Norway - the best of both worlds

I love to travel and there is nothing more exciting than visiting a new country. Meeting the people, learning of their culture and best of all, taking part in some amazing activities.

A mere 3 hour 40 minutes flight can take you direct into what feels like another world – a place which can combine the luxury of a vibrant and cosmopolitan city steeped in history, with raw adventure!

Tromso in the far north of Norway is 300 kms north of the arctic circle and has seen the beginning of many famous expeditions, so what better place to embark on my adventure in this vast outdoor winter playground.

The Scenery
The landscape of this region is impressive, dramatic, rugged and real. The snow covered mountains tower above the calm fjords and the small towns and villages are nestled beside the waters edge or tucked away in the winding valleys.

The People
The Norwegian people are great – they have a wonderful sense of humour, are extremely proud of their region and have an affinity with nature and the outdoors that most of us would envy – we have much to learn from them.

The Activities
They are challenging but at no time do you feel you are in danger . This region provides the place and the people to allow you to experience the real outdoors. There are so many activities to try - choose from snowmobiles and dog sledding to reindeer and sami culture. Then you can chill out in an outdoor hot tub will you wait for the Northern lights to appear - it just doesn't get better than this.

What I did n’t know
You can still do the activities in this area even at the end of April when it is light until 10pm – even longer to admire the scenery and enjoy all the fun packed activities in great snow.

What Makes it Special
There are few winter destinations where you can combine the sophistication of a city with the simplicity of a rustic camp. The rugged and jaw-dropping scenery provides the perfect backdrop to experience some of the best activities around - you can challenge yourself whilst being in the very safe hands of the hospitable Norwegian people.

I will definitely be back for more!

Click here for more information about trips we can do to this destination.

Remember, remember the Northern Lights!

Now I don’t know about you but I love the 5th of November – it signifies for me, the beginning of winter – almost a celebration! It’s great getting all wrapped up in a thick coat, scarf, gloves and a hat and heading off in the dark evening to the nearest display.

There is something quite magical about fireworks – all the different colours, the designs and everyone looking skyward with the usual oohs and aahs as the display gets under way. Then just as the crowd gets used to the sky being lit up, the vibrant colours finish dancing across the sky and darkness again prevails.

I would liken a firework display to the first time you see the Northern Lights – you don’t hear anything of course only your heart beating a bit more quickly as you realise what you are about to see!



As a firework display often builds up very gently to the amazing finale so too do the Northern lights. They start off as just a glimmer – you initially think – did I see that or is it just the night playing tricks on my eyes?

Then you see it again – but stronger - this time, there is no mistake the most amazing natural display of light in the sky is under way and you have front row seats. If you are lucky, you will see more than one colour – green is the most common then pink and purple but whatever you see, it will be something that you will never forget.

Even when the science of it all is explained, it still remains one of the most wonderful things to see and the fact that you can never tell if you will see the Northern Lights makes the experience all the more amazing when it does happen.

Click on the links below for some great trips where you might see this amazing phenomenon.

Finland

Sweden

Norway

What are you doing the first weekend in December?

No doubt you will be looking for Christmas presents and cards.
Maybe you are planning a short break somewhere.
Or you could even be arranging a get together with friends or some early festive nights out.

What about if you could do all that in one weekend which you will remember forever?

Well you can. Where is it? - I hear you say – Lapland of course!



Where better to get some really festive presents than visiting the home land of the man himself – he will probably be too busy to see you but you will understand what makes Lapland so magical even for grown-ups!

This could be the ultimate in Christmas breaks where you get to celebrate in style with lots of snow and enjoy some amazing activities to put you in the festive mood.

This weekend will combine relaxation and fun with the most unique getaway as we have included everything you would want to do during your first visit to Lapland.

Take a snowmobile through the snowy forest.




Ride on a husky pulled sleigh across frozen lakes.




Have your dinner cooked on an open fire in a traditional wooden teepee.




Spend time in an outdoor Jacuzzi overlooking the frozen river while you wait for the Northern Lights to appear.





Spend the night in an igloo – one of the most unique places to stay!




Don’t miss out on this fantastic experience!

Click here for more details.

No Way In November? ...... well think again.

Where would you rather be?.....

Here….

Or here….?

November should be one of the best times to organise an overseas event as it is a quiet time for many sectors, but where do you go?

It can be too cold to visit a summer destination and not cold enough to visit a winter destination – basically it’s a logistical nightmare combined with the fact that there isn’t much time between now and November to get things organised.

Let me tell you – it is possible! I have just organized a long weekend for a group who went to France with a lead time of 10 days from agreement to departure – now it isn’t what I would want to do all the time but it can be done if necessary for smaller groups.

Why pick November?

• Traditionally, this month is what you have to go through to get to the run up to Christmas and people rarely have plans so it is easier to get commitment from those you invite
• November is often good for flight prices as there can be offers to stimulate demand
• Can be an early Christmas party or a think you for work done throughout the year before everyone gets caught up in the Christmas rush.
• People are more intrigued by an event at a time of year where they wouldn’t normally travel

Where in November?

We have some lovely destinations which are a delight to visit in November.

Lisbon

Port tasting and mountain biking can combine ( not necessarily in that order!) in this wonderful city where the climate is still good and the people will give an even warmer reception.
Click here for more information

Nice

This destination has a great reputation for food and you can take part in a cookery lesson followed by wine tastings galore. There are plenty of hotels to suite all budgets.

