After a record cold winter, bundling up with blankets and woolen socks, spring finally awaits. This is also the perfect time for a weekend getaway. But why go to the same places over and over? There are plenty of other exotic and exciting places to go.

Marrakech – a beautiful and vibrating city, where you in March can expect temperatures of up to 23C. Spend the day walking around the gorgeous Majorelle Gardens (where Yves Saint Laurent’s ashes were scattered!), or go to the modern district of Guéliz where you can enjoy an afternoon of luxury shopping followed by a drink in one of the many tearooms. If you’re looking to wind down, a short trip to the Marrakech palm grove could be your answer; days here are best spent golfing or relaxing under a palm tree.

As the ice melts away and the colours come alive, Iceland can be an exciting alternative. And if you were going to leave your bathing suit at home, think again; Iceland is home to some of the top notch diving sites and hot springs. For the daring tourist you can try local delicacies such as cured shark. If not so daring, try “pylsa”, the Icelandic hot dog. Perhaps as a midnight snack after some bar hopping whilst enjoying the Nordic Lights?

If you have the least interest in flowers, then Holland is your go-to-destination this spring. Keukenhof is just a short trip out of Amsterdam and has the most spectacular tulip shows. Even if tulips aren’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other things to do in Amsterdam. Shopping and eating being the obvious ones, there is also amazing architecture and the many channels with the houseboats make for truly scenic afternoon strolls.

For a more “standard” getaway with a twist, why not spend a weekend at the Niagara Falls? Apart from the obvious sightseeing, you can enjoy wine tastings, amazing golf courses and luxurious spa treatments. If you’re looking for a really “out-doorsy” weekend, a walk in the botanical garden could be your thing. And if it rains? They have a casino!

Are you booking your flight around the world?  Do you have money to burn but having problems coming up with a theme?  There are plenty of “been there, done that” ideas you can probably come up with like food tours, viewing historical landmarks, backpacking etc. But if you have the cash to spend, why not coordinate your trip based on the indigenous and local wildlife? 

You can open your mind to the wonders of nature and possibly even get a great story out of it. Here is a great way to turn the entire world into your personal Zoo.

Snow Monkeys in Nagano, Japan

Everyone seems to be heading to China, so why not go against the grain, avoid the crowds and head to Japan? Sure there’s a lot of incredible history, culture and cuisine, but go to Hell Valley in Nagano (where actually nothing reminds you of Hell) and you’ll come across one of the largest populations of Snow Monkeys in the nation.  Going in the winter would be ideal, as these little guys like to jump in the hot springs like the rest of us – and also who doesn’t want to see a monkey snowball fight? www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp

Penguins in Australia

What? Penguins in Australia you say?  Why not?  After your chilly jaunt in Nagano, head down under to find a thriving population of adorable Little Penguins that seem to have figured out that the warm waters here are extremely comfortable. You can also take a short flight to New Zealand and see wider variety like Fiordland and Rockhopper Penguins. Unless you are dying to bundle up for the Antarctic, we don’t see any better alternative than this. www.penguins.org.au/

Green Sea Turtles in The Galapagos Islands

Turtles are arguably some of the most fascinating creatures on the planet today.  They live life at a slow pace, can grow extremely old and to a great size and seem to just go with the flow. The endangered species of Green Sea Turtles in Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands are native to the area and the only place you can see them in the world.  Stop by to watch them on the beaches, swim with them in the crystalline waters and get on their mellow wavelength. www.galapagosdive.com/

Dinosaurs in Jurassic Park

Ok, this one is strictly a fantasy right now, but wouldn’t it be great if this place actually existed? You could hear the roar of the T-Rex, watch the Brontosaurus munch on trees and test your sprinting legs against a Velociraptor. Good times!  Right now, you’ll have to settle with seeing the displays at the Natural History Museum in New York City… But twenty years from now, with all this cloning going on, who knows? www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/fossilhalls/

Whales in Los Cabos Mexico

While dinosaurs are extinct, whales are not.  And you don’t need to be on a boat or cruise ship to spy on nature’s most magnificent creatures. In fact, you can head to one of the most sought after resort destinations in the world – Los Cabos in Mexico – and just check them out from your hotel room or the beach.  Trust us, you have not experienced life until you have seen one of these colossal beings surface out of the water. www.loscabosguide.com/activity/whales.htm

There are certainly many more places to see incredible wildlife – Elephants and lions in Africa, bears in the Midwest of the United States, Komodo Dragons in Indonesia and virtually anywhere you can get to on your travels.  What animals would you like to see? Where do you think are the most interesting places you can go to see them? Let us know in your comments!

