Ski Resorts in Europe

Ski Resorts in Europe

Each year more and more of us seek that uniquely pleasurable feeling that comes with a holiday in one of Europe’s leading ski resorts. However, probably unlike the case in North America, a large emphasis of having a skiing holiday in Europe is placed on the social, as well as sporting, facilities that the resort has. What’s more, with ever increasing numbers of us now having the means to enjoy both a winter and summer break, booking your winter skiing holiday early has become even more pressing. The following are 5 skiing resorts in Europe considered to be among the best in the world – and are widely regarded as being the best in Europe:

* Chamonix Mount-Blanc, France
Located at the foot of Europe’s tallest mountain (Mount-Blanc at a height of 15,771ft), Chamonix ranks a common mention in any list of the “world’s most elite skiing resorts” -especially among the French. As the home of the first ever Winter Olympics, in 1924, there has to be a lot said about this fantastic resort: and the resort lives up to its name by having both the longest vertical drop (9209 ft) and the world’s longest ski-runs (13.7 miles). Chamonix is certainly a good choice resort for the serious snow freak and the well-heeled. Which is not to say that you cannot go and enjoy the ski-run and stay in nearby cheaper accommodation and watch from afar as the rich and famous go about their business in the many boutiques located here. Certainly a place for people watching!

* Cortina, Italy
One of the world’s first purpose built ski resorts, Cortina is where the 1956 Winter Olympic Games were held. Although this may lead you to think that Cortina is now an outdated resort, in fact nothing could be further from the truth. Like many other ski resorts in the Alps, the resort centres around a pedestrian street with lots of shopping arcades, restaurants and other pleasure activities. For the serious skier among you, this resort has a number of ski runs, ranging from the basic to the professional, of a rich quality.

* Kitzbulhel, Austria
People have been skiing in the scenic resort of Kitzebulhel since 1892, making this one of Europe’s oldest skiing towns. Although this resort is neither particularly lively, nor particularly popular among the trendier younger age groups, the “Pearl of the Alps” (as it is affectionately known) is a popular choice among the more serious skier and those looking for a holiday combination of serious scenic sightseeing and gentle skiing. Kitzbulhel would also be a good choice skiing resort for the first-time skier looking to take things at a little more leisurely pace.

* St. Moritz, Switzerland
Mention to anyone that you are considering going on a skiing holiday in Europe and the name St. Mortiz is going to crop up. Home to the Winter Olympics of 1928 and 1948, St. Moritz has been the European ski resort of choice almost since its first visitors (two Englishmen) ventured there in 1864. Today the resort is equally famous for its Cresta Run and the array of 5-star hotels located here. For the more adventurous of you, the frozen lake in St. Moritz doubles up as a golf course during the winter!

* Zermatt, Switzerland
What can be said about Zermatt that has not already been said! Probably one of the world’s most famous ski resorts, Zermatt is actually an extremely peaceful ski resort to visit. In part, the reason for Zermatt’s relaxed and peaceful atmosphere has to do with the fact that automobiles are not allowed in the ski resort. However, the fact that most visitors to Zermatt elect to stay at the more popular nearby skiing resorts of St. Mortiz or Gstaad, and come over to Zermatt for a day visit, also plays a large part in this. Certainly an ideal skiing resort to come to if you have a young family as there are, in the surrounding areas, activities other than skiing. It would also make a good location for a quick romantic skiing break.

Plan Your Road Trip

Plan Your Road Trip

I had to plan a road trip. I thought I had a few weeks of boring work ahead of me. Wrong! As I laid out our itinerary and began to look closer and deeper into the areas we would visit, I began to get excited.

We were going to take a car trip, to the Northwest, starting in early May. We had no set plans and no motel reservations. We hoped to stay off the interstate as much as possible, fish at some trout streams, and try to see a lot of the western U.S..

I started the planning at our local AAA office where I got a roadmap of the US. Using two ‘scenic roads’ books I have as guides, I took a highlighter and marked the scenic routes on the map.

Using the internet, books and articles, I traveled along the route I had highlighted. I ‘checked out’ small towns, ‘toured’ museums, and ‘stayed’ at elegant bed and breakfasts. As I continued my research, I discovered many special places. I began to wonder how many more unique places could I find? As time went on, I began to get worked up with excitement in the planning.

A relaxing trip meant we needed to get a good idea of how much our daily mileage should be. We didn’t want to end up driving while tired. And we also didn’t want to rush through areas. While it’s pretty easy to calculate mileage on an interstate, it can be hard figuring mileage for secondary roads, the kind we hoped to take a lot of. For help with this, I used the Triptik® tool at the AAA website. I was able to get the needed mileage information and also information about roads and mountain passes that could still be closed in the late spring/early summer.

