The Courchevel 1850 resort in France is one of the best ski resorts in the world if you happen to be a beginner. Yes, we were all beginners once, and no one knows better than the Courchevel 1850 resort, that if you get the beginners right, the intermediates and advanced will follow. With over 50% of all runs dedicated specifically to beginners, it is a haven for those learning to ski, or looking to refine their skills and expertise whilst on vacation. Go to Sports Holidays for more information

Rumored to be the most expensive resort on the French Alps, this isn’t strictly the truth. You can find really good deals if you know where to look, and there are really good discounts for group bookings, although you get what you pay for, so don’t expect a cheap vacation. Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys resorts, and itself is divided into four distinct areas from the bottom to the top: 1300, 1550, 1650, and 1850.

In general, the further up you go, the more expensive your trip is likely to be, so it is wise to consider going slightly further down, where you can still find some amazing skiing, both off piste and cross country, as well as some great downhill runs. With an astonishing 65 ski lifts across the resort, the Courchevel is an enormous skiing resort, and attracts a wide variety of tourists from across Europe, and indeed the world. Refer to Tailor Made Holidays for more information.

The Courchevel 1300 is located right at the very bottom of the resort, and is truly beautiful in an unspoilt, picturesque sense. It is a fantastic challenge for beginners, and is ideal for those looking for some relaxation out of their skiing vacation. Alternatively, moving up, there is the 1550, which is seen as the playground of the locals.

Here you can benefit from some amazing self catering deals, whilst still managing to find great skiing, so this is perhaps a good consideration for those with families. Again, moving up there is the 1650, home of the famous ski school, and a number of top quality restaurants. With largely chalet accommodation, this is also a great resort to choose for your French skiing vacation. Finally we have the 1850.

The 1850 is home to the rich and the famous, and you’re looking at an arm and a leg if you want to ski there. Although the skiing isn’t that much better (unless you’re looking for off-piste), there are heftier queues, and the resort isn’t overly child friendly or family orientated.

Of the four resorts on the Courchevel, you are guaranteed to have a great skiing vacation whichever you choose. Each has the benefit of world class skiing, although the facilities may differ between each. It is important to decide what it is you are looking for, and then to base your choice around this, so you can make the most of your skiing vacation. Why not consider taking a few lessons in the world famous Courchevel ski school? Or how about sampling some of the extensive night life these resorts have to offer?

Whether you are a dedicated skier, or have never been on a pair of skis in your life, you are sure to find exactly what you are looking for on the Courchevel, and you are guaranteed a vacation to remember. Visit Group Sport Holidays for further information.

When traveling on a budget, one of the most often questions is whether it is best to travel independently, making your own airfare, hotel and sightseeing reservations, or choose a package tour where everything is set up for you in advance. Go to Vacation Packages for further information.

There is unfortunately no easy answer to this question, as it is largely dependent on the location and the specific deals that are available.

For instance, travel to European destinations are often less costly to book on your own, especially when the airlines are running specials of European airfares in the off season.

On the other hand, travel to many exotic locations, like Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand and India, are often much less costly when booked through a package company or travel agent.

That is because these tour operators often have special deals with the national airlines of these companies, and with very nice resort hotels, to provide considerable discounts in exchange for a steady flow of business.

For instance, last year I traveled solo to Egypt from New York for a grand total of $1,100, including airfare, an excellent hotel, daily breakfast, airport transfers, and daily sightseeing tours, including guided tours of the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.

This is far less than I could have booked on my own, since airfare alone would have run me over $700. The key to this great deal was the relationship of the tour operator with Egyptair and the hotel at which we stayed.

Similar deals exist for other locations, notably India, China and Taiwan. So be sure to check on the availability of these package deals when shopping for a budget travel deal.

Of course, some great deals can be had on your own as well, and this is often a great way to go, especially if you are a solo traveler. Solo travelers often have difficulty getting those great deals on package deals, since the required single supplement can often ruin the deal. Go to Africa Safari Travel for more information.

It is also important to find out exactly what is, and what is not included, in any package you are considering. Many package deals have optional excursions built in, and these extras can add considerable cost.

Be sure to ask for a detailed daily itinerary to determine if you will be left on your own if you fail to take these optionals. Also ask for a detailed list of these optional excursions, including full descriptions and prices, then carefully compare the total price to what you could find on your own.

If you are traveling on your own, be sure to start shopping early, especially if you are traveling by air. The important thing to remember is that airlines allocate only so many seats for those advertised low fares, and if you fail to act quickly you may be out of luck.

It is important to book the airfare, and the hotel, as early as possible to ensure the lowest possible prices.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to choose a package deal or independent travel is up to each individual travelers. It is important to carefully compare package prices with those for independent travel to the same location.

