Posted January 13, 2010 by BookingBuddy
The UK’s recent cold snap may have had most people rugging up and turning up the heating. However, there’s always the odd one out, who insists that it’s just not cold enough, and then laughs at you for piling on the scarves. For these masochists, a trip to some of the coldest places on earth may be just the thing. Don’t forget to pack those mittens!
Oymyakon, Russia – The little village of Oymyakon has the dubious honour of recording the coldest air temperature in the Northern hemisphere. The mercury fell to a lowly -71
o Celsius back in 1926, and global warming hasn’t driven it much higher these days. The area is so cold that the surrounding water is completely frozen, and usable water has to be brought into the town by tankers.
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – This bustling Mongolian capital city lies 1300 metres above sea level, with temperatures in winter hovering around the -20
oC mark. Set in a valley on the Mongolian steppe, the temperature rises to a pleasant high of around 25
oC in July, before plunging back down to freezing temperatures again. Warm up with a mug of suutei tsai – tea with salt and milk – or a huge glass of Mongolian vodka.
Denali, USA – Also known as Mount McKinley, the loftiest peak in North America boast winter temperatures around -40
oC. You’d have to be a hardy mountaineer to scale the 6,194 metre peak and brave wind speeds of over 18 miles per hour while doing so. For a warmer – and less rugged – view of the peak, pay a visit to Denali National Park.
(Photo: nomadicfrontiers.org)
Posted January 6, 2010 by BookingBuddy
Skiing may be a fun way to stick to your New Year’s resolution to ‘exercise more’, but going to the same resorts in the Alps and seeing the same faces every year can get a little boring. So why not venture further afield and explore some more unusual ski destinations this season? You’ll be rewarded with unusual scenery and much lower prices, and you won’t have to waste hours queuing for the ski lifts with hordes of teenagers on their annual school ski trip.
Zakopane, Poland – This scenic town has been a well-kept Polish secret for ages, but more British skiers in the know have been venturing over there recently. Quad biking and snowmobiling are also available for adrenalin junkies, while those who prefer a slower pace can go for sleigh rides drawn by cute Polish ponies. All this activity can make a person really hungry, and the town offers a range of restaurants to satisfy your grumbling tummy. Choose from huge barbecued Polish sausages, hearty Italian meals, or even fondue-style meals.
Oukaimeden, Morocco – Skiing may not be an activity you associate with Marrakech, but there’s plenty of it available in this tiny ski resort about 45 miles from the city. Many families spend their time sledging, while others go simply for the view – at over 2600m, Oukaimeden is the highest ski resort in Africa and offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
Chimgan, Uzbekistan - The Tian-Shan mountain range provides an impressive backdrop to this picturesque ski resort about 85km from Tashkent. Most slopes are geared towards beginners, and the area is hugely popular with families. The rental station also provides snowboards and sleds for those who want to try something else. If you prefer a break from the slopes, the village nearby has horses for hire, and some villagers are willing to take in guests for a small fee. The resort itself has a vibrant nightlife, with several clubs playing throbbing dance music through the night.
(Photo: touruz.narod.ru)
Posted December 24, 2009 by BookingBuddy
The fairy lights and tree ornaments may be safely tucked away for another year, but that doesn’t mean that January has to be a bleak, boring month. There are plenty of exciting events around the country, and you won’t have to put up with jingly Christmas music at all. If ‘losing weight’ wasn’t one of your New Year’s resolutions, then lucky you, there are more reasons for you to stuff yourself this month too!
1st January – Hogmanay, EdinburghEdinburgh’ raucous New Year’s celebrations are world famous. This year, the city has organised a week of events bookending the actual day. On the day, expect to see a colourful carnival lighting up the city’s streets, with a street party afterwards to see in the New Year. There will also be choir concerts, dance performances, and a giant puppet making its way through the city centre.
6th January – Farewell to Christmas, Geffrye Museum, LondonCelebrate Twelfth Night at the Geffrye Museum in East London with music and feasting. There will be a bonfire in the garden, with holly and ivy being burnt. The museum also provides mulled wine and cake, with a bean and pea hidden in the cake. The two people to find the bean and pea will be made King and Queen for the day. Admission is free.
25th January – Burns Night, ScotlandHeld to celebrate the life of the poet Robert Burns, Burns Night suppers combine poetry and feasting, culminating in a fun filled night for all. Guests may be served haggis, cock-a-leekie soup, and dessert such as Tipsy Laird or cranachan. Burn’s most famous work ‘Auld Lang Syne’ will often be sung to signal the end of the supper.
(Photo: unique-events.co.uk)
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