From boutique lodges to simple fishing huts, here's our pick of the perfect cabins for when you want to hide away somewhere cosyThe Lodge, Eden Hall, Penrith, CumbriaAll log cabins should, of course, be set in vast sweeps of Canadian wilderness with a river on which grizzlies fish for salmon. You'll have to supply your own bears here but everything else ? from the cabin's lonely setting on the wooded banks of the river Eamont to the salmon in the river itself ? is 100% wild. The Lodge comes with a wrought-iron spiral staircase, a woodburner and a veranda from which to watch passing deer. Go before the end of March and pick-ups (from Penrith Station) and bikes are thrown in free.? The Lodge (sleeps four) from �975 a week; canopyandstars.co.ukShank Wood, Longtown, CumbriaHandcrafted by a local farmer from sitka spruce from the nearby Kielder Forest, the Shank Wood log cabin is an idyllic escape if you want to put up a "Gone Fishing" sign. This basic-but-beautiful fishing hideaway is set in a completely private spot in 140 acres of ancient woodland, close to the banks of the river Lyne, where wild brown and sea trout will taunt you. Luckily there are supplies available from the butcher in Brampton and Carlisle is nearby. The cabin has no running water, the loo is outside, and lighting is solar powered, but there's a toasty woodburner, a sun terrace and two mattresses on the mezzanine.? Shank Wood (sleeps four) from �90 per night; 01228 791 801, fishinghideaway.co.ukLodges at Coombe Mill, St Breward, Bodmin, CornwallGot small children? Roll right up. This working farm on the river Camel has four Scandinavian lodges ? including the newly built eco-friendly Trebah ? and is chocka with "child-friendly animals" including deer, miniature donkeys and wabbits. There are daily tractor rides, 30 acres of woodland, meadows and gardens to romp around in, plus outdoor and indoor play areas. Oh, and something for adults too ? sleek furniture, luxury fixtures and Egyptian cotton sheets.? Trebah (sleeps four ? other cabins sleep seven) from �325 a week; 01208 850344, coombemill.comHoe Grange, Brassington, DerbyshireVeering more towards the shed end of the log cabin world ? which should please a lot of men of a certain age ? this award-winning farm's fourth and most recent addition, Daisybank, opens next month. Stay indoors (the central heating is from a ground-source pump) and enjoy the views of the Peak District, or walk, cycle or ride the eight-mile Hoe Grange Time Travellers Trail. Book Daisybank's opening week (18-25 February) and you'll get a free bottle of champagne. Corking!? Daisybank (sleeps six) from �445 (10% discount for those arriving on foot/bicycle/public transport); 01629 540262, hoegrangeholidays.co.ukGreenway Lodge, Kilve, SomersetTaking the concept of the log cabin to its most luxurious extreme, Greenway Lodge is packed with the most mod of mod cons (it's worth going just to find out what an "inskirator hot-tap" is). Perched on the Quantock Hills, it has views from the garden across the fields and over the Bristol Channel ? you'll be desperately thumbing through your thesaurus for synonyms for "gosh". There's a beach a mile-and-a-half away and a village pub up the road.? Greenway Lodge (sleeps six) from �425 a week; 01237 426796, holidaycottages.co.ukMaengwynedd Log Cabins, Llanrhaeadr ym Mochnant, PowysThe Berwyn Mountains are lovely ? everyone who knows keeps schtum so the crowds head for Snowdonia instead. At Maengwynedd, high up in the Berwyns, there are three cabins complete with hot tubs, oak and pine furniture, Wi-Fi (just say no!) and glorious views. The owners can also book you some mountain biking, hiking and white-water rafting with a local company, so there's really no excuse not to get out and about. But remember: this conversation never happened.? Maengwynedd Log Cabins (each sleeps six) from �380; 01691 780388, maengwyneddlogcabins.co.ukDwr Dy Felin Log Cabins, Carno, PowysHandcrafted from European silver pine, these three log cabins ? complete with cute balconies ? really look the part. Set in a secluded corner of a working farm, they have a smart, boutique-y feel. Fans of greenness will be pleased with the sustainable heating set-up that also powers the hot tub. The area is teeming with footpaths and mountain bike trails. And when you get back, you can scrub up in one of three bathrooms before ordering a massage. Mmmm.? Ty Afal, Ty Ceirios & Ty Peren (each sleeps six) from �490 a week; 07543 380048, dwryfelin.co.uk Milk Wood Lodge & Wnion Wood, Dolgellau, GwyneddTowards the southern end of Snowdonia national park, and a few miles east of the market town of Dolgellau, the Wnion Valley is home to two remote and rather lush wood cabins with mighty stone chimneys. If you can tear yourself away from the sauna, Jacuzzi and hot tub, the popular Cadair Idris mountain is just three miles away, while one of Britain's most spectacular riverside paths, the Torrent Walk, is even closer. February will see the opening of a third cabin, Dumbledore, which, given its name, should be magic.? Milk Wood Lodge, Wnion Wood and Dumbledore (each sleeps four) from �420 a week; 01341 450643, holidaylettings.co.ukRodel Valley, Isle of Harris, Western IslesProof at last that the Tardis also comes in log cabin form. This lodge in a tiny crofting village seems small but is packed with every luxury going. Modern gizmos abound (iPod-compatible stereo, ma'am?), while the bathroom is something else: remote control steam shower, Jacuzzi and, of course, a sauna. A second cabin opens from April and, unlike the first, will accept pets so you can let your dog take you for gloriously long walks.? Cabins (sleep four, with cot provided on request) from �550 a week (or �90 a night); 01859 520465, rodelvalley.comCairnty Lodges, Mulben, MorayThere's something unmistakably Heidi-esque about Red Squirrel and her brand new sister Roe Deer. Inside, all is swish and very modern ? this is not a place for roughing it. Both sport a hot tub and sauna (Roe Deer's arriving in the spring), and are heated by eco-pleasing ground-source pumps and solar panels. There are stoats, ospreys and (real) red squirrels for wildlife fiends, while walkers can head for adventure along the Speyside Way. The Spey river is famous for its salmon fishing, and there's a malt whisky trail nearby too.? Cairnty Lodges (sleep four adults and two children) from �380 a week; 01542 860263, logcabins-moray.co.ukTop 10sUnited KingdomWalesEuropeScotlandSelf-cateringCornwallDixe Willsguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Monday, January 31, 2011
Readers' tips: Asian beach huts
The perfect places to chill out by the sea, from simple bungalows in Thailand, to a luxury resort in MalaysiaSend us a tip this week and you could win a Sony cameraThailand WINNING TIP: Archanpan huts, Koh Phayam This is the best place I have stayed in my entire life. These bungalows are in Buffalo Bay on the remote Thai island of Phayam, which I discovered after the Guardian recommended it. The owner, Archanpan, is the secret ingredient. He is honestly one of the most amazing people I have ever met ? considerate, interesting and spiritual. Prices are low, and Archanpan has a pet crocodile living under his home. Huts for two from �7Jimmyhil123Friendly Bungalows, Koh PhanganBottle Beach is beautiful, and just the right combination of isolated and yet accessible. You'll find beautiful white sands, palm trees and clear water that is perfect for swimming. It's accessible only by boat or dirt track. Friendly Bungalows are the ones at the far right of the beach as you stand with the sea behind you. The staff are lovely and will make you feel like part of the family immediately. The huts are also great ? they back right on to the jungle and are so peaceful. Each one is different and they keep them immaculately clean.Bungalows for two from �8CluckClickCoco Bungalow, Koh LipeKoh Lipe is a tiny island in the Andaman Sea and one of the 51 islands of the Tarutao national marine park. Its long stretches of white sand are strewn with flowers each morning ? lifted by the night breeze from trees that fringe the sand. The Coco Bungalow beach huts on Sunset Beach are simple ? a real Robinson Crusoe experience. A mat on the floor is your comfy bed, but even the cheapest come with toilet and shower. The Chao Ley are the indigenous tribe. I watched for hours as they built longtail boats on the water's edge.Huts from �8; kohlipethailand.comPlainsailingPorn's Bungalows, Koh ChangMany of us have been fortunate enough to take a trip to Thailand and, tragic though it is, you can become a little uninspired on arrival at yet another beautiful beach hut on yet another beautiful island. But when you arrive at Porn's Bungalows you will feel a spark of magic and calm surrounds it so you can explore the delights of Koh Chang without the boom boom of a techno sound system in earshot. The bungalows are owned and run by the Porn family and are beautifully located on a golden beach where the water is almost like a lagoon, so you can walk or snorkel to your heart's content. They are very affordable, and your hosts can't do enough to make your stay just perfect. A recommendation to fill your time, should you get board of lying in a hammock reading your favourite book, is to relax with a turmeric face mask at the Herbal Sauna Bailan.Bungalows from �10; pornsbungalows-kohchang.comsurfstacey01Klong Nin beach huts, Koh LantaKlong Nin is a quiet, idyllic resort on Koh Lanta, with the most beautiful sunset to be seen in Thailand. I stayed in unnamed beach huts with double bed and bathroom costing just $1 a night, including the use of a pool (the only problem was that I occasionally had to share it with some of the local wildlife, including a 3ft monitor lizard). Fresh fruit and breakfast banquets were also on offer in the resort's beachfront restaurant. I doubt these prices can be found online, but they are easy to find once you are there. They were right by the luxurious Sri Lanta boutique resort. Surrounded by unspoilt, tranquil beaches by day and fresh seafood restaurants by night. For a fun night out, Ibark nightclub is a short stroll away ? with an open-air bar perched on a cliff top, it's the perfect way to end the day.nickynsCambodiaBamboo IslandI've travelled a great deal in south-east Asia and trying to find the fabled bungalow life of the early years is nearly impossible. So when I stumbled on Bamboo Island (a two-hour boat ride from Sihanoukville) I knew I had a find. Seclusion and peace at last. There is definitely no luxury here; no watersports or activities, no bars or nightclubs, only 16 very basic bungalows with shared toilets and one eating place. However, the beautiful beach ? and like-minded people ? make it a delightful place to literally do nothing and need nothing.Bungalows for two from �15; cambodia-beach.com/coasters/bamboo-island.html emcdougallParadise Bungalows, Koh RongThe Paradise Bungalows are exactly that, bungalows in paradise. They are on the white beaches of the sparsely populated island of Koh Rong, 40km off the coast of Sihanoukville. You really feel you have the island to yourself if you visit in the off-peak season. Combine diving and swimming on the coral reefs with some serious hammock swinging. The authorities have big plans for the island so best to visit before it gets overdeveloped.Bungalows for two �10, dorms from �2; diveshopcambodia.com/paradise-bungalows.htmlthePopsMalaysiaMoonlight Chalets, Perhentian IslandsCute rustic wooden cabins overlooking the beach on Perhentian Kecil, an island with no roads, no cars and no stress. The only traffic is a speedboat which drops off the few visitors straight on to the beach twice a day ? that and the disco-coloured fish which teem round the bay. The cabin wasn't expensive so we had enough left in our meagre wallets for the ridiculously fresh BBQ fish banquets each night on the beach. Perfect ? still dream of it now when stuck in an office in rainy Manchester. Cabins for two from �15; perhentian.com.my NewlyNorthernThe Tanjung Sanctuary Resort, LangkawiAlthough these are more beach bungalows than beach huts, their price is very reasonable. They have 32 bungalows in 67 acres of jungle right on the edge of the Andaman Sea. I have never felt so close to nature. We had a hornbill feeding its young less than 10m from our balcony and we could see dolphins out at sea. Treat yourself and stay in a "luxury" beach hut.Doubles from �135; tanjungsanctuary.com.myDorsethoopsIndiaOm Sai beach huts, GoaAgonda beach is a 3km stretch of white sand and if you are in search of a relaxing escape or a romantic getaway the Om Sai beach huts fit the bill. The six huts are in a secluded area of the beach and the friendly staff ensure you have everything you need. The busiest season is over New Year, so book early if you are looking to welcome 2012 in style.goabeachhuts.comLucejaneAsiaBeach holidaysBackpackingThailandMalaysiaCambodiaIndiaBudget travelGuardian readersguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Snowballs: Vonn Pow, Tracy Exits, Boa Wins Injunction
