Après Ski

Feb 10, 2012 by blackbook

Après Ski is a French term that simply means ‘after skiing.’ While skiing is the name of the game on the mountain, at most skiing villages and resorts the fun does not stop when the mountain closes. This has become a very important factor that people consider when planning their ski holidays.

There are enough options to suit everybody. With some resorts offering early starts to the revelry, you can begin partying as early as four in the afternoon, then head out for some dinner and continue until four in the morning. Other mountains only begin to liven up well passed nine at night, allowing you plenty of time to regroup before starting the party. Some slopes will even have a bar positioned half way down, so that you can begin the party before you even finish the day’s skiing. Note though, you won’t be allowed back on the snow if you have had too much to drink, so you will need to pace yourself.

The surrounding villages are usually teeming with restaurants, bars, nightclubs and even casinos, so your options are limitless. Just remember that the later you get to bed, the harder it will be to get an early start on the mountain the next day.

Of course, if your prefer peace and quiet at night there are lots of ski resorts available with limited or no night life at all. Whatever you are looking for, it is important to do your research and know what your ski holiday is offering before you book.

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City breaks to London – Free things to do in the Capital

Jan 10, 2012 by blackbook

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in London, there are so many places to stay, whether you want to glam it up in a five star hotel or chill out in a cute little London bed and breakfast. With the underground it is really easy to get around no matter where you stay to see all the sights whether you’re staying in one of the many Kings Cross hotels or those situated near Canary Wharf.

It can be quite pricy to stay in London so it’s a good job there are plenty of things you can see and do for free:

London Parks and Gardens

These are great to explore, especially during the summer time and are great for families. There are plenty around as well, most people think that London is one built up mass, but that is not true, there are around 200 gardens, churchyards, parks and plazas across the Square Mile alone! The must see ones include, St James Park which offers views of Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens which next to each other have the Diana Memorial Playground and you can’t forget Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens in Regent’s Park.

Museums & Art Galleries

No matter where you are museums and art galleries are a great place to spend some quality time, for free. Like the rest of the UK all of London’s major museums and art galleries are free and normally open till late such as:

The Natural History Museum
National Gallery
British Museum
Tate Modern
Tate Britain
Victoria & Albert Museum
Science Museum
Museum of London

Street Markets

Some may argue street markets are not free, however if you don’t buy anything, then they will be! There are many street markets dotted around London and they offer a great insight into the areas. You will be able to find anything you want, ranging from fresh food and produce markets to clothes, bric-a-brac, antiques and flowers, plus a whole host more things to discover.  Some of the most famous London Markets include; Portobello Market, Camden Market, Greenwich Market and Petticoat Lane Market, plus many, many more!

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Travelling to Canada from the United Kingdom

Dec 8, 2011 by blackbook

Travelling to Canada can be a fun and exciting experience.  There are no travel restrictions for Canada, and approximately 724,000 British nationals visit the country each year.  Visitors should know Canada does get severe weather, including snowstorms and thunderstorms.  British visitors need a passport to enter the country, but they usually do not require a Visa.  If a visitor is going on to the United States, check ahead of time for entry requirements.

Driving in Canada

Canadian’s drive on the right side of the road, and international visitors do not need to use an international driving licence.  Road conditions in Canada are excellent, and drivers are permitted to turn right on a red light, except in parts of Quebec.  Drivers and passengers must wear a seatbelt as it is the law in this country.  The speed limit in Canada varies and is listed in metric.

Travelling with Children

Single parents who have joint custody of children will need to provide proof they have the permission of the other parent to enter the country with the child.  A letter of consent is usually accepted, but Customs officers do have the right to question any child to prevent child abduction cases. 

Insurance and Health

It is advisable for visitors to buy travel insurance to protect against any loss of airline tickets, rental car problems and loss of travel documents.  Health insurance is also recommended as visitors are responsible for paying for their care and this can be expensive.

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Cruising- Last minute cruise holiday destinations

Nov 25, 2011 by blackbook

If you’re looking for a last minute holiday, have you considered a cruise holiday? There are a great number of deals available for destinations around Europe, USA and the Caribbean. If you fancy some winter sun or want a Christmas/new year break away then have a look at what last minute cruises are available.

If you’re stuck on where to go I have a selection of cruise holiday destinations that may peak your interest or give you some inspiration.

Europe and beyond: There are a great number of ports of call across Europe and beyond visiting regions such as; Scandinavia and the Baltic, Western Mediterranean, Eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Canary Islands and Morocco.

Europe cruises around any of these regions will offer a great insight into each country and the ability to see the best this continent has to offer.

For example when do you have the opportunity to visit Cannes and Monte Carlo in the south of France, Pisa, Florence and Rome in Italy and Corsica and Majorca in one holiday? These Mediterranean destinations are great to visit at this time of year, you will find less tourists and more manageable temperatures meaning you can experience some of the wonders of the world without too many people in comfortable temperatures.

Picture courtesy of Frank Jepsen

Picture courtesy of melenama

If you want to experience the magic of Christmas then a Baltic cruise might be more up your street, enjoying Christmas markets in Helsinki, Stockholm and Riga or taking in breath taking winter scenery as you pass through Fjords.

Picture courtesy of Edward Dalmulder

If you want to see some warmer temperatures, but don’t want to travel the long distances to the Caribbean then you should look at a Red Sea cruise. Here you can take in the mystical magic and history of Egypt and Jordan.

Picture courtesy of argusfoto

Caribbean: Popular for winter sun destinations because of the high temperatures, this time of year there are a number of deals available for this luxury destination. Over December, January and February you are generally guaranteed blue skies, golden sands and turquoise seas for a relaxing break away.

With cruise holidays to the Caribbean you can take a fly and cruise holiday, fly, stay and cruise or even a transatlantic crossing. There are so many different tropical islands in this region it can be quite hard to fit it all in, you can visit ports of call in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Grenada,  St Lucia, Antigua, British Virgin Islands and St Kitts to name but a few!

Picture courtesy of ronsaunders47

The Caribbean has a wide range of influences and differences can be seen from island to islands with a wealth of history to discover. It’s not that often you can visit these luxurious destinations in one go and what better way to experience the best of what the Caribbean has to offer.

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