Amusement Centres

By Roberto Garabell

 Spring break has been a tradition for college students and people from all walks of life for many years. It is still known as “the great escape” for students, and many make it a point to choose the Miami area as their spring break destination. Some of their favorite spots in Miami include the Florida Keys, Daytona Beach and Fort Lauderdale. These spring breakers travel from throughout the U.S., and even from abroad, to Florida and rent hotel rooms, apartments or vacation homes for their stay.

Miami became a major focus of spring break activity in the 1970s. The sunny days, gorgeous beaches and ever-flowing alcoholic beverages lured youngsters from all over the globe. It wasn’t long until Daytona Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Panama City Beach were flooded with spring breakers, eager for some fun in the sun, drinks and, to the concern of locals, some debauchery, too. The 1970s and 1980s were considered the heyday for Miami’s spring break. Many drunken college students would climb and swing from the balconies of hotels, acting like “crazy people.” Unfortunately, a few famously fell to their deaths with such senseless acts.

More than drinking on tap

Not all of the students that come to Miami for spring break are looking for a way to get drunk and party. Many of them simply want to come and enjoy some of the live entertainment, beaches and sun. Miami boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with an ocean that is crystal blue and, at times, even warm. Many students love to simply hang out on the beach all day and perhaps take in a club scene at night - with or without the drinking involved, many students consider South Beach to be “where the party is at.” The hot spot has seen its share of action over the years. This area is located right in the heart of the historic Art Deco district of Miami and has always been one of the best places to find a hotel and spend the entire vacation. Many students also find it to be a great idea to do a day or two of sailing around the Caribbean or simply strolling around the port to admire all of the giant ships. The nude beaches here (mostly unofficial) are also a hot commodity and attract the students who need an easy way to get an all-over tan.

Spring break took a turn toward manageability in the late 1980s and 1990s, when there was more authority exerted over the consumption of alcoholic beverages and more restrictions on the types of behaviors allowed in public. This was also the era when it seemed more and more students were willing to break the bank (the folks’ credit cards) for a trip to Miami. Although there are always moralizing politicians and newspaper editors that try to counter the activities of spring break with the offer of planned activities, sporting events, scavenger hunts, drive trips and even church activities, few students really noticed or cared.

A big, big deal

By 1985, Fort Lauderdale spring break crowds had reached a whopping 350,000 and the local governments were ready to call it quits on the entire idea of spring break in the area due to all of the mayhem it was causing. However, with the cash flow being so huge, they decided to keep the party going with the exception that there would be strict laws and rules enforced to keep the mayhem under control. Police units and task forces were sent out to monitor public intoxication and out of control students. The tactic worked and helped to greatly reduce the injuries and public intoxication.

During the 1990s, spring breakers eased up a little bit due to other pastimes that were on offer. MTV, Superclubs and other corporate sponsors tried to put a different face on spring break with shows, concerts and special giveaways. With the presence of so many new additions like live TV and video cameras all over the place, spring break became more than just a simple vacation - now it was a chance to be in the spotlight, if only for a moment. Of course, the “Girls Gone Wild” folks were still coming around, too, as spring break had become a full-blown industry. Some companies even charter cruise ships for the events, heading from Port Everglades to the Bahamas and other destinations. Radio stations throughout the U.S. sponsor spring break events with special prizes, like free tickets to Miami and admission to the local events and parties.

Miami has been the spring break getaway for decades and continues to lure and attract students and families every year. It will continue to be the best place in the world for a great spring break experience, because there is only one Florida, only one Miami - and they are not making any more of either of them!

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Great Things to Do and See in Whistler

By Roberto Garabell

 Going to Whistler? You’re in for a treat. There is a lot to do in this exclusive resort town which explains why more than two million people visit annually. Located only 78 miles from Vancouver, Whistler is one of British Columbia’s finest gems, polished with Canadian culture and Nordic flare.

Snowy Fun in Whistler

Because it is home to the largest ski area in North America, skiing and snow sports have become one of Whistler’s most popular pastimes. Whistler has two majestic mountains located in the Coast Mountain Range with more than 40 ski drop-off points, spanning 8,100 acres. Whistler receives an average of 33 feet of snow per year.

Although there are many resorts in this Canadian town, Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort is a favorite attraction, featuring a wide variety of entertaining activities and slopes that take skiers through Lost Lake Park, the Chateau Whistler Golf Course and Nicklaus North Golf Course. Different routes are available for different levels of skiers.

Maps and rental equipment are readily available so you don’t have to lug all your ski equipment with you on the trip. Whistler Blackcomb offers ski and snowboarding lessons for adults, teens and kids along with a host of other fun activities. For those who like the excitement of motor sports, snowmobiles are available for rent in addition to snowshoeing equipment.

A horse-drawn sleigh ride makes for a memorable sightseeing experience, another activity offered at the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort. Magnificent Clydesdale-Percheron horses gallop through the Canadian countryside, pulling sleigh riders through picturesque winter scenes for an unforgettable winter adventure.

Although it may be difficult to imagine, you can actually enjoy a dog-sledding escapade in Whistler. The use of dogs to pull sleds and cargo is one of the most ancient forms of transportation in the world. An expert dog sledder will teach you how to harness the dog team of Huskies that will pull you along a sightseeing trail. Running your own dog sled is an exciting activity, one that comes highly recommended.

Adventures in Whistler

Whistler Blackcomb’s Coca-Cola Tube Park is fun for the whole family, another thrilling adventure in Whistler. There are eight 1,000-foot lanes that vary in levels of difficulty with each person in their own tube. A state-of-the-art conveyor liftmakes it easy to travel to the top of a tubing hill, where riders propel like rockets down to the bottom at exhilarating speeds.

The number one zip line in North America is located in Whistler. Also known as a zip trek, a zip line is a series of cables and suspension bridges that run through natural terrain with a rider attached. The rider is attached by wearing special gear and a harness that clips on to the line. Once the rider lets go, the natural force of gravity pulls them along, usually at a moderate speed. The zip trek at Whistler Blackcomb is a three-hour journey that travels along Fitzsimmons Creek through the forest valley between Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains. This is an activity that can be enjoyed year-round.

Although best known for its winter sports, Whistler is the ideal vacation spot in all seasons. For those who love golf, there are four championship golf courses in the area.

For those who love the great outdoors, paragliding, hiking, canoeing, bungee jumping, horseback riding and wildlife tours are just a few things offered when it gets warm in Whistler.

Shopping and Dining in Whistler

There is also plenty to do in Whistler that doesn’t involve sports or outdoor activities. Whistler Village, the town’s hub, features more than 200 shops and 90 restaurants and bars. Greek, Italian, Japanese and French food are served at the many eateries in the village. Pub food, pizza and ice cream are also available. Whistler is known for its fine cuisine and superior customer service. Five-star spa services are available for those who need some rest and relaxation including massages, manicures and pedicures and body wraps. The great thing about Whistler Village is that it’s pedestrian-friendly and everything is within walking distance.

Whether you’re heading out solo or bringing the family along, there is a lot to do in Whistler and it makes for the perfect vacation getaway.

For your next vacation, book your whistler accommodations at Whistler Retreats.com. The perfect ski vacation and getaway is waiting for you and with the 2010 olympics fast approaching you should visit online today.

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