As Europe enters a recession and tourists cut down on spending, winter ski holidays are likely to be hit hardest by the current economic crises, according to British company International Property Tribune, who have fifteen travel sites including one for ski holidays in Andorra, Austria and Switzerland.

‘Recent surveys have shown that during the forthcoming economic downturn in Europe and the US, many people regard their summer holiday as an essential, not a luxury, and come hell or high water people are still going to take a holiday.’

‘But when it comes to a ski holiday, it’s not essential. It’s not part of society’s fabric. It isn’t an annual ritual observed by generations. A ski holiday is a luxury’ they say, ‘And ski holidays can be expensive - so we anticipate the ski industry to take a big hit for their 2008/9 season.’

Compounding the drop in visitors because of the gloomy economic outlook and many families looking to make savings, the travel company makes a further observation that will have ski resort owners from Andorra to Colorado feeling a cold wind blow across their predicted ski holiday visitor numbers.

‘In the 1980’s recession it was the working classes who got hit hardest, tens of thousands of miners, car workers and others involved in industry were thrown out of work - this time the economic downturn is hitting the bankers and stockbrokers - and it’s the City of London and Wall Street bunch who take ski holidays in France, the US or Canada that are going to be cutting back their spending in the coming months.’

And while Europeans and North Americans worry about their jobs and rein in their spending this winter, tour operators and ski holiday businesses who have invested in new skiing facilities will be hoping they won’t be making redundancies of their own just to be able to keep operating until the end of the season.

But what ski resorts will be hoping for more than anything else this winter is snow. ‘Two years ago European skiing areas were devestated at the lack of snow’, say Tribune, ‘And they will be hoping against hope that there’s good snowfall from mid November to mid March. If not the double whammy of no snow and the credit crunch could leave the ski fields very empty places this year.’

Typical of ski areas that stand to lose a lot in the coming year should both the credit crunch and lack of snow combine is Andorra. Andorra is a small country in the Pyrenees, and skiing is a major part of the country’s revenue. Andorra ski holiday packages started in the eighties as cheap alternative to a ski holiday in France, but in recent years Andorra has spent millions on improving her infrastructure.

Included in the upgrade of facilities for Andorra has not only been public spending on roads and improved access to the skiing areas, but private capital investment in some very good quality hotels, with many Andorra hotels now recognised as of a good international standard and achieving 4 or 5 star status.

And the country is spending more on her 2008/9 ski season by advertising directly in the UK for the first time to attract British skiers, money that was spent before the scale of the economic crisis and Britain’s part in it became apparent. Free skiing for children under 14 and helicopter rides over the Pyrenees are just two promotions Andorra was hoping would ensure a good year for her ski holidays industry. And private money will see an ice hotel in Andorra for the first time this year.

Canadian and US ski resorts have been investing equally heavily in their facilities, with top ski resorts such as Whistler and Colorado’s Breckenridge potentially being hit hardest as, like their European counterparts, Wall Street bankers and brokers stay at home instead of having a week of skiing with the family. If the snow is late though both US and Canadian ski resorts will have enough snow cannons to ensure skiing and snowboarding for all those who do turn up.

Ski resorts will be hoping that skiers will remember past holidays and visit again this year.

2009 ski holidays for Andorra are available with travel guide yourandorra.com

They also have Swiss ski holiday details plus the Andorra weather in May

Family holidays are either a joy in the memory, or a blight never to be spoken of again! Many parents try the family vacation once or twice, and then resign themselves to waiting until the kids have moved out of home before they try to go anywhere further away than the grandparent’s house, ever again.

Before you get to that stage, why not look into the gorgeous Thailand accommodation and Thailand luxury villas that are made with children and family holidays in mind.

There are also plenty of locations with kid-friendly activities, that are much more fun for them than being chased by you along the beach, giggling while you are growling, if that is possible!

The most important thing to ensure for your vacation is that your Thailand accommodation is child-friendly. Look for villas in Thailand - there are plenty of Thai luxury villa options that offer you the same freedom and flexibility, as well as privacy, that you have at home.

Layan Estate in Phuket is one - this gorgeous holiday villa in Phuket sleeps 8 people, and can accommodate two families comfortably if you’d like to share the cost of your Thailand accommodation.

The estate is completely secluded, meaning that nobody can hear the smaller kids screaming about what their older siblings are doing to them, or the shouts needed to break it up!

The huge landscaped gardens are perfect for kids to play and burn off energy, and the 20m infinity pool is guaranteed to make them sleep soundly. There is an entertainment room with sound system, so they’ll have something to do while you’re in the shower, and internet access at this Phuket luxury villa rental allows you to easily research your day’s activities.

