Torres del Paine with a Twist
Looking to Laos: Southeast Asia Undiscovered
Asia expert, Sarah, tells us more. For most people, a trip to southeast Asia means ticking off a few of the world’s most famous sites; Vietnam’s Halong Bay, Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, the electrifying city of Bangkok, and of course, Thailand’s stunning beaches. Alongside these bucket-list behemoths, how could sleepy Laos even compare? Few people even know where it is, tucked away beyond the north of Cambodia and sandwiched between the thin spine of Vietnam to the east and Thailand’s famous Golden Triangle to the west. Sleepy it may be, but the fascinating history of Laos packs a cultural punch strong enough to satisfy even the most well-travelled of holidaymakers. Laos was besieged by more than two million tonnes of ordnance during the Second World War, the equivalent of one plane load of bombs being dropped every eight minutes over the course of nine consecutive years. This secret war has had a direct impact on Laos’ development as a tourist destination, and as a result it has fallen far behind the tourism mecca of Thailand, and the up-and-coming beach destination of Vietnam. Meeting the locals Sarah discovering Laos However, those who love getting off the beaten track will adore Laos, with its friendly locals, rich history and quaint French colonial buildings that bring a touch of European flair to a profoundly oriental setting. In Vientiane, Laos’ riverside capital, you will find tree-lined boulevards, crumbling patisseries and coffee shops, and a remarkably familiar looking Triumphal Arch. With a relatively large international airport, Vientiane is easily reached via global hubs such as Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Seoul, as well as offering easy connections with neighbouring towns in Vietnam and Cambodia. Laos has never been so easy to visit, either as a stand-alone destination or part of a wider itinerary. Buddha Park in Vientiane Patuxai in Vientiane, Laos Without a doubt, the jewel in Laos’ crown is Luang Prabang. This quiet mountain town has been a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, and it’s easy to see why. Despite being the capital of Laos until as recently as 1975, Luang Prabang has a dreamy and understated atmosphere, with low roofed wooden temples and winding cobbled lanes. The peaceful streets are almost empty of cars and motorbikes, a far cry from Vietnam’s capital Ho Chi Minh City which is home to 7.4 million motorbikes and counting. Instead, you’ll find saffron-robed monks walking alongside the river, or local people on bicycles travelling at a leisurely pace to and from the markets. At dawn, people gather in the streets to offer alms, the daily food offering for the hundreds of monks who silently file out of their temples into the morning light. The symbiotic relationship between Lao people and their spiritual representatives is perhaps the reason why Luang Prabang has remained such an untouched gem in a quickly developing world. Visit Luang Prabang for a glimpse of the spiritual richness of Laos Monks in Luang Prabang Although Luang Prabang may be in a truly remote area of Laos, don’t ever believe you can’t travel in style there. With a huge selection of boutique and international hotels, including the world-famous Aman brand’s offering in the area, Amantaka, Luang Prabang certainly offers a little something for everyone, whether you’re stopping for a while or just passing through. Amantaka by night Amantaka, Laos For those wishing to get thoroughly off the beaten track, northern Laos offers some of the most untouched scenery in southeast Asia. Travel by plane, boat and 4×4 to reach Oudomxay, Nong Khiaw and Muang La, home to remote hilltribes, dramatic landscapes and truly authentic experiences. Hike, bike, drive or float between local villages as you learn about the astonishing variety of Laotian tribes, numbering over 200 distinct ethnic groups, each with their own dialect, religion and traditional costume. The markets of Champasak Nong Khiaw in northern Laos In the south you’ll find the province of Champasak, bordering Cambodia and marking the start of the Khmer road, an ancient ritual highway which centuries ago linked the little-known temple of Wat Phou with its flashy big brother, Angkor Wat. Escape the tourist crowds of the Angkor temples with a trip instead around this lesser known but equally impressive site. While in Champasak you can also enjoy exploring the awe-inspiring 4000 islands, scattered amongst the raging waters of the Mekong or venture up onto the Bolevan plateau, cross-hatched with rivers and waterfalls. An adventure to southeast Asia doesn’t need to follow the same well-trodden tourist trail. For those looking for culture, excitement, activity, history, new cuisines and new experiences, Laos is undoubtedly a strong contender and certainly not to be sniffed at. With increasing foreign development in the area, and a rapidly growing desire for foreign tourism, we thoroughly recommend visiting this hidden gem now, before the first high-rise hotel beats you to it. Getting off the beaten track in Laos Stunning scenery abounds in Laos
Four Seasons Disney VIP Experience