Georgia is the world’s most expensive place to hire a car, according to a new study.

Car rentals in Ireland were the cheapest of the 131 different locations surveyed by price comparison website Travelsupermarket.com, followed by Spain, Portugal and Malta, while 11 of the 20 most expensive destinations to hire a car were in Africa. The prices were based on a week’s hire of a vehicle, using the same pick-up and drop-off points.

The cheapest car available at Georgia’s Tbilisi International Airport costs £663.80 for one week’s hire – nearly £600 more than the cheapest car at Dublin Airport, which costs £76.90. Georgia was followed by Zambia and the Seychelles as the world’s most expensive places to hire a car, with the cheapest cars costing £532.40 and £509 respectively.

The Middle East was the cheapest continent in the survey, with one week’s hire costing £131.98, on average, while Africa was the most expensive, with an average price of £288.18.

“There is huge variation in car hire prices across the world, although for the vast majority of holidaymakers and travellers, car rental prices are very competitive in the key destinations such as Western Europe, the USA, Australia and South Africa,” said Bob Atkinson of Travelsupermarket.com.

Here is the list of the world’s most expensive places to hire a car:

*Medium family car, economy not available

You may have been to Disneyland, but these theme parks are in a whole different league. Forget classic bouncy castles or bumper car rides. These playgrounds may not be for everyone, but they are continually flooded with people who come for the exciting, the cute, the weird, the scary or the outright crazy experiences on offer.

CROCOSAURUS COVE – DARWIN, AUSTRALIA

Need the perfect experience for a daring trip with friends? Sink into the “Cage of Death” at Crocosaurus Cove, an “unusual” reptile theme park, and get a real close look at the Northern Territory Saltwater Crocodile (also known as a “really, really, really massive crocodile”…) through an acrylic cage. Other fun at Crocosaurus Cove includes feeding the crocs and, strangely… shopping for quality crocodile skins. Oh, and did we mention they host functions such as weddings as well? www.crocosauruscove.com

DIGGERLAND – VARIOUS LOCATIONS, UK

Nothing says “dude” more than construction machinery. In case you have always wanted to take a spin in a dumper truck, this offbeat theme park is sort of like heaven. Great for bachelor parties maybe? Or, why not get some friends together and enjoy an adrenaline charged digger race? Whatever you’re imagining, high-octane adventures await in this excavator playground. Ps. Rides are of course mostly outdoors and in muddy conditions, so remember to pack your wellies. www.diggerland.com

LOVE LAND – JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA

For a feast in sex-theme sculptures, curious exhibitions, rides and sex-ed film screenings head to this somewhat offbeat theme park on an island off South Korea’s coast. It may sound kinky but that was not originally intended. We hear this theme park was actually created for South Korean newlyweds to learn about sex. However, we suspect they may see some other visitors as well. And hey, there is a play area for minors while adults browse the park so you can even bring your kids. All in the name of love and sex – go South Korea, we say. www.jejuloveland.com/html/eng.html

HOLY LAND – ORLANDO, FLORIDA

We hope we don’t get crucified for mentioning Holy Land as an offbeat theme park. This biblical museum presents musical events, exhibits and more that is sure to get your pulse increasing if you are a fan of Jesus. Whether you go for the passionate reenactments or for the gardens and architecture, this religious playground might just raise your spirits. www.holylandexperience.com

BONBON LAND – HOLME-OLSTRUP, DENMARK

It would take the Danish to create an offbeat theme park featuring a whole range of gross depictions of animals puking or urinating. Now, the existence of such depictions inside a park called “BonBon” has to do with the fact that the park was created by the BonBon candy company – known for candies such as “bird droppings”, “earwax” and “boogers”. Sounds childish? That’s because the names were in fact invented by kids. And this park is definitely family friendly, just get your kids and enjoy a great ride on the “Dog Fart Coaster” and they may never beg you to go to Disnelyand again. www.bonbonland.dk