It is also important to take your own personal travel style into account. Some people are more comfortable with a packaged tour, particularly to an unfamiliar location, while others relish the freedom from schedules that independent travel provides. Visit Travel Deals for further information.

Summer is almost here. Chances are you have some sort of vacation planned that will involve getting into a bathing suit. It could be a trip to the Wisconsin Dells and the world’s largest water park. It could be a trip to Myrtle Beach and some fun in the sun. It could simply be a short trip that involves a stay at a hotel with a pool. Regardless of the reason, you will want to look and feel good when you put on that swim suit.

One of the most popular health and fitness supplements on the market today is the acai berry. Celebrities reportedly use this “secret weapon” to slim down and look great. It has been touted as the best antioxidant dietary supplement on talk shows and news programs. There have been extensive studies in scientific journals I can’t even begin to understand. And there are tons of newspaper, magazine, and internet advertisements for this super food.

Before you run out and get the first acai berry supplement you can get your hands on, make sure you know what you are getting and why. Unlike many popular weight loss supplements, acai berry supplements do not control hunger or eating habits. They are an antioxidant that helps make your body healthier and have more energy. When you have more energy, you are able to be more active and which burns more calories and leads to weight loss. If you are looking for a miracle drug that is going to burn off fat while you sit on the couch, they won’t help you. Using acai berry supplements can help you feel better and have more energy which will lead to weight loss because you are more active day in and day out.

Now that we have talked about looking and feeling better for your vacation, lets talk for a minute about where you are going. If you don’t have plans yet or would like to find some ways to get a inexpensive trips, you should check out Cheap Family Vacations where you can enter to win a free cruise and find other ideas for saving a bunch of money on your family vacation.

For the record, the author is not a travel agent or world traveler with lots of experience. My ideas are not always based on personal experience and are never more than just personal opinion designed to help you. I do not take pare in completing any of the offers recommended. I am also not a doctor so please don’t take any health or fitness related advice without first checking with a doctor to make sure dietary or exercise changes are ok for you.

Whilst chateau hopping remember to take the time to happen upon some local wine cellars, for “degustation” or tasting. Take the time to relax and enjoy your holiday.

France’s Loire Valley has the grandest selection of 15th and sixteenth century castles. With fifty to sixty “must see” castles scattered on both sides of a 100-mile sweep of the Loire River, the first-time visitor can feel overwhelmed.

Five of the best castles are below.

Chateau Amboise

Amboise’s narrowed cobbled streets wind at the base of the large. Although only 25% of the original chateau survives, the fortress walls with flying banners look down on the village and neighboring river. It was here that King Francois I hit his head on a low arch, fatally wounding him.

Chateau Clos Luce

Not more than a half mile from Amboise is Chateau Le Clos Luce, a chateau built and designed by Leonardo da Vinci. He lived the last three years of his life here under Francois I’s sponsorship. The rooms are filled with 40 models of Leonardo’s inventions so you can marvel at his foresight and impressive mental powers 500 years earlier.

This is another nice venue to amuse children. The gardens are drop dead gorgeous with a bubbling brook and the kids can play on models of Da Vinci’s inventions in the garden for hours and hours.

Chateau Chenonceau

Chenonceau Chateau amazes you with its two-story, 260-foot Great Gallery arching over the River Cher. Originally “acquired” by King Francois I, it then passed to his successor, Henri II, who gifted it in 1547 to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Diane expanded the chateau and built a bridge over the river.

When Henri II died, his wife, Catherine de Medici, took revenge on her rival by forcing Diane to exchange Chateau Chenonceau for nearby Chateau Chaumont. Catherine then commissioned the construction of the bridge gallery. Unbelievably extravagant galas were held here until Catherine’s son, Henry III, was murdered. His wife, Louise de Savoie, placed the castle in mourning, furnishing it entirely in black and white.

History leaps out as you tour the rooms and the gardens. In world war I the Great Gallery was converted to a hospital. In world war II the chateau marked the boundary between Nazi-occupied and free France and became the site of prisoner exchanges. Today the chateau and grounds are maintained at their height as if they were at under Catherine de Medici.

It really is the must see chateau in the Loire Valley.

Chateau Chambord

King Francois I was not content with just the castles at Chenonceau and Amboise. He acquired over 10,000 acres of hunting land and decided to construct the world’s most magnificent “hunting lodge”. Chambord was built over many decades by Francois and his successors, Henri II and Charles IX in the sixteenth century.

Fully restored now, Chambord stands as the most extravagant of all the Loire chateaux - 500 feet wide with 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces. The central grand staircase was supposedly designed by the Italian great, Leonardo da Vinci. It has double spirals which enable two parties of people to climb and descend simultaneously without meeting.

[You can hire bikes and boats at Chambord for a delightful activity - very handy if you have kids to amuse.]

Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire

Built in the 15th century by Lord Amboise on the site of a 10th century feudal fortress, Chaumont commands incredible views of the Loire Valley. It was later the home of both Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici of Castle Chenonceau fame. Enjoy this chateau for its fortress feeling, drawbridge, furnishings, tapestry, and incredible vistas.

It has a fantastic garden festival each year running from April to October. They have quirky contemporary displays and a different theme each year.

If you can you should spoil yourself and rent a chateau as opposed to just visiting one. A chateau is a wonderful venue for a destination wedding in France . Some even offer a destination wedding package. You do not have to be loaded to have a fairytale french wedding.

Traditionally all champagne comes from the Champagne Region of France. If it does not say France somewhere on the label, it falls into the category of sparkling wine and is simply and unquestionnably not considered true champagne. France is the land of the wedding castle.

France is a country that has an amazing affinity for its land. It is a land of 365 cheeses - a cheese for every day of the week. French people know the different “terroirs” - the country, its micro-climate and its produce and especially its wine. They have an innate appreciation for the effect of soil, and sun on different plots of land at a cross-intersection where one produces bottles worth 5 euros and another worth 20 and the best worth over 150 euros. You and I might struggle with this but Oz Clark describes it poetically.

Some fine well-known champagne from France include Veuve Clicquot or Moet & Chandon. Available in mini and full sized bottles, the smaller bottles are perfect for that one-time toast or for serving guests in a garden party reception. We have been able to buy Veuve Clicquot simply off the shelf one bottle at a time for 23 euros a bottle last year (part of the Intermarche empire) 4 minutes away is cheaper than lots of wine merchants who promise your good prices.

As one would expect, the cost of the tried and true French Champagnes are exorbitant. Savings can be found both online and by buying from case lots.

For serving champagne there are two styles of glasses to choose from. The wide rimmed round glasses with shorter stems of yesteryears, perfect for a vintage themed reception, or the more modern elongated flute, which provides an elegant air.

Some venues will have both styles of glasses to choose from, while others will require you to seek an outside rental agency to provide them. You may even wish to purchase champagne flutes as a wedding favor to help guests remember what could be possibly their first taste of real champagne. Add an additional personal touch to your favor by engraving them with your wedding details.

A tried and true decorative feature that incorporates champagne is the creation of a champagne fountain out of tiered glasses. They can be arranged on a turntable or stationary, with or without lights, and serve anywhere from eight to sixty glasses at a time. A champagne pyramid properly phtographed looks spectacular. If you can instruct yor caterers and your photographer that you want one.

For a truly stylish gwedding, nothing flows better than true Champagne. If you budet just simply will not stretch that far go for Champagne Methodoise - vouvray from the Loire Valley is a sparkling Chenin Blanc champagne style alternative. The Loire Valley really is the most beautiful wine region in the world with glorious wedding castle sprinkled around every bend.

Cava is also a reasonably priced alternative.

Champagne at the head table at your french wedding castle is worth the cost. It is your day.

Due to the current financial climate, more and more couples are planning winter weddings - this can be a significantly cheaper option. The summer season is peak time for wedding ceremonies, and if you plan to marry in Britain the weather can be very unpredictable. Summer Saturdays can get booked out at popular wedding venues up tothree years in advance.

To get your fairytale destination wedding at a wedding castlea bargain price in these difficult financial times think last minute and off season.

Beat the credit crunch and plan a winter wedding, what could be more romantic than getting married against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, followed by a luxury drinks reception around a warm log fire? Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy and Iceland make excellent wedding locations in winter – as they are destinations that not only encompass a magical atmosphere but also places that are guaranteed to leave you with stunning memories.

If the thought of a snowy winter wedding leaves you with a chill then don’t despair – you can still get married in winter and enjoy hot weather. Set you sights on exotic destinations such as the Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India. All offer spectacular locations and sizzling temperatures.

So, if your loved one has asked for your hand in marriage, instead of opting for a summer wedding, consider the benefits of a winter ceremony and maybe a wedding castle – it is likely to be cheaper and it will give your guests something to look forward to during the long winter months.

Aside from wedding venues being more readily available (Christmas and Valentine dates not withstanding), other benefits to winter weddings include a more luxurious palette of colors and fabrics to choose from such as varying shades of red, royal blue, deep purple and hunter green. Other benefits include the ability to plan on short notice, without being told time and time again that your vendor, disc jockey, photographer or caterer of choice is booked solid.

Other bonuses include flowers that don’t wilt in the heat (as long as you take care not to let them freeze in the cold), cakes that don’t sag, and a bride that is not melting. There is a better chance that more of your invited guests will not be on holidays and therefore able to attend your wedding. Add to that the special quality that comes across in photographs.

