Mary Rice

Genf

Geneva: At Home in an International City

10 October, 2015

The Swiss city of Geneva is known for being a ‘global city’. It is home to over twenty international organisations, including the Red Cross and the World Health Organisation. As of 2013, nearly half of the city’s residents are foreign nationals. Known as the ‘Peace City’, Geneva is an important diplomatic and financial centre and one of the most internationally influential cities in the world. But in this globalised and ever-changing metropolis, is it ever possible to feel at home? To find out, we’ve compiled the perfect itinerary for a day out in Geneva. Follow our suggestions for a quintessentially

Val d'Isère

Family Fun in Val-d’Isère

8 October, 2015

In the Tarentaise Valley in the Rhône-Alpes region of south-eastern France, you’ll find the greatest concentration of world-class ski resorts in the world. One of these, Val-d’Isère, hosts the Alpine Ski World Cup every year, and in 1992 the town hosted several downhill events of the Albertville Winter Olympics on the Face de Bellevarde. Most of the visitors who flock to Val-d’Isère come to try their hand (and foot) at these Olympian slopes. But if your family members aren’t all equally keen on skiing, there are plenty of other activities in both summer and winter that are fun for everyone.

Arabba

Dolomite Discovery in Arabba

7 October, 2015

Many visitors to Arabba come for the pristine valleys and guaranteed snow all season long, but few may realise that they’re skiing in the middle of an amazing natural UNESCO World Heritage Site! The Dolomites The tiny village of Arabba is nestled high in the Dolomites, a range of mountains in northern Italy that forms part of the Southern Limestone Alps. The Dolomites are a spectacular sight: pale crags of rock thrust up from evergreen forest, sheer cliffs casting dramatic shadows. Their characteristic shape and colour are easy to recognise. Once called the “pale mountains,” the Dolomites are named for

Augsburg

Travel through Time in Augsburg

6 October, 2015

Founded in 15 BC, Augsburg, Germany is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Wherever you go in this Bavarian city, located on the doorstep of the Alps, you are overwhelmed with evidence of Augsburg’s two-millennium history. As you stroll through this extraordinary city, perhaps nibbling a slice of the city’s favourite local sweet, a plum cake called datschi, take a moment to feast your eyes upon centuries of architectural splendour The Perlachturm At 70 metres (230 feet) high, this one-thousand-year-old structure dominates the city of Augsburg. Originally built as a watchtower for the former free imperial city of Augsburg, the Perlachturm

Chamonix

Adventure All Year Round in Chamonix

5 October, 2015

For a small town, Chamonix casts a long shadow. This French commune of 10,000 is internationally renowned for hosting the very first Winter Olympic Games in 1924 and as the home of the north side of the summit of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Europe (the ownership of the mountain has been famously debated between France and Italy). One of the oldest and best-loved ski resorts in the world, Chamonix is a frosty, icy paradise for winter sports lovers. However, the natural beauty of this high-altitude town can be enjoyed all year round, so it might also be an

Paris

Paris for Free

4 October, 2015

Paris is the home of luxurious hotels, world-famous restaurants and priceless works of art, but the city of love turns out to be fairly budget-friendly if you look in the right places. You might already be familiar with the city’s free first Sundays – if not, check out the many Parisian museum that are free on the first Sunday of every month – but there are plenty of other attractions that won’t cost you a single euro. La Promenade Plantée This 2.9-mile elevated green space built on top of the disused Vincennes railway opened in 1993 and has enjoyed great

Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel: A Resort for All Seasons

3 October, 2015

Kitzbühel, Austria, is internationally famous for hosting one of the most difficult alpine ski races in the World Cup, the precipitous downhill run on Hahnenkamm mountain. One of Austria’s best-known and fanciest ski resorts, Kitzbühel has a ‘snow guarantee’ of 155 days. But it’s not all snow and ice in this Alpine town. In the snow-free months, there’s plenty to draw summer holidaymakers. Schwarzsee An easy walk from Kitzbühel town centre is one of the most scenic bathing lakes in the Alps, Schwarzsee. In summer, water temperatures can reach 25°C, making the lake a hotspot for swimmers. The Wilder Kaiser

Avoriaz

‘Hoofing It’ in Avoriaz

2 October, 2015

Built high above the mountain town of Morzine in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz has been hosting Alpine skiers since 1800. The resort has preserved its history and environment by keeping it fully pedestrianised – that is, no cars allowed. Though you can certainly use your car to traverse the winding hairpin bends in the road up from Morzine, you must leave your vehicle in one of the car parks near the entrance of Avoriaz. However, the lack of cars is what makes Avoriaz so charming. When you arrive and park, the resort will arrange

Val Thorens

On Top of the World in Val Thorens

1 October, 2015

At 2,300 metres, Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe. It boasts prime access to the linked Les Trois Vallées ski area, a vast landscape that includes 600 kilometres of piste, making it the largest linked ski area in the world. From the tiny mountain village of Val Thorens, skiers can test their skills (and their nerves) at Pointe du Bouchet (3,420 metres high), or Cime de Caron, at 3,195 metres. If you’re an adrenaline junkie and heights are no problem, Val Thorens might be just the place for you. Though most well-known for its superior skiing, there

Prague

Quirky, Colourful Prague

18 September, 2015

Nicknamed the “City of a Hundred Spires,” Prague is internationally famous for its rich, one thousand-year history and Gothic architecture. In this amazingly well-preserved old city, however, visitors may bump into many quirky, odd and modernist sites that stand out amongst the spires. Get Kafkaesque At the Franz Kafka Museum, get inside the mind of the man who wrote one of the most memorable first lines of literature – “As Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from uneasy dreams he found himself transformed in his bed into a gigantic insect.” Located in the heart of Prague, not far from the famous

London

Kayak, Ice Climb, and Bungee Jump in… London?

14 September, 2015

If you’re the type who’d rather free-fall 160 feet than browse through a museum, London has what you’re looking for. This centre of culture and history turns out to have quite a few options for the more adventurous, unconventional tourist. Kayak on the River Thames Paddle along one of the world’s most famous stretches of water by renting a kayak on the River Thames. Kayaking London offers tours from two to four hours that will have you floating by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Albert Bridge, and more. The guides at Kayaking London are extremely

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