HARMONY LAND – OITA, JAPAN

Who doesn’t love Hello Kitty? The world would surely be a worse place without a theme park dedicated to this much-adored Japanese character. We’re not sure if this is really an offbeat theme park, but since the lifestyle brand itself is so incredibly cute we thought it deserved a mention among other slightly “extreme” playgrounds.  Visit Kitty Castle and see how the feline superstar lives, take a ride on the Time Machine of Dreams, or any other of the sweet stuff available to experience. Hey, even the website is cute: www.sanrio.co.jp/english/harmony/harmony.html

FERRARI WORLD – ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Due to open its doors on September 27^th, 2010 this roaring playground will no doubt beckon everyone who has a passion for everything Ferrari. Expect nothing short of luxury shopping and dining, 4D simulators and all sorts of speed thrill rides to die for – such as the fastest roller coaster in the world, the Formula Rossa. For the ride of your life, book your ticket to Abu Dhabi now. www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

DWARF EMPIRE – KUNMING, CHINA

Is this true? Yes it is. Dwarf Empire is like a small town that has only been open for about a year but already employs more than 100 people who are all less than 4 feet tall. The big plans are supposedly to increase this offbeat theme park to hire and house more than 800, who will live in tiny houses and sing, break dance or otherwise entertain visitors during opening hours and then go about their usual lives the rest of the time. (We don’t have the URL to share here, but if someone does – do post it in the comments.)

SUIO TIEN PARK – HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

If Walt Disney would have been a Buddhist, he may have liked Suio Tien Park. Colorful, playful and featuring everything from godlike pastel statues and spiritual imagery to an impressive crocodile and tortoise aquarium, this Buddhist playground is a major tourist attraction. Enter the Unicorn Palace or visit the Dinosaur Garden, or just come here to learn a little more about Vietnamese history and legends – this place is sure to put some sparks into your imagination. www.suoitien.com

Got more offbeat, different or amazing theme parks to add to this list? Post them in the comments!

Lets face it – we don’t all have the same tastes. And when it comes to expensive things, we can become even pickier about the brands, the activities and the destinations we care about and get behind.

Even a beach getaway can become a big point of debate, and while all the top beaches in the world may exude an incredible amount of natural beauty, we know that perfection is only truly achieved when the destination can provide the qualities that speak to you, not just your credit card.  So here’s some beach destinations to add to your menu based on various ingredients.

COCOA ISLAND, THE MALDIVES

If you haven’t put the Maldives on your list, shame on you.  This archipelago is still flawless and unspoiled and begs for you to come bask in its pristine waters and beaches. The beaches on Cocoa Island are arguably the best for your private luxury getaway. Go on a dolphin cruise, diving or deep-sea fishing off these heavenly shores – or simply do nothing at all. This could be paradise on earth.

SURIN BEACH, PHUKET

Got money to burn? This place – also known as Millionaires Row – lives up to its name in every way, from the waves to the beaches, the resorts and opulent private homes. If you want to rub elbows with celebrities hanging out in Thailand, this is one of the places to do it; rack up your food and drink bills with cocktails on the beach and world class dining all around.  Catch it now while it still feels like a small fishing village and before the developers take over. Need a hotel tip? Check out Amanpuri or Twin Palms.

SHOAL BEACH, ANGUILLA

While the rich people stuck in the 1980’s are off to St. Martins, you can impress your hot date by heading north to the small island of Anguilla – where luxury permeates every aspect of your visiting experience.  Check in at the Malliouhana and then head over to Shoal Beach. Shoal Beach is renowned for its exceptional sands and access to some of the best snorkeling you will ever experience. An incredible dining and nightlife scene is available here, but you can always take a quick ferry ride to St. Martins when you want to ‘slum it’.

PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO

This place is on here as the best all-around destination for both people on a budget or for those with no limitations.  From large all-inclusive resorts to intimate villas, you can find an incredible place to relax and unwind, enjoy the waters of the pristine bay.  This is a pretty diverse city, so in town you’ll find touristy fare mixed with great local attractions but head into the hills and the authentic atmosphere will truly capture your imagination. Need a room? How about a Hacienda San Angel suite?

THE ISLAND from LOST

OK, you may never be able to really get there, but we had to throw this one in for kicks.  Where else could you find eternal life, a band of attractive castaways and a dangerous smoke monster to keep things exciting? In reality, this famous television beach does exist on Oahu, Hawaii but it’s more of a local beach than a destination.  But then again, if you are really gung-ho about the show like many around the world are – then a trip to this place may be for you.

