3 Great Ski Destinations In Europe For Beginners And Families

While a European ski break might sound like a vacation for the jet-set or Olympic-class skiers, European slopes are surprisingly approachable, and many cater to newbies. If your plan this winter is to hit the slopes in Europe and you’re looking for resorts just right for beginners and families, here are three picturesque, family-friendly European spots worth checking out.

Whether you are combining a European ski trip with exploring Europe off the slopes, or the focus of your trip is snow, snow, and more snow, here’s where beginners and families can have a blast. I’ve been researching European ski resorts with a “families-welcome” vibe to visit with my teens and here’s what comes to the top of my list.

1. Lakeland, Finland

If you want a European experience that will cause your friends and family to wow over your vacation pictures, choose skiing in Finland’s Lakeland region. Finland is a clean, beautiful country with dazzling winter snowscapes. Lakeland is 200 miles from Helsinki and easy to reach by car, bus, or train. The long ski season, December through May, is a big reason to go. Finland is a delight to visit any time of year; the people are warm and friendly and English is widely spoken.

Lakeland’s ski region is perfect for families or beginning skiers and snowboarders. The most family-friendly resort is the Himos Ski Resort, which has 17 lifts, 26 slopes, and eight designated green (easy) slopes. There’s also a designated family-fun area with smaller, gentler slopes and added benefits and discounts for kids under 7 years old. Ski school is available for all ages, both individually and in groups.

Himot Lomat has a range of lodging options, from basic, functional hotel rooms sleeping two–four people to luxury villas with amenities like private saunas and hot tubs. There are four onsite restaurants plus food delivery services.

2. Bayern, Germany

If skiing in the Bavarian Forest sounds like a dream family ski vacation, Großer Arber is the place to be. Großer Arber, which translates to “Great Maple,” is the highest point in the Bavarian Forest. The region around Großer Arber is referred to as “Aberland,” which covers nearly 400 square miles. Located about 120 miles from Munich, you can reach the slopes in 2–4 hours by car, bus, or train.

Family and beginner-friendly lifts to try are Thurnhof and the Sonnenhang. There are 12 ski schools in Große Arber, with five in the children’s ski area. The middle section of the mountain up to the slopes beneath the peak has more challenging runs. These are great if you have a mixed group and your more experienced skiers want to break off and experience a higher level of adrenaline.

Bodenmais is the largest resort in the area and is perfect for families. A wide variety of accommodations are available, from regular hotel rooms to chalets. Lodging designated with a brown or gold squirrel emblem means the accommodation is family-friendly, with amenities such as children’s bedding and cutlery and kid-safe play spaces. Various kids’ programs are available if adults want to hit the slopes without them. Shuttle service to the slopes is included with a stay here.

Arber has over 70 miles of slopes and six lifts for skiing and snowboarding. The ski season lasts from December–March. Non-ski winter options include winter hiking paths, skating, curling, a floodlit toboggan run, and more.

3. Laax, Switzerland

Although you may recognize Saint Moritz as the place to ski in Switzerland, quieter Laax in southern Switzerland is another choice for families, beginners, and anyone who appreciates freestyle skiing. Laax is 88 miles from Zurich and 141 from Milan, making it an easy connection for international visitors. Laax is supported by train from either city. There’s also a shuttle into Laax from the Zurich airport.

The Rocks Resort in Laax is the most family-friendly resort in the area. This 206-room hotel features apartments that have plenty of room for families to spread out and is located right next to the Laax Gondola, which takes you right to the ski runs. Flims Laax Falera is the best run for beginners, with ski and snowboard instruction for both kids and adults available.

There are apartments with full kitchens available for rent, plus double hotel rooms perfect for twosomes. The Rocks Resort has restaurants, bars, and shops.

Laax has 140 miles of slopes, 28 lifts, and five snow parks. The ski season runs from November through mid-April. Off the slopes, enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and gym, as well as a small, thriving art scene.

Skiing In Europe Is For Everyone

Getting to Europe takes longer and costs more than going to Colorado or New England, but the slopes welcome all levels of skiers. Explore a new destination and enjoy the glorious winter weather. Your vacation memories and epic pictures will make the trip worth it.

‘American Idol’ Singer’s Bag Catches Fire on JetBlue Flight

The Federal Aviation Authority said it is investigating last week’s battery fire onboard a JetBlue flight just before take-off from John F. Kennedy Airport.

Details about the incident on October 30 became public through a video shared by Jimmy Levy, an American Idol contestant turned conservative political rapper.

