December 10, 2015

Tanya's Daily Blog
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 2 DAYS

Skiing on the Brain...

Howdy Folks!

Can you believe that it's already Thursday?!

This week is kinda going by pretty quickly.

So before I move onto anything else, I want to update you that I was able to finally get that confirmation that I was waiting for.. WHEW! 

Colorado arrangements and plans are all set, and it is a great relief to have that off weight off of my shoulders. Not only that but I even received a call this morning from an additional broker that I was working with who had even more options for us to choose from.

I've been skiing Vail, Colorado since 1998 when I did a cross country drive with DC from New York to California. I fell in love with the resort and throughout all of these years, it still remains one of my favorites!

I then took the kiddos for their first trip to Colorado back in 2004, and we have pretty much been making an annual trip of it ever since.

Why no smiles guys?! In Colorado (2004)

Somehow out of both my sisters and my brother, I am the only one who loves to ski.
​In actuality neither Brigitte or Michael have ever even tried. Jet tried a few times and hates it.
​So it's all me and the kids. DC doesn't go very much (about one ski trip per year), and Dave manages what he can - on this trip to Colorado he'll be coming out to visit us and ski with us for 3 consecutive weekends!

Skiing Vail 2014

This will be the first ski trip of the season for us. The rest will include Quebec, Tahoe, and Utah.
And I'm already (still) contemplating our ski trips for next season.
Since we are doing a 2017 Euro Ski Circuit that will include France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, I'm not entirely sure where I will go locally (in North America).

In Chamonix, France (2012)

We will probably skip going to Colorado in 2017, but at this point I'm just not sure yet.
​I'll keep you posted!

Heading to the 2015 FIS Alpine World Championships in Vail, CO

Yesterday we did get over to the stables for a short visit with Jet and Chaplin. The plan is to head over there again today and possibly for a few of the kids friends to join us (as long as my schedule doesn't get completely wonky).

And finally being that it's Thursday, it's TBT and time for a few pics from the past!

Another snow day! (1992)

One of the kids first time on the slopes (2004)

Seems as though I lost track of time! I've gotta run.

See y'all back here tomorrow!
-T

Elisa's Daily Blog
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 8 DAYS

Christmas in the Sun...

Good Day Friends!

Another lovely day here on Long Island.

I cannot believe just how mild and lovely the weather has been for December! In spite of the relatively warm weather here in New York, I'm still looking forward to some tropical temps while in Florida.

So looking forward to relaxing in the sun and just de-stressing.  These past few months have been terribly stressful for me on a personal level and a little de-toxing is much needed!

How are your holiday plans coming along?  Finished your shopping yet?  Are your plans arranged for seeing family and entertaining?

This coming weekend is our last weekend in New York before heading off to the Sunshine State.

The girls have a most exciting few days!!  They cannot contain their excitement about their Christmas Riding Show on Sunday!!  Concetta, their trainer has done an amazing job of putting together their show and getting all the kids at the barn fully prepared!

They will be wearing the most adorable show t-shirts that she personally created!!

A full day of lessons and training for Saturday should put the finishing touch on each girl's expertise for the big day Sunday.  You can bet I'll be doing lots of filming!

​I found this old picture of Kelsey from four years ago at one of the local farms at Christmastime.  Boy, how my little girl has changed!!! Who would have thought she'd be the rider she is today!

Kelsey December, 2011

Next week is a big week for the girls at school with Holiday events.  Monday is Gianna's Band concert, and this is her fourth year playing the clarinet.  

Later in the week is Kelsey's Winter concert and Gianna's Christmas Show.  I found this picture from 2010 when Gianna had the lead as Mary in the Christmas Nativity show.  How quickly these five years have gone!

Gianna - December 2010 as Mary in the Christmas Nativity Show

 Back to travel talk - so where are the "hottest" and cheapest hot weather places to go for the holidays this year?  

Let's take a look at 5 of these options...

1. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
December average high: 86°F/30°C
December average low: 64°F/18°C

​Hotels for well under US$100 per night per couple are easy to find, although if you want a well-located chain hotel you’ll be paying at least a bit more.

3-star hotels from: US$41 per night for two people
4-star hotels from: US$214 per night for two people

2. Cancún/Cozumel/Riviera Maya, Mexico
December average high: 84°F/29°C
December average low: 69°F/21°C

With so many hundreds of hotels competing for business, holiday room rates for well under US$100 per night are easy to find. Package deals to Cancún are very popular, and probably the best deal for those who book early.

3-star hotels from: US$40 per night for two people
4-star hotels from: US$309 per night for two people

3. Punta Cana/Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
December average high: 83°F/28°C
December average low: 72°F/22°C

​The Dominican Republic has a reputation for its large all-inclusive hotels at great prices, and its two most popular resort areas are Punta Cana (on the eastern tip) and Puerto Plata (on the northern shore). Each has about 200 hotels to choose from, including dozens of all-inclusive resorts designed to keep you there for your entire stay.

Flight+hotel package prices are especially reasonable to the DR, and booking early will usually get the best deals.

3-star hotels from: US$36 per night for two people
4-star hotels from: US$100 per night for two people

4. Montego Bay/Ocho Rios/Negril, Jamaica
December average high: 86°F/30°C
December average low: 70°F/21°C

All three towns have a different vibe, so it’s really only the weather and most prices that are similar. Along with the Cancun area and the Dominican Republic, these Jamaican resorts are also known for all-inclusive resorts and appealing package deals. Even during the peak holiday months, it’s possible to lock in an appealing deal if you book early enough.

3-star hotels from: US$65 per night for two people
4-star hotels from: US$165 per night for two people

5. Ambergris Caye/Caye Caulker, Belize
December average high: 81°F/27°C
December average low: 68°F/20°C

If you are in search of a more low-key holiday get-away with no huge chain hotels in the midst, the islands of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker may appeal to you.

Both are just off the coast of Belize City. These are both long, thin islands where golf carts serve as taxis and there is little or no pavement in sight. The diving and snorkeling here are some of the best in the world, even if these islands are short on long sandy beaches.
​
Nearly all 4-star hotels here start over US$200 per night for the holiday weeks, but there are 3-star bargains nearby in addition to holiday villas for rent for those with higher budgets.

3-star hotels from: US$72 per night for two people

So many options for Christmas in the sun!!

Here's to a sunshiny day to you!!

-E
xoxo