..... Vail, Colo. (Ski Press)-Even with a fresh gold medal and another World Cup title, few things are as sweet as a fresh powder morning. Three-time World Cup Overall champion and 2010 Olympic gold and bronze medalist Lindsey Vonn enjoyed 11" of fresh snow on Vail Mountain Friday, April 2, 2010. Vail has supported Vonn throughout her ski racing career and Vonn now represents all five of Vail Resorts? mountain resorts, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly. (Photo: Tom Green). Tracy Leaving as Women's Alpine Coach Park City, Utah (Ski Press)-After two successful seasons that included four Olympic medals and multiple Audi FIS World Cup titles, veteran U.S. Ski Team coach Jim Tracy will step down as the team's women's alpine head coach. The former women's head speed coach from 1996-2004, Tracy returned to lead the U.S. women's alpine program following the 2008 season. Tracy's career with the U.S. Team spans over two decades, including working with the men's downhill team for 10 years. "Jim was brought back two years ago to lead the team to a great performance at the Olympics in Vancouver. He leaves knowing that he accomplished that mission," U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Vice President, Athletics Luke Bodensteiner said. "He has been an amazing coach for the women's team, leading them through some of the greatest landmarks in U.S. skiing history." "I'm stepping aside having been a part of something very special with the women's team over the last two years," said Tracy, who came back to the Team two years ago when then head coach Patrick Riml left to take a position in Canada. "I have had many great friendships and great times and I wish all the best for the athletes as they move forward." Boa Technology Granted Injunction Against Rong Jou China (Ski Press)-Boa Technology Inc. announced that the Regional Court of Munich, Germany, granted a preliminary injunction against Rong Jou Ent. Co Ltd., a Taiwanese company doing business under the name A TOP. The court prohibited Rong Jou from importing, selling, or offering for sale in Germany certain reel and lacing systems shown at the 2010 ISPO Trade Show that infringe Boa Technology?s patent rights under European Patent No.1213981. ?We are very pleased the court has granted this important injunction,? said Gary Hammerslag, CEO of Boa Technology Inc. ?This ruling confirms the importance and strength of our patents that protect our innovative technology. Boa Technology Inc. has developed unique closure systems for footwear and other products for premium brand customers and we are committed to enforcing our patents to protect many years of investment and the superior image associated with our products.?
ABTA consumer survey reveals top business tips for members
ABTA has fully unveiled its Consumer Survey results and they provide some fascinating insights into how the public perceive ABTA and its Members, highlighting what they regard as important when they book a holiday. The survey provides important pointers for ways to improve your business. Here are 5 of the key top tips.
- ABTA Members should make full use of the ABTA logo in all advertising and paperwork. 71% of the public recognise it, far higher than other travel industry trade bodies. 70% of consumers also see ABTA membership as an essential or by far the single most important consideration when booking a holiday, giving Members a clear commercial edge over non-ABTA competitors.
- 53% of consumers value the service the knowledge, expertise, and experience of travel agents. So let them know about your staff?s qualifications and areas of expertise; and remember, highly trained staff also consistently deliver higher profits.
- 27% of customers do not notice the amount of tax they are paying; don?t let the Government take advantage of this. Tell your customers how much of their hard earned cash is going to the Treasury in Air Passenger Duty and dispel the myth that the high costs of flights are boosting your profits.
- Consumer awareness of the importance of sustainability in the travel industry is growing; but many consumers see the environment as the travel industry?s responsibility, so Members should publicise the work you are already doing while looking at ways to improve your environmental performance.
- The majority of consumers associate the ABTA brand with confidence, and nearly half make this association strongly. ABTA will continue to maintain and build on these perceptions but Members can maximise their benefit by emphasising the protection offered by the Code of Conduct and the ABTA arbitration scheme.
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Travel How-to: Road trip through Glacier National Park in the winter
Filed under: Skiing, Photos, Stories, North America, United States, Camping, Transportation
Here at Gadling, we're big fans of visiting National Parks in the off-season. There are fewer crowds, less headaches and more chances to enjoy the natural aspects that made these magnificent places so spectacular to begin with. The only trouble is the weather. Generally speaking, many of the United States' National Parks partially shut down when Old Man Winter shows up, driving away a good deal of would-be tourists and also limiting how much of the park you can see. The famed Tioga Pass through Yosemite National Park is drowned in snow from October to April, and the majority of Yellowstone's roadways are closed to automobiles during Wyoming's lengthy winter. And when it comes to one of America's true gems -- Glacier National Park -- the star attraction is completely off limits to even 4WD vehicles for three-quarters of the year.
With the Going to the Sun road shut down, is there even a reason to travel to northwest Montana to give this majestic place a look? Without a doubt, yes. It's true that Glacier, even in her 101st year as a National Park, is most open to exploration in the regrettably short summer season, but there are massive benefits to going in the winter. For one, hardly anyone else is there. You'll be lucky to see a dozen others exploring the park on a given winter day, giving you ample opportunity to get lost inside this truly gigantic place. But there's something else that few people consider when pondering a visit to Glacier in the winter: Highway 2. Read on to hear our secrets on making the most of an off-season visit to Montana's largest National Park.
Gallery: Enjoying Montana's Glacier National Park in winterContinue reading Travel How-to: Road trip through Glacier National Park in the winterTravel How-to: Road trip through Glacier National Park in the winter originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Here at Gadling, we're big fans of visiting National Parks in the off-season. There are fewer crowds, less headaches and more chances to enjoy the natural aspects that made these magnificent places so spectacular to begin with. The only trouble is the weather. Generally speaking, many of the United States' National Parks partially shut down when Old Man Winter shows up, driving away a good deal of would-be tourists and also limiting how much of the park you can see. The famed Tioga Pass through Yosemite National Park is drowned in snow from October to April, and the majority of Yellowstone's roadways are closed to automobiles during Wyoming's lengthy winter. And when it comes to one of America's true gems -- Glacier National Park -- the star attraction is completely off limits to even 4WD vehicles for three-quarters of the year.
With the Going to the Sun road shut down, is there even a reason to travel to northwest Montana to give this majestic place a look? Without a doubt, yes. It's true that Glacier, even in her 101st year as a National Park, is most open to exploration in the regrettably short summer season, but there are massive benefits to going in the winter. For one, hardly anyone else is there. You'll be lucky to see a dozen others exploring the park on a given winter day, giving you ample opportunity to get lost inside this truly gigantic place. But there's something else that few people consider when pondering a visit to Glacier in the winter: Highway 2. Read on to hear our secrets on making the most of an off-season visit to Montana's largest National Park.
Gallery: Enjoying Montana's Glacier National Park in winterContinue reading Travel How-to: Road trip through Glacier National Park in the winterTravel How-to: Road trip through Glacier National Park in the winter originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 30 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Greece: In at the deep end
Hannah Booth had never been one for group trips, but the chance to swim between Greek islands was too tempting. It might even be a life-changer. See the story in pictures"Just one?" said the man at Athens airport with stagey concern, when I asked for a ticket to the port. Greeks seem upset by single travellers. They're a family-loving nation, happiest when their tourists, particularly female ones, are shackled to a significant other or part of a jolly group.I assured him I wouldn't be alone for long. I would be joining 10 others to swim around the Minor Cyclades ? a cluster of tiny islands, including Naxos, Mykonos and Santorini. Baffled by the very idea, he winked, waved me on and yelled, "Next!"I've never been drawn to organised group trips, let alone their terrifying cousin, the singles holiday. During periods of singledom ? I've been in one for a year ? I'm either a happy solo traveller or I've holidayed with friends and family. But this time my brother and family, with whom I went away last summer, were off with fellow young parents; friends were working or saving money; and the willpower to head off on my own again, eight months after a solo trip, had momentarily deserted me.A group holiday it was. I discounted a yoga retreat, as I did one a few years ago. Painting and photography seemed too sensible. I secretly thought if I chose well, I might meet someone nice. So when I heard of a trip to swim between Greek islands, I pounced. A week of my favourite activity, with danger thrown in, appealed hugely. And in my experience, outdoor swimmers are an adventurous lot ? right up my street.After a night in Athens' deliciously seedy port of Piraeus, I boarded a large ferry to Naxos, followed by a smaller one to nearby Schinousa, an island of 200 people. In high season, barely 600 tourists visit. When we arrived in early October, we felt like pioneers. Our group had exchanged emails before we set off, so I knew some of them would be on the same boat. I found two, a young married couple from Atlanta, and we chatted excitedly. There was time for only brief hellos with the other swimmers at the harbour, but later, over a beer, I noted that everyone seemed not only normal but really rather nice. There followed a briefing on chafing, hypothermia, jellyfish stings, cramp and hand signals. They didn't mention drowning, which was my bigger worry. But they did tell us that safety boats would be with us all the way. I felt a frisson of nervous excitement.Breakfast the next morning was a merry affair, with the feel of a school trip. Two latecomers had arrived after drunkenly missing their ferry and hitching a lift on a fishing boat. You don't get those sorts on a watercolours holiday, I thought.First we swam 300m so we could be split into speed groups, then it was lunch followed by sunbathing. Nerves kicked in before our first swim. We struck out from the beach for a low-lying, scrubby headland. Before long, I was at the rear of the slow group. The waves picked up and I started to inhale mouthfuls of choppy saltwater. My spirits sank. The speedy group had sprinted off like a pod of dolphins. As we turned back, I clambered into the boat with Andrew, one of our guides, defeated.We'd made it 1.5km, the longest I'd ever swum, and that night over dinner, friendships began to form, our previous night's polite chitchat turning into more personal conversation. I put it down to the wine ? and the fact we'd already seen one another semi-naked. Swimming is a peculiarly bonding activity, more so in a hostile environment where you have to look out for each other.My fellow swimmers, ranging in age from 28 to 53, included a quick-witted West Country lawyer; a pair of lively sisters who worked in the family undertaking business; two adorable couples; a fellow London girl; a pair of fast-living international yarn salesmen; and our guides, Andrew and Mia, bronzed and gorgeous. Many were attached, but there alone. No eligible men, I noted, but if I'd cared at the start, I didn't now.The following days were a blur of front crawl, sunbathing, eating and drinking. I started to enjoy the routine of the swims: the first, thrilling plunge; finding a rhythm to my stroke; stopping to admire the scenery or point out interesting fish. The swims were meditative and satisfyingly tiring. As they grew in distance, so, too, did my speed and pleasure at completing them.After the first few group dinners, we were free to do our own thing, but we stuck together, early evening beers turning into long dinners, then more drinks. On day four, I cried off. We'd be on board Katerina for hours, and I knew that pitching boats and my stomach don't get along. But after the bustle of the group, I suddenly felt very alone.The following day was our longest swim: 5km from the island of Koufonisia to the uninhabited island of Keros. It was our first cloudy day, which lent a seriousness to the swim. The first half an hour was choppy. With Keros looming, we could see how far we had to go. An hour later, my stroke was flagging, my shoulders aching. Clambering on to the boat after the difficult final stretch, I felt elated.On the last day we did two 2km swims, which would have felt long at the start of the week, and messed about, diving for shells. It gave me time to appreciate what we'd done: we'd seen parts of these ancient islands hidden from most tourists. It was almost disappointing to have ended up with only a few minor conditions: swim-cap tan lines, sore eye sockets from tight goggles, and burned bottoms. The closest we came to serious injury was when Andrew stuffed a sea shell down his trunks, only to discover it had a live urchin inside.That night, one of the Atlantans turned 30. We took over a bar and partied until the small hours. The next morning, ashen-faced with hangovers, we arrived at Naxos, and the first of the group started to drift home. We had bonded firmly and I wasn't the only one feeling bereft. Over the course of my life I will doubtless holiday with partners, family and friends. But I promised myself, there on Naxos, that whatever my life circumstances, I would make sure to escape with like-minded strangers again.? A one-week Swimtrek holiday in Greece costs from �680, excluding transport. Flights with Aegean Air start from �73.50 including tax.GreeceSwimming holidaysTravelling soloEuropeHannah Boothguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Spa at Gatwick Airport
