We’ve gathered some tips that will assist in making your next vacation stay fabulous.
Archive for the ‘Vacation Tips’ Category
How to Choose the Best Overnight Accommodation for Your Vacation Needs
Thursday, January 12th, 2012
Five Simple Solutions to “Are We There Yet?”
Monday, January 9th, 2012
According to Statistics Canada, residents spent over $35 million on domestic travel in 2010. So if you too are planning a family get-away sometime soon, it is easy to enhance the adventure with these tried and true tricks for the road:
1. Pack wisely
The more you haul, the more fuel you will burn, so only take what you will actually use during your vacation. Before embarking on your trip, clean out your car and if in doubt, take it out.
How To Have An Amazing March Break at Blue Mountain
Tuesday, March 8th, 2011March Break is a wonderful time to get away with the family. It’s midway between Christmas and Easter so you and your kids are probably itching for a relaxing get-away.
So how about spending the week at Blue Mountain? That means you skip the long lineups at the airport and the costly travel expenses. And while skiing is always a family favourite, it isn’t the only thing you can do at ‘Blue’, especially with the snow fading. In fact, there are so many great things to do during the March Break that even if it does start snowing, you may not find time to hit the slopes.
If you want to arrange for some formal activities for your kids during the day, there are several organized kids camps in the area. Your kids can have fun and max out their energy while you get to enjoy some grown-up time. After a wonderful afternoon comes to an end, it will be a perfect time to reunite with the whole family for a fun-filled gathering! Whatever the case, be sure to keep your kids entertained.
Click Here For An Amazing March Break »
10 Things to Do at Blue Mountain That Won’t Break Your Budget
Tuesday, March 1st, 2011Although people often associate Blue Mountain with skiing and winter, the spring season is not an exception. But at this time of year, your credit cards are still hurting from Christmas and you haven’t gotten your income tax refund yet. So you’re trying to pinch pennies but you still want to get away. What to do? Come on to Blue Mountain anyway. There are tons of fun things to do while you’re here that won’t break your budget.
The Collingwood Jazz & Blues Society
For music lovers, try this concert series. Their monthly concerts on a Thursday evening are only $15 in advance or $20 at the door; an inexpensive evening out. Tickets available from: BMFA Centre, 163 Hurontario Street, 705-445-3430; Crow’s Nest, 239 Hurontario Street, 705-445-4900; Gabriele Photography, 133 Hurontario Street, 705-445-9030. Visit www.collingwoodjazz.ca for dates and times.
New Bulbs for Fall
If you`re a gardener and want to learn more about planting fall bulbs, attend this free information session at the Blue Mountain Public Library on Thursday March 24, 2011 at 7pm. You’ll learn some “how to” tips, pest control ideas, and advice about colour. Some potted bulbs will also be available for sale. Since this is a free event, you’ll need to call in advance – 519 599 3681 – to reserve your spot.
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Things to Do With a Non-Skier At Blue Mountain
Monday, February 14th, 2011For many people, a winter vacation at Blue Mountain means skiing or snowboarding. However, if you have a guest who doesn’t ski or snowboard, there’s no need to stress yourself out just yet. There are tons of ways you can keep your guest entertained without hitting the slopes.
Outdoor Activities
If your non-skier is the outdoors type, there are various alternatives to consider. You can always try snowshoeing or go skating at the Collingwood Central Park Outdoor Rink (705-444-2500). If that isn’t adventurous enough, you could take snowmobile lessons together at Ride On Rentals. For the ultimate voyage, they may like to try winter caving with Free Spirit Tours in Collingwood.
Top 10 Winter Vacation Money-Saving Tips
Thursday, January 13th, 2011Canadian winters are long and cold. Getting away to do some skiing or other winter activities can make that long stretch between New Year’s and Easter go much faster. And if your credit card is still aching from its Christmas workout, you can still enjoy a Blue Mountain winter get-away without breaking your budget.
Here are 10 tips to saving money on your winter vacation at Blue Mountain.