There are several fantastic reasons to visit Walt Disney World Orlando, from the incredible theme parks and iconic characters to the fun-filled rides and interactive experiences. To put it simply, a visit to Disney is pure magic! This is an incredibly popular family destination, meaning it books up quickly and availability for preferred accommodation and flights can be tough to secure. This is where our Travel Specialists come in. With their insider knowledge and expert tips on which experiences will elevate your holiday, they’ll make a world of difference to planning an unforgettable trip. One way to make your family holiday to Disney truly memorable is with the Four Seasons Disney VIP Experience. Offered to Four Seasons Resort Orlando guests, the Four Seasons and Disney have partnered up to create a unique VIP service and experience during a day at one of the Disney theme parks. What is the Four Seasons Disney VIP Experience all about? After enjoying a first-hand experience of this offer, Rob Holmes, our Destination Manager for North America, provided an “in the know” overview of the exclusive VIP experience. Find out what you can look forward to, plus, enjoy some of his recommendations for a family trip to Orlando.
7 Best Beaches in Ecuador and the Galapagos
While travellers might rush to the legendary Galapagos Islands, mighty Andes mountains, and iconic Amazon rainforest, Ecuador’s beach towns deserve their moment in the spotlight too. Because, dotted all around the country’s coast are palm-fringed beaches laden with soft golden sand, pristine turquoise waters, laid-back villages, and wildlife to rival the rest of this megadiverse country. There is a beach for everyone, from surfers to bird watchers, sunbathers to snorkellers, and plenty in between. They are uncrowded, hot all year round, and the water is perfect for swimming in. Ecuador’s coast is abuzz with life, whether that’s from the creative energy at popular places like Montañita or the excitement of snorkelling with turtles in the Galapagos Islands. At other beaches, things are more languid. Think of long lunches in beachside restaurants or whale watching while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. Whatever type of beach feeds your wanderlust, read on to start planning your holiday... The Best Beaches to Visit in Ecuador and the Galapagos Ecuador’s best beaches are found all over the country, from the mainland to the Galapagos Islands and they each offer something different for the discerning traveller. Here are seven, selected by our travel specialists. Best beach for snorkelling: Bartolome Island, Galapagos Most off-the-beaten-track beach: Los Frailes Machalilla National Park Best beach for wildlife: Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Best beach for sunsets and birdwatching: Isabela Island, Galapagos Best beach for surfing: Montañita Best beach for laid-back village life: Mompiche Best beach for families: Puerto Lopez 1. For Snorkelling: Bartolome Island, Galapagos Snorkelling amongst the wildlife off Bartolome Island’s Pinnacle Rock is an unforgettable experience. Sea turtles, playful penguins, and speedy sea lions will swirl and twirl around you as you float in the calm water. This is one of the best beaches in Ecuador to explore the colourful underwater world that it has to offer. Many Galapagos cruises stop at Bartolome Island, but it is also an accessible day trip from Santa Cruz. The water is deep – ranging from 4 to 10m – so snorkellers need to be strong swimmers. 2. Off the Beaten Track: Los Frailes, Machalilla National Park Arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Ecuador, Playa Los Frailes is off the beaten path, but well worth the journey it takes to get there. And, thanks to its remote location, it’s rarely crowded, providing a private-like experience. This crescent-shaped shore surrounded by cliffs is an easy day trip from Ecuador’s beach town of Puerto Lopez. You can reach it by road but it’s the scenic hikes that will reward you with the most breathtaking views on arrival. Once there, explore the expansive white sand beaches, dive into the blue water, and look out for schools of colourful fish swimming below. This is a beach for those looking for a peaceful day by the ocean to walk, swim and relax. Guayaquil is a gateway to Ecuador’s beautiful coastline and the Galapagos islands. We recommend staying at Hotel del Parque or Hacienda La Danesa for a day or two before journeying on to Puerto Lopez or Montañita Beach, both of which are good bases for exploring Machalilla National Park. 3. For Wildlife: Tortuga Bay, Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Beautiful Tortuga Bay is named after the black turtles that happily swim through its crystal-clear waters. But it’s not just turtles that make this Galapagos beach so magical. There are marine iguanas, flamingos, brightly coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs, and sea lions. Or, if you rent a canoe and head further out to sea you might even see sharks circling below. Tortuga Bay is a splendid stretch of beach, set against a backdrop of mangroves on one side and aquamarine waters on the other. The gently shelved beach is perfect for paddling if you’re travelling to the Galapagos with children. The beach can be reached by water taxi from Puerto Ayora or might be part of your cruise itinerary. The charming Finch Bay Eco Hotel is a fantastic place to base yourself when exploring Santa Cruz, it has a private boat that will take you out to explore the island’s beaches. Further inland is Pikaia Lodge, which also has a boat for sea-bound excursions like fishing, snorkelling, and scuba diving. 