Rock Pool Villa is a larger, stunningly designed holiday villa in Phuket, sleeping up to 10 people. There is a large play area for the children in this Thailand villa for rent, with climbing and swinging equipment. You may plan to be exploring most of the time, but the kids will certainly need something to do while you collapse, exhausted, in the six-person Jacuzzi at the end of the day!

The rooms at this Phuket luxury villa for rent are fully airconditioned, and there is 12 hour security at night time as well as maid service.
And to help you take in a little of the true Thailand (outside of your luxury Thailand villa for rent!), while not causing too much extra conflict, try activities like Phuket Fantasea for the show and dinner.

There is a Las Vegas style theatrical show displaying local myths and legends in grand and colourful style, and dinner is a buffet for picky eaters. For a daytime activity, try cruising from your Thailand luxury villa to the Phi Phi islands by speedboat, where you and the children can snorkel, build sandcastles and relax in the landscape made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘The Beach’.

Older kids would enjoy a jungle trek in Khao Sok National Park, near Phuket - inflatable canoes, and a not-too-spicy Thai lunch are the highlights!

MyAsianVilla.com provides accommodation options in various locations around Thailand and features some of the most beautiful villas available. Book your vacation today at Phuket Villa Rentals

Mountain hiking is, for most hikers, an exciting prospect because of its challenging terrain and beautiful views. You get a huge sense of satisfaction after a successful mountain hike.

The Mountain Environment

The climatic zones in mountains present a huge challenge to hikers. At high altitudes, the temperature falls and precipitation is likely. Not all mountain ranges are the same.

Some are predictably sunny in certain months of the year and some are rainy. Some mountain ranges have thunderstorms and some are have unpredictable weather.

Weather patterns in mountains are usually well documented and researching your destination before you set off is a good thing to do.

You may find that above the treeline that conditions can get worse with fierce wind, blinding sun and no shelter. Sunglasses or goggles and sunscreen are indispensable this high up in the mountains.

As you go up to higher altitudes it’s important that you slowly acclimatize your body and be aware of the decreasing temperature.

Mountain Hiking Season

Mountain hiking in most parts of the world is only suitable during summer.

In hot tropical climates, the cool temperatures in the mountains is a good getaway from the heat and they may even be snow-covered throughout the summer.

In most areas, the mountains may start to lose snow in late spring or early summer and begin to build up again in autumn.

However, some mountain ranges have snow all year-round and summer blizzards may even occur in some occasions. The further away from the equator, the shorter the hiking season.

Hazards

When hiking across fields of snow and ice you need special skills and equipment like an ice axe and crampons.

In late spring or early summer, melting snow from glaciers and snowfields fills rivers and streams making them difficult to cross safely.

The Challenges in Mountains

Mountain hiking is physically challenging to hikers no matter what age or ability they are. If you want to go mountain hiking you need to get yourself in good physical shape.

If you have trouble breathing or your lungs are not in good shape we advice that you don’t go mountain hiking especially without special equipment.

A heavy backpack and long climbs make hiking quite challenging.

Slow progress is expected as you walk at most half the speed you do walking on a flat surface. And speaking of backpacks, your backpack will also be heavier as you need carry more equipment, clothing and food to survive the cold.

Always carry one layer of warm clothing more than you think you need and bring a balaclava or two along with you. You’ll be glad you did.

But if you do decide to get in shape and confront the challenges of mountain hiking the sense of achievement when reaching a summit is incomparable and the memories will last a lifetime.

You will also remember the friendship of the people you went mountain with and the bond will have gotten stronger. The mountain is one hell of a travel destination.

Jonsky is an expert in camping gear and with over 20 years of experience hiking around the world. Especially loves hiking in the mountains. Be sure that you have some special
hiking accessories like sunglasses or goggles and balaclava.

There was a gentle breeze blowing across the departure runway at Hong Kong International Airport. While waiting for takeoff clearance, I was gazing westward at the embankments that line Hong Kongs expansive, yet heavily populated lands. I couldnt help but realize how fragile those natural barriers between main-land Chinas Communist Government and their recently acquired SAR or Special Administrative Region known as Hong Kong were. A little bit of water and a few footpaths shield this thriving city of capitalism from the other side of the story. It is said, and appropriately so that East truly meets West in this city of 7 million.

N496MT, you are cleared for takeoff runway 07R. As we set full power and released the brakes on our unusually light aircraft I was even more excited about the journey before us. Although Hong Kong was intriguing and mysterious all in one slab of concrete, it was our deepening penetration into lands further southwest and over the South China Sea that awaited. How lucky I felt that our mission held new experiences for us on this fine February afternoon in 2009.

