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The best places to go in Southeast Asia depends a lot on what you want. Although each South Asian country is great in its own way, there are always reasons you may favour one over another. Depending on where you go in a country, your experiences may also be vastly different. With that in mind, continue reading as we share some insights into planning a trip to Southeast Asia Thailand is a great place to start! Amazing tourist infrastructure, delicious food, fun, a huge variety of attractions, and yes, plenty of authentic places if you look for them. Hyper-touristy in some places. It was like entering a whole new world with the temples, neon lights, street food vendors, and tuk-tuk and taxis whizzing by. Thailand is an amazing country, especially if this is your first trip to Southeast Asia. Thailand makes it easy to get your bearings in Southeast Asia, which can initially be overwhelming; It's exotic enough to make you feel adventurous, but the logistics of getting there are simple, and the renowned Thai hospitality will make you feel at home even when you don't know much about the country. It is true that Thailand has long been known for its mass tourism(albeit pre-pandemic) and that shows in some places. Phuket's beaches are probably not the place for you if you're looking for a true new frontier! Fortunately, mass tourism is also concentrated in a small number of places, making it easy to avoid if you don't like it. One great thing about Thailand is that it is easy to meet other tourists who want to socialise. It's a great place for solo travellers in particular. On a trip to Thailand, it is simple to improvise and take things one day at a time due to the abundance of guesthouses, hotels, and hostels. Thailand has you covered if you're just looking for sun and sand. In addition, there is a well-known party scene, particularly on Khaosan Road in Bangkok and on the islands of Koh Phangan and Phi Phi, which draw a lot of younger vacationers. Those looking for a little bit of luxury at a reasonable price, on the other hand, can enjoy staying at the resorts along the coast. Searching for a quieter vacation in Thailand? You can enjoy exploring the peaceful southeastern part of Thailand that lies close to Cambodia, particularly Trat and the Koh Chang archipelago. The Mae Hong Son loop is just one of many unusual locations in northern Thailand. Thailand is a great starting point for travelling to the rest of Southeast Asia because it has so many international flight connections from Bangkok. Thailand was also a rite of passage for many globetrotters who are addicted to travelling. Even though it is a popular spot these days, who cares? It is fun, easy, and, at times, a little wild. There is truly something for everyone. Laos Known for its remote jungles, peaceful rural areas, river tours, and motorcycle loops Laos makes for a relaxed vacation. There are no big cities and not much of a nightlife (if that is what you're looking for). However, Laos is simply amazing if you value Buddhist tranquillity, views of the Mekong River, unspoiled nature, and authentic villages. It's true that Laos doesn't have as many famous landmarks as Vietnam's Halong Bay or Cambodia's Angkor Wat. Laos is a landlocked nation with nothing "epic" to draw tourists, but that's also exactly why it's such a lovely place to travel. The adventurer's dream destination is Laos. It is possible that it is the best country in mainland Southeast Asia for hiking and trekking because of its numerous pristine jungles and karst mountain landscapes. Other outdoor activities like kayaking, zip lining, caving, and rock climbing can all be enjoyed here. Most of the time, life in Laos is fairly quiet and rural. Contrary to what you might have been told, there isn't much of a party scene there because of midnight curfews. However, Laos is a fantastic destination for ecotourism and adventure travel thanks to these factors. You can rent a motorbike and explore the countryside, but don't miss the Mekong's laidback 4000 islands archipelago. Also, think about staying at the Gibbon Experience, where you can sleep in tree houses high up in the jungle and zipline around to get a different look at the rainforest. You won't regret going to Laos. Vietnam Exhilarating cities, food, train travel, stunning caves, war museums,there is much to explore in Vietnam. The cities here are truly exceptional; they are among the most vivacious and chaotic in the region. In Hanoi and Saigon, you'll always see a snarl of scooters and small motorcycles packed with everything from construction supplies to entire families. You will be enveloped in a delightful sensory overload at the local food markets, which are buzzing hotspots of activity. The bustling and exciting cities of Vietnam are more fun to explore than even Bangkok or other major southeast asian cities. Dramatic mountain landscapes dominate Vietnam's central and northern regions. You can see some of the world's largest caves at Phong Nha-K Bàng. Numerous limestone cliffs give the famous HaLong bay the appearance of a mysterious pirate's hideout. You can cruise around these stunning islands in one, two, or three days; however, don't expect to be alone at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is very commercialised. Bai Tu Long Bay is a quieter option for those looking to get away from the crowds. Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, and Mui Ne, a fishing village, are all great places to visit in Vietnam, but the local tours can sometimes put people off. If you take the standard day trips and tours to popular destinations like the Mekong Delta, Halong Bay, or Chi Chi Tunnels, you might feel like you're stuck in a kind of tour factory, where you won't get a lot of personal attention or have experiences that aren't real. Some tourists who have only been on these trips may complain that Vietnam is too commercialised or tell stories of scams that tourists have been involved in. However, this is not all there is to Vietnam. If you deviate just a little from the standard routes, Vietnam becomes completely different. Phong Nha, Ninh Binh, and Ha Giang, for instance, are amazing places to visit among others. Moreover, riding a motorcycle or scooter is one of the best ways to travel throughout Vietnam. Vietnam is thought by many tourists to be the best place in the region to ride a motorcycle because it lets you see a side of Vietnam that not many tourists get to see. Cambodia Angkor Wat's temples, laid-back islands, the Cardamom Mountains, Sihanoukville, and Chinese casinos are only some of the most popular places to visit. Cambodia is a smaller country with fewer attractions. As a result, it is frequently added on to trips to Thailand or Vietnam. The stunning Angkor Wat, one of the world's largest ancient temple complexes, is the primary destination. One of Southeast Asia's most popular attractions, this vast site can take a few days to thoroughly explore. Siem Reap, a nearby city, has developed into a fun starting point for trips to the Angkor Wat archaeological park. However, there are many more reasons to stay in Cambodia for longer. The Cambodian islands, which are still much less developed than those in Thailand or Vietnam, are quite amazing. Among other islands, Koh Rong and Koh Rong Sanloem have a fun backpacker vibe and offer much cheaper lodging than some Thai islands that have their own airports and large resorts by now. Cambodia offers fantastic ecotourism opportunities. For instance, Chi Pat is an ecotourism-focused small village in the middle of one of Asia's last truly uninterrupted rainforests. Kratie is another great place to visit; a charming town on the Mekong River where you can see rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the water and see relics of French colonial architecture. Malaysia A hassle-free, multicultural country, Malaysia has nicer islands than Thailand and the wildlife in Borneo is popular among visitors. While Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam were colonised by France, Malaysia was once part of the British empire. That adds a unique flavour to its historic cities. Because it is home to a mix of Malays, Chinese, Indians, and various minorities, Malaysia also frequently gives the impression of being more cosmopolitan and multicultural. Compared to its neighbours, Malaysia is a little wealthier, more orderly, and more conservative. Malaysia is not as extravagant as Thailand, despite the fact that it lacks the rough-and-tumble atmosphere that piques the interest of many Western tourists visiting the other countries. The majority of its other destinations are family-friendly and well-organised, as are its beaches and islands, such as the Perhentian Islands. The other part of Malaysia on the island of Borneo may intrigue adventure travellers. In the eastern state of Sabah, visitors can climb Kota Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, go scuba diving at Pulau Mabul and Pulau Sipadan, and visit national parks like the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary where, even on a bad day, you can see a lot of monkeys, hornbills, and crocodiles. While rows of identical palm oil plantations dominate Borneo, the inland wilderness is absolutely thrilling. However, do keep a slightly larger budget for Malaysia, as local tours, hiking excursions, and admissions to national parks add up a little faster here, even though the cost of lodging and food is very reasonable. Singapore Extremely clean, well-organised, and modern, Singapore has amazing food courts and more creativity and charm than you might think. Do note that it can be rather expensive. Given how starkly it contrasts with other nearby destinations, the city-state of Singapore makes for