Thailand 'most Popular' for gap Years

Thousands of students opened their A-Level results yesterday, and Abta, the travel association, estimates that around 24,000 of them will spend much or all of the next 12 months overseas.
It reported that Thailand was proving to be the most popular choice among school leavers, followed by Australia, the US and South Africa.
Other favourites were Peru, popular with those hoping to tackle the Inca Trail; Vietnam, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Ha Long Bay, Hoi An and Mỹ Son; and Brazil, famous for beaches, jungle treks, and sprawling cities. India, New Zealand, and Fiji completed the top ten.
Abta suggested that rising tuition fees had encouraged more young Britons to take a gap year, adding that several of its members had reported a rise in bookings compared to last year.
Victoria Bacon, head of communications at Abta, said: “Gap years have become even more popular among British teenagers since the rise in tuition fees in 2012 and increased competition for graduate jobs, with many students now looking to travel experiences to help make their gap year stand out on the CV.
“There is now an incredible choice of activities and destinations to support young travellers in developing and learning new skills,” she added. “It’s very important that if you’re planning a gap year, you research your options thoroughly: talk to a travel professional, who will be able to offer you advice about destinations and experiences; check travel advice with Abta and the Foreign Office and always book with a reputable company.”
To help those students considering a year out, Telegraph Travel has compiled its annual Gap 100, featuring our pick of the most trustworthy gap year travel companies and websites.
We’ve also published a list of ten essential questions to ask when organising your trip, and several case studies from recently returned gap year travellers (see below).
Telegraph Travel’s gap year coverage
The gap year 100
Browse our annual directory of the best gap year travel companies, whether you're looking to learn a skill or language, volunteer, work, or simply embark on a great adventure.
Essential questions
What questions should someone planning a gap year ask before committing to a project?
How voluntourism changed my life
Wycliffe Sande, born into poverty in Uganda and orphaned at 13, explains how a volunteering project transformed his fortunes.
Gap year case study: learning a language
Felix Legge relives his experiences of learning Russian in Moscow.
Gap year case study: on the anti-poaching patrol
William Oborne describes working with rangers in Zimbabwe as part of a programme to protect rhinos from poachers.
Gap year case study: a sponsored career break
Alex Ball talks about taking a sponsored career break that saw him visiting various companies while travelling around America.
Gap year case study: training to be a ski instructor
Jenny Beard discusses her time training to be a ski instructor in the French Alps, and teaching skiing in Japan.
Gap year case study: volunteering in Uganda
Oli Denton describes his time volunteering and playing rugby in Uganda for the Lessons for Life Foundation.

Emirates Palace celebrates Eid at Ramadan Pavilion

The month long celebration of Ramadan has come to a close in the Middle East, with Emirates Palace welcoming guests to an Eid ceremony at a specially constructed pavilion to mark the occasion.The custom built pavilion sits on hundreds of square metres of ground, overlooking the beach on one side and stunning façade of the hotel on the other, and incorporated the existing 12- metre-high palm trees and grand fountain of the palace terrace.Thousands of guests visited during the holy month, with hundreds more enjoying the spectacle during Eid.Emirates Palace, the icon of Emirati hospitality in the UAE, this year partnered with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Wahat Al Zawiya to create a special Ramadan experience for residents and guests.

Alexander Schneider, Emirates Palace hotel manager said: “After providing a limited Ramadan experience in 2012, Emirates Palace decided this year to create an out-of-this-world venue for residents and guests that truly reflects the legendary Emirati hospitality.”The elegant design of the Ramadan pavilion incorporated the signature gold and traditional Mashribiya details of Emirates Palace in a light and airy space.Comfortable seating spread throughout the pavilion created cosy enclaves to enjoy time with friends and family throughout the holy month.

Built as an iconic landmark showcasing Arabian culture and hospitality at its finest, Emirates Palace, managed by Kempinski, has created an enviable niche in luxury hospitality, welcoming world leaders, celebrities, global business travellers and leisure guests with a truly memorable and unique experience, luxurious contemporary facilities and amenities in comfortable and traditional Arabian surroundings with personalized world class service.