As we banked to the right and made a turn toward the South I smiled as I saw Disney Land beneath our wing. How fitting is it that Mickey has travelled here as well; now I knew there was something in Hong Kong for all. I have immense pride when I see some of the finer aspects of the American culture welcomed abroad. The Mouse clearly transcended politics in this corner of the globe. Continuing our climb to 43000 feet, it was smooth and uneventful as far as the logistics went. Our ship was now pointed towards our destination 3.5 hours away, the city state of Singapore.

As we paralleled the Southeastern shores of mainland China, we soon came upon Hainan Island, China. This was previously just a news story to me. On April 1st, 2001, a US Navy EP-3E surveillance aircraft and a Chinese J-8 interceptor jet collided. The interceptor crashed and the EP-3E made an emergency landing on Hainan Island. This international incident flooded the airwaves in the spring of 2001. The American crew was soon released and the aircraft was subsequently dismantled and flown home to the US for reassembly.

The sky had the slightest reduction in visibility due to some upper air moisture high above the sea. This did not prevent me from looking into the past, however. The past was a full 40 years earlier when two other young men visited this corner of the globe. Marine Corporal Thomas J Mallon and Chief Warrant Officer II Keith M Jackson served our nation bravely during the late 1960s and early 1970s. These two cousins of mine were introduced to me not by their larger than life personalities but by photos of them in full dress uniform. The stunning photo of Thomas in his Marine Corp dress blues was particularly striking on my Uncles television set. I grew up wishing I could meet such a man.

N496MT, contact Ho Chi Minh Control on 127.85. That radio call sent chills through my spine for a full 60 seconds. We had left China behind and while I waited with anticipation for our brief crossing over Southeastern Vietnam, I had no idea of the immense and stirring emotions that I would feel as we came nearer. It took me that whole minute just to compose myself enough to make the call. Located in the former Saigon and the former South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Control would coordinate our flight through their airspace, eventually handing us off to Malaysian controllers.

My entire knowledge of two family members, two soldiers, two sons, and two brothers, flashed through my mind. They were mere kids when they made their journey to Vietnam. They endured each day in country with a selfless sacrifice. These kids were professionals in their duties. They kept their fellow soldiers and airman safe. I found myself peering to the Northwest near the DMZ, the former border area between the North and South. This was the area of some of the most persistent and deadly battles of the war. With a continual flood of North Vietnamese Regular Army and Viet Cong regiments probing their way into the South, the DMZ as well as the Ho Chi Minh Trail were where so much of the war was lost, not withstanding Washington DC.

In the hills north and west from the American fire base at Khe Sahn, the 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment or sadly known as The Walking Dead, patrolled the countryside. Our boys had to go find the enemy as attacks on our fire bases were often less effective for the enemy and therefore mass numbers of NVA or Viet Cong soldiers never really sought to take on our forces in the early years. This was the area of Vietnam that the 20 year old from Park Ridge, New Jersey, Marine Corporal Thomas J Mallon returned to after a brief R and R. Toms photo taken by a fellow Marine on board his return ship from R and R may have been quite prophetic had someone who was not numb to the death of Vietnam seen it before March 3rd, 1967. The somber look in his sullen eyes told all who knew him from home that this man was enduring hell itself in the name of freedom and democracy.

Just west of that area and a few years later in 1970, the Ho Chi Minh Trail was bustling with soldiers in pajamas from the North and American bombs alike. To move South on the trail was so deadly for the enemy that truck drivers were handcuffed to their steering wheels so they wouldnt abandon their cargo as American war planes and helicopters were heard coming toward. The 21 year old Army Chief Warrant Officer II Keith M Jackson commanded a Huey helicopter in this area on February 1st, 1971. Keith was attached to the 57th Aslt Helo Co. This was 9 days after his 12 month tour in country was due to expire. The Army offered to let Keith come home to Creskill, New Jersey for the Christmas holiday in 1970 if he just returned for this one final mission that commenced in February of 1971. Keiths mission ended that same day over the jungles of Laos.

Ho Chi Minh Control, N496MT, flight level 430. I felt anger speaking to these people. My cousins souls climbed to heaven amid the mortar and rocket fire in this land beneath my right wing and all because of the name Ho Chi Minh. I cursed them to myself and off of the radio. I had never been so close to where they had perished. Etching their names off the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC was a start, but this was my best chance of healing yet. Im not ready for that, though. I will continue to memorialize their brave efforts and do my best to convey to the American public exactly what it was they died for. These men paid the ultimate sacrifice for our nation during that period of great unrest in the world and the United States.

