Head to the Mountains: Winter vs Summer

The picturesque alpine resorts high above sea level, nestled in the stunning mountain ranges of Europe, aren’t just a skier’s Mecca. They can be enjoyed whatever time of year; your chosen activity is the only thing that changes.

During the summer months, as the snow melts and the lush green mountainsides emerge, head to the Austrian lakes and mountains for some unrivalled landscapes and some of the best walking, hiking trails and cyling. During the summer, Krimml Waterfalls are highly recommended due to the outstanding natural beauty that resides there or, as a family, have a go at canyoning in Mayrhofen. As winter arrives, the Austrian Alps turn into a haven for skiers and snowboarders alike, making the range a very popular spot for all winter sport enthusiasts –a skii holiday in Europe which offers one of the most sought after spots.

For such a small country, the principality of Andorra has a vast array of activities on offer, whatever your interests. In the summertime, you can choose from gentle walks around the traditional villages homing Romanesque churches, or more thrilling hikes and climbs in the Pyrenees. It is also a very popular spot for mountain biking, fishing and horseriding. With dramatic scenery, lush narrow valleys and snowcapped mountain ridges, try and make the most of the gondolas that take you to the top of the mountains during the summer months and admire the breathtaking views. As winter falls, head to Arinsal or Soldeu for some of the best all-round skiing opportunities this area has to offer. 

Equally, Switzerland is also an ideal retreat for those after winter or summer sojourns. Lovers of the great outdoors will be in their element here during the summer, with trails galore for walkers and avid hikers. Head to Interlacken for some thrillseeking delights, with canyoning, rafting and paragliding all on offer for those who dare. The Swiss Alps offer some of the most dramatic slopes for winter adventurers, as well as snowshoeing, husky rides and glacial walking for those who want a change of pace. 

Whatever season you choose, the mountains are waiting to give you a holiday of a lifetime.

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Best Place to do Rafting in Canada

White water rafting or simply rafting is a stimulating outdoor activity for recreation which is conducted with the help of an inflatable raft for the purpose of navigating one’s way in a river or water body. For increased thrill and excitement, rafting can be conducted in varying degrees of rough water. This can be termed as a leisure sport as long as one does not choose a setting which is more than what one can handle. Canada is a paradise for rafting lovers. This beautiful country has some of the most beautiful rivers in North America. In order to truly experience the power and thrill of rafting in Canada’s rivers you will need to get wet. Rafting in Canada is a great way of feeling your adrenaline pumping.

When it comes to the best place to do rafting in Canada, you will not find one synonymous answer from people because there are so many rivers in Canada that are perfect for rafting. Therefore you can try your hand at rafting in any one or all of the rivers. Kicking Horse River is one of the best places to go for rafting in Canada. Located in the Canadian Rockies, this river provides the ultimate thrill of rafting. You will be able to go for rafting tours here where you will be given the right equipment and also training. In addition to the thrilling rafting experience one can also observe the beautiful scenery and towering canyon walls. 

If you are in East Canada then you should head over to Kipawa River. The good thing about this river is that it is Canada’s best intermediate whitewater river with an impressive length of sixteen kilometers. You are bound to feel the power when you step into your dinghy and start paddling. The adrenaline rush which one experiences when rafting in this river is unsurpassable and the cost of rafting here is just USD 100, which isn’t a lot. Therefore true rafting lovers really do not mind flying all the way to Canada to experience rafting in Kipawa River. After all, they would also get air miles in Canada for this connection!

Want to go for a rafting experience with a superb view? In that case Fraser River would be just right for you. You will be able to spot Mount Robson (the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies) here when you are rafting. The scenery is breathtaking, the water is perfect for rafting and the cost for rafting is also low, no wonder people get tempted to fly to Canada for the purpose of rafting.

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Wakeboarding For The First Time

I've been hearing a lot things about wakeboarding but I just can't find the perfect time to try it. From all the pictures that I've seen from my friends, it looks fun and challenging and seemed to be very-easy-to-do. Well, there's only thing to find out, TRY IT!

One of my friends from college returned home and I told him that we should try wakeboarding while he's still here. Good thing, Deca Wakeboard Park is only few minutes away. Upon arriving at the park, there were several beginners just like us who were doing their best to at least move few meters away from the starting point. Oh my! I thought it's that easy but at the back of my mind, maybe they weren't following the basic positions being taught or maybe they were just too scared.