Situated on a 1.3 km stretch of private white pristine beach and on 100 hectares of manicured lawns and lush landscaped gardens, Emirates Palace comprises 394 luxury rooms and suites and a variety of award winning dining options.The resort’s leisure facilities include two intricately landscaped swimming pools one to refresh and relax and one perfectly designed for adventure and family fun, an Anantara spa, tennis courts, and a state of the art fitness centre.

Cathal O’Connell chief executive bmi regional

When British Midland International was finally subsumed into International Airlines Group, owners of British Airways, in 2012 it was by no means clear that offshoot bmi regional would be able to make it on its own. Yet a little over a year later the airline has established itself as a niche carrier, offering scheduled passenger services across the UK and Europe. As chief executive Cathal O’Connell explains to Breaking Travel News: “The hardest task we faced at the offset was telling people we still exist. With International Airlines Group taking over bmi, there is a misconception bmi regional is no longer in operation. However, this is obviously not the case.” Perhaps airline passengers could be forgiven for their mistake. bmi baby, a smaller subsidiary in the BMI stable, could not be saved and was closed down on September 10th 2012. In contrast, canny management and investment from Sector Aviation Holdings, a private company operated by the Bond Family behind Bond Offshore Helicopters, saved the larger bmi regional. A new airline was born, with new management, a new owner and a significantly increased network; up from 11 to 23 routes in summer 2013. But it was not easy, with bmi regional having to undergo a period of incubation while BMI was incorporated into International Airlines Group.

 The entire infrastructure that was used – offices, IT services, call centres, and everything else that was needed to run an airline – was provided by BMI. Following the sale, bmi regional had to rebuild all of these facilities, which is what the airline worked on for the first six months after its move until its re-launch as a standalone company in October last year. “We needed to identify what systems we needed, who we could acquire those systems from, and what staff we would need in order to make those systems run effectively. “Over time we developed a completely new infrastructure,” continues O’Connell. “We now have a new headquarters at East Midlands Airport, while operations and engineering remains in Aberdeen; having created 100 jobs over the past year, in addition to saving 300 which were on the block following the sale to IAG.” What emerged is now a materially different operation from the one that was acquired a year ago.

 This summer bmi regional operates 450 flights a week to eight countries, flying 18 aircraft - all Embraer 145 or Embraer 135 jets – and operating out of a series of regional bases, at Aberdeen, Edinburgh, East Midlands Airport and Bristol. Routes are also now focused on point-to-point services after being recalibrated away from feeder traffic needed for the former BMI parent. “The hangover from the bmi Group meant bmi regional was offering flights to Star Alliance hubs, including Frankfurt, Brussels and Copenhagen, which no longer made economic sense to the new carrier,” adds O’Connell. “All of our European routes were operating as feeder routes to Star Alliance members.

 “When we left Star Alliance the economics, not to mention the need, for these routes, disappeared.” So where to fly now? “We asked ourselves, now have these aircraft what can we do with them that makes more sense than what they are doing now?” continued O’Connell. “We recognised the aircraft we had were suited to very high frequency routes, so we looked at various markets and established those which were underserved. “We were looking for those which initially had a strong business demand, those with major companies which require the links bmi regional could provide. “We then examined the leisure opportunity on the same route, and where these two combined we considered a route; a whole range of opportunities.” A good example would be Airbus, which has a major facility in Bristol, which requires connections to Hamburg and its facilities there. Both Bristol and Hamburg are also established tourist destinations, making it a viable route for bmi regional. The carrier also has a fairly significant, and growing, non-scheduled service carrying VIPs, music groups, and sports teams to destinations around the country. But O’Connell is also quick to point out this is now low-cost carrier cherry picking routes.

 “We offer both business and economy fares – all catering onboard is free, as well as baggage carriage – the airline remains a full service carrier. “We offer the services flag-carriers offered a few years ago, and in many cases services people have forgotten about. “We aim to take the hassle out of travel,” he explains. bmi regional also owns the rights to the BMI brand, and could revert to that name, but this is not on the agenda at present. Growth instead is coming from new routes and improvements to the onboard offering. bmi regional is working on healthy options for onboard eating for example, maximising the experience for passengers. “We have also put in place a marketing campaign which tells people, yes, we do still exist,” jokes O’Connell. “We have also changed perceptions. Yes, we are a business airline, but we also offer leisure services.

