Month: January 2018

Even if you are in a location where it’s still covered in snow and immensely cold, it’s time to start thinking about spring break. Don’t let the current weather fool you – Spring will be here before you know it and if you want optimal rates, start planning your getaway now. Here are 10 spectacular spring break destinations to book now.

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The weather doesn’t have to be near 100 degrees for you to have a blast at Myrtle Beach. In fact, many people book a trip to this destination over spring break. Envision a relaxing getaway with over 60 miles of sand, the sun shining down, and a gorgeous view of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the beach is a big hit, there are other activities and attractions to enjoy. Just to name a few – Duplin Winery, Easy Coast BrewBoat, Family Kingdom Amusement Park, Express Watersports, and Go Ape Treetop Adventure.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Located on the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a Louisiana city positioned near the Gulf of Mexico. You may have even heard of the nickname for New Orleans called “Big Easy” – This city is known for its nightlife scene around the clock, spicy cuisine reflecting its history, and vibrant live music. The city of New Orleans is always putting on fun events. Booking a trip and visiting this spring means you could take advantage of the following:

April Events

April 7th – Freret Street Festival

April 8th-11th – WWE

April 12th-15th – French Quarter Festival

April 22nd – Dedication of City Wide Murals, Neighborhood Celebrations, Followed by Fireworks

May Events

May 3rd-6th – New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival

May 5th – Cinco de Mayo

May 6th – Riverfront Tricentennial Fireworks Show

May 25th-27th – New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

May 25th – 27th – Bayou Country  Superfest

Dominican Republic

If you’re looking for a stunning spring break vacation that features not only beaches, but provides you with views of mountains as well – Dominican Republic is the place to be. The Dominican Republic is known as one of the Caribbean’s most geographically diverse countries, which feature desert scrublands, beaches galore, and captivating mountain scenery.. Some popular things to do here are whale watching, sitting by the sea and sand at Playa Rincon and other beaches, Small-Group Sailing, Snorkeling, Horseback Riding, Parasailing, Mega Truck Safari, and much more.

You may read this and assume it comes with a high price tag but, surprisingly, this destination doesn’t come with sticker shock, especially when you use an affordable booking website.

Las Vegas, Nevada

Las Vegas is known for its consistent nightlife. Between 24-hour casinos and several other entertainment options, you will never be bored. Visitors usually flock to Las Vegas not only for entertainment, but also world-class dining and shopping. Additionally, you will be able to experience museums, engaging venues, and art galleries. Oh, and if getting married is on your to-do list and a big fancy wedding is not your thing, why not hit up one of the several wedding chapels?

Most people have heard of Las Vegas, but did you know about the following fun facts?

• Over 41 million individuals visit Las Vegas per year
• Las Vegas was rated as one of the top 10 locations for their delectable food.
• Coming in at a whopping 1,149 feet, the Stratosphere in Las Vegas is the tallest observation tower located in the United States. The Stratosphere also comes in as the second tallest free-standing structure that is located west of the Mississippi River.
• Las Vegas is considered to be the brightest area on Earth because of the millions of lights they use.

Eugene, Oregon

Portland may normally get all the attention; however, Oregon’s second largest city is breathtaking and even cheaper. Situated across the Willamette Valley, Eugene is filled with green spaces, a 2,000 ft-tall hiking landmark, and is surrounded by over 400 types of roses. With beautiful views of the mountains, you may find it hard to want to leave. Some main points of interest when visiting Eugene, Oregon are Alton Baker Park, Hendricks Park, Cascades Raptor Center, Science Factory for Children, Adventure Children’s Museum, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Fern Ridge Reservoir, and much more.

Asheville, North Carolina

Whether you’re taking your spring break solo, going with friends, or packing up your family – Asheville is for you, especially if you love to explore nature. The timeworn mountains of Asheville offer numerous adventures and fun exploration. This is like a mountain paradise and will lead to an unforgettable vacation. Although the mountains are the prime spot for visitors, you can also enjoy a 60-foot natural waterslide and even more water adventures. If you’re in for some nature-type of fun during your spring break, you don’t want to miss out on this destination.

Do any of these destinations appeal to you? Have you already visited any? We would love to hear your experience. Did we miss an exciting spring break location? Fill us in! Let us know some other great spots.

As you’re getting ready to plan your next vacation, there are some items to keep in mind that you should never forget. Here is a list of the top essentials you don’t want to be without, but most people forget:

Chargers

While it may seem odd to list a charger as the first item, it’s totally a necessity. In this tech-obsessed world, people would literally feel like a part of them is missing without their phone or other electronics. Technology keeps us connected to other parts of the world, family, and friends, so that obsession can totally be okay (under certain circumstances.)

Memory Card

You don’t want to end up at your destination only to find you can’t take photos (“Oh, no! How will I be able to post selfies during vacation? What’s the point of staying now?”) Believe it or not – that is the way some people think. Don’t forget to pack a memory card or you better hope there is a store nearby that sells the correct memory card for your camera/phone.

First Aid Kit

Blisters, scrapes, and scratches are bound to happen. If you don’t want to purchase a pack of a few bandages for nearly $10, don’t forget to throw some in your bag while packing. When you are on vacation, you may notice that basic first aid supplies are a little overpriced – why? Because the destination knows you’ll pay it – What other choice would you have?

Travel Documents

Nobody plans on going on vacation and suddenly losing their passport. Just like nobody plans on identity theft while visiting a new destination. However, it can happen and it’s best to be prepared. Make sure you make copies of your license, credit cards, and passport. If your passport is stolen or lost, you will be able to head to the nearest embassy and have another reissued

Umbrella and/or Raincoat

Even if the destination you’re heading to isn’t known for being damp, you never know what the weather could potentially be like. Wouldn’t it be best to pack an umbrella or your favorite raincoat so you don’t have to be soaked? It may not be the fashion choice you would make, but being dry is worth it.