A rustic mountain lodge with roaring fireplaces, sleigh rides, and a host of other winter-loving amenities add to the enchanting cozy ambience. For that winter wonderland effect, choose a grand ballroom with draped fabric walls filled with white, silver and crystal twinkling lights.

For wedding accessories, decorations, and favors, winter weddings offer a host of snowflake themed items in various shades of blue, white and silver.

Alternatively you could go for a wedding castle with a baroque theme with champagne and burgundy colours, velvets and chandeliers and cherubs and church candles.

Tiny candy holding mittens for favors, snowflake embossed napkins or stationary, or faux ice-sculptured cake toppers, all add to a fantasy themed setting.

A private wedding castle setting is probably the most romantic location a couple could choose for their wedding. As guests descend the long drive and entrance to a private castle they will be immediately transformed into an ancient time.

A fairytale wedding castle sets the scene for the ultimate castle experience because the location is a real wedding castle without parking lots, a front desk, tourists in shorts and the hustle and bustle of a busy hotel.

The major differences between a private castle and a luxury castle hotel are privacy, cost and service. A private castle gives a couple and their guests the most private and authentic castle wedding experience. The couple and their guests would have the exclusive run of the castle and the castle grounds whereas at a luxury castle hotel, the couple would only be allowed in public rooms, individual guest rooms and areas of the grounds open to the public.

Often luxury hotels prohibit wedding attire inside or on the grounds unless the couple has taken exclusive use of the hotel for their wedding day. A luxury castle hotel would require that a couple to take exclusive use (rent every room in the hotel) if they wish to have a private wedding. In England, a standard hotel room in a luxury castle hotel can start at $500 a room, making a single night’s fee as much as $50,000 for the hotel rooms only. A typical private castle would start at $5,000 a night. However a hotel’s fees include much more than the location itself.

In a luxury castle hotel your typical room rate would also include breakfast, maid service, turn down service, concierge, etc. In a private castle you would have to pay additional fees for a chef, servers, maid service and a personal concierge. These fees can cost as much as $2,500 a day depending on the size of the staff.

When taking a private wedding castle, my first advice to a bride is to allow the location to be the atmosphere. Rarely does a private castle need to be decorated and simplicity is the key. Large flower arrangements should be kept to the main entrance hall and large mantles in formal rooms. Doing large arrangements throughout takes away from the authentic atmosphere and makes the location look “over done.” Instead allow music to decorate. There is no better way to create an atmosphere than to hire excellent musicians.

I would recommend the following:

• For guests arrival to the castle have a harpist playing in the main formal living room of the castle.
• For the morning of the wedding have a pianist play at the entrance to the castle.
• For the ceremony I recommend a string quartet.
• For the vin d’honneur I recommend the string quartet continue.
• For the reception I recommend a band followed by a DJ in a separate room.

I usually recommend that they take a peek at the location during off-peak season when airfares are as cheap as $300 round trip. This expense is worth every penny. It will give you great peace of mind and will allow you to take very specific notes about the location. Remember to take notes, ask lots of questions and be sure to ask what was the best wedding at the location and why.

While the average American wedding can easily cost $30,000 for just one evening, our clients are finding they can spend less and celebrate for four days with their [spin]closest|close circle of[/spin} friends and family in a wedding castle including top of the line, hands on coordination.

The music you select for your castle wedding will help set the mood and tone of the ceremony. Whether you opt for a harpist, harpsichordist, pianist, live music can provide you with a wonderful atmosphere your guests are sure to remember. If your budget doesn’t include room for live musicians, there’s always the option of prerecorded music.

Ceremony music includes:
The Prelude: As the guests arrive and are seated, they’ll hear this music, designed to help create the mood and set the tone for the entire event.
Processional: An indication to the guests that the event is starting, this music usually has an even beat (you’re not looking for a beat to dance to, just walk to!) This music will continue as each of your attendants walk down the aisle. As the bride begins her walk down the aisle, the music changes again.
Ceremony: Some ceremonies are held without music; others feature a soloist, duet, or just a favorite song—whatever you like.
The Recessional: Marking the end of the ceremony, the recessional music is played as the wedding party—and the new husband and wife—leave the ceremony.
The Postlude: As the guests begin to leave, the music turns to the postlude, a background music similar to prelude music.

Pachelbel’s Canon in D for the bridesmaids is a usual request, because it consists of variations on a four measure theme, and it can go on for 20 minutes for a zillion bridesmaids or it can be cut to 30 seconds and still be beautiful; you just add or subtract variations.

Baroque music generally has a kind of dignity that will give your wedding a certain refined feel, and there’s a great wealth of it that is superb for wedding castle. String quartets are especially appropriate for Baroque music.

Welcome to the most insightful and interesting holiday blog on the bloggosphere.

The Team.