4. For Sunsets and Birdwatching: Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Galapagos All around Isabela Island are coves, bays, and islets to discover, each in its own pocket of nature. One of the best of the Galapagos beaches is Puerto Villamil, two miles of white sand making up one of the longest stretches of beach in the archipelago. Prehistoric-looking marine iguanas guard the beach, while pink flamingos balance elegantly in nearby lagoons. This is bird-watching heaven, from the naughty frigate birds hoping to steal a snack, to pelicans and blue-footed boobies. Plus, there is a giant tortoise breeding centre just around the corner, and bars and restaurants in which to sit and sip a cocktail while the sun goes down. To reach Isabela, you’d need to book a Galapagos cruise. Many of the yachts’ itineraries will include Isabela, so speak to our travel team about your requirements and they’ll find the right one for you. 5. For Surfing: Montañita Beach Famous for its surf culture and laid-back vibe, this Ecuador beach town will be popular with teens thanks to its buzzy nightlife, which attracts artists, musicians, and travellers from all over the world. It is also a great place to catch some waves, offering good surfing for all levels, although it’s the left-hand break ‘La Punta’ that avid surfers flock into the town for. Lush hills and rolling mountains surround the area and if you can tear yourself away from the beach, they’re just the place to go hiking or horse riding. Back by the water, there is whale watching to be done, or just kick back under the palm trees with an ice-cold drink. 6. For Village Life: Mompiche Cocooned by a lush jungle filled with monkeys, birds, and butterflies, and lined with palm trees, Mompiche Beach is as picturesque as it gets. Its long sweep of golden sand is another popular spot with surfers, but the village life is a little slower-paced and more relaxed than Montañita. Its waves reflect that more bohemian feel, making it one of the best beaches in Ecuador for beginner surfers. There’s also kite surfing and windsurfing for the more adventurous, or just stunning walks for those looking for a barefoot, fuss-free Ecuador beach holiday. For Mompiche and the Esmeraldas Coast, fly into Quito and stay at Illa Experience Hotel or Casa Gangotena to explore the city before traveling on to the beaches. 7. For Families: Puerto Lopez Puerto Lopez is one of the best beaches in Ecuador for families. Giving the Galapagos a run for its money, this area is home to a myriad of wildlife, found both in the waters and the nearby Machalilla National Park. Inside its forests are howler monkeys, iguanas, and over 270 bird species. Look out for the magnificent frigatebird, blue-footed booby, and brown pelican. Meanwhile, out snorkelling or swimming in the calm water brings about dolphins, green sea turtles, olive ridley sea turtles, and hawksbill turtles. And, if you’re visiting between June and September voyage out to sea to spy on the incredible humpback whales, which migrate there. Aside from soaking up all the amazing animal life, the beach is beautiful for swimming in and playing on, and there are hikes, horse riding, and plenty of family-friendly accommodation options. Choosing Your Perfect Beach When choosing where to go for your Ecuador beach holiday consider if you’d like to tie it in with other stops, like visiting Quito, the Amazon Rainforest, or the Galapagos for example. Guayaquil is the gateway to the islands, where many cruises depart from, and is just a few hours south of Puerto Lopez, Los Frailes, and Montañita Beach, making them all great options to head to after your cruise and find your land legs again. Further north, there’s Mompiche, which is the best beach close to Quito. Which Ecuador beach you think is the nicest will be down to what you look for in a perfect shore. Is it about the idyllic scenery and a remote location, or the perfect left-hand break? Are you looking for exotic wildlife, adventure and hiking, or buzzing village life? Scott Dunn’s travel specialists will help you select the right location for you. Lastly, think about when you’re visiting Ecuador’s beaches. While they rarely get crowded, its peak season attracts international and domestic tourists and hotel prices spike. This typically runs from mid-December to early January, as well as during Carnival in February or March. Start Planning Your Trip to Ecuador’s Beaches Today No matter your tastes, there’s a beach in Ecuador and the Galapagos for you. If you want a tailor-made trip, fill out our enquiry form to get in touch with our travel experts and start planning your perfect beach holiday now. If you’re still looking for ideas, then check out our itineraries which are bursting with adventure.