 “We have more new routes in the pipeline, not just departing from the UK, but also within Europe. “We now fly into the major airports, but less for connections – our passengers now tend to be flying to their destinations, rather than toward an onward flight. “That said, looking at codeshare agreements with global carriers to offer more opportunity to our passengers. “This is good for us, and for them, offering regional airports to international passengers.” Just a year in bmi regional has established itself as a viable carrier, no mean feat in troubling times. With competition getting tighter all the time it might be a bumpy ride yet, but the carrier is certainly pointed in the right direction.

Moulin Rouge Show Paris Travel

Moulin Rouge Paris sells out months in advance. If you'd like to see the Moulin Rouge show "Féerie" (105 minutes), pre-book your 9pm or 11pm tickets (including champagne!) here. For 110 years, the most legendary French cabaret has welcomed millions of spectators who have come to admire the famous French Cancan. Book ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Le Moulin Rouge is world famous thanks to its French Cancan, and immortalized by the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The sumptuous shows at the Moulin Rouge feature feathers, rhinestones and sequins, fabulous settings, original music and of course... the most beautiful girls in the world.

Many international stars have performed on stage at the Moulin Rouge including Ella Fitzgerald, Liza Minnelli, Frank Sinatra and Elton John. They have all put on exceptional shows, following in the footsteps of French celebrities such as Maurice Chevalier, Jean Gabin, Edith Piaf and Yves Montand.

Moulin Rouge Paris sells out every night. By pre-booking tickets you'll lock in the price, secure seats and get the most out of your precious vacation time in Paris.

The Moulin Rouge is the number one show in Paris, if not the whole of Europe. No wonder it sells out quickly! Don't miss your chance to see the world-renowned showgirls and French Cancan dancers strut their stuff on the Moulin Rouge's historic stage. 
Inclusions:
Moulin Rouge Ticket
Half bottle of Champagne
3-course dinner (if option selected)
Exclusions:
Gratuities (optional)
Food and drinks, unless specified
Hotel pickup and drop off
Additional Information:
It is strictly forbidden to photograph, film and record the show.
Elegant attire is required (tie and jacket not necessary) no shorts, no short-pants, no sport shoes or sportswear.
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
Vegetarian option is available. Select the Toulouse-Lautrec Menu.
Due to its popularity, you should expect to wait in line at the Moulin Rouge before gaining access. The Moulin Rouge does not grant priority access to anyone. The seats are allocated 1 hour before performance time.
Moulin Rouge show is not recommended for children under 16
Itinerary:
The Moulin Rouge's new show, "Féerie", has been created by Doris Haug and Ruggero Angeletti, who, since 1961, have been the directors of the most famous shows in the world.

Choreographed by Bill Goodson, Féerie consists of : a troupe of 100 artists, including the 60 Doriss Girls that were recruited world-wide; 1000 costumes of feathers, rhinestones and sequins, designed by Corrado Collabucci, and set up in the most famous Parisian workshops (for example, 500 pairs of custom-made shoes of the size 36 to 47, ...); sumptuous settings with shining colors and unique designs created by Gaetano Castelli and made by Italian artists; the best international and outstanding acts; and the expected return of the giant Aquarium.. all of that with music by Pierre Porte, using some 80 musicians and 60 members of the chorus.

"Féerie"; 4 main scenes created to fulfill international audiences' dreams!

"The Moulin Rouge today and yesterday, the Moulin Rouge forever"
The theatre lights switch off, the curtain is raised and the entire troupe appears on stage, under the admiring gaze of the audience who find themselves entering the Garden of the Moulin Rouge to discover the magical atmosphere of the place. A touch of nostalgia!

"Sandokan"
What kind of adventures can happen to a pirate whose boat is anchored in Indonesia? Dreams? A perfect woman's love? Once in the land, one meets priestesses, or a Gorgon in her temple surrounded by snakes, women jewels, tigresses...

Will Sandokan have the opportunity to offer his treasures to the lady of his dreams or will we be witnesses to a sacrifice of love?

"The Circus"
The circus comes to town with its band of clowns, Siamese twins, pierrots, acrobats, jugglers, weird wild animals and six miniature horses! A colorful scene with beautiful music which ends with the great parade of the Doriss Girls and Doriss Dancers.

