Great ski resorts for families

When you travel with children, there is the added pressure heaped on parents to make sure that their holiday will be one that they can boast to their school friends about, and one that they will remember fondly for years to come. This means that it’s imperative you pick a ski destination that has adequate facilities for a family stay.

The Italians are well known for their love of family, so it should come as little surprise that some of the best ski destinations for families can be found in Italy. Selva in the Dolomites has an extremely good reputation for its family-friendly facilities, and the scenery in the Italian Alps is stunning to boot.

There are also a number of fantastic French resorts that cater for children very well, and they are easy to seek out thanks to the ‘Familie Plus’ label that the French government ascribes to family friendly resorts – stand out destinations include Grand Massif and La Tania.

The best ski resorts for beginners

The stunning slopes of Austria can be an excellent choice for first time skiers. There are many resorts with nursery slopes. Obergurgl is beautiful village set within the Austrian Alps, and is the perfect starting point for any skiing novice. Its ski schools have a great reputation, so you can feel confident that if you choose Obergurgl, you will be in safe hands. And when you feel like some downtime from skiing, you can also engage in other fun activities such as ice skating, tobogganing, and even indoor golf.

Perfect ski destinations for advanced skiers

Anybody who is serious about their skiing and wants to really push themselves needs to book a flight to Switzerland, to pay a visit to Zermatt in particular. The snow here is great, and there is even the opportunity to take a helicopter ride to the glacier where advanced skiers can really challenge themselves by skiing through an icy ravine – a truly ‘one of a kind’ skiing experience. And it doesn’t hurt that the restaurants in this town are superb.

Orlando has many more attractions than the ones that immediately spring to mind such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios and Epcot. Why not throw caution to the wind and leap onto a zip wire at Gatorland? Here you’ll come close to alligators, as well as an array of other animals native to Florida. Orlando also has a Grand Prix karting track, which adults and kids alike will enjoy whizzing around for hours. Fancy life in the slow lane? Relax and unwind in a luxury Orlando spa, offering a range of beauty treatments including magical massages, perfect pedicures and fantastic facials.

When you’ve enjoyed the attractions, head to one of the amazing shopping malls which are home to hundreds of shops all under one roof. There are a few to choose from in Orlando, including a huge designer outlet where you can snap up a range of bargains on top label garments. When the sun goes down, the pace hots up in Orlando with lots to choose from. Why not try a themed dinner show, or take in the excitement at La Nouba by Cirque De Soleil located in Lake Buena Vista?

Lake Buena Vista holidays are the perfect location for all the Disney action, the shopping malls and the alternative attractions mentioned here. There are some fantastic hotels and villas to choose from, all within minutes of the thrills and spills of Orlando. Lake Cain Hills is another popular location, home to Universal Studios. Wherever you choose to stay, you are guaranteed one holiday that you will never forget…

So you’ve decided to take your first skiing trip and booked your holiday, but what’s next? Allianz ski insurance is a great starting point and many companies will offer insurance specifically aimed at those who are heading for the slopes. Depending on your holiday package you may also need to buy or borrow ski clothing before you leave . A waterproof jacket, trousers, gloves and hat are all necessities, whilst thermals and a second pair of socks are great optional extras.

Good-quality ski equipment is often available for rental at the ski resort , but it’s a good idea to check when you book; some ski holiday packages will offer discounted hire rates if booked in advance . Being a first time skier, you’re likely to be provided with a standard pair of skis, but ski boots are a little more complicated . It’s important that your boots are comfortable; too big and you’ll struggle to avoid obstacles, too small and you’ll spend the evenings soaking your feet in the bath. If your ski holiday package doesn’t provide boots for you, a number of UK ski shops will happily help you to find the right pair and fit them before you buy.

So you’ve booked your holiday, found ski insurance and assembled equipment, but you still don’t know how to ski. Fear not, ski resorts offer ski schools for nervous beginners where they’ll happily show you the ropes for one morning, one day or the entirety of your holiday if you prefer. Some ski instructors require booking in advance so it’s always worth checking with the resort before you leave home .