an interesting visit. It is a world away from the chaos, smells, and congestion elsewhere, with the city being high-tech and absolutely spotless. It has been designed with great care, and it frequently gives the impression that you are wandering through glittering futuristic visions from an architect's dream. The conveniences of Singapore can be a welcome change after travelling through Southeast Asia's more remote regions. A visit to Singapore would not be complete without a stop at one of the numerous hawker centres—a type of food court—where you can sample virtually any Asian cuisine at a very affordable price and with hygiene standards that are significantly higher than those of street food in other nations. Singapore is a destination that is simple and comfortable, but there are parts of the city that can feel too businesslike and neatly maintained. However, it has become more imaginative and vibrant, and the gardens and architecture are stunning. Singapore can be a convenient pit stop on a longer trip or a gentle introduction to Southeast Asia. Keep in mind that, with the exception of food, prices in Singapore are almost identical to those in the West. Indonesia Volcano hikes, unspoiled beaches, snorkelling, scuba diving, wildlife, and a whole new world to discover waits for you in Indonesia. The country is enormous. It actually extends further than the United States. Most visitors explore just a little part — the island of Bali — yet past it lies a huge region to investigate, with unimaginable potential. Indonesia is a popular destination for surfing, trekking, diving, and wildlife spotting (with the possibility of seeing orangutans). It is blessed with 17,000 islands and numerous volcanoes. It is also culturally diverse, with various islands adhering to the Catholic, Muslim, Hindu, or Protestant religions. If you're short on time, a week in Bali is actually not a bad idea. Although Kuta, Bali's capital, is extremely commercial and solely focused on mass tourism, deeper into the country you'll find numerous beautiful Hindu temples such as the Temples of Prambanan, lush rice paddies, and laid-back beaches. In a typical longer itinerary, you'll start in Yogyakarta on Java, visit Borobudur's ancient temples, Bromo's massive volcano, and end in Bali. You can cover these in one week, though we recommend at least two or three weeks ideally. Lombok, the island next to Bali, is full of spots for surfers, waterfalls, and beaches that are quieter. You may also enjoy exploring rural Flores further east and visiting Komodo National Park to see Komodo dragons. Some say that the nation is one of Southeast Asia's real highlights, despite the fact that it seems oddly overlooked by travel bloggers at least outside of Bali. Philippines Terraced rice fields, extraordinary islands, friendly locals, lots of underwater delights, and absolutely untainted shoreline. The Philippines isn't typically one of the first countries in Southeast Asia that visitors go to, yet it is really a stunner that should not be missed. You can also get much closer to the culture because most Filipinos speak fluent English. The language barrier can put you in a bubble elsewhere in Southeast Asia, but it's much less of a problem here. In addition, the Philippines has the absolute best beaches and islands. Even though some places, like the islands and lagoons around El Nido, are finding fame, there are far fewer tourists than you will find in other destinations. With more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines will never run out of amazing places to visit! Palawan is always a big hit, but the central Visayas, especially Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, and Camiguin, are also great places to go. The religion, architecture, and language of the Philippines are all influenced by their past as a Spanish and later an American colony. The dishes here feel less focused with Asian spices, but they are heavily influenced by American fast food and Spanish asado. When compared to the amazing Thai cuisine, for instance, I can understand why so many Western travellers complain about the food, even though if you look hard enough, there is something for everyone. We believe that the Philippines is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia due to its stunning rice terraces, beautiful islands, friendly people, and fascinating culture. The capital, Manila, tends to be crowded and many find it unappealing compared to the rest of this otherwise stunning nation Still unsure of which of Southeast Asia's top destinations to visit first? Talk to our travel experts at (+968) 24400822 or contact@zaharaholidays.com to find the best Southeast Asia package for you. It is a huge region, as should be obvious, and we know that it can feel a little overwhelming to plan your trip. Try picking a few countries that sound interesting to you, maybe think about northern Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, or Cambodia if you have a limited budget. However, the prices in the other nations are not significantly higher, and you can always find the best deals with Zahara Holidays.
