10. Crazy Horse Memorial, USA.

The Crazy Horse Memorial located in Custer County, South Dakota, was the life’s work of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. He began his tribute to the legendary Native American in 1948 and due to the epic scale of the monument was still working up until his death in 1982. Still a work in progress, his family continues and the face of Crazy Horse was completed 16 years after Ziolkowski’s death. When completed, it is likely to hold the title of the largest non-religious statue in the world with dimensions of 195 meters wide and 172 meters high. That’s if they ever finish it. For now it is, at least, a monument to monumental vision.

9. Jumbo Hostel, Sweden.

Sleeping  on an aircraft is not one of life’s most comfortable experiences, but this Boeing 747-200 promises not only a turbulence free night, but also a little more leg-room. Why? It’s because this mechanical bird is flightless. Marking the entrance to Stockholm-Arlanda Airport the hostel tags itself as one of the world’s coolest stays. Maybe they are right; it certainly ranks up there for novelty. Set in a decommissioned jumbo jet. Built in 1976 for Singapore Airlines, the jet also flew for Pan Am and later the now defunct Swedish carrier Transjet. So rather than becoming scrap metal the aircraft enjoys a (slightly tacky) retirement on the ground.

8. Hobbiton – New Zealand.
Fans of the Lord of the Rings and upcoming Hobbit movies can find themselves in Middle-Earth’s Shire. The set, on private farmland near the North Island town of Matamata is in the same state as it was in the movie trilogy. Two-hour tours to the site are available and because you will share the pastures with sheep, it doubles as a farm visit. It’s cool, albeit slightly nerdy.

7. Derweza, Turkmenistan.

The locals call it the “Door to Hell” and fittingly it is perhaps the most remote destination on this list. Located in the Karakum Desert in the north of the former Soviet State the pit is the result of gas extraction gone wrong. In 1971 geologists drilling for gas caused a cavern to cave in. To prevent a toxic gas release it was decided to set it on fire in the belief it would burn out in several days. Err…it’s still burning. The crater is most spectacular at night.

6. Pamukkale, Turkey

Pamukkale means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish and it’s an apt name for the hot springs, travertines and terraces in the complex in southwestern Turkey. A World Heritage Site, it has been a popular destination for thousands of years as visitors were lured to the natural warm springs. In fact, the springs could be said to be the world’s firstu health spa, the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis was built on top of the springs. Two millennia later, Pamukkale remains one of Turkey’s top tourist draw cards.

5. Cancun Underwater Museum, Mexico.
Art is subjective and maybe the best way to describe the Cancun Underwater Museum is that it is weirdly beautiful. The creation of British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor the museum features 400 life-sized concrete statues all based on local people, hence the “museum” title. But, what makes this truly different is they are submerged off the coast of Cancún and Isla de Mujeres. It might pay to pack your swimming costume for this one.

4. Avebury, England.
Forget Stonehenge, it’s worth visiting the eerie Avebury, about 30km north of its more famous megalithic cousin. Why this is cool?  The three concentric circles of this henge make it the largest in Europe. Estimated to be more than 4000 years old, no-one actually knows what it was for. In another twist, some Medieval folk decided it seemed like a good place to live and set up the village of Avebury, Wiltshire more or less in the middle of the circles.

3. Chapel of Bones, Portugal.

Seriously creepy…The Chapel of Bones, or Capela dos Ossos in Évora, Portugal is a small chapel located next to the entrance of the Church of St. Francis. Now if you hadn’t guessed already the chapel earned its name from the fact its interior is decorated with bones – of the human variety. While human skulls and bones are not your typical church ornamentation a 16th century Franciscan monk was keen to remind his brothers that life is short. It’s a message delivered with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, even the wording at the entrance is foreboding “Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos” which means “We, the bones that are here, await yours”.

2. Dracula Tour, Romania
While we’re on the subject of creepy, the Twilight phenomenon might keep the legend of vampires in people’s minds – albeit in the form of annoying, undead American teens. But for the more sinister experience you can’t beat the original. These tours take you back to where all this vampire stuff began – Transylvania. The week-long Dracula Tour starts in the Romanian capital Bucharest and closely follows the lore set down in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, as well as looking at the author’s inspirations when he first imagined the bloodsucker. The tour includes a visit to Snagov Monastery, complete with a moat and the tomb of Vlad the Impaler – also known by his patronymic name Dracula.