"The Moulin Rouge from 1900 to ..."
The Moulin Rouge pays a tribute to Parisian women throughout the years: on the 14th of July, for the Liberation of Paris.. with Java or Boogie music. Time passes and leaves space for new generations of women, more beautiful and free than ever!

At the highlight of this tribute, the Doriss Girls dance the world famous French Cancan!

Moulin Rouge Dinner Menu Options:
Subject to change at any time without notice.

MISTINGUETT MENU:
Terrine of duck foie gras Montmartre with fruit chutney OR Mistinguett king prawns with smoked spices, vegetable vartar, vinaigrette with herbs
Sauteed corn-fed Chicken Supreme, morel cream and fresh pasta OR Cabaret baked salmon fillet, french white butter, boiled potatoes and grape Tomatoes on the Vine
Tendresse of red berries, fruity marshmallows and raspberry sauce OR Gourmandise of three chocolates Echiquier pastry and crispy chocolate pearls
TOULOUSE LAUTREC MENU:
Festival of Norwegian smoked salmon, Tarama, Trout Roe and Avruga, grilled toast OR Stuffed dover sole, tangy cream and young shoots in salad
Steamed gilt head sea bream, Champagne sauce, creamed potatoes OR Valentin” Sauté of Veal, white Supreme sauce, Pilaf rice and small white onions
Moulin Rouge Opera pastry, chocolate wings, chocolate hazelnut sauce OR Tendresse of red berries, fruity marshmallows and raspberry sauce
BELLE EPOQUE MENU:
Mise en Bouche
Duck foie gras with sea salt, mango vinaigrette, “Roquette” salad and grilled toast OR Lobster thin Pie à la Parisienne, crushed tomato and lobster chiboust cream, herbs salad
Fried sea bass fillet, creamy risotto with wood mushrooms, Meadow mushroom cream OR Sirloin steak, small fried potatoes with thyme, French Beans with fresh butter, pepper sauce
Saint Honoré with raspberries, light whipped cream, crunchy caramel pastry
Moulin Rouge Opera pastry, chocolate wings, chocolate hazelnut sauce OR Gourmandise of three chocolates Echiquier pastry and crispy chocolate pearls
4-COURSE CHRISTMAS MENU:
Selected dates: December 20 - January 05, excluding December 31.   

Kir royal
Sea scallops tartar in pumpkin cappuccino
Duck foie gras with sea salt in Christmas-spiced chutney
Christmas poultry with chesnut stuffing, fricassée of wild mushrooms and potato purée with butter
 "Moulin Rouge" opera pastry, chocolate wings, chocolate hazelnut sauce. On 24 and 25 December: Bûche de Noël Dalloyau (Traditional Yule-Log Cake from Maison Dalloyau)
 Half a bottle of G.H.Mumm Champagne per couple

5-COURSE NEW YEAR'S EVE MENU:
Selected dates: December 31

Light pastry medly
Petrovskaya Royal Caviar, small blinis and Isigny double cream
Baked sea scallops casserole
Scampi bisque, potato mousseline with butter
Pear and mandarin orange sorbet with a taste of Indian Bergamot and iced vodka
Fillet of beef with pan-fried foie gras, crispy agata potatoes, golden vegetables and a rich jus
"Moulin Rouge Velvet Fruits"; Raspberry delight, vanilla cream with orange, calisson biscuit with almonds, raspberry sauce and Champagne sorbet
Chocolates and macaroons from Maison Dalloyau
Champagne Perrier-Jouët Cuvée Belle Epoque Rosé OR Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande 2004, 2eme Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux
Soft drinks, mineral water and coffee during the evening
Voucher Info:
You must present a paper voucher for this tour. We will email a link to access and print your voucher at the Lead Travelers email address. What's this?

Local Operator Information:
Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.

Win a luxury stay on the Amalfi Coast

Perched on a cliff edge over the Gulf of Salerno, Monastero Santa Rosa is one of the finest hotels along Italy’s Amalfi Coast. The 17th-century building, originally a monastery, has been lovingly restored into a boutique hotel by its American owner who fell in love with it while sailing off the coast .
It consist of 20 guest rooms and suites – all with sea views – a restaurant, infinity pool, stunning, landscaped gardens, a historic herb garden and a private 12th-century chapel. Each of the bedrooms is named after one of the herbs grown in the garden and features antiques hand-picked by the owner herself.
There is also a spectacular spa that has been created within a labyrinth of historic monastic spaces and outdoor pavilions. The Thermal Suite includes a vaulted Tepidarium with heated benches and whirlpool footbaths, a herbal steam room, a crushed ice fountain, sauna and hydrotherapy pool.
Finally, the hotel’s Ristorante features cuisine from the Campania region, including fresh seafood, locally produced olive oil and organically grown vegetables and herbs. The prize is a two-night stay for two, half-board, at Monastero Santa Rosa in Amalfi, including return flights from London.