- Avoid busy dates such as Christmas, Family Day and March breaks. Those are prime travel times and prices often reflect that.
- Travel mid-week. At Blue Mountain, weekends may be busy but mid-week is often less crowded. Therefore rates for hotel, skiing and events are often cheaper. An added bonus: the slopes and other venues will be less packed.
- Avoid peak times. Many ski resorts offer a reduced rate for evening only lift tickets. Take advantage of them.
- Practice cross-training. Mix-up your day-to-day vacation plans with different activities offered. With no lift-tickets to buy, your non-skiing days will cost a fraction of what your skiing days cost.
- If you don’t already own ski equipment, rent rather than buy. If you decide you really love skiing and plan to do it often, wait until the end-of-season sales or look for some good used equipment.
- Book a chalet or room with a kitchen. Cooking yourself will save you huge amounts of money.
- Look for multi-day lift tickets or family rates. If you plan to ski or snowboard often during the season, get your seasons pass during early bird for a substantially cheaper price.
- Check your favourite locations for sales and special deals. They may have cheaper rates on certain dates, for special events or as part of a special promotion. The biggest deals come out near the end of the season.
- Many resorts offer group rates. Gather a group of friends and plan a mass get-away. What you save on the lift-tickets could pay for the après ski drinks.
- Ask about special discounts for seniors, kids, CAA members, and on-line only deals. It doesn’t hurt to ask and you may find a way to save some money.
Winter Packing Checklist
Thursday, December 16th, 2010Packing for the winter is often more challenging; everything takes up more space and you’ll be uncomfortable if you forget something important.
Here’s a winter packing checklist that will ensure you have everything you need. All you have to do is fit everything into your suitcase and you’re ready for your Blue Mountain winter vacation.
Clothing
Bring extra of any outdoor items in case they get wet. That way you can change and get right back outside.
• Underwear, long underwear, socks and bras – enough for each day you`ll be at Blue Mountain, unless you plan to do laundry.
• Pajamas & slippers
• Sweaters and other tops
• Pants
• Hat, scarf, mitts/gloves
• Ski pants, parka
• Swimsuit for indoor pool or hot tub
• A dressy outfit for dining out (more than one if you’ll be dining out frequently). Don’t forget shoes.
Top 10 Winter Activities in the Blue Mountain Area
Thursday, December 9th, 2010Winter is beautiful in the Blue Mountain region. There are tons of activities to give you and your family a great winter getaway. Here are the top ten.
Outdoor Skating
Is there anything more fun than lacing up your skates and taking a turn around an outdoor rink? Head on over to the Collingwood Central Park Outdoor Rink. For the schedule or other inquiries call 705-444-2500 . In Owen Sound, outdoor skating is available at Harrison Park. Always no cost, this artificial surface in the lovely park offers great family fun. Remember, The HOSE rule is in effect: Hockey on Odd days, Skating on Even.
Vacation Rental Tips for First-Timers
Wednesday, October 6th, 2010You’re going on a holiday to the Blue Mountain Collingwood region and you don’t want to be in a cookie cutter generic hotel which reminds you not only that you’re away from home, but where you are isn’t a home at all. Our properties have the unique home-away-from-home feel, but there are certain things you need to know about vacation rentals before you dive head-first into one for yourself.
The Basics
Hotels are usually located in convenient places because they need to appeal to many people, but you might have a place with a different consideration in mind. An important vacationing rule is to make sure the location you choose is convenient for your specific needs. It’s possible you may want a place that’s a little off the beaten path, and in that case a vacation rental may be more suitable. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family bonding trip, try any one of our stylish chalets, beautiful resort condos, or townhomes.
Tips for A Family Vacation With A Toddler
Thursday, September 30th, 2010Even at the best of times, traveling can be a hectic and uncertain adventure, but factor in a toddler and the whole thing gets that much more complicated.
However, with a few good tips and enough planning, traveling with a young one can be a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. You don’t have to sacrifice your travel dreams or your sanity with all of the wonderful options available for a wide variety of vacation choices involving children.
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