Let’s have a look at ten skiing locations that make Europe one of the most sought after ski destination. These small towns flourish during the ski season, where everything from Mom & Pop bakeries to insurance sales leads keep the pulse of the village lively.

Nestled in Ampezzo Valley, Cortina d’Ampezzo enjoys the title of the most beautiful winter playground in the world. It is not only the most famous ski resorts in Italy but is one of the most important and sought after ski resorts in the world. Apart from offering great skiing experience, the slopes offer picturesque view to the valley. This is only place which provides clear distinction between Dolomites and rest of the Alps.

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The picture perfect location combined with exciting slopes makes this resort top destination for the up market crowd from all over the world. The beauty of these slopes has been captured in many James Bond movies as well.

Val D’Isere, France

Skiing in Val-d’Isère dates back to 1930’s after a drag lift was built on the slopes of Solaise. Being named as the most famous resort for experts, Val D’Isere can easily pass as the all round destination in whole of Europe. The resort offers a range of ski schools and has something to offer everyone from beginners to experts. It offers modern chairlift and cable cars with most modern lift system you could think of.

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No wonder the resort is one of the busiest in whole of Europe. If the ski is worth the way up, the journey will not disappoint you as well. The view on the way up to the Val D’Isere is spectacular and looks just out of Narnia series.

Igls, Austria

Located in the “Capital of the Alps”, Innsbruck, Igls offers a combination of old world charm and access to some of the world’s finest ski resorts. The charming village is surrounded by some of the best skiing in Austria. Beginners can start with the lower slopes while intermediates can try the pistes in Igls itself. For advanced skiers, there is a possibility of eight ski areas totaling 295 km all accessible by free ski buses.

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Two time host of Winter Olympic Games, Innsbruck has lot more to offer than skiing. If you’d like an adrenaline pump, a ride down the Olympic bob slight at 100 km per hour is highly recommended. Other adventures offered include ice skating, floodlit skiing, tobogganing. If you’d like to take a break from skiing, there are some rich museums and galleries to draw your attention as well.

Kandersteg, Switzerland

The village of Kandersteg could easily pass for the most picturesque centre for mountaineering. More people land in this destination for the scenic view and tranquility the village offers. Best known among beginners, it is one of the best places to learn skiing. The slopes here are easy and daunting and give learners enough space to test their techniques.

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Courchevel, France

Courchevel ski resort is built for nothing but Winter Sports. It is made up of four villages which are named after thir altitudes in meters- Courchevel 1300, Courchevel 1550, Courchevel 1650, Courchevel 1850. It boasts of about 370 miles of pistes and is is a part of the Trois Vallees ski area.

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Courchevel 1850 – the highest located resort district has been quite popular with the rich from all over the world. Guests arrive on their private jets and if your pockets are deep, it’s worth experiencing the air here. There is room for everyone and if you’d like to go for a ski resort just like any other part of the world, you could choose from the villages from 1650 and lower. The mountain has skiing range for both intermediates and experts.

Wengen, Switzerland

With a terrain of 112 km over 53 pistes, Wengen is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. Wengen is an ideal location if you are looking for a combination of absolutely beautiful views and classic architecture. Only accessible by road, the village has excellent slopes for intermediates.

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It also has ranges for experts but is best known among intermediates and snowboarders. More than skiing, the village rates high for the charm and tranquil alpine beauty.

Chamonix, France

Charmonix offers some of the best mountain skiing in whole of Europe. With 12 ski areas, the valley is apt for skiers at all levels. The valley offers beautiful views and draws crowd from all over the world for its excellent skiing conditions and picturesque scenery.  It is located right next to the peak of Mont Blanc and offer range of recreational activities. It is the oldest ski resort in France and has great ski slopes for children and ski area for intermediates and experts as well.

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Pas De la Casa, Andorra

The highest resort in Andorra, Pas de la Casa has an excellent snow record. It is placed on the border between France and Andorra. Before it got combined with Soldeu, the resort had the biggest ski area with highest lift served terrain in Andorra. Now it gas 186 km of pistes and is favored for its southern latitude.

The slopes are more suitable for intermediates than beginners and experts. Image source

Pelion Mountain, Greece

While talking about beautiful locations for skiing, Pelion Mountain is easily one of the noteworthy locations. The best part about the ski resorts here is that not many people know about it and skiing here is still not explored completely. Greece has been gaining popularity for skiing among other winter sports. Pelion Mountains offer majestic scenes and is one of the most preferred destinations for those who have discovered the ski terrains here.

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Newstift, Austria

Newstift is a favorite with family and friends looking for skiing all year round. With 28 lifts, the resort offers skiers 7382 feet of vertical descent. Best suited for beginners and snowboarders, it has some regions for experts and intermediates as well. With finest skiing conditions and largest glacial ski resort, a small portion of the resort is covered by snowmaking.