Why Sri Lanka Should be on Your Bucket List
Though the list of what makes Sri Lanka so special is endless, Asia Travel Expert, Kirsty has narrowed it down to her top five reasons, and it isn’t an understatement to say it was very hard to pick just five… After spending an extensive 16 nights in Sri Lanka I am already planning my return. Just a small island located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse and truly is a destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a couple on your honeymoon, a family of five, a self-proclaimed foodie, or obsessed with wildlife, you will find a reason to love this culturally rich island. During my trip I was fortunate enough to see all the highlights and more, so in no particular order, here are my top 5 reasons why I think Sri Lanka should be on everyone’s bucket list: The Food If you find yourself heading to Sri Lanka for a vacation, chances are you’ve already been told how incredible the food is. From spicy homemade curries to fruit salads that contain produce handpicked that morning, this tropical island has something to satisfy everyone’s appetite. Predominantly their meals are curry based, but if you’re not good with spice it doesn’t matter as the chefs will accommodate everything to your taste buds. While there make sure you try the local specialties of buffalo curd with treacle, and egg hoppers, these were my personal favourites. Sri Lankan dishes at Amangalla Classic Sri Lankan food The People I cannot say enough good things about the people of Sri Lanka. They are all so incredibly hospitable and everywhere you go I can guarantee you will be greeted with a refreshing towel and some sort of fresh juice. It is in Sri Lankan’s nature to accommodate everyone for free, simply because they want to, so while there expect to get a lot for nothing. At Scott Dunn we hand select the best drivers and guides, who will be with you throughout your stay. While I was there I was lucky enough to be guided by one of our finest. My colleague Tory commented that ”if everyone in the world was a little more like him, the world would be a better place” and having spent a large amount of time getting to know the locals, I think this is true for the majority of Sri Lankan’s. Classic Sri Lankan fishermen Locals in Sri Lanka The Wildlife Despite the fact that I grew up in South Africa and was constantly on safari, I didn’t see my first leopard until I went on safari in Sri Lanka. Within 20 minutes into my first game drive in Wilpattu National Park, our rangers had spotted a leopard sitting on a rock. While we were watching her, a sloth bear walked behind the vehicle. So, we had a leopard in front of the car and a sloth bear behind us, and no idea where to look – it was an incredible experience. Since Sri Lanka is home to elephants, sloth bears, leopards, and over 435 species of bird, don’t be surprised if it happens to you too. leopard that Kirsty saw! Elephant in national park My top safari destinations are Leopard Trails in Wilpattu and Leopard Trails in Yala. If you want to be near a park, and only safari once or twice then I highly recommend a few nights stay at Wild Coast, it’s one of my favourite properties in Sri Lanka. Aerial view of Wild Coast Leopard Trails in Yala National Park The History & Culture As small as Sri Lanka may be, it has an incredibly rich history. Sri Lanka is famous for its Cultural Triangle which consists of ancient monuments, royal cities, and Buddhist temples that are unlike anywhere else. From the Ancient fortress on top of Sigiriya Rock to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, there is a lot of history and ancient artifacts to admire in Sri Lanka. However, if temples are not necessarily your thing, then definitely don’t forget about the incredible views from the tea plantations. In the Hill Country, you quickly realize just how apparent the British colonial influence and culture still is. Kirsty at Sigiriya Rock Ancient site in Sri Lanka My favourite hotel to stay in the culture triangle is Water Garden and in the Hill Country, Tea