Skiing extravaganza in the Sierra Nevadas...

There are the traditional, fun-filled, family ski weekends where Europeans head out in droves to their favourite mountain and ski resort in order to get out and enjoy all the things Mother Nature has to offer in the way of snow-packed fun. Sometimes the snow-packed destination is not always so fun-filled, due to a lack of fresh powder, which, let’s face it, is the reason you are there to begin with.  

Europe is host to more than 30 of the top ski resorts in the world, which should make finding a powder packed peak relatively easy. However, if you are of the adventurous type and wish to explore a little further from home for your next holiday, check out Sierra Nevada.  

To be more precise, check out Mammoth Mountain Resort. Ski enthusiasts may already know that in December 2010 this ski resort was noted for having the most snow on the planet. By the end of that particular ski season, which ended in July 2011, yes skiing in July, the resort had recorded 661 inches of snow. Much of the credit for the over abundance of this white powder went to climate phenomenon known as La Nina.  

The area is expecting a repeat of this record snowfall during its next ski season, making Mammoth Mountain Resort one of the most sought after ski destinations, at least in North America. This could be a great time to wax your skis or snow board, dig out those hard to walk in boots and book your ticket. The resort itself covers more than 3,500 acres of skiable area; while the mountain offers up an exhilarating 3,100 ft drop. Add in several hundred inches of deep, fresh snow and you are destined to experience the ski adventure of a lifetime.

Romantic luxury holidays...

Long deemed one of the most romantic places on earth, any destination in the Indian Ocean will have you and your partner simply melting in romance. If you are looking for creative ideas on a spectacular setting, check out Mauritius and the Maldives, both renowned for their romantic surroundings.

Maldives

Maldives holidays are certainly not to be forgotten, at least not any time soon. This exquisite group of islands are pure bliss and continue to attract couples looking for relaxation and tranquillity set in a unique environment featuring breathtaking scenery. Enjoy evening strolls along white moonlit beaches, yacht trips across the lagoon, shopping in one of their quality jewellery shops or ocean fishing trips. Some of the sights not to be missed include the Grand Friday Mosque, the minaret mosques in Male and the Sultan’s Park, which is a great place for a hand-in-hand stroll.

Mauritius

Definitely a paradise best experienced as a couple, holidays to Mauritius is another romantic destination that is sure to impress. Special places to explore are Blue Bay or Bell Mare beach or hire a guide to take you to spectacular Tamarian Falls, where you can sneak in a romantic dip. There are also secluded beaches, such as Trou aux Biches, where glass bottom boat trips are available. During the day, explore the nearby island of Ile aux Cerfs or take a stroll through one of the numerous botanical gardens.

No matter what you choose to do or where you decide to go, romantic luxury holidays are only a creative thought away.

Visit the Northern Cayes of Belize...

The tranquil ocean waves lap at your feet as you sip on a cool, refreshing drink straight from a coconut shell. This is a typical occurrence in the beautiful islands off the eastern coast of Belize, and getting there is easier than you think.

International flights are offered directly to Belize city from all over the world. From there, travellers often arrange to go straight to the ferry dock or hop on smaller, local airlines to take them out to one of the cayes (islands). Each island has a distinctive feel and offers different types of holiday lodging.

Ambergris Caye is the largest of the islands. However, even the all-inclusive resorts are smaller and more intimate than what you might find along longer Caribbean coastlines. Ambergris Caye is known for having more of the up-scale restaurants, nightlife, and modern conveniences than some of the smaller islands. 

For a truly laid back experience, visitors may choose Caye Caulker. It is a 30 minute water taxi ride from Ambergris Caye, and here visitors can stay in private guesthouses or smaller hotels that fill the inhabited 1.6 kilometre space on the island. On Caye Caulker, most visitors are seen on the island at breakfast before heading out on a diving, kayaking, or fishing adventure for the day. Afterwards, settle in with the locals and all the other travellers on the beaches to share a sunset. 