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Algarve is situated at the extreme south of mainland Portugal, and has a contrasting combination of attractive beaches and beautiful valleys. Its climate is mostly mild, and sun smiles upon it all year long. Many have declared it the favorite holiday destination, and its tourism rate has been growing over the years.

A total of 16 municipalities jointly form Algarve, and each of them are distinct in their own ways. There are some pretty good tourist destinations, from which I would like to describe the famous five.

Albufeira – This is considered as capital of tourists. A complete mixture of modern attractions and history are found in this place, and tourists can explore a rich culture of bygone eras.

Water lovers would be delighted here too, as 23 wonderful beaches are found here in albuferia, with each being distinct from the other. The capital also has marina, countless restaurants, bars, and of course a vibrant night life. There is much in store for every kind of person.

Vilamoura – Vilamoura is the centre of Golf. You can sight a big marina as well as some golf courses in vilamoura. There are also a lot of water sport opportunities to choose from, and there is just much you can do. Resorts ranging from 3 to 5 stars are abundantly found in each of the tourism spots. There are places to enjoy night activities such as discos, pubs and etc which make night dwellers excited.

Faro – It is the governmental capital. Transport facilities are very good in this part plus it also have a public university and of course a marina too. There is also 170 kilometers long Ria Formosa Lagoon which is a great viewing place for bird watchers as it is a heaven of different birds associated with different parts of the world.

Then of course, if you love history then you would find much for yourself in these lands as they are rich in historical and cultural heritage. There is a part of this area surrounded by Roman walls, signifying the 9th Century AD. You can also find a convent in the city museum. The convent belongs from the 16th Century. There is this attractive church of Nossa, known as Senhora do Carmois which has a chapel doubted to be made from the bones of 1200 monks!

Lagos – Then of course is the Lagos, which is a modern site of well known past and a highly attractive place for traders. Lagos was once a maritime port now listed among the major seaports found in Portugal.

Cape St. Vincent –This site is present in the southwestern part of Portugal, and in fact all of the Europe. It is the richest place as far as folklore and history is concerned. Second most powerful lighthouse of the Europe is found here.

The Algarve is truly a heaven to visit. Next time you are planning your vacation; do think about all the things this place has to offer you, especially if you are interested in history.

Praia Da Rocha, yesterday. Algarve, Portugal.

This is the main stack on Marinha Beach, between Benagil and Porches in the Algarve, South Portugal, caught at dusk.

Cardoama beach in the Western Algarve

Nature has always kept within itself a charm and attraction. It could either be the sky, the sun or the moon or the oceans and the rivers which are the perpetual source of figmentation of your imaginations and illusions. People tend to be less resistive about spending time at beaches and bays because they want to take the most out of the sight and splendor which remains craved on the windows of their memories until after a long time. If you are one of those people who love splattering around the romantic sea shores and islands, you should know the possible places where you can seek the utmost joy.

Your imaginations and expectations are even enriched when you go and visit some of the best creations or you can say the best diving destinations of the world. If you are crazy about swimming, diving and water boarding you should be aware of the ten best places you don’t want to miss carrying that out. If it important for you to know about these ten best places so you can gather as much information and facts about them as possible.

1. The Bahamas, Western Atlantic

Touf with Sharks / Photo from therocketscientist

The Bahamas are an archipelago consisting of 700 islands extending over 100,000 square miles of the Western Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by its formation through the sinking of a plateau resulting in the shallow seas you find in the shore area. The average depth of the sea is of 20 feet except where a deep underwater trench called ‘The Tongue of the Ocean’ cuts through the submerged plateau.

Bahamas – Stuart Cove’s shark feeding / Photo from remainingoceansart

A warm ocean current influences this islands and is responsible for the vivid marine life particularly the extensive coral reefs. You can have endless scopes of adventure in the longest cave and cavern network found on the Grand Bahama Island.

A complete vacation package is very advantageous for you can get diving, accommodation and transportation facilities. There are separate charters for snorkeling, exploring the caves and wrecks and plunging into the Blue Holes. You must not miss the Biminis, Abacos, Eleuthera, Cat Island, San Salvador and Inagua if you want to make the most of your diving vacation in the Bahamas.

2. Papua New Guinea, Bismarck Sea

Nakajima Kate / Photo from Murray Cornish

The coastlines of Papua New Guinea are marked by rugged mountainous terrain that is difficult to cross. Papua New Guinea stands at the confluence of three seas namely the Bismarck Sea, the Solomon Sea and the Coral Sea and hence a rich site for marine flora and fauna.