I anxiously peered out of my windows for a fleeting glimpse of something recognizable from the history books where I learned about this war. The lush jungles and the Da Nang Airbase served this curiosity well. Apart from that though, Vietnam came and went for me that February afternoon with a renewed vigor toward memorializing all of our fallen military personnel. My two cousins are but a microcosm of what we lost during those years. The one overarching lesson I have learned is that the Vietnam War was but a battle in the greater Cold War itself. That war was won and therefore not a single Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine was wasted in Vietnam. I salute these two young men and am eternally grateful to be able to call them family.

Travelling at Mach .80 and 43000 feet tends to make things pass quickly down below. Vietnam was no different. Soon, I could barely make out the Mekong Delta while looking back to the Northwest again. You can certainly say that I was happy to leave Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City behind, but I already missed the unique and special connection to two fallen heroes. Gone but not forgotten. There is no doubt that I will return. I have been spanning the globe in ever increasing frequency lately and Southeast Asia would certainly come up again.

The Malaysian coast was soon in view and that brought a whole new set up memories to mind. We were just a few years removed from the devastating tsunami that destroyed low lying Thailand areas and Sumatra Island itself. What a tough place on earth, Southeast Asia is to live. Finally, over the South China Sea, I am reminded of one of my favorite Ronald Reagan speeches. An American Sailor recounted a story to Reagan in a letter during the early 1980s. It told of a time during the height of the boat people, the mass departure of Vietnamese refugees from Communist-controlled Vietnam, following the Vietnam War. An American carrier, the Midway came to the rescue of a bunch of refugees. As the boat people neared the USS Midway, one refugee spotted a sailor on deck and shouted,

Hello American sailor man, hello freedom man

We may have exited the theater in Vietnam, but we are still fighting the battle on the high seas. We are still winning hearts and minds as our force and stature and American flag circle the globe. We still stand for freedom. My two cousins furthered that cause just a few years prior and that in itself was noble and virtuous. At a time when so many Americans seem to feel a malaise about simply being American; there is an entire world out here that would like nothing more than to be American. How ironic it is. One needs to only travel outside the borders of the United States to see just how proud our story is, to see how the American spirit and ideals are alive and well. I know that spirit is alive and well in the jungles of Vietnam, I saw it on this day. Like Hong Kong, East met West in Vietnam, but the immortal spirit of our warriors will never leave the sights where they perished.

William Stephenson has been publishing inspirational articles on the internet for years. Read more from William at William D Stephenson.com or learn about another of his interests at All Posters Prints, Note Cards, and Free E-cards.

With spring break just a few weeks away, families are planning their vacations. Since the economy is not very stable, many families are planning their spring break close to home.

San Antonio is the number one vacation spot in Texas. The city has many things to do and see. The Alamo, river walk and Hemisfair Park are a few that are on the “must do” list.

The Alamo, it is Texas’ most important historical land mark and brings around 2.5 million visitors each year. It was built in 1718 near the headwaters of San Pedro Creek and was moved twice, reaching its current location in 1724. Today, the Alamo is owned by the State of Texas and operated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. It is open every day of the year, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and admission is free.

Hemisfair Park was built to accommodate the 1968 World’s Fair. The 15 acre park has many amenities, including cascading waterfalls, children’s play grounds and one of San Antonio’s most popular skyline, the 750 foot Tower of the Americas. Visitors can dine at the revolving restaurant or take a breath taking view of San Antonio from the observation deck on top of the tower.

The river walk is also a great destination for spring breakers. The river walk is located on the San Antonio River, which runs through downtown San Antonio. Visitors can ride on the river on boats or walk along the river on the walk ways on either side. The river walk is lined with restaurants, shops and historical buildings. Hotels also line the river walk and over look the San Antonio River.

Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a 200- acre theme and water park full of rides, shows and many attractions. Fiesta Texas is host to eight roller coasters and its very own water park, which is included with the parks admission price. There are also several hotels within the area of the park, all range in prices and there is something for everyone’s budget!

Another popular destination in San Antonio is Sea World. Visitors can get up close and personal with sea creatures of all kind, and the park has coasters and water rides as well. The park is one of three of its kind in the United States, making it a popular destination for visitors in Texas.

Another popular destination for visitors in San Antonio is the Ripley’s Believe it or Not and Plaza Wax Museum. It is located down town at Alamo Plaza and Crockett Street and has many unique displays of wax figures. The museum is open year round and a great place to visit when in the down town area.

The Buckhorn Museum & Saloon; the saloon is where Teddy Roosevelt recruited rough riders and Poncho Villa planned the Mexican revolution. The saloon has been around a long time, and still has much of the original furniture, including the back bar which is make from marble and cherry wood. A great destination for any history buff!

Ki is helping streamline the search for homes in the Austin MLS on his website. He provides a free search of available Austin real estate. His website is a resource for information and statistics on Austin real estate and Dripping Springs real estate.