Here is your December Travel Guide for 2016

Your December travel guide is here! And it's packed with many fabulous destinations to visit even during winter time.

If you're traveling in the US, then you're in for a lively holiday season! You can live it up in Vegas, or party with the world in New York, and spend the holidays on a festive road trip with Tours4Fun.com! Book your perfect getaway now and get your inspiration and fabulous deals in this December Christmas Travel guide from Tours4Fun!

Ice Parks To Visit this Winter

Some families prefer to travel during winter time.  My family and I tried that idea but traveled few weeks before Christmas so we don't get in the holiday rush. However, the excitement of spending winter in a different country or away from home is an inviting idea to try for a change.

If you are one of those who want to travel this winter time or would like to see and feel what winter is like in other countries, then visiting ice parks will be a good idea. I live in a perpetually sunny place so snow is so alien to us and so is the cold winter. I have been dreaming of spending winter time in a really cold place so ice parks will be a good bet to try.

Some countries will have longer winter season than others. Choose the one depending on your time availability to make the most of your wintertime vacation.

Here are some famous ice parks in the world to visit:

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China

Harbin Ice and Snow Festival is one of the most famous winter festivals around the world. It is famously known for the beautiful ice sculptures and play area for everyone to enjoy so much snow and cold in one place. It starts on 5 January 201 and will run for a month.

Harbin is located Heilongjiang Province in the northeastern part of China. The location of the place makes it a perfect place for snow and ice festivals due to its arctic climate which provides natural ice and snow.

Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival in South Korea

Taebaeksan Provincial Park in Jungang-ro Street of Taebaek-si, and Hwangji Pond Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do provide a wide array of events and activities for winter fun!  Guests can even participate in the Snowman Festival and snow sledding with the scenic Taebaeksan Mountain as a nice backdrop for the whole event.

The event runs for almost 2 weeks from January 21-31, 2016. 

Ouray Ice Park in Colorado, USA

The Ouray Ice Park is a very unique and interesting winter attractions in the world. It is a human made climbing area in a gorge in Ouray, Colorado.  The best thing about this man-made attraction is that is is free and open to the public. Many activities will run from January to February 2016. 

Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, Japan

This is a festival held yearly in Sapporo, Japan. It is one of the famous winter festivities there that millions of visitors check out the festivities. It runs for a short period of time compared to the other winter festivals in other countries. The Sapporo Snow Festival will run from February 6 - 11, 2016.

Quebec Winter Carnival, Canada

Quebec, Canada is one of the wintry places in the world to enjoy ice and snow during the cold season. For the last 60 years, it has been home to fun and festivities due to the Quebec Winter Carnival. This year, the whole festivities will start from 29 January to 14 February, 2016.

Ice Music Festival in Geilo, Norway

(Photo credit: Hufftingtonpost.com/Photo by Emile Holba/Ice Music Festival)

If other  ice and snow festivals in the world evolve around sculptures, this event takes on a different turn in Norway as artists are required to make a musical instrument out of ice. These ice musical instruments will accompany the artists with their performances as they use them to make beautiful melodies.

It will run from 21-24 January, 2016 in Geilo, Norway.

Ski Resorts in Lebanon

Lebanon has picked up some bad rep over the years because of the security and instability of the political scene in the country. However, one must not forget that Lebanon is a beautiful country with long stretches of fine sandy beaches, lush valleys and mountains, delectable cuisine and best of all, lovely and nice ski resorts to visit during the winter time.

Not too far from Beirut are several skiing resorts to visit. They are usually frequented by Middle Eastern folks who don't want to travel to Europe to enjoy a good ski activity, snow fun and the cold temperature up on the mountains.

There are 6 well-known ski resorts in Lebanon. They are:

Photo credit: skileb.com

Faraya-Mzaar or Mzaar Kfardebian

Photo credit: snow-forecast.com

This resort is located 1 hour drive from Beirut on the Mount of Lebanon. It is surrounded by mountains and is the largest ski resort in Lebanon.


The Cedars

Photo credit: skileb.com

The Cedars is located at very high altitude compared to the other ski resorts in the vicinity. Since it is in a high altitude, it has longer winter season than other areas in Lebanon.  It has several ski-lifts that can take you to the peak for a downhill skiing.


Laqlouq

Photo credit: skileb.com

The Laqlouq is both a ski and summer resort located on a plateau. It is surrounded by jagged edges and plenty trees which makes it a great cross country skiing resort.


