Travels with 925 Alive

Celebrity Challenge in the Snow

2010-09-17T04:24:00.000-07:00

Many of you will have been hooked on to the latest celebrity challenge programme to hit our prime time TV screens. 71 Degrees North is certainly offering challenging conditions for the celebrities - some of whom are more prepared than others but all are giving it their best shot.

For those who haven’t seen it, the celebrities are divided into two teams each with a leader who is voted at the beginning of each new challenge. Then the wining team get to stay in a luxury cabin with roaring fires and great cuisine whilst the losers spend the night under canvas with more meagre rations. There is also a personal challenge where each celebrity tries to win so they are removed from the voting off part of the programme where each celebrity chooses to vote who will go home.

Having been to Norway, I understand completely the way the cold can creep up on unsuspecting people who don’t feel they will be affected. I do think the programme has been very good and anything that highlights the unspoilt beauty of these northerly destinations will get my vote.

Don’t let the extreme conditions put you off visiting these wonderful destinations as you can dictate how much of a challenge you take on and it can be as easy or difficult as you like. Have a look at the following suggestions:-

Igloo Dreams
Spending the night in a hotel made of ice and snow can be a challenge in itself but it is a most magical place to stay.

Safari to the Ship
This is a snowmobile safari to a ship frozen in the ice where polar bears can be seen along with the most stunning views of one of the most remote places in the world.

Search for the Northern Lights
This is one phenomenon we can’t order for you but if you are lucky enough to see them you will be amazed how this natural light can transform the darkest of winter skies – the best firework display you can see.

Huskies Galore
These lovely animals can take you across frozen lakes and through snowy forests as you steer the sled. Don’t worry you will still have time to marvel at the stunning scenery.

Watch the programme then go and create your own challenges in a Winter wonderland setting.

Click here for more details of many winter trips to remote locations.

Top of the Tree Tops Accommodation!

2010-08-06T02:24:00.000-07:00

There is something quite magical about the thought of spending the night in a tree house high above the ground – probably all those childhood memories coming back – that special place hidden in the trees where you could go as a child to escape the world of adults.

There are several places in the world where you can again experience the fun of spending time in a tree house with the rustic walkways and walls made of wood or bamboo create a wonderful haven in which to relax.

Well have we got news for you – there is a new tree house open for business which isn’t too far away but will blow you away when you see their concept!

This tree hotel in Sweden combines modern design with the natural forest and it is stunning, thought provoking and beautiful in a very clever and contempory way.

Imagine arriving at your destination and parking in the car park then walking into the forest – but this isn’t an ordinary forest which you realise as soon as you look skyward to the tree tops where you can see your accommodation for the first time.

The 6 rooms which will be suspended from trees in the forest are all individually created by well known Swedish designers and are all completely different!

They have been constructed in such a way as to avoid any damage to the trees and this eco theme continues throughout with the use of water, drainage and lighting.

Sleep in the nest with its retractable stairs or the mirror cube whose outer shell is made from mirrors so it appears camouflaged in the forest. Then of course there is UFO which simulates a small spacecraft hovering amongst the trees – it is a difficult choice.

There are central bathroom facilities at ground level and meals are served in the nearby restaurant. There is also a meeting room for up to 12 people if you want to offer a completely different venue for that next pow wow!

Don’t miss out on this amazing experience and contact us now for more information.

Corporate Canada - Vast Varied and Vibrant!

2010-06-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

I love Canada as it is a beautiful country and not as hard to get to for a short trip as you might imagine – plus there is so much to do when you get there you won’t want to leave!

Getting there
The direct flight to Montreal from London was only 7 hours- 2 meals, 2 films and your are there! Then whether you want to be based in the city, somewhere remote or enjoy them both, everything is close at hand so you maximize your time away.

Montreal
This place offers everything you would expect from a vibrant and cosmopolitan city but in addition why not try:-

Ice skating in the park
Gastronomic tour of the city with your own gourmet guru

Country Retreat
This place is certainly a piece of paradise in the most beautiful remote setting. A stunning log cabin nestled into the forest overlooking the frozen lake – who could ask for more? It oozes style and luxury whilst retaining its traditional feel.

Why not try?
Take off in a sea plane from the lake for a scenic tour of the area.
Experience husky and snowmobile safaris in the vast forests and frozen lakes surrounding the hotel.
Chill out in the new spa – even the sauna has a window so you don’t miss out on the spectacular views!

Hotel de Glace
Yes they have a hotel in Quebec made of snow and ice where you can either have a visit or stay the night in a snow room. They also have outdoor hot tubs so you can get warmed up and some of the rooms even have fires in!

Tremblant
If you can’t live without a ski fix on a winter trip then Tremblant is certainly worth a visit – the downhill skiing is excellent on the quiet and beautifully pisted slopes. The village itself is car free and very quaint with a variety of hotels and apartments not to mention the many bars and restaurants.

Quebec City
Steeped in history, this city is a great place to experience. The choice of accommodation is varied but always good – from the luxury of a chateauesque hotel to the smaller boutique style. You can even stay in a hotel on an Indian Reservation.

Why not try?
Cross country skiing around the parks of the city
Ice climbing beside the Morency Falls
The fun of the Snow Park

What I learned
This is one of the few winter destinations where you can combine a vibrant city with a remote setting in which to experience the most exhilarating activities whilst enjoying luxurious accommodation and great food and wine. The snow park was immense fun - especially the Himalaya Run!

Not every cloud has a silver lining

2010-04-29T06:21:00.000-07:00

As I look up, all I see is blue sky and white fluffy clouds. Not a plane or a single vapour trail above me – it is a first in many ways!

It is hard to believe that somewhere high above the blue is a dark cloud of volcanic ash shrouding most of Europe and suffocating the way many of us usually travel.

I am used to traveling and unlike most, I quite enjoy the ‘getting there’ part of the trip, but to be caught up in this phenomenon is bizarre at best and a nightmare at worst.

When the news broke surprise was my first emotion, followed be the need to be patient and having complete faith that all would return to normal in a couple of days.

Then as time progressed it was the realization that in order to get home, other methods of transport would need to be used. Optimism returns as you feel you are grasping control of the situation, followed swiftly by frustration as zillions of other people are doing exactly the same and what few alternatives there are get stretched to beyond capacity.

Suddenly the most basic modes of transport become luxurious – a 9 hour bus journey or feeling triumphant when you get the last places on a 15 hour boat journey with only deck space!

The out of the question options start to look attractive and you smile as you see you are not alone – many people around you who haven’t traveled on a 20 minute bus journey for many years accept that they have to take a 9 hour bus journey. Business people, couples and families alike, all with one aim – to get home whatever it takes.

The Amazing Journey

Northern Finland – Helsinki – 520 miles
15 hours on the night train – no cabin

Helsinki – Stockholm – 163 miles
15 hours on an evening crossing by boat – only deck space

Stockholm – Copenhagen – 414 miles
9 hours on a bus

Copenhagen – Calais – 695 miles
13.5 hours in a fiat 500 hire car

Calais – Dover – 21 miles
1 hour 15 mins on a ferry with a full English breakfast

Dover – Northumberland – 377 miles
7 hours by car

Total mileage – 2190!