Ready For Another Adventure?

Sunrise at Royal Palm Hotel Marrakech

Today’s the day I leave for South America! Over the next 24 hours I’ll be flying from London – Atlanta – Santiago, Chile.

While most of my trips happen reasonably last-minute, this is different. A few months ago, the idea was floated of visiting Chile for a month. I’ll admit, Chile is not a place that was on my ‘must visit’ list for this year.  I’d had vague plans to head to The Philippines and Thailand, as well as my resolution to see more of the UK in 2016. So where did this fit in? Was it sensible to go? No, probably not. Did I want to go? Hell yes!

View of El Valle De La Luna, Chile
View of El Valle De La Luna, Chile

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Mark Warner Ski Review: Beginner Ski Holiday

Me kitted out in my ski gear

Thinking of booking a beginner ski holiday? Find out more about learning to ski on a Mark Warner holiday in this first hand account. 

All the gear and no idea. That’s how I’d describe myself as I headed to Heathrow Airport on a dark  January morning ready for my first ever ski trip. I’d signed up to a beginner ski holiday with Mark Warner. 

Kitted out in newly purchased snow boots and a borrowed ski jacket, I felt like a massive fraud. I’ve never skied in my life. I struggle with activities that involve balance or co-ordination. Don’t even ask about my track record on a bike…

Mark Warner Ski Trip Tignes - 20

Despite this, I like to think of myself as a bit of adventurer, yes really! I’ve hang-glided in Rio De Janeiro, volcano boarded in Nicaragua and I’m an adrenaline freak when it comes to rollercoasters. I’ll try most things once. So why did the thought of hitting the slopes fill me with fear? Well for a start, who learns to ski at the age of 30?!

SKIING FOR BEGINNERS

Thankfully this was a ski trip to ease anxious sorts like me into this bizarre concept of sliding down a mountain with two planks strapped to my feet. From London, I travelled to the Mark Warner resort in Tignes Val Claret in the French Alps. It was a beautiful journey – with fir trees dusted in white powder, frozen lakes and frosty mountain peaks. My home for the next few days was the chalet-style Hotel L’Ecrin du Val Claret (full review coming soon). Covered in a snowy cotton-wool blanket, the hotel was beautifully cosy with large lounge areas, an inviting fireplace and a luxurious spa. I started to think I could fit in here.

 

Spectacular snowy drive in the Alps… Feels like Christmas all over again! #mwmoment

A photo posted by Chloë Gunning (@wanderlustchloe) on

Hotel L'ecrin Du Val Claret
Hotel L’ecrin Du Val Claret

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Things To Do In Nottingham – Caves, Restaurants And More

Hand and Heart pub, Nottingham

From fascinating caves to great pubs, find out the best things to do in Nottingham.

Nottingham – land of Robin Hood, Sherwood Forest and a football team I have no interest in. Home to a university I never visited. The birthplace of HP Sauce. Yes really. 

Oh, but hang on, what’s this. Nottingham: City of Caves? How had I never heard about this before? Earlier this year I visited Cappadocia in Turkey – a land of cave hotels and ancient underground cities, but it turns out there was another underground world just a few hours away by train.

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