Archive for the ‘travel essentials’ Category
go wild outdoor music festival
Jamaica rocking on the slopes
AP Childs is back with more musical tales and alpine antidotes that will have our minds drifting off to the sunny slopes of Avoriaz for the weekend.
Tuesday saw the blazing alpine sun return and joyful skiers heading off early morning in their droves to catch the fresh and crisp layering. Festival wise it’s an exciting prospect as there is significant ground to cover between the two shows of the day. First up Joyce Jonathan, a young singer-songwriter and recent winner of music sensation of the year here in France at the NRJ Music awards. To catch her show it involved tipping yourself down a blue moving up to red run from the resort of Avoriaz to Les Lindarets! A hairy trip for a beginner and quite understandable to see some members of the press hitching rides on skidoos that would take them round the long way through the lush pine forests.
Madalena
No time to hang around as a ski across the border into Switzerland is on the cards in order to catch big indie promise of the festival, Jamaica. This involves a big lift over Pointe De Mossette by chair then down a fast, and sometimes precarious run into Les Crosets. The French duo Jamaica is on stage and it is immediately apparent they possess a pure pop sensibility. One is reminded of Haircut 100, or Joe Jackson until the ravishing lead guitar breaks of Antoine Hilaire splinter the mountain air bringing the vibe right back into am almost grunge-like rock territory. Again, hats off to whoever is controlling the sound as Jamaica continue to soar as the show goes on. Accessible pop with killer tunes!
Back in Avoriaz it’s Wednesday morning and the glory continues to shine down from on mountain high. Today is the turn of young French songstress Madalena. A percussive acoustic sound with additional accordion ensuring the mountain is awash with an ethereal atmosphere one would imagine for an event of this nature. Madalena sings in a mix of French and English which I suppose hints at a desire for international recognition. She encapsulates the growing midday crowd with a sensual performance and cool and dreamy delivery.
Considering we’re dealing with a good few shows around many resorts across the Portes du Soleil region the organization of this festival seems to be running along quite effortlessly. The current weather they say is that of late April/early May which of course cannot be controlled, and of course it has altered a few of the plans so far where the pistes are concerned, but it doesn’t seem to be taking anything away from the festival as a whole. As long as the skiing remains good, and further up the mountains and the music keeps flowing then one can only look forward to enjoying the next few days.
More to follow…
(3 votes, average: 2.67 out of 5)
Loading ...take the jet, hold the lag
take the jet, hold the lag
Though pills, potions, and luxurious crèmes can help mask the signs of flight fatigue, the secret to looking and feeling fresh upon arrival is actually a matter of science. Exercise physiologist for Equinox Fitness Clubs in the US, Geralyn Coopersmith, shares tips for true first class travel:
sneak in some last minute cardio
Sweat before you jet: To fight in-air swelling, squeeze in a cardio workout as close to departure time as possible — two hours prior to boarding is ideal. “Getting your heart pumping is the best way to increase blood flow throughout your body,” says Coopersmith. “That way blood will be less likely to pool in certain areas.”
Upgrade: Get up from your seat and walk down the aisle once every hour. “This will increase circulation and keep you from feeling lightheaded and drowsy,” says our Equinox expert.
Take security measures: Though shoes may start to feel snug in flight, that compression can control swelling. “If your pair is squeezing too much, try flexing and pointing your feet and sketching the alphabet with your toes in the air to loosen up every hour,” Coopersmith says.
stretch it out after you land
Enjoy beverage service: A cocktail may sound tempting, but stick to water to stay hydrated. “Not getting enough fluids can lead to headaches, nausea, cramps, and even dry skin,” warns our expert. Ask for a glass garnished with a lemon or lime.
Opt for priority seating: Being conscious of how you sit on the plane can save you from a world of neck and back pain. “A neck pillow helps hold your head in proper position, which keeps your entire spine in line,” Coopersmith suggests. And a note to the ladies: beware of your hair. Even a poorly-placed pony can cause you to hold your head awkwardly, causing aches.
Log frequent flyer miles: Try not to crash upon landing. “Move as soon as you get off the plane,” our Equinox expert advises, “Take a Yoga class to help stretch out and strengthen muscles that were cramped from sitting.” If you can’t hit the mat, walk or jog. “Any activity will help reactivate the blood flow throughout your body so you feel rejuvenated.” Plus it’s a great way to see the sights.
An offer to get your heart pumping
Equinox and Black Tomato are giving all our US clients the chance to try out the Equinox gyms on us with a 3-day trial membership. Lucky you.
Just click here to get started on your new fitness track. (No invitation code needed).
(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...being local
There’s nothing quite like living like a local. Staying in your own apartment, finding the best coffee, the friendliest deli with the tastiest food, visiting marketplaces off the tourist map and seeing the corners kept sacred to those who live there.
But how about being a local? Blending in with the crowd and having that triumphant feeling of acceptance when locals start talking to you in their native language. Or even better, when tourists stop you for directions.
How’s it done? Well over at Swiss Watching they’ve compiled a brilliant begginers guide to Swissness, giving great tips on how to queue, eat fondue and not talk about the weather (unike us Brits) like the Swiss. Before you know it, you’ll be fitting right in.
So, what are your tips for being local?