In the video posted to social media, flight attendants are seen emptying bottles of water into a container, passengers rushing to exit the plane, and then the flight attendants dumping more water onto a bag sitting on the floor in front of a seat.

Levy explained in the caption that he had fallen asleep before take-off but was “jolted awake by a sudden and terrifying wave of heat, seemingly shooting towards my face.”

“I immediately opened my eyes and noticed my backpack, which was initially tucked underneath my seat, now in a (sic) exploding and floating ball of fire,” Levy wrote, adding that he pushed his bag to the ground and stomped on it before the fire could spread.

In media interviews, Levy said he initially thought he was being attacked because of his celebrity status and political advocacy, but later learned that the fire was caused by an electrical device inside of his bag.

In statements to TravelAwaits, neither JetBlue nor JFK gave consistent answers about what type of electronic device exploded, but the presumption was that it was a lithium battery or battery charger. If damaged, lithium batteries can overheat and ignite.

They also confirmed that no one was injured in the incident because crew members took immediate action by extinguishing the fire and evacuating passengers from the plane. They added that all passengers were rebooked on other flights.

According to the FAA, there have been 60 verified lithium battery incidents in 2023 and a total of 491 documented since 2006. However, the agency advises that it is not a complete list of incidents. The FAA said it updates its data on the fifth of every month.

Milwaukee Museum To Honor Service Members On Veterans Day Weekend

When it comes to America’s greatest traditions, Veterans Day is one that is rooted in pride and patriotism, allowing us to dedicate an entire day to honoring those who have served in the United States military. Another American tradition — with its inception coming multiple decades before Veterans Day — lives with Harley-Davidson and its storied motorcycle history.

“Harley-Davidson, celebrating its 120th year in 2023, has a storied and legendary history with the U.S. military, dating back more than a century,” Harley-Davidson told TravelAwaits in a press release. “Harley-Davidson has always been on the front lines — right next to the troops.”

Did you know, according to Harley-Davidson, that “the first American to enter Germany after World War I did so on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle?”

Veterans Day and Harley-Davidson indeed go hand in hand when it comes to celebrating the red, white, and blue. And now, the iconic motorcycle brand is inviting you to celebrate the national holiday at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.

Veterans Day Celebration At The Harley-Davidson Museum

As part of the Harley-Davidson Museum’s “Veterans Appreciation Weekend” — from Friday, November 10 to Sunday, November 12 — all active military members, veterans, and their families will be offered free admission to the museum with a free meal at its MOTOR Bar & Restaurant.

During the weekend, there will be “Gallery Talks” from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. each day at the museum. Veterans and military members will also receive 20 percent discounts at the Harley-Davidson Shop.

Know Before You Go

In order to take advantage of the museum’s Veterans Day deals, you’ll need a valid military or veteran ID. Free of charge, military members and veterans are allowed to bring one additional adult and up to four children under the age of 18.

The offer is for in-person ticket purchases to the Harley-Davidson Museum from November 10–12, 2023.

“For more than a century, Harley-Davidson has been on the front lines of freedom along with our heroic service men and women,” says Harley-Davidson. “We hope you can make plans to join us as we try to say, Thank you!”

5 Coastal American Road Trips With The Best Scenery

Embarking on a coastal road trip in America is a visual and sensory event. With a coastline stretching over 95,000 miles, there is no shortage of scenic routes from which to choose.

From the rugged beauty of the northern California coast to the picturesque fishing villages of Maine, each stretch of coastline offers its own unique charm and attractions. Along the way, road-trippers are treated to stunning vistas, quaint towns, and opportunities to explore state parks, national forests, and historic landmarks. A coastal road trip is the perfect way to experience the beauty and diversity of America’s coastline.

5 Coastal American Road Trips With The Best Scenery

1. Bodega Bay To Westport, California

Driving along Highway 1 from Bodega Bay to Westport is a feast for your eyes. This hyper-scenic route features rugged beauty on the northern California coast. The journey takes you through coastal towns, fabulous vistas, and secret beaches.

The route is also dotted with several state parks — like Salt Point State Park — that offer a chance to hike, picnic, and camp. The Bodega Head juts out into the Pacific Ocean and provides a stunning panoramic view of the coastline. As you continue north, the towering redwoods of the Mendocino Coast appear, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The Highway 1 drive from Bodega Bay to Westport is a trip you won’t soon forget.

2. Portland To Belfast, Maine

Head to the East Coast and drive along the other Highway 1 from Portland to Belfast. Maine coastal trip is a visual treat for travelers who love scenic routes. The journey takes you through colorful coastal towns, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich maritime culture.

