A Comprehensive Guide to the Most Popular Ski Resorts in Europe

Skiing in Europe is a virtually unrivalled experience thanks to its popular ski resort, world-class cuisine, and accommodations for every kind of adventurer. You can locate the ideal ski resort in Europe, whether you’re a novice or an experienced pro. The largest, most perplexing ski areas with numerous resorts and kilometres of lift-connected slopes frequently provide the best skiing. So here is to simply stepping outside and breathing in the fresh mountain air once more.

CHAMONIX

Chamonix, one of the world’s oldest and most popular ski resorts, has been a well-liked vacation spot for skiers and mountaineers for over a century.

Chamonix is not merely a well-known ski destination. Visitors can engage in activities like ice climbing and snowshoeing, helicopter tours of the Mont Blanc massif, tandem paragliding flights and husky-drawn sledge excursions.

Courchevel 1850

Courchevel 1850 may be the crown jewel of Europe, with its snow-covered slopes, opulent hotels, and more Michelin-starred eateries than you can toss a ski pole at. Still, it draws a variety of affluent tribes for very good reasons. Courchevel caters to all levels of skiers with good snow conditions, an abundance of stunning tree-lined routes, and vast open pistes.

Although there is plenty to keep both beginners and experienced skiers entertained, it is the perfect resort for intermediate skiers.

Megeve, France 

Megève’s car-free cobbled lanes, breathtaking vistas of Mont Blanc, and multi-level pistes are easily accessible with a short trip from Geneva. Under the banner of elegance and the French way of life, this pioneering resort cultivates the spirit of a genuine alpine community. The resort of Megève, a globally recognised historic site, provides you with an authentic four-season location where new experiences, amazing adventures, and inspiring encounters follow one another.

VERBIER, SWITZERLAND

Verbier, a popular ski resort in the Swiss Alps’ 4 Vallées ski region, is renowned for offering a spectacular blend of high-altitude skiing, mountain views, and a buzzing après-ski scene.

The resort offers a variety of ski terrain, but it is best known for its exhilarating off-piste terrain, which has both defined and unmarked slopes that are appropriate for experienced intermediate and advanced skiers. If you consider yourself more of a party animal than a powderhound, Verbier is more than simply a ski resort, so you’ve still come to the ideal location. For its celebrations and après-ski scene, Verbier is renowned! There are countless bars, eateries, and clubs here, so there is never a dull moment. 

ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND

Zermatt, at roughly 1,600m, is the highest and a very popular ski resort in Europe and is situated at the base of the renowned Matterhorn. The resort offers a wide selection of lodgings, including luxurious hotels, cosy chalets, top-notch restaurants, pubs, and après-ski activities, to go with its exceptional ski terrain and magnificent surroundings.

Conclusion 

The ski resorts are concidered as one of the greatest adventure spots for any athletic adrenaline junky,due to their plethora of slopes, high peaks, and abundant snowfall. Europe has some of the best ski resorts in the world, with Zermatt having received excellent marks for having some of the best ski vibes and one of the best apres ski scenes in all of Europe.

Sarah x

How To Make The Most Of Your Time Away

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Traveling is a beautiful adventure that everyone can enjoy. Sometimes you just need to get out and see the world. Because there are so many different ways to see the world and there are so many different places to see there is always something for everyone. With so many different memories that can be made, the photos you can take, and the people you can go with, you might need some help to remember a few key ways to make your holiday even more memorable: 

Make Sure You Are Organized

You need to make sure you are organized when you are traveling. Yes, it is possible to travel on somewhat of a spontaneous basis, however, you will have a much better time if you put a rough plan in place. You should think about things like taking the documentation that you need, arranging for your house to be looked after, storing your keys in a safe place, etc. If you don’t do things like this you may end up needing an emergency locksmith when you return home. 

Adapt And Be Flexible

Planning is a vital part of your vacation, even if it’s just planning your budget and location. You go away hoping to have a relaxing or exciting time but try not to get too worked up over the finer details. Sometimes things don’t go to plan and you have to be flexible. If you can adapt to the change, you will take away the stress and not allow little changes to affect how much you enjoy your holiday. For instance, if you weren’t able to tick everything off of your list this time, don’t beat yourself up, there is always next time. 

Make Your Time Count 

When you are away, you can easily let the time get away with you. At times you will become distracted, and that’s OK. However, you should also try to make sure you don’t allow your time to run away with you and miss out on the things you really wanted to see or do. Try to focus on the present moment too, you could miss out on memories if you get too caught up in creating the perfect moment rather than enjoying your time. 

Have Some Wiggle Room In Your Budget 

If you don’t have any room in your budget, you aren’t going to be able to do anything spontaneously. You also aren’t leaving any way to cover yourself if something was to go wrong. Although, you don’t like to think about things going wrong when you go away, it does happen at times. It’s best to have alittle bit of spare emergency cash put to one side so you are able to do the things you want and sort out any issues. 