Click here for more information

Marrakech

Enjoy the buzz of this cosmopolitan destination still steeped in tradition and try your bartering skills with the locals not to mention a camel ride experience.

Click here for more details

Great North Run - 3 weeks to go!

I can't believe the Great North Run takes place 3 weeks on Sunday - it's all a bit scary!

I received my information pack this week with my running number and a magazine giving all the information about the route, getting there, what to do after the race ( I don't need any help with that part - liquid refeshment celebration!) They even show where the crowds will be to cheer you on and where the run through showers are - they really do think of everything!



As with the majority of the other 54000 people taking part, raising some money for charity is alos important and then comes the difficult decision of which worthy cause to donate to. The Just Giving website is fantastic as it makes set up and donation so easy - I wish I had thought of the concept.

I wanted to pick something connected with cancer as so many people's lives are touched by this illness but also wanted to include adventure and preferably an activity which was close to my heart.

I found the perfect charity The Ellen MacArthur Trust which takes youny people aged between 8 and 18 sailing to help them regain their confidence, on their way to recovery from cancer, leukaemia and other serious illness.

Being out on the water in a yacht is not only exhilarating but gives you the ultimate freedom where you are at one with the elements. Sailing provides an ideal environment in which to learn new skills, make new friends and realise what you are capable of achieving through adventure.

I would like to wish anyone taking part in the Great north Run the very best of luck and hope they raise as much as possible for their chosen charities. I think everyone will agree that being in good health is something we often take for granted and we forget how lucky we are.

Please click here if you have the urge to part with some of your well earned cash!

Incentives - when you need more than a carrot!

Recognition and reward are becoming increasingly important where employees are concerned and this is especially evident during hard times.

Incentives can be almost self funding as they are often based around winning business so the new revenue pays for the trip.

We have found that incentive trips work best when they provide employees with the opportunity to visit a destination they would probably never see and experience activities which they would never think of doing!

As with any type of expenditure, return on investment is really important. By creating an amazing incentive, your business can also achieve the following:-

Increase Productivity

When employees are motivated they will be more willing to work harder providing a much more stable environment for everyone.
Take a snowmobile ride to an igloo for the night in Finland.

Click here for more details.

Reduce Absenteeism

It is much easier to keep costs of absenteeism at an acceptable level when employees know that they are valued and appreciated.
Visit the Uk’s south coast for a day on Zap Cats and Power Boats.

Click here for more details.

Reward Improved Performance Levels

Recognising when those around you have worked hard encourages others to do the same. What better reward can you offer than taking them somewhere both unusual and memorable so that you ensure increased performance in the future.
Experience white water rafting down one of the best rivers in the Catalan Pyrenees.

Click here for more details.

Attract the Best Employees

Word gets around when you look after those you work for you. It’s a fact that good working conditions and a happy environment are important factors when deciding on employment.
Take it easy on an amazing mountain bike descent with a wine tasting and ice cream in Tuscany.

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Increase Staff Retention

The cost of replacing employees is becoming more and more expensive. Why not reduce staff turnover by looking after and retaining the people you already have, saving time, effort and money that can be used elsewhere?
Go on a 4x4 safari then sleep out in tents under the stars in Morocco.

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Shhhh – don’t tell a soul about Slovenia

It is very rare that when I return from a trip I don’t want to shout it from the mountains but when I first visited this place – I did question whether I should tell anyone at all – or just keep it as a secret!

I have decided to share this little gem of a trip with you – but be careful who you tell!



What makes Slovenia so special?

Not many people know much about it which adds a little mystery to any trip
The mountains still remain unspoilt with jaw-dropping scenery
The people are welcoming and extremely helpful
Even during peak season, the area is not that busy
There are some amazing activities to experience

What about the activities ?




Kayaying – a great introduction although I did seem to be able to paddle backwards much more easily than forwards!
Hydrospeeding – definitely my favourite but you do need to be very comfortable in fast flowing water.
Canyoning – a brilliant activity in fantastic surroundings
White Water Rafting – always enjoy this one – fun mixed with some tricky rapids.





The great guides give you all the confidence you need whatever your activity choice and they are there to help you if you are unsure and give lots of encouragement when necessary.

Yes, yes, I here you say – there are lots of places like this – and you would be right. But what makes this trip really special is the combination of fantastic activities in an unspoilt location with the most beautiful place to stay.



No it isn’t 5 star, nor does it have a Michelin star but it doesn’t need either - this place rocks – you feel it when you walk through the door! A genuine Slovenian welcome puts you at ease and when you open the door to your bedroom and see the stylish yet traditional décor, you just know that you have come to the right place.



You walk down the stairs into the dining room where you can feast on the fantastic food and wine which has been lovingly created using local produce and a passion for gastronomy.

It is very rare these days that the owners are so knowledgable about the food and wine they serve – the 7 course taster menu with accompanying wines was an absolute joy to experience!

Each course was better than the one before – the unique combinations were unusual but not off putting and the quality of the ingredients shone through. The textures and tastes were a pleasure to try and so beautifully served that it was almost a sin to destroy each creation placed before you – not that it stopped me!




I would say the evening meal was more of a performance than a dinner and I was entertained from curtain up to the finale.

I returned from this exhilarating trip feeling relaxed and rejuvenated - it really is a magical retreat which I can’t wait to repeat!




Click here for more information