While cruises are not necessarily the first that come to mind when discussing holiday options, with the right cruise line, ship, and, most importantly, the right itinerary, a cruise holiday can be the most fun holiday ever. A vacation on a cruise is a popular choice amongst couples, families, and even solo travellers. To help you figure out what makes cruising so special, here we’ll share why a cruise should be on your next vacation. And hopefully, if you’ve been contemplating the idea of going on a cruise for the first time, this post may convince you to give it a try. So what is a cruise? Cruises are a great way to explore the world while still ensconced in comfort and luxury. You get to travel on a massive ship with thousands of other people, all with the comforts and amenities of a large-scale resort. While on a cruise, you’ll stop at various ports, exploring different destinations throughout your cruise itinerary. The next question that often arises is are cruises fun and the answer is of course they are. The ship's list of activities is chock full offering plenty of options to suit everyone and there are a host of activities from the moment you wake up to bedtime there is never a slow hour. This doesn't even take into account the period you’re off the ship and exploring new ports. Cruises are exactly what you will make of them meaning that your cruise vacation can be just as active or just as relaxed as you decide. Cruises are great value for money. From the minute you step aboard the ship till the very end of your cruise vacation, you will be fed well, entertained, and taken to amazing port destinations. It’s the whole package that makes cruises worth it, especially since fares include nearly everything you'll need for a fantastic trip: food, accommodations, daytime and evening entertainment and transportation between destinations. You will often see fares on mainstream cruise lines for well under $100 per person, per night, which is so much cheaper than you'd spend on land for a hotel, dinner and a show. On a few cruise lines, children may be allowed to sail free or at special discounted rates when sharing a cabin with two adults. On the search for luxury? Some upscale cruise lines offer even better inclusions on their tickets, with things like hard and soft drinks, gratuities, some shore tours, spending credits, and occasionally even flights bundled into the fare. Another important thing to keep in mind is that since cruise holidays packages offer transportation and accommodations together, they're very easy to plan for. Simply choose your ship, itinerary and cabin, and off you go on your next vacation. There is no searching for conveniently situated hotels in your price range, no need to coordinate travel options between cities and you can even get your travel agent to arrange your flights for you. Or choose a departure port like Muscat which is easily accessible so as to eliminate that extra planning step. Groups will also find cruise vacation a great fit as cruise lines offer plans for group travel, which eliminates the hassle of coordinating within the group so friends and family from around the country who want to travel with you can simply by joining at the port convenient for them. Here’s a secret for you- if you book enough cabins you'll get extra perks, including the possibility of a free fare. On cruise vacations, you get the benefit of your floating hotel taking you from city to city and island to island. Since there is no need to figure out any flight, train, or ferry schedules, or lug your suitcase along cobblestone streets and a myriad of taxis, you can sit back and relax instead of constantly packing and unpacking at every destination. There are so many more reasons why cruising is a must try for everyone. When booking your first cruise ask one of our travel experts to help you plan the perfect cruise utilising the best promotions that the cruise lines offer.
If you’re searching for destinations for wellness and healing, India will be one of the first to crop up as it is rightly well known for its range of highly sought after options. Wellness retreats are the new big thing being the type of vacations that not just those in older age groups are opting for but also teens and adults are increasingly heading to. The global pandemic has been stressful for everyone and while it may seem clichéd to say, wellness getaways are a great way to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul as you physically and emotionally unwind and learn more about yourself. In this piece we bring you some of the best wellness retreats in India, from a rustic yoga retreat to a luxurious private island, from