The scenery is remarkable, with rocky shorelines, lighthouses, and fishing boats dotting the landscape. You’ll pass through quaint little villages like Wiscasset — with its historic sea captain’s homes and antique shops — and Boothbay Harbor, a bustling tourist destination with lots of shopping and dining.

The Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay is a nature lover’s Nirvana. The route also takes you through Acadia National Park, a natural wonderland with outstanding vistas, hiking trails, and wildlife. The drive along Highway 1 from Portland to Belfast is a true delight for the senses.

3. South Bend To Rockaway Beach, Washington

Let’s head back to the West Coast and drive along the scenic Highway 101 from South Bend to Rockaway Beach. You’ll encounter a wealth of natural attractions that will leave you captivated.

The journey takes you through lush forests and scenic coastal towns, offering a glimpse into the region’s diverse landscape. One must-see attraction is the Cape Disappointment State Park, where you can explore miles of sandy beaches, hike through dense forests, and visit the historic lighthouse.

The Long Beach Peninsula is another memorable destination, with its pristine beaches, towering sand dunes, and colorful boardwalks. Other highlights include the quaint town of Ocean Park, with its delightful cafés and antique shops, and the Columbia River Maritime Museum, showcasing the region’s rich maritime history.

If you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or just craving a scenic road trip in the U.S, the Highway 101 drive from South Bend to Rockaway Beach is a jewel.

4. Charleston To North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

The stretch of Highway 17 between Charleston and North Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is magnificent. The journey takes you through the Lowcountry Wetlands, home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, as well as alligators, turtles, and egrets. You’ll see miles of marshes and tidal creeks, with their peaceful and serene beauty.

The route also takes you through captivating coastal towns, such as Mount Pleasant and Georgetown, where you can enjoy local seafood and historic architecture.

The drive’s highlight is the superb beaches of Pawleys Island and Litchfield Beach, with white sands and crystal-clear waters. The coastline is dotted with historic plantation homes, like the Atalaya Castle and Brookgreen Gardens. The Highway 17 drive between Charleston and North Myrtle Beach is a bucket-list-worthy experience for any road-trip enthusiast.

5. Pensacola To Tallahassee, Florida

The drive along Highway 98 from Pensacola to Tallahassee is a scenic journey through the lush forests and picturesque coastal towns of Florida. The route takes you along the Gulf Coast, offering peeks of pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and inviting fishing villages.

You’ll pass through the Gulf Islands National Seashore. This protected area claims some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, including the stunning Navarre Beach. The route also takes you through the Apalachicola National Forest, a vast wilderness area filled with towering trees, crystal-clear streams, and abundant wildlife.

Along the way, you’ll encounter several historic lighthouses with outstanding coastline views, like the Cape San Blas Lighthouse. Driving along Highway 98 is a must-do for anyone looking for a scenic road trip through Florida.

Conclusion

An American coastal road trip is an essential experience for those who love nature, adventure, and scenic beauty. The diversity of landscapes, from rugged coastlines to pristine beaches and beautiful mountain scenery, offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s natural wonders.

These journeys take you through coastal towns, historic landmarks, and state parks, each with a distinct character. The road-trip experience is not just about the destination but also the journey itself. It lets you slow down, take in the scenery, and create lasting memories. An American coastal road trip is a bucket-list-worthy adventure that should be on every traveler’s radar.

Feds Invests $10 Billion in Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor

The federal government on Monday awarded Amtrak nearly $10 billion to modernize the Northeast Corridor. The grant money will support 25 projects to improve bridges, tunnels, tracks, and train stations from Boston to the District of Columbia.

On social media, President Joe Biden called the investment “the largest investment in rail since the creation of Amtrak.” He added that the total grants awarded Monday amounted to $16.4 billion.

According to the announcement, the investment is part of the Biden administration’s Bipartisan infrastructure law, which passed in November 2021 to provide aid to repair and update highways and public transportation.

amtrak map — Image: Amtrak
Photo credit: Amtrak

The projects include:

Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program (up to $4.7B)
Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Project (up to $2.08B)
East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project (up to $1.26B)
Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project (up to $826.64M)
Dock Bridge Rehabilitation Project (up to $300.18M)
Sawtooth Bridges Replacement Project (up to $133.32M)
Baltimore Penn Station Redevelopment (up to $108.32M)
Pelham Bay Bridge Replacement Project (up to $58.27M)
Gunpowder River Bridge Replacement Program (up to $30M)
NEC South End Infrastructure Renewal and Speed Improvement Planning Study (up to $21.6M)
Bush River Bridge Replacement Program (up to $18.8M)
New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study (up to $4M)
Hudson Tunnel Project – Gateway Development Commission (up to $3.79B)
Penn Station Access – MTA (up to $1.64B)
Walk Bridge Replacement Project – CTDOT (up to $465M)
Devon Bridge Replacement Project – CTDOT (up to $245.92M)
Delco Lead – NJ TRANSIT (up to $180.9M)
New Haven Line Power Improvement Program – CTDOT (up to $122.8M)
Devon Bridge Interim Repairs – CTDOT (up to $119.32M)
Hartford Line Rail Program Double Track (Phase 3B) Project – CTDOT (up to $104.86M)
New Haven Line Track Improvement and Mobility Enhancement Part 1 and 3 – CTDOT (up to $71.64M)
Newark Penn Station Vertical Circulation Improvements – NJ TRANSIT (up to $59.2M)
Reconstruction of Cornwells Heights Station – SEPTA (up to $30.5M)
Saugatuck River Bridge Replacement – CTDOT (up to $23.2M)
New Haven Line Network Infrastructure Upgrade Project – CTDOT (up to $15.4M)

Stephen Gardner, Amtrak’s chief executive officer, explained that the grants will help the company “modernize” its busiest rail system and “unlock major bottlenecks on the busiest passenger rail corridor in America.” The northeast corridor serves at least 800,000 daily riders.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg along with 30 elected officials and transportation leaders applauded the investment. “We are finally delivering the generational investments in passenger rail that Americans have wanted for years,” Buttigieg said.

Skin Care for Winter Travel

If you’ll be embarking on a travel adventure this month, you likely have a checklist of items to keep track of, from securing transportation and hotel accommodations to packing your suitcase and planning out a schedule of activities at your destination. But there’s one crucial aspect many overlook when preparing for a trip this time of year: maintaining a skin care regimen.

Skin care needs in the winter

Although keeping your skin healthy is important year round, there are some challenges that are unique to the colder months. For one thing, the icy temperatures, low humidity levels, and howling winter winds all draw moisture out of the skin, according to Intermountain Health, while sun reflecting off the snow can increase the risk of sunburn, even on cloudy days. (In fact, snow reflects sun even better than water and nearly doubles a person’s ultraviolet [UV] exposure, according to the World Health Organization [WHO].) Dry indoor heating can worsen the issue, sometimes leading to cracked or even bleeding skin, which is more susceptible to infection. If you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, it may flare at this time of year.

Let’s flesh out some of the best ways to keep your skin in tip-top shape as you’re hitting the road this winter.

Hydration tips for travelers

Internal hydration

One of the most important steps to keep your skin healthy year round is getting adequate hydration. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, this is about 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids each day for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids each day for women from both food and beverages. Having trouble getting the suggested amount of water? Here are some tips from Mayo Clinic to boost your hydration:

Add some flavor. If your standard glass of H20 just isn’t cutting it, try adding some tasty fruits or veggies — lemons, limes, oranges, cucumbers, and strawberries are some favorites — to infuse your water with a flavor boost.
Link it with a routine you already have. For instance, drink a glass of water every time you brush your teeth, eat a meal, or use the restroom.
Eat foods with a high water content. This includes fruits and vegetables like lettuce, melon, cucumbers, and celery.
Keep track of your intake. Just knowing how much (or little) you’re drinking can encourage you to up your intake. Invest in a fancy water bottle that links to your smartphone and records how much you drink, or set an alarm and record your intake with a good old pen and paper.
Challenge a friend. Embrace some healthy competition and see whether you can both meet your daily hydration recommendations.
Bring a bottle to go. To ensure you’re getting enough water while out and about, fill up a reusable bottle before you leave your accommodations and refill it throughout your day (or once you get through security at the airport).
Alternate your beverages. If plain water just won’t cut it for now, drink a glass of water first before switching to your beverage of choice.

And while you’re thinking of what you should eat and drink, it’s also important to consider what you should avoid. Caffeinated coffee and tea, soda and other highly sugared drinks, and alcohol can all be dehydrating. Cured meats, soy sauce, and other salty foods; high-protein meals; and beets, artichokes, and asparagus are all among the foods that can cause dehydration.