Of course, it can also be helpful to get ahead while on home soil. There are a number of UK snow centres that provide taster sessions and courses on real snow slopes. A few lessons before your trip can help you quell those first-run nerves and have you hitting the slopes with confidence.

Taking time out from the hustle and bustle of everyday life is ideal no matter what the time of year, and the Christmas season is no different. Put some money aside for a break for you and your loved ones – after all, the memories of a trip to the Big Smoke last longer than stocking fillers and the latest toys.

A break in the capital doesn’t need to cost a fortune, either. You can find cheap deals with Travelodge giving you ample choice of accommodation, whether it’s in the centre of London or a little further afield. Remember, the further out you stay, the chances are it’ll get cheaper for you. Staying in Battersea, for example, offers cheaper rates whilst being a stone’s throw away from the action. Excellent Tube links mean you can be in the city centre in minutes, with a healthier purse.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland

From mid November, the vast Hyde Park is transformed into a wintery paradise for all to enjoy. Entry to the park is free, as always, but added attractions are ticketed if you wish to make the most of everything. From the traditional Christmas markets showcasing festive fare and handcrafted gifts, to the Magical Ice Kingdom, there is plenty to see and do to keep the whole family entertained.

Scrooge the Musical

Tommy Steele stars as the infamous miser, Scrooge, in this hit musical – presented by the London Palladium until early January 2013. A performance that will ensure the Christmas spirit has well and truly arrived, Scrooge the Musical is heartwarming, fun and family friendly – a perfect show full of magic and traditional Dickens entertainment.

Southbank Christmas Markets

Running between the end of November and Christmas Eve, the traditional Christmas markets will line the streets of the Southbank. Peruse the stalls and enjoy a stroll in the crisp winter air before enjoying a hot toddy or mulled wine. The culinary delights that can be purchased here are wonderful, as are the handcrafted wares that would make marvellous additions to any Christmas shopping list.

Aladdin at the O2

Presented in the purpose built theatre under the canopy of the O2 Arena, the classic Aladdin pantomime will be shown between the 7th December and the 5th January 2013. Starring none other than the fabulous Lily Savage as Widow Twankey, Aladdin – A Wish Come True offers its viewers a traditional panto in a unique environment for this limited season.

Enchanted Christmas House

A perfect excursion for those with children, the Enchanted Christmas House, Islington, is an ultimate visit to Santa Claus with a whole host of added extras. Bake gingerbread in the kitchen or make some presents with the little elf helpers; enjoy a meal with the family before heading for the adorned grotto and seeing the big man for a Christmas gift.

Book your budget break to London this Christmas and enjoy some of the fantastic festivities. Stay further out from the city centre and benefit from some fabulous savings with Travelodge.

If you’re looking for a culturally heavy cruise journey, then choose to travel through Europe. You can sample the heat of the Mediterranean, the ancient history of Greece, and the chilly fairytale north. For UK citizens, you can sail straight from a British port, without having to fly across the world to start your cruise.

Image: eGuide Travel

Northern Europe

This is the cold land where the Old Gods ruled and empires rose and fell under the weight of warhammers. Further south, there is the temple of Poseidon, looking out from a headland at the sea. Upwards, you will find the romantic canals of Venice and the gorgeous cathedrals of Spain. Touch the wild beauty of the Edinburgh cliffs and visit large cities of ancient worlds. There’s no shortage of renowned landmarks and spellbinding castles to see.

Fall in love in Paris, go shopping, and enjoy French cuisine. You haven’t experienced Paris properly until you’ve enjoyed a smooth glass of wine in a café and watched the world go by. Enjoy a pint of Guinness in Dublin and explore the mysterious streets of Copenhagen, where fairytale writer, Hans Christian Andersen, once lived.