spa & beauty treatments to detox and weight loss programme, from Ayurveda therapies to stress management programme, preventive health care, stress management, fitness packages, and detox therapies, the range of spa and wellness retreats is vast. With an ancient history of traditional healing treatments through Ayurveda, yoga, and naturopathy, India is one of the most popular global destinations for wellness and medical tourists seeking a holistic break at an affordable rate. From the beaches of Goa and the coastal stretches of Kerala and many more. The vibrant India is home to a number of different types of wellness retreats, spas, resorts and holistic healing treatments centres. We’re here to help you discover some of the most famous wellness destinations in India and the services offered by them. Auroville A township spread across Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu, Auroville is a community that was conceptualised by a French visionary Mirra Alfassa known to her followers as The Mother to her followers. Based on The Mother and Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy, Auroville believes in the service of truth, beyond religious conviction and is just the place to live the life you’ve always wanted, even if for a few days. Here your conviction to follow your passion holds more value than societal or monetary standing. With a number of resorts and homestay options that offer wellness packages, you can choose to check into a yoga retreat or opt for day sessions of art, music, and dance therapy. Auroville has a wide range of holistic offerings for all types of wellness travellers. Visitors have the option to work with the community during their stay at Auroville and some enterprises welcome guests to become one with nature through helping in the gardens, while other options allow them to participate in other projects involving renewable energy, education, and animal care. Situated 10 km north of Pondicherry and around 150 km south of Chennai, the township is easily accessible. The nearest railway station is the Puducherry station situated 15 kms from Auroville, which can be easily accessed by auto or taxi. Auroville is a 3 hr drive from Chennai on the scenic East Coast road and about 6 hrs from Bangalore. Visitors may choose to book a taxi using Auroville Taxi Service and the township also has a shared transport service which offers online booking.
National Day is coming with the public holiday date announced as the Sunday of 20 November 2022 making it a long weekend which you can club some of your vacation days with to plan an exciting international holiday. If you are feeling up to some fun travel plan and are scouting for places to visit during the national day holiday in Oman, there is lots to pick from. Countries across the world have reopened for travel and thankfully Omani residents are permitted entry into a vast number of places ensuring that you have plenty of options for fantastic holiday destinations. From beaches to heritage destinations and party places- there are destination options to suit every traveller’s wants. And, we have hand-picked some fabulous places, which are only a short flight away from Oman. However, you should keep in mind that in the post COVID era things keep changing, so be sure to check for the updated rules before you book your tickets. Maldives Situated in the Indian Ocean and known for its luxurious water villas, this tropical haven of white sand beaches, is loved by all visitors. Enjoy having a room on a pier jutting out from the shore with a glass floor under which marine life can be seen swimming, and step out from your overwater bungalow to the view of turquoise water. Renown for its amazing diving opportunities, with stunning azure colored clear waters that are home to diverse marine life and colorful coral formations Maldives is a must visit. Upon arrival, travelers with negative RTPCR need not undergo quarantine measures with passengers who have received the second dose of a COVID?19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to arrival being exempt from the home quarantine requirement. Visitors must download the TraceEkee, a contact tracing app, which will allow authorities to trace any spread of the virus. Bulgaria Only a short flight away Bulgaria is a stunning destination set on the edge of Eastern Europe. A bewitching country full of ancient history and amazing landscapes such as soaring mountains, glacial lakes, and forests, the civilization here dates back to ancient times, making it one of the oldest countries in Europe. With nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, come see the mesmerising stripes of the 10th-century Rila Monastery and the Tsarevets Fortress from the Middle Ages. Discover the tombs of the Thracians and remnants of Neolithic settlements in the Bulgarian wilderness. Explore the historic mansions of Arbanasi and the