Holidaymakers flying from Gatwick's North Terminal this summer will be able to enjoy full-on pre-travel pampering in the new No.1 Traveller Lounge. The lounge comprises a spa, mini-cinema and games facilities.For a �20 entry fee, allows up to three hours of lounge usage ahead of their journey, with access to the a movie, pool table or a range of spa treatments (extra cost) as well as standard services such as complimentary food and refreshments, newspapers, magazines, TV and Wi-Fi.Passengers in the new No.1 Traveller lounge will be able to buy travel insurance, order foreign currency and� shop for duty free. The lounge will cover a space of 10,000ft2 and offer spa facilities to Gatwick?s passengers for the very first time, including hairdressing, massage, manicures and showering facilities. Passengers with young families can relax with their children and enjoy playtime in a designated play area.� Business travellers can work on the move by taking advantage of private meeting rooms and high-end business centre facilities.Cheap Flights with Budget Airlines14 January 2011
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The Authentic Ski Tour: Red Lodge, Day 1
..... Billings, Montana (Ski Press)-They say that what you seek is what you find. So I shouldn?t have been surprised in the Billings airport, the ?gateway to the big sky,? to feel like I had landed in 1975, waiting for my bags in a nostalgic mountain scene of ranchers, miners and skiers, before anyone had heard of timeshares.Maybe it was the cowboys drinking Budweisers at the airport bakery and pastry bar, the guys in the seats on the plane behind me trading Clydesdale dreams and the promise of open land, or the horse statues at the baggage carousel, the stuffed sheep and all the soldiers coming home. But that sense of grassroots wonder started as soon as I heard those two good old boys behind me talking on the plane. ?If I had one of those Clydesdales I?d just keep it like a big old dog. Here puppy, puppy,? one of them said. And the other one agreed, that they were the most beautiful horses, and started to tell a story about how he used to ship bull semen all over the world. But then the plane hit a patch of bad air and the younger one said, ?Right now I?m just imagining that I?m driving down a gravel road.? Jeff Carroll picked me up outside. Tall, blonde and eternally tan, he had been Red Lodge Mountain?s Director of Sales and Marketing for nine months now, having made the move from Tamarack in Idaho. He said he had jumped at the job, and loved the mountain, and loved the opportunity to tell his wife that she was going home. ?She grew up here,? he said, driving to Red Lodge with all the deer beside the road. ?So it?s pretty amazing to raise our family here, too. He said he had a little girl, and another baby on the way. And I told him I remembered Red Lodge from coming up from Jackson Hole to ski Beartooth Pass in the late spring when the road was plowed between high white walls of snow; the red brick parade of buildings down Broadway and all the cowboy hats and Carhartts in the bars. We ate steak at the Carbon County Steakhouse, a perfect New York and Cowboy Coffee Ribeye. And I slept at Pollard?s down the street, the grand red brick hotel with the history of ?Liver? eating Johnston and William Jennings Bryants and even Ernest Hemingway on fishing trips coming through. There was a plaque behind the counter with the quote, ?Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear, and with a manly heart,? by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, that had been saved from the heyday of the miner?s ?Theatorium? next door. ?They started clearing out a lot of the statues and stuff when that place was used to make our own special ?cough syrup? during Prohibition,? the lady at check-in said. ?They used to ship their ?cure? all the way to Chicago and San Francisco.? I wanted to ask her more in the morning but she was gone. So I walked past the neon tipi of the Red Lodge Caf�, the wine bar, antique, pottery and kitchen stores, and past a fence made of skis where I saw a truck attached to an extension cord to keep the engine warm right next to an open Subaru hatchback loaded with fishing gear and thought: ?That?s Montana right there.? Slightly more than 2,000 people live in Red Lodge. And Jeff Carroll said his destination ski traffic is heavily weighted to North Dakota and Minnesota. ?So will I see lots of snowmobile suits and Viking?s Starter Jackets on the slope?? ?Oh,? Jeff assured me. ?Those are some of our best customers.? I didn?t see any obvious Brett Favre fans, but lots of hot-rodders in camouflage came zipping by, and telemarkers, snowboarders and kids in Day-Glo. We saw them skiing off Nichols and Grizzly Peak, and down into Palisades Park where the cliffs rise up like dinosaurs. Down the tree-sided steeps of Upper Continental and True Grit, and zooming the open slope of Lazy M with Bob, a fast-skiing welder from Billings who rides Harleys and only hunts with black powder now. He led us down ?Lodge Trail,? a gullet of bumps into the base area where I wish I had stopped to pull out my camera. And he stopped and smiled up at the sunshine and said, ?I?m going to have a beer then see a man about buying a house. It?s time I made the commute from here to Billings instead of the other way around.? At the gas station, Jeff started talking to the banker who said, ?Oh, Chico Hot Springs. You guys are going to love it there.?� Links: The Carbon County Steakhouse: www.thepizzaco.com/steakhouse The Pollard Hotel: www.thepollard.com Red Lodge Mountain: www.redlodgemountain.com
Top 10 hotels in Palm Springs
For a blast of winter sunshine ? not to mention old-school Hollywood glamour and fab modernist architecture ? few places beat the desert resort that claims to be America's sunniest cityThe Ace Hotel & Swim ClubVery much the new kid in town, the Ace's fourth outpost (there are also hotels in Portland, Seattle and New York) has aimed itself squarely at the younger crowd. The furnishings are designed to make any modern hipster/nomad feel at home: canvas is the dominant fabric, bath robes have a Jedi style hood, magazine clippings are artfully bulldog clipped to wooden wall slats, and the larger rooms come with a turntable and a selection of vinyl albums ? which might all sound a little strained, but the concept actually comes together nicely. To underline the semi-communal vibe, the phrase "We're all in this together" has been daubed in various locations, and there are yurts for massages near the herb garden.? 701 East Palm Canyon Drive (+1 760 325 9900, acehotel.com/palmsprings); double rooms from $79The Rendezvous B&BFormerly known as Ballantine's, and before that the Mira Loma (when guests included Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake and Gloria Swanson), the small and friendly Rendezvous is a reasonably priced celebration of Palm Springs kitsch. The 10 rooms surround a central pool, and each has its own theme: in Shake, Rattle 'n' Roll there's a giant picture of Elvis over the bed; Honeymoon Hideway (the biggest room) pays homage to Fred & Ginger. Considerate touches includes the free use of cruiser bicycles (the best method of tackling the Palm Springs main drag), home-baked cookies ? and if you'd like to get married, ask the manager: he's a minister.? 1420 North Indian Canyon Drive, +1 760 320 1178 (palmspringsrendezvous.com); double rooms from $129The Alexander InnIt's hard to believe there aren't more places in Palm Springs like this one ? it's essentially a former residence converted into four spacious poolside "villa suites" and owner Dean did a fantastic job with the 2008 renovation. Each room has a separate living area and a fully equipped kitchen (including washer/dryers), so there's the option of stocking up at the nearby Ralphs supermarket if you don't fancy eating out, and shaded patios offer a feeling of privacy. Those of a sporting persuasion might want to take advantage of the bocce ball/boules court in the garden. ? 1425 South Via Soledad (+1 760 327 4970, alexander-inn.com); one-bedroom villas from $140The HorizonLike the Del Marcos (below), the recently restored Horizon was designed by influential mid-century modern architect William F Cody, and to the credit of the owners (who come from Oregon), the interiors are uncluttered and simple to make the most of the property's clean lines and maximise that sense of spatial connection to the San Jacinto mountains and the big desert sky. A "no kids" policy and low room count (22 total) means the large, central salt-water pool is unlikely to get rowdy. Ask for one of the king kitchenettes with an outdoor shower (great value in summer at $139, weekdays). Insider tip: room 4A has a huge patio. ? 1050 East Palm Canyon Drive (+1 760 323 1858, thehorizonhotel.com); double rooms from $109The Movie ColonyConcierge John-Michael swears that Jim Morrison made the leap from balcony to pool here in 1969, and that Frank Sinatra was a resident while his nearby home was being renovated ? and even though the myth of celebrity tends to get overblown, if not utterly fabricated, in southern California, we found no reason not to take him at his word. Leading desert modernist architect Albert Frey was responsible for the blueprints, although the building process went through three phases over as many decades, from 1935 to 1955. Owner/artist Donald Smith has incorporated his own abstract artwork into the decor, and the hotel's "sunset wine hour" is a great excuse to sit round the fire-pit.? 726 North Indian Canyon Drive (+1 760 320 1640, moviecolonyhotel.com); double rooms from $99The WillowsBuilt in 1924 by attorney Samuel Untermyer, who hosted friend and fellow Palm Springs-lover Albert Einstein, the Willows was rescued from near-complete disrepair in the mid-90s by a couple of emergency room doctors from Los Angeles: husband and wife Paul Marut and Tracy Conrad. Their meticulous restoration and carefully sourced period decor has recreated the kind of throwback opulence once enjoyed by Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, who took their honeymoon here. A waterfall cascades down rocks outside the dining room, and roadrunners can be spotted zipping around the grounds. ? 12 West Tahquitz Canyon Way (+1 760 320 0771, thewillowspalmsprings.com); double rooms from $275Caliente TropicsFronted by an imposing A-frame entrance, this pet-friendly Polynesian/tiki-themed resort has plenty going for it ? a recently refurbished restaurant (with a striking dirt-bike mural), a huge pool, a new bar (awaiting booze licence at the time of writing) and refurbished rooms. Elvis and Nancy Sinatra stayed here in the 60s, and those interested in the darker side of Californian history may like to know that the wife and son of original owner Ken Kimes were infamous con artists. So it seems fitting that the property was featured as a location in the Justin Timberlake true-life crime movie, Alpha Dog (2006). ? 411 East Palm Canyon Drive (+1 760 327 1391, calientetropics.com); double rooms from $73.80The Colony PalmsFormer proprietors of this Spanish colonial-style hotel have included 30s mobster Al Wertheimer and the owners of champion racehorse Seabiscuit, but the most recent overhaul dates from 2007, when the building's 57 rooms and charming wooden balconies were thoroughly spruced up: French tiles and headboard fabric from Uzbekistan are among the most eye-catching design features, and some rooms have free-standing bath tubs and fireplaces. The on-site Purple Palm restaurant is popular with non-guests and serves a unique lavender mojito. If you plan to stay for more than a couple of nights, the $50 Colony Club Card pays for itself in room/dining discounts. ? 