Partner up in Panama

#PANAMA, having recently launched their new golf tourism program, announces the corresponding website Panama Golf Destination is now live and accepting golf travel bookings. Packages for all inclusive golf, accommodations and meals/beverages can be custom tailored upon request.

The following courses are included in the new destination for golf program; Mantarraya Golf Club, Buenaventura Golf Club, Coronado Golf Club and Vista Mar Golf Club (Beaches), Santa Maria, Tucan Golf and Country Club, Summit Golf Club and Club de Golf de Panama (City) and Lucero Country Club (Mountains).


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Escape and unlock Lasko

STIK Laško (the Sport, Tourism, Information and Cultural Centre of Laško) and Enigmarium have joined forces in a new project and opened a unique Escape room: Brewer’s Gold. It is located in the building where the first mug of beer was brewed in Laško nearly 200 years ago.

The town of Laško is located only an hour’s drive away from the capital, Ljubljana. The brewing tradition in the town dates back to 1825, when the mead producer and gingerbread baker Franz Geyer brewed the first Laško beer. in August a new and unforgettable adventure opened in Laško: the ENIGMARIUM® Laško – the world’s first brewery-themed escape room.

Anyone who would like to experience the town of Laško in a new way can now fulfil that wish in the exciting town adventure game UNLOCK Laško. Representing a completely new and original concept of an outdoor game, using the legend of the parish priest “Divji Farovž”, the game includes elements in the old town centre, transforming the streets into fascinating spots full of secrets, hidden codes and puzzles.

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British Airways unveils it’s plan for Club World

THE first tranche of British Airways’ £400 million investment in Club World, its long-haul business cabin, is set to arrive on September 1 as a new restaurant-style dining experience launches on flights between Heathrow and New York JFK. 

Travellers will be able to select their choice of freshly prepared starters and desserts from new display trolleys, which will be served by the crew on to new table settings.

The carefully curated wine selection will feature white wines and Champagnes presented on top of the trolleys in large, silver wine coolers, while regiments of red wine bottles stand alongside them.

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Adrenalin adventures in Oman

TRAVELLERS with a sense of #adventure need look no further than #Oman to satisfy the next adrenalin rush. No other Gulf region offers such a diverse range of great outdoor adventures across a striking terrain that travels back 500 million years of geological time.

Desert Dune Bashing - Huge rolling dunes as far as the eye can see makes for a white knuckle ride dune bashing in 4WD’s at Shaqiya Sands- less than 3 hours from Muscat. Take a quad bike or camel over the dunes and watch the world turn pink and orange with a spectacular desert sun set. 

Caves and Canyons - For those who like their adventure on the extreme side, the thrill of rock-climbing and abseiling awaits. Climbers from around the globe are drawn to the high peaks of the Hajar mountains, and to the beautiful sea cliffs along the Omani coast. First-time climbers can attempt one of several Via Ferrata (‘by wire’) routes which keep them permanently attached to a cable via a harness for maximum safety at Snake Canyon, Jabel Shams and Jabal Akhdar. 

Take a Hike  - The challenging terrain of Oman’s ‘Sun Mountain’, Jabal Shams – standing 3009 metres above sea level as the country’s highest mountain peak – is a perfect place to start an adventure tour. 

Wadi Bash - Go off-road and experience one of Oman’s fastest growing adventure sports. Throughout the Sultanate there are many opportunities for travellers to hit the dirt, water and sand dunes in a 4 x 4 wheel drive. 

Snorkel and Scuba - Oman’s magnificent marine environment draws in adventurous travellers with the opportunity to snorkel, scuba dive and kayak in sparkling turquoise waters that support vibrant coral reefs. 

Get Airborne - Kitesurfing is one of the fastest growing and extreme water sports to be enjoyed in the Gulf’s warm waters and Masirah Island has the only kitesurfing academy in the Gulf where you can camp out on the island in Bedouin style tents. 

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Historic renovation of Wat Aruns famed pagoda completed

THE world-famous Temple of Dawn pagoda, also internationally known as Wat Arun, #Thailand will officially be reopened the end of this year after being closed to visitors for three years to undergo repairs and renovation along with other structures in the temple compound.  The 66.8-metre-high pagoda is the main feature of Wat Arun, which is decorated with seashells and bits of Chinese porcelain that glimmer in the sunshine. 