Trails. Water Garden Tea Trails The Beaches Don’t get me wrong, I love a city break as much as the next person, but personally I believe for a vacation to truly be relaxing and complete there needs to be some beach time incorporated into the itinerary and this is why Sri Lanka is an ideal location. After you have finished running through true cultural triangle and game spotting on safari, head to the South Coast to experience some of the island’s most pristine beaches and luscious rows of palm trees. Whether you want to spend every day in the water surfing, tanning by an exquisite pool, or being catered to in your private beach villa, Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone. Kirsty enjoying some beach time in Sri Lanka Beautiful beach in Tangalle, Sri Lanika My favourite beach destinations in Sri Lanka are TARU Villa Rock, Amanwella, and Claughton House. Swimming Pool view at Amanwella Claughton House
Guiding You in the Right Direction
Many visitors to a city feel that they can buy a guide book and read it page by page as they stroll around. Only to realize, with a painful thump, that their health is at risk. As you walk past a wonderful view, busily scanning your page for the snippet of information that will make you appreciate the view, you are likely to walk into someone doing the exact same thing. Fellow travellers are full of things that hurt- cameras, caps and foreheads. It can be a painful and embarrassing experience, leaving you both trying to apologize for the collision in each other’s language while rubbing your sore head and bruised ego. No one has a story that starts “My fondest memory of Rome is the time I broke my nose… “ Italy Louise enjoying Italy Don’t get me wrong, I love guidebooks and have a shelf full them with well thumbed, highlighted and bookmarked pages. I love to read about a destination in the months leading up to the trip, but I have found that there is a much better and safer option than trying to use them while exploring. A good guide knows the best spots Louise boating on the Amalfi Using a local guide can take all of the hazards away; they are adept at navigating the busy streets and canals, steering you away from the bottlenecks that form when tourists are left to wander unattended and helping you gain access to the places that others don’t know about. It is a skill worth its weight in gold. The backstreets and alleyways that they can confidently take you to will often give you a glimpse of the authentic way of life a city has rather than the well-trodden paths of polished and over exposed sights the masses only see. Winding roads Italy Hidden markets Guided canal trip of Venice Recently I spent time in Italy and Greece and was lucky enough to explore many cities and villages under the expert guidance of our local partners. They were truly experts and had a level of knowledge that no guide book could give. My guide for a tour of the Acropolis in Athens had a PhD in Archaeology, the same was true in Rome and Florence. Not only did these guides have a wealth of expertise in their field, but also had an ability to make it relatable and relevant to their audience. Gauging how much we wanted to learn was a key to keeping us interested and engaged and it took real skill to do this effortlessly while dodging around crowds, negotiating traffic and finding shade for us Colosseum, Rome Louise's private tour of ruins in Italy Scott Dunn works with some excellent guides, with access to hard to get tickets, private viewings and the ability to skip the lines, they also have the type of knowledge that only someone who lives and breathes the place can gather. Our partners will make you feel like a VIP, not just another tourist, and you will return with a wealth of memories, interesting information and local stories. VIP access to the most famous landmarks Louise sitting back and relaxing because of her guide A great guide can really take the headache out of a visit, we can help you to make the most of your time in a city and fill your head with wonderful memories rather than bruises.
