg-legs, and much more. If you enjoy nautical souvenirs or just happen to like the romanticism of pirates, you won't go away empty handed. If you are a fan of the hit movie Pirates of the Caribbean, you will find many items pertaining to the movie here.
In the rootin' tootin' Frontierland you will find the Frontier Trading Post and small outsize bazaar areas that offer many unique and fun items. I can vouch for the leather name bracelets; pick a bracelet, choose the charm you want embossed into the bracelet, and wait for the armband to be "branded" with the name of your choice. It's an artsy gift that looks great on both kids and adults, for a reasonable price and makes an excellent souvenir. You will find Native American and Old West items at the Trading Post in this area of the park also.
If there are Disney-related items you weren't able to find elsewhere on your trip through the park, chances are you'll find it at the Emporium. This is Magic Kingdom's premium souvenir stop, carrying tons of Disney gifts and souvenirs. You may want to plan this for the end of your "Disney Day" so that you will not need to carry packages around more then necessary.
While you're in the vicinity of Main Street, check out The Art of Disney where you can purchase animated goodies (for a price!) or stop by Arribas Brothers, where you'll find magnificent European-style glassware. Cirque Du Soleil Shop carries items related to Disney's renowned circus, and the Candy Cauldron offers tons of treats for both kids and kids-at-heart.
Main Street even sports a pet shop! It's called Disney Tails, and you can find pet favorites like food, play things, and tags, flavored by Walt Disney art. Disney's Days of Christmas is a great place to find holiday items such as a special dated ornament or whimsical home decor. For a cool souvenir that it's guaranteed no one else will have, stop in at Superstar Studios. Your little dude or dudette (or you, if you're musically inclined!) can record your best work to your favorite music or make a smashing video. Then you can purchase a copy of your performance to take home with you! This is definitely one of Main Street's best shopping surprises.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
Travel to Moscow? Sure, Why Not?
With the Cold War lasting as long as it did, I am sure that many world travelers, no matter where their travels took them, never thought they may be planning a trip to Moscow someday. Things change and sure enough, more and more people are planning to do just that . . . adding the very beautiful capital city of the Russian Federation to the list of world cities they have seen.
There are many things to list in a travel article when it comes to things to see and do in Moscow. The first thing that probably comes to mind when anyone thinks of that city, though, is the Kremlin, so I will start there. In addition to the gorgeous bit of architecture that it offers, the Kremlin is actually a self sufficient city within its own perimeter.
What will you see in the Kremlin? First of all, keep in mind that the part called "the Senate" is actually where the country's president lives, so be prepared to see heavy security all around this area. There are cathedrals and churches within the Kremlin, museums, and many other structures that have fascinating stories connected to them. You will see government buildings and you will see the State Kremlin Palace, a few other palaces, and many other things.
You can find out what the buildings and stories about them are while you are there, but it is always beneficial to know a little bit about the history before arriving. I often go to places I don't know anything about and although I think I listen and read everything available while I am there, I always realize later that a person simply can't retain everything that is heard while on vacation. Part of the time a guide will be talking, as one example, the visitor will be looking around to see the sights in the area.
While you are in the area where the Kremlin is located, you will surely want to spend more time looking around Red Square. You will see the incredible St. Basil's Cathedral from the mid 16th century and you really won't want to travel to Moscow without at least locating Lenin's mausoleum.
You will not be seeing most of those types of buildings on part of "the square." The reason is because it is taken up by a huge department store called GUM. Whether or not you can pronounce its name of Gosudarstvenny Universalny Magazin, it will certainly excite the shopper in you. Prepare to be sporting sore feet after shopping at these 150 shops and eateries. You will be able to find souvenirs here but also designer items and many other things that make shopping here so much fun.
If you still aren't totally "shopped out" after spending some time at GUM, there is another shopping center that is three stories in size and also located near the Red Square area. This mall is called Okhotny Ryad and the most unique feature of it is that it is an underground shopping center. You will find shopping and dining here but also movie theaters, an internet cafe, a rec center, and even a bowling option.
If you want to experience some culture full of rich history while you are in the city, arrange to see a ballet, opera, or other show at the Bolshoi Theatre. Another alternative is to spend some time at one of the numerous museums around Moscow. Whether your interest is in art or history of the country, there will be a museum specializing in the topic.
To spend some time in nature no matter what time of year you are visiting, stop by the two mile long Gorky Park. You will be able to walk along the Moscow River and get a bite to eat. You may even want to ride a roller coaster found in the park.