If want to get even more off the beaten track head out to St. George’s Caye, where there is only one resort occupying the island. Goff’s Caye is untouched and if you want to stay overnight here you must bring your own camping equipment. Spanish Lookout Caye offers a ‘dolphin encounter’ experience for visitors and the chance to stay in a cabana over the water. Whatever your wishes for a tropical holiday, you are sure to find what you are looking for among the Northern Cayes of Belize.

Visit Québec for a Truly Unique North American Ex...

Québec offers the chance to experience a rich mixture of all things modern and historical in cities such as Montréal, Québec and Gatineau. As you stroll along the banks of the St. Lawrence River in these urban areas, you may witness the bold contrast between eighteenth-century architecture and contemporary street performers or artists. In Montréal, the world’s second-largest French-speaking city after Paris, you may experience all of the excitement and vitality of Parisian life distinguished by a remarkable Canadian style.

Outside of these bustling urban centres, there are spectacular natural wonders in the 27 natural parks in Québec that attract visitors all throughout the year. In the winter, ski resorts ranging in size from one chair-lift to larger-scale resorts such as Mont Tremblant offer panoramic vistas of the Laurentian Mountains. In addition, no winter holiday to Québec would be complete without an authentic sled dog ride throughout the snow-covered forests. In the warmer months, hunting, fishing, kayaking, and hiking are popular holiday activities. Whatever time you choose to visit Québec, there are an incredible array of activities and sights that await you.

Step back to the golden age of travel with a trans...

In the early days of travel there was nothing more glamorous than taking a transatlantic cruise, we are all aware of the most luxurious vessel that set sail on 10 April, one hundred years ago, back then it was the largest ship in the world and as it set sail from Southampton on its first transatlantic voyage to New York no one had any idea it would never make it. The ship is of course was the Titanic which hit an iceberg on 14 April 1912, at 11.40pm and sank three hours later with the loss of 1,500.

The Titanic was built to mark a golden age of travel, fortunately though people weren’t put off after the disaster with safety given priority and more were vessels built. Cruising became highly popular, especially with the rich who found the vessels to be very much a home away from home such was the grandeur of their design and interiors.

A voyage across the Atlantic Ocean on a cruise still remains to this day one of the world’s great cruise routes. Passengers enjoy the luxurious accommodation on offer, the leisure activities on board and the fact that there are few ports of call and for many it makes a change from getting a simple transatlantic flight from the UK to New York. A lot of travellers talk about the setting sail from Southampton out into the vast bleakness of the Atlantic Ocean, which can be exciting, terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time. It differs greatly from other cruises where you normally set out into glorious sunshine to tropical destinations.

Many cruise lines offer transatlantic cruises, including Royal Caribbean, NCL and many more and you can then depart further afield with these lines to, to the Caribbean and beyond. All ships are fully equipped with plenty of on board activities set in luxurious surroundings, none more so than the Cunard lines Regal ships, who offer the epitome of golden age travel.

Picture courtesy of estampemoderne

A volcanic hike for the adventurous...

The ‘ring of fire’ is not just a saying, nor is it only a song. The ‘ring of fire’ actually refers to an area that is located around the Pacific Rim, but which is most active near Indonesia, in the Pacific Ocean. This area is home to more than 40 volcanoes, hence the reference to it being the ‘ring of fire’ and is a wildly popular location for trekking.

In addition to hot sandy beaches and sunshine, Indonesia also has its share of hot volcanoes and lava that have many of the curious dying to explore. A guided tour through the best of Java will have you up close and personal with more than half a dozen live volcanoes. These incredibly adventurous trips also take trekkers up to Krakotoa, the remains of an enormous volcano that erupted in 1883, tearing the island into several pieces.

If this were not enough, have no fear, there is more. This guided tour, which lasts for around 18 days, also sees its thrill-seeking adventurers soaking in natural hot springs from their camp along the shores of Rakata’s Island and hiking straight up to peer inside craters. Depending on circumstance, natural circumstances that is, some of these volcanoes may be active. If this is the case it will give you a chance to see a volcano spewing hot, glowing lava.

These volcanoes also allow hikers to witness the lasting effects that the eruptions have, including steaming craters, hot mud pools, lava landscapes, fields of ash and even the turquoise lakes that are sometimes formed following an eruption.