572 North Indian Canyon Drive (+1 760 969 1800, colonypalmshotel.com); double rooms from $99The Del MarcosThe signed lobby photo of Tarzan's faithful monkey/sidekick, Cheeta, is one good reason to check in at the Del Marcos, but there are many others, not least that it was the first architectural project in Palm Springs undertaken by William F Cody, who would go on to design the Palm Springs library. Some of the clocks and lampshades are original ? there's even an original working extractor fan ? and one (kitchenette deluxe) room has been named after Julius Shulman, an architectural photographer known for his shots of this and other modernist buildings. Real-life connections with the Errol Flynn suite and the Oceans 11 suite are harder to ascertain. ? 225 West Baristo Road (+1 760 325 6902, delmarcoshotel.com); double rooms from $89The ParkerDesigner Jonathan Adler's 2004 remodelling of the Parker ? formerly the Melody Ranch, owned by "singing cowboy" Gene Autry, then the Merv Griffin Givenchy Spa & Resort ? has held up really well: his distinctive ceramics and playful selection of furnishings (suit of armour; photo portraits of 70s actors like Telly Savalas and Goldie Hawn; a sheep-like chair) rarely fail to raise smiles on the faces of arriving guests. Sometimes mellow, often lively, this place provides arguably the fastest route to the heart of 21st century Palm Springs leisure life in all its moisturised poolside glory, and was the subject of a short-lived 2007 reality TV series. ? 4200 East Palm Canyon Drive, +1 760 770 5000, theparkerpalmsprings.com); double rooms from $225Note on room rates: Palm Springs is blisteringly hot from June to October (a couple of hotels even shutter up for the summer) so low-season rates can deliver excellent savings compared to the more popular winter season. Check specials on hotel websites. Tax of 11.5% should be added to all quoted prices. Virgin Atlantic flies from London Heathrow to Los Angeles from �393.67 return including taxes.CaliforniaLos AngelesHotelsUnited StatesBed and breakfastsSelf-cateringCity breaksMike Hodgkinsonguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
one of the most popular barriers inside internet take a trip insurance policy rates
Author : Esmeralda OneilShould you thought he would obtain insurance coverage ahead of taking your getaway, then you definately have to slightly study about the plethora of provides offered via the internet Although lots of may well appear quite seductive and so are very reasonable, you should be careful if you find yourself deciding on one of many on the internet go insurance policies prices
Among the very first stuff that you need to take into account as soon as looking to purchase insurance coverage is actually how much accomplish you would like to vacation within the 12 months The cheaper online insurances would be the people that exist for that whole 12 months They could prove to be a good cope for those who have prepared taking it uncomplicated in 2010 and get much more family trips together with your friends and family Nevertheless, purchasing to do only one getaway in 2010, they'll make your squander of one's dollars, as you are can't advantage from completely package deal
By using most web sites marketing on the net take a trip insurance coverage rates, it is definitely tough to express to in the event the protection plan you are likely to pay for can be best suited to get the sort of vacation/trip you are likely to make Hence, it would advisable to consult the actual company a ton of questions regarding just what your insurance policy basically addresses and also if you find yourself permitted in making your claim
Though most of the on-line journey insurance plan quotations claim that they have insurance about many of situations which could transpire throughout a journey, it might be a good suggestion for you to request an entire listing of what precisely can that signify As an example, loads of coverage possess insurance policy coverage for misplacing your own baggage involved, so abdominal muscles to buy further insurance policy coverage However, a crowd of insurance carriers is not going to share with you the following unless you question these folks
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Different aspects of that go insurance policies that you need to look into are generally the quantity of folks that the protection plan covers as well as the charges The cheapest insurance offer might not always make the top preference for yourself business travel insurance cheap insurance quotes plus business travel insurance
Among the very first stuff that you need to take into account as soon as looking to purchase insurance coverage is actually how much accomplish you would like to vacation within the 12 months The cheaper online insurances would be the people that exist for that whole 12 months They could prove to be a good cope for those who have prepared taking it uncomplicated in 2010 and get much more family trips together with your friends and family Nevertheless, purchasing to do only one getaway in 2010, they'll make your squander of one's dollars, as you are can't advantage from completely package deal
By using most web sites marketing on the net take a trip insurance coverage rates, it is definitely tough to express to in the event the protection plan you are likely to pay for can be best suited to get the sort of vacation/trip you are likely to make Hence, it would advisable to consult the actual company a ton of questions regarding just what your insurance policy basically addresses and also if you find yourself permitted in making your claim
Though most of the on-line journey insurance plan quotations claim that they have insurance about many of situations which could transpire throughout a journey, it might be a good suggestion for you to request an entire listing of what precisely can that signify As an example, loads of coverage possess insurance policy coverage for misplacing your own baggage involved, so abdominal muscles to buy further insurance policy coverage However, a crowd of insurance carriers is not going to share with you the following unless you question these folks
Just what exactly the online take a trip insurance policy quotes is not going to tell you would be the exclusions These people enable the actual insurer to make some sort of case against a person but not pay off the particular policy Therefore, see to it related to what exactly these kinds of exclusions reference in addition to just remember to are usually purchasing a plan which covers the activities as well as athletics that you could process for the duration of ones trip
Different aspects of that go insurance policies that you need to look into are generally the quantity of folks that the protection plan covers as well as the charges The cheapest insurance offer might not always make the top preference for yourself business travel insurance cheap insurance quotes plus business travel insurance
Friday, January 28, 2011
Start Your Vacation off Right with Great Hotel Deals
Author : Sandy WinslowOne of the best ways to save money when traveling is to look for hotel deals These deals can save you hundreds of dollars and can enable you to stay at a better destination for a longer amount of time Plus, the money you saved on the cost of the hotel can be spent on sightseeing, excursions, shopping, extravagant meals and more
With the expense of gasoline and added airline fees, it is best to save as much money as possible in other traveling areas Since vacations are critical to your well being and overall happiness, it is best to get the most out of them by getting the good deals
It's critical that you do the work necessary to make sure that you are getting the very best hotel deals Very often this means doing your research by looking at a variety of hotel websites to see if they have any specials or packages for travelers There are often a number of days in the year when it is problematic for travelers to find good savings These are generally on dates around holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Because these are high-volume travel dates, hotels generally don't offer a tremendous amount of deals during that time so it is best to travel during the off season
Summer and winter are the most popular times for travel People are generally looking to delve into a warm climate in the wintertime or to go to a place where they can best enjoy the outdoors in excellent weather During the fall and spring travel is slightly less expensive If you are vigilant and pay attention to the websites that offer coupons, you can very often find an excellent deal within that time frame Many websites allow you to save your searches, or sign up for price alerts when certain packages become available
Hotel deals can vary greatly in terms of what sorts of benefits they offer Some places can only offer price reductions to guests who stay for several days at a time and are going to spend a certain amount of money Other deals offer packages like free Wi-Fi, use of the health facilities, or a free continental breakfast to guests
The best thing to do when searching is to set a price maximum that you want to spend each night This way, when you are reviewing the deals that are available to you, you can most accurately figure out where you are saving money Sometimes a deal is tempting because the discount is so great, but in actuality the amount you would be paying overall is still essentially the same as you would have paid with no deal at all
It is also important to consider how much time you plan on spending at your hotel If you are going to use your room to sleep and shower, you probably don't need it to be a luxury hotel with tons of amenities and lots of different services Look for hotels that are known to be clean, safe and in a convenient location
Searching for hotel deals should be a top priority when planning a vacation If you want to get the most out of your trip, then take the time to filter through the best coupons and competitive packages and accommodations that hotels will offer Sandy Winslow is a writer in many areas, including a concentration in hospitality and hotel accommodation. Searching early means you're more likely to find the best hotel deals.
With the expense of gasoline and added airline fees, it is best to save as much money as possible in other traveling areas Since vacations are critical to your well being and overall happiness, it is best to get the most out of them by getting the good deals
It's critical that you do the work necessary to make sure that you are getting the very best hotel deals Very often this means doing your research by looking at a variety of hotel websites to see if they have any specials or packages for travelers There are often a number of days in the year when it is problematic for travelers to find good savings These are generally on dates around holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's Because these are high-volume travel dates, hotels generally don't offer a tremendous amount of deals during that time so it is best to travel during the off season
Summer and winter are the most popular times for travel People are generally looking to delve into a warm climate in the wintertime or to go to a place where they can best enjoy the outdoors in excellent weather During the fall and spring travel is slightly less expensive If you are vigilant and pay attention to the websites that offer coupons, you can very often find an excellent deal within that time frame Many websites allow you to save your searches, or sign up for price alerts when certain packages become available
Hotel deals can vary greatly in terms of what sorts of benefits they offer Some places can only offer price reductions to guests who stay for several days at a time and are going to spend a certain amount of money Other deals offer packages like free Wi-Fi, use of the health facilities, or a free continental breakfast to guests
The best thing to do when searching is to set a price maximum that you want to spend each night This way, when you are reviewing the deals that are available to you, you can most accurately figure out where you are saving money Sometimes a deal is tempting because the discount is so great, but in actuality the amount you would be paying overall is still essentially the same as you would have paid with no deal at all
It is also important to consider how much time you plan on spending at your hotel If you are going to use your room to sleep and shower, you probably don't need it to be a luxury hotel with tons of amenities and lots of different services Look for hotels that are known to be clean, safe and in a convenient location
Searching for hotel deals should be a top priority when planning a vacation If you want to get the most out of your trip, then take the time to filter through the best coupons and competitive packages and accommodations that hotels will offer Sandy Winslow is a writer in many areas, including a concentration in hospitality and hotel accommodation. Searching early means you're more likely to find the best hotel deals.