many churches of the City of Tsars among other sights. Right from tiny mountain villages to colourful modern cities, you will feel the spirit of Bulgaria, preserved in folklore traditions, and joyful festivities including music and dance. Unvaccinated travelers to Bulgaria must carry a printed copy of a negative Covid-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and vaccinated travellers must have received their second jab at least 14 days before travel. Egypt The Arab Republic of Egypt is now welcoming tourists from around the world. The ancient civilizations of Egypt have been a complex merger of the many who have influenced the area including the Nubians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Ottomans. The remains of the ancient Pharaonic dynasty, known for their pyramids are present across the country the most famous of which is the Great Pyramid at Giza - one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, that still survives intact as of this day. Other attractions include the Great Sphinx of Giza, a myriad of Egyptian pyramids, the temple at Luxor, and the Museums of Egypt among others. There are even famous beaches known for their coral reefs here.While in Cairo one must visit the Khan-el-Khalili market, which a paradise for shoppers. Aswan set by the the Nile, and juxtaposed with the dunes is another popular destination. Other destinations like the Valley of the Kings and famous cities like Hurghada, Alexandria, and Luxor boasting of the rich heritage of the land are more places that are interesting for visitors. The nation declared that passengers older than six years, will have to produce a negative PCR test to confirm they are coronavirus free. The RTPCR should be conducted within 72 hours of arrival and those flying directly to Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm El Sheikh or Taba can take the PCR test upon arrival. Greece Greece has reopened its borders for international tourists, including Omani Residents. However, those travelling must follow a few rules. All tourists must fill in the passenger locator form, before landing in Greece Apart from submitting a negative PCR test report, taken 24 hours prior to departure. Though those having a certificate of vaccination at least 14 days before their arrival in Greece are not required to take a PCR test. Known for its fascinating history and natural beauty along with its countless islands, sandy beaches, ancient archaeological sites, and a balmy Mediterranean climate Greece is one of Europe's prime tourist destinations. From historic Athens to Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Delphi and the colourful islands of Santorini and Mykonos, Greece has much to offer. Kenya A beautiful mix of natural beauty and modernization with jaw-dropping vistas and high-rise metropolitan areas, there is much to experience in Kenya, but the most significant is the culture. Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, the three major cities are a must visit along with the national parks of Kenya for exciting safari options to experience the wild. Kenya began welcoming tourists from a number of countries for quarantine-free stays recently. All tourists heading to the African nation must fill out this health surveillance form and present a negative PRC test that was taken within 96 hours of travel. No additional PCR tests or documents are needed to take internal flights to the national parks.
Quickly outgrowing its beginnings as a sport for intrepid mountaineers, skiing is now a mainstream winter activity for everyone in the family. And around the world resorts have cropped up in skiing destinations to keep up with the demand, with more hotels, restaurants, après-ski entertainment, and all manner of indoor and outdoor recreation being offered for visitors. But when you are trying to pick the best destination for a ski holiday then it is the snow that counts, for serious skiers and the terrain of the mountainsides that it falls on. Although the world's most popular and well known ski resorts are situated in Europe and North America, there are a host of lesser known destinations such as Japan, and year-round skiing destinations such as the Andes that get a lot of visitors. While plenty of considerations go into choosing the best ski resort for your vacation, but the ski experience itself – the variety and challenge of the terrain, the snow conditions, and lift access should be the most important considerations while selecting destinations for any serious skier's bucket list. So come read about the best places to ski at with this list of the top skiing destinations in the world. France The area of eastern France is pretty well-known for snowsports, but that can be more expensive as France is one of Europe's top destinations for skiing. The Alps, Europe's greatest mountain range are situated in part along the French-Italian border and the