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Ski Festivals 2021: Which Is Best & Should You Go?

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A party in a ski resort is pretty standard, with apres ski one of the main draws for skiers and snowboarders. But there is an increasing selection of excellent ski resort festivals to choose from across the world, especially in Europe.

With the Coronavirus pandemic ruining 2020 summer plans for pretty much everyone, is it a good idea to go to a winter music festival in a ski resort?

Well, one thing at a time. We’ll take a look at some of the best options for ski resort festivals for the 2021 winter season and a look at whether, with Covid-19, you should book that ticket.

The best ski resort festivals 2021

1. Snowbombing

Where? Mayrhofen, Austria

When? 5th – 10th April 2021

Cost? Tickets start from £245 per person

The best known of the ski festivals, Snowbombing always offers one of the best line-ups. Based in the pretty Tirol valley resort of Mayrhofen, the party vibe here is usually pretty non-stop even when the festival isn’t happening.

Although the line-up for Snowbombing 2021 hasn’t been released yet, you can bet it’s gonna be a stomper. Based on past lineups, they always get the top tier international DJ’s and dance acts, so think something along the lines of Fatboy Slim, Chase and Status, Rudimental, Andy C and Sven Vath.

As for the ski and snowboarding terrain? Mayrhofen is in the heart of the Zillertal valley, some of the biggest and best terrain in the Alps. There is 178 kms of runs in Mayrhofen itself, but you’ll find access to varied terrain including the Hintertux glacier and Finkenberg. In short, whatever your experience level, you’ll find some awesome ski and snowboarding at Snowbombing 2021.

2. Snowboxx

Where? Avoriaz, France

When? 20th – 27th March 2021

Cost? From £249 per person

If you love the French Alps then this is probably the music festival for you. Snowboxx can be found in the ski resort of Avoriaz, a ski in/ski out resort on the mountains above Morzine. One of the selling points of Avoriaz is that, unlike Mayrhofen, it’s on the mountain top (not the valley) so you get the winter sun for longer plus epic mountain views.

As for Snowboxx festival itself? There is plenty of fun to be had over the 7 days of the festival both on and off the slopes. Expect big name DJ’s and live dance acts, parties on the mountainside, snowball fights and random things like ski lift dating and ski skittles.

Skiers and snowboarders will love Avoriaz, which is a favourite among the cool crowds in Europe. With the choice of meandering valleys, epic mountains and even a run into Switzerland, the Portes du Soleil is the biggest linked ski area in the Alps and is suitable for all levels.

3. Tomorrowland

Where? Alpe d’Huez, France

When? 20th – 27th March 2021

Cost? TBC

Another choice for lovers of the French Alps, the winter edition of this popular festival has been growing in stature in recent years. In fact, Tomorrowland has been building a keen following and attracts a more diverse Euro crowd than the more Brit-centric options above.

Tomorrowland winter festival follows the trend of electronic and dance music, with a top notch line up of DJs. Lineups for all winter ski festivals are normally released around December, but this usually means you’ll miss the early bird (i.e; cheaper) tickets.

Alpe d’Huez is one of the best ski resorts in Europe, with lots of beautiful terrain. Choosing a winter ski festival based on the resort alone could be very tricky, but many swear by Alpe d’Huez as the best choice. 

4. Snowattack

Where? Les Orres, France

When? 30th January – 6th February 2021

Cost? From €199

A rising star in the winter music festival scene, Snowattack is run by a Hungarian company so tends to focus on more Euro dance acts. From this list, Snowattack is one of the few music festivals that ran in 2020.

Les Orres itself is a relatively small ski resort with 100 kms of pistes, but that is plenty to keep you busy for a week. Snowattack festival 2021 is definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for some winter music fun.

Are ski festivals safe during Covid-19?

The world has been massively disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, including the cancellation of pretty much all music festivals in 2020. So how is 2021 going to be any safer?

You can be assured that all of the festivals on this list will be using social distancing and pandemic based health controls. And most ski resorts in Europe are planning to manage queues and crowds in ways that some might find disruptive to their enjoyment.

But the chances of social distancing at a music festival might be kinda tricky and actually go against the whole point of a music festival. Ask yourself how you feel about being in close proximity to thousands of strangers from around the world during a global pandemic and this might be your answer.

Of course, you do need to consider the risks yourself, including your country’s advice and quarantine restrictions.