Notes On NOT Being In Egypt As It All Kicks Off
Nick Rowlands vents his confusion and frustration at being stuck hundreds of miles away from his friends during the Egyptian uprising.
30 FREE Online Resources for Teaching and Learning ESL
ESL teacher Anne Merritt's resource list includes links to free online lesson plans, interactive listening and speaking activities, free ESL games, grammar resources, business English sites and English sing-along videos.
Discoe, Kearney Take Moguls Gold
.....Squaw Valley, Calif. (Ski Press)-It was icing on the cake for one, and a new frontier for the other as 2010 gold medalist Hannah Kearney and Joey Discoe took moguls titles at the Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships at Squaw Valley.Joining Kearney on the podium were two women who picked up the first World Cup wins of their careers this season. Eliza Outtrim (Steamboat Springs, CO), just off a win at World Cup finals in Spain, was second and Heather McPhie (Bozeman, MT) was third.Kearney was happy to share the podium with such distinguished talent."The podium was three individuals who have won a World Cup so you're really skiing against the best in the world, which makes it that much more difficult," Kearney said.The Olympic champ broke out some new moves Friday, throwing a mute grab off the bottom air to freshen up her run and set herself apart from the stiff competition."That was the first time I've ever thrown a mute in competition or qualifying and a new trick, it's always satisfying when that goes well," Kearney said. "I like to try to push myself because I've been stuck in a rut for a few years as far as my tricks go."For Outtrim the day marked another career landmark, which she said she was hoping for after her time in Spain."I've never been on a U.S. Championship podium before, so that's incredible," Outtrim said. "I really wanted to come off the win from last week, ski well here and follow up on that win."As far as her run went, Outtrim was pleased and plans to keep it up."I feel like I messed up my top air a little, but I was really happy with the rest of my run," Outtrim said. "I feel like I'm skiing faster and I've been trying to do that - to push the limits a little bit."Outtrim wasn't the only one making first impressions Friday, as Discoe took down his first Champs podium appearance as well."I'm really excited. It's an amazing feeling and I'm super stoked," Discoe said. "My skiing has been coming together for the last three events with a couple World Cups making the finals. I got a top 10 there and just kept the skiing going into here." Joining Discoe on the podium were Jeremy Cota (Carrabassett Valley, ME) who was second and Michael Morse (Duxburry, MA) who was third.Now with the champs win in Hand, Discoe has a plan for how he can keep his momentum rolling into 2011."Lots of training. I'm going to go home for the summer and take a little bit more of a break to clear my mind and then just get right back into it," Discoe said.Young Cota was also a happy camper on the sunny ski day as he also marked his first appearance on a U.S. Champs podium."It feels great. I skied really well and was happy with the way I skied. I did my harder tricks and landed them, so I was stoked on that. I'm just happy to be on the podium," Cota said.Sprint U.S. Freestyle Championships continue Saturday with men's and women's skier halfpipe and aerials competitions.OFFICIAL RESULTS2010 Sprint U.S. Freestyle ChampionshipsSquaw Valley, CA - March 26, 2010MogulsMen1. Joey Discoe, Telluride, CO, 25.512. Jeremy Cota, Steamboat Springs, CO, 25.413. Michael Morse, Duxbury, MA, 25.304. Reed Snyderman, Winchester, MA, 25.295. Dave DiGravio, Farmington, ME, 25.17Women1. Hannah Kearney, Norwich, VT, 26.372. Eliza Outtrim, Steamboat Springs, CO, 25.413. Heather McPhie, Bozeman, MT. 25.024. Shelly Robertson, Reno, NV, 24.815. Laurel Shanley, Squaw Valley, CA, 24.31
Foods of Chinese New Year, Hong Kong-style
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Festivals and Events, Food and Drink, Asia, China, NightlifeThe Chinese are the butt of a lot of jokes for their propensity to eat "anything." While a wee bit of an exaggeration, it's true that the national diet is more diverse than that of the Western world. The combination of thousands of years of poverty, numerous wars, the rather imperial tastes of various ruling dynasties, thousands of miles of coastline, and a diverse geographical and climatic landscape make for a highly regionalized and complex cuisine.
Food, then, is an intrinsic and incontrovertible part of Chinese culture, perhaps no more so than during the weeklong celebrations of the Lunar New Year, which begins February third. And if there's one place that knows how to throw down, it's Hong Kong. The city is hosting it's annual Chinese Lunar New Year (CNY) festival February 3-17th, and in honor of the Year of the Rabbit, I thought I'd give a little breakdown on the culinary side of things.
Quick history lesson: As this isn't a political dissertation, let us just say that many residents of Hong Kong don't wish to be called Chinese, which doesn't change the fact that this article is on CNY. As you likely know, HK is considered a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the mainland, after this former British colony was returned to China in 1997. The term "Hong Konger" generally (but not legally) refers to someone originally from HK, but Wikipedia informs me that the more generalized "Hongkongese" is catching on amongst the Western press. I didn't see any mention of this being considered offensive, so I'm sticking with it. Please feel free to comment and provide a correction if I'm mistaken).
[Photo credit: Flickr user jinny.wong]Continue reading Foods of Chinese New Year, Hong Kong-styleFoods of Chinese New Year, Hong Kong-style originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Food, then, is an intrinsic and incontrovertible part of Chinese culture, perhaps no more so than during the weeklong celebrations of the Lunar New Year, which begins February third. And if there's one place that knows how to throw down, it's Hong Kong. The city is hosting it's annual Chinese Lunar New Year (CNY) festival February 3-17th, and in honor of the Year of the Rabbit, I thought I'd give a little breakdown on the culinary side of things.
Quick history lesson: As this isn't a political dissertation, let us just say that many residents of Hong Kong don't wish to be called Chinese, which doesn't change the fact that this article is on CNY. As you likely know, HK is considered a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the mainland, after this former British colony was returned to China in 1997. The term "Hong Konger" generally (but not legally) refers to someone originally from HK, but Wikipedia informs me that the more generalized "Hongkongese" is catching on amongst the Western press. I didn't see any mention of this being considered offensive, so I'm sticking with it. Please feel free to comment and provide a correction if I'm mistaken).
[Photo credit: Flickr user jinny.wong]Continue reading Foods of Chinese New Year, Hong Kong-styleFoods of Chinese New Year, Hong Kong-style originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
The ultimate pre-wedding party: Off & Away offers $22,500 bachelor / bachelorette auction
Filed under: North America, Mexico, Hotels and Accommodations, Internet Tools, Luxury TravelEver wonder what happens to the palatial pads used in MTV's "The Real World" after the season is over? In at least a few instances, they've been turned back into their original hotel suites, available for show devotees or high-rollers to rent by the night.
Luxury hotel deal purveyor Off & Away is offering their highest-priced acution to date with the ME Cancun suite apartment that housed The Real World: Cancun's housemates during the 22nd season.
The three-night package includes accommodations in the Real World suite for up to ten people.
Continue reading The ultimate pre-wedding party: Off & Away offers $22,500 bachelor / bachelorette auctionThe ultimate pre-wedding party: Off & Away offers $22,500 bachelor / bachelorette auction originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Luxury hotel deal purveyor Off & Away is offering their highest-priced acution to date with the ME Cancun suite apartment that housed The Real World: Cancun's housemates during the 22nd season.
The three-night package includes accommodations in the Real World suite for up to ten people.
Continue reading The ultimate pre-wedding party: Off & Away offers $22,500 bachelor / bachelorette auctionThe ultimate pre-wedding party: Off & Away offers $22,500 bachelor / bachelorette auction originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Enter to win a 6 Day Vacation for YOU and your GUEST in the Magical Islands of Tahiti
Prize package includes: - Two Economy Round Trip Tickets from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tahiti on award winning Air Tahiti Nui, the National Airline of French Polynesia - Meet and Greet at Papeete airport and transfer to your hotel - Two nights at the Sofitel Tahiti Maeva Beach Resort in a Mountain View room, inclusive of daily Breakfast - Transfer from your hotel to the Tahiti wharf and ferry to the beautiful Island of Moorea - Round trip transfers to your hotel - Three nights at the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort in a Luxury Garden Bungalow , inclusive of daily Breakfast - Ferry back to Tahiti and transfer to the airport
Infused with the spirit of its location, each Sofitel luxury hotel is a stunning blend of modernity, elegance and comfort, the ultimate embodiment of the French art of living.
Sofitel Tahiti Maeva Beach Resort is located on the west coast of Tahiti, on a charming beach surrounded by tropical gardens. The resort, recently renovated, features 216 stylish, light filled rooms, each with a private balcony and many with spectacular views over the mountains or across the lagoon toward the island of Moorea. Facilities include two excellent restaurants, a bar, two tennis courts, a golf driving range and a freshwater swimming pool.
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort is settled on the edge of a magnificent lagoon, with views over the island of Tahiti. The resort, recently renovated, features 114 luxurious bungalows built over the water, on the beachfront or surrounded by landscaped gardens. Facilities include two restaurants, a bar, a fabulous outdoor swimming pool and day sap. Moorea has one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Air Tahiti Nui, with a route network linking the south Pacific to four continents, is the leading air carrier to French Polynesia. As the flagship carrier of the islands, Air Tahiti Nui?s mission is to develop tourism and trade from key world markets to Tahiti and Her Islands. It aims to provide high-quality airline service for the people of French Polynesia while striving to be the first choice to the islands.
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Infused with the spirit of its location, each Sofitel luxury hotel is a stunning blend of modernity, elegance and comfort, the ultimate embodiment of the French art of living.
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Infused with the spirit of its location, each Sofitel luxury hotel is a stunning blend of modernity, elegance and comfort, the ultimate embodiment of the French art of living.
Sofitel Tahiti Maeva Beach Resort is located on the west coast of Tahiti, on a charming beach surrounded by tropical gardens. The resort, recently renovated, features 216 stylish, light filled rooms, each with a private balcony and many with spectacular views over the mountains or across the lagoon toward the island of Moorea. Facilities include two excellent restaurants, a bar, two tennis courts, a golf driving range and a freshwater swimming pool.
Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort is settled on the edge of a magnificent lagoon, with views over the island of Tahiti. The resort, recently renovated, features 114 luxurious bungalows built over the water, on the beachfront or surrounded by landscaped gardens. Facilities include two restaurants, a bar, a fabulous outdoor swimming pool and day sap. Moorea has one of the world's most beautiful beaches.
Air Tahiti Nui, with a route network linking the south Pacific to four continents, is the leading air carrier to French Polynesia. As the flagship carrier of the islands, Air Tahiti Nui?s mission is to develop tourism and trade from key world markets to Tahiti and Her Islands. It aims to provide high-quality airline service for the people of French Polynesia while striving to be the first choice to the islands.
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Infused with the spirit of its location, each Sofitel luxury hotel is a stunning blend of modernity, elegance and comfort, the ultimate embodiment of the French art of living.