Faqra

Faqra Resort is also know as the Faqra Club which is an exclusive private resort. It has nice chalets and gardens which are perfect for both seasons.


Qanat Bakish

This resorts is less crowded and has very nice snow quality that is perfect for all ski levels.


Zaarour

Photo credit: skiinglebanon.com

This resort is the closest to Beirut. Since it is north-facing, the Zaarour resort offers scenic vista of Mount Sannine and the valleys of Skull.

Winter [Sport] is Coming….

Yeah, summer is over. The leaves are falling. The cold is setting in. No need to be sad though!

It’s a pretty exciting time of year if, like me, you’re into winter sports. I don’t even just mean the typical ones. People find the craziest things to do when it starts snowing. Here’s a few you have to try at some point!

Mass Snow Fights

Pic: Wiki

Facebook has made it easier than ever to organise mass snow battles. Especially prevalent in college towns and small cities, these have been taking off in a big way. You can kind of compare them to the buzz over mass pillow fights, but they are way simpler to organise. Not to mention far more brutal.

Hiking in the snow

This is one for adventurer/explorer fantasists. I’ve been snow trekking all over the place, but I always go with a friend who knows the area. Also, invest in the right gear. Get a decent jacket, and if you can, the best snowshoes for sale in the area. It really pays off.

Huskey Riding

I’ve always wanted to do this! Not only are huskies the cutest looking dogs in the world, they also strong, energetic and work together like a pack of wolves. That’s why in an arctic region they are the perfect mode of transport. It looks like a lot of fun.

Pic: Wiki

Ice Lake Fishing

Okay, fishing can seem like a lonely pursuit at the best of times. When it’s out in the middle of a frozen lake it looks even more lonely! Still, that can be cool. It’s supposed to be a relaxing, mind-clearing exercise. And if you can get a dinner out of it, that’s doubly good right?

Ice Diving

Pic: Pixabay

Usually when you think of scuba diving, you think of the world’s most exotic locations. The coral-rich Great Barrier Reef, The Caribbean, Sharm el Sheikh etc. But some of the most beautiful underwater scenery is only visible if you’re prepared to go down to the icy depths...

Skiing

It’s a classic, but skiing is still one of the most adrenaline-pumping things you can do in the snow. The first time you go, you’ll definitely need someone to show you the ropes, so go with someone who’s been a couple of times. They’ll help you pick the right equipment and teach you how to get on your feet.

Ice water baths

All around the world, insane people are diving into rivers and lakes of ice. In California, it takes the form of a slide competition called the “Polar Bear Plunge”. Meanwhile, in Canada and the Far East, they are a fun way for village kids to show their manhood. As for residents of Northern Russia, it’s just an Easter tradition as banal as chocolate eggs!

There’s a serious amount of fun to be had in the snow. And it doesn’t stop there. So before you go somewhere for a winter holiday, check beyond the standard activities and experience something new!

Step By Step Guide To Planning A Dream Ski Holiday

Winter presents a whole range of unique travelling opportunities. For many people, it means going on a ski holiday! If you want to go skiing this winter, follow my step by step planning guide:

Decide On When You Want To Go

Naturally, ski holidays are a winter thing. So, you won’t be booking a summer ski holiday! Your first decision will be to pick the best time for you to go. Some people choose to go skiing for Christmas; others pick February as the best time to go. It will depend on your schedule and the schedule of anyone you’re going with (unless you’re going alone). Most ski resorts will get very busy during the middle part of winter, so be aware of that. You may want it to be busy, you may want it to be quiet, it’s up to you! The important thing is to pick a time before you move on in the planning process.

(Image Source: https://goo.gl/gXX6o3)

Pick The Perfect Location

Picking the location is key to planning your perfect ski holiday. You want to go somewhere where the slopes are sublime, and safety is a priority. If you’re looking for a European ski holiday, then the French resort of Meribel is a great choice. For years, families have been journeying here to enjoy the snow and ski throughout winter. You may not have heard of it, as it’s not as famous as some other French places, so look for some information about Meribel before you commit to it. Of course, this isn’t the only option for you, there are plenty of other ski resorts out there. Make sure you pick one that has positive reviews and you know will lead to a good time.

(Image by PublicDomainPictures https://goo.gl/NUd4Cg)

Book Your Accommodation In Advance

As soon as you’ve picked where you want to go, you have to start looking at places to stay. All ski resorts will have a range of accommodation for you to pick from. There are different types of ski lodge that come in different styles. The trouble is, accommodation sells out very quickly. So, you have to make sure you’re booking it well in advance. If you’ve decided to go on an impulse ski holiday, don’t be surprised if you can’t find anywhere to stay. Book as soon as you can, it will make things a hell of a lot easier.

