Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Spring Vacation Destinations: 3 Reasons to Pick New Mexico


With so many places you could go for your spring vacation, the hardest part is selecting only one vacationdestination. Chances are, New Mexico has just what you need.



The Food:

New Mexicans are serious about their food. It isn't Mexican and it isn't Tex-Mex. New Mexican cuisine is a Southwestern phenomenon. It has evolved for a few centuries, with influences from both Mexican and Native American flavors. From roadside taco or jerky stands to white cloth restaurants, there is something to please everyone, and it most likely has green chilies on it. Whether you like the extra hot green or the more mild red, the chile is the perfect garnish for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Outdoors:

Since you probably haven't been outside for any length of time since October, finding a place that features outdoor activities is key for a spring adventure. New Mexico's warm days and cool nights through the spring months encourage it. Early in the season, skiing and snowboarding in the mountains are the premium attractions. Later in spring, when the snow melts, fishing and white water rafting are popular. You can also enjoy the natural beauties of the countryside while hiking, horseback riding, or star gazing.



The Culture:

New Mexico's culture is a mix, inherited from Native American, Spanish Colonial, and Southwestern American heritages. Museums and galleries show this combination in their collections of art and artifacts. Theatre and dance performances are also popular entertainment. Many venues feature live music, from local and national bands. Even strolling the streets to admire the adobe architecture is an attraction. Of course, no vacation is without spa treatments and access to shopping, which are both abundant.

Spring Break is all about getting outside for the first time since the previous year and taking your first vacation since the bustling holiday season. New Mexico's casual, but lively atmosphere and unique food, culture, and outdoor activities are the perfect answer.

Get more ideas for your New Mexico vacation destination at www.LiftsWest.com!

How to Pick the Perfect Luxury Ski Hotel


There is a wealth of available information about vacation properties, full of attractive photos, slick websites, and promotional deals. Trying to navigate it all to find the perfect luxury ski hotel for you can be overwhelming.

First, decide what you want out of your vacation: Do you want perfect and challenging ski conditions, excellent spa, great night-life entertainment, or ski-in and ski-out options? What type of property do you prefer, bed and breakfast, chalet, condo, or hotel? Keeping in mind what is important to you will help you immediately narrow your search. Of course, quality is always important for your luxury ski hotel, so make sure the property has at least four stars.



To help you gage pricing for an area and compare properties more easily, utilize a booking engine (such as Travelocity, Hotels.com, or Orbitz) to do your initial research. When you know the numbers and make your decision, reach out to the property directly to book your stay to see if this is indeed the best deal. While you are booking, it's a good idea to ask about a loyalty program. Find out what extras and benefits the hotel offers for frequent visitors.

Map the property, to make sure it is in the area you want. That way if you want to be on the mountain, you don't book a property in the next town over, even if it is an excellent place to stay.

When doing research on luxury ski hotels, don't forget to ask the less obvious questions. Is there a side of the property that has a better view or has less noise? Is public transportation available? What are all the amenities included with the room? Sometimes simply calling the property to ask can get the best answers to these.



Learn more about the possibilities for luxury ski hotels at www.LiftsWest.com today!