A few other fun and interesting Moscow activities:
-- Moscow Zoo
-- Sandunovsky Banya (public bath and sauna where users clean with steam and beat themselves with veniki birch sticks to produce an increase in circulation. If you are traveling as a couple, be advised that male and female sections are separate).
-- One of a variety of Russian circuses. You don't have to be traveling with children to enjoy a fun evening at a circus.
-- Victory Park for walking, boating, concerts, etc.
There are many things to list in a travel article when it comes to things to see and do in Moscow. The first thing that probably comes to mind when anyone thinks of that city, though, is the Kremlin, so I will start there. In addition to the gorgeous bit of architecture that it offers, the Kremlin is actually a self sufficient city within its own perimeter.
What will you see in the Kremlin? First of all, keep in mind that the part called "the Senate" is actually where the country's president lives, so be prepared to see heavy security all around this area. There are cathedrals and churches within the Kremlin, museums, and many other structures that have fascinating stories connected to them. You will see government buildings and you will see the State Kremlin Palace, a few other palaces, and many other things.
You can find out what the buildings and stories about them are while you are there, but it is always beneficial to know a little bit about the history before arriving. I often go to places I don't know anything about and although I think I listen and read everything available while I am there, I always realize later that a person simply can't retain everything that is heard while on vacation. Part of the time a guide will be talking, as one example, the visitor will be looking around to see the sights in the area.
While you are in the area where the Kremlin is located, you will surely want to spend more time looking around Red Square. You will see the incredible St. Basil's Cathedral from the mid 16th century and you really won't want to travel to Moscow without at least locating Lenin's mausoleum.
You will not be seeing most of those types of buildings on part of "the square." The reason is because it is taken up by a huge department store called GUM. Whether or not you can pronounce its name of Gosudarstvenny Universalny Magazin, it will certainly excite the shopper in you. Prepare to be sporting sore feet after shopping at these 150 shops and eateries. You will be able to find souvenirs here but also designer items and many other things that make shopping here so much fun.
If you still aren't totally "shopped out" after spending some time at GUM, there is another shopping center that is three stories in size and also located near the Red Square area. This mall is called Okhotny Ryad and the most unique feature of it is that it is an underground shopping center. You will find shopping and dining here but also movie theaters, an internet cafe, a rec center, and even a bowling option.
If you want to experience some culture full of rich history while you are in the city, arrange to see a ballet, opera, or other show at the Bolshoi Theatre. Another alternative is to spend some time at one of the numerous museums around Moscow. Whether your interest is in art or history of the country, there will be a museum specializing in the topic.
To spend some time in nature no matter what time of year you are visiting, stop by the two mile long Gorky Park. You will be able to walk along the Moscow River and get a bite to eat. You may even want to ride a roller coaster found in the park.
A few other fun and interesting Moscow activities:
-- Moscow Zoo
-- Sandunovsky Banya (public bath and sauna where users clean with steam and beat themselves with veniki birch sticks to produce an increase in circulation. If you are traveling as a couple, be advised that male and female sections are separate).
-- One of a variety of Russian circuses. You don't have to be traveling with children to enjoy a fun evening at a circus.
-- Victory Park for walking, boating, concerts, etc.
Keep Busy While Visiting Winnipeg
If you have a business or pleasure trip to Canada in your future and it happens to be in or near Winnipeg, there will be plenty of things to do. You will not have to worry about feeling bored in this capital of the Manitoba province. The city is home to more than half a million people.
If you enjoy animals in general or zoos in particular, stop by the Assiniboine Zoo. Found in the park of the same name, the zoo is open year round. Be sure to have your camera at the ready because there are around two thousand animals here that always seem to be ready to pose for picture taking. If your hotel is near the park, you can reach it by foot if you travel the foot bridge on Portage Avenue. Otherwise try to approach from either Corydon Avenue or Roblin Boulevard.
If you don't want to spend time with the wildlife of the zoo, there are other things to see in the park including a sculpture garden. There is a conservatory and an area for shows of music or movies as well as an opportunity to return to your childhood for a few minutes and grab a ride on the miniature railroad.
If you have an interest in human or natural history you will enjoy the Manitoba Museum. The museum is found on Rupert Avenue and houses many exhibits on a great number of topics from history of all kinds to science and hands on exhibits. If you are traveling with children or enjoy things like robots and space travel yourself, be sure not to pass by the Science Gallery while you are visiting the museum.
Plan to spend enough time at the museum because there is also a huge planetarium on the premises. You will be able to see the sky at night with thousands of stars sparkling for your entertainment, and all within the confines of the planetarium.
