This upcoming week is vacation week for many schools in Massachusetts. I know that the flights (especially to southern destinations) are heavily booked. Though it is not always possible to hop on a plane and go, it is possible for those of us in the North East to load up the car and head to the mountains for some winter fun. The weekend has snuck up on me; as of this morning we didn’t have plans. But, I called around and found that most resorts in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine still have availability for next week. This is because many of the season passes have blackout dates, of which include next week. When calling around for lodging, one question you want to be sure to ask is what the check in and checkout times are. I’ve found that some accommodations have strict policies. One example is the Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River. The availability was there, the amenities were great, and the price was reasonable (for a holiday rates), but check in is 6 PM and check out 10AM. If you are looking to get away for only a couple of days, the hotel privileges are very transient and not family friendly. Some other questions to ask are about the amenities i.e., is there an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a Jacuzzi, a game room, or arcade, what restaurants are on the property and is breakfast included. Many places offer child care as well, so ask about the facilities. Also, I’m a big fan of kitchenettes when traveling with the kids. By making slope side sandwiches and packing some energy snacks you’ll save money and avoid melt downs. Not everyone has to be a skier or rider; there are plenty of activities for everyone, ice skating, tubing, or snowmobiling. A mountain side get away may not be relaxing, but it is invigorating. See you there, GoMoMo!
This upcoming week is vacation week for many schools in Massachusetts. I know that the flights (especially to southern destinations) are heavily booked. Though it is not always possible to hop on a plane and go, it is possible for those of us in the North East to load up the car and head to the mountains for some winter fun.
ReplyDeleteThe weekend has snuck up on me; as of this morning we didn’t have plans. But, I called around and found that most resorts in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine still have availability for next week. This is because many of the season passes have blackout dates, of which include next week.
When calling around for lodging, one question you want to be sure to ask is what the check in and checkout times are. I’ve found that some accommodations have strict policies. One example is the Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River. The availability was there, the amenities were great, and the price was reasonable (for a holiday rates), but check in is 6 PM and check out 10AM. If you are looking to get away for only a couple of days, the hotel privileges are very transient and not family friendly.
Some other questions to ask are about the amenities i.e., is there an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a Jacuzzi, a game room, or arcade, what restaurants are on the property and is breakfast included. Many places offer child care as well, so ask about the facilities. Also, I’m a big fan of kitchenettes when traveling with the kids. By making slope side sandwiches and packing some energy snacks you’ll save money and avoid melt downs.
Not everyone has to be a skier or rider; there are plenty of activities for everyone, ice skating, tubing, or snowmobiling. A mountain side get away may not be relaxing, but it is invigorating. See you there, GoMoMo!