A useful introduction to finding the right travel insurance for your next adventure holiday
Fun facts about Krakow
Discover why you should visit this fascinating city.
Madonna di Campiglio – an adventure holiday paradise!
This mountain resort in the heart of the Italian dolomites is best known as a winter destination, with a reputation as one of the chicest ski resorts in the Alps, surrounded by over 150km of slopes and full of expensive boutiques, stylish bars and Michelin starred restaurants. The summer has always been a shorter, quieter season, partly thanks to its cooler climate due to its high altitude (1550m) (though many people come for precisely that reason!), however this is changing as adventure travel has become more popular; people are discovering that Campiglio is a great summer holiday destination offering all sorts of activities for all ages. Whether you are looking for a fun family holiday, want to try new things, or just get away from it all, you will find something here. Many of the activities on offer are spread out around the surrounding valley, the Val Rendena, so Madonna di Campiglio is a good place to base yourself during your stay. Public transport in the area is free with the DoloMeet card (see sidebar) so you can get around even without a car. Ideal for adrenaline junkies Those looking for some excitement will not be disappointed, here in Madonna di Campiglio you can discover the Dolomites from all angles, from down in its gorges and canyons to up in the high mountains and even from the sky… Tarzaning Make your way through a mountain gorge via ziplines, pulleys, suspension bridges, and Via Ferrata. A fun excursion that is not too challenging. Adrenaline level: 3/5 Canyoning Another way of exploring the gorge, but this time in a wetsuit as you abseil down the rocks and jump into deep pools on this exhilarating excursion. Adrenaline level: 4/5 White water rafting Fantastic fun and suitable for anyone who can swim. There are even special family excursions for 6 years and up! Adrenaline level: 3/5 Hydrospeed If you want more of a rush than the rafting try hydrospeed. You need to be a strong swimmer as you head into white water with a floatation aid and navigate the currents to the end point. A real rush! Adrenaline level: 4/5 Cliffhanger Not for the faint hearted! You’ll need a good head for heights as you climb up a rocky, exposed ridge for 1 ½ hours, followed by a double roped 70m plunge and a climb back up via a Via Ferrata. Adrenaline level: 5/5 Via Ferrata Again a good head for heights is needed as you explore these systems of bridges and ladders bolted into the mountainside (Via Ferrata literally means ‘Iron Way’). There is an extensive network here in the Brenta Dolomites, and though some excursions are less strenuous than others a good level of fitness is required. Find out more in our beginner’s guide. Adrenaline level: 4/5 Paragliding A fantastic experience, you don’t have to do anything, the instructor does all the work so you can enjoy the phenomenal views over the Dolomites. Adrenaline level: 5/5 Mountain biking Mountain bikers can enjoy a number of different trails for all levels, taking advantage of the extensive lift system open every day from 1st June to 30th September, then at weekends until 4th November. You can buy a bike pass for 1, 3 or 6 days to access the lifts and Brenta bike park with its 4 downhill tracks of varying difficulty. Adrenaline level: 3-5/5 depending on itinerary! Hiking Hikers are spoiled for choice, with trails for all abilities and a number of guided excursions on offer with the local Alpine guides, you can get to know the Brenta Dolomites like the back of your hand. More experienced walkers can stay a night or two in one of the many mountain refuges in the area, to really get away from it all – ask us for details! Adrenaline level: N/A Then there is canoeing, kayaking, climbing, horse riding and much more. If you like the sound of an active holiday in Madonna di Campiglio then check out our Adrenaline adventure break in the Dolomites. We can organise any of the above activities so contact us today for a tailor-made quote. For groups Those looking to organise team building weekends, stag/hen trips with a difference or just a get together with friends can enjoy the above plus other team activities like orienteering, outdoor training, bubble football, and paintballing. Contact us for further details
The best activewear for an adventure holiday
Wondering what clothes to pack for your active holiday? here are our top tips for staying cool and comfortable while out and about.
Going on an activity break? Pack smart!
Find out exactly what you need to take with you to enjoy your activity holiday to the fullest.
