Category: Western Europe

Heliskiing Experience

Some of the best heliskiing experiences around the globe

By on Sep 13, 2017 in Adventure Travel, Air Travel, Argentina, Chile, Europe, Iceland, Leisure Travel, Regions, South America, Speciality Travel, Western Europe, Worldwide

My winter months are spent in Meribel, in the French Alps, running our catered chalet business. I have been skiing for many years and my husband, Ed, is a ski instructor in the resort. When time permits, we enjoy nothing more than strapping on our fat skis and exploring the fabulous off piste that the […]

5 of the most popular attractions in South Tyrol

5 of the most popular attractions in South Tyrol

By on Sep 11, 2017 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

This year has seen a large influx of tourists visiting the Italian UNESCO Dolomites – the main reason being to escape the extreme heat which enveloped the rest of the country. Most of these tourists are Italian as this spectacular region is still off the beaten track for the international traveler. So why should one […]

Where to stargaze in La Gomera

Where to stargaze in La Gomera

By on Sep 11, 2017 in Europe, Leisure Travel, Regions, Spain, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Who among us hasn’t looked up to the skies on a clear night in wonder? Contemplating the universe while observing the heavens is only a natural reaction. But what if you could see the stars shine brighter than you ever thought possible? In the Canary Islands, you can enjoy the cleanest, clearest skies in Europe […]

Short stay: Whatley Manor, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, UK

Short stay: Whatley Manor, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, UK

By on Sep 09, 2017 in Accommodation, Europe, Family Travel, Featured, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

Whatley Manor, situated three miles from Malmesbury in a sleepy corner of Wiltshire, was purchased in 2000 and painstakingly restored and brought back to its former glory by the Landolt family. This traditional country house hotel was converted from a 19th century farmhouse and opened in 2003 with a commitment to make it a destination […]

Châtel: a wonderful resort for family skiing

Châtel: a wonderful resort for family skiing

By on Sep 08, 2017 in Europe, Family Travel, France, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, Western Europe

Families wanting to ski together face the annual dilemma of choosing a resort to please everyone. Châtel has long been the sleepy sister to nearby Morzine and Les Gets but with recent investments in the town and on the pistes this beautiful alpine village should be high on your list. The village is wonderfully French […]

5 of the best Austrian cities and towns and what to do there

5 of the best Austrian cities and towns and what to do there

By on Sep 07, 2017 in Austria, Europe, Regions, Western Europe

Not Bavaria but not quite Italy either: Many Austrian towns beyond Vienna blend the looks of their Bavarian neighbours with the laid back character of their Southern counterparts. Here are the five best urban spaces to soak up culture, atmosphere, beer and wine. Salzburg Less than ten times smaller than Vienna (by population) the home […]

48 hours in Plymouth, UK

48 hours in Plymouth, UK

By on Sep 07, 2017 in Accommodation, Attractions, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve visited Plymouth now, but this historical, marine city by the sea just keeps giving me new experiences. Here are my top picks for a weekend visit: Walking the Hoe Firstly, blow those cobwebs away and get yourself oriented by taking a breezy saunter along the seafront, known […]

4 new luxury hotel openings in the Balearic Islands

4 new luxury hotel openings in the Balearic Islands

By on Sep 07, 2017 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Spain, Western Europe

The Balearic Islands, an autonomous division of Spain – made up of Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera – are located between Spain and the North African coast. They are also one the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of Europe. Read on to learn about the islands’ newest luxury hotels. New designer hotel in […]

7 Portes

The best places to find paella and seafood in Barcelona

By on Sep 07, 2017 in Europe, Going Out, Regions, Restaurants, Spain, Western Europe

Barcelona is undoubtedly home to some of the freshest and finest seafood in Spain given that the Catalan capital is synonymous with the Mediterranean Sea, and what better seafood dish than the famous paella. Paella is an authentic Spanish rice dish infused with various other ingredients including vegetables, beans and of course, the freshest of […]

Ladakh

5 of the world’s most outrageously underrated destinations

By on Sep 05, 2017 in Accommodation, Asia, China, Europe, Hotels, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Regions, Resorts, Sri Lanka, Western Europe

September is upon us, and 2017 has seemingly whizzed by in a flash… But looking back at our travels of this year, we’ve managed to fit it all in; from Nepal to the Cotswolds, Thailand to Bhutan and India to Indonesia, we’ve travelled throughout Asia and the British Isles in search of the finest experiences […]

7 of the best photo and video spots in Vienna

7 of the best photo and video spots in Vienna

By on Aug 31, 2017 in Attractions, Austria, Europe, Going Out, Regions, Western Europe

Capturing the best of Vienna through a lens requires perspective rather than tough search. After all, Wien is one of Europe’s most elegant cities, boasting a historic center that is a UNESCO World Heritage. Here are seven spots at both well known attractions and insider places that will add a unique angle to a Vienna photo […]

Top 5 Easter holiday ideas for families

Top 5 Easter holiday ideas for families

By on Aug 30, 2017 in Accommodation, Adventure Travel, Africa, Caribbean, Cruises & Boat Travel, Europe, Family Travel, Grenada, Hotels, Regions, South Africa, Spain, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Vacation Rentals, Western Europe

Sadly the Summer holidays are approaching an end and the nation has the prospect of the cooler winter months ahead. Therefore I think there is no better time to plan some exciting activities and family adventures for some of the next big holidays in 2018 to look forward to. The sheer pleasure of knowing you […]

Autumn in Andalusia, a gourmand's getaway

Autumn in Andalusia, a gourmand’s getaway

By on Aug 26, 2017 in Europe, Events, Food and Drink, Regions, Spain, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe

There are many reasons to travel Andalusia in September and October, after the searing summer sun begins to pale, the crowds slowly dissipate, and the hillsides awaken from their summer dormancy for something of a second spring with a burst of colour. But for active culinary enthusiasts, autumn in Andalusia holds a more specific allure, […]

A perfect day in Italy's Dolomites mountains for ages 2 - 72

A perfect day in Italy’s Dolomites mountains for ages 2 – 72

By on Aug 23, 2017 in Europe, Italy, Regions, Western Europe

Located in Italy’s northeast corner just a few hours north of Venice, Italy’s Dolomites mountains are known for spectacular scenery and a distinct culture that seems more Swiss or German than Italian. When we work with self-described scenery junkies at Italy Beyond the Obvious, the Dolomites are one of the first places we recommend. In […]

5 of the best beaches in the Lake District

5 of the best beaches in the Lake District

By on Aug 22, 2017 in Attractions, Europe, Going Out, Leisure Travel, Regions, Speciality Travel, United Kingdom, Western Europe

The beaches along the Lake District’s western shore are sandy and shingle jewels waiting to be discovered. Whilst there may not be lifeguards and bright shops selling inflatable toys, pack your bucket and spade and enjoy a Lake District beach holiday. From seals watching to sunset horseback rides; dog walking to paddling. Lake District beaches […]

5 of the quirkiest hotels in the world

5 of the quirkiest hotels in the world

By on Aug 20, 2017 in Accommodation, Africa, Asia, Ecuador, Europe, Hotels, Japan, Kenya, Regions, South America, Sweden, Western Europe

These properties will make you rethink how you view hotels. They are cool, they are quirky, that have broken the mould. Stay at one of these amazing places and you’ll have dinner party conversation sorted for years to come… Benesse House, Naoshima, Japan Restaurants with rooms are de rigueur these days. For something a bit […]