Sometime during your stay in Winnipeg, remember to check if there are any festivals going on while you are there. In fact, it is often called the "City of Festivals." The festivals are held all throughout the year at various locations but one popular place for some of them is the Forks National Historic Site found in the center of Winnipeg. This park has some lovely walking paths if you want to get some exercise in and the site is full of history. Research about Fort Rouge and a visit to the historic site will be even more interesting for you.
If you want to get a bit more adventuresome than a zoo, museum, or park, consider Adventure Junkie Tours. The tour company with the fun name (there are many adventure junkies!) offers many kinds of tours and you will have to know which one would be most interesting to you. The decision will include whether you want an air, land, or water tour. What is the difference?
Air Tour: Hang gliding, hot air ballooning, sky diving
Water Tour: Sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, or canoeing
Land Tour: Polar bear trip, dog sledding, mountain biking, back packing
Personally I'm not fond of heights or flying, so the air adventures wouldn't be at the top of my choice list, but I think the dog sledding, polar bear trip, and sailing sound great. Well, as long as the tour company would keep me far enough from the bears to look but not touch, that is!
If you want a more romantic or at least more calming sail than a kayak or canoe, try a paddlewheel boat. Paddlewheel River Rouge Tours offers this kind of tour and you can see the city from the river. If you don't want an afternoon tour, try a dinner cruise or dance cruise instead of a traditional sightseeing tour.
If you still need another activity try a vintage rail ride on the Prairie Dog Central Railway. An old steam engine or a diesel locomotive will be in the lead and the railroad trip will take you about two and a half hours. You will be stopping at markets for some quick shopping and the sights you see will include farmland and prairie regions.
Last but certainly not least is that you may enjoy a drive to the Bison Prairie outside of Winnipeg. There are wetlands, woodlands, a huge aquarium, and grasslands here at the Fort Whyte Center, too.
If you enjoy animals in general or zoos in particular, stop by the Assiniboine Zoo. Found in the park of the same name, the zoo is open year round. Be sure to have your camera at the ready because there are around two thousand animals here that always seem to be ready to pose for picture taking. If your hotel is near the park, you can reach it by foot if you travel the foot bridge on Portage Avenue. Otherwise try to approach from either Corydon Avenue or Roblin Boulevard.
If you don't want to spend time with the wildlife of the zoo, there are other things to see in the park including a sculpture garden. There is a conservatory and an area for shows of music or movies as well as an opportunity to return to your childhood for a few minutes and grab a ride on the miniature railroad.
If you have an interest in human or natural history you will enjoy the Manitoba Museum. The museum is found on Rupert Avenue and houses many exhibits on a great number of topics from history of all kinds to science and hands on exhibits. If you are traveling with children or enjoy things like robots and space travel yourself, be sure not to pass by the Science Gallery while you are visiting the museum.
Plan to spend enough time at the museum because there is also a huge planetarium on the premises. You will be able to see the sky at night with thousands of stars sparkling for your entertainment, and all within the confines of the planetarium.
Sometime during your stay in Winnipeg, remember to check if there are any festivals going on while you are there. In fact, it is often called the "City of Festivals." The festivals are held all throughout the year at various locations but one popular place for some of them is the Forks National Historic Site found in the center of Winnipeg. This park has some lovely walking paths if you want to get some exercise in and the site is full of history. Research about Fort Rouge and a visit to the historic site will be even more interesting for you.
If you want to get a bit more adventuresome than a zoo, museum, or park, consider Adventure Junkie Tours. The tour company with the fun name (there are many adventure junkies!) offers many kinds of tours and you will have to know which one would be most interesting to you. The decision will include whether you want an air, land, or water tour. What is the difference?
Air Tour: Hang gliding, hot air ballooning, sky diving
Water Tour: Sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, or canoeing
Land Tour: Polar bear trip, dog sledding, mountain biking, back packing
Personally I'm not fond of heights or flying, so the air adventures wouldn't be at the top of my choice list, but I think the dog sledding, polar bear trip, and sailing sound great. Well, as long as the tour company would keep me far enough from the bears to look but not touch, that is!
If you want a more romantic or at least more calming sail than a kayak or canoe, try a paddlewheel boat. Paddlewheel River Rouge Tours offers this kind of tour and you can see the city from the river. If you don't want an afternoon tour, try a dinner cruise or dance cruise instead of a traditional sightseeing tour.