Get All Your Gear Sorted

The final thing you’ll do is get all the gear you need to bring. This means buying suitable clothing for a ski holiday. You’ll need to buy waterproof ski trousers and jackets. As well as some ski goggles, a helmet and ski gloves. I’d also recommend you get sunglasses too - I know this may sound weird but bear with me. If the sun is out, it can reflect off the snow and be a real pain if it then shines in your eyes, so sunglasses are important. Of course, you’ll need your ski poles and skis too, if you have any. If not, some ski resorts let you rent them during your stay. Although, it’s more comfortable using your own things.

Ski Essentials - Must Have Gear and Accessories For Ski Activities

Winter time is the best time for ski lovers out there.  The weather poses a great opportunity to engage in ski sports and other snow-related adventures. And of course, when you are out and about in the snowy ski resort of your choice, you have to be prepared and ensure you have all the essential must-haves for a ski fun.
Check out this list for your quick guide on what you must have when engaging in ski activities.

Ski outerwear

First of all, you have to be fully dressed to the occasion. Remember, you are in a very cold place where there are lots of snow and the chances of you getting warm is only when you go inside the lodge, hotel, cafe, bars and any public places during a rest or a break. But if you're skiing down snowy slopes, expect to get cold and chilly.
Be prepared and check your ski outfit!

Kjus - Formula Insulated Ski Jacket Men

Buy a ski jacket that is well insulated like this Kjus Insulated Ski Jacket to keep you warm and dry.
Kjus - Formula Insulated Ski Jacket Men's P84314 - $598.90, Free shipping - Available at St. Bernard Sports

The North Face - Men's Seymore Ski Pants

Pair your ski jacket with a ski pants too that can keep you warm and dry.
The North Face - Men's Seymore Ski Pants : Asphalt Grey : Medium Small0.5T - $99.00, Free shipping - Available at The North Face

Skea - Effie Down Ski Jacket Women

Skea - Effie Down Ski Jacket Women's P88446 - $359.99, Free shipping - Available at PeterGlenn.com

The North Face - Women's Freedom Lrbc Insulated Ski Pants

The North Face - Women's Freedom Lrbc Insulated Ski Pants - $104.99, Free shipping - Available at 6pm.com

Ski Accessories

Now that you have your ski outerwear ready,  it's time to check the other essentials such as your ski accessories.

K2 - Phase Ski Helmet White

This is an essential to skiing no matter how professional you are. Some prefer not to wear ski helmets for some reasons, but for your safety and if you're not competing anyway, wear a ski helmet to keep your head warm and well protected for any bumps.

K2 - Phase Ski Helmet White - $51.95, Free shipping - Available at The-House.com

Smith - Smith I/O Ski Goggle

After protecting your head, protect your eyes too! Those endless pearly whites of snow scenery can cause glare and the air can dry up your eyes.

Smith - Smith I/O Ski Goggle - Men's - Black Sabotage/Blackout / Red Sensor - $175.00, Free shipping - Available at campmor

KingMas - Fleece Winter Neck Warmer Balaclava Ski Motorcycle Cycling Face Mask Hat Hood CS

You can include this in your ski must-haves - neck/face ski mask.
This will keep your face and neck area warm and covered from the elements.

KingMas - Fleece Winter Neck Warmer Balaclava Ski Motorcycle Cycling Face Mask Hat Hood CS - $3.84, Free shipping - Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

Full Tilt Boots - Drop Kick Ski Boots 2014 - 27

Skiing won't be complete without your ski boots. Choose ski boots that can be tilted.

Full Tilt Boots - Drop Kick Ski Boots 2014 - 27 - $305.90, Free shipping - Available at evo.com

Salomon - Salomon L10 Ski Bindings

This is used to attach your ski boots to the skis.

Salomon - Salomon L10 Ski Bindings - $87.90, Free shipping - Available at evo.com

Salomon - Salomon Shogun Skis Green/Brown/White

Don't forget your skis! And poles!

Salomon - Salomon Shogun Skis Green/Brown/White - $470.95, Free shipping - Available at The-House.com

DIAMOND - Black Diamond - Alpine Carbon Cork Poles

Ski poles!

DIAMOND - Black Diamond - Alpine Carbon Cork Poles - $114.95, 6.95 shipping - Available at Sunny Sports

Now that you are fully geared to go out on the snow for a great ski adventure, don't forget to practice common sense and caution. Don't go skiing alone. Ski with a buddy or in a group. Don't ski at night time and try to stay on course.