French Alps have all of Europe beat in terms of the sheer range of skiing opportunities available. While the best known, the Alps are not the only mountain range in France with skiing facilities, and others include the Vosges, the Jura, the Massif Central and the Pyrenees, all of which have fully equipped downhill and cross-country ski resorts. The Alps that offer the greatest range of resorts, particularly those where the snow conditions are most reliable due to the altitudes here. Les Portes du Soleil, the northernmost area of the French Alps sits at an altitude of 1000m, and has plenty of facilities for beginners and more experienced skiers including resorts that offer ski-runs for children only. Further south is the Chamonix - Megève sector, lying at the foot of Mont Blanc, where the first French ski resort originated, and which has for many years been extremely popular with skiers from all over the world. While quite expensive, the area around Chamonix and Megève has the fifth largest skiing area in France, attracting major crowds for a reason. Les Arcs or La Plagne in the Haute Savoie offers plenty of high mountain skiing, with the guarantee of good snow at most times throughout the year. It is also easily accessible by train, with direct Eurostar services from London to the closest station in season. Tignes or Val d'Isère is a high mountain area, with some 300 km of pistes, many of them over 2,500 metres altitude offering a good number of pistes for beginners and relatively inexperienced skiers, along with pistes for the more experienced skiiers. Val d'Isère is reputedly the most expensive ski resort in Europe but with the highest pistes at over 3000 metres, this is an area where skiing is possible almost throughout the year. The ski area of Les Trois Vallées, is the world's largest ski area accessible with a single pass. L'Alpe d'Huez is one of the largest ski resorts in France, and being the closest major ski area to the city of Grenoble, and attracts plenty of day trippers along with staying guests. The southern Alpine resort of Isola offering 120 km of pistes is reputed to be both one of the coldest receiving the most snow and also the sunniest ski resorts in France. All these options ensure that you can always plan a skiing holiday in France. Italy Italy has three large, interlinked skiing areas which includes the Dolomiti Superski, which covers some 1200km of piste in the UNESCO-protected mountain range. Over by the Milky Way, the 400km area has a vast variety of resort options ranging from the party enthusiast favourite Sauze d’Oulx to the more family-friendly resorts such as Sestriere. Finally Gressoney’s MonteRosa ski area is one of the best-kept secrets in Europe, with over 180km of piste and extensive off-piste. Skiing in Italy involves relaxed and easy-going Italian hospitality, delicious gourmet food, short lift queues, well-groomed pistes with great snowmaking and diverse ski areas where you can cover some serious miles. Canada The Canadian ski resorts are world-class thanks to their long seasons, unbeatable snow, quiet slopes and variety of terrain. The deep-powder runs in Whistler are great for experts, while thrill-seekers will love the heli-skiing in Banff, and those looking for budget options can look at Boler Mountain. Canada is one of the most popular destinations for skiers and boarders alike, famed for its vast immaculately groomed slopes and wide, tree-lined runs with plenty of snow. Some resorts are based in national parks, surrounded by spectacular scenery and wildlife, while all are known for their high-quality hotels and warm hospitality. Holidays here tend to have bigger budgets, as people usually stay for up to two weeks and the more flexible lift passes offer options such as helicopter rides over Banff National Park and ice canyon walks in Jasper. Zip-trek through huge mountain valleys, bobsledding in Whistler and silent outdoor spa days in Tremblant – there are many unique ways to experience Canada’s beautiful scenery and wildlife. Done Argentina Argentina's ski resorts cater to all abilities and preferences, whether you’re a novice or a pro, want a full-service lodge by an urban centre or prefer remote backcountry huts. The terrain is diverse and the landscapes unbeatable with sights such as active volcanoes, widespread forests, massive snow peaks, and shimmering lakes are present alongside the runs here. A lot of the top places for winter sports lie in the Patagonia area, where the snow will be drier than on the Chilean side of the Andes. The winter sports season runs from the middle of June to the end of October every year, however the peak is between mid-July to mid-September. Slovenia With dozens of ski resorts spread across the countryside at Slovenia, having countless miles of slopes, snowshoeing trails, and cross-country skiing tracks, it is no wonder that it is a popular skiing destination in