Nick Woodroof

Kickin’ it in Kitzbühel During the Hahnenkamm Race Weekend

If making New Year’s resolutions is your thing, then a ski break to Kitzbühel in January has to be your number 1 priority. Why, I hear you ask? Just the small matter of the legendary Hahnenkamm Race, the highlight of the World Cup ski racing circuit that has demanded pluck, a healthy dose of risk-taking and no little skill since 1931. In 2018 the 78th edition of the race falls on Saturday 20 January, the culmination of several days of fast and furious action on the slopes. And if it’s anything like previous years there’ll be thousands of fans and

Choose Les Carroz for Your Next Family Ski Break

The Savoyard ski resort of Les Carroz has attracted skiers for years on account of its superb facilities and setting in a pretty, traditional French village. It’s a short drive away from Geneva Airport, so there’s no long slog ahead to dampen the excitement after you’ve landed. Despite its popularity, Les Carroz never feels too busy even in peak season. And it’s this laid-back feel, amongst many other things, that makes Les Carroz our go-to recommendation for adventurous parents with equally outgoing children. Great Skiing Opportunities for All Ages Les Carroz is well-regarded by those in the know for its

Argentière

Up There and Out There: Argentière for Advanced Thrillseekers

Argentière might not seem up to much, huddling below a mighty glacier. But this French ski resort is really hallowed turf. It’s a few miles north of Chamonix, boasts a daunting array of plus-2500m pistes and has a reputation for being the playground of expert skiers. If you’re a beginner, then Argentière’s slopes are probably not places to tread lightly, but any extreme sports fans or powder hounds with a penchant for black pistes should read on… Skiing and Snowboarding The Grand Montets sector of the resort has ample opportunities for dedicated skiers to hone their skills and challenge themselves

Make Snow Tracks to Kitzbühel: Fantastic Fun for the Entire Family

Ah, that old conundrum. How to organise a skiing holiday where everyone (and that includes the adults as well) has fun? Picking the right resort can go a long way to guaranteeing a memorable break, but that in itself isn’t easy. If you’re lacking inspiration, then I can highly recommend Austria’s resort of Kitzbühel and its 215 kilometres of pistes, many of which are suitable for beginners. Not for nothing has it been recognised within the industry as a 5-star resort for families, with world-class facilities that give even first-timer skiers a confidence boost. Still not convinced? Want to learn

Paris

Beyond the Tourist Traps: An Alternative Guide to Paris

‘Paris, you are my happiness’ sang Edith Piaf back in 1949, and it’s clear a lot of people agree with her. The French capital invariably features in Top 10 lists of the world’s most visited destinations, and while Paris’s popularity is undoubtedly a reflection of its undeniable charms it can make visiting a trying experience at times. Are you desperate to ditch the crowds but not sure where to begin? Convinced that there are no ‘hidden gems’ left to discover? Think again. Take a minute or two to check out this assortment of left-field experiences before your next trip, and

Marbella

Make Merry Memories in Marbella

Looking for a getaway that promises sunshine, plenty of chances to relax and even more places to party? Basically, somewhere where you can let loose and forget the consequences? Marbella’s definitely the place to go then. With A-list clubs, sun-drenched beaches and awesome water sports, this Costa del Sol gem is the complete package.   Let Rip on the Water Find out who are the posers and who are the plain amateurs in the group with some rounds of cable skiing on the beautiful lake at Guadalmina Alta in San Pedro de Alcantara. You can either waterski, wakeboard or kneeboard

SEVILLA

Explore the Best of Seville’s Historical Attractions

The beautiful city of Seville has long been associated with artistic prestige and a heady mix of cultural influences. After emerging under Roman rule, Seville was ruled for centuries by a succession of Muslim dynasties, which saw its rise as a cultural and commercial centre. Several hundred years after its capture by the Christian king Ferdinand III in 1248, the discovery of the New World helped Seville became one of the great cities of early modern Europe. Its economic fortunes dwindled with the unravelling of Spain’s empire in the nineteenth century, but culturally Seville continued to flourish, with the seventeenth-century

Bugibba

Discover the Secret Bars of Berlin

Berlin: hipster haven, clandestine city, the ‘greatest cultural extravaganza that one could imagine’ in the eyes of David Bowie. As far back as the 1920s, the German capital has enjoyed an enviable reputation for its edgy, alternative nightlife. If you’re seeking a more off-beat, free-spirited Berlin break then forget Berghain, its interminable queues and high chance of rejection on the threshold. Tap into the underground vibe with my guide to the best ‘secret’ bars of Berlin, which will always welcome you with open arms and your poison of choice…so long as you can find them. Stagger Lee Does a Wild West-style

Limassol

Unearth the Historical Treasures of Cyprus in Limassol

Greek heroes, Roman settlers, Crusader knights and Ottomans alike have all left their mark on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, which deserves to be known for much more than its beautiful beaches and agreeable climate. Despite the island’s turbulent past and history of destructive earthquakes, many amazing attractions remain scattered across the landscape in varying states of preservation. Most notably, you’ll find many momentous landmarks in the region of Limassol, situated in the far south of the island. Want a more comprehensive overview of Cyprus? Check out our detailed country profile here. Ancient Kourion Cyprus can rightly be considered a

Vienne

Wining, Dining and Fine Style in Vienna

If you think a standard night out in Vienna is a simple dinner of Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel, followed by a quiet pint in a local bar, you couldn’t be further from the truth. The capital of Austria is quickly becoming a hub for world-class fine dining – did you know that Vienna is the world’s largest wine-producing capital city, for instance? If you have an eye for trendy nightclubs, you won’t have to look far, either. To get you wining, dining and socialising in style, we recommend visiting the following hotspots on your trip to Vienna. Going on a 24-hour

Rhodes

Much to Rave about Rhodes

So you’ve got the grades and now the whole summer stretches before you – this is what all those hours cramming in the uni library/down the pub were for! If you’re looking for inspiration on where to go for a post-exam summer blowout with your mates, then the Greek island of Rhodes has got it all: beaches that are so good they’re named after Hollywood stars, a range of water sports with lots of opportunities for lessons or going solo, and a cracking nightlife. Read on and get your passport ready… Water Sports at Lindos Beach Make Lardos Bay your

Poland, Gdansk

Discover the Cultural Gems of Gdańsk

With a beautiful Old Town, stunning cathedral and engaging museums, it’s easy to see why Gdańsk has enjoyed such attention from discerning holidaymakers in recent years. A successful post-war reconstruction has reinvigorated this Baltic city, and it’s not an overstatement to say that it surely ranks alongside Bilbao, Liverpool and Marseille when it comes to port cities that have cut a dash on the European cultural scene in the past decade. With this guide to one of Poland’s most fascinating destinations, you’ll get to sample the spirit of this distinctive city and discover its many cultural gems. St Mary’s Church