Beautiful Ski Resorts in Northern Italy

Italy is a beautiful country with great alps and Dolomites along the northern area. It is also famous for its rich art, culture and historic architectural sites. Aside from that, Italy is also home to many beautiful ski resorts.

Below are few of the beautiful ski resorts you will find in northern Italy according to region. Marvel on their beauty and check out the many activities you can do there for yourself, with your family and friends too and make the best of your winter getaway!

Aosta Valley region

Aosta Valley in the northwestern part of Italy is the only region in Italy without any provinces. However it is also a very mountainous area that is why it is popular skiing destination in Italy come winter time.

Champoluc, Monte Rosa

Gran Paradiso

Piedmont region

The Piemonte (or Piedmont) region boasts plenty of northern Italy's famous ski resorts. It was home to the Torino 2006 Winter Olympics.

Via  Lattea

Ski Cervinia

Trentino region

Trentino is famous for its mountain ranges, Dolomites and the alps.

Folgaria-Fiorentini

Cavalese

Lombardy region

Lombardy is one of the northern regions of Italy and the capital is Milan, famous for a large number of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its border is the Swiss alps. 

Livigno 

Veneto region

It is the 8th largest region in Italy and is located in the northeastern part of the country and it's northernmost part also borders Austria.

Cortina d'Ampezzo

South Tyrol region

This region is located in the northernmost part of Italy.  It has a very snowy winter that can come as early as October until late of April. So, people who loves to ski or do winter activities can enjoy it longer than the rest of Italy.

Merano

Pusteria

(Photos not mine.)

Looking to Get Some Late Season Skiing In? Here Are The Top North American Destinations

If you are a seasoned skier who usually sticks to the slopes of Europe, why not look a little further afield this year? North America has a host of fantastic ski resorts and this article explores the top five.

Aspen

One of several resorts in Colorado, Aspen is one of the most famous ski destinations in the world and its name is synonymous with luxury and glamour. Comprising 478km of pistes, Aspen offers some of the finest skiing in North America, with pretty much guaranteed snow cover for much of the year. Despite its reputation as a hangout of the rich and famous, it is possible to ski in Aspen for no more than the cost of a ski trip to any other North American resort.

If you like to party as much as ski, Aspen is the choice for you, as there is a wealth of hotspots there, including Ajax Tavern and Jerome Hotel's J-Bar. To eat out in Aspen without breaking the bank, Su Casa and Boogie's Diner are both good places to head, with the latter being especially popular among families.

Whistler

Another very well-known resort, Whistler has had several years of excellent skiing. The British Columbia resort has a total of 316km of pistes and is excellent for both beginners and expert skiers, making it the perfect choice for a family skiing holiday.

As well as its skiing, Whistler is known for its cuisine. The resort has some of the best food of any ski destination and popular eateries include Ciao Thyme Bistro and Spitz Grill.

Mammoth

The Californian resort of Mammoth in the Sierra Nevada Mountains offers excellent skiing. European travellers can reach the town by taking a connecting flight from Los Angeles or San Francisco.

Take a break from skiing by enjoying a snack at the Top of the Sierra Cafe, located at an altitude 3,600m and featuring truly spectacular views. Further down in the resort, Gomez's Mexican offers authentic Mexican food cooked to traditional family recipes.

Fernie

With 2,504km of pistes, Fernie has something for everyone. Located in British Columbia, the resort is a good choice for skiing families with its excellent snow record and huge range of slopes.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay, Wolf's Den is a three-star hotel that occupies one of the resort's original buildings. For the best food in Fernie, take a trip to Lizard Creek Lodge or Yamagoya sushi restaurant.

Breckenridge

Breckenridge, Colorado, offers great skiing and has been attracting skiers for over 50 years. A Victorian mining town, the resort is one of the prettiest in North America. Breckenridge is a particularly good destination for beginners and intermediates, although there are enough challenges for even experienced skiers. It is a great destination for parties of mixed ability.

The resort has a great atmosphere at night, with popular restaurants such as Hearthstone Casual Dining, which is housed in a converted brothel. For those on a budget, Fatty's offers fantastic pizzas at a reasonable price.

Skiing in itself is an expensive hobby to have. That is why getting the cheapest flights to your skiing destination is must. I would recommend comparing flights at cheapflights.com which will take do the work of checking airfare prices for you, nice hey!