(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5) Loading ...to pack…or not to pack
Blog by Camilla McPhie, Editor of GQ.COM, http://www.gqmagazine.co.uk /
With easyJet charging £2 for every piece of luggage checked into the hold from October, and baggage handlers dumping mountains of unclaimed baggage in second-hand shops, it’s time to call a moratorium on over-packing. Unless you’re emigrating, are a student on your way to a foreign university, or accompanying Bear Grylls and his charcoal and smoke machine on another “adventure” there is absolutely no need to take more than can be fitted into a 20-inch wheelie suitcase (and we’ll get onto the “wheelie” part in a minute).
Contrary to popular belief, over-packing is not gender-specific. Admittedly, women are a lot more vocal when defending their decision to bring a different pair of shoes for each day away (“But I might be in a pony-skin kitten heel sort of mood!”) but I know just as many men who think it’s perfectly normal to take seven identical white T-shirts, two pairs of sunglasses, four DVDs and Ian Rankin’s last two Rebus hardbacks – on a skiing holiday.
Of course, I haven’t always been the Zen Mistress Of Light Luggage. But after dragging a spine-cripplingly heavy suitcase around New Zealand for two weeks (I even packed an umbrella, for lord’s sake), I came to the conclusion that a) most hotels have heard of shampoo; b) law of averages suggests that if I take four pairs of shoes, I only wear two; and c) the less I pack on the way out, the more duty free and eco-aware ethnic goods I can bring back. So my holiday kit is all flip-flops and roll-into-nothing kaftans. Sort of.
Now, onto the “wheelie” part. While I have just spent the above 200 words in praise of the travelling hostess trolley (mine’s a Tumi LXT Expandable Adventure), I need to lay down a few rules.
- Your case should measure no more than 20 inches. Any bigger and it would be a trunk. But with wheels.
- Should you find yourself trailing a wheelie in a crowded environment, do not stop at the bottom of escalators to get the handle out.
- Do not stop to look for directions or signposts with said wheelie fully extended behind you.
- Do not travel in rush hour with wheels unless you don’t know where you’re going.
- Always apologise if you run over someone’s foot.
- If you’re not that humble, pretend you’re a tourist and snarl.
- That said, children with their very own wheelies are exempt from all of the above. Too young to realise that hiring a porter is a luxury to which we all should aspire, as they’ve only packed two crayons, a packet of Haribos and half a Barbie, you won’t even blink should the spacially unaware little tikes run over your toes.
Camilla McPhie is Editor of GQ.com
www.gq.com
Next week: What to take on board for a long-haul flight…
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...are we in your little black book?
Thrilled to be referenced in Harpers Bazaar’s little black book in their recently published Travel Guide. Describing us as a “team focused on unearthing exciting new destinations and events around the world” we are delighted with the recognition.
Got us thinking about the copious amount of ‘little black books’ of travel notes in the office that detail some real gems in the destinations we offer around the world. Current favourites include knowing the best bathhouse to sweat out the night before in Moscow, the best dim sum in Kowloon (be prepared to climb many floors) and the bar with the best views in the world in Cape Town.
Travel should always be about using those little black books and getting under the skin of a place. Some valuable insider knowledge really does make the experience that much more special. Look out for some more little black (tomato) book recommendations appearing on the site shortly.
TM
Dim Sum in Kowloon – where to begin?
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...a couple less things to worry about…
Do you sometimes find that there isn’t as much time as you think there is? Going on holiday is a classic example. You packed the night before, planed your route and factored in time for the stray pigs on the motor way (well, that happened to me!) and left the house in plenty of time. Despite all that, the ‘gate closing’ sign is winking at you from the departure board and there’s no time left.
No time for sashaying through duty free to acquire those essential purchases that makes putting your hand luggage in the overhead locker impossible. No time for weighing up the merits of the classic Raybans vs. Police aviators or for flicking through the rows of glossy magazines. And what about making the all important decision of which holiday read will best fill the time between a refreshing dip and ordering a cool beer?
You needed someone to help you with the extras before you went. To supply you with a great read along with those other holiday essentials such as flight confirmations and tickets. Perhaps even a CD included for good measure so that everything is covered.
That would be nice.
Well, that’s exactly what we decided to do. We think that when you book a holiday with us, that it should be a fantastic experience from start to finish, and if supplying the little extras to make things go smoothly ensures you have the best start then we will.
Even The Guardian thought our Added Extras were a good idea…
CK
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...cashmere and tobasco for a perfect flight
I’ve just got back from a weekend in the beautiful Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland, and while it’s possibly not the most far flung place I’ve ever been to, it was a superb break away from the city. We camped and a few days in the fresh air was the perfect remedy to stuffy tube travel, albeit a slightly chilly one.
Whenever I travel, whether it is a long haul flight, or just an internal transfer I find that there are a few essentials that just have to fit into my hand luggage and that make the journey part of the fun rather than a means of getting somewhere. Book, ipod, moisturizer, lip balm and a little bottle of Tabasco-perfect for spicing up any Bloody Mary- are at the top of the list. Recently I’ve also discovered a brilliant addition to my ‘must haves’, a flight kit by designer label CASH-CA which contains cashmere blanket, eye mask, slippers and ballet pumps. Having roughed it on a (constantly deflating) blow- up bed for 3 nights it was bliss to get back on the plane, kick off my shoes, wrap myself up and catch forty winks. The pic below isn’t me but gives you an idea of what I mean…
CK
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