Under direction from Thailand’s Fine Arts Department, #WatArun started undergoing renovation over three years ago, specifically to secure the base of its majestic pagoda. 

It was initially envisioned by King Taksin the Great in 1768 after fighting his way out of Ayutthaya, when he arrived at this Buddhist temple just as dawn was breaking. He ordered the temple’s first renovation and renamed it Wat Chaeng, the Temple of Dawn. 

A 10-day long celebration of the completion of Wat Arun’s renovations will take place at the end of this year from 27 December through to 5 January, 2018. The festivities will include a tribute to King Taksin the Great, who ordered the previously mentioned restoration of the temple during his reign, along with ancient cultural and Thai dance performances. There will also be an exhibition on the temple’s history, showcasing the importance of its role in Thai society, highlighted by a display of award-winning photos of the temple taken over the years with the first images of Wat Arun dating back to 1865.

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Skip to the front

THE world´s longest queues to get into popular attractions in destinations all over the globe have been identified by TripAdvisor, where travelers would have to wait in line for up to 4 hours during peak season to access. To show travelers how to save time and avoid the queue, the travel site has highlighted bookable Skip the Line tours at those attractions with the longest lines and shares a list of the Top 10 Most booked Skip the Line tours in the world. 

• London Eye 
• Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums 
• Colosseum, Rome 
• Catacombs, Paris  
• Eiffel Tower, Paris 
• St. Peter´s Basilica, Vatican City 
• Tower of London 
• Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam 
• Empire State Building, New York 
• Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

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Ski Japan: resort news

WITH a positive exchange rate for British travellers this year, additional daily flights from London to Tokyo, and the guarantee of plentiful powdery snow, it’s clear to see why #ski holidays to #Japan are growing in popularity.

Whether you’re keen to visit the snow monsters of little-known resorts such as Zao Onsen in Tohoku, or hit the famed slopes of the 1998 Winter Olympics venue in Hakuba – Japan has resorts of all sizes, with slopes aplenty for any level of skier.

Niseko, Hokkaido
The Ace Family Chair Lift has undergone an overhaul which will see its capacity double per hour. 

Niseko Annupuri International Ski Resort has announced the construction of a new ski lift – the Dream Quad Lift #1 specifically for beginner skiers and snowboarders. The new lift will be built at the bottom of Annupuri Gondola and will be complete in December 2017. The lift will be 433 metres long.

Hakuba, Nagano

A new Hoshino Resorts property, KAI Alps, will open on 21st December 2017. Within close proximity to Hakuba’s slopes, this property will offer the incredible service and 5* food that marks these Japanese properties out from the crowd. This stylishly cosy ryokan will offer hot springs with views over the Alps beyond, as well as authentic Japanese winter experiences such as snuggling up under kotatsu (heated tables with over-top blankets) eating winter delicacies. 

Mountain Side Hakuba – a new ski in, ski out condominium resort – opened in January 2017. The accommodation offers incredible views of the Olympic chair, and provides ski-in ski-out access to over 200 ski runs.

Tomamu, Hokkaido
Club Med will introduce their brand new hotel – Club Med Tomamu – in December 2017. Sprawled across the Tomamu mountain, this resort will allow skiers and boarders to immerse themselves in the layers of powder snow, perfect for thrill-seekers hunting down their next adventure. Nearby activities will entertain all the family, with Mina Mina – the largest indoor wave pool in Japan - an ice village and hot springs with a panoramic forest views all in close vicinity. Tomamu has a total of 29 ski runs, five lifts and one gondola.


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Spike in Antigua and Barbuda bookings

FOLLOWING the #Antigua and #Barbuda Tourism Authority’s largest brand marketing campaign to date, there has been a strong uplift in bookings. The campaign which launched on 23rd June and ran across outdoor and digital platforms, promotes Antigua’s attractiveness beyond the beach. It was timed to encourage bookings to Antigua for a late summer holiday and to showcase how well the #destination works for holidays during these months.

