By Emma Dance
The scent of truffles was heavy in the air. It is a pungent smell, slightly reminiscent of sweaty locker rooms, an aroma that is far less pleasant than  the subtle earthy flavour of these prized delicacies. And while the white truffle might usually be something of a rarity, here they were in abundance.
I was at the first of this year’s National White Truffle Fairs in the charming village of Sant’Agata Feltria in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy. Every Sunday in October the usually quiet village is filled …

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
People often say that to really explore an area, you have to get out of the car, or get off the tour bus and discover things for yourself. In reality the best way to do this is to get on a bike with a guide map and find your own way. That said, bike holidays have become synonymous with lycra wearing cycling enthusiasts, but this really should not be the case, because as long as you know how to ride a bike and you are reasonably fit, then …

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 Steve Wright
So three years ago, a motley pair were en-route from completing a Paris to Munich ride, to the start of an Alpine trek from the Col de la Bonnette to Nice through the Alpes Maritimes. Purely by chance we opted for the Brenner Pass, and then into the Adige Valley. Initially it was the most direct over the Alps that encouraged us through this conduit. Soon however, the eye wanders across the wider area on the page of the map. I hadn’t realised the promximity of Lake Garda …

By Allan Halsall
ActivityBreaks main activity centre in the Lower Alps is located in the middle of some spectacular passes and lakes and on the route often taken by the Giro D’Italia tour. Using this unique location, where Activity Breaks also have an office and hotels, the company have launched a brand new exclusive group cycling package which is available now.
This new package is aimed at cycling enthusiasts as the break includes daily cycling excursions up and down some of the famous tour routes. You are required to bring you own …

By Jo Caird
Rail travel is getting more and more popular for trips within Europe among those who prefer a smaller carbon footprint and revel in leisurely travel, but just how practical is travelling longer distances by train in the era of the mini-break? Rome has long been a top weekend destination, but if you don’t fancy flying, is it really worth the journey for such a short stay? I decided it was time to try it out.
THE TIMING
The self-employed among you will be accustomed to making travel plans unconstrained by …

By Allan Halsall
European ski resorts are certainly nothing new in terms of tourism or popularity; however in recent years there has been a growing trend for skiers, especially beginners and intermediates to seek out and ski at some of Italy’s “diamond in the rough” resorts. Perhaps for some, intimidation of hitting the slopes on notorious resorts such as Tignes and Couramayeur is putting people off, aided by the lack of blue or red runs, or similarly, the result of mass tourism has created overcrowded pistes and extortionate prices, which is …