Polly Hayes

Ski

The Snowy Surprises of Gerlos

6 November, 2017

You may not have heard of it before, but that could just be because those who have discovered it don’t want to share the secret. Those who have stumbled upon its uncrowded slopes, vast ski area and wide range of snow-based activities may not want to share Gerlos, in Austria’s Tyrol region, with anyone else. At the moment, skiers here enjoy uncongested slopes, lifts – which take them around the wonderful Zillertal Arena ski area – without massive queues, a free ski bus, and restaurants, cafés and hotels that are not bursting at the seams. In addition to these perks,

Frosty Family Fun in Val Thorens

5 November, 2017

There are so many reasons to choose Val Thorens for a family ski holiday that it’s hardly surprising that the resort is so popular with French and English skiers alike. When I decided to visit, the choice was driven by a slightly obsessive hankering for the very best snow. After all, Val Thorens is the highest resort not just in France, but in the whole of Europe, with guaranteed snow from November through to May. What’s more, I was pleasantly surprised by all of the other things that the resort has to offer. Here’s my guide to this snowy spot!

Lausanne

Eccentric Fun in Lausanne

4 November, 2017

When you think of the beautiful medieval city of Lausanne, situated on Lake Geneva, you probably don’t think of counter-culture art, avant-garde architecture or of trendy international cuisine. But Lake Geneva’s second largest city has much more to it than just historic charm: in fact, it has contemporary cool by the bucket-load. Thanks to its new exhibition spaces, bars and restaurants, the city is beginning to become a hub for hip culture. And what better time than the present to discover the edgy, contemporary charm of Switzerland’s most historic city? Even in the old parts of Lausanne, which feature cobbled

Whales, Vikings and Glaciers: Take on the Family Adventures of Reykjavik

3 November, 2017

Set in the dramatic Icelandic landscape of lava fields, snow-capped mountains, glaciers and wild, windswept oceans, Reykjavik feels like the perfect place for an arctic adventure. From jet skiing on glaciers and horse riding along ancient Viking trails, to boat trips promising sights of whales swimming and puffins diving for fish – there are plenty of activities to try here. Families can enjoy a range of activities together in a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Iceland’s welcoming capital city, whether swimming in natural thermal baths, hiking Mount Esja or, of course, watching the spectacular northern lights. The city of Reykjavik is the

Geneva

Beyond the Big Ones: Alternative Galleries of Geneva

2 November, 2017

Geneva airport is one of the busiest in Europe with a constant flow of European business travellers, seasonal skiers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. But many of the people who travel through the transport hub each year are so busy trying to get to their final destination that they miss the unique, quirky experience of the city itself. Switzerland’s second most populated city may be famous as the headquarters for such illustrious international organisations as the Red Cross and the World Health Organisation, but it is the unique Swiss hospitality and sense of humour which makes the more curious visitors fall

Courmayeur

A Touch of Class in the Italian Alps: Fine Dining in Courmayeur

1 November, 2017

Courmayeur in the Italian Alps is quite unlike any other ski resort I have ever visited. That’s because, while it has more than its fair share of excellent, challenging skiing, wintersports is only one small part of this Alpine village’s special appeal. The fact is, Courmayeur is much more than a ski resort; it is an exclusive, elegant holiday destination which knows full well that satisfying its elite Italian and international clientele requires more than just great skiing. That is why, despite being a small Alpine village, it boasts an extraordinary concentration of some of the region’s best restaurants, which

obergurgl

Snow Stopping Family Fun in Obergurgl!

10 October, 2017

The Austrian village of Obergurgl has a reputation as a great family ski resort for good reason: practically guaranteed snow and a range of winter sports activities for families to enjoy together. If you prefer the atmosphere and beauty of a traditional Alpine village to the monstrous purpose-built resorts, then Obergurgl in Austria’s Ötztal Valley is definitely for you. At 1,930m it is the highest village resort in Europe, and has a reputation for almost guaranteed snow – a reputation that has been strengthened in recent years by its lift links to the higher Hochgurgl with its 3,080m glacier. A

Innsbruck, Austria

Out and About with Kids in Innsbruck

9 October, 2017

Whether you come in winter to ski in Austria’s beautiful Tyrol region, or in the summer to enjoy the wealth of alpine activities, it’s well worth stopping off in Innsbruck to take in the sights of this pretty Austrian city. Known as the ‘capital of the Austrian Alps’, Innsbruck holds an important place in the country’s history, a fact that is illustrated by its historic castles and palaces as well as modern investments in stunning contemporary architecture. While beautiful buildings and a rich local history may charm you, there’s also plenty here to keep the kids entertained. My children will

Samöens

Grand Adventure in the Grand Massif: Family Fun in Samoëns

8 October, 2017

While most families are drawn to the beautiful, historic resort of Samoëns because of its position in France’s Grand Massif ski area, you’ll discover there is plenty more than skiing and snowboarding to challenge adventurous kids (and their parents!) here. The Grand Massif – with its resorts including Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Sixt Fer à Cheval and, of course, Samoëns – sits at the heart of the Alps at 2,500 metres. With access to 256km of runs, Samoëns lies opposite the more famous Flaine in a north-facing position, meaning that snow (when it falls) tends to last pretty well here.

Barcelona

Discover the Secret Art Spaces of Alternative Barcelona

7 October, 2017

There has probably never been a more fascinating time to visit the beautiful city of Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalan district. While the Catalonian people are making their stand for independence, the artists of the city are expressing their passion and political position through a vibrant modern scene that is well worth exploring. The Catalan capital has always been a key destination for art and culture lovers, with its stunning Gaudí architecture, Picasso Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of National Catalonian Art. And while these are all still great places to visit, if you want to

Skiing Shenanigans in St. Anton am Arlberg

6 October, 2017

There’s nothing quite like a ski holiday in an authentic Austrian village, and with its narrow streets, wood beamed buildings and historic onion-domed church, St. Anton am Arlberg certainly fits the bill. But there is much more on offer here for a young, lively crowd than just a picture-perfect resort – St. Anton is also famous for its excellent skiing, vibrant nightlife and a good restaurants and bar scene. A Whole Range of Skiing Located in a region that’s known as ‘Europe’s snowiest area’, one thing you can rely on in St. Anton is the snow. But while nearby resorts

Athletic Adventures in Los Cristianos

5 October, 2017

If you think that Tenerife on Spain’s Canary Islands is just about sea and sun, then you obviously haven’t visited Los Cristianos with kids. From beautiful, family-friendly beaches to diving, hiking and a range of high-octane water sports, there’s loads here for families who are looking for a more adventurous getaway. I must confess that my perfect holiday is a week of lying in the sun with the occasional dip in the sea. But when I travel with my kids, I have to remember that lying still for any length of time is their idea of hell! So, as a

Calella

Laidback, Lazy and Lovely! The Best Family Friendly Beaches of Lassi

12 September, 2017

With its quiet family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful stretches of soft golden sand and great facilities, Lassi is the perfect destination for a family holiday. The purpose-built resort on the picturesque island of Kefalonia – one of the Ionian Islands of Greece ­– stretches out along the coast just below the island capital of Argostoli. Built to make the most of some of Kefalonia’s most beautiful coastline, it is its proximity to the charming capital, and the island’s airport, that is one of the things I love most when travelling here with kids. When I travel with my little ones, I usually

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