Image: xiquinhosilva

Norway and the Fjords

For some truly amazing scenery, the Norwegian Fjords are unmissable. You’ll be able to explore the northern most part of the world, stopping off in ice encrusted towns and marvelling at the natural beauty and quiet. This may even offer you up an opportunity to see the northern lights for the first time – something many people only ever dream of!

Image: Oskar Seljeskog

Eastern Europe

For a hotter cruise journey, take on the Mediterranean and Asian borders, where you can shop around the frantic, but rich in culture, city of Istanbul. At the Turkish port, Kusadasi, you can explore the breathtaking, ancient city of Ephesus. These ruins are in remarkable preservation, with pillared streets, theatres, baths and temples, hinting at a world and culture long gone. In Athens, you can marvel at the vast Acropolis – this journey is a history-lover’s dream.

Image: Esther Lee

You may even find yourself making stops in the archaeologically beautiful Egypt, so you have a variety of ancient cultures to immerse yourself in. You won’t leave this cruise without a wealth of knowledge, so if you want to learn more about ancient civilisations, this trip is for you.

Iberia

If you really want to sun yourself this holiday, Iberia offers a unique chance to explore the year-round sun of the Canary Islands and the humidity of Bilbao, which holds the famous Guggenheim Museum (not the NY one!). The Canary Islands afford sumptuous, sandy beaches and stunning scenery. However, most people look forward to Madeira, with its opulent gardens, volcanic caves, and charming villages. After this, you even have the modern Lisbon to look forward, with its must-see Old Quarters and lively culture.

Image: Albert Torelló

Whilst a cruise round Europe might not spring to mind when you first look into going on a cruise, there are some wonderful places to visit. You can compare prices at www.cruise.co.uk. Whichever one you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Europe has so much to offer, so book yourself in for an unforgettable journey and bon voyage!

It’s time for our roundup of the best travel blog posts to grace out screens this week. Making the selection this time around is Greg O’Hara, a writer and second year English Literature student based in Leeds.

Best for Adventure

Image: Rob Young

Andi Perullo: My Beautiful Adventures, Puerto Dominca & Dominica

Andi Perullo is, without doubt, living the dream. She has entitled her blog My Beautiful Adventures and trust me, she isn’t lying. This post turns is all about her travels in Puerta Rico and Dominica; vibrant and enchanting places, as portrayed through her exhilarating writing, beautiful pictures and homemade videos of her travelling alongside a pod of dolphins. Andi writes with passion, conclusively favouring her travelling for a diamond necklace. Be warned, the passion communicated in her writing is catching!

Best for Photography

Image: Marcel Grieder

Tery Ratcliff: Stuck in Customs, Burning Man festival

I really have quite the soft spot for photography; there are not many forms of expression that can truly encapsulate the majesty of the world in which we live but Stuck in Customs is a photography blog that seeks to, and achieves, this aim. This post focuses on the Burning Man festival in the Black Rock desert, Nevada, USA. In only six pictures Trey Ratcliff gives us a taste of a world many of us have never seen in a way that words would struggle to describe. The images are vibrant, colourful and oh so interesting; of the people, of the sights and sounds of the festival. It’s an all out beautiful attack on the senses.

Best for Travel Tips

Image: Bryce Mcglone

Nomadic Matt: Why You Have More Time to Travel Than You Think

You’ve always wanted to go travelling right? Never had the time though? Well never fear because Nomadic Matt is on hand to dish out some helpful advice on how to optimise your free time, however little you have, in order to travel. His advice has been featured on the BBC, National Geographic and CNN and his advice is born from his experience and passion for travelling. This engaging and humorous post argues that even if you work in a 9 to 5 office job you can still dedicate time to travelling. It’s light hearted and compelling but not patronising with Matt weaving the argument throughout that “exploration can happen anywhere for any length of time.” Truth be told, I find it hard to find any ground on which to dispute him.

