I love camping and I’d camp all year long if I could get past the idea of camping in the snow! Once the first snowfall comes, I need a certain number of amenities before I’ll spend a night in the wilderness. Add children to the adventure, and most of us are not going to jump at the thought of pitching a tent in a snowdrift. Fortunately for us (hardy Canadian families wanting to get into the great outdoors year round) Hostelling International (HI) has the perfect solution with private rooms and cabins at several of their wilderness hostels. Here are our family’s favorite hostels to bunk down at in the winter.
The Smith family paid $250 round trip to check their bags for a flight. The Browns, by contrast, made their entire trip with carry-ons, while the Millers flew out with carry-ons, back with checked luggage. How did they do it?
Every October, when the Fall chill really sets in and the first few snowflakes force me to turn on the heater in my car for the first time since April, I start to get excited. The Halloween stores open again, and by halfway through the month, they are packed full of overly-ambitious costume ideas and harried parents wondering why it costs $75 to dress their kid like a witch every year. I get into the spirit of the season as soon as I can, expanding my collection of multi-colored Jack-o-Lanterns and planning a theme for my front step. Despite the excitement leading up to the season and the crowds filling the stores buying candy and chocolate, one thing seems to be a constant. Every year, without fail, I find myself sitting at the door on the 31st of October wondering where all the kids have gone.
When the lazy days of summer turn into the hectic days of autumn, taking a winter vacation may be the last thing on your mind. However, once the snow flies and your mind turns to sand, sun and fun, it may be too late to book that winter beach holiday you desire. Before you start scouring the Internet looking for the best deals, take a moment to figure out what you and your family are looking for in a vacation.
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2024 Calgary’s Child