If you still need another activity try a vintage rail ride on the Prairie Dog Central Railway. An old steam engine or a diesel locomotive will be in the lead and the railroad trip will take you about two and a half hours. You will be stopping at markets for some quick shopping and the sights you see will include farmland and prairie regions.
Last but certainly not least is that you may enjoy a drive to the Bison Prairie outside of Winnipeg. There are wetlands, woodlands, a huge aquarium, and grasslands here at the Fort Whyte Center, too.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Your Visit to Philadelphia
If you're planning a visit to Philadelphia, you may not realize how much there is to do in this great city. Dubbed "The City of Brotherly Love", Philly is home to some great cultural spots and fantastic eateries. Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to Philadelphia:
Places to Stay: Philadelphia has many luxury hotel accommodations, including The Hotel Windsor, the Sheraton Rittenhouse Square Hotel and the ever-so-luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. For less pricy accommodations, check out Philly's Holiday Inn Express or The Comfort Inn in downtown Philly.
Places to Eat: There are tons of upscale places to eat in Philadelphia, including the world renowned Le Bec-Fin, Zanzibar Blue or the award winning Striped Bass. Looking for some delicious ethnic dining? Alma de Cuba's authentic Cuban dishes are out of this world. Warmdaddy's, a fave haven for such celebs as Alicia Keys, is known for its delicious southern cuisine, served alongside some great blues music. When dining along Penn's Landing, Philly's waterfront district, be sure to check out Dave and Busters, a popular entertainment complex that features great bistro style food, the famous Charthouse Restaurant or the trendy Moshulu restaurant. Philly's South Street features lots of cool dining spots, including Copacabana and Marrakesh. And if you want to sample one of Philadelphia's world famous cheesesteaks, there are plenty of places to get this local delicacy (my personal favorite is Pat's King of Steaks at 9th and Passyunk Avenue).
Historical Places to See: In center city, make sure to visit Independence Hall, the historic building where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The Betsy Ross House on Arch Street is another popular visitor spot as is the historic Liberty Bell Center, where a certain bell is on display.
Museums: The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in the United States, chock full of European art as well as the art of Philly native Thomas Eakins. If you have kids in tow, check out The Please Touch Museum, which is a kid-friendly museum that showcases children's storybook illustrations, cool inventions and a kid-size grocery store. In the Old City district of Philly, look for even more trendy museums and galleries.
Sporting Events: The Citizens Bank Park is Philly's newest ballpark (and home of the Philadelphia Phillies). If you want to see the Philadelphia Eagles in action check out Lincoln Financial Field. If hockey or basketball is your thing, stop by The Wachovia Center to see the Flyers or Allen Iversen and the Philadelphia 76ers in action. Philly is home to some great sports teams and Philly fans are extremely passionate about their teams!
Stuff for Kids: In addition to the highly recommended Please Touch Museum, Philly has plenty of other kid-friendly attractions, including the world famous Philadelphia Zoo. Philly's zoo is home to over 1600 exotic animals and there is also a special Children's Petting zoo that features pony rides. Also, in nearby Langhorne, PA there is a child's dream come true-- Sesame Place, which is an amusement park that features all of the characters from the beloved PBS television series. Sesame Place is a must-stop if you visit Philadelphia with young children.
Penn's Landing and Boathouse Row: Philadelphia's waterfront has lots to do and see. Throughout the year, Penn's Landing hosts the Festival Pier Concert Series and there are seasonal cruises on the boat The Spirit of Philadelphia. Boathouse Row is a scenic strip along Kelly Drive, and it's quite a sight at night when all of the boathouses are lit up. Kelly Drive is also a popular place for joggers and bicyclists, so you can get your exercise in while you're visiting Philly (no excuses)!
Shopping: Philly's own South Street features hip boutiques where you can pick up one of a kind trendy finds. In nearby King of Prussia (about 30 minutes west of Philly) check out the King of Prussia Mall, which is the second largest mall in the country. The King of Prussia Mall features every upscale store you can think of, as well as popular anchor stores like Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Macy's.
And, if you plan to visit Philly in the near future, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of Sylvester Stallone and the film crew of the movie "Rocky 6" -- they are currently filming in Philadelphia and have been spotted all over the place by locals lately.
Places to Stay: Philadelphia has many luxury hotel accommodations, including The Hotel Windsor, the Sheraton Rittenhouse Square Hotel and the ever-so-luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. For less pricy accommodations, check out Philly's Holiday Inn Express or The Comfort Inn in downtown Philly.