Best for Story Telling

Image: Jonathan Beard

Dave and Deb: The Planet D, Mushroom Hunters with Chef Francesc Rovira

“Canada’s Adventure Couple” Dave and Deb started their travel blog ThePlanetD in order to inspire travellers the world over. Their latest post on mushroom hunting in Spain is a prime example of the boldly passionate and simultaneously entertaining entries they post. Their story is humorous and inspiring enough to make, I’m sure, even the strictest mushroom haters grab their baskets. It’s so brilliantly refreshing to read a blog straight from the heart of two people so obviously passionate about what they do.

Best for Alternative Travel

Image: Amanda Govaert

Nancy: Family on Bikes, How to dream the impossible

The Vogels of Family on Bikes have cycled 17,300 miles from Alaska to Argentina, a world record. This post is a masterclass in motivational prose, and the advice offered can be applied to life in general, not just travelling. It discusses the nature of our harboured ambitions, how they won’t come true overnight, how we have to work for what we want and how good it is when we get it. Now, where is that bicycle pump?

]]> http://www.headingthere.co.uk/Blog/2012/10/this-weeks-best-travel-blog-posts-2/feed/ 4 http://www.headingthere.co.uk/Blog/2012/10/this-weeks-best-travel-blog-posts/ http://www.headingthere.co.uk/Blog/2012/10/this-weeks-best-travel-blog-posts/#comments Wed, 03 Oct 2012 09:24:32 +0000 admin http://www.headingthere.co.uk/Blog/?p=1810

This Week’s Best Travel Blog Posts

‘Hooray’, I hear you cry! (or was that me?) It’s time for our weekly roundup of the best travel blog-posts to grace our screens this week. It’s been a while, but HeadingThere have some shiny new writers this month, so we wanted to find out what makes them tick. Welcome to our new writers, Greg and Tessa, who have selected some travelicious treats for your digestion this week.

Best for Adventure

Image: Rob Young

Tessa: Escape Artiste’s ‘Making Ourselves at Home in Cihangir, Istanbul’

I can’t help but feel admiration for those people who throw caution to the wind and get out into the world. That’s exactly what Theodora has chosen to do with her 11 year old son, Zac. This post about their adventures in Istanbul is Amazing (yes, with a capital A)! I can’t help but wish my parents had been this adventurous whilst I was growing up.

Greg: The Professional Hobo, ‘Returning to and Redeeming London’

Just as the title says, Canadian Nora Dunn was able to redeem her view of a city that had baffled her in the past, and this post is essential reading for those who feel London has lost its identity as a staple British city. She’s captures the multicultural buzz and London’s unique ability to break down language barriers. Top notch writing!

Best for Photography

Image: Marcel Grieder

Tessa: Ordinary Traveler

Creators and professional photographers Christy Woodrow and Scott Calafiore have really captured that essence of what it truly means to travel. I could spend hours on this page just soaking up all of the beauty available. Treat yourself- have a look.

Greg: The Planet D, ‘Antelope Canyon – a Photo Essay’

 These photographs of Antelope Canyon do the talking in this photo essay from Canada’s inseparable travel duo. Rich in otherworldly colour and depth, each is like a surreal paintings; I was unsure how real they were until closer examination. In the final image, the canyon appears to have faces hidden in its walls- its historic personality is expertly captured.

 Best for Travel Tips

Image: Bryce Mcglone

Tessa: Budget Travel Adventures

Informative and with an easily understandable format, this site offers incredible tips for travellers. I’ve not come across many who seem better informed and more experienced than blogger Jeremy Branham. Particularly enjoyed the post on travelling around Santa Fe- Jeremy seems to have thought of it all! Well worth taking a glance at, especially if you’re thinking about heading off somewhere soon:

Greg: Y Travel Blog, ‘43 Travel Tips for First Time Travellers’

The summer might be over, but this bank of tips will be useful for any type of traveller at any time of year. Flowing with digestible information that’s easy to remember, readers can take their pick from the 43 hints on offer from Eastern Australia’s Caz and Craig. There’s also a giggle or two to be found, which never goes amiss.