Kings Cross hotels, London...

Located near the British Library, the London Canal Museum and the Camley Street Natural Park, Kings Cross is a popular spot for travellers and those looking for a holiday getaway. During your stay in London, you may want to stay in one of the luxurious Kings Cross hotels. Ranging from upscale and lavish to quaint and budget-friendly, there are plenty of hotels to choose from.

When selecting your hotel, consider your price range and the size of your group first. Parents and children will want a family hotel while couples or solo travellers might be more comfortable in smaller, cosier boutique style accommodation.  Bed and breakfasts are also a popular choice, particularly among travellers who want a more homely feel. 

To find the best deals on Kings Cross hotels, check out online travel agent websites specialising in London accommodation in the Kings Cross area. They frequently offer discounts and will let you know the best times of the year to book hotels at cheaper prices. Be sure to book in advance so your room will be ready and waiting when you arrive.

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint While Flying...

Even though you might live an environmentally-friendly lifestyle at home, how can you plan a green holiday, especially when you are flying to your final destination?  There are actually a handful of tips that can help your holiday become more energy efficient.  As an ordinary person, you can choose the type of aircraft, seating arrangement, and flight time to help go green this holiday.

Here’s how you can reduce your carbon footprint when flying on your next holiday.

Choose a Bigger Plane
Larger planes consume less fuel.  They also carry more people, so maximise the trip by flying on a larger plane.

Fly Airlines with Economy Class Seating
An airplane with a larger economy class section is going to be more energy-efficient.  Remember, the more passengers a plane can accommodate, the less fuel per person is used.

Take a Fuller Flight
Summertime flights are usually the most efficient since more people travel during those months.

Choose an Airline that also Transports Cargo
If an aircraft carries more than just people; the carbon footprint will be smaller.

Pick a Non-Stop Flight
The distance travelled is a big factor in your carbon footprint.

Cruise deals – a great way to see the world...

You have taken the plunge and decided to book a cruise and now is the time to search for the best cruise deals. Coupons, discounts and special offers are all very well, but perceptive travellers know there are plenty more ways to land a deal.

In January and February, cruise companies start booking for the coming holiday months. Cruise lines offer cheap rates, often the cheapest you will see all year and this is the ideal time to snap up that cruise you have always wanted.

The key to a cheap price is booking in advance. The closer to the departure date you book, the higher the price and the less chance you have of getting the type of cabin you prefer or securing good dining reservations. It is not uncommon for travellers to start booking cruises a year in advance and for exotic locations, you will need even more time. Booking early not only secures your spot on a popular cruise, but also gives you time to arrange for flights, visas and passports, as needed.

Travellers can score a lucky last minute deal by snatching up a cancelled reservation within 60 to 90 days before the departure. This period offers low rates, but there is no guarantee that a spot will open up or that you will like the available cabin. Still, for those who want to throw caution to the wind, searching for last-minute openings can lower the price tag considerably.

When you make your reservations, search on online travel agent websites. These sites offer special deals you may or may not find on the cruise line’s own website. They provide all the information you need and let you quickly compare deals between cruise lines, without doing the research yourself. This combination of deal hunting, planning and a little good luck will often get you a real deal on your holiday.

UK flights to Hawaii...

There are no direct flights between the UK and Hawaii. Travellers from the UK who want to explore the beaches, culture and natural wonders of Hawaii will have to travel via another country.  There are connecting flights from the UK to Hawaii from cities in Asia and North America.
 
Travellers can fly to Hawaii from the UK via New York.  Numerous airlines will fly between the UK and airports within the New York area.  These include John F Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International.  Continental, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic offer direct flights between Heathrow and Newark, allowing for a convenient connection without having to change airports.
 
Travellers can also fly via Los Angeles.  Continental Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and American Airlines fly from LA to Hawaii.  Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic and British Airways offer non-stop flights from LA to London.
 
Alternatively, a traveller can fly to Hawaii from the Haneda or Narita airports.  United Airlines, Japan Airlines, Hawaiian and Delta offer non-stop flights to Honolulu from Tokyo.  British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Japan Airlines and Al Nippon Airways all fly to Tokyo from London.