To find out more, visit monasterosantarosa.com
We are also offering the chance to win one of 21 other holidays, in partnership with the luxury-travel PR consultancy PCC, collectively worth £175,000.
The prizes include
A stay on a superyacht
A two-night stay on a superyacht in the south of France through Edmiston (edmiston.com). Worth up to £50,000.
A week in Cyprus
A week at the Anassa hotel in Cyprus, including return flights, with Scott Dunn (scottdunn.com). Worth up to £10,000.
Galapagos cruise
A seven-night all-inclusive cruise around the Galapagos with Silversea (silversea.com). Worth up to £15,000.
Business class trip to Malaysia
Business-class return flights and two-night stay in Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines (malaysiaairlines.com) and Grand Hyatt (kualalumpur.grand.hyatt.com). Worth up to £10,000.
Barefoot luxury in Pemba
Seven nights’ half-board at Fundu Lagoon in the island Pemba (fundulagoon.com), including return flights with Kenya Airways (kenyairways.com). Worth up to £6,500.
Indian adventure
Seven-night trip to India with Ampersand Travel (ampersandtravel.com), including stays at the Leela Palaces in Delhi and Udaipur and return flights. Worth up to £6,000.
Kenyan safari
A five-night safari in Kenya with The Safari Collection (thesafaricollection.com), including stays at the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi and Solio Lodge in Laikipia and return flights. Worth up to £10,000.
Luxurious Marrakesh
Three nights at the five-star Palais Namaskar (palaisnamaskar.com), situated between the Atlas Mountains and the Djebilet Hills, including return flights. Worth up to £4,000.
Stay at Le Bristol in Paris
Three nights at Le Bristol in Paris (lebristolparis.com), the first hotel in France to be awarded “palace” status, including return Eurostar tickets to Paris. Worth up to £3,500.
Spa break in Baden-Baden
Three nights at the dramatic Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden (brenners.com) on the edge of the Black Forest, including return flights. Worth up to £4,000.
Château Saint-Martin in Vence
A three-night stay at Château Saint-Martin in Vence, one of the most beautiful hotels in the south of France, including return flights. Worth up to £4,000.
St Barts break
Five nights’ half board at the Hotel Saint-Barth Isle de France (isle-de-france.com), located on one of the finest stretches of sand in the French West Indies, including return flights. Worth up to £8,000.
Luxurious stay in Lech, Austria
Two nights’ half board at Kristiania in Lech (kristiania.at), one of Europe’s best ski retreats, including return flights. Worth up to £3,000.
A stay in the Cotswolds
Five nights in a beautiful lakeside house at Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds (lowermillestate.com), including spa access and a meal cooked by a renowned local chef. Worth up to £2,000.
A week in Bali
Seven nights’ half board in Bali with stays at Alila Villas Uluwatu and Alila Villas Soori (alilahotels.com) – which both overlook the ocean and are set amid beautiful landscapes – including return flights and transfers. Worth up to £8,000.
Five nights in the Maldives
Five nights at the opulent Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa (maldives.hadahaa.park.hyatt.com), including all flights and speedboat transfers. Worth up to £6,000.
Indian escape
Five nights’ half board at the impressive ITC Grand Chola in Chennai (itchotels.in), with its Kaya Kalp spa, including return flights. Worth up to £6,000.
French Alpine ski holiday
A week self-catering in an apartment in the French Alps with Powder White (powderwhite.com), one of Britain’s leading independent ski operators. Worth up to £1,500.
Amalfi Coast boutique hotel
Two nights at the boutique Monastero Santa Rosa (monasterosantarosa.com), a former 17th-century monastery perched on a cliff edge, including return flights. Worth up to £3,000.
Free tapas for a year
Eat free for a year at Camino San Pablo and Copa de Cava restaurants (camino.uk.com) in London, which offer lively atmosphere and authentic Spanish food and drink. Worth up to £4,800.
Stay at Swinton Park Hotel
Three nights’ half board at Swinton Park in the Yorkshire Dales (swintonpark.com), a castle hotel set in 20,000 acres, including return train tickets to Thirsk. Worth up to £2,000.
How to enter
Tell us about your favourite travel companies, hotels and destinations. You'll need to leave your name and contact details to enter the prize draw. Click here to complete our Travel Awards survey.