Europe. Slovenia ski resorts can compete with the best in the world in sheer range and quality but offer the option of more affordable skiing trips than many other skiing destinations in the Alps. Bulgaria Bulgaria may not be the first destination on your list for a ski holiday, but it is fast becoming a hot skiing destination. There are three main ski options in Bulgaria – Borovets, Bansko, and Pamporovo. Set right on the edge of the Rila Mountains, with pistes that are heavily forested with pine trees, Borovets, Bulgaria’s oldest ski resort, is situated closest to the capital city. There are 58km of slopes here, ranging between 1300 to 2560 metres in altitude, which are particularly good for intermediate skiers. Bansko, located in the scenic Pirin National Park, is another hour away. Offering a mix of UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic old town vibes and buzzing nightlife near the gondola, Bansko is the biggest and most up-to-date ski resort in Bulgaria. Situated 160km from Sofia, Bansko’s slopes are set at around 2000 to 2500 metres, ensuring it has the best snow record and offers the longest ski season among all of Bulgaria’s ski resorts. In the east lies Pamporovo, which is situated in the south-central Rhodope Mountains. Pamporovo gets a lot of sunshine due to its being situated in the southerly area however due to the same reason the pistes here are limited. With only 36km of pistes that are mostly blues and greens, it is best for beginners to the sport. Pamporovo is one of the quieter family-friendly resorts and has some very good ski schools. The area also offers extensive cross-country skiing opportunities through mountains and forests. Andorra A tiny country nestled in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, Andorra is a duty-free, winter ski haven.This small principality relies heavily on its tourist economy to be supported by the skiing enthusiasts. A budget friendly ski destination that is welcoming to tourists having elevation around 1900m Andorra has a combination of 300km of piste trails, along with modern lifts & extensive freeride terrain spread over 3 varied ski areas— Grandvalira, Ordino Arcalis & Pal-Arinsal. All three are expansive & offer a world class ski experience. Grandvalira is the largest ski resort in Andorra, situated in the Pyrenees it consolidates six different base areas to take up much of the southeastern side of Andorra. The longest run here is just under 7km and the skiing trails run up to 210km qualifying Grandvalira as a large ski resort by any standards. However it lacks a certain diversity of terrains being resort with trails suitable for beginner & intermediate skiers with only a few quality pistes for advanced skiers, and some off-piste freeride options for adventurous folks. Ordino Arcalis has fairly small inbounds, with only five chairlifts or gondola and the 30km of piste trails on a skiable vertical of just about 700m. The ski area is better known by most for its vast range of fun off-piste, freeride & ski touring terrain. Austria It is a well known fact that Austrians are fond of skiing and the country has a plethora of options for skiing and snowboarding. Austria is dotted with amazing ski resorts, the larger, better-known of which tend to get quite busy. The Austrian Alps running through the entire country make it ideal for winter sports enthusiasts with resorts ranging from those having low elevations by village ski hills, to high alpine glaciers, which have huge interlinked mega resorts. There is a ski resort to suit the taste of any and every one at all times throughout the year. The Austrian ski resorts are most easily divided into their relevant states within the country – Vorarlberg, Tyrol, Salzburg, Styria, and Carinthia. Further within these states it is simplest to consider valleys with good ski areas and some of the most well known valleys include the Paznaun, Otztal, and Zillertal. USA The USA has a number of skiing options across the country. . Utah having opened in 1939 is pretty famous for what they claim as the very best snow on earth and being located at a high elevation only skis are allowed for skiing here. The Montana ski resort is set at a rather high elevation only 30 miles from Glacier National Park in Montana, which is well-known throughout the world. They offerabout 105 runs over a 3000-acre terrain of skiing area that is exclusively available to visitors. Apart from skiing, the facility provides you with a pleasant stay as well as many other great winter activities. Colorado is home to iconic ski resorts located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains offering 4,000 acres of skiable terrain, with something for everyone from beginner to expert. However this area is best known for its intermediate terrain options. Other skiing destinations in the USA include those in California, Breckenridge, Wyoming to name a few.