Tour operator partners involved in the campaign have reported spikes in Antigua bookings with Kenwood Travel 33% up and British Airways Holidays 85% up for the last week of June following the campaign launch. Additionally, Kuoni has seen a sharp increase in Antigua honeymoon enquiries for the past month.

On top of the interest generated by the multi-platform marketing campaign, the peak in bookings, specifically in the honeymoon market could be attributed to Lionel Messi’s recent return from his honeymoon on Antigua which was reported heavily in the media. Prince Harry’s high profile royal visit last autumn will have also sparked interest into the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda.

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Picture Credit: Ian D. Keating 32008328@N08/35803601234 Pigeon Point Beach via photopin.

Accessible trains in Russia

THE Federal Passenger Company, a subsidiary of OJSC Russian Railways, has equipped more than 1,400 carriages on 47 branded and international and 7 express trains with removable gangways.

The removable gangways are very strong and have been installed to improve passenger safety and convenience when boarding train from the platform.

These gangways will allow passengers carrying a lot of luggage, families with children, elderly travellers and low mobility passengers on wheelchairs to board and leave the train without difficulty and overcome easily the gap between the train and the platform.

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Multi-Generation Safari

FOR families, there’s no topping the adventure of an African wildlife safari—and in #Africa, it’s tough to top #Botswana.

Natural Habitat Adventures is rolling out exciting changes in 2018 to its Family Botswana Safari, offering an even more diverse set of destinations, wildlife habitats and activities in a comprehensive yet compact 10-day safari. Big game and predators are abundant here, at the secluded tented camps, deep in the bush on private reserves and far from tourist crowds.

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Ski in Slovakia and stay at the Dragon's Lair

JASNA Adventures has launched its brand new built chalet in the #ski resort of Jasna, #Slovakia, opening in October 2017 in time for the winter season.

The Dragon’s Lair sleeps up to 19 people in five guest rooms, all with ensuite, that include two upstairs-downstairs family rooms, a double, a triple, and a large 2+2 room – there’s a fulltime chalet host, an outdoor jacuzzi, sauna and fitness area, plus a full bar downstairs.

Guests can choose whether they stay on a bed & breakfast or half-board basis. There’s also a private lift shuttle service that drops off and picks up guests at the slopes in as little as eight minutes drive.

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Tunisia's on the up as Brits return

TUNISIA recorded 1,527,891 tourist arrivals, up 46.2% from January 1 to May 20, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016 and on July 26 , the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) lifted its advice against travel to the majority of the country including Tunisia’s main tourism attractions.

#Tunisia is less than 3 hours flying from the UK with daily flights from London Heathrow and Gatwick airports to Tunis. It is a year-round destination blessed with 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, beautiful landscapes and beaches, world-class golf, great food and the Sahara Desert.

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Festivities in Samoa

A TRUE celebration of Samoan and Polynesian culture, the Teuila Festival is an annual event now in its 27th year, with many activities and shows being held across the country, particularly in Apia, Samoa’s capital city. The festival is named after the bright red teuila flower, the national flower of #Samoa and is frequently seen around the islands. This year’s festival will be running from 3rd to 9th September. Visitors will experience Samoan dance, arts, gastronomy and even traditional tattooing.

Every year thousands pour into the capital to witness the extravanganza that is the Opening Ceremony, held this year on 3rd September. The opening is a proud display of Samoan culture with a floral parade, the Siva Afi fire knife dancers and native music setting the scene for a further five days of festival fun. Another spectacular display is the Chief’s Fiafia show, where iconic dances and entertainment represent the cultural heritage of different South Pacific Islands.

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New journeys on the Napa Valley Wine Train

THE Napa Valley Wine Train recently launched new experiences, including the expansion of its inaugural and most successful tour to date, Quattro Vino, as well as new Twilight Private Tours that allows guests to enjoy an evening train journey and an exclusive dining experience. 

The Quattro Vino now includes four new tours—Legacy, Estate, Collective and a fourth tour to be announced soon—that offer an exciting culinary and wine adventure featuring stops at three of Napa Valley’s most renowned wineries aboard beautifully renovated 1915 Pullman railcars. 