Hotel Villa Carlton: How Salzburg Stole my Heart

Every so often I find myself in a city or town that captivates me as much as it inspires me, intrigues me, and as such completely overwhelms me with all of this happening at once.

Cue Salzburg, one of Austria’s most charming cities that almost relies solely on tourism due to its old world charm, spectacular architecture, connection to the Sound of Music and for being the birthplace of the world’s most prolific composer, Wolfgang Mozart.With an introduction like that, its little wonder this charming small city captivates the great majority of its visitors.

So without further ado, here is how Salzburg stole my heart.It doesn’t take longer than a day to fall in love with Salzburg. A great place to start is also one of the settings for the world’s most known musical film, The Sound of Music. Inside the Mirabellgardens, visitors can marvel over the freshly cut green grass that dazzles with an array of colourful flowers – colours that change each year according to tradition.

From there, its just a short fifteen minute walk over one of the many pedestrian bridges to make your way over to the Old Town of Salzburg – a UNESCO World Heritage listed area that is both charming and hypnotic, all at once.Here inside the Old Town, be sure to visit a selection of the cities’ highlights, including: The Salzburg Dom Cathedral; Hohensalzburg Fortress; St. Peter’s Monastery; Mozart’s Birthplace on Getreidegasse; and wander around the many shops whilst there.

While just one day is enough to explore the walkable city of Salzburg, its a good idea to plan for more time to enjoy one of the day trips from the city. Whilst I would have loved to journey to Eagle’s Nest on a day trip from Salzburg or visit nearby lakeside town Hallstatt I was quite content taking the day tour from Salzburg to visit the sights and sounds of the Sound of Music tour.

The tour lasted for 4 hours in length and visited all the filming locations in the city itself, followed by locations just outside of Salzburg and finishing in the lakeside town of Mondsee.Back in the Old Town, there’s still plenty to see and do beyond the main tourist attractions that can be covered in a day. The city is so charming that it is quite easy to pass a few days here, sipping on an Aperol spritz in the summer time or a glühwein in the winter.

If you so happen to be in Salzburg during the winter seeking an authentic winter Christmas experience, you’re in luck. The city comes to life for the festive season with the world famous Christkindlmarkt and the surprisingly good Winterfest.Getting Here: Within Austria, Salzburg is well connected to Vienna by car and rail. Within Europe, Salzburg is easily accessible from Munich and Zurich, especially by rail. If you find yourself in nearby Cesky Krumlov , CK Shuttle offer a door-to-door shuttle service to Salzburg. If you’re flying in from outside of Europe, you may find it beneficial to fly internationally to Munich and catch the train to Salzburg.

Stay: WoW stayed at the four-star Hotel Villa Carlton, located next to the Mirabellgardens. Staying on this side of the Salzach river is a great way to save a few dollars and the Old Town is a mere 15 minute walk away.Eat: For Austrian cuisine with a modern twist, consider the popular Blaue Gans (blue goose) in the Old Town.

Learning to Ski in the Swiss Alps:Arosa Kulm

When I first visited Switzerland last year at the close of summer, I was amazed by the sea of colours that lay before me. The Alps seemed a world away in the distance, whilst the rolling hills in front of me were bursting with colour and summer freshness. The sky was a rich shade of blue, the air was clean, and I felt as if I was living in the Sound of Music film. Hah! No really. The last time I stayed at the Arosa Kulm Hotel in Switzerland looked like this:

Then, an entire year and a season later, I finally returned to Switzerland to experience the winter wonderland that is Arosa. It is little wonder Arosa is a favourite ski destination for families around Switzerland and visitors from abroad. It doesn’t have the snobbiness of some other (unnamed) ski resort towns, and isn’t so laid back that you can’t enjoy a friendly race down the slopes. All in all, Arosa is pretty close to skiing perfection for those that enjoy a low-key holiday with the five-star comforts of beautiful hotels like the Arosa Kulm to return home to at the end of the day.