Prescription Medications

While you’re at home you may remember to take your medication, but will you remember to pack them for your vacation? You don’t want to end up getting to your destination and realizing you forgot your medicine. While it’s possible to have a prescription transferred if you have refills, this doesn’t help if you’re out of the United States. Always double check – even triple check to make sure your prescription medications are snug in your carry on bag.

Headphones

If you’re a music lover or an audio book enthusiast, don’t forget to pack your headphones. This can pass time by while you’re on the airplane. Not to mention, you don’t want to be stuck without headphones in case there is an obnoxious person sitting nearby (hey, at least we warned you!)

Corkscrew/Bottle Opener

While you will likely want to be out and about, taking all the scenery in while on vacation, there will be a point in time where you may want to relax. By relax, we mean with a beverage of your choice. But what if you forget to bring a bottle opener? You may have to just drool at the thought of drinking your alcoholic beverage instead of tasting it.

Hand Sanitizer

The CDC(Center for Disease Control) recommends that you frequently wash your hands to prevent illness. Hygiene standards will vary, depending on the destination you visit. Sometimes hand soap and clean water is not always within available reach while you’re out and about exploring. Pack some hand sanitizer, just in case – You want to bring home photos of you having fun and amazing memories, not an illness.

Toothbrush and Toothpaste

You want to keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh while you’re on vacation, so don’t forget to throw your toothbrush and toothpaste in your suitcase. You don’t want to be walking around with your hand in front of your mouth the entire time because your breath smells anything but fresh because you forgot these two very important items.

What is one thing that you forgot that is not on this list? Did it make your vacation go downhill? We would love to hear about any items we may have missed! Fill us in with the details.

Are you taking advantage of this snowy season? CuddlyNest has exciting, new inventory of places to ski. Here are some tips to take with you next time you embrace the slopes.

1. Avoid Borrowing

Think twice before borrowing someone’s snowboard or skis. This equipment is usually designed based on someone’s weight and height. To avoid ever needing to borrow, get yourself some equipment that is appropriate for you and your needs. How? Think about where you spend most of your time. What type of terrain do you ski and how often? These are important questions to ask yourself and to discuss with the store clerk when choosing the perfect set of skis for yourself.

2. Dress Code is Critical

Sure, you know it’s cold – snow equals wintery cold weather, right? But do you know the appropriate dress code besides just ski pants, boots, and a hat? Here are some pointers to remember:

• Bring goggles for the shade and cloudy weather and sunglasses for sunny weather.
• Layer up those clothes, in addition to ski pants.
• In fact, make sure one of those layers is cotton and the layer closest to your skin is thermal.
• Ensure that all outside layers are waterproof.
• While some people think multiple socks is best, one pair is actually warmer.
• Pockets are a bonus so you can take off layers if you get too hot.

Now that the basics are covered, let’s jump into the fun tips.

3. Are you properly turning on your skis?

While turning sends you into the direction you wish to go, you also control your speed with turning. Many new skiers will begin to make turns in either a gliding wedge or snowplow, which works on flat, gentle surfaces. However, to advance for steeper terrain, it’s important to learn the right form of turning – The proper form is more effective, even at speed, than the well-known wedge turn.

The proper way to turn is called a parallel turn – this means the skis are parallel to one another among the end of every turn. This position is ideal for edging, which is known as the basic action of scraping the edge of the skis amongst the snow. What can slow you down is edging. The goal is to get your skis as perpendicular as possible to the slope as it allows them to edge and gives you more control over your speed.

You can get the hang of edging paired with a parallel turn by practicing making “hockey stop moves” and make sharp turns to the left or right, whichever way provides more comfort for you. Start by positioning your skis so they are parallel to one another – They shouldn’t touch and definitely shouldn’t touch while turning – Now, edge them forcefully into the snow until you completely stop moving. This is basically a similar action you will notice at the end of each turn.

4. How to Get Up in Deep or Soft Snow

While you can learn all the tips in the world to prevent a fall, you should know what to do in case you find yourself laying down in the snow, whether it’s soft or deep. To get up after a fall on the slopes:

• Sit up sideways across the hill, positioning your skis together.
• Make sure your pole tips are in the snow, just above your uphill knee.
• Now, with one hand, grip the other just above the snow.
• In just one fluid movement, push yourself up with your bottom hand as you push down on the pole grips.

5. Transfer Weight to One Ski

Intermediate skilled skiers should learn to balance on one ski. To practice, you should transfer your weight from your downhill ski to your uphill ski while traversing. The end result with this is to parallel turn without any stemming. Start a traverse across the slope, with all of your weight carried by the big-toe-edge of your downhill ski. Your weight will then be transferred from your dowhillsi to your uphill ski by flexing your downhill leg, while you’re extending your uphill leg – While doing this, your uphill ski should be tilted onto your big-toe-edge.

During this practice, you may notice slight lifting of the tail of the downhill ski.

6. Turning Shoulders With Skis

Several intermediate skiers may find that their shoulders follow the position of their hips, only to end each turn facing the same side of the piste. For the correct way, pick up your poles and turn them upside down to form a cross. Now, find a spot towards the bottom of the pitch in which you are skiing – Try to ensure that the crosshairs of your poles stay pointed in the exact same spot as you make careful and low speed turns around the area. If you’re doing this correctly, you will feel your hips working to keep your upper body pointed downhill as your legs go left and right across the snow. Make sure you are still aware of your surroundings while you practice this.

Do you have any other skiing tips to share? We would love to hear them. Stay safe this ski season and don’t forget to check out some our new inventory.