Check out our list of luxury resorts for health, relaxation, fitness and wellbeing. The list includes properties that go beyond the usual ‘resort with spa’ – all of them offer tailored programmes which will help you make changes towards a healthier lifestyle in unique and permanent ways.

Europe

I spent an amazing week in the Monchique Mountains of Portugal learning Thai Chi and practicing yoga with Gordon Sillence (the Director of Wellness) and I would thoroughly recommend AlmaVerde as one of the world’s luxury resorts for health, fitness and wellbeing. All of the programmes and treatments at AlmaVerde Wellness Centre are developed following the holistic approach of treating a human body as a whole, looking at all aspects of human mental and social existence.

• For more information visit AlmaVerde

The Americas

Photo: lyng883

The BodyHoliday in St Lucia is for anyone interested in health and well-being, old or young, fit or unfit, looking for adventure or relaxation or just looking to rediscover themselves. The resort’s Centre of Health & Well-being, ‘The Oasis’, is the Caribbean’s most award-winning spa. From non-stop relaxation to non-stop activity and anything in between this resort means pleasure, rejuvenation and relaxation. You’ll leave this resort feeling totally rejuvenated both mentally and physically.

• For more information visit The Body Holiday

Asia

Rated as Asia’s Favourite Destination spa by Conde Nast Traveller 2009 readers, Chiva-Som aspires to provide its guests with a total lifestyle transformation to achieve wellness and longevity with a continuing programme of self-improvement. You can also indulge in the award-winning Spa cuisine using organically-grown fruits and vegetables from the Chiva-Som garden, proving that low calorie, nutritious food can truly be a gourmet experience.

• For more information visit Chiva-Som

Photo: Dennis Wong

Oceania

If you really want to get healthy while experiencing what a low carbon footprint feels like in a subtropical pampering resort then Ora Ora Eco Spa Resort is the place for you. This Eco Wellness Resort combines luxurious accommodation in private villas, organic gourmet food & beverage at Makai Restaurant and re-juvenating spa and massage treatments at Maora Wellness Centre – all coupled with exceptionally friendly service.

• For more information visit Ora Ora Eco Spa Resort

Africa

Situated near Cape Town, The Hydro has become a world leader in the holistic approach to balance a clear mind, healthy body and positive mental attitude. The Hydro has five basic principles; diet to cleanse, treatments to rejuvenate, exercise, relaxation and lifestyle motivation. The knowledge imparted during your stay will continue to enrich and add value, encompassing peace and harmony in the body, mind and spirit.

• For more information visit The Hydro

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South Africa is a beautiful and exciting country; it boasts a wonderful mix of beaches, mountains and fantastic wildlife with in excess of 2500km of coastline. Come June 2010 football fans from all over the globe will flood the country for the World Cup.

Like any country of South Africa’s size, there are many things to do. South Africa is famous for its gold and diamonds. The locals love their sport, especially rugby, if you get the chance go and see the Springboks in action, it will give you a real understanding of passion. It’s also famous for it’s other outdoor pursuits, sand boarding was a personal favourite of mine!

After thinking about South Africa’s top travel destinations I selected my top ten:

1 Table Mountain

Photo: pet r

Table Mountain is a key tourist attraction for all visitors to South Africa; it’s a flat topped mountain overlooking Cape Town. There are a couple options for getting to the top; you can either take a cable car or alternatively the more adventurous of you can hike to the top. Once at the summit the views are spectacular. The most common animals found here is the rock hyrax which looks a like a mix between a squirrel and a mouse, (these feed off food tourists leave behind illegally) and porcupines, mongooses, snakes and tortoises as well as cheeky monkeys who are on the hunt for food.

2 Robben Island

Photo: ixtla

Robben Island is seven kilometres off the coast of South Africa, it’s 3.3km long and 1.9km wide. Robben Island holds the notorious prison where Nelson Mandela was held prisoner for 18 years (1964-1982). Whilst the tour was fascinating it was very sad seeing how the prisoners lived, when you arrive at Nelson Mandela’s 7ft by 7ft cell you find a replica chair, mat, bowl and blanket plus outside you also see a list of the food served, there were different menus for Black South Africans, mixed race/Asians and White South Africans. Also check out the memorial laid by Nelson Mandela and all surviving South African political prisoners in 1995.

3 Garden Route

Photo: jknutzen

The Garden Route is a very scenic stretch on the south-eastern coast of South Africa. It starts at Mossel Bay and finishes at Storms River, there are various excellent stop offs including two off my top ten (Knysna and Oudtshoorn). The Garden route has ten different nature reserves which boast lots of dolphins and seals as well as being home to the endangered Southern Right Whale. As well as the marine life there are almost 300 species of beautiful multi-coloured birds.You can hire a car or travel on Africa’s last remaining passenger steam train the Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe. Whilst the train doesn’t stretch the entire length of the Garden Route it’s still worth checking out. The Baz Bus is a good budget option.