Places to Eat: There are tons of upscale places to eat in Philadelphia, including the world renowned Le Bec-Fin, Zanzibar Blue or the award winning Striped Bass. Looking for some delicious ethnic dining? Alma de Cuba's authentic Cuban dishes are out of this world. Warmdaddy's, a fave haven for such celebs as Alicia Keys, is known for its delicious southern cuisine, served alongside some great blues music. When dining along Penn's Landing, Philly's waterfront district, be sure to check out Dave and Busters, a popular entertainment complex that features great bistro style food, the famous Charthouse Restaurant or the trendy Moshulu restaurant. Philly's South Street features lots of cool dining spots, including Copacabana and Marrakesh. And if you want to sample one of Philadelphia's world famous cheesesteaks, there are plenty of places to get this local delicacy (my personal favorite is Pat's King of Steaks at 9th and Passyunk Avenue).
Historical Places to See: In center city, make sure to visit Independence Hall, the historic building where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed. The Betsy Ross House on Arch Street is another popular visitor spot as is the historic Liberty Bell Center, where a certain bell is on display.
Museums: The Philadelphia Museum of Art is one of the largest museums in the United States, chock full of European art as well as the art of Philly native Thomas Eakins. If you have kids in tow, check out The Please Touch Museum, which is a kid-friendly museum that showcases children's storybook illustrations, cool inventions and a kid-size grocery store. In the Old City district of Philly, look for even more trendy museums and galleries.
Sporting Events: The Citizens Bank Park is Philly's newest ballpark (and home of the Philadelphia Phillies). If you want to see the Philadelphia Eagles in action check out Lincoln Financial Field. If hockey or basketball is your thing, stop by The Wachovia Center to see the Flyers or Allen Iversen and the Philadelphia 76ers in action. Philly is home to some great sports teams and Philly fans are extremely passionate about their teams!
Stuff for Kids: In addition to the highly recommended Please Touch Museum, Philly has plenty of other kid-friendly attractions, including the world famous Philadelphia Zoo. Philly's zoo is home to over 1600 exotic animals and there is also a special Children's Petting zoo that features pony rides. Also, in nearby Langhorne, PA there is a child's dream come true-- Sesame Place, which is an amusement park that features all of the characters from the beloved PBS television series. Sesame Place is a must-stop if you visit Philadelphia with young children.
Penn's Landing and Boathouse Row: Philadelphia's waterfront has lots to do and see. Throughout the year, Penn's Landing hosts the Festival Pier Concert Series and there are seasonal cruises on the boat The Spirit of Philadelphia. Boathouse Row is a scenic strip along Kelly Drive, and it's quite a sight at night when all of the boathouses are lit up. Kelly Drive is also a popular place for joggers and bicyclists, so you can get your exercise in while you're visiting Philly (no excuses)!
Shopping: Philly's own South Street features hip boutiques where you can pick up one of a kind trendy finds. In nearby King of Prussia (about 30 minutes west of Philly) check out the King of Prussia Mall, which is the second largest mall in the country. The King of Prussia Mall features every upscale store you can think of, as well as popular anchor stores like Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Macy's.
And, if you plan to visit Philly in the near future, keep your eyes peeled for sightings of Sylvester Stallone and the film crew of the movie "Rocky 6" -- they are currently filming in Philadelphia and have been spotted all over the place by locals lately.
Hitting the Slopes in Nagano, Japan
When the winter months come along, there's nothing more enjoyable than dusting off your skis, pulling out all your gear, and hitting the slopes after a recent snowfall has dusted the mountain, leaving some great powder behind. But one thing that I know about skiers is that they like to change things up a bit by traveling around and skiing in a lot of different places. Each mountain range offers different conditions and scenery, so finding variety is pretty easy. Once you've had your fill of Aspen, Vail, and Banff, you might want to venture out of the country for your next trip.
Japan might not come immediately to mind as a skiing destination, but don't forget that the 1998 Winter Games were held there. Since skiing and snowboarding are major Olympic events, you can bet that there is some prime powder in that area. Specifically, I am talking about the fabulous resorts in Nagano prefecture, the site of the Olympics.
There are a couple of different ways that you can organize your trip to Nagano. First, you can choose to sign up as part of a tour group. This is a simple matter of contacting your travel agent and telling her your needs or looking up various Japan tour groups on the Internet and booking a package directly.