Traveling is a brilliant way to relax and decompress from your busy routine. Whether it’s a weekend away or traveling for a long period of time, these tips should help you to make the most of your time away. Do you have any other tips that could help? Please share them in the comments below.

Sarah x

How to Have the Best Experience When You Travel

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How to Have the Best Experience When You Travel

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Traveling is always going to be a great thing to do in your life. But at the same time, it can take a lot of money and effort to do. So when you are doing it, you’ll want to make sure that you make the most of it. After all, the last thing you want is to head on a trip to a dream location and find that it didn’t really live up to your expectations as you weren’t prepared. Because of this, you’re always going to want to make sure that you are having the best possible experience when you travel. In this blog post, we’re going to run through the five steps to follow to make it happen.

1. Do Your Research Beforehand

For starters, you’re always going to want to make sure that you’re doing your research. Sure, it can be so exciting to head off on a trip spontaneously and just see where it takes you, but you may miss out on things this way. By looking at reviews and what to do before you go, you’ll be sure not to miss anything off!

2. Go Off the Beaten Path

But at the same time, for the best possible experience, it’s always a good idea to stray away from the main touristy areas and sights every once in a while. If you want to get a truly authentic experience of a location, you need to see the local areas. Be sure to look into these locations when you’re doing your research too.

3. Explore Further Afield

As a step on from that, you may find that it’s exciting to be able to explore a little further afield. Seeing the lesser-known parts is one thing, but then so is the idea of getting out that bit further. You can look into affordable car rental and head out for a few days. This is always a great thing to do if you’re close to other locations you’ve always wanted to see, and it adds more excitement to your trip.

4. Eat Your Way Around

If you’re a foodie, then you’re absolutely going to want to be able to eat your way around the location you’re staying in. When you’re doing the aforementioned research, why not think about researching all the best restaurants, bars, and eateries in the area? That way, you can have a hit list to start making your way through.

5. Set Your Priorities

And lastly, it’s important to recognize that, when you travel, you won’t always have the time to do and see all the things you want. This is where setting priorities comes in. You’ll need to know exactly what you’d like to do wherever it is that you’re going and work out what’s most important. That way, you’ll be able to ensure that you get through the most important things first and try to organize when you’ll do what.

Sarah x

How to Dress For Your Next Springtime Hike

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Whether you want to explore your local area more or take longer trips to see the very best that the country has to offer, springtime offers a fantastic opportunity to get a mixture of cool and occasionally sunny weather without overheating or freezing your toes off. But, you’ve got to make sure you’re dressed for the occasion, especially since you never know when an April shower will scatter across the landscape. If you want to look the part and ensure you’re comfortable, here’s how to dress for your next springtime hike.

Look After Your Feet 

It should come as no surprise that your feet are the most important part of the hike. Even shorter trails involve a lot of walking, so you should invest in comfortable and supportive women’s hiking boots that can handle the varying terrain. The hike won’t all be dry and flat paths, and you may need to wade through puddles or up slippery mossy hills. Waterproof boots with plenty of tread and ankle support will keep your feet pain-free and reduce the risk of injury. 

Take Advantage Of Layers 

Even if it’s a little chilly when you head out, your body will start to warm up as you move. This means that you may overheat if you have not layered correctly. Likewise, don’t assume that the top of the trail will be as warm as the bottom, because you don’t want to get too cold from the windchill. Purchasing breathable layers such as hiking shirts and even men’s gilets offers ample protection from the elements but should also make it easy to adjust depending on the temperature. 

Protect Your Skin 

Spending all day in the sun (even on overcast days) can be dangerous for your skin. You don’t want to increase the risk of sunburn or skin cancer, so applying sufficient sunscreen will save you the stress of potential issues in the future. Apply it to your face and any parts of your body that are exposed to avoid discomfort before heading out onto the trail. 

Long Sleeves and Trousers 

You can avoid the need for sunscreen by wearing long sleeves and trousers, and these can be especially beneficial if you are hiking through overgrown woodland. While there are not too many dangerous critters across the country, you could still encounter irritating midges or even ticks that can be difficult to remove after they latch on and could lead to Lyme disease. 

Rainy Day Precautions!

As much as you want to enjoy a rain-free hike, there’s no guarantee that grey clouds won’t roll over the trail. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so bring a lightweight waterproof jacket and research waterproof backpacks to protect your lunch and any devices you bring with you. You don’t want your camera to get ruined in a sudden downpour, so taking steps to keep these items safe will give you plenty of peace of mind. 

Springtime Hikes 

Springtime hikes are a fantastic way to see more of the country and get some essential fresh air and exercise. But, it will be a miserable experience if you aren’t wearing the right clothes. While you don’t need to buy the most expensive gear, investing in good-quality clothing will make a significant difference and could be the inspiration you need to go on more hikes.

