Walk this way March 23, 2014 Melissa York’s top ten treks for beginners on the path to greatness 1. Annapurna and Everest, The Himalayasworldexpeditions.co.uk, £1,490 per personThis 15-day introduction to trekking among Nepal’s highest and finest mountain ranges, Annapurna and Everest, will earn you the maximum amount of kudos back home with the minimum amount of effort. If you travel in [...]
I’m off skiing. That’s nice. Where? Valmorel. Never heard of it. Me neither… March 16, 2014 If you’re looking for an alpine adventure before the snow melts, check out the slopes at this underrated resort: perfect for Francophiles THE above conversation happened every time I told someone I was going to Valmorel. Virtually no one from Britain goes skiing there. Before my trip I could barely find a mention of it [...]
Look at these unexpected ski gems. We bet you aren’t familiar with them either… March 16, 2014 LOS PENITENTES, ARGENTINA Argentina, famed for its fine wine and day-long barbecues, may not spring to mind when you’re looking to hit the slopes. But Los Penitentes, in Mendoza, sits under the gaze of Aconcagua, the country’s highest mountain. These slopes can be tough for beginners, but with 300 hectares to explore, hiking is another [...]
Romance and street art in the land of the cheesesteak March 10, 2014 Philadelphia, the city of murals: Susie Bearne goes in search of the stories of unrequited love on the overground Philadelphia ain’t just the land of cheesesteaks – it’s now known as the city of murals. Thanks to the Mural Arts Program, set up in 1984 to provide constructive projects for young graffiti artists, the city [...]
Where to go: The city’s top attractions, according to visitphilly.com March 10, 2014 FRANKLIN SQUARE Franklin Square, one of Philadelphia’s five original public squares laid out by William Penn in his original plan for the city, has undergone a dramatic renovation. The park now boasts several family-friendly attractions, including a miniature golf course, classic carousel, burger joint, picnic area and the famous storytelling bench, where you can hear [...]
City Boy at Large: Can a booze-free spa break convert our cynical urbanite? March 2, 2014 He may be more at home in the Emirates Stadium but the Bedford Lodge gives our reporter a well needed break WHEN someone says “spa”, my initial word association-style reaction is to think of the Belgian Grand Prix. The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, to give it its full name, is a favourite on the Formula One [...]
Giant panda numbers are up: see them in Chengdu February 23, 2014 They famously eat shoots and leaves. LISA YOUNG gets up-close and personal with the Chinese city’s most famous residents IT’S a warm August morning, the time of year when the sizzling Chengdu summer gives way to cooler climes. Chengdu sits in a fog-filled bowl 500 metres above sea level in the Sichuan Province of south [...]
Las Vegas comes to the city: The greatest show in town February 23, 2014 LUXURY travel company Abercrombie & Kent is hosting an exclusive Las Vegas-themed event to promote its lavish breaks in Sin City. The ticket-only evening will see the firm’s swanky Cheapside store converted into a slice of Vegas, with roulette tables, craps and showgirls to get you in the mood for the ultimate city break. Even [...]
Iceland: the world’s most dramatic landscapes February 16, 2014 There may only be one proper city in Iceland, but with geysers, volcanic caves, and grinding tectonic plates, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into YOU WILL get lost in Iceland: not geographically, but inside your head. It’s easy to get disorientated when stepping out in swimming gear, exposing your vulnerable flesh to temperatures well [...]
Ultimate breaks: This week’s top luxury trips February 16, 2014 EXTREME HOLIDAYS For those looking for extreme adventure on their holiday, check out Abercrombie & Kent’s Pioneer’s Collection. The extreme holidays include the chance to test your nerve flying a supersonic fighter jet in Russia, ascend Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, by the most challenging route or push yourself to the limits with a skiing expedition [...]