POIPU BEACH, KAUAI, HAWAII

There are indeed plenty of real beaches in Oahu.  But for a serene getaway that is perfect for everyone from surfers to families, Poipu Beach on the island of Kauai is it.  Located on the southern shore, the waves are ideal all year round; the pristine curve of shoreline will allow you to engage in swimming in sunbathing, and a breakwater area is the natural version of a kiddie pool where the waters are so gentle you’ll feel your cares just floating away.  To live on the beach, discover Koa Kea.

ANSE SOURCE D’ARGENT, THE SEYCHELES

Lastly, these islands to the north of Madagascar are as close to perfection as you can get.  If you want culture and nightlife, it’s hard to resist the capital of Victoria on Mahé Island.  But head to La Digue and you can find unparalleled seclusion on Anse Source d’Argent beach, which defies a simple description here.  You just may never look at a beach in the same way ever again.

What beaches do you think of when you desire perfection?  Let us know!

A man has just embarked on a unique journey: travelling around the world without any luggage or bags of any kind.

Rolf Potts decided to put the concept of “travelling light” to the test by seeing how far he can go with only the items in his pockets.

Mr Potts, who has reported for National Geographic Traveller and Conde Nast Traveller, began his six-week journey around the world last week.

He departed from New York, US, and will fly to locations such as London, Western Europe, Morocco, Cairo, South Africa, Bangkok, Singapore, New Zealand before returning to New York on October 2.

Items stuffed into his vest pockets – all 18 of them – include a toothbrush, toothpaste, passport, credit cards, iPod and Bluetooth keyboard, a t-shirt, socks, underwear, glasses, lip balm, sunscreen, a small camera, notebook and pen, a small bottle of detergent and soap.

“I can fit all of that into my vest without even using the big cargo pockets in my pants,” he said.

He says he will even still have room in his pockets for souvenirs, and is not hindered by the items he carries.

“As for walking around, it is no problem at all – far easier than carrying a daypack.”

He says the purpose of the challenge is to prove that you don’t need lots of items with you to have amazing travel experiences.

“Travelling light in general, be it a small carry on or a daypack instead of checked luggage, is not just smarter and cheaper, it makes the travel experience more fun,” Mr Potts said.

“With less to carry, there is more time to enjoy things.”

Mr Potts says the challenge so far has been enjoyable and “not actually all that hard”.

He is updating his blog as he goes along on his six-week challenge and is uploading what he can from his mobile phone.

He will be accompanied by a videographer/producer to document the trip.

The trip is believed to be the first fully-documented attempt at travelling the world without bags.

His journey is sponsored by companies that create and sell lightweight travel clothes packed with pockets.

Looking for a luxurious skiing weekend? The Travel Channel travelled to the resort of LAAX in Switzerland and stumbled upon a true winter wonderland…

The resort consists of three villages; Flims, Laax, and Falera. Flims and Laax were two of the first ski destinations in the world to embrace snowboarding, as well as the freestyle skiing movement for which Laax in particular has become well known. Recently, the village has acquired the trendy rocksresort, and what with the continued popularity of the luxurious Waldhaus Flims resort in Flims, LAAX seems set to become a household name with the top-end of the ski market.

Intermediate skiers are also in for an undiscovered treat. The adjoining villages of Flims and Laax are in the Graubunden region of Switzerland, one of the largest linked ski areas in the country, with over 220 km of piste. Flims is more low key, great for families, whilst Laax is more trendy, appealing to snowboarders and those seeking chic accommodation, such as the luxurious rocksresort. Its grey sugar cube-like buildings are as far removed from a typical Swiss ski chalet as you can get. The design of the apartments is contemporary and minimalist, but boast all the latest fixtures and fittings, and all apartments feature large panoramic windows with views of the surrounding mountains.