Best summer holiday reads 2018
Bet we can persuade you to take a trip in September…
Essential travel apps and gadgets
Have you planned your summer holiday or are you in the process of doing so? With so much to organise before going away we have complied a list of the handiest gadgets and apps to take (some of) the stress out of going on holiday. A good travel app can save you time while away, and thanks to the fact that there are no more roaming charges when you travel within Europe they are more handy (and accessible) than ever. As an added bonus we have picked 4 gadgets that we think are actually useful on holiday, though there are plenty of similarly priced alternatives on the market. If you have any good suggestions then let us know in the comments! Essential apps I books, Kindle, Google Play Books The list of e-reader apps is endless, and you may well already have a kindle for the beach but they are also useful to have on your phone, so you can download your travel guide of choice (Lonely Planet, Rough Guide etc) so that is one extra thing you don’t have to carry around with you. You then have all the info and maps you need in your pocket and available offline! Alternatively, there are a number of great free guides available as apps, like the In Your Pocket Guides, that can be downloaded as a pdf (not that easy to read on your phone) or as an app, some great tips on where to go, what to do and where to eat in your pocket for free! Google Translate A life-saver when you don’t speak the language. Type what you want to say and play it back to taxi drivers, take photos of signs to translate them, this is a very useful app to overcome the language barrier. The translations may not always be perfect, but they are nonetheless of great help in many situations! GT for I phone GT for Android XE currency One of the best and most popular currency exchange apps out there, and its free! Works offline so you can calculate exactly what you are paying in an instant – no more mental arithmetic when paying bills. XE for I phone XE for Android City Mapper This app is so useful for getting from A to B in a strange city. It is currently available for 40 cities worldwide, but it is adding more, and you can even vote for your preference on their website. Calculate how to get to places via public transport or on foot and it will calculate directions and options in real time. City Mapper for I phone City Mapper for Android Gadgets Become a packing ninja Luggage scales We have all been there when you get to the airport to check your baggage for a low-cost flight and you find out too late that it is too heavy… Avoid paying exorbitant fees and get a portable luggage scale like this one. No more balancing act on the bathroom scales at home! Packing cubes If you need to save space and organise your packing then these versatile packing cubes are just the ticket, keep everything in one place and make unpacking easier. They also afford a little extra protection to your clothes while travelling just in case your suitcase gets wet or damaged along the way. Scrubba wash bag A convenient way to wash clothes on the go, especially when camping or on the move. Just add water and detergent, seal the bag and rub clothes against the internal washboard to freshen them up. Then rinse and dry. Smartphone lense A great way of improving your holiday pics without lugging a bulky camera around. Just clip one of these lenses onto your smartphone and you can take high quality wide angle, fish eye and close up photos. They also come in a sturdy carry case So there we have it, 9 apps and gadgets that will help your holiday go more smoothly. Need more help planning your holiday this summer? Contact us, we can help! Have you got anything you can’t do without on holiday? Let us know below!
The best hiking trails in Europe
With the walking season getting into full swing, this week we are looking at some of the best hiking trails in Europe, from Spain to Slovakia.
Top Activities Holidays in the Alps in the Summer
The Alps are famous for their snowy pistes that keep keen skiers returning year after year. But what about when the snow melts? As the temperature rises, the Alps transform, becoming home to many different summer activities. There’s an activity for everyone! So, whether you’re looking for thrills, family-friendly fun or something more relaxing, the Alps have something for you. Here are the top activities to do in the Alps in the summer. Kayaking Fancy trying your hand at kayaking? The Alps can boast a great climate during the summer months, which is good news for those who can’t wait to get on the water. Kayaking is the faster, more agile version of canoeing that’s fun for all the family. It’s one of the most popular water sports around, and it’s easy to see why! Cycling Tours Love to explore? Cycling in the Alps is a uniquely exciting and energising experience. It certainly makes a welcome change from lying on a beach! Summertime in the Alps offers holidaymakers something different. So, cycling through this mountain range is sure to be an experience unlike any other! For those who want to see a completely different side to the Alps, complete with natural and historic attractions, why not try a cycling tour? The stunning Alpine scenery is sure to make this an unforgettable experience! Canyoning Take advantage of the great weather by plunging into natural streams and water slides! If you’re looking for a relaxing activity, this one might not be for you. But, for those seeking a taste of adrenaline, canyoning is the perfect chance to get your heart racing! You’ll need a trained guide, but the thrills of canyoning are not to be missed out on by anyone who loves the great outdoors! Hiking Is there a better way to admire the stunning Alpine scenery? Hiking is the perfect activity for those looking to get up close and personal with nature, as well as see the Alps as they’ve never seen them before! No matter your age or ability level, there’s a trail in the Alps for you. Hiking is the best way to see the breath-taking Alpine scenery, as you have the chance to fully take it in and admire what’s around you! Horse Riding Is there a nicer way to get around than on horseback? Horse riding is a family-friendly, entertaining activity that is even more exciting against the backdrop of the Alps. If you’ve ever wanted to experience what it’s like in the saddle, now’s your chance. Horse riding in the Alps is both relaxing and fun at the same time! White Water Rafting Adrenaline junkies listen up! White water rafting is one of the most exciting activities that can be found in the Alps during summer. The Alpine rapids are the perfect place to get to grips with this sport! The best bit? It’s an activity the whole family can enjoy! Navigating your way through the water is sure to be both entertaining, and a great bonding moment for the group taking part. It’s sure to be an unforgettable experience! Tempted to head to the Alps this summer yet? Book your transfer from the airport today! This article was kindly provided by alps2alps.com.
The skiing newbie checklist!
First time skiing? Don’t know what to pack? Don’t worry, we’ve got a checklist to make sure you’re properly suited and booted