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Sea Moss Drink
MAKES 4 SERVINGS
2 ounces dried sea moss (available in Caribbean markets)Juice of 1/2 lime4 cups evaporated milk1/2 cup sugar2 teaspoons Angostura bitters
1. Place the sea moss in a bowl with the lime juice and 1/2 cup of water. Allow to soak overnight.
2. Drain, place the sea moss in a saucepan with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the sea moss looks like a wad of jelly. Remove the pan from the heat and cool.
3. Place the sea moss mixture in a blender with the evaporated milk and sugar. Puree for 1 minute or until smooth. Add the bitters and serve over crushed ice.
Check out islands.com/app for more unique recipes
2 ounces dried sea moss (available in Caribbean markets)Juice of 1/2 lime4 cups evaporated milk1/2 cup sugar2 teaspoons Angostura bitters
1. Place the sea moss in a bowl with the lime juice and 1/2 cup of water. Allow to soak overnight.
2. Drain, place the sea moss in a saucepan with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the sea moss looks like a wad of jelly. Remove the pan from the heat and cool.
3. Place the sea moss mixture in a blender with the evaporated milk and sugar. Puree for 1 minute or until smooth. Add the bitters and serve over crushed ice.
Check out islands.com/app for more unique recipes
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Seal Island
© Africa Wildlife FilmsIn South Africa's False Bay, Cape Fur seals gather by the tens of thousands to escape the ocean's largest predatory fish – the great white shark.Here at Seal Island, seals rest and breed between migrations into the rich fishing grounds beyond. But these seals must run a gauntlet of shark-infested waters around the island to venture out into the open ocean. Massive great white sharks wait below, invisible in the dark depths, waiting to ambush their prey. Great whites are awe-inspiring predators, averaging fifteen feet in length and weighing up to 5,000 pounds. Thanks to a torpedo-shaped body, great whites are streamlined and swift in the water – they can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour – but they can also propel their bodies out of the water when attacking prey from below. Great white sharks have up to 300 serrated, triangular-shaped teeth, designed to shred flesh. But seals have excellent hearing and sharp eyesight. They're graceful in the water and agile on the move – they can leap from the water, zigzagging in an acrobatic performance that confuses predators. Seals live and travel in groups for safety. When venturing out to feed, first the seals dive deep into the water, as a visible silhouette on the surface makes them an easy target. But the most dangerous zone of all is the first four-hundred yards beyond the island... There, it's a battle between predator and prey in an heart-pumping fight for survival.Join behavioral scientist Alta de Vos and National Geographic shark expert Ryan Johnson and witness the extraordinary....Check out Escaping the Great White TONIGHT at 8 PM et/pt on Nat Geo Wild!Video Preview: "Faking Out Great Whites" – In order to prove that great whites strike fur seals at random, researchers send out decoy groups to see which seals are attacked.
Next Year's Skis and Gear: Outdoor Retailer 2011
We've been trolling the floor at this year's Outdoor Retailer trade show, checking out next winter's gear. So far, the story has been about the sidecountry, and ski, boots, packs, and jackets that are designed to be used in the backcountry just as well as the resort. We also saw beefy but lightweight bindings, multiple airbag packs, a bunch of waterproof, breathable fabrics. Here's what you'll be coveting next fall.
Britain's best budget restaurants
Over the last two years, we have been looking for the best cheap eats on offer in Britain. Here's a map of our progress so far.Martin HearnTony NaylorBenji Lanyado
Sea Moss Drink
MAKES 4 SERVINGS
2 ounces dried sea moss (available in Caribbean markets)Juice of 1/2 lime4 cups evaporated milk1/2 cup sugar2 teaspoons Angostura bitters
1. Place the sea moss in a bowl with the lime juice and 1/2 cup of water. Allow to soak overnight.
2. Drain, place the sea moss in a saucepan with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the sea moss looks like a wad of jelly. Remove the pan from the heat and cool.
3. Place the sea moss mixture in a blender with the evaporated milk and sugar. Puree for 1 minute or until smooth. Add the bitters and serve over crushed ice.
Check out islands.com/app for more unique recipes
2 ounces dried sea moss (available in Caribbean markets)Juice of 1/2 lime4 cups evaporated milk1/2 cup sugar2 teaspoons Angostura bitters
1. Place the sea moss in a bowl with the lime juice and 1/2 cup of water. Allow to soak overnight.
2. Drain, place the sea moss in a saucepan with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the sea moss looks like a wad of jelly. Remove the pan from the heat and cool.
3. Place the sea moss mixture in a blender with the evaporated milk and sugar. Puree for 1 minute or until smooth. Add the bitters and serve over crushed ice.
Check out islands.com/app for more unique recipes
Britain's best budget restaurants
Over the last two years, we have been looking for the best cheap eats on offer in Britain. Here's a map of our progress so far.Martin HearnTony NaylorBenji Lanyado
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
DH-er Scotty Mac Retires After 12 Seasons
..... Crystal Mountain, Wash. (Ski Press)-Two-time Olympian Scott Macartney announced his retirement from the U.S. Ski Team leaving a legacy of leadership at every level of the U.S. alpine program.In 12 years with the Team, 'Mac' amassed World Cup podiums, top-10 finishes at Olympics and World Championships and a record of World Cup points at every downhill venue he raced. "There's a lot of things that I'm proud of in ski racing, but some of my greatest memories are fairly recent," said Macartney. "Our speed team's trip to Moab mountain biking last summer was pretty amazing for our group. It was cool to get together and be competitive in something else other than ski racing. There are bonds I've built with these guys I'll hold my entire life." A skier from birth, Macartney's volunteer Ski Patrol parents had him on boards at age three. By seven he had started racing at Crystal Mountain and in 1998 made his break through with a bronze medal and the Junior World Championships in Megeve, France. Through racing, he continued his education through Dartmouth College and received a degree in 2004. His rise through the U.S. Ski Team program was something that Head Speed Coach Chris Brigham lived through every training camp, every race start and every injury. "Mac has always been a leader in this program," said Brigham, who has been with the U.S. Ski Team since 1997. "As a young guy he was pushing the veterans then it was him getting pushed and responding with outstanding performances. He's battled through a lot of injuries and came back charging and smiling. As a team, we're all bummed he's leaving. He's been a fantastic teammate and a friend for a long time. We'll miss him." His most notable injury, both personally and across the ski racing community was at the 2008 Hahnenkamm downhill in Kitzbuehel, Austria. After finishing on the podium earlier that year in Val Gardena, Italy, Macartney was on laser point to what would have been a top 10 at ski racings biggest and most treacherous event when a crash off the finish jump sent him through the finish line unconscious. It was his 30th birthday. After completing an incredible recovery, he returned to the World Cup circuit the following season and was producing some of the best skiing of his career when another crash in Wengen, Switzerland ? the week before Kitzbuehel ? knocked him out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury. The result was another year of waiting before returning to Kitzbuehel. "I was ready to charge it again in at Kitz last year. I had just come off an incredible race in Bormio, which is one of the gnarliest tracks in all of ski racing and then I blew my ACL at Wengen. It was pretty heartbreaking, but I'd been there before," Macartney said. It was heartbreaking to his coaches too. Brigham, more than anyone, was fired up to see him conquer the Hahnenkamm and knew that his skiing was in a place where he could, then the crash at Wengen. It hit teammate Marco Sullivan (Squaw Valley, CA) especially hard. "That December, he was skiing better than ever," said Sullivan. "He basically came back from something that no one would have thought possible. He was super focused and then he blew out his knee, but he still came back to race at Kitz the next year. That showed a lot about his character. He has a unique passion for the sport and for him to put that out there is pretty inspiring." "To see him cross the finish line at Kitzbuehel, two years after that crash - as a coach - was one of the coolest things of my career. I couldn't have been more proud," added Brigham. Yet it wasn't the mark Macartney wanted to leave. "I never had just a check box next to Kitzbuehel," he said. "It wasn't that I just wanted to finish again, I wanted a top 10, I wanted a top 5, but by the time I got back there it became more about how my body felt. My back was hurting, my hip was hurting. I wanted to charge, but being in the finish again and on my feet, that was pretty special. While Sullivan's worries end when it comes to Macartney's next career, he does have some competitive fire left for the snow and plans to go head-to-head with Macartney in one more race this season. The friends plan to meet early April in Alaska for the Arctic Man Ski and Sno-Go Classic, a unique event deep in the Hoodoo Mountains that opens with a downhill, before the skier is intersected by a snowmobile and towed at 90 mph through a canyon then whipped down to the finish line. From the start, the course drops 1,700 feet to "hook-up" then climbs 1,200 feet to "release" before dropping 1,200 feet to the finish line. Both Macartney and Sullivan have Arctic Man victories on their resume, with Macartney, along with driver Tyler Johnson, holding the event record. On this line this year is a guaranteed purse of $25,000.
Spa at Gatwick Airport
Holidaymakers flying from Gatwick's North Terminal this summer will be able to enjoy full-on pre-travel pampering in the new No.1 Traveller Lounge. The lounge comprises a spa, mini-cinema and games facilities.For a �20 entry fee, allows up to three hours of lounge usage ahead of their journey, with access to the a movie, pool table or a range of spa treatments (extra cost) as well as standard services such as complimentary food and refreshments, newspapers, magazines, TV and Wi-Fi.Passengers in the new No.1 Traveller lounge will be able to buy travel insurance, order foreign currency and� shop for duty free. The lounge will cover a space of 10,000ft2 and offer spa facilities to Gatwick?s passengers for the very first time, including hairdressing, massage, manicures and showering facilities. Passengers with young families can relax with their children and enjoy playtime in a designated play area.� Business travellers can work on the move by taking advantage of private meeting rooms and high-end business centre facilities.Cheap Flights with Budget Airlines14 January 2011
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Photo Essay: Skateistan Climbs Afghanistan
The staff of Skateistan puts up Kabul's first rock wall and give locals around Istalef their first peek at climbing.