Rocksresort also has the added bonus of a “ski in, ski out” location; the ski lift is yards away from your front door and all the restaurants, shops and the piazza are buzzing with life. If you’re looking to stay somewhere a little bit alternative, then you’ll love uber cool rocksresort. If on the other hand you want old world glamour, history and tradition then The Waldhaus Flims Mountain Resort and Spa in Flims fits the bill. Built in 1877, this impressive hotel is a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World and therefore has everything you’d expect. It was also voted best hotel in Switzerland in 2004 by the prestigious Gault Milau guide. It is a great base for couples and families and there’s a fabulous spa area, great for non-skiers. That’s not to say you won’t appreciate all the treatments and bubble beds, massage jets and neck cascades after a hard day on the slopes. The indoor pool is surrounded by glass, allowing you to enjoy the scenery whilst you swim. And when it comes to dining, the hotel has six restaurants ranging from the gourmet La Cena to the rustic new Tschaler restaurant. Accommodation is all very well but let’s not forget what you’re really here for; the skiing. So here’s some ski facts; the altitude of the ski area runs from 1100 to 3018 metres, the highest point being the top of The Vorab Glacier, the area’s only glacier but it does mean skiing is available year round. Seventy percent of the runs are located between 2,000 and 3,000 metres above sea level, making LAAX one of the more reliable resorts for snow. The season can usually run from as early as mid-November through to mid-April.

There’s a modern, fast and efficient lift system including Switzerland’s first six-person heated chair lift, which opened in 2006 on the Scansinas to Mutta Rodunda route. With 28 lift systems in total providing the capacity to transport more than 40,000 passengers an hour, queues are minimal, and there are lots of long, cruisey blue runs perfect for intermediate skiers but not quite so challenging for advanced skiers. One of the big pluses however is the easy 90 minute transfer from Zurich airport, which makes for a convenient weekend break and advanced skiers could cover most runs in this time without getting bored. Most of the terrain is above the tree line but for beginners there is a particularly pretty long green run to the village of Falera amongst the trees. In 2007 an additional new valley run down to Flims opened, making four pistes in total. Also in 2007 the snow cannon system was expanded offering guaranteed snow on all valley runs, and a light system was installed on the piste between Curnius and Laax Murschetg, making night-time skiing possible.

In 2008, Snow Wonderland, three special ski villages near the base stations of Flims, Laax and Falera opened, where children aged three years and older learn how to ski in a playful environment. This year LAAX received the family welcome award from the Swiss Tourist Board in recognition for its work as a family-friendly destination. LAAX is however best known as a snowboard hot spot with Europe’s largest half pipe. For serious snow boarders (and party goers) the time to be in LAAX is for the Burton European Open which celebrated its 10th anniversary in January of this year. Another event to look out for is The BRITS 2010 taking place March 21-28, 2010, one of Europe’s ultimate and longest established winter festivals with live bands, acoustic sets, home run style antics and world class riding. 

There are also 17 mountain side restaurants in the LAAX resort, serving everything from traditional Swiss cuisine to fine dining. 

Forget Chamonix and Verbier; this year stylish snow-seekers should head to LAAX instead for the latest in snow holiday heaven.

Situated just east of the Caribbean Sea, Barbados is a coral island boasting some of the most breathtaking stretches of white sand beaches imaginable. But there’s more to this Caribbean gem than sun and sea.

Away from the luxury resorts and sunworshippers is where you’ll find what makes the island really special. Central Barbados has a rolling terrain of limestone hills and amid this lush scenery you can find some fascinating remnants of the island’s colonial past.

Barbados’ wild Atlantic-battered east coast is a hot spot for surfers, and the island is perfect for those looking for action, with activities such as wind-surfing, hiking, diving and more available to enjoy. Barbados is a great package of sun, sea, nature and adventure, and despite its popularity, you’ll have no trouble making it your own. Away from the glitz, it’s still a place to enjoy island rhythms, vibes and world-famous rums.

Half a million people can’t be wrong. That’s the number of visitors who flock to Barbados annually, and after a visit, it doesn’t take long to see why they come by the planeload: Barbados’ turquoise waters, white sand, stunning scenery and warm climate is the stuff dreams are made of.

QUICK FACTS

• Capital: Bridgetown
• Population: 282,000
• Area: 432 square kilometres
• Official language: English
• Currency: Barbados dollar
• Climate: Tropical

The European winter is looming once again… but you don’t have to resign yourself to dark grey days spent watching the rain pounding on your window.

On the contrary, winter provides the perfect opportunity to experience a different kind of ‘great outdoors’, especially with a trip to one of the top European ski spots, as voted by Forbes. So stop wishing for the rainclouds to disappear, and start planning a trip to one of Europe’s top winter wonderlands!