1. Chernobyl and Pripyat, Ukraine.

Still in Eastern Europe, this site is a must for disaster junkies. Some 60km from the Ukrainian capital Kiev lies a 30km no-man’s land surrounding the site of the world’s worst manmade disaster. This is a draw card because prior to the 1986 disaster this area was a Soviet showpiece. The exploded reactor is perhaps a secondary attraction to the now abandoned city of Pripyat. This city was the best in the union and home to 50,000. Now it what a world without people looks like – nature is slowly reclaiming what was once urban. Sure there are clichés, like carefully placed dolls that seem to be a must-take-photo for any Pripyat album, but the sheer impact of this place will haunt you for some time.

By Jared Morgan. Jared Morgan is chief communications officer for online hotel site www.booked.net the site offers a comprehensive list of hotels near the destinations listed here including Jumbo Hostel.

Here is our pick of the top escorted tours in 2012:

Stockholm and its Archipelago, Sweden

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden and the so-called ‘Venice of the North’, provides a great opportunity to embark on a wonderful escorted tour. Stockholm and its Archipelago feature some of the finest castles and palaces in Europe and the world. 

A visit to the old town of Gamla Stan will afford visitors a glimpse into Stockholm’s medieval history, with its medieval lanes and cathedrals. There are a number of palaces that were built in the 18th century that you can see, including the Royal Palace at Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace of Drottningholm with its intact Court Theatre, the exquisite French Empire style Rosendel Palace in Djurgaren island, and the Tullgarn Palace, which is the summer palace of the Swedish royal family. What’s more, you can take a cruise through the Stockholm Archipelago and have the experience of a lifetime. You can also visit the Thielska Gallery which holds a unique collection of Scandinavian art works.

Sicily, Italy

Siciliy is a colourful island that has a history of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman and Spanish influences, making it a culturally enriching experience and a perfect holiday destination for an escorted tour. Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sicily was once a strategically prominent city. Today it has numerous archaeological and historical sites, as well as churches, palaces and villas that bear testimony to its diverse array of influences. 

In Sicily you can visit the well-preserved Graeco-Roman theatre in Taormina, the remains of the Temple of Apollo in Ortygia, the Acropolis and temple area at Selinunte, the 4th century Roman Villa Imperiale at Casale, and the Doric temple and amphitheatre at Segesta. You can see the Palazzo Biscariin Catania, an example of rich Sicilian Baroque architecture, and visit the archaeological museum at Reggio Calabria, which holds antiquities from magnificent terracotta pottery to outstanding bronze works. The island’s capital, Palermo, boasts magnificent 10th to 12th century Arab-Norman buildings, Rococo and Baroque chapels and opulent palaces. 

St Petersburg, Russia

St Petersburg is a city that is rich in history and culture, and will be a truly amazing experience for an escorted tour. The Winter Palace, a magnificent building built in the mid-18th century and once the winter residence of the Russian Imperial family, is now home to the State Hermitage. The Hermitage is a renowned museum which holds one of the world’s greatest art and treasure collections, including the Romanov Jewels Collection, treasures collected during Catherine the Great’s reign and artworks by artists like Matisse, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Monet. 

St Petersburg also has a number of stunning classical palaces that date from the 18th century, including the Rococo Catherine Palace, the Yussupov Palace, and the neoclassical Palace of Pavlovsk which showcases the magic of Russia’s Golden Age. Mariinshy Theatre is among the most beautiful theatres in the world. It features a blue and gold auditorium and imperial box, and if you’re lucky, you can catch an enchanting ballet performance at the theatre. St Petersburg also has a statue of its founder, Peter the Great, ‘The Bronze Horseman’, and nearby is a magnificent waterfront overlooking the River Neva. You can also visit the 18th century Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul where the tsars and their family are buried in tombs, and you can visit the Russian Museum, which holds Russian art from the 14th century onwards.

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

The city of Amsterdam is a vibrant city of art that will provide a wonderful escorted tour. You can experience the lovely central canal area in Amsterdam which holds many museums and artworks that bear testimony to Netherland’s great ‘Golden Age’. Amsterdam’s oldest building, the Oude Kerk, which dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, boasts a wonderful gilded ceiling and stained glass windows. The Rijksmuseum contains major Dutch artworks, and you can visit the home of one of the greatest painters in Europe, Rembrandt’s House, which contains two hundred and fifty of the artist’s works. 