External hydration

While internal hydration plays a crucial role, it’s equally important to address external hydration to combat the harsh elements of fall and winter. Because of the moisture-stripping characteristics of the fall and winter, be sure to choose more gentle cleansers (which remove excess dirt and oil while leaving the protective skin barrier intact) and choose thicker, oil-based creams and ointments for moisturizing (which prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin as easily) and contain humectants such as vitamin E, glycerin, or glycol (which draw moisture to the skin), notes Dr. Angela, J. Lamb, MD, Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. (If you are prone to acne, avoid petroleum- and oil-based products and choose those containing lipids instead.) Wear minimal makeup to ensure any hydrating products you put on your face can be properly absorbed.

Using a humidifier at home or on the road can add moisture to the air and counteract the effects of drying heat systems, notes the Mayo Clinic. For travel, small portable versions are available that can be brought along and set up in a hotel room. And if you’ll be flying, remember that airplanes are notorious for their dry cabin air. In addition to drinking plenty of water and avoiding the dehydrating items mentioned above, breathe through your nose. This prevents excessive moisture loss through your mouth.

Adjust your skin care routine for winter travel

In addition to choosing gentler cleansers and heavier moisturizers (with humectants) during the cold-weather season, there are a few additional steps you may want to add to your skin care routine at this time of year.

First off, consider gently exfoliating your skin several times a week. Because of the low-humidity winter air, skin cells tend to dry out and die off faster. Exfoliation removes this layer, allowing more moisture to reach the skin layers below, says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York City-based board certified dermatologist.

Also, think about products that can help increase your skin’s moisture levels overnight. A hydrating sleep mask used 1 to 3 times a week and moisturizing sleep gloves and socks can help keep your face, hands, and feet hydrated while keeping messy creams and oils off your sheets.

Finally, be sure to include sunblock in your bags, even if you’ll be traveling to a location that is typically cloudy in the winter. The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends a version that is broad spectrum, SPF 30 or higher, and either water resistant or very water resistant for up to 40 or 80 minutes. Apply about 30 minutes before you go outside, and reapply frequently if you are outdoors for a long time.

Make sure you pack travel-size selections of any liquids (3.4 ounces [100 milliliters] or less, according to the Transportation Security Administration) in any carry-on luggage.

Lifestyle tips for skin health

External products can go a long way in helping your skin stay healthy and hydrated, but it all starts with the foundation you’re building through healthy lifestyle habits. Here are some tips to improve your skin — and your overall health.

Get enough sleep

According to the Sleep Foundation, the body repairs and restores while we are asleep, including increasing circulation to the skin and releasing the production of growth hormone. In terms of the effects on the skin, these activities can help decrease wrinkles, improve and even out complexion, and reduce dark circles.

Manage stress

Stress can negatively impact the skin by increasing inflammation and slowing wound healing, says the American Academy of Dermatology Association. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for some quick activities to help reduce stress, try taking a brief break to be active by dancing, lifting weights, or engaging in a favorite sport; close your eyes and take some deep breaths or meditate; write down three things for which you are grateful; check in with yourself to evaluate how you’re feeling; think of something that makes you laugh; or listen to an inspiring quote or song.

Shower the right way

Although they can feel soothing in the moment, hot showers can strip protective oils and moisture from the skin, and the longer the shower, the more dehydrating it can be, says Dr. Emily Mckenzie, MD, at the University of Utah Health. Opt for warm or lukewarm water instead. Harsh detergents and soaps are also rough on the skin, stripping away natural oils and potentially leading to irritation, particularly if they contain fragrances. Read the labels of your skin care products and be sure to opt for products that are fragrance-free and don’t include sulfates or drying alcohols (some alcohols in skin care items, such as cetearyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and lauryl alcohol, are hydrating).

Special skin care considerations for travel

When preparing to hit the road, there are many skin care principles you can take with you. However, it’s important to do a little research beforehand: Determine what sorts of changes in products and routine (if any) you will need to adapt to a climate that is colder or drier (or hotter and moister) than your home base. Also be sure to keep an eye out for signs of skin irritation stemming from the use of hotel soaps and shampoos, different detergents, and new irritants in the air such as smoke from cigarettes or wildfires. If you’ll be changing time zones, take steps to minimize jet lag such as gradually adjusting your sleep schedule beforehand to match your destination’s time zone and seeking natural light exposure when you arrive.

Winter-proof your skin

As you get ready to embark on your adventure, remember to tuck your moisturizers, face masks, and water bottle next to your passport and warm socks. Let the spirit of the season warm your heart and the benefits of hydration boost your glow!

Disclaimer of Medical Advice: This information does not constitute medical advice or recommendation of any kind, and you should not rely on any information contained in such posts or comments to replace consultations with your qualified healthcare professionals to meet your individual needs.