Readers' tips: British B&Bs
Great places to stay without breaking the bank, from Capability Brown's family home in Northumberland to a stone bothy in ShropshireBritain still best at B&BsWINNING TIP: The Place to Stay, Frome, Somerset Five rooms imaginatively converted from outbuildings sit around a pretty courtyard garden. Breakfasts using local produce are served in the farmhouse. The owner is a massage therapist, so you can have a treatment in the privacy of your room. They will also sprinkle rose petals in the bath. With fluffy bathrobes, tasteful decor and four-poster beds, this is the closest to five-star hotel service you'll find in a B&B. 01373 836266, theplacetostayuk.com; doubles from �85BowbankStirlingAirlie House, StrathyreBefore she bought Airlie House, owner Jacquie spent years travelling on business and finding out what works. So the mirrors are the right height for women and there are wine glasses to borrow in the sitting room. What really makes it unusual is that one room is wheelchair-accessible but still as stylish as the others, and you can bring your dog. The house is immaculate, the breakfast is large and the beautiful Trossachs are right on the doorstep.01877 384247, airliehouse.co.uk; doubles from �60 CooperteacherPerthshireEwich House, StrathfillanOwners Deb and Ian should offer courses on how to run a successful B&B. Their attention to detail is second to none, with carefully sourced organic products from soap to delicious breakfasts. We were made to feel extremely welcome, with a roaring fire on arrival, and a stylish and comfortable room. The location is stunning and an ideal stop-off for trips to the west Highlands. We have stayed in many B&Bs and hotels, and this is certainly one of the very best. 01838 300300, ewich.co.uk; doubles from �70MellyMel66ArgyllStrumhor, Connel, Oban Tony and Olga really make guests feel at home at Strumhor, just outside Oban. As well as the huge breakfasts, guests can also arrange to have dinner in the house. You can sit in the conservatory just watching the Falls of Lora below or, if you're feeling energetic, Tony can take you out canoeing. When we were sitting in front of their open fire after our day out exploring, he said, "On Monday you'll be at work and I'll still be here." Lucky him.01631 710167, strumhor.co.uk, doubles from �56 CooperteacherNorthumberlandClovelly House, Berwick-upon-TweedClean, welcoming, comfortable and excellent value, this place is close to The Maltings theatre and cinema. Breakfast is huge, with so many choices you could have something different every day of a week-long stay or be spoilt for choice if popping in overnight on the way up to Scotland or down south. There are also plenty of places to eat in the evenings, and the pub at the end of the road has real ale and music. The art gallery is about a 15-minute walk. Good beaches.01289 302337, clovelly53.freeserve.co.uk, doubles from �70DougtheDogShieldhall, WallingtonThis was Capability Brown's family home (he's buried in the nearby church). Comfortable bedrooms named after the wood used in them have ample bathrooms. There's a sitting room and library, and excellent breakfasts and (optional) dinners incorporating local, often organic, ingredients are eaten at antique tables among antiques. Shieldhall is within reach of Alnwick and Bamburgh castles, Lindisfarne and Hadrian's Wall.01830 540387, shieldhallguesthouse.co.uk; doubles from �80MalcolmlevittBirdsong Cottage, AlnwickA one-bedroom B&B at Brownieside, near Alnwick, with a large comfortable bed, a whirlpool bath, great breakfasts and hosts who go that extra mile. Who else would allow you to borrow their satnav to help you find the isolated inn you have chosen for supper?01665 579362, birdsongcottage.co.uk, doubles from �69IatesnyderShropshireThe White Cottage, Bishop's CastleThe White Cottage's stone barn, The Bothy, is the perfect romantic hideaway for two. On a hillside overlooking rolling country, it is small but perfectly formed. Every detail is taken care of: from underfloor heating to an enormous bed. There's plenty to see and do nearby, but that's not the point. From the moment you arrive, you'll sink into the place, drink in the details with a glass of red wine, shut the curtains and curl up together in a unique space just for two.01588 630330, thewhitecottageacton.co.uk; doubles �80 ThrufloGloucestershirePigeon House Cottage, SouthamWe've never received a warmer B&B welcome than here in the Cotswolds. Set in a lovely garden, this cottage is in a cluster of medieval and Norman buildings. Staying here you could be an extra in Midsomer Murders, though we were charmed rather than terrified by the cosy rooms, comfy bed and organic breakfast. Our host went way beyond the call of duty, ferrying us to and from the local, award-winning pub.01242 584255, pigeonhousecottage.co.uk; doubles �70 FamilyFultonNorfolkPrimrose Farm, Witton Bridge, North WalshamA blue room and a yellow room, both in delicate pastel shades with frilly lace soft furnishings. I think of the Yorkie bar advert, but with a twist ? this is not for men! The exotic cats further emphasise how pampered guests are. Primrose Farm's neat and mature one-acre garden invites a wander among the shrubs and trees of this former farmhouse just two miles from the coast at Walcott and five miles from Happisburgh. The barn and stable have been converted into two guest rooms, a double and a twin. Both rooms use the interconnecting shower room and the sitting/dining room with books and a TV. There's also a patio with solid wood chairs and table for toast and jam in the morning sun.01692 650809, primrosefarm.co.uk, doubles from �64SuffolkPCambridgeshireTrinity Hall, FordhamThis fabulous B&B near Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire has a huge, immaculately decorated bedroom with 12ft ceiling, sofa and king-size bed. The extra-large bathroom overlooking the garden has a walk-in shower, a large, freestanding bath, a plethora of towels and quality toiletries. Breakfast in the grand dining room uses eggs from the hens in the garden. A superb restaurant (The White Pheasant) is a short walk away.01638 720709, trinfast.co.uk, doubles from �70KenlaidbackmanDorset Harmshay Farm, Marshwood, BridportHarmshay Farm is a gorgeous B&B not far from Axminster and Lyme Regis. Positioned on a beautiful working farm, it has cosy beamed bedrooms, a very warm welcome and a fantastic breakfast come morning.01297 678562, harmshayfarm.co.uk, doubles from �65LizzalsDevonLower Hookner Barn, North BoveyNestled in the heart of Dartmoor in perfect walking countryside, this converted barn is an idyllic place to stay. From the decorative bantams scratching outside to Jenny's delicious breakfasts, the whole place is charming. The double-height guest sitting room with woodburning stove is particularly lovely. Gorge yourself in the evening at the Ring of Bells in nearby North Bovey and stagger the two miles home along a dramatic deserted bridleway.01647 221282, lowerhookner.co.uk, doubles from �66Rach222ConwyGwern Borter Country Manor, RowanIt's tricky to find the lovely lodge of Gwern Borter, but well worth it. Three miles from Conwy, it is near Snowdonia, yet secret and secluded enough to really feel away from the rat race. A highlight after breakfast is to feed the farm animals. There are also horses and ponies if you feel energetic. But after a busy week, I find it is enough for me to unwind on a lovely woodland walk ending up at The Groes Inn, in time for lunch and local ale.01492 650360, conwy-countryhouse.co.uk, doubles from �65TheRookeryGwyneddTy Mawr, Rhyd Ddu, SnowdoniaI doubt anyone could recommend a better B&B in Snowdonia. Emma and Menno are welcoming hosts, the rooms are spotless and comfortable, and breakfast is delicious. Dutch pancakes from Menno's homeland are a particular treat. There isn't a lounge, but you can relax in their cosy tea room in the evenings. Out of season they provide evening meals, or it's a few steps to the pub. Ty Mawr is ideally situated for walks, and the Welsh Highland Railway station is across the road. 01766 890837, snowdonaccommodation.co.uk; doubles from �50JanCovTorfaenTy Shon Jacob Farm, Tranch, PontypoolI had gone through almost the full list of B&Bs on the Brecon Beacons National Park website and none of them had a room for two nights. Finally I decided to call Ty Shon Jacob Farm. I called them last because their website looked a bit rough and ready. When Agneta Harris, the owner, said on the phone that it would cost us just �25 a night, I was convinced it was only a matter of time before we discovered the catch. As we went higher and higher up a hill after turning off the highway in Pontypool, I began to wonder if it existed at all. But finally we saw a cheerful sign on the top of the hill to Ty Shon Jacob Farm. Energetic Agneta showed us to our wonderful room with a large luxurious bathroom. In the morning we got an excellent breakfast and Ty Shon Jacob Farm turned out to be a superb find. Highly recommend it for a weekend of writing, reading or rambling through the Brecon Beacons. 01495 757536, a1tourism.com/uk/tyshon.html, doubles from �50AlaphiaBed and breakfastsUnited KingdomEuropeHotelsGuardian readersguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Snowboarding 'less deadly' than skiing, study finds
Professor concludes that snowboarders, though more likely to get injured, are a third less likely to die on the slopes than skiersEnmity on the slopes between skiers and snowboarders is long running, and has now been exacerbated by a study to find which sport is more dangerous.Research for the National Ski Areas Association in the US claims to have settled the question: snowboarding has less risk of ending in serious injury.Jasper Shealy, a professor emeritus at the Rochester Institute of Technology who has studied such injuries for 40 years, concluded that while snowboarders were between 50% to 70% more likely to get injured, they are also around a third less likely to be killed on the slopes than skiers. Most of the skiing deaths were "due to collisions with fixed objects, where somebody is going at a relatively high speed", said Shealy, speaking as tour operators predicted that 2011 could be a bumper year after the heavy snowfall since November prompted European and North American resorts to open early ? though they have seen a trend towards booking late for the best snow.The lower injury count in skiing may be due to advances in safety releasing equipment; in the 1970s broken legs were common because skis would often not come off at the right time. Today, he said the injury is "almost non-existent".He added: "When a snowboard rider falls, the edge of the snowboard drags on the snow and acts like a brake. But that can also cause fractures."Spencer Claridge, who organises British ski and snowboard championships, said the fatalities were explained by the differences in the sports. "If you can walk you can ski, so it's easy to get out of control and go careering into a tree at a rate of knots. Learning how to go fast on a snowboard takes longer."James Stentiford, a pro snowboarder, said the culture of snowboarding was different. "Skiing is all about racing, even if it's just to see who's the first back home. Snowboarders are more focused on manoeuvres: jumps and tricks, which are done at a slower pace. Though naturally, it's easier to get hurt doing them."Shealy's report has its opponents. Cat Weakley, deputy editor of the Daily Mail Ski and Snowboard Magazine, said it focussed on the wrong data. "I don't think either sport is intrinsically more dangerous than the other. It depends on the skier or snowboarder as a person ? if he or she is cautious or reckless."The study does have one piece of uncontroversial good news: head injuries have declined by 50% since 1999, a statistic attributed to the increase in helmets being worn on the slopes. "I think a few high-profile head injuries have helped spread the word," says Stentiford. "Here in Chamonix [France], you see people with a backpack, goggles and a helmet. It's the mountain uniform now."The injury report comes out against a mixed picture for the snow sports industry. "I wouldn't say there was downward trend in sales, but we're definitely seeing a change in booking trends," says Lisa Tyrrell of Inghams Holidays. "People are booking later, and are preferring to stick to the classic European resorts in France and Austria especially."Jessica Prior of snowboardclub.co.uk says her users are becoming internet savvy when it comes to the best snow. "Our members on the forums are reporting exceptional snow in Breckenridge [Colorado], Jackson Hole [Wyoming], Mammoth [California], and in the French Alps. Things like airport transfers have been hot topics on the forums as people hunt the best conditions using low cost airlines and late accommodation deals."And perhaps climate change is having an effect. Skiing columnist Gabriella Le Breton says she has never seen so much snow so early, though the conditions have been changeable "The temperatures have been erratic. I went from minus 33 in Gstaad [Switzerland], to plus 3 degrees in Val d'Isere [France], in a matter of days. But such melt-freeze cycles make for a solid base to ski on."Three tips for avoiding injury in each sportSnowboarding ? "Impact shorts" look like padded underwear and help snowboarders absorb falls and keep cold chairlifts at bay.? Wrist guards can spread impact shocks and help prevent broken bones.? Modern helmets are light and provide great protection against the dreaded "heel edge catch".Skiing ? Correctly setting the ski binding's DIN release mechanism can prevent bone, ligament and tendon damage in the lower leg.? Shorter skis can lower the leverage on legs and help prevent tibia and fibia breaks.? A five-minute warm-up can relax tendons, ligaments and muscles.SkiingSnowboardingSkiingHealth & wellbeingHealth and fitnessUnited StatesChris Moranguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Daily Pampering: Romance and a Tiffany & Co. shopping spree at Park Hyatt Washington
Filed under: North America, Hotels and Accommodations, Luxury TravelWant to really wow your sweetheart this Valentine's Day? It just might take you $8,000 ... but you can do it. The Park Hyatt Washington is offering a special "Suite Romance" package that includes accommodations in its Presidential Suite, dedicated butler service, valet parking, Champagne and strawberries, an en-suite couples massage for two and a set of monogrammed robes.
