Ski with the Stars in Courchevel 1850: A 24-Hour Guide

Courchevel 1850 is the highest resort of the Courchevel ski area. With beautiful snow-covered pistes extending across three valleys in the French Alps, it boasts over 60 ski-lifts and 150 kilometres of pistes. It is set in an iconic landscape amidst gorgeous pine trees and beautiful scenery. Honestly, the view from the top of the mountain range is truly spectacular. While most people visit Courchevel 1850 for its extensive ski runs, it also boasts an array of up-market bars, fine-dining restaurants and stylish one-off boutiques which attract designer-clad visitors from across the globe. If you are only in Courchevel 1850

Ischgl

Gourmet Gastronomy in Ischgl: The Ultimate Foodie Guide

Over the past 20 years, Ischgl has established itself as one of Austria’s finest ski resorts. It is a celebration of traditional Tyrolean values with a modern and contemporary twist. The resort regularly hosts Top of the Mountain concerts with international stars, including Tina Turner, Elton John, Bob Dylan and Bon Jovi among others. It offers visitors over 230km of excellent ski pistes as well as luxurious accommodation, allowing it to be recognised as a world-class winter destination for anyone with refined tastes. In my mind the resort’s biggest selling point is its wide selection of independent gourmet restaurants that

Detox Destinations, Part 1: Ireland

Christmas may be over, but the memories – and leftover confectionery – linger. Instead letting those sugary goodies lure you into your pantry time and time again, do yourself a favour: put down the decadent treats and stop delaying your annual detox! Of course, you could do what you always do: eat more salad than a rabbit, hit the gym more often than a body builder, and grin and bear those post-Christmas blues. Or you can opt for the fun alternative: going on a holiday and exploring another country’s attractions and its healthy cuisine. Not only will sightseeing distract you

A Wet & Wild Family Holiday: Windsurfing in Costa Teguise

As Lanzarote’s third largest resort, Costa Teguise offers a range of family activities, including playing on the many beaches, riding the attractions at AquaPark, and visiting the Aquarium. There are also many touristy shops and a wide range of family-friendly hotels and restaurants. Mostly though, the resort is famous for its windy weather which makes it the perfect windsurfing destination. Costa Teguise is a paradise for aspiring windsurfers. Before you embark on your athletic adventures though, there are a few things you should do to prepare. Preparing to Windsurf Practice Swimming The best form of training is to swim regularly.

Catania

Catania Shore Excursions

The port city of Catania lies in the shadow of Mount Etna on the east coast of Sicily. Standing at more than 3300m, Etna is Europe’s largest and most active volcano which continues to erupt several times per year. Its most destructive eruption in 1669 destroyed many local villages and the lava flow caused some damage to buildings in Catania which lies 45km to the south-east of its crater. Following an earthquake in 1693 which destroyed the city, Catania was rebuilt using lava brick in the Baroque style which remains evident today. Cruise ship passengers visiting Catania are in for

Ancona

Ancona Shore Excursions

The city of Ancona on Italy’s north-east coast was originally settled by the Greeks as far back as 387 BC. Its role as an important seaport on the Adriatic was secured centuries later when the Roman Emperor Trajan developed its harbour in the 2nd Century AD so as to facilitate trade with Dalmatia. By the Middle Ages Ancona was a semi-independent maritime republic which established commercial ties with the Byzantine Empire whilst remaining on good terms with the Turks. As such it became an important trading post for commerce with the East. The city played an important role in both

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

7 European Cities to Enjoy in the Snow

No matter if you’re looking for an adventurous, romantic, lazy or educational getaway, you never have to look far in Europe. From world-class dining to untamed nature, our continent’s huge variety of sights, sounds and flavours never fail to enthral tourists from all over the world. But while many visitors opt for a summer holiday and avoid the dead of winter, the brave who go against the flow are rewarded: many cities actually become more scenic and exciting when Jack Frost pays Europe a visit. Don’t believe us? Let’s break the ice and convince you with Wimdu’s neat infographic, which

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

crete

A Family Holiday in Stalis, Crete

Stalis is located on the coast of family-friendly Crete near the town of Heraklion. As it is the quieter of the three main resorts in Crete, it is very popular among British holidaymakers. Its lovely beachfront boasts sandy shores and stunning blue waters, while its restaurants, hotels and entertainment are all family-friendly. There is also an array of child-orientated activities that will keep the kids busy, including thrilling water sports and fascinating aquarium tours. Fun at the Beach Stalis offers a gorgeous display of clear waters and soft white sand. Gently shelving, its shallow waters make it perfect for families

Geneva

24 Hours in Montreux

Montreux is a quaint town snuggled between Lake Geneva’s shores and the snow-covered Swiss Alps. Famous for its brilliant Jazz Festival, it attracts over 200,000 visitors in the first two weeks of July alone. For the rest of the year, it’s much less crowded, but there’s still plenty to do on a 24-hour trip. Day One Morning: Cereal, Coffee and Charming Castles To make the most of your trip, you’ll need plenty of energy. To start your day right, enjoy a traditional Swiss breakfast of fresh bread with butter and marmalade or crunchy cereal and yoghurt. There is an array

Hersonissos

Start Planning Your Summer Sizzler on Star Beach in Hersonissos

As the days get shorter, the temperature begins to drop down to single figures and January exams loom, why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking your summer getaway now? There’s nothing like a light at the end of the dark tunnel of the winter months to get us through those grey skies and biting cold. Believe me, the party resort of Hersonissos on the Greek island of Crete will shine quite a light.

Ski

Go the Distance: Cross Country Skiing in Seefeld in Tirol

If you and your family are looking for a slightly different winter sports challenge this year, but can’t bear to give up the fresh air and stunning Alpine views of previous ski holidays, then you should seriously consider cross country skiing. Nordic skiing (as opposed to the Alpine variety which is basically about pointing your skis downhill and going as fast as you can) is a wonderful way to explore the beautiful mountain landscapes at a slower pace.