The Twilight Private Tours launched July 22 and includes gourmet appetizers and wine tastings onboard, dessert and coffee upon return, and transportation to an exclusive evening dining experience at Raymond Vineyards or Grgich Hills Estate.

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August bank Holiday a boost to UK economy

RECENTLY published VisitEngland’s August Bank Holiday Trip Tracker survey shows that 6.9 million Brits are planning an overnight holiday trip in the UK this weekend, bringing an estimated £1.7 billion boost to the UK economy.

The figures show an increase on last year’s results when 5.1 million adults in Britain planned to take an overnight holiday trip in the UK during the August Bank Holiday weekend.

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Up in the air . . .

VIETJET has announced the launch of a new international route connecting Ho Chi Minh City with the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. The Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)-Jakarta route, a three-hour journey, will operate daily from December 20, 2017. 

THAI AIRWAYS International will introduce four weekly direct flights to Vienna from Bangkok from 16 November, 2017 with connections to/from Australia.

FLYBE, Europe’s largest regional airline, has extended its 2017 summer flying schedules from Southampton on four of its popular routes with additional flights to accommodate half term travel on Sunday 29th and Monday 30th October 2017. The extra flights to Alicante , Faro, Malaga and Palma Mallorca are available for booking now at www.flybe.com

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Holiday hopes and fears

NEW ZEALAND travellers holiday hopes and fears revealed From the elusive room upgrade, to the airline losing your luggage, the world’s biggest online travel agent, Booking.com, surveyed 500 Kiwis to discover what travellers wish for and dread when going away. The results reveal the top hopes and fears of the 21st century #NewZealand traveller, and highlights the potential issues travel professionals can reassure customers on. 

Five Great Hopes 

• Arriving to perfect weather
• Having a seamless travel experience
• Discovering a hidden gem
• Receiving and accommodation upgrade
• Easy accommodation check-in

Five Worst Fears 

• Lost luggage
• Accommodation not being as described / pictured
• Poor Wi-Fi
• Falling ill
• Forgetting something crucial

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Celebrate doing nothing

A NEW Caribbean hotel that celebrates the art of doing nothing is due to open in November 2018. Escapists will have the chance to experience life a little differently as a largely unknown #Caribbean concept is introduced to the world.

Guests at The Liming hotel on #Bequia (Bek-way) will be immersed in an experience shaped by the philosophy that doing nothing is an art form – a way of life embodied by the 5,000 inhabitants of the remote Caribbean island. 

Influenced by the serenity of nature, the destination will offer exquisitely designed, private one, two, four and five-bedroom villas set amongst the outstanding natural beauty of the Caribbean, expertly positioned to absorb the soft natural light of the Caribbean. Guests can choose to partake in a little of nothing while in their private infinity pool or by admiring the dark skies unspoiled by light pollution, each decision taken by The Liming has been carefully considered to provide guests with the freedom to just be.

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Australian tourists rethink travel plans as terrorism fears worsen

FOUR in five (84%) Australians fear flying with at least half blaming terrorism, finder.com.au, the site that compares virtually everything, has revealed.

Terrorist attacks on planes including the aircraft being hijacked is the major reason why Australians fear taking-off – instilling fear in 45% of Aussie jetsetters, according to a finder.com.au survey of 2,005 Australians. And it’s not just attacks in the air they are worried about.

High profile terrorist incidents in cities such as London, Berlin, Paris, Nice and most recently Barcelona have made Australians wary about traveling in Europe.


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Congestion on arrival in Malaysia

CONCERNS about delays and congestion experienced by tourists at Malaysia’s airports and immigration counters are being addressed by Tourism Malaysia.

YBhg. Dato’ Dr. Siew Ka Wei, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia said, “We are aware of this congestion at the airports from the various comments made directly to us as well as from postings made in blogs, and we would like to give assurance that we are working collectively with the immigration department and airport authority to address the delay in processing the entry of visitors to Malaysia.”

He continued, “We look forward to a quick solution since the situation has become critical. The coming months are the peak holiday season for many markets. In addition, the 2017 SEA Games is just around the corner for which we are expecting to welcome some 15,000 athletes and officials to Malaysia along with their army of supporters,” he added.