After weeks of planning, we packed the car and got on the road. Did we keep to the plan? Not 100%. We were tempted off our route by the signs for Promontory Point, Craters of the Moon National Park and the Birds of Prey Center to mention just a few. And let’s not forget the trout streams we passed that just about hollered ‘FISH ME!’ And, of course, the time needed to walk that great beach we found.

Our trip took 4 days long than the originally planed, putting over 10,000 miles on the car. It was a great trip and now I’m working on one to take us to the Southwest.

See London on a River Thames Boat Cruise

See London on a River Thames Boat Cruise

Many people associate the idea of a boat cruise with visions of the Caribbean, or cruising around New York Harbor to get a look at the Statue of Liberty and Lower Manhattan. Now however, more and more people are becoming aware of the fact that a River Thames boat cruise is a great way to see all of the great sights that there are in the city of London.

If you are planning a trip to London then maybe you should give some consideration to booking a day trip on the River Thames as there are trips of this type of all sizes that are available for the curious traveler. They range in size from a small speed boat trip, to twelve person tour boats, up to larger passenger cruise boats that can accommodate as many as a hundred people.

The larger boats even come equipped with complete dining facilities and can easily host a complete wedding or corporate party. If you have never been on a day cruise on the River Thames then you may be missing out on an experience that will leave you with memories to last a life time.

They are surprisingly affordable and easy to book and the boarding accommodations are fantastic and these are just a few of the reasons that more and more people are choosing to make a day cruise on the River Thames part of their London travel itinerary.

Along with all of the wonderful sights along the river Thames you are treated to a history lesson that covers the hundreds of years of rich history that took place all long the River Thames by the experienced guides and river pilots that will lead your excursion. Because London was built up along the river Thames you will be amazed at all there is to see of the city by boat.

Where to go in London

Where to go in London?

Are you in the mood for love this Christmas? Do you fancy taking your sweetheart for a romantic break to London?  Maybe your thinking of popping that all important question? There is no better place to spend the day and to propose than in the London. You will be spoilt for places to visit, restaurants to eat in. If your lady friend is a shopaholic then what better way to sweeten her up by taking her shopping in London.  She will be in her element and be spoilt for choices of where to go.

You could head straight for the famous Oxford street which stretches about one and a half miles.  Apparently it is said to be the busiest shopping street in Europe.  You will find most of the big departments stores like Selfridges and John Lewis.

Regent street has a wide range of shops on offer including Lacoste, Jaeger, French connection and burberry to name a few.  You will also find plenty of coffee shops eateries for when you need to recharge.

Just behind Regent Street in the area of north Soho is the hip Carnaby Street which has undergone some changes in recent years. With lots of new independent stores, signature boutiques the place is buzzing with style.

If shoes are her thing, you will want to head to Convent Garden. She will be spoilt for choice with a great selection of shoe shops and fashion outlets, plus you could also watch some of the famous  street entertainment.

If shopping doesn’t tickle her fancy why not take her to visit some of London’s famous attractions like Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the London Eye, Westminster Abbey or maybe some of numerous museums such as the natural history museum.

Staying in London isn’t a problem and you will also be spoilt for choice.  Whether you want a top 5 star hotel or a basic B & B there are plenty to chose from. If you fancy splashing the cash you could stay in The Crowne Plaza London St James. It is a luxurious hotel with its own tranquil courtyard, and is only five minutes from Buckingham Palace. It is a four-star deluxe hotel which combines the best central London location with supremely comfortable accommodation. Prices start from ?199 per night.

You might like to stay somewhere less pricey like the The Mabledon court hotel. Prices start from ?45 per room. The hotel is a comfortable and friendly and you will be met with a smile. The hotel is located in the heart of London’s Bloomsbury district. Kings cross St Pancreas, Euston, Russell Square and Euston Square are all located only a few minutes’ walk away. The hotel offers comfortable single and double bedded accommodation. All rooms have en suite facilities, colour television, direct dial telephones, hairdryer, coffee and tea making facilities and free wireless internet facilities. There is a pretty lounge for the exclusive use of guests and friends.

Kensington is a great location and has a great selection of budget hotels which are all in easy walking distance of many great London attractions.

Whatever you choose to visit in London you are bound to have a great time.  And if you do propose to the love of your life and she says yes, remember a wife isn’t just for Christmas it’s for life.