 Best for Story Telling

Tessa: Fevered Mutterings Porto & Elsewhere

Let’s face it. Hearing about other people’s holidays/trips runs a rather large risk of getting old pretty quickly. Unless, of course, the person telling the tales is Mike Sowdon… in which case, it’s hilarious and endlessly entertaining. Just reading the tagline of Mike’s travel blog ‘Fevered Mutterings’ which declares: “I came, I saw, I suffered Immensely” made me smile. This blog, in particular this post, is one of the funniest, most interesting travel posts I’ve come across, and I advise anyone with a sense of humour and an interest in travel to take a look.

Greg: The Everywhereist, ‘The Boston Duck Tours’

 No one should ever take themself too seriously – they’ll miss out on some unexpected fun if they do, as this former copywriter discovered on one of the Boston Duck Tours. Sometimes, it’s best to let a former World War 2 vehicle filled with many other tourists do the walking for you, and in return you’ll get a fantastic view of a city.

 Best for Alternative Travel

Tessa: Go See Write I Do Believe in Magic- Sorta

Travelling is tricky enough at the best of times. You’ve got to get organised, plan routes, book tickets… so imagine getting to your destinations without flying. At all. That’s exactly what Michael Hodson set out to do. His blog chronicles his journeying across the globe without leaving the ground, and is filled with new modes of transportation- just to make it that little bit more challenging. His posts reveal just how passionate he is about travel, and provide us with handy references to interesting reading material. Oh, and the Ultimate Train Challenge looks incredible!

Greg: Fluent in 3 Months, ‘Learning Egyptian Arabic to Fluency in 3 Months…in Brazil!…’

Learning Egyptian Arabic, by going to Brazil and studying through French? What?! Equal parts blogger and vlogger, Irishman Benny Lewis takes on an ambitious adventure that’s full of amusing twists. His high-energy on screen persona comes across brilliantly in his engaging writing.

1. St. Augustine: St. Augustine is a historical Spanish settlement situated in the northeast section of Florida. The city was settled in 1565 by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, and is considered the oldest city in America. Downtown, tourists can enjoy the quaintness of the old city by visiting the fort as well as St. George street, a cobblestone street filled with candy shops, delectable restaurants, and secluded Spanish patios. All of this can be enjoyed with the addition of one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches.

Photo credited to Marianne Muegenburg Cothern

2. The Springs: The Florida aquifer has given Florida residents some of the most stable and purest water sources in the world. It has also given them dozens of cold, crystal clear springs to dive into during the hot months of Florida summer. Such springs include Ginnie Springs, Itchetucknee Springs State Park, Rainbow River, Fanning Springs, and Blue Springs.

3. Miami Beach Nightlife: For the young at heart, the nightclubs of Miami Beach rival some of the best nightlife experiences in the world. Luxurious, exclusive, and sexy are words that come to mind for nightclubs such as LIV, Mansion, and Club Space. LIV, arguably rated the best club in the world right now, is where the world’s most rich and famous come to party.

Photo credited to Daniel Ray

4 Gator Football Game: The University of Florida, located in the small town of Gainesville, Florida, is one of the Nation’s most reputable football schools in the country. Having won National Championships in 2007-2008, the stadium has been enlarged to accommodate nearly 100,000 screaming and adoring fans. If you’re looking for one of the most passionate and exciting sporting experience in the country, a Gator football game is where you’ll find it.

5. Disney World: Of course, what would a Florida vacation be without a trip to the world famous Walt Disney World Resort. With 4 Theme parks, 2 water parks, 23 themed resorts and hotels, several golf courses, and plenty of night life, Disney World truly has something for everyone.

Photo credited to richardstep.com

Written by Stevie Uribe

Machu Picchu, Peru- a lost city high above, Machu Picchu survived the Spanish occupation of the Americas and still today, remains a complete mystery as to why and what it was really built for. Millions journey across the world to partake in a 3 day trek along the famous Inca trail to view the ancient city built upon a mountain. After a rigorous journey, you wipe the sweat away, the mists clear, and the sun comes up over the mountains to reveal the awe inspiring Machu Picchu. You have one of those moments in life that takes your breath away.