You can also visit the Hague, the seat of the court and parliament, and discover its village atmosphere. Visit the 17th century Italian style Mauritshuis palace, which contains a magnificent collection of Dutch paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens. The Mesdag Panorama, a 19th century cylindrical painting that is more than 14 metres high and 40 metres wide, provides an illusionistic all-round view that makes you feel as if you are standing on a sand dune overlooking a beach and village. Amsterdam is also home to the Van Gogh Museum, where you can see the world’s largest collection of Vincent van Gogh’s famous paintings, and while in the great city, you can take a cruise of the Amsterdam waterways. 

If you’re interested in going on an escorted tour in 2012, speak to the Ultimate Travel Company who can advise you which tour will suit your needs.

For many, a traditional summer break in one of the sun-kissed holiday resorts of Europe is the ideal, because there’s nothing they like better than relaxing on the beach with nothing to worry about except the temperature of their cold drinks. As always, however, this isn’t everyone’s idea of the perfect vacation.
A growing number of people are spending their holiday time travelling around a specific region or country, in a bid to discover the history and heritage of specific locations. In the United Kingdom at any one time, there are thousands of tourists doing just that, thanks to the ease of getting around and the low cost of car hire.
All over Great Britain, from the north-east of Scotland to the south-east of England, there are hundreds of iconic cities and towns just waiting to be discovered. As always in the UK, history really is all around you, and wherever you are in the country you can be sure you are never far away from an important landmark or a famous building.
London, the country’s enigmatic capital, is one of the world’s truly great cities, and is a busy, bustling metropolis with a heritage that dates back centuries. Walking down any street in the centre of the city invokes the ghosts of Charles Dickens, Queen Elizabeth I, Winston Churchill and a host of other well-known names. The atmosphere in these streets is truly unique and is just waiting to be sampled.
To the north of London lies Edinburgh, the historic capital of Scotland, and home to some of the finest art galleries and museums in Europe. The beautiful castle sits atop a hill at the end of the Royal Mile, and offers some stunning views across the streets and avenues. This superb city attracts millions of tourists every year, and it’s easy to see why.
The county of Cornwall, on the south-western tip of England, has been attracting visitors for centuries, and continues to offer plenty of things for the tourist to see and do. It’s often best to leave the guide book at home and simply go for a drive around the region; the unspoilt coves and fishing villages are a delight, so be prepared to take a camera with you on your travels.
All over the UK, at airports, train stations and ferry terminals, you will find car hire specialists ready and waiting to help you find the vehicle you want. It’s so easy to arrange rental over the Internet, too, and to therefore reserve your ideal car, whether it’s a small hatchback or a large family saloon. There’s never been a better time to discover the UK, so make the trip as soon as possible and see why so many millions of others have already done so.

David Rice is based in the UK but has a passion for all things British. He works for a company that offers the best car hire Leeds visitors are ever likely to locate. He know the finest Leeds car hire deals can be found online.

If you’re looking for something a little bit out of the ordinary there are a number of great excursions to be had on the Isle of Wight including Blackgang Chine and The Needles Park.

The Needles Park

The Needles Park is located on the far west of the island and features the Isle of Wight’s most iconic features, the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse. There’s a chairlift down the cliffs to the beach as well as Alum Bay Glass where local coloured glass is blown in the traditional method, creating uniquely beautiful gifts and souvenirs.

Another tradition that is upheld in Alum Bay is filling glass vessels with the coloured sands that occur naturally on this part of the island. Once it was possible to just take a bottle down onto the beach and fill it with layers of different colours but these days, to protect the cliffs from accelerated erosion it’s become necessary to limit the amount of sand that can be taken. However, it’s still possible to visit the Sand Shop and create your own ornaments and gifts.

The tradition of making sand gifts goes back to the Victorian era, Victoria made the island popular as a holiday resort and when she was presented with a gift made with the 21 different coloured sands that can be found on this one stretch of beach it started a tradition which is carried on to this day.

If coloured sand doesn’t get you excited then I know something that will, Needles Park also boasts a sweet factory! A must for any Charlie Buckets or Veruca Salt the Sweet Manufactory is a place where you can watch sugar tuned into all kinds of tasty treats not made anywhere else and then sample them at the end.