Sarah x

5 Tips For Traveling on a Budget

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If you’re looking into planning your next adventure, why not consider doing something on a budget? Sure, traveling can be pricey from time to time, but it doesn’t always need to be expensive. You don’t always need to stay in fancy hotels, go out to eat on strips, or even shop during trips. Instead, enjoying the moment right then and there can be one of the biggest highlights of an adventure. So, here are some tips for traveling on a budget!

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Opt for driving

While petrol can be expensive from time to time, and the same can go for renting a car, why not instead look into a used Volkswagen dealer? One of the best parts about driving when you travel is the fact that you set the pace. You can stop and stretch your legs whenever you like, and you don’t have to worry about delays like you would if you were going somewhere by plane or train.

Avoid trips during the high season

Traveling during the high season can be expensive and frustrating; this is especially more apparent if it’s the school holidays. While every school and country is going to vary when holidays are, for the most part, the summer months from May to August will mean kids are out of school. Plus, October and December are usually the times when kids are also out. 

These months, especially the summer and December, are just known for being high season. If you can book trips during any other time of the year, such as January, you’ll be bound to save more money on travel, airfare, hotels, excursions, and so much more.

Avoid alcoholic beverages

When you’re traveling on a budget, your best bet is to avoid alcoholic beverages at all costs. If you do indulge in the booze, be sure to do it in moderation. Alcoholic beverages are usually pricey unless you’re going somewhere such as Eastern Europe, and that’s mostly just affordable beers. In general, just try to avoid spending money on alcohol; this will be the best way to stick to your budget.

Cook local food

If you want the most bang for your buck, preparing a local meal abroad is the way to go. You’ll find the best ingredients at nearby markets, and you won’t have to pay those pricey restaurant fees or tip the server. Even if you don’t have access to your own kitchen in your hotel, then you can usually just eat fruit or even make sandwiches.

Choose cheaper places

Why go to those major travel destinations when you can instead go somewhere more off the beaten path? Major travel destinations are overly expensive and tend to be less authentic as they try to cater to tourists. Instead, choosing lesser-known areas will not only be cheaper and less crowded, but you’re also going to have a better “dose” of how the locals live. But even if you’re not a fan of going somewhere off the beaten path, you can still select to go to cheaper areas.

Sarah x

5 Tips For Becoming an Eco-Friendly Traveler

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While many consumers are focusing on being more environmentally friendly in their day-to-day life, why not implement this in travel too? Even on vacation, you can always lower your carbon footprint and live a more eco-friendly life. So, how can you do this? Here are some tips for becoming an eco-friendly traveler as a beginner!

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Avoid air travel

For the most part, you will want to avoid air travel. Sometimes, it’s not always possible to skip this option, but if you can, you should try. You can also reduce your carbon footprint by choosing an airline with good environmental practices. Some airlines are going green by using bio-fuels, reducing the weight of the seats, and even reducing the number of disposables in the in-cabin service. They are also working to improve fuel efficiency. You can find a listing of companies and airlines using these measures using Skyscanner’s greener choices tool.

Use public transport

While you could look to see if used Adria camper vans for sale are available for a low price if you want to make a cross-country trip, however, sometimes public transportation can be just as good. Public transport is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. It helps to cut down on air pollution and congestion. 

Plus, using public transport can be cheaper and more enjoyable. You won’t have to worry about traffic like you would if you were driving. Plus, if you’re going by train, you can always get first class for a more comfortable form of travel.

Invest in a water filter

When you’re traveling, you might be tempted to pack some bottled water. This is a convenient option. But it isn’t the healthiest, as it doesn’t remove harmful microorganisms. It is better to bring a travel water filter, which will prevent you from becoming ill abroad. Besides, getting a reusable water bottle with a filter means that you’re helping with plastic waste. These products remove bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and other harmful elements. Water filters come in many different types. Choosing the right one depends on your preferences and budget.

Consider a bicycle trip

Instead of a road trip, why not a bike trip instead? One of the easiest and least costly ways to do your part for the planet is to consider a bicycle trip. Aside from the environmental and health benefits, it also helps reduce the dreaded traffic jams. If you are lucky enough to live in a bicycle-friendly city or even go somewhere bike-friendly such as the Netherlands, you can enjoy a healthy and fun commute with no stress. With that in mind, the best way to go about this ludicrous endeavor is to plan ahead. This can be a great option, but make sure you’re choosing destinations that are bike friendly.

Follow a leave-no-trace policy

When planning a trip in the wilderness, it is important to follow a leave-no-trace policy. If you don’t, you can damage natural resources. This includes soil, water, and vegetation. Also, your waste can pollute water and attract wildlife. A lot of travelers are destroying the environment they’re visiting, and this is something you’re going to want to avoid.

Sarah x