Given that I had never skied before (in my entire life – shock horror at 23 years of age), I came to Arosa with one task in mind: learn to ski. Here’s how it went.As previously mentioned, this wasn’t my first stay at the Arosa Kulm, located at the foothills of the ski slopes. I had stayed here once before a year prior and had such a memorable stay that I was eager to get back in winter, and so I did.

For my three nights at the hotel I enjoyed a big buffet breakfast every morning, used all the hours of daylight to hit the slopes or adventure around the many hiking trails, and spent the evenings ordering quality in-room dining, floating around the indoor pool or melting away inside one of the sauna/steam rooms.

France Travel Guide Montpellier Travel Lyon Travel

Montpellier Travel Guide City located slightly west of the famous south of France. In fact, Montpellier, a perfect fit for the holidays, it's half an hour away from the coastline with a full summer atmosphere. No handout rated from city crowds and cosmopolitan restructuring handicap, because a very small town. Nearly three hundred thousand of the population of close to ninety thousand students and a place to rest the soul of the people with this decent structure. Homes in the state ranked very stylish is tiny. Both sea air, and tranquility, as well as one of the rare cities that stand out the natural beauty of the dynamism that youth Montpeil floor. Cheap hotels and also with young people identified as fun places to blast you so dearly but also a great place Montpellier's gonna show.
Lyon Travel Guide
Located in the southwest of France in Lyon, a city that has a very special place in particular France. Where the majority of France's business district in Lyon, being the center of the silk trade in the world, as well as in the center of gastronomy in France. Exactly can be counted among one of the largest city of Lyon, France can not rate it as a metropolis. This is a big city, but also not exactly tear the unity with nature. In fact, you can come across in nature through the Swiss Alps to the Rhone River image.
Cannes Film Festival
Significantly hosting young people and immigrants in Lyon, the river and the bridge of Istanbul to satisfy people who love a place of beauty in France. Vieux neighborhood biri.mimari of the city's top attractions worth seeing, with its narrow streets and the atmosphere in Lyon a place where you live. Also contains many historical monuments and museums in the city. In this regard, the many tourists interested in cultural and artistic fields in France after Paris considered the second address. Lyon maintain that in spite of everything this peaceful atmosphere, historical architectural style of this city has the largest Renaissance area borçlu.fransa, vitality and dynamism of peace holds together. And all of them French culture, depth, offers historical measurements. Famous football team and lead many living in advance since

Learning to Ski in the Swiss Alps:Arosa Kulm

Learning to Ski in the Swiss Alps:Arosa Kulm

When I first visited Switzerland last year at the close of summer, I was amazed by the sea of colours that lay before me. The Alps seemed a world away in the distance, whilst the rolling hills in front of me were bursting with colour and summer freshness. The sky was a rich shade of blue, the air was clean, and I felt as if I was living in the Sound of Music film. Hah! No really. The last time I stayed at the Arosa Kulm Hotel in Switzerland looked like this:

Then, an entire year and a season later, I finally returned to Switzerland to experience the winter wonderland that is Arosa. It is little wonder Arosa is a favourite ski destination for families around Switzerland and visitors from abroad. It doesn’t have the snobbiness of some other (unnamed) ski resort towns, and isn’t so laid back that you can’t enjoy a friendly race down the slopes. All in all, Arosa is pretty close to skiing perfection for those that enjoy a low-key holiday with the five-star comforts of beautiful hotels like the Arosa Kulm to return home to at the end of the day.

Given that I had never skied before (in my entire life – shock horror at 23 years of age), I came to Arosa with one task in mind: learn to ski. Here’s how it went.As previously mentioned, this wasn’t my first stay at the Arosa Kulm, located at the foothills of the ski slopes. I had stayed here once before a year prior and had such a memorable stay that I was eager to get back in winter, and so I did.

For my three nights at the hotel I enjoyed a big buffet breakfast every morning, used all the hours of daylight to hit the slopes or adventure around the many hiking trails, and spent the evenings ordering quality in-room dining, floating around the indoor pool or melting away inside one of the sauna/steam rooms.