Blackgang Chine

Blackgang Chine is near to the needles and overlooks the Heritage Coast. Here too is an interesting mix of different themes which will entertain all day. If you can’t decide whether you’d like to visit a dinosaur themed attraction, a nursery tale, fantasy, pirate or cowboy experience then Blackgang Chine is the place to go, it has all of them! 

@DanCash still likes to visit theme parks from time to time and the Isle of Wight is just a short ferry ride away from the mainland. There are plenty of hotels and B&Bs on the Isle of Wight if you choose to stay overnight or longer.

Of all the countries I have visited, Scotland is the most diverse and fascinating. It is the land of malt whisky, haggis and landscapes and cityscapes of breath-taking beauty. No one city embodies this as much as the capital city of Edinburgh. Running the gamut from ancient history and culture to buzzing nightlife and everything in between, there is no place quite like Edinburgh. With so much happening it can be hard to choose what to do while visiting this fair city, but here are some personal favourites as a starting point.

Edinburgh festival

If it is at all possible, I always try to visit Edinburgh during the Festival because it is a wonderful experience. A cultural jamboree taking place in August, the Festival is actually a combination of a number of separate film, jazz, art, politics and book festivals, not to mention the Fringe, starting a week before the main event. Do not miss Fringe hotspots the Hub and the Traverse, or free performances at the garden party in the Meadows on Fringe Sunday. If more highbrow shows are your thing then opera, dance and theatre can be found at the Edinburgh Festival Theater.

Volcano

Not many people realise that the city of Edinburgh encompasses within its boundaries an extinct volcano. Arthur’s Seat is the tallest of the city’s seven hills and a climb to the top is something I always recommend when visiting Edinburgh to drink in the wonderful views. Combine your stroll up the hillside with a visit to ‘Our Dynamic Earth’, a science museum that provides an explanation of how this amazing landmark was formed, as well as an illuminating geological education. The museum is interactive and great for the kids. After your jaunt up Arthur’s Seat, if you have energy left, then spend the evening taking in a walking tour of the city – with a twist. Cobbly, windy, hilly and twisty, Edinburgh is a city made for walkers and the spooky after-dark walks are something of a speciality here. Try City of the Dead or Mercat Walking, tour companies with a good reputation for providing eerie and often historically accurate walking tours that are often conveniently located around the hotels in Edinburgh city centre.

Whisky

Whisky is famous as the national drink of Scotland and there are certainly many distilleries for you to visit. As I’m an aficionado of malt whisky, I always enjoy The Scotch Whisky Experience, a liquid tour of the history of this drink as well as a very pleasant entrée into the world of the connoisseur. After this incredibly entertaining tour, you may not be prepared to accept supermarket blends again! Since whisky is the national drink, you might as well use it to wash down the equally famous but maybe less appreciated dish of haggis. Macsween of Edinburgh is a renowned haggis manufacturer and you cannot go wrong choosing one of their delicacies, which are also available in delis across the city. Less intrepid culinary adventurers can always try the shortbread.

Weaving company

Finally, if you want a touch of the traditional and can picture yourself wearing a kilt, then pay a visit to the Edinburgh Old Town Weaving Company. A working mill, the noisy looms produce the extensively stocked store’s products. Check the guide to investigate your clan history, as I did and then stock up on all the relevant kit from the store.

This guest post was brought to you by Saul Malpass- He is a keen blogger who particularly enjoys finding little gems of things to do within UK cities. He is currently writing on behalf of Lodging World who provide information on booking hotels around the U.K;

It goes without saying that, when most people are asked about their dream vacation getaway, Hawaii is somewhere at the top of the list. That means that when you plan your trip to Hawaii, others are making the same plans. So, how do you go about finding and booking the best Hawaii vacation rentals for you when there are so many offerings for so many different vacationers? Here are some tips for how to choose a great vacation rental in Hawaii:

Set your budget. This is the first (and easiest) step for finding a vacation rental. Hawaii has a lot to offer, from sprawling waterfront estates to cozy inland villas. Your budget will automatically separate your possibilities from the impossibilities, so start here.

Choose a locale. The great island of Hawaii has several different hot spot vacation areas, each having its own atmosphere and view, and knowing which you prefer can help you narrow your choices down. Research Hawaii’s terrain and offerings online to decide which side of the island you prefer, before you shop for a vacation rental. A great web tool use can use to scout locations is Google Earth, which actually gives you bird’s eye (and sometimes street level) views of anywhere you might want to go, from the comfort of your home.

