By Allan Halsall
The winter ski season is certainly fast approaching, and with the same selection of ski resorts on offer from many companies across the board, it is understandable why many are not as enthusiastic about this season. So if you are looking for some inspiration for this winter, and not just in regard to skiing holidays, then here’s a few suggestions that might inspire food for thought.
Winter Ice Climbing Course Weekend in Scotland!
No need for skis or boards on this break, as you will learn how to ice climb with crampons and ice …

By Allan Halsall
There was a time when only students were open to the idea of travelling on a shoestring, but with the recession showing no signs of disappearing anytime soon, many people who refuse to give up on their skiing holiday are instead embracing the idea of travelling on a shoestring. Now this is often quite easy to achieve for summer holidays – book a cheap flight then book a cheap hotel. But for skiing holidays you’ve got expensive ski passes and ski hire costs which cannot be avoided.
So what …

By Allan Halsall
France undoubtedly has an abundance of ski resorts that are perfect for different types of skiers, from those searching for the rugged off piste experience right down to ski virgins sampling the delights of skiing holidays for the first time, plus everyone else in between. In the run up to the coming ski season everyone, especially families, are looking for a bargain, so in addition to their current family friendly offers in Risoul, Serre Chevalier, Chamonix and Morzine, online tour operator.
Activity Breaks provides a few great deals in …

By Allan Halsall
Recent years have seenn a change in consumer habits, with the biggest factor for this for this being the global recession. This has forced consumers to think wisely about how they can get the most for the hard earned cash, and this trend is especially visible with the travel and tourism industry with more and more people either not going on a holiday, or choosing holidays with more added value.
To that end, consumers are charting a revolution towards active holidays where you can take part in activities each …

By Kate McWilliams
Gastronomic tour company San Sebastián Food has revamped their successful ‘Discover The Basque Country’ experience, which offers sublime behind-the-scenes access to Basque cuisine and culture, led by Basque cultural specialist and author of ‘The Basque Country’ Paddy Woodworth and owner of San Sebastián Food Jon Warren.
This year’s tour takes place from 5th to 9th July and now includes a journey deep into the foothills of the Pyrenees to explore a number of remote Basque villages on both sides of the French-Spanish border, as well as a dinner at one …

By Steve Wright
Not so many people tend to travel under their own steam from London to Paris. But, it’s a good question to ask why not? As fascinating and enjoyable an experience is hard to find. Travelling out of one’s own capital city, through historic towns en route, and out into the Kentish Countryside, before reaching the gaping natural gulf that separates us from our continental cousins. The briefest of crossings, taking dinner on board the boat, watching the sun sinking over the English Channel, and then riding off the …

By Rupert Parker
One of the French House Party Experience’s many workshops is a gourmet cookery course, perfect for a long weekend break. Situated amid sunflower fields in a peaceful rural area on the outskirts of the medieval World Heritage site of Carcassonne, the Domaine de Raymond, a converted 200-year-old stone barn has just eight individual luxury rooms, a large outdoor pool, an all-weather tennis court and, of course, a spacious modern teaching kitchen.
Greet the Guests
I’d never been on a “house party experience” before so it was with some trepidation that …

By Rupert Parker
With the threat of the Icelandic ash cloud grounding flights it made sense to look at alternatives ways to travel.  France is easily accessible by rail and I fancied a trip to Provence.  Taking the train would also reduce my carbon footprint, so why not go the whole green hog and explore everything organic in the region?
Let the Train Take the Strain
Getting to Avignon by rail is remarkably easy and much less hassle than going by air.  It’s a two and a half hour hop to Paris on …