You'll find that Japanese tour groups are quite inclusive, which can either be a good or a bad thing depending on what kind of traveler you are. On the one hand, you won't have to worry about making any further arrangements once you arrive. That's because your transportation, hotel, meals, and additional sightseeing will be included in the tour package (specific details will depend on which package you actually choose, of course). On the other hand, you won't have very much free time to slip off to do some exploring on your own. If you like structured, relatively hassle-free vacations, then you'd do well to purchase a tour package. If you prefer to call all the shots on your vacations, then read on.
Traveling in Japan is a bit different than traveling in other foreign countries. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone speaks English everywhere you go, and not all signs are written in English as well as Japanese. This can cause you to experience a few rough spots, but shouldn't have a detrimental effect on your vacation as a whole.
Nagano is centrally located on Japan's main island, and getting there from Tokyo's Narita Airport is relatively easy. If you are planning on driving in Japan, you'll of course need an international driver's license. You should also be aware that people drive on the left in Japan. This can be a bit disorienting at first, but you'll soon get used to it.
When renting a car, it's important to let the clerks know that you will be driving to a ski resort in the mountains. Japan has some very strict laws regarding driving in snowy or icy conditions, and you must have either snow tires or tire chains when conditions warrant these accessories. If you don't have these things, not only will you be at risk for an accident, you'll also be subject to a ticket and/or heavy fines.
Once you get to whichever resort you've chosen to stay at, things are pretty much just like you would find back home. You can rent skis, boots, and even outwear (snow pants, heavy jackets). You can also buy these things from small stores on site; however, if you do that, you should be prepared to pay higher prices than you would at a regular store.
After you have your equipment straightened out, you can buy a lift ticket or use the rope tow to get to the top and then cruise on down at your own pace. Most resorts have several different slopes for different skill levels, from beginners on up to advanced skiers. There are even sled hills for the kids, so there wouldn't be any problem turning your trip into a family vacation.
The next time you want to hit the slopes in a new locale, why not consider Nagano, Japan? You'll find top-notch skiing, beautiful views, and delectable cuisine waiting for you!
Japan might not come immediately to mind as a skiing destination, but don't forget that the 1998 Winter Games were held there. Since skiing and snowboarding are major Olympic events, you can bet that there is some prime powder in that area. Specifically, I am talking about the fabulous resorts in Nagano prefecture, the site of the Olympics.
There are a couple of different ways that you can organize your trip to Nagano. First, you can choose to sign up as part of a tour group. This is a simple matter of contacting your travel agent and telling her your needs or looking up various Japan tour groups on the Internet and booking a package directly.
You'll find that Japanese tour groups are quite inclusive, which can either be a good or a bad thing depending on what kind of traveler you are. On the one hand, you won't have to worry about making any further arrangements once you arrive. That's because your transportation, hotel, meals, and additional sightseeing will be included in the tour package (specific details will depend on which package you actually choose, of course). On the other hand, you won't have very much free time to slip off to do some exploring on your own. If you like structured, relatively hassle-free vacations, then you'd do well to purchase a tour package. If you prefer to call all the shots on your vacations, then read on.
Traveling in Japan is a bit different than traveling in other foreign countries. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone speaks English everywhere you go, and not all signs are written in English as well as Japanese. This can cause you to experience a few rough spots, but shouldn't have a detrimental effect on your vacation as a whole.
Nagano is centrally located on Japan's main island, and getting there from Tokyo's Narita Airport is relatively easy. If you are planning on driving in Japan, you'll of course need an international driver's license. You should also be aware that people drive on the left in Japan. This can be a bit disorienting at first, but you'll soon get used to it.
When renting a car, it's important to let the clerks know that you will be driving to a ski resort in the mountains. Japan has some very strict laws regarding driving in snowy or icy conditions, and you must have either snow tires or tire chains when conditions warrant these accessories. If you don't have these things, not only will you be at risk for an accident, you'll also be subject to a ticket and/or heavy fines.
Once you get to whichever resort you've chosen to stay at, things are pretty much just like you would find back home. You can rent skis, boots, and even outwear (snow pants, heavy jackets). You can also buy these things from small stores on site; however, if you do that, you should be prepared to pay higher prices than you would at a regular store.
After you have your equipment straightened out, you can buy a lift ticket or use the rope tow to get to the top and then cruise on down at your own pace. Most resorts have several different slopes for different skill levels, from beginners on up to advanced skiers. There are even sled hills for the kids, so there wouldn't be any problem turning your trip into a family vacation.
The next time you want to hit the slopes in a new locale, why not consider Nagano, Japan? You'll find top-notch skiing, beautiful views, and delectable cuisine waiting for you!
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