Chamonix is without doubt, one of the most awe inspiring places on this planet. Located just a quick drive from Geneva Airport, it can be reached with ease, wherever you live.
Driving into the valley, after leaving Switzerland, you climb up and up ever windy and exciting roads, some of which are built hundreds of feet above the valley floor, making it feel like you are almost floating up the valley.
Jagged and huge mountains enter the vista, and the scale of it all begins to dawn on you. Big time. You enter a twinkling winter wonderland like no other. This is the heart of the Alps - and you'll see why. Nowhere else in Europe offers such visual delights of this calibre.
Chamonix isn't just some skiing resort. This is a French town in its own right, and always has been. It's only in recent years that it has been virtually taken over by Brits and other European mountain lovers.
This place is unique. The area contains some of the most extreme skiing and climbing to be found in the world. It is the home of danger, avalanches, the extreme, as well as unreal outstanding natural beauty.
Accommodation here tends to involve stunning chalet retreats with views that would give most people a heart attack - holidays here are never forgotten. As well as the sexy chalets, there's a lot of hotel accommodation available throughout the valley, to suit all budgets, and in the summer, you can camp.
The town itself is a pretty, small French affair with all the usual amenities that you would expect anywhere else. Amazing cheese shops can be found, as well as great chocolate and many good French things - and all in the shadow of Mont Blanc - the highest mountain in Western Europe.
Other highlights include the world's longest single span cable car – the Aiguille du Midi. This little ride takes you to the top of one of the most magnificent peaks in the valley – if you go to Chamonix you must do this. Views from this gem of a place are again way out of this world. The best of Italy, France and Switzerland spews out beneath you in an exquisite alpine panorama that makes you happy to be alive.
In the winter, there are children's ski schools who will take your kids off your hands for a reasonable fee every day. Depending how much you want them thrust into the mountains. You may not be expecting it, but your child could be a natural mountain ninja. Yep. They'll make you look shoddy on the piste, and you won't be able to do anything about it. If this does happen for God's sake cut them some slack.
And when you are in Chamonix you are also perfectly positioned to reach other areas magical of Europe very quickly. Italy is a 30 minute journey through the Mont Blanc Tunnel, Geneva is but an hour and you can be in the French Riviera in two shakes of a lambs tail.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Papua New Guinea: Adventure Traveler Mecca With Butler And Health Club
One of the few still untamed, if not unspoiled destinations, Papua New Guinea is a raw land. Nearly 85% of the main island is carpeted with tropical rain forest.
With its international reputation for Scuba Diving thanks to spectacular coral reefs, Papua New Guinea is still a Mecca for the serious adventure traveler who will find swamp and jagged limestone; mud and moss forest; suffocating heat and Highland chill; plumed, pearl-shelled villagers and prosaic hill people; tiny tree kangaroos and enormous Queen Alexandra Birdwing butterflies. And fascination, unspoiled beauty, the exotic experience of a lifetime. But also personal butlers at hotels. Fine dining. And now even a stunningly designed Health and Racquet Club.
The new club is at the Airways Boutique Hotel in Port Moresby and covers 600 square meters fitted out in stylish décor, and includes state of the art “Wellness in Motion” Techno Gym cardio and strength equipment, a 20-metre infinity lap pool, air-conditioned squash courts, floodlit tennis court, aerobics and exercise room, massage rooms, separate male and female steam rooms and saunas, and a Zen garden with views over the valley, the sea, and the mountains, for winding down after a workout or massage treatment.
A full range of professionally organized classes and lessons offers Club members and hotel guests a variety of invigorating fitness and exercise programs and routines. There is also an outdoor exercise trail through the hotel's lush botanical gardens.
The Airways Hotel, located at the Port Moresby airport, is anything but your typical airport hotel. Exquisite dining, the unique combination of the exotic and the modern in a luxurious tropical setting, and an excellent, friendly service provide for a matchless airport hotel experience.
The hotel is nestled into the mountainside in its own botanical gardens, with stunning views of the crystal clear waters of Bootless Bay to the majestic mountains of the Owen Stanley Ranges. The stylish rooms have a hint of designer decor with a simple elegance. For the ultimate luxury in service, book one of the Orchid Suites and Rooms that come with a 24-hour personal butler to cater to your every need. Art and artifacts of Papua New Guinea are on display throughout the hotel.