Prioritize. Must you have a certain number of bedrooms, privacy, or a view of the ocean? Decide exactly what you want out of your vacation rental so that you can quickly eliminate locations that don’t fit.

Search the web. Sites like hawaiiparadisevacationrentals.com and justhawaiivacationrentals.com allow you to plug in all of your requisites and return to you a list of vacation rentals that suit your preferences and are within your price range.

Ask for multiple pictures. Don’t commit to any vacation rental unless you have seen a multitude of pictures of the property – both inside and out. It’s not unusual for property managers to showcase only the best features of the property in their photos, and you don’t want any surprises once to arrive on the island.

Check references. Once you’ve settled on a couple of possible vacation rentals, ask the property manager for references. People who have stayed at the property before are the best source for information, both good and bad, about a vacation rental.

Choosing a vacation rental for your stay in Hawaii will take some time and effort, but it is well worth knowing that you will be able to enjoy your trip in accommodations that are best suited to your vacation fantasies. Follow these tips to make the process as simple and painless as possible.

About the Author: Von Eslinger loves traveling and spends a great deal of time in Hawaii vacation rentals. Make sure you take your time and choose a rental property that will suit your tastes and lifestyle needs. You’ll never regret your time on the Hawaiian islands.

London is home to an abundance of restaurants offering cuisines from around the world, but with so much choice how are we to know which ones to avoid and which we should work up an appetite for?

This guide provides top 10 London restaurants for every occasion when on holiday in England’s capital.

London restaurants: Quick bites

1. 1.     Kipferl, London, Islington

For something quick and reasonably priced, Kipfer is an Austrian restaurant in the heart of Islington. German sausages make up most of the menu, along with some other Austrian delights. A typical three-course meal costs a very reasonable £23.50.

1. 2.     Bunga Bunga, Battersea

When you can’t be bothered to look around another tourist attraction and your stomach is calling out to you to fill it, pizza is always a satisfying mid-sightseeing meal. While there seems to be more pizzerias than there are Starbucks in London, for top quality and a lively and warming atmosphere Bunga Bunga truly delivers.

1. 3.     Tapas Revolution, Westfield London shopping mall

For a break from some retail therapy at one of London’s best and newest shopping malls, Tapas Revolution provides authentic Spanish cuisine.

Gastro pubs and good ol’ grub

1. 4.     Prince of Wales, Richmond Road

For an evening meal, this London restaurant offers an exciting and ambitious menu in a quiet setting in Putney. Test out some interesting dishes such as Lamb cooked three ways: grilled tongue, braised neck, and pink roast lamb.

At around £29.50 for three courses, this gastro pub offers a comfortable setting for high quality and delicious food.

1. 5.     Fox & Grapes, Wimbledon

For a special pub lunch or dinner in an idyllic setting by Wimbledon Common, Fox & Grapes delivers in bucket loads. Expect juicy burgers and traditional meals.

A typical three course meal will set you back £29.95

Chinatown

1. 6.     Manchurian Legends, Leicester square

No visit to London is complete without trying the delights of this capital’s Chinatown.

Manchurian Legends serves huge meals from the northeastern region of the Middle East.

Expect to pay £25-35 for plenty of food and drink.

Fine dining and Michelin Stars

1. 7.     Medlar, King’s Road – Chelsea

For uptown elegance, top-notch fine dining at affordable prices, Medlar is a true Chelsea find where you can expect to be waited on hand and foot.

£25 for a three-course lunch, £38 for dinner.

1. Roganic, Blandford Street

Enjoy a 10 course-tasting menu at Simon Rogan’s London joint ‘Roganic’ and marvel in the theatrics of the dishes as well as the interesting tastes.

This Marylebone restaurant is simple in its décor, but the food is anything but – worth a visit when you are in the mood for something different.

A 10-course tasting menu is £80

1. 9.     Galoupet, Knightsbridge

A high-class restaurant/ diner for shoppers needing an expensive pick-me-up.

Opt for a tapas tasting meal, or choose to have one dish as a larger portion.

Octopus, and Sea trout served with citrus fruits and wood sorrel are some of the many interesting menu options.

