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The 11 Best Dude Ranch Vacations in the U.S.
The origin of the dude ranch vacation is a fascinating story. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, “dude” was the name given to “big-shot city slickers” by Western cattle ranchers (or cowboys). When these “dudes” left their big eastern cities to head out West, ranchers would host them on a complimentary basis at their guest or dude ranches. In fact, offering to pay a rancher for their hospitality was considered an insult. The first known dude ranch, Custer Trail Ranch, was started by several brothers in the 1880s in the Dakota Badlands. After President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Eaton brothers’ property, the word spread about this Western cowboy…
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Ski resorts are melting. Here’s what that means for winter vacations
(CNN) — How do you turn a ski resort “green?” The easy answer is to wait until summer. But environmentally green? That’s more complicated, and the paradox facing the ski industry right now. Winter sports fans are drawn to the mountains for the pristine wild environments, energizing views, pure air and hearty fun in the snow. But the energy needed for mountain resorts comes at a price, threatening the very premise of a pastime wedded to the natural world and its winter bounty. Ski lifts need power to keep turning all season, resort buildings need energy, snow groomers need fuel and guests need to travel, often creating large carbon footprints…
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The best ski vacations for all skill levels, from Colorado to Japan
Where to ski around the world, from Winter Olympics terrain to family-friendly resorts December 9, 2022 at 8:00 a.m. EST A skier glides down Vallée Blanche in the French Alps in fresh powder snow. (Shutterstock) Comment on this story Comment There are so many places to ski in the world, picking a destination can feel overwhelming. You could go to the resorts of Idaho, the peak of Mount Etna or the indoor slopes of Ski Dubai. Each place has its own vibe — even if you’re just comparing domestically. “Every mountain town has something different to offer,” said Kiley McKinnon, an Olympic freestyle aerial skier and co-founder of the women’s…
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Jet Set: Travel Packing Guide for Warm Weather Beach Vacations
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Christmas vacations: 15 of the best places to go
Editor’s Note — Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter. Get news about destinations opening, inspiration for future adventures, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments. (CNN) — Anyplace can string up a few lights and call it a holiday celebration, but travelers who really love Christmas want more. Many places have plans to return to a livelier season after two years of subdued or canceled festivities because of the Covid-19 pandemic. From Finland to Mexico, these 15 destinations around the world traditionally offer up some of the best holiday atmosphere for a Christmas-themed vacation: Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland While…
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The hottest travel deals for cool family vacations this winter
I haven’t quite been able to convince my kids that the gift of holiday travel is just as exciting as opening a pile of wrapped gifts under the tree, but I’m not giving up hope yet. As much as they love visiting the beach or our favorite theme parks, it’s not the same as tearing the paper off a carefully wrapped present to uncover the treasures inside. I’m not sure if these winter travel deals geared toward families will be enough to change their minds, but they definitely have me convinced. With these offers, you can save hundreds of dollars on your next theme park visit, stay at mountain retreats…
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