But, be assured that if you do go to a winter ski resort festival in 2021, you’ll have plenty of fun!

Destinations

Getting Past The Mexican Vacationing Myths

There are a lot of myths about travel in Mexico. But it is still a beautiful country that is definitely worth visiting. 

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There are a lot of myths out there about Mexico. Obviously, things like “don’t drink the tap water” are true and should be taken very seriously. But there are plenty of other stories out there that just aren’t true. 

Mexico is a beautiful country that is definitely worth visiting. And this article is meant to relieve any worries you have about checking it out.

IT’S IMPOVERISHED

A lot of people think of Mexico as a very poor and even third-world country. But that just isn’t the case. It’s definitely less developed that some countries, including the U.S., but for the most part it’s a middle-income country. In fact, it’s GDP per capita is similar to such countries as Brazil and even China.

But this myth is likely kept alive by the fact that about 44 percent of Mexicans do live in poverty. And that number is high enough that it’s safe to say no matter where tourists may visit, they’re likely to see that poverty.

IT’S DANGEROUS

This is grossly exaggerated. In reality, Mexico is no more dangerous than any other country. Sure, there are some areas that have higher crime rates (specifically Tijuana and Juarez), but the majority of Mexico is perfectly safe. With that said, the usual precautions should be taken when walking around at night, drinking in excess, or using an ATM outside of a hotel. There will always be people looking to take advantage of tourists no matter where you are.

IT’S A NON-STOP COLLEGE PARTY

Thanks to the spring break popularity of places like Cancun, Mexico is now commonly thought of as just one big, obnoxious party. And while there are definitely places to enjoy a wild party in Mexico, it’s far from the norm. In fact, outside of the month of March, Cancun is typically a very peaceful place full of honeymooners and foodies.

TACOS, BURRITOS, AND ENCHILADAS ARE THE ONLY FOOD AVAILABLE

Ok, people come on. Sure, these are staples of Mexican food, but there are other options! Cuisines and specialties vary from region to region and there is bound to be plenty of delicious variety regardless of where you are. From seafood to fried pork belly to grilled octopus, there is something for everyone. So get out there and try something new for once!

FOOD POISONING IS ALMOST INEVITABLE

Many people assume that a trip to Mexico means getting food poisoning at least once. The tap water should definitely be avoided, but most tourists will also avoid almost all fruit and produce. There definitely are different bacteria active in Mexico that can lead to “Montezuma’s revenge,” but avoiding essentially all cold food is silly.

Most restaurants use fresh water to wash everything and to make their ice. And while there are definitely street carts that should be avoided, skipping out on some delicious mango, horchata, and ceviche would be a mistake.

IT’S NOT SAFE DURING HURRICANE SEASON

Hurricane season in Mexico usually lasts from June to November. The worst months typically being August through October. Because of this many people avoid traveling to Mexico during those months. But, for the most part, it’s really unnecessary to completely avoid the country for six months out of the year.

And as long as you prepare to leave early or cancel if necessary (hurricanes are usually predicted a week in advance), you can actually get great deals on travel and hotels. So hurricane season can actually be the best time to visit Mexico as the rates will be the lowest and the cities will be the least crowded.

 


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Destinations

Nostalgia Meets Modern Comfort: 5 Reasons to Choose The Starlight Motor Inn for Your North Charleston Getaway

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The Starlight Motor Inn

A getaway to North Charleston is not complete without a stay at the Starlight Motor Inn located within the heart of the community. A classic through the decades, this motel once closed its doors to the public. 

Today? The Starlight Motor Inn has been reimagined, welcoming guests back to a bit of nostalgia mixed with modern comforts since 2023.

Here are 5 reasons you will want to check it out for yourself.  

1. The Retro Vibe

When new owners take over an old motel, their first bit of business is to revamp the space with all the latest technology. This is often an attempt to modernize it in a way that matches the newer hotels built down the road. 

That is not what happened with the Starlight Motor Inn. This modular motel that was first opened in 1961 was the first of its kind in the area. And through the renovation, the new owners did not want to lose the classic, retro vibe. They even kept the original structure, including the lattice. 

Each room has modern comforts that come with a retro flare. Take, for instance, the vintage-inspired furniture and Frigidaire refrigerator found in each room. Everything from the colors to the decor throughout the motel will really make you feel like you stepped back in time. 