Four plates cost around £30.75

1. 10.  Helene Darroze at the Connaught

If after trying all of the above you are still intent on sampling the delights of a London Michelin Star restaurant, head over to the Connaught before your departure.

Helene Darroze’s French cuisine recently got awarded it’s first Michelin Star in this London restaurant, and deservedly too.

But as we know, with the good, comes the bad. I know you’ve seen them – and hope you don’t own them – travel items that end up weighing down your suitcase and consuming space more than the value they provide. Don’t get me wrong, they all have good intentions! Some, though, may be a wee bit of a stretch.

Fog-Free Shaving Mirror

It could be me, but I have a feeling most hotels have mirrors in them. Granted this travel mirror is fog-free, the only appropriate place left is the woods if you’re willing to pack a hammer and a nail. On the other hand, Paul Bunyon’s beard may suggest shaving is forbidden in the great outdoors. Or maybe it’s just not meant for travel.

Inflatable Hangers

Inflatable travel hangers have good intentions: space saving, fit well in cars, and support bulky clothing items. But so do regular hangers. Unless you’re a mermaid at the Ocean Formal Dance or need your suitcase to float after being tossed from the cruise ship.

Ladies’ All-in-One ShaveMate

Have you ever heard of a travel razor containing all your shaving cream inside the bottle? Me neither. Probably because someone ran out of shaving cream after one leg. But if you must, buy in pairs of two.

Sun-Proof Board Shorts

These sun-proof board shorts may block out 100% of the sun, but only on the 15% of your body that typically doesn’t see the sun. Ever. Which leaves you with 85% of your body covered in sunscreen.

And the Craziest Travel Product, The Strandle.

All you need to do is read the product description to understand why The Strandle is so amazing. And look at the pictures for how your hand can do all the same things! I guess it does look pretty comfortable.

Bio: When he’s not writing helpful travel advice about travel products or tips for TravelProducts.com, Nate Schrader can be found in the great outdoors escaping technology or on the trails for an adventure run.

Aspen, Colorado

As if you didn’t know this would make the top of our list! Aspen is like the Upper East Side of Colorado – very luxurious with both its ski choices and other amenities. If you go to Aspen for the skiing (which, why wouldn’t you?), you’ll be able to enjoy trails from beginner to expert. Aspen Mountain itself offers a great variety of trails, including acres upon acres of terrain on the backside of the mountain.

If you’re not so much into the skiing part of winter vacations, you’ll still have plenty to do in this winter wonderland. With shops, restaurants, nightlife and outdoor activities for every make and model, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy. It’s a kid-friendly city, too – lots of local hangouts/clubs/bars for your kids to enjoy on a family trip, depending, of course, on their age! Bottom line: there’s something for everyone in Aspen.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Ah, the Grand Tetons! Here’s a quick tip: Don’t hit up Jackson Hole if you’re a beginner or an out-of-shape intermediate or advanced skier. These trails are known for being difficult and steep, featuring fluffy stuff that’s usually knee deep. But, after a long, hard day of skiing these treacherous trails, relax with the unmatched scenery, the friendly hospitality, and the wonderful resort amenities.

You’ll be in a quiet town, where there will certainly be a lot of people, but will still feel quiet. The mountain is massive, and only features 11 lifts, but they are so strategically placed that you’ll never feel like you’re waiting in a crowded line or even feel crowded on the mountain or at the lodge. This is truly a winter escape.

Mammoth Mountain, California

Mammoth Mountain is known for the best snow in California, and some of the best snow in the country. At 12 to 14 feet, it has the deepest snow base in America, but this season in particular, like most other mountains, the snow is hard to come by. Mammoth, though, goes above and beyond in an effort to make their own snow to keep all of their trails open. For a crowded resort area, there is terrain on Mammoth Mountain that will take you through wooded areas and make you feel like you are the only person on the mountain.

If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of options for you, too. The mountain features several lodges and great mountain range, so you can work your way from one lodge to another without leaving the mountain. Off the slopes, there is a great winter village with shopping, dining, and nightlife that’s sure to please.

Park City, Utah

This pick is more of an overall lifestyle and amenities choice. Yes, the skiing is great, but first let me tell you about all of the great shopping and dining! Park City is surprisingly upscale, featuring luxurious 5-star restaurants and designer shopping. Add to that all of the great outdoor activities the city offers in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and you really can’t go wrong here.