Why Spetses Should be on Your Bucket List
Not many people know the small island of Spetses. Home to 4,027 inhabitants, the island has one town which houses 4,001 of those inhabitants. Spetses has come to be known in wealthy Greek circles as the place to see and be seen. Many own villas on the island and come for the summer to relax and rejuvenate. For the rest of the world however, Spetses is a relative unknown. In my travels through Greece I was assumed to be very knowledgeable about the Greek Islands for just having been there. What a novelty considering I hadn’t even known that it existed before the trip! Spetses is such an amazing location that is off the beaten track with a luxury all its own. Here are just a few reasons why everyone should want to visit. Sierra in Greece Spetses Coastline 1. Historical Significance Spetses history goes back to 8000 B.C. Quite a long stretch of time to cover, but the most significant moments in its history are from the early 18th century. Greek merchants based on the island during this time worked on both sides of the trade embargoes during the Napoleonic Wars, creating great profit for Spetses. Arguably the most significant moment comes in 1821 when Spetses became the first of the Greek islands to declare open revolution against the Turks in the Greek War of Independence. Led by war heroine Bouboulina, merchant ships raided the Turkish coast, sieging fortresses and participating in a great many naval battles. The museum dedicated to Bouboulina is well worth a visit, especially as it is within her old home. Harbor in Spetses Statue of Bouboulina 2. Poseidonion The Poseidonion Hotel is your ideal stay on the island. In the early 1900’s the island was flooded during the autumn with Athenian hunters. Once Sotirios Anargyros, a Spetses-descended US-tobacco tycoon, saw the need for a hotel on the island he quickly built Poseidonion for the wives and children of the hunters. The high society, royalty, and rich from around Greece have found the hotel and the island to be the perfect vacation spot. The Poseidonion offers an oasis on the waterfront, with views, spa, and comfort awaiting every traveler. Poseidonion Hotel beautiful views at the Poseidonion 3. Island Transportation The transportation on the island is unique. Just a few minutes walking around the town reveals a distinct lack of motor vehicles. In fact, for the most part, cars are not allowed on the island. Instead, the locals drive mopeds, motor scooters, and motorcycles. Also seen driving through the streets are horse drawn carriages. Obviously mostly occupied by the few tourists, it can be a great date idea or even a fun way to get to the other side of town without walking. What a fantastic experience to see motorcycles driving right by a horse drawn carriage with a group walking right next to them. Most people, however, choose to walk through town. Everything is close by and nothing is off limits for the adventurous! Horse drawn carriage in Spetses Spetses modes of transport 4. Lux and Local Blend There is no better vacation than feeling completely taken care of in luxurious fashion, while still blending in with the local culture. Spetses is ideal for this experience. While staying at the Poseidonion, you can take just a few steps outside of the hotel to see the main town. Small coffee shops and local merchants are on every street and around every corner. There are local and “touristy” eating spots well within reach. The wealthy Athenian vacationers walk down the street next to the Spetsiot locals. Luxury yachts can be seen floating at the hotel docks next to the fishing boats and water taxis. It is a one-of-a-kind experience. yacht lined harbor in Spetses Spetses 5. Beaches and the Uninhabited Section As I mentioned before, Spetses is only inhabited in one town. Quite an interesting experience at first but exploring the rest of the island is well worth it. Between 25 to 30 kilometers of trails span the island. Hiking these trails leads you through heavily forested areas and can drop you right at any number of beautiful beaches. Beaches such as Zogeria, Agioi Anargiroi, and Agia Paraskevi can also be reached by public bus from the old port. Exploring this untouched land is an excellent use of a day or two. Secluded beaches in Spetses Spetses
Antarctica packing list
If you’re asking this question, fear not, because our Latin Expert, Alison has recently returned for Antarctica and knows exactly what you’ll need from the bottom up. Here’s our packing guide for your next Antarctica expedition. Top tip Layers are critical when dressing for Antarctica, the air trapped between each layer helps with insulation. Additionally, Antarctic weather is often unpredictable and bringing adequate layers will allow you to add on and peel off various items as needed based on the temperature. Cotton is not your friend in polar regions so avoid it at all costs. Alison in Antarctica layered outfits in Antarctica Entire body Long underwear is essential and comes in many forms. Silk or merino wool long underwear is extremely light weight but very warm. Insulated, moisture