Four restaurants, four bars, boutique, chauffeured limousine service, swimming pools, tennis courts, yoga and aerobics, Chef’s Master cooking classes, diving, and spa complete a hotel offering that one does not expect at an airport hotel in an exotic destination.
The Airways Hotel is an Emerald Collection member of Boutique Hotels & Resorts International, a highly acclaimed alliance of genuine boutique hotels from around the world, and has been nominated for the World Travel Awards.
If your travels take you to the exotic islands of Papua New Guinea, be it for a longer stay or just for a day, the Airways is the place to be.
With its international reputation for Scuba Diving thanks to spectacular coral reefs, Papua New Guinea is still a Mecca for the serious adventure traveler who will find swamp and jagged limestone; mud and moss forest; suffocating heat and Highland chill; plumed, pearl-shelled villagers and prosaic hill people; tiny tree kangaroos and enormous Queen Alexandra Birdwing butterflies. And fascination, unspoiled beauty, the exotic experience of a lifetime. But also personal butlers at hotels. Fine dining. And now even a stunningly designed Health and Racquet Club.
The new club is at the Airways Boutique Hotel in Port Moresby and covers 600 square meters fitted out in stylish décor, and includes state of the art “Wellness in Motion” Techno Gym cardio and strength equipment, a 20-metre infinity lap pool, air-conditioned squash courts, floodlit tennis court, aerobics and exercise room, massage rooms, separate male and female steam rooms and saunas, and a Zen garden with views over the valley, the sea, and the mountains, for winding down after a workout or massage treatment.
A full range of professionally organized classes and lessons offers Club members and hotel guests a variety of invigorating fitness and exercise programs and routines. There is also an outdoor exercise trail through the hotel's lush botanical gardens.
The Airways Hotel, located at the Port Moresby airport, is anything but your typical airport hotel. Exquisite dining, the unique combination of the exotic and the modern in a luxurious tropical setting, and an excellent, friendly service provide for a matchless airport hotel experience.
The hotel is nestled into the mountainside in its own botanical gardens, with stunning views of the crystal clear waters of Bootless Bay to the majestic mountains of the Owen Stanley Ranges. The stylish rooms have a hint of designer decor with a simple elegance. For the ultimate luxury in service, book one of the Orchid Suites and Rooms that come with a 24-hour personal butler to cater to your every need. Art and artifacts of Papua New Guinea are on display throughout the hotel.
Four restaurants, four bars, boutique, chauffeured limousine service, swimming pools, tennis courts, yoga and aerobics, Chef’s Master cooking classes, diving, and spa complete a hotel offering that one does not expect at an airport hotel in an exotic destination.
The Airways Hotel is an Emerald Collection member of Boutique Hotels & Resorts International, a highly acclaimed alliance of genuine boutique hotels from around the world, and has been nominated for the World Travel Awards.
If your travels take you to the exotic islands of Papua New Guinea, be it for a longer stay or just for a day, the Airways is the place to be.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Camping Tips To Help Make Your Camping Adventure Tons Of Fun
The best camping tip you can get is to abide by the Boy Scout motto and “be prepared.” There are all sorts of things that can happen on a camping trip so expect the unexpected. Make lists of items that you should bring and pack all the essential equipment. Take into consideration the area where you will be, any rules for the camping site, weather conditions, safety and fun.
The Campsite
Make sure you have the proper equipment for camping. Know what sleeping arrangements are and where you will be cooking. If you are using a camper or RV, much of this will be supplied in your facilities but you will need to know any rules for the particular campsite. If you are sleeping outdoors, make sure you have tents and sleeping bags as well as warm clothing. Bring waterproof matches for campfires and cooking. Set up tents according to instruction. Always leave your campsite the way you found it. The best rule of thumb is to make sure it looks like you were never there.
Food
Bring only the cooking utensils you will need to prepare meals and eat. You will not have a dishwasher and may not have trash bins available. So, make sure you can easily clean and dispose of food items and waste. Bring lightweight, non perishable and easy to cook and clean food items. Canned foods, trail mix, soups and stews are great nutritional meals that are easy to store and carry.