He said, “Tourists usually get a first glimpse of a country at the airport. The first impression there counts and will affect the rest of their holiday and time spent in our country. Let’s work together to provide a smooth welcome at their arrival by ensuring a hassle-free entry at the airport and immigration counters.”

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Mobile in Maribor

MARIBOR, the second largest city in #Slovenia, spans from the Pohorje hills on one side of the Drava river to the wine-growing hills on the other. Maribor has developed from a former industrial centre into an important cultural city in the eastern part of Slovenia. On the Drava River embankment, is also the Old Vine House with the oldest vine in the world. The confirmed age of the vine is over 450 years, which won it a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest noble vine in the world still bearing grapes.

Discover the city with the mobile app Visit Maribor. The app informs you which sights are located near your location, and in addition to this, it allows you to discover Maribor through four thematic trails.  The free mobile app is available in Slovene, English and German, works without an internet connection and it is really easy to use. Find it on Google Play or in the App Store.

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Speak like a local

YOUR shortest path to a conversation in a new language comes in the form of Babbel, who along with TripAdvisor joined forces earlier this year to inspire travelers and get them ready for their next city trip.

For this joint campaign, the companies have combined their expertise and built an interactive city-trip themed campaign website. 

The site features customized language lessons for some of the world’s most popular cities as well as recent TripAdvisor 2016 Travellers’ Choice Destination award winners: London, Paris, Rome, New York, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Rio de Janeiro, St. Petersburg, Istanbul and Ubud (Indonesia).

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Safe in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI has been named the safest city in the world by Numbeo, a website that curates and collates data to develop the world’s largest user-contributed database about cities and countries worldwide.

With the lowest crime index of just 13.54 in the past six months, and the highest safety index of 86.46, #AbuDhabi was well ahead of second place city, Basel, Switzerland in the scores for overall safety. Respondents to the index stated that Abu Dhabi has very low crime levels and scored the capital at 94 per cent for a general feeling of safety in the city.

Last month, Abu Dhabi was named the second-best city in the world to live, work and do business in, overtaking both London and Paris in the most recent Ipsos City Index.

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Formula 1 Powerboat Racing returns to London in 2018

FORMULA 1 Powerboat racing (F1H20) will return to #London for the first time in over 30 years, with organisers U.I.M announcing a London Grand Prix as part of the 2018 World Championship season.

The 2018 race will see around 24 drivers of the world’s leading F1 Powerboat drivers race around the iconic Royal Victoria Docks site in June next year.

The two-day race weekend (16-17th June) will give spectators the chance to see the lightweight and powerful catamarans race at speeds of up to 140mph. Showcasing the latest powerboat technology and engineering, the race will be part of London Tech Week 2018, Europe’s largest festival of technology and innovation.

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KAZA Univisa shortage in Zambia

WILD Horizons the adventure tour operator based in Victoria Falls has reported that there is presently a shortage of KAZA UNIVISA stickers in #Zambia. 

The entry points namely (Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, Victoria Falls Border Post, Zambian side and Kazungula Border Post, Zambian side) have run out of KAZA UNIVISA stickers.

The standard Zambian single and double entry visas will be available at these Ports of Entry until this matter has been resolved.

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Caves of the Ice Age become 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany

THE UNESCO World Heritage Committee has included a new site to its list: the caves of the Ice Age in the Swabian Jura in Baden-Württemberg. More than 50 artifacts mostly made of bone and ivory, were discovered in six caves in the Ach- and Lonetal. These archaeological sites and prehistoric works of art from the Ice Age allow researchers to draw conclusions about the earliest traces of human settlement. 

Visitors to #Germany will experience the works of the Ice Age in various historical #museums in Baden-Württemberg. The Prehistoric Museum Blaubeuren is a central museum for the Paleolithic period of the state of Baden-Württemberg. It displays, among other original finds, the "Venus vom Hohlenfels" and three flutes of the Ice Age. At various locations, visitors can not only marvel at the objects, but also try working with stone tools. 