Pez Escorpion / Photo from Squalo Divers

Triggerfish / Photo from Boogies with Fish

You can get both live-aboard and land-based diving facilities in these islands that you can take up to explore the marine life and World War II wrecks found in the Bismarck Sea. Chartering the neighboring area in local boats leaving from Alotau is also a great way to explore the place. However, if you are bent on a diving spree, you must visit Kimbe Bay, Madang, Rabaul and Kavieng to have an unforgettable diving experience.

3. Galapagos Islands

Whale Shark / Photo from PedroAlberto98

Galapagos Islands archipelago is a real paradise for scuba divers because of its wide array of gorgeous marine life and challenging geographical conditions. You must take the advice of the dive shops to know which areas for diving should suit your level best and get the right diving gears for the varying temperatures. You must know how to tackle the marine creatures, currents, shape and depth of the dive spots to enjoy the experience.

Green Turtle. Chelonia mydas. / Photo from hsacdirk

Wolf island / Photo from hsacdirk

The Pacific water of Galapagos is clear as a glass and as such, there is nothing to impede your vision of the colored fish through 15 to 25 meters depth. In some places, you can find bright rich waters due to the presence of green algae phytoplankton. Most of the islands of the Galapagos group are suitable for drift diving, night diving and deep diving.

If you like, you can take up the offers of dive trips, day trips and shore diving classes.

4. Rangiroa, Polynesia

Rangirora – Green Lagoon / Photo from JulienNarboux

The vast coastline of Rangiroa will tell you that it counts among the largest atolls of the world and definitely the biggest one of the Tahiti Islands. Its intricate network of islets and coral rings are the home to various species of sea animals. Rangiroa consists of two different dive locations located near the lagoon Paio motu, namely Ava Toru and Tiputa pass. Both these spots offer fantastic glimpses of marine wealth of French Polynesia.

Under the sun / Photo from Autopsea

The average temperature of the seawaters remains around 70 F in winter and 80 F in summer, and hence Rangiroa is a year-round diving destination. You can take a dive for 45 minutes at a stretch in the clear underwater region. The maximum depth is around 80 feet and you must take a boat dive to look at the dolphins, sharks, manta rays and jack fish floating around.

5. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Cenote – Yucatan, Mexico / Photo from okinal

Photo from macrisbruse

Riviera Mayo or the Mayan Riviera is located beside the Highway 400 running parallel along the Caribbean coastline of Quintana Roo, Mexico. The reef formations of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System along the coasts attract tourists and divers alike. The best way to explore this underground river network is to dive through sinkhole collapses. You can see the wonderful natural phenomenon in the formation of the carbonate caves due to the commingling of fresh and saline waters.

Cavern diving in the Chac Mool cenote in Quintana Roo. / Photo from brad77

In fact, Riviera Maya contains the two longest underwater cave systems in the world called Sac Actun and Ox Bel Ha. These offer rare sights to divers like fresh water creatures swimming atop the saline water floods. If you are a novice in diving, go for snorkeling in the reefs of Playa del Carmen and Tulum. More seasoned divers can enjoy the incomparable experience of cave diving in the sinkholes of Dos Ojos. You can access a range of diving facilities including live-aboard between every resort.

6. Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Queensland, Australia / Photo from !snednas!

Consisting of more than 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest reef system sprawling over 2,600 kilometers in Coral Sea. This World Heritage Site is the home to several wonderful species of marine creatures and hence, divers are rewarded by the sight of an astounding bio-diversity. You could also enjoy staying at its live-aboard as a tourist or a scuba diver.

Heart of a Giant Clam / Photo from Kälaino’ono’o

While you take the plunge into warm seawaters, you can catch sight of over 400 coral species and other endangered species of sea animals. You must do the necessary paperwork, planning and preparations before undertaking a diving expedition here.

7. Little Cayman, British West Indies

Grand Cayman 9ft Bronze Mermaid / Photo from Sam Cathey

The Little Cayman Islands is a UK dependency situated in the Caribbean Sea just to the south of Cuba. This is an abode for rare species of birds as well as aquatic animals. If you choose Little Cayman Islands as a diving destination, you must make your visit between June and August when the water temperature remains favorable and the calm sea permits maximum visibility. The north part of the island containing a protected marine park is best for diving. You could sail here in boats though anchoring is forbidden.

Silversides Spawning / Photo from courtneyplatt

If you are looking ahead to wall dives, come to the Bloody Bay Wall on the northwestern side of the islands. You can go down to more than 3000 feet underwater and observe the undisturbed oceanic world up to a distance of 100 feet. Jackson’s Bay is another hot diving spot in Little Cayman Islands from where you can wade off to the Big Blue. While exploring the underwater crevices and tunnels, you can encounter a Gray Reef Shark over the wall, Nurse Shark, Sting Rays, Eagle Rays and Turtles adding to the fun of diving.

