Laura Howes

Zell am See

Late Winter Skiing and Snowboarding Opportunities: Zell am See

For those of you that have packed your skis and snowboards away thinking the winter sports season is over, think again. If you are quick enough and of a spontaneous nature then pack your stuff, book your flight and head to Zell am See. This popular resort has just a few days left from which to catch the last part of the season. Indeed, you can even enjoy some winter sunshine while you are at it. For the more patient among you, then why not wait a few months and catch the early part of the 2015/2016 winter season. Zell

Niza

Nice to see you, to see you Nice

Looking for a city break somewhere warm with plenty of culture and things to do? Looking to get away from the unpredictable weather across Northern Europe? Or simply in need of some rest and relaxation? Whatever your motive Nice on the Côte d’Azur fits the bill perfectly. France’s fifth biggest city with up to 80% sunshine in summer, and temperatures in their late 20s or early 30s, Nice is a hotspot that is a must see place in the south of France. Furthermore, the prinicipality of Monaco makes a decent day trip for those looking to stretch their legs a

Belek

Top six day excursions from Belek

The town of Belek, lying on the south coast of Turkey, with lush blue sea and white sands is the latest must see spot on the Turkish Mediterranean coastline. In fact, if you are an avid golfer, Belek is a dream location for you and in 2012 it hosted the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final, followed by the Turkish Airlines Open the year after. But more about golf in a little while as the town is a popular spot for those seeking sun and adventure too. There are several spa options here and the Kursnulu Waterfall is an equally popular

Playa de las Americas

Top 7 tourist attractions in Playa de las Americas

As you sit there twiddling your thumbs at work, or staring out of the window at the teeming rain, wondering if summer will ever arrive, maybe it is time to consider a trip away from the depressing weather at home. Somewhere with guaranteed sun, along with a beach to die for, and sunsets to marvel at. Somewhere that will get your pulse racing and your feet dancing. The resort of Playa de las Americas in the south of Tenerife ticks all of those boxes. Lying beside the town of Los Cristianos the area is well known for its bars, nightclubs

Cannes

Come to Cannes

And why would you not come to Cannes, located on the jaw dropping French Riviera, when the place has so much to offer. They do not host the world’s most famous film festival for nothing, but more of that later. Indeed, there is so much more than just the aforementioned gathering to see, not least the luxurious hotels, the delectable restaurants and the stunning surroundings. In fact, coming to Cannes or going somewhere else is not the question. The question is: why have you not been here already? For those that have, coming back is a always a clear objective.

Chamonix

Chamonix: Winter Sports Heaven

As we enter the peak time for winter sport enthusiasts, the choice of destination can be tricky. With fantastic locations throughout Europe to choose from it is a bit of a minefield when trying to opt for the right one. However, having experienced many different places to ski or snowboard throughout Europe, I can highly recommend Chamonix, in the south east of France, close to the Swiss and Italian borders. Skiing and Snowboarding One of Chamonix’s undoubted strengths is its ability to cater for all levels of skier or snowboarder. From a beginner looking to try out a new dare

Six Nations

Do not Miss the Six Nations Rugby Tournament

The Six Nations Rugby Tournament takes place from February 6 to March 21. This is the most important rugby tournament of the season, involving England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy National Teams. This competition helps teams prepare for the upcoming Rugby World Cup coming up in seven months. This year’s battle to dominate the Northern Hemisphere is tougher than ever and dominance is hard to predict. Scotland and Italy sides have long been considered this Tournament’s ‘Cinderellas’, but this year, they are coming up strong. The Tournament has been held since 1883, and it was initially disputed among the

Playa del Inglés

Playa del Ingles: The Jewel In Gran Canaria’s Crown

The Spring is proving an ever more popular time of year to go on holiday as the weather in the Mediterranean is guaranteed to be good, which definitely cannot be said for most parts of Europe. As we go in search of the ideal places to find a reliable climate at this time of year, the Canary Islands, just off Africa’s North West coast, often spring to mind, and it is little wonder why. Given their proximity to Africa, it is not surprising that the weather is so attractive to Northern Europeans. Winter barely exists in this part of the

Lagos

Ideal European holiday destinations: Lagos, Portugal

It is getting towards the time of year where we get itchy feet, eagerly anticipating some spring sunshine, knowing full well those days could be few and far between. However, there is a way out and Lagos in Portugal provides a perfect opportunity to get away. Situated in the south west of Portugal, in the well-known region of Algarve, between Faro and Sagres to be precise, Lagos is a popular destination at this time of year due to its warm climes and the variety of things it offers. Ranging from beaches to relax to sporting activities for the more active

Alcúdia

Ideal European holiday destinations: Alcudia in Palma de Majorca

Many of Majorca’s millions of visitors who come annually often stay in the island’s main city, Palma, or head straight to the popular tourist spots of Magaluf. However, there are one or two hidden gems as this blogger soon discovered. Once away from the hustle and bustle of Palma, it will not be long before realising the true Majorca in the shape of the municipality of Alcudia. Beaches, architecture and history abound, Alcudia is an essential place to visit if you are planning to visit the Balearic islands largest isle. Beaches Alcudia Beach Alcudia Beach is the area’s ‘Blue Riband’

Marbella

Golf destinations for those looking for winter sun: Malaga

If you are desperately seeking a sunny day to play golf and longing for the right conditions to do so, then maybe you should consider a golfing holiday this winter. As the rain lashes down and the winds bite harder than ever, summer seems such a long way off. As does, no doubt, the possibility of getting your clubs out and heading to your local club for fear of getting frostbite. However, there is an escape route. Fortunately, not all of Europe is chilling, wet and miserable at this time of year. It gets better, in Southern European countries, where

Marathons across Europe, 2015: Greece

Athens: 8 November To run the race where it all began is a thrill in itself but to do so in the magnificent city that is Athens just adds to the allure. Needless to say, the marathon in its current format has altered slightly since the birth of the race 2500 years ago. Firstly, back then it was two miles shorter (this was changed at the 1908 Olympics in London to enable the race to finish in front of the Royal Family’s viewing box). In addition, back in 490BC it was more of a solo run than a race as

Marathons across Europe, 2015: Germany

Berlin: 27 September To run a marathon takes a lot of guts and determination and the Berlin version is no different. However, due to its even surface it has contributed more world records, for both men and women, than any other marathon. The course begins and ends near the legendary Brandenburg Gate, the city’s focal point and main tourist attraction. The event is spread over two days as on the Saturday around 8,000 skaters participate in a slightly different way of completing the legendary 42.195 kilometres. How to get there There are a number of low cost airlines flying to