The museum of the University Tübingen displays a 40,000-year-old figure of a horse made of mammoth ivory, called “Vogelherdpferd“, and a cave named “Vogelherdhöhle“ is part of the archaeological park Niederstotzingen. Other artifacts from the era of hunters and gatherers are on display in the permanent Stone Age exhibition of the Landesmuseum Württemberg in Stuttgart.

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Picture Credit: whc.unesco.org

PortAventura World named 2017 Best Amusement Park in Europe

SPANISH amusement park PortAventura World has been named the best theme park in Europe in the 2017 edition of the 'World of Parks Awards' (www.worldofparks.eu), by one of the leading online portals for theme parks and leisure.  

In addition, Dance Revolution, one of PortAventura Park’s most acclaimed shows, has been named ‘Best show in a European Theme Park’ for the fourth year running. Dance Revolution is a spectacular musical which takes the audience on a journey through the world of music from the 1940s and 1950s right through to the present day.

This award positions #PortAventura World among the best leisure and #family #holiday destinations in Europe. The resort has welcomed more than 70 million visitors over its 22 year history, and it is also the home of the PortAventura Park theme park, PortAventura Caribe Aquatic Park, the recently opened Ferrari Land, 5 hotels and a convention center.

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Grab a bargain with half a million discounted tickets on Virgin Trains

WHETHER you fancy a late summer break, an autumn staycation or are even thinking about exploring Christmas markets, look no further than Virgin Trains’ half price seat sale. Between Tuesday August 22 and Sunday August 28, you can bag huge discounts on selected advance tickets for travel between September 11 and December 20* to destinations along the east coast.

With half a million tickets up for grabs, there’s never been a better time to enjoy a trip to Britain’s vibrant east coast. From the cobbled streets of Edinburgh, to the bustling nightlife in Leeds, you can get to these and many more destinations along the route in style and comfort for half the usual price.

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Picture Credit: macspite 49767717@N00/1260864460 Penrith station with Virgin Pendolino via photopin.

Colorado: the best US state to ride a bike in

CYCLISTS from across the United States and abroad widely recognize #Colorado as a premier #cycling #destination, because of its natural beauty, variety of terrain, notable bike rides and races and soaring elevation. From world-class bike races like the Colorado Classic and the Breck Epic to a cruiser ride along the Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade or mountain biking the downhill trails at Winter Park (“Mountain Bike Capital, USA”).

Must-Experience Colorado Bike Trails and Rides:

Bike-friendly Fort Collins

Cycling opportunities prevail in and around Fort Collins, and getting to know the area atop two wheels offers a bounty of benefits. Road cyclists will appreciate the 285+ miles of relatively flat, wide bike lanes, trails and paths, including three main bike trails offering 19 miles of paved surface: the Poudre trail that follows the Cache La Poudre River; Spring Creek trail following the creek; and Fossil Creek trail covering miles of open prairie.

Blue River Trail in Silverthorne

The Blue River Trail is Silverthorne’s link to the county-wide paved trail system. The 3.5-mile, hard surface paved trail begins at the top of the Dillon Dam and ends at North Pond Park. The Blue River Trail offers a meandering, family-friendly paved trail with spectacular views.

High-Desert Biking in Eagle

Eagle is a high-desert town, which means an extended biking season and trails that are open into mid-December. Over 100 miles of single-track mountain biking trails and paved recreational trails are accessible. Riders can start on beginner trails like Haymaker and Eagle Ranch Loop and then advance to the technical Mike’s Night Out. Eagle Ranch Loop is great for families and various skill levels.

Maroon Creek Road in Aspen

Few bike rides in the world can match the drama of this eight-mile road ride. Riders will round a bend and suddenly view the iconic Maroon Bells, two 14,000-foot peaks striped with snow year-round. The trek takes riders 22 miles round-trip through a moderately difficult ride with unparalleled views.

Mineral Belt Trail in Leadville

Biking is a favorite sport on Leadville’s famous Mineral Belt Trail, where riders can see the tops of the towering Sawatch Range and remnants of 1880s silver mines, all on a paved, 11.6-mile loop around town. Portions of the trail follow old railroad grades, making for a pleasant ride around North America’s highest incorporated city, set at 10,152 feet.The trail winds through Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District.

