Poland

Go Off-Piste In Offbeat Destinations

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)

Categories: Holiday Ideas, January, Morocco, Poland, Uzbekistan, Winter
Discussion: Comments (0)

City Breaks In Krakow – Krakow Hotels

Posted September 8, 2009 by BookingBuddy

Often referred to as the cultural capital of Poland, Krakow is full of activities for any visitor. Situated on the scenic banks of the Vistula River, this historic city has a beautiful Old Town (Stare Miasto) that has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Krakow’s location in the south of Poland provides it with a lovely temperate climate that is perfect for sightseeing, although be sure to wrap up if you’re visiting in winter, as it often snows during that period.

See
Market Square (Rynek Glowny) – This beautifully preserved square dates back to the 13th century, and is the largest market square in Europe. The gigantic Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is situated in the middle of the square, although you’re more likely to find kitschy souvenirs in there these days. Lining the Square are loads of chic little cafes and restaurants, where you can rest your feet and people-watch while sampling Polish delicacies.

Stay
Hotel Columbus – Located close to the picturesque Vistula River and only a short walk from the Market Square, the Columbus is a small and peaceful hotel in a bustling city. With only 24 rooms, guests can relax in comfort and retreat to their rooms to recover from the busy streets right outside. Fill up on their generous complimentary breakfast spread in the morning, and it’ll give you enough energy to power around for most of the day. Room rates start at around £100.

Eat
Wierzynek – One of the oldest restaurants in Krakow, this classy restaurant in the Old Town serves up hearty, traditional Polish cuisine in an elegant setting. The carnivores among you might like the steak tartar – raw beef mixed with eggs and various spices. Be sure to order some traditional Polish dumplings (peirogi) too – plump, tasty morsels stuffed with meat and mushrooms that are guaranteed to have you loosening your belts afterwards.

Check here for flights to Krakow.

(Photo: traveltokrakow.com)

Categories: City break destinations, Europe, Krakow, Poland
Discussion: Comments (0)