Seeing them crashing several times almost convinced us to back out. However, there's this little voice at the back of my mind that I won't be able to find out if I can do it if won't give it a try. We spent some time getting there not for site seeing but to face the challenge ourselves. 

It took us 1 mango shake and a bowl of french fries before we finally leapt our feet to the registration area. Waivers has been signed and off we face the trainer for the briefing. 

It' an SOP of the park to at least achieve two laps on the kneeboard before they would let us ride on the wakeboard. 

And this is it! With my heart having tachycardia, I knelt down and tighten my grip to the tow rope. "READY!", shouted the cable control man who's also preparing himself for another set of good laugh. With the split of a second, the rope dragged me out to the water and amazingly I was able to achieve my balance! Wooooohooooo! I did it! But right at middle of my celebration, I suddenly don't know how get in between the first pair of orange buoy to keep my towing rope on the cables. The rope loosened and I let go. Good thing the life guard is nearby and assisted me to get back to the sides. 

Did I ever mention that I don't how to swim? It's been years that I've been relying on the existence of life jackets and floaters. However, it didn't stop me from trying water sports and adventures because I know these wonderful things exist to keep me floating.

Because I don't know how to swim, it took me several minutes to get back to the sides. I did everything to get out from where I am because riders are also on their way and they might crash on my face. The life guard assured me that I shouldn't worry because they're already experienced riders and they know how to maneuver themselves to avoid me. However, my eyes widened upon seeing the speeding rider who is coming towards me, it's my friend and he ain't an experienced one! Oh my goodness! He almost hit us! Luckily he was able to control it and was able to get pass through us safely. What a relief! 

For a beginner to reach that far, that was already an achievement. It gave me enough confidence to try one more time. Proud and exhausted, I carried my board and walked back to the starting point. The trainer told me that in order to get inside the floating balls, I should pull the rope towards my left side and place all my weight to the right. He reiterated that moving the rope to the left side won't bring me anywhere.

For the second time, I tried it. This time I was able to get inside the floating balls and completed the lap. However, the dragging force of the rope has been unbearable that I need to let go to have some rest.

That ends my kneeboarding experience and everyone has been convincing me try the wakeboard. My friend tried several times but he kept on crashing. This time it's a lot more difficult. It requires strength and whole lot of balancing. However, it didn't stop me from trying but I end up crashing myself face down drinking a lot of water from the track. 

I Would definitely want to try one more time but arms were already sore. I guess that would end my wakeboarding experience. I would surely go back there and achieve it.

All in all, with all the crashes and sore arms, my first wakeboarding experience was fun and fulfilling. -niceurdaneta-

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Early Bird Bookings: Family Holidays to Majorca 2013

Now is the best time to book 2013 family getaway treat. The cheapest package escapes are now available to browse online; search at leisure from the comfort of your own home and look for travel deals to suit your brood and your budget.

Family holidays to Majorca are ideal for clans with children of all ages. Tots and toddlers will appreciate the short flight times (approximately two hours from most UK airports) and blue flag beaches, while teenagers and young adults can revel in the island’s excellent nightlife and array of attractions.


A home away from home, wherever you decide to stay, Majorca is brimming with child friendly eateries and entertainment. When travelling on a budget, make the most of the region’s breath-taking beaches – great for adults and children alike.

Palma Nova, the sister resort of vibrant Magaluf, is a fabulous resort for families looking for a lively break away. Without the disturbance of Magaluf’s nightlife, Palma Nova is close enough to the area to benefit from the nearby attractions. Waterparks, themed evening cabarets and marinelife centres are all within easy reach.

When you’re looking for a slightly lower-key stint in the sun, head further north to Alcudia. Although still a bustling resort loved by tourists, a stay in Alcudia is distinctively more relaxed.

Families can enjoy the watersports offered on the safe, sandy shores, while more active days out can be found at Park Aquatico, Alcudia’s waterpark. Take a look at the island’s wildlife at Port d’Alcudia, a stretch of natural wetlands open to the public.

Plan in advance and save money on your 2013 family holidays to Majorca. Look online and find holiday deals now to pick up the very best early bird rates for your summer escape next year – save your spends for fun in the sun.
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