My favorite way to cook while camping is over the fire, using a tripod and aluminum foil. There are lots of delicious meals you can cook by putting a few ingredients in a piece of foil, sealing it, and cooking it. Cleanup is a breeze. There are no dishes to wash. You just need to properly dispose of the used aluminum foil. Do an Internet search for “campfire recipes” and you’ll get lots of delicious foil/pouch campfire meal ideas. While getting ready for camping, do not forget the water. Make sure you have plenty available to keep hydrated and to cook with.
Weather
Plan for the expected weather conditions in the area but do not be surprised if there is a sudden climate change. For summer bring hats for protection, sunscreen and insect repellant. For winter, make sure to dress in layers, wear sunscreen, and have waterproof footwear. Always bring extra clothing in case of a climate change. Even in hot weather it can get very chilly at night. Prepare for rain by ensuring you have shelter, tarps and waterproof attire.
Safety
A first aid kit is a required piece of camping equipment. These can be found pre made in pharmacies and outdoor sporting goods stores. Rope, a flashlight and waterproof matches are also important. Having a compass available will help in case you get lost and a whistle can help you call for help even if you are fatigued. If leaving the campsite, make sure you bring food and water supplies.
Fun
Bring games and toys, especially if you are traveling with children. A game of Frisbee or football is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Bring your fishing rods and canoes for fun on the water. Do not forget to bring binoculars and a camera for hikes and nature walks. You may want to bring art supplies and books in case of inclement weather. For nature walks, insect and plant guide books are usually lightweight and can help you identify wildlife and items in nature.
Camping can be great fun but you should always prepare for things that may come up. Sudden changes in weather can occur and accidents can happen. Make a list of the supplies you will need and carefully pack for your trip. Being prepared will help ensure you have a great time and stay as safe as possible in all conditions.
The Campsite
Make sure you have the proper equipment for camping. Know what sleeping arrangements are and where you will be cooking. If you are using a camper or RV, much of this will be supplied in your facilities but you will need to know any rules for the particular campsite. If you are sleeping outdoors, make sure you have tents and sleeping bags as well as warm clothing. Bring waterproof matches for campfires and cooking. Set up tents according to instruction. Always leave your campsite the way you found it. The best rule of thumb is to make sure it looks like you were never there.
Food
Bring only the cooking utensils you will need to prepare meals and eat. You will not have a dishwasher and may not have trash bins available. So, make sure you can easily clean and dispose of food items and waste. Bring lightweight, non perishable and easy to cook and clean food items. Canned foods, trail mix, soups and stews are great nutritional meals that are easy to store and carry.
My favorite way to cook while camping is over the fire, using a tripod and aluminum foil. There are lots of delicious meals you can cook by putting a few ingredients in a piece of foil, sealing it, and cooking it. Cleanup is a breeze. There are no dishes to wash. You just need to properly dispose of the used aluminum foil. Do an Internet search for “campfire recipes” and you’ll get lots of delicious foil/pouch campfire meal ideas. While getting ready for camping, do not forget the water. Make sure you have plenty available to keep hydrated and to cook with.
Weather
Plan for the expected weather conditions in the area but do not be surprised if there is a sudden climate change. For summer bring hats for protection, sunscreen and insect repellant. For winter, make sure to dress in layers, wear sunscreen, and have waterproof footwear. Always bring extra clothing in case of a climate change. Even in hot weather it can get very chilly at night. Prepare for rain by ensuring you have shelter, tarps and waterproof attire.
Safety
A first aid kit is a required piece of camping equipment. These can be found pre made in pharmacies and outdoor sporting goods stores. Rope, a flashlight and waterproof matches are also important. Having a compass available will help in case you get lost and a whistle can help you call for help even if you are fatigued. If leaving the campsite, make sure you bring food and water supplies.
Fun
Bring games and toys, especially if you are traveling with children. A game of Frisbee or football is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Bring your fishing rods and canoes for fun on the water. Do not forget to bring binoculars and a camera for hikes and nature walks. You may want to bring art supplies and books in case of inclement weather. For nature walks, insect and plant guide books are usually lightweight and can help you identify wildlife and items in nature.
Camping can be great fun but you should always prepare for things that may come up. Sudden changes in weather can occur and accidents can happen. Make a list of the supplies you will need and carefully pack for your trip. Being prepared will help ensure you have a great time and stay as safe as possible in all conditions.
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