Forget the Alps: Unusual Ski Destinations That Rock

Lucy Grewcock    bestskiholidays     Alpine Skiing, Argentina, Cerro Cathedral, chamonix, Geneva, hawaii, India, Lestotho, London, morocco, Patagonia, Ski Destinations, Ski Holiday, Skiing in Europe, Skiing Trip, South Korea, St Moritz, the Alps, The Andes, The Pyrenees

For most of us, a ski holiday means a trip to the Alps, or at a push, perhaps the Pyrenees; if we’re feeling flush, maybe the Rockies. But rarely do any of us consider a trip further afield, to one of the world’s more unusual ski destinations.

Views over Patagonia. Image: Flickr/ aokettun

You can ski in some surprising places, among them Hawaii and India. Not all these ski destinations offer particularly challenging or varied skiing, but what they do offer is the chance to have an entirely different experience to that you would have in the Alps.

You can hop on a flight to Geneva in London and be in your Chamonix chalet in under three hours. That’s convenient, and you’ll no doubt have a fantastic time tearing up the powder when you get there, but it’s hardly adventurous in the true sense of the word.

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The World’s Greatest Trekking Books

Tom Sykes    Trekking Gear, trekkingholidays     Africa, Borneo, Borneo Jungle, morocco, Polar Trek, Trek Holiday, trekking, Trekking Books, Trekking Destinations, Zaire

Of all the modes of transport covered by the vast canon of travel writing, trekking is perhaps the most popular.

Live it, read about it, write it. Image: Flickr/ Di.Malealea

From the earliest explorers like Xuanzang in the 7th century BC to the Enlightenment to travel writing’s renaissance in the 1970s and ‘80s and beyond, exploring terrains on foot has never fallen out of favour.

And we are forever writing about it, and not always to sing the praises of locations and routes to try.

There’s some great reads you should check out, either as inspiration or eye-openers to the delights and challenges that lie ahead…

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Trekking Holidays for First timers

Tom Sykes    trekkingholidays     Africa, Atlas mountains, explore, First Timers, Inca Trail, Inca trail Trek, Jebel Toubkal, Kilimanjaro Trek, marrakech, morocco, Mount Kilimanjaro, North Africa, Peru, trekking, trekking holidays, Trekking in Morocco

There are almost too many good reasons to get into trekking: the astonishing scenery, the unparalleled health benefits, the sense of freedom, the feeling of achievement when you reach your destination.

Nothing beats that first summit sunset. Image: Flickr/ Stig Nygaard

Every year countless people across the world take up trekking for the first time. However, like any other sport, you can’t expect to take on the toughest challenges as a beginner – you’ll need to start humbly and build yourself up to the big hikes.

So let Explore!, one of the leading tour operators in this field, present some of the very best Trekking Holidays for First timers.

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Activity Holidays for Singles: Why you should go it alone

Adam Woods    ash     activity holidays, Activity Holidays for Singles, adventure holidays, Argentina, cycling, Cycling Argentina, Finland, Hiking, Horse Riding, Horse Riding France, morocco, mountain biking, Mountain Biking Argentina, outdoor activity, Outdoor Holidays, Scottish Highlands, Sigle, Sledging, Sledging Finland, Solo Surfing Holiday, Sports Break, Surfing, surfing holidays, Surfing Morocco, The Himalayas, Trek, trekking, trekking holidays, usa, Water Rafting, Water Rafting USA

Going solo is the way forward – I’m convinced of it! You can do exactly what you want, when you want – without worrying about what anybody else thinks. So no wonder then that activity holidays for singles are all the rage.

Take a good stroll in the wilderness of the Himalayas. Image: Flickr/ pragmatopian

Perhaps the best thing about travelling solo is the freedom to choose your company. You’ll always be able to meet others in the same boat. And in such cases there’s no obligation; i.e you don’t HAVE to continue spending time with them if you don’t want to. It means you can decide when you want to be alone and when you don’t.

And there’s so many places to go, here’s just a few:

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Marrakech Safari: Your Journey into North Africa

Tom Sykes    safariadventureholidays     Africa, Atlas mountains, Cheap Hotel in Marrakech, Cheap hotels, Foum Takkat, Hostel Bookers, Hostelbookers.com, marrakech, Marrakech Hostels, Marrakech Safari, Mdaouer Kir, morocco, North Africa, off-road, safari, Safari Adventure Holidays, Safari Holidays, Safari in Morocco, Tassa Ouirgane National Park, Tichka Pass

From prancing dromedaries to the dunes of the Sahara, timeless mountains to fruitful wadis, there’s no end of things to see on a Marrakech Safari.

In a off road vehicle. Image: Flickr/ indigoprime

And not just any vehicle will do; ideally you’ll travel in a Landrover Defender with 1.4 ton Zu Rim wheels, high air intake engine and galvanised powder-coated sidebars.

And if you plan overnight camping, hardy roof tents are needed to repel wind, rain and sandstorms.

Sometimes it takes enduring these challenges to reap the rewards. And here’s a few to tempt you on your way.

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Adventure Holiday Ideas: 10 trips to brighten up Summer

Tamsin    ash     adventure holiday, Adventure Holiday Ideas, adventure holidays, Adventure Travel, Almeria, Brazil, Croatia, Cuba, Europe, germany, Lapland, morocco, Outdoor Holidays, Summer 2012, The Danube, UK, Us Road Trip, usa

The wettest June since records began has started the British summer off like a disappointing damp squib. Those flip-flops are still well and truly stuck at the bottom of the shoe cupboard and the smart adventure holiday ideas you had remain unexplored.

320 days of sunshine a year in Almeria. Image: Flickr/ obscure allusion

Summer is starting to feel as mythical as the Easter Bunny or Father Christmas.

But fear not. Venture just a few hours from our grey shores and summer does still exist.

Whether you’re looking to top up that tan or get the adrenaline pumping, here are some ideas that should definitely get you reaching for those holiday request forms.

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Trekking Holidays in Morocco and the Berbers

Paul McWilliams    trekkingholidays     morocco, The Berbers, trekking, trekking holidays, Trekking Holidays in Morocco, Trekking in Morocco

Is there a better way to see a country than on foot? Fly into an airport on a city break and you see one side of just one city. You might have a great time but you won’t really experience the country or the culture in the same way as the locals.

Trekking in the Atlas Mountains. Image: Flickr/ ActiveSteve

You only really get to see the things the tourist board wants you to see. But with the better trekking holidays in Morocco, you’ll get to see it all. What’s more, you get out of the city and see how the non-urban population lives.

It’s here where you’ll find the real beauty of a country. And when the country is as extraordinary as Morocco, then it means it’s a very special trip indeed.

Trekking with a guide through Morocco is an experience like no other. And in this country you’ll not find a better guide than one of the Berbers.

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