This is where the nostalgia sets in.

2. The Burgundy Lounge

The Burgundy Lounge is another reason why you need to stay at the Starlight Motor Inn while on a getaway to North Charleston. 

It originally opened in 1966 under the same name and still uses the same barstools today as it did back then. Wood panels, soft lighting with candles, and live music set the space. And the drinks top it off. 

Sip an Old Fashioned and listen to the stories of the old sailors and swingers who have called this their favorite water hole for decades. 

3. The Swimming Pool

North Charleston can get hot. And a dip in the pool is all you need to feel completely refreshed. But the pool at the Starlight Motor Inn isn’t anything like you experience at any other vacation spot.

The pool here is a private oasis where you can grab a drink, take a swim, and kick back and relax on a lounge chair. And yes, the feelings of nostalgia are found at every turn poolside. 

Did we mention that there are floating flamingos, too? 

4. The Location

If you still need a reason to choose the Starlight Motor Inn when you visit North Charleston, then let’s talk about the location. Conveniently located on Rivers Avenue, you will find yourself immersed in one of the most historic yet vibrant neighborhoods in the city. 

Food, drinks, shopping, and various visitor attractions are all close by — many within walking distance. 

5. The History

Rather than tearing buildings down, the new owners of the Starlight Motor Inn are doing what they can to preserve this motel that was recently declared a Historic Landmark. 

Built on an old used car lot, it has stood the test of time (including hurricanes) and has become part of the scenery. Over the decades, the motel went from being a thriving hotspot to a desolate place closed to the public. 

Now, the revitalized motel is charging forward with all the feels of yesteryear and the modern comforts of today. 

Come see for yourself. 

The Starlight Motor Inn is a restored mid-century motel located in North Charleston, SC perfect for restful days and playful nights. Stay. Swim. Dine. Drink. 

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Destinations

The Best American Roads For Your New Convertible

We have compiled a list of the absolute best roads for letting the top down and living your best convertible life.

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Driving with the top down is one of the greatest thrills in life. You look cool, you feel cool and guess what, you are cool. You throw on your sunglasses and leather jacket and just cruise on down the open road in your sweet convertible that is the envy of every one of your friends.

But when you decide to ride with the top down you want to make sure you have something cool to look at. You don’t want to be cruising top-down amongst a bunch of smokestacks and pigeons. You’ll just be inhaling pollution and getting your head pooped on.

Instead, you need to find a beautiful place that will let mother nature do the rest of the heavy lifting when it comes to setting the perfect scene. That’s why we have compiled a list of the absolute best roads for letting the top-down and living your best convertible life.

ROAD TO HANA, HAWAII

The ultimate convertible destination is definitely Hawaii. These soft top cars were built to be driven around the picturesque island that is Hawaii. You’ll get the cool breeze in the warm weather and some spectacular views to match. You’ll be crossing bridges and cutting around curves all while getting some stunning views of the Hawaiian coast and the beautiful water. Say “sup” to some dolphins and play some rocking tunes as you partake in this awesome excursion.

OUTER BANKS HIGHWAY, NORTH CAROLINA

This is the perfect drive to be surrounded by water. You’ll have the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. You’ll blow by some awesome lighthouses, beaches, and see some spectacular wildlife that will hopefully not poop on your head. But if a bird does poop on your head on this drive you’ll be stoked because it will be poop from a beautiful bird that is local to North Carolina. You’ll say “oh yeah!” as you pull out a bandana to wipe your head off. Now you have a travel memento.

SONOMA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Take a drive through the wine country and enjoy the beauty of the vineyards amongst the rolling grassy hills that make up the Sonoma Valley. Just be careful when you decide to pull in to one of the many spectacular wineries for a glass or two because you don’t want to turn this convertible road trip into a night in the drunk tank. Be careful if you decide to partake in the wine, and maybe park the convertible and get a ride to the winery if you plan on doing some serious “tasting.”

BLUEBONNET TRAIL, TEXAS 

This drive is extremely beautiful thanks to the, you guessed it, Bluebonnet gardens that run alongside the road. You may not feel really rugged and cool driving through some flowers but it’s impossible to not be swept away by all the gorgeous views these flowers create. By the end of this trip, you’ll understand how a rugged person like yourself can still be swept away by the beauty of a flower and that’s totally okay. Go on this wonderful convertible drive to become a more well-rounded person.


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