8. Bonaire

Farewell Bonaire / Photo from Kälaino’ono’o

The geographical location of Bonaire is perfect for the flourish of aquatic flora and fauns. Its perfectly calm waters and natural shelter from trade winds encourages the growth of corals and makes a beautiful location for family vacations. As a diver, you will enjoy exploring its marine parks full of the vivid richness of the Caribbean waters. The spot has been preserved as a virgin diving locale and its crystal clear waters with a visibility up to 150 feet offer a toast to underwater photographers.

Turtle / Photo from edpdiver

9. Bikini Atoll, Marshall Islands

Marshall Islands / Photo from Povilas Redko

Situated amid the Micronesian Islands of the Pacific Ocean, Bikini Atoll is counted as a part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This group of 36 islands is located midway between Australia and Honolulu and one of the best spots for divers to view shipwrecks. Among the most famous wrecks are the former warships like USS Saratoga and the Japanese Nagato. Bikini Atoll has also remained an experimental ground for nuclear tests conducted around the 1950s.

Nagato Battleship / Photo from rjdiver

USS Saratoga Aircraft / Photo from rjdiver

Today Bikini Atoll and lagoon is one of the prospective sites for diving, fishing and other water sports. Though this island is barely inhabited because of the radiation pollution, it is an abode for an amazing variety of fishes. It recently came into the limelight as a diving destination and only a handful of divers have been venturing forth because of the extravagant $5,000 charged for a weeklong diving holiday.

10. British Columbia, Canada

Orca / Photo from pranjal2008

British Columbia is the most amazing diving destination of North America, thanks to its extraordinary variety of sea-life. As a diver, you will be rewarded by the sight of prawns, Dungeness crabs, Orca whales, sea lions, large octopuses, lingcod or any other creature belonging to the 5,000 species of invertebrates or 400 species of colored fish. Its coastline is protected keeping the divers’ safety in mind.

Orca Breeching / Photo from christinamcraft

Although British Columbia is characterized by some of the strongest currents of the world, its mild mid-40 degree water will perfectly suit long diving expeditions. You can start by testing the slack tides near the underwater rock walls and gradually go into deeper waters. As you swim round the myriad straits surrounding Vancouver Island, you can see the beauty of the colorful algae that add to the beauty of the marine world.

]]> http://www.travelet.com/2009/09/diving-10-places-you-dont-want-to-miss/feed/ 15 http://www.travelet.com/2009/08/clingstone-mansion-in-rhode-island/ http://www.travelet.com/2009/08/clingstone-mansion-in-rhode-island/#comments Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:45:00 +0000 travelet http://www.travelet.com/?p=500

This 103-years-old mansion in Rhode Island is built on a small, rocky island far away from any nosy neighbors. Just like this house, built close to Oslofjord Island, Norway, it offers total privacy.

Clingstone mansion was built in 1905, for a cost of roughly $36,000, by J.S. Lovering Wharton, a distant cousin of 79-year-old Henry Wood, the present owner of the house. He and his ex-wife bought it in 1961, for $3,600 and managed to bring it back to life after it had been abandoned for two decades.

Mr. Wood and his family found an ingenious way of preserving this 23-room architectural wonder: the Clingstone work weekend. Every year, around Memorial Day, the Wood family and up to 70 friends gather at Clingstone to clean the mansion and fix any of its problems. Practically, any volunteer workers are welcome.

In winter time the boats and floating dock are stored at the nearby Jamestown Boatyard, in exchange for a week’s stay at Clingstone, during the summer.

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Alaska cruises are the good way to explore and watch the wonderful land of Alaska. There are two most favorable routes to visit Alaska by cruise service. One is Vancouver roundtrip and another one is Seattle roundtrip. The most entertaining class of cruises is the contemporary cruises and specialty cruises. These kinds of cruises can offer sophisticated facilities to the travelers that want a unique cruising experience. Several cruise lines deals in Alaskan holiday. Even they conduct regular Alaskan cruises in peak season. Therefore, from a traveler’s point of view no one is going to encounter the problem like “all seats reserved” even in the peak seasons. It is quite common to watch grisly bears, bald eagles, moose, and elk from the comfort of your cruise as these wild creatures gets more active in the peak season.

An Alaska cruise can take you closer to the glaciers so that you can feel the nature power and the ancient formations closely. Even some ships stay a while so that one can capture the moments. These waterside views can’t be replicated anywhere else. Alaska cruise offers a variety of facilities as they have proved to be an excellent way for a solid vacation in Alaska. Aboard a cruise ship you can enjoy your time with many entertaining activities to accomplish on the ship.