12/30/2009

Best Train Journeys in the World

In a modern world where traveling between destinations is viewed as a waste of time, it’s hard to understand the beauty out of some windows that some people miss during their beauty sleep, thinking there’s nothing to see…when some of the most spectacular, interesting and beautiful rides of the planet is scrolling under their eyes!
While we are in a time where we have no time to “stand and stare”, there are awesome train rides across the globe, where the trip itself turns into a destination!!

Glacier Express

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

Passing some of the best cities of Europe including London, Venice, Rome, Budapest, France, Switzerland, Austria and Prague. They say that the Orient express is the most charming way to travel!
This luxurious three day trip will cost over 2000 Euros! Money well spent, if you ask me ;)

Pride of Africa

The Pride of Africa train is a journey that no nature lover should ever miss if they wish to explore the beauty of the spectacular vast Continent at a slow paste. It offer an impeccable comfort for 14 days through Cape Town, Dar Es Salam, Kimberley, Pretoria, the Kruger National Park, Beit bridge, Bulawayo, Victoria falls, Lusaka and through Tanzania!
Chosen as the most luxurious train in the world! You don’t want to miss the opportunity of a romantic vacation through the heart of Southern Africa.

Flam Railway
Do you remember the awesome Norwegian Fjords? Well, here is a train through the world’s longest fjord Sognefjord! Where on a 20km trip you’ll get to see an amazing descent from an altitude of almost 3000 feet into the fjords of Flam!
Palace on Wheels
Step in the Palace on Wheels and you will find what you have been promised with the name. This train starts from Delhi and ends up in the royal state of Rajasthan, offers only the best on tracks. Just to roll back in time, a steam engine is used to pull the train! Adding to the experience, an elephant welcome in Jaipur, a lunch at the Lake Palace in Udaipur, a camel safari near Jaisalmer and an afternoon at the Taj Mahal!
The Palace on Wheels is the most comfortable way to explore India.

Eastern & Oriental Express
This train stretch between the ultra-modern Singapore and Bangkok, and traveling through green tropical forest in a totally comfortable ride with all the delights of South-East Asia cuisine! Mmmmm ;)
Royal Scotsman
If you are getting on board the Royal Scotsman, “I’m sorry” but you must have deep pockets! It is the most expensive train ride on the planet! A 4 day trip costs more than an entire 19 day first-class trip on the Trans-Siberian, and well, you get the picture ;)
This train accommodates 36 passengers! So hurry up and reserve not a trip but an experience!

The Trans-Siberian
There is no doubt that a 9654km ride across Russia that carries you over a distance of one-third of the planet!
From Vladivostok across Siberia to Moscow and then to St.Petersburg, the 19 day ride offers bedroom with complete sitting dining-room and a private chef! Carrying you across seven time zones!



So instead of waiting for fun and good times to start rolling as you sit in your airline seat, the great train journeys turn every moment into a memory you can cherish for a lifetime!!

12/04/2009

Best ski resorts in Canada!



Now that the snow is officialy coming down! Here's my top ten ski resorts in Canada! Youppi!!!

Ski resorts in Canada stretch right across the country, with the best in British Columbia, Alberta and Quebec. The following resorts represent the best of the best by any standard – long runs, sharp drop offs, and spectacular scenery plus a range of activities, such as heliskiing and glacier skiing!

1. Whistler / Blackcomb, British Columbia

In the British Columbia Coast Mountains, under 2 hours from Vancouver, Whistler / Blackcomb is Canada's top ski destination and one of the best in the world. Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are joined at the base by a warm village with all the amenities you'd expect from a town that draws 2 million visitors a year from around the world.
Skiiable Area: Over 8,100 acres
Longest Run: 11 km
Annual Snowfall: 402 inches
Other Activities: Zip trek, tube park, dog-sledding, snowcat tours, heli-skiing