wicking synthetic leggings also work well. Depending on the excursion day you may want 2 layers of long underwear underneath your clothing, but these layers can often be re-worn more than once. Waterproof long underwear Antarctica Feet Bring 2 pairs of tall, wool socks or insulated moisture wicking socks per excursion day. Many of these types of socks can be worn more than once. It is appropriate to bring some cotton socks to wear when warm and cosy aboard the ship, but they should not be worn on excursions under any circumstances as they will hold moisture and freeze. Wool socks Showing off boots in Antarctica Waterproof boots for excursions will be provided on board. The boots provided are tall, high quality insulated gum boots made of rubber and neoprene. You will be asked for your shoe size prior to departure and also given the opportunity to switch out sizes on board to ensure the perfect fit. Insulated snow boots Penguin Antarctica Legs Moisture wicking undergarments are ideal and are far preferable to cotton. It is possible to buy undergarments specifically designed for hiking and active experiences, this is what you want to look for. Any moisture that is trapped inside can become quite cold and can potentially freeze. Women will want to wear sports bras or similar active styles. Hiking pants work well over long underwear and should be comfortable. Do not wear jeans or similar cotton pants under any circumstances as they will hold moisture and become stiff and heavy before eventually freezing. Waterproof pants are required for most voyages and with good reason. Gore Tex is absolutely ideal and will feel more flexible in the cold than typical rain pants. This should be the top layer on your bottom half; worn on top of you hiking pants as well as 1-2 layers of long underwear. Water poof snow pants Hiking Antarctica Torso Wool, polar fleece or a combination of multiple moisture wicking long sleeve shirts are ideal. Half zip tops work well as they typically have a tall collar that can also provide neck protection like a turtle neck. Over your long underwear, 2-3 layers are recommended on top. An ultra-light synthetic puffy coat is also advisable as a layer beneath your waterproof coat. A rather stylish, waterproof jacket will be provided to you on board and makes you look and feel like part of the expedition team. You will be asked for your jacket size prior to departure and like the waterproof boots, given an opportunity to switch sizes on board if needed. The jacket will have a waterproof hood which will be useful in addition to a hat. Alison in Antarctica Group wearing matching jackets Waterproof gloves are non-negotiable. Be sure to think about the mobility of the gloves and if you will have the ability to do all of the things you want to do on excursions – such as taking photos. Dexterity is key! Additionally, touch screen gloves are perfect if you plan to take photos with your phone – frost bite is not uncommon when taking off gloves to use photo touch screens. Pleaneau Island, Antarctica Photographing king penguins Head Neck protection is also critical, and a neck tube or balaclava is perfect as those garments also cover your ears, chin and mouth. A significant amount of heat escapes from the top of your head, so a high-quality wool beanie hat is a must. Another necessary item is sunglasses or ski goggles for both wind protection and the possibility of bright sunshine. If you are lucky enough to experience blue skies the reflection off of the snow is intense and snow blindness can be a real danger without sunglasses. Alison protecting her face Sunglasses are key Extra Sun screen the last item you will need to adequately protect yourself from the harsh Antarctic winters. Even when very cloudy, sunburn is a real possibility. Now you are ready to go to Antarctica, enjoy! Alison taking penguin selfies Polar plunge
A Winter Wonderland in the Wild West
Montana, aptly known as “Big Sky Country”, is home to little over a million people living in an area that is significantly larger than the United Kingdom (with its 66 million residents). Here, the clear sky stretches above you due to the minimal light pollution and the mammoth Rocky Mountains cut through the state. The remaining landscape is filled by vast valleys, dense forests and pristine lakes, with a spattering of small cities in between. The land is used for a large variety of agriculture, the majority of which are wheat fields and cattle ranches. These remote ranches are nestled in stunning locations with rivers running through and monumental mountains as a backdrop, so they make an idyllic spot to spend time relaxing, breathing in the fresh air and embarking on some exciting activities. This is why some of these ranches have been bought for the sole purpose of hosting guests looking for a taste of Big Sky Country life. Scott Dunn has selected a handful of luxury offerings, so that after a day of riding, rafting, rifle shooting and all the rest, you can retire to an authentic cabin with wooden beams, homely rugs and a roaring fire, before enjoying Ralais & Chateaux dining. Its