And the skiing…it’s Utah – some of the best snow in the country! This kid-friendly Park City Mountain Resort offers plenty of classes for the little beginning skiers, and over 100 trails for Mom and Dad. The mountain also offers an Alpine Coaster, a seated sled that glides down a track all the way down the mountain, as well as a fully-lit tubing area for all the best in family fun.

Stowe, Vermont

We’re moving over to the East Coast now to check out Stowe, Vermont. First of all, it’s located in the heart of New England, so you know it’s bound to be charming. But when you arrive in Stowe, you’ll be surprised at the elegance and top-notch amenities. One of the more unique aspects of this mountain is its “leave no trace” rule. On every outing, you are expected to leave no trace whatsoever of ever having been there – no garbage or anything – in respect of Vermont’s outdoor cleanliness and purity.

In terms of trails, Stowe has everything anyone could ever want and is really the mecca of skiing on the east coast. The terrain trails are totally New England – narrow, windy, and mostly ungroomed – but there are still plenty of beginner trails, including the well-known Toll Road, which was cut back in the 1800′s.

As far as nightlife goes, the new Village surrounding Stowe features a cross-highway gondola that connects you to some of the best dining and shopping in New England. As far as east coast resorts go, Stowe easily takes the cake.

Lake Placid, New York

If you’re going to ski the Adirondack Mountains, definitely go to Lake Placid. This little town nestled in the heart of the high peaks is so cute and quaint that you’ll never want to leave. As with any other great ski town, plenty of restaurants, shopping and bars, but Lake Placid also has all of the Olympic destination must-sees. Come on, you know you want to visit the 1980 “Miracle” hockey arena! It’s all within walking distance in Lake Placid. Plus, spectacular views no matter which direction you look.

Oh, and the skiing – Whiteface Mountain is the one you’ll want to see. The Adirondacks’ 5th highest peak, Whiteface is a monster of a mountain with unlimited potential for trails. There is a variety of terrain, but one small problem: some of the terrain has been known to get a little icy, so be prepared. And be ready to drive from Lake Placid to Whiteface – it’s about a 13 mile trip, but more than worth the daily drive!

Happy skiing!

Jade Evans is a freelance writer and avid ski enthusiast. She’s actually relocated her family several times (with the help, of course, of some great cross country movers) just to live in better ski spots!

Bruges is a classic example of a perfect rail holiday destination. Such an elegant city calls for elegant travel, and luxury trains make the journey from Brussels to Bruges immensely pleasurable after a quick passage on the Eurostar. A no-fly holiday lends itself to the timeless feel of this city, characterised by Gothic architecture and canals. Its old world feel and preserved architecture makes it one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Due to the silting of its canals in 1400’s, the city left its golden age as an important trading hub. From then on it was not considered to have strategic important and was thus spared from war time attacks and invasion. Untouched for the ensuing centuries, the city is now like a living museum that transports visitors back in time.

Canals

As though its encircling canals have kept time outside of the centre, it is easy to believe that you have walked back into the thirteenth century when the streets are quiet at twilight. Chiming bells and horses hooves exaggerate this effect, and a horse drawn tour of the centre is the perfect way to revel in this feeling of antiquity. A walking tour is also wonderful, and there is never any need to remove yourself from the luxurious pace set by the inbound train journey. Guides offer insight into the remarkable history of the city from its commercial glory days to its decline into a ghost town, right through to its modern fame. Walk over ornate bridges and follow the meandering canals to explore elegant churches, Gothic grandeur and gingerbread style almshouses.

Local Food and Drinks

Chocolate, beer and lace – Bruges is famed not only for its beauty but also for its local creations. A tour of a chocolatier visitors get to see traditional techniques of chocolate making by masters in the field. Chocolates can then be sampled at the end of the tour. Long established breweries such as De Halve Maan also offer tours to explain local brewing techniques with an old world bar to sample the goods.
Tradition also lives on in the Beguinage of Bruges, an enclosed village where unmarried women historically committed themselves to a life of religious devotion. Enter the courtyard gardens where lawns are blanketed by daffodils in the spring and poplars cast swaying shadows over the whitewashed buildings.
Outdoor cafe culture thrives in Bruges, and there are an abundance of squares and canal side streets serving local beers and Belgium’s best pancakes. A green city with little traffic, finding a table and watching the world go by is a pleasure.