2. Kicking Horse Resort, Golden, British Columbia
Famous for its powder and scenic setting in the Range of the Rocky Mountains, just two and a half hours west of Calgary, Kicking Horse Resort also holds the greatest vertical in the Rockies.
Skiiable Area: 2,750 acres
Longest Run: 10 km
Other Activities: Tubing, heli-skiing, Wildlife Wolf Centre



3. Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie, British Columbia
Fernie is a charming, historic town, blessed with a naturally beautiful setting suited to skiing. The Fernie Alpine Resort
Skiiable Area: 2,504 acres
Longest Run: 5 kms
Annual Snowfall: 884cm
Other Activities: Visit the Fernie Brewing Company, climbing gym, heritage tours



4. Red Resort, Rossland, British Columbia
Red Resort on Red Mountain and Granite Mountain is known for its abundance of powder and varied terrain. Nearby Rossland is just 8 km north of the US/Canada border in the heart of the West Kootenay region of British Columbia.
Skiiable Area: 642 hectares (1,585 acres)
Halfpipe: 1
Terrain Park features jumps, jibs, skier / boarder-cross course, and park wide sound system. Terrain Type:
Annual Snowfall: 7.6 m
Other Activities: Heritage tours, heli-skiing, spa, shopping



5. Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna, British Columbia
B.C.'s second biggest mountain, Big White also claim to being Canada’s largest totally ski-in, ski-out village! The resort is family friendly and has accommodation to suit a range of budgets.
Skiiable Area: 2,765 acres
Longest Run: 7.2 km
TELUS Park Terrain Park features super pipe, halfpipe and more.
Annual Snowfall:7.5 metres
Other Activities: Tubing park, skating rink, dogsled tours, spas



6. Sun Peaks, near Kamloops, British Columbia
Kelly Funk / Getty Images
Sun Peaks is on the northern edge of the Okanagan region, famous for its spectacular scenery and wine growing.
Skiiable Area: 3,678 acres of terrain, the second largest ski area in B.C. and the third largest in Canada.
Longest Run: Up to 8km
Annual Snowfall: 559cm



7. Banff / Lake Louise, Alberta
Banff / Lake Louise skiing is spread over three resorts: Mt. Norquay, Sunshine Village, Lake Louise Mountain Resort. In a single lift ticket you gain access to all three with free transportation to and from the resorts. The area enjoys one of the longest ski seasons in North America, from mid November to late May.
Skiiable Area:Combined 8,000 acres
Nightskiing: At Norquay
Longest Run: 8 kms
Annual Snowfall: 30+ ft
Other Activities: Sightseeing, icefields



8. Mont-Tremblant, Tremblant, Quebec
Mont-Tremblant is only a two-hour drive from Montreal, plus has the convenience of an airport. However, despite its convenience and a charming pedestrian village and scenic location, Tremblant attracts more "tourist" skiers than locals and is known for being crowded and expensive.
Skiiable Area: 253 hectares
Olympic caliber superpipe
Longest Run:6 km
Annual Snowfall: 382cm
Other Activities: European-style pedestrian village offers an array of activities and conveniences to fill out your days.



9. Mont Sainte-Anne, Beaupré, Quebec
Mont-Sainte-Anne is a mere 30 mins from Quebec City.
Skiiable Area: 465 acres
17 trails open for night skiing, including the highest vertical for night skiing in Canada
Longest Run: 1.4 miles Terrain Type
Annual Snowfall: 400 cm
Other Activities: Dogsledding, paragliding, canyoning on ice, ice skating, and more.



10. Le Massif, Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec
Although there is not a lot of extreme terrain, Massif still appeals to a wide range of skier. I know plenty of seasoned skiers who rank it among the best in Canada, certainly in Quebec. Much of Massif's appeal is the incredible view of the St. Lawrence and the proximity to Quebec City and Baie aint-Paul, a stunning arts town in the region of Charlevoix.
Skiiable Area: 166 hectares
Longest Run: 4.8 km
Annual Snowfall: 630 cm



So that's it! Love the snow! Have a great ski season! ;)