true that Montana ranches are primarily associated with summer activities such as fishing, rafting, hiking and so on but I visited during December, when the first snowfall coated the ground and the fire roared inside, ready for hot chocolate and s’mores. Montana is perfect if you want to do something a bit different And there's lots to entertain you In the winter months, there is a plethora of thrilling activities on offer, activities such as skiing (downhill and cross-country), snowshoeing, snowmobiling and horse riding are all firm favourites. However, there are also more unusual options that will lead to plenty of attention on your social media accounts! During our time on the ranch there was a fair amount of horsing around, skijoring is a good example: bung on some skis and cling on to a rope for dear life whilst a wrangler gallops off in front of you on horseback! You can also try your hand at wrangling cattle in Cow Croquet: players on horseback take it in turns to try to “push” cows through gates to score points. Alternatively, you can tick an adventure off your bucket-list, and swap horse-power for paw-power by going Dog Sledding! Let me talk you through a typical day: firstly there was breakfast, where hearty food is served with a smile and in generous quantities that set you up perfectly for a full day of action! Then it’s time to change into your winter-gear before meeting the guide down at the concierge desk and embarking on that morning’s adventure. I think morning snowmobiling was my favourite activity; it was exciting and picturesque, with wonderfully fresh mountain air! Head back to the ranch and change your clothes, grab some lunch, maybe sit and read a book by the fire for a while. The afternoon usually involves something a bit less physically strenuous, for example shooting – I was unsure about shooting to begin with but after hitting a couple of targets and getting in the rhythm of reloading, it was addictive! My instructor seemed to have fun as well, whooping, cheering and telling me I could be a field agent…he was a very entertaining man! My top tip: if you have a free afternoon or some time before dinner, the Montana ranches all have great spas on site…my masseuse seemed to take great pleasure in seeking out and destroying the many nots that I had accumulated over the trip! These ranches are all about cosiness And the food is truly exceptional The days activities may be adventurous but the evenings are indulgent. Whether you fancy simple farm-to-table dining or exquisite Raleigh & Chateau meals, mouth-watering traditional Montanan food is served up – a particular highlight was a five-course tasting menu which was complimented by a couple of tequilas in the saloon! End the evening curled up in front of a crackling fire or get to know your fellow guests. The Ranch at Rock Creek has a full three-lane bowling alley in the saloon which is entertaining for all ages or saddle up at the bar on the authentic cowboy saddles (though I would recommend limbering up before, I can’t say I found it particularly comfortable). Coyote Populated by countless wildlife Its a great way to experience the real Wild West! I would be remiss if I didn’t mention another huge draw to this area: the wildlife! The bears may be fast asleep in the winter but the ranch’s varied terrain draws all manner of deer, elk, moose, big horn sheep, wolves, coyotes, beavers, foxes and bald eagles, which you can go in search of on a half or full day of wildlife viewing. Prior to our stay in Montana, we visited the Lamar Valley in Yellowstone, often referred to as America’s Serengeti, and we were blown away by the beauty and sheer abundance of life. A definite highlight of the trip was hearing wolves howling over the stony silent valley. These ranches may be remote but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t easily accessible by a few small domestic airports via Seattle, San Francisco and many other wonderful detours (depending on seasonality). The ranches sit about four hours’ drive away from Jackson Hole where you can ski and also use it as a base to embark on wildlife safaris to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (in both summer and winter) before heading to a ranch, so the options are vast! In Summary, my time in Montana was amazing, I embarked on unique activities that I feel would be hard to find elsewhere and I saw numerous animals (within an hour of being in Yellowstone we’d had a “three dog day” by spotting a couple of coyotes, a fox and a pack of wolves albeit from a distance). The winter was a truly magical time to visit, it was more accessible than it looks on a map and every part of the experience at these ranches was amazing. I have to say that The Ranch at Rock Creek, in particular, was magical: the service was exceptional, the food was exceptional, the styling of the rooms were exceptional, every single detail from the moment we arrived to the moment we left was exceptional! This is a trip that I would thoroughly recommend to anyone considering it, a Winter Wonderland in the Wild West!
Exploring the Valley of the Moon