10. St Christoph, Austria

The Ablerg region - which includes St Christoph Lech, Stuben and Zurs - iswhere the sport of skiing was born. This is where ski pioneer Hannes Schneider perfected the Arlberg Method of skiing in the 1930s and later brought it to America, teaching legions of North American ski instructors. And the Arlberg region offers miles of interconnected trails, as well as a shuttle bus system that’s welcome at the day’s end after an adventure-packed day of skiing.

9. Lech, Austria

St Christoph’s neighbour, Lech, is an exclusive Alpine haunt of the quietly rich and famous. Fur coats are worn with pride and it’s the rare repeat guest who doesn’t own a pair of Strolz ski boots, which are handmade in the village. Lech and its neighbouring resort of Zurs are about privilege, excluding other skiers when 14,000 tickets have been sold, meaning the vast amount of terrain on offer can feel like a series of private slopes, even in high season.

8. Kitzbuhel, Austria

 Among ski racing fans, the medieval walled town of Kitzbuhel is famed as the home of the classic Hahnenkamm Downhill course, on which the World Cup Men’s Downhill is held each January. The town’s winding streets are lined with hotels, shops, restaurants, bars and cafes and are especially enchanting at night. A good word of advice to visitors is to hire a guide for a classic Austrian ski safari that starts in Pengelstein and leads to the Jochberg/Pass Thurn area.

7. Megeve, France

Parisians are well-known for flocking to boutiques, jazz bars and restaurants… but they also flock to the slopes of Megeve, about an hour from Geneva in the French Haute Savoie. In fact, while the area has good intermediate skiing, the sport often takes a backseat to promenading, dining and cavorting until the early hours of the morning.

6. Courchevel, France

From a sporting perspective, Courchevel is one of the greatest ski resorts in the world. Courchevel is part of Trois Vallees, the largest ski area in the world, with 373 miles (600 kilometres) of marked pistes and 184 lifts. Make a beeline for Courchevel 1850, the village that’s the focal point for all the best skiing, shopping and nightlife…  a popular haunt for Parisians, but with enough Russian visitors to earn it the title Moscow on the Snow.

5. Meribel, France

The Meribel valley is the middle area of the three valleys that make up the massive Trois Vallees ski area. The area’s fast lifts and impeccable grooming meanyou can put a lot of miles on your skis every day. In fact, the piste choices are overwhelming. Meribel was founded by a Scot, Colonel Peter Lindsay, after World War II and modeled on Austrian ski villages. It’s particularly favoured by the Brits, who go there for the terrific lift system, excellent grooming and Anglo-flavoured French culture.

4. Cortina, Italy

With its cobbled streets and backdrop of the jagged Dolomites, Cortina is Italy’s answer to Aspen and StMoritz. In Cortina, no one skis before 11am, lunch is lengthy, and everyone takes part in the evening passeggiata(walk) along Corso Italia with fur-clad Romans, Bolognese and Milanese. Then it’s off for an aperitif at Enoteca and dinner at the Michelin-starred Tivoli, followed by a trip to a disco. That said, Cortina’s slopes are challenging enough, though they require a shuttle bus ride to link them. The best skiing is at Sella Ronda, a series of interconnected mountains that can be skied in one long day.

3. Klosters, Switzerland

Klosters is still known as the preferred resort of the British Royal Family, but it offers a quiet kind of chic. The skiing, which includes neighboring Davos, can be both scenic and challenging. And the run to the village of Kublis, which good intermediates can accomplish, is more than seven miles (11 kilometres) long.

2. St Moritz, Switzerland

Winter sports were essentially invented in St Moritz by the British in 1865, and St Moritz is still the quintessential Alpine resort. What other resort can boast winter polo in a surrounding of glacial peaks? The 218 miles (351 kilometres) of slopes are an intermediate’s paradise.

1. Zermatt, Switzerland

The car-free village of Zermatt, dominated by the towering presence of the Matterhorn – one of the highest peaks in the Alps, is the definition of the Alps for many. The atmospheric narrow streets, charming shops, bars and pensions share space with ancient wooden mazot huts. And the skiing in Zermatt too is simply glorious. Zermatt has access to the highest lift-served terrain in Europe, at 12,533 feet (3,820 metres) at the top of the Klein Matterhorn glacier. The three main ski areas are interconnected, with bountiful terrain for all abilities. And skiing over to the neighbouring Italian resort of Cervinia for lunch is a long-time tradition.