Wow her with a private $2,000 shopping spree at Tiffany & Co., with chauffeured, round trip transportation in Park Hyatt Washington's BMW 7-Series sedan. After, you'll enjoy a specially-created, decadent five-course tasting menu for two with wine pairings at the hotel's Blue Duck Tavern, the same restaurant where President and Mrs. Obama celebrated their anniversary. The meal will be accompanied by a live pianist and followed a private moonlight tour of the famed monuments and a rose petal bath in the suite's handcarved travertine tub. Any one of those moments would be perfect for popping the question, but if you really want to wait ... there's also en-suite breakfast the next morning.
This special offer is only valid ON Valentine's Day, so get hopping!
Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.
[Flickr via ohad*]Daily Pampering: Romance and a Tiffany & Co. shopping spree at Park Hyatt Washington originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Wow her with a private $2,000 shopping spree at Tiffany & Co., with chauffeured, round trip transportation in Park Hyatt Washington's BMW 7-Series sedan. After, you'll enjoy a specially-created, decadent five-course tasting menu for two with wine pairings at the hotel's Blue Duck Tavern, the same restaurant where President and Mrs. Obama celebrated their anniversary. The meal will be accompanied by a live pianist and followed a private moonlight tour of the famed monuments and a rose petal bath in the suite's handcarved travertine tub. Any one of those moments would be perfect for popping the question, but if you really want to wait ... there's also en-suite breakfast the next morning.
This special offer is only valid ON Valentine's Day, so get hopping!
Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.
[Flickr via ohad*]Daily Pampering: Romance and a Tiffany & Co. shopping spree at Park Hyatt Washington originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Coming soon: TwiTrip to London
This Friday Benji Lanyado is heading into central London armed only with a mobile phone ? and ready to go wherever the best of your tweets take himThis week's TwiTrip is going to get a little emotional. Having stumbled our way through 10 English cities over the last few years, taking in transvestite cabaret clubs in Blackpool and genteel picnics on Oxford college lawns, our current series of Twitter-generated English adventures is coming to an end (although they will be moving further afield). And for our finale, we're taking on the small provincial town of London. Heard of it?There are a couple of issues. First, after hours of painstaking research, we've come to the conclusion that London is quite big. Many of you will feel that no place should be too large for a TwiTrip, but let's face it, zipping from one end of the city and back again would involve a lot of sitting on the Tube. And that would be boring for everyone.So our first parameter is this: all tips for this Friday's TwiTrip need to be within a five(ish) minute walk of a Circle Line station. No offence to all the other lines. That's just the way it's got to be.The second issue: I live in London. This means you're going to have to work a little harder than normal. Friday's London TwiTrip will be on the hunt for true hidden gems. Odd little places that you might walk past every day. Little nooks of the capital that even the most seasoned Londoner may never have noticed.So, at 10:30am this Friday, I'll be loitering around Liverpool Street, with nothing planned. Except, that is, that I'll be heading clockwise. You'll find me @benjilanyado, and live on the Guardian Travel site. In advance, I thank you.LondonCity breaksDay tripsUnited KingdomEnjoy England TwiTripsBenji Lanyadoguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Snow boosts demand for winter sun destinations
With much of the UK blanketed by snow and battling blizzards during what was one of the coldest December?s on record for some parts of the country, it is no surprise that flight searches for Spanish hotspots such as Malaga and Alicante, and winter sun favourites like Tenerife were among the most popular according to WhichBudget.com, a leading flight search engine and destination finder.With Valentine?s Day just around the corner, Paris received the most searches during December. Other popular city break destinations to feature in the WhichBudget.com Top 10 most searched for destinations in December included Prague (2nd) and Dublin, recently voted ?Most Friendliest City in Europe? by TripAdvisor (3rd). Amsterdam and Barcelona came in 4th and 5th place respectively.WhichBudget.com Top Ten most searched for destinations in December 2010:ParisPragueDublinAmsterdamBarcelonaMalagaTenerifeFaroAlicanteMilanThe rankings above are based on the number of searches by users on WhichBudget.com, departing from UK airports, for flights during the month of December 2010.
12 January 2011
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12 January 2011
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Ale and hearty
A new walking route in spectacular, if chilly, Northumberland, takes in no fewer than 48 pubs'It's about appraising your place in the world. Artificial light is not natural, office light is not natural; walking is what we're meant to do." Well-trodden words for sure, but utterly convincing in the salty air ? and when spoken by Mark Reid, the man behind the successful Inn Way long-distance walking and pub guides.Mark's is about to introduce me to his 94-mile, six-day Northumberland circular route, which casts a loop around the northern reaches of the county, from the market town of Rothbury via the Coquet Valley, the coast, Chatton Moor, the Cheviot Hills and, most importantly, a tempting 48 country pubs. While each stage is a minimum of 11 miles, the long coastal stretch is easily broken down into shorter sections.So this is the section I've chosen to road-test. It runs for 26 miles, from Warkworth in the south, a sleepy Georgian town crowned by an imposing castle, to Bamburgh in the north, with plenty of pub stops along the way. When we meet in Warkworth the sky is mackerel grey, the air chilly.The first day will be a toe-rubbing 15 miles. Crossing the medieval bridge over the river Coquet, which loops the town, we admire the golden-leaved trees along its banks, and reach the beach, where a dank fret consumes the coastline. Mark's dog, Elvis, a short-haired German pointer, is unleashed and pounds the sand energetically.First stop is Alnmouth, once dismissed by John Wesley "as a small seaport famous for all kinds of wickedness", but now home to palatial waterside Victorian and Edwardian villas. We're already five miles in but, after a brief stroll up elegant Northumberland Street, admiring the granaries, inns and cottages, we decide on another three before lunch. "That way we'll be over halfway," we agree.The light is milky as we reach Boulmer Haven, where curlews dot the shore, and two young locals man the Volunteer Rescue Service lifeboat. Like most villages along this coast it's a former smuggling capital; it's also where we get our first sighting of a coble, a flat-bottomed fishing boat with a high prow."Its shape dates back to the Vikings," says Mark. "Incredible, isn't it, that its design has lasted that long?"Throughout the hike, as you might expect, talk frequently turns to food, ale and provenance. We are disappointed that some of the pubs we visit don't serve local ale and I tell Mark that the previous night, at the Warkworth House Hotel, I ordered mussels, assuming they were Northumbrian, only to be served the larger, green-lip variety. The explanation offered by the charming waiter was that "they're from New Zealand because they're better". In fact they were chewy and dry.On entering the Fishing Boat Inn in Boulmer, a rather basic pub with a pleasant conservatory (and no Northumberland ale), we ask where the fish is from."I'm not sure," admits the barman."Local boats," says the waitress, eventually."Is it good, the fish and chips?" I ask."Fair to middling," she says, leaving us to deduce whether her response is humility or indifference, as the cod is actually a delight: succulent flesh, light batter.Our most spectacular meal comes later that night, when we eat at The Sportsman Hotel in Embleton: real Northumbrian mussels, plump and juicy, followed by linguine with crab caught by the owner's "good mate" Gary Little, who is credited along with other suppliers on a short menu. There's no better example of excellent, local produce.We curl round the harbour in Craster towards the Jolly Fishermen pub, Mark educating me in its most famous export, kippers. "During the herring season, the girls who gutted 2,000 herring a day would sleep in buildings above the herring sheds," he says. "That's where the term kip house comes from."There's little sign of industry on this late Sunday afternoon, apart from some riotous singing in the pub, where we sip (Yorkshire) ale as a cast of boozy locals belt out Cliff Richard classics.The light is murky as we approach remote Dunstanburgh Castle, a gaunt ruin perched on the edge of the wilderness. Surrounded by a swamp-like former moat, the castle was built by a paranoid Earl of Lancaster in 1313, yet it failed to protect him and he was executed less than a decade later.We reach the Sportsman Hotel, an imposing detached house with sea views and contemporary bedrooms, as darkness falls. After the aforementioned dinner and a night out at the Blue Bell Inn, where we thrash resident pool champions Dennis and Dickie in an impromptu tournament, we breakfast on kippers.The sky is still overcast as we set off on day two across a manicured golf course. "We all wear our uniforms, don't we?" says Mark, as we observe a lady golfer resplendent in velour tracksuit and pink visor.By 11am we're in the pub, and the ale doesn't get much more local than this. Low Newton is a gorgeous hamlet whose white-washed cottages, and the Ship Inn and Brewery is, even on an off-season Monday, already attracting a flow of visitors. We chat to Michael Hegarty, who set up shop here in 2007, about his dozen or so ales, all with charismatic names such as the golden Sandcastles at Dawn.Nearby Beadnell Bay is the day's highlight, a huge expanse of serenity which takes a full hour to cross on foot. Beadnell harbour, built in 1798, is atmospheric even at low tide, with its smell of seaweed, boats being mended by fishermen in oilskins, and lobster pots piled high."It's the only harbour on this stretch that faces west," says Mark, and I make a mental note to return one day to watch the sun set.A kestrel hovers above as we reach Seahouses, a busy little port ferrying visitors back and forth to the Farne Islands. We scoff crab sandwiches washed down with Farne Island Ale at the Olde Ship Inn, Mark's second-favourite pub in the UK (his first is in his beloved Yorkshire Dales). It's a nautical delight: roaring fire, sepia photos of fishermen, ships in glass boxes, floorboards made from the decks of boats. After lunch we wander the unmade roads and former herring yards, woodsmoke rising in the air.But we press on because Bamburgh is our final destination, only a couple of miles north. Mark reads out a lengthy history of the fairytale castle, complete with Norman keep, as we amble over the most deserted golden sands yet. Beneath its ramparts, oystercatchers soar into the air."It's all very well to learn about the history," says Mark, "but it's more important that we're carrying on that process ? having a pint, a crab sandwich, walking." He puts his book away. "History is happening now."You might argue that that's another well-worn idea, but in the salty air I couldn't agree more.? For details of the Inn Way route see visitnorthumberland.com. Mark Reid's The Inn Way ? to Northumberland is published by InnWay Publications, �8:95. Returns to Alnmouth from London with East Coast Trains (08457 225225, eastcoast.co.uk) cost from �25. The Warkworth House Hotel (01665 711276, warkworthhousehotel.co.uk) has doubles from �85 B&B. The Sportsman Hotel (01665 576588, sportsmanhotel.co.uk) has doubles from �90 B&BWalking holidaysUnited KingdomFood and drinkShort breaksPubsFood & drinkEuropeStephen Emmsguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds
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