Monarch Crest Trail in Salida

Thanks to the diverse ecosystem in Salida, there’s always great singletrack to be ridden in the middle of winter or during the heat of summer. The Monarch Crest Trail should be included on the Colorado mountain bike bucket list. From the Monarch Crest trailhead at Monarch Pass, riders will encounter singletrack, doubletrack, fire road, smooth and packed trails, rocky and loose trails and great views of nature and wildlife.

Trailheads in Niwot

The town of Niwot in Boulder County is known throughout the cycling community as one of the best spots to begin or end a ride. Home to mammals, birds and amphibians, these trails are perfect for nature-lovers. The 6.4-mile Niwot trail system is composed of easy trails and provides breathtaking mountain views and shady cottonwood-lined paths along irrigation canals.

Winter Park, Aka “Mountain Bike Capital, USA”

With over 600 miles of cross-country trails and two downhill bike parks, Mountain Bike Capital USA™ has it all: mellow rides, heart-thumping singletrack adventures and gravity-fed adrenaline. Winter Park plays host to numerous bike races and events all summer long. For the novice, seasoned cross-country biker, downhill racer or the want-to-learn-more-skills casual biker, there are a variety of events and trails to choose from.

Fruit & Wine Byway in Palisade

Choose from three different loops from five to 25-miles-long through mapped points of interest for those who want to stop and experience the agriculture and industry of the area. Explore historic downtown Palisade, tour along the scenic Colorado River and enjoy some of the best vistas of the Grand Valley, all while savoring fresh fruit from the beautiful orchards, or enjoying the lavender gardens, world class vineyards, premium wineries and fresh farm market fruit stands along the way.

7-Eleven Olympic Velodrome in Colorado Springs

Built in 1983 in preparation for the 1984 Olympic Games, the Colorado Springs Olympic Training Center Velodrome is the official training venue for U.S. Olympic and Paralympic track cycling and USA Roller Sports. The Velodrome features a 333.3-meter banked cement cycling track, which wraps around a 200-meter track for roller sports. The 1,000-seat facility is open to the public for community racing, and hosts local, national and international events throughout the year.

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On the runway . . .

JAMIE Oliver has visited Gatwick Airport to unveil his new flagship restaurant, The Diner, a homage to great American comfort food, serving up honest home-cooked dishes in a relaxed and vibrant setting.

The Diner is home to three distinct areas, a diner restaurant section serving food in a rustic way, on big trays or in baskets, making it perfect for sharing, an art-deco inspired bar plus also a ‘grab and go’ deli.

At 627 m2 the new arrival is one of the largest restaurants at Gatwick serving 278 covers.

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A shore thing

THE Whitsundays’ reputation as a world-class sailing destination is riding high with Airlie Beach to be a host port for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in 2018.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Kate Jones said the carnival was expected to attract more than 4000 visitors to the Whitsundays and generate more than $3 million for the local economy.

“The Whitsundays is a jewel in our tourism crown so for it to be confirmed as a host port for the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is another significant achievement,” she said.

“We all know the impact of Tropical Cyclone Debbie on this community but we also know the resilience and determination of the people and businesses in the Whitsundays.”

Airlie Beach will host the 12 yachts, their skippers and their international crew and supporters as the final stop of the Australian leg of the race, but the stopover will be complemented by a festival set to include a large scale welcome event, a regional rodeo and a spectacular lunch on the iconic Whitehaven Beach.


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A new level of luxury in Sri Lanka

LOCATED at One Galle Face along the Galle Face Green promenade, which is the most exclusive address in Colombo, #SriLanka. Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo will offer uninterrupted Indian Ocean views in most of its 500 guestrooms and suites and 41 serviced apartments. 

The hotel sits on 10 acres of land that will also soon accommodate an office tower, two residential buildings and a high-end shopping mall, bringing a new level of luxury to the thriving, metropolitan city of Colombo. The hotel is a 40-minute drive from the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport.

The hotel will begin taking bookings from 1 September 2017 for stays from 1 December 2017.

www.shangri-la.com   


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Picture Credit: pintrest