Photo credited to Tom Grydeland

Ankor Wat, Cambodia- The largest religious structure in the world, Ankor Watt clearly was the blueprint for what all other grand places of worship aspired to be. The following, (and some previous) Ankorian kings also didn’t lack that creative flair, as it seemed to be a game of who can build the biggest and best temple in the area. They all achieved their architectural goals. This is a set of temples that encourages the inner explorer and makes you want to run around pretending you’re Indiana Jones.

Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA – as far as Canyons go, it isn’t the longest, widest or deepest. But somehow the Colorado River has done a fine job in creating what is one of the most famous and arguably the most beautifully sculptured natural wonders of the world. As the sun rises and falls, the canyon constantly changes colour and the deep purples and reds give way to the glow of orange and yellow, making it nothing but a pleasure to absorb what has been created before you over the last two billion years.

Photo credited to Just Mark

Franz Josef, New Zealand – located on the west coast of the southern island of New Zealand, glacier walking in Franz Josef is a unique experience. A place where ice really isn’t supposed to exist, it’s only 300 meters above sea level and surrounded by lush vegetation that thrives on a temperate climate. As you approach the glacier, fully equipped with crampons and a pick axe ready to take on this unworldly landscape, you enter the strikingly cold and blinding glacier to encounter an entirely different world where falling avalanches just add to the thrill.

Sipidan Diving, Borneo – Diving truly is exploring and seeing another world and diving around the Sipidan Island in Borneo is another world beyond that. The pure clear water allows you to see and swim with an abundance of coral and marine life. Huge green turtles 2.5 meters long, that have been part of this world for over 80 years float around while below; white tip reef sharks are darting around, their movements so quick and precise you truly realise why they are such intense creatures of the ocean. All of a sudden a huge school of barracuda have surrounded you in every direction you turn, just going about their day. A truly spectacular moment, Sipidan is every divers drea

Photo credited to Andy Stoll

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Tulum Beach – The Tulum Ruins have been a long-time favourite for travellers visiting the Yucatan but the beach in this popular backpacker town is quickly making a name for itself, too. Travellers seeking refuge from the Cancun tourist crowds find haven in the sandy beaches of Tulum. Boasting the Yucatan’s trademark white soft sand and turquoise waters, the beach is not yet overdeveloped and it is still a possibility to find the picture perfect palm tree shot so many wish to capture.

Coba Ruins –Surrounded by lush jungle and minimal landscaping, the Coba Ruins offer travellers the feel of discovery as towering trees create a natural cover for the differing ancient structures. Explorer types will find themselves “tomb raiding” through the ruins. From large pyramids to steles and ceremonial stones, a new surprise waits at every turn.

Akumal Bay –Nestled in between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Akumal Bay provides an experience travellers and divers seek all over the world – the opportunity to swim with turtles. A spectacular beach in itself, Akumal provides refuge to turtles throughout the year making turtle spotting convenient for snorkelers just off the beach.

Cenotes  – A natural wonder, Cenotes are giant sinkholes that have manifested themselves into stunning rock formations home to freshwater bodies of water. Adventure seeking travellers will find the underwater cave diving in cenotes to be quite the thrill. The lengthy internal cave system makes for a unique diving experience. In one specific cenote, fresh water and salt water meet to create an impressive illusion – divers claim to feel as if their floating in space.

Cozumel Island – Tourists hoping to find the perfect beach spot during their time in the Yucatan need to look no further than Cozumel Island. A 30 minute boat ride from Playa del Carmen, Cozumel is a holiday destination in itself. White sand beaches and a perfectly blue ocean create the ideal beach experience and snorkelling aficionados will find the reef system superb. For those simply in the mood for relaxation – Cozumel is absolute perfection.

By Alex Jimenez