4 Knysna

Photo: slack12

Knsyna is a charming town in the middle of the Garden Route which deserves a special mention because it’s a great place to have fun, relax and enjoy some great food. Whilst in Knysna be sure to enjoy their wonderful oysters, I was lucky enough to visit during the Oyster Festival. Kynsna is a big pull for artists due to the lovely views and relaxing atmosphere. An area that appeals to both artists and water sport fanatics is Knysna Heads where you can find a lagoon which is perfect wave jumping (a sport I would highly recommend) and it also provides incredible sunsets for the artists and tourists alike. I found Knysna as a perfect place to stop off and relax for a few days, whenever I meet South Africans I always tell them how much I liked Knysna and they all agree it’s one of the country’s gems.

5 Stellenbosh

Photo: Pietrolambert

Stellenbosh is South Africa’s second oldest town having been established in 1679 and it’s highlight is the incredible wine route which has 44 cellars. There is a vast range of wines produced in the area, whilst it is classed as ’Cabernet country’ my personal preference would be Pinotage (but each to their own!) As you travel from cellar to cellar you will find the area very visitor friendly, each cellar’s entrance is clearly signposted and many of the cellars offer tours as well as fantastic lunches in beautiful gardens or restaurants – naturally you will have the chance to enjoy one or two bottles of local wine!

6 Oudtshoorn

Photo: Astrid Walter

Oudtshoorn maybe an unusual choice and not one of South Africa’s most famous towns but it one that I would definitely recommend. If you’ve ever fancied riding an ostrich then Oudtshoorn is the place to visit! It’s known as the Ostrich Capital of South Africa and here you can actually ride one (which is an interesting experience to say the least!) Most hostels/hotels also serve Ostrich eggs for breakfast, the eggs are naturally rather large and very rich in flavour. Meat-eaters might fancy trying the Ostrich sausages and steaks which are readily available. Oudtshoorn isn’t just about the Ostriches, it also popular with cyclists and it’s a great spot to wind down after the madness of Cape Town.

7 Durban

Photo: Rouzeh

Durban is South Africa’s third or forth main city but it’s also the friendliest. Durban is famous for its “Golden Mile” which is a string of beaches filled with surfers plus it’s a shark free zone (which is always a bonus!). After a relaxing time at the beach head to Durban’s Promenade where you can find various hotels, pubs, restaurants, shops and the impressive Marine World Aquarium. Durban is also well known for having a large Indian population who’ve set up Victoria Indian Street Market which makes for an interesting trip. Here you can see mosques, temples, exotic shops and restaurants where you try some delicious Indian cuisine.

8 Kruger National Park

Photo: Arno & Louise

No trip to South Africa would be complete without visiting the Kruger National Park. The Park is Africa’s oldest having been founded in 1898. The Kruger is located five hours north of Johannesburg and has a huge variety of wildlife including the famous  “Big Five” which includes buffalo, elephants, leopards, lions and rhino. When visiting you can hire a 4×4 and drive round yourself, should you take this option there are plenty of places to stay including bungalows, caravans, chalets, cottages or campsites. Personally I opted to go on a tour; this allowed me to be taken around by professionals who knew every area of the park and wildlife living there (as opposed to me heading into the park on my own-where I could potentially be eaten by a lion!)

9 Soweto

Photo: ironmanixs

Whilst Soweto is not the best looking location it’s classed as one of the most important and educating sights in the country. Soweto is a huge township where more than 3.5 million people live and it covers 90 square miles. The area is broken into three different areas – the rich, middle class and the poor. There are vast areas covered by shanty huts, all of which would have been made by people who occupy them. A tour of Soweto is very humbling and should really be witnessed, plus it’s the safest way to visit a township. I was introduced to one of the residents in his own home and taken to a shebeen (once illegal drinking holes in South Africa) where I got to sit down and have a chat with locals. I was also taken to Nelson Mandela’s old house and to the Hector Pieterson Memorial.

10 The Drakensburg Mountains

Photo: Neonman

The Drakensburg Mountains stretches for approximately 600 miles along the entire length of KwaZulu-Natal’s western boundary. It’s an incredible location where you can hike, bird/game watch, horse ride or go on a safari. There is also the opportunity to follow 4×4 trails, go quad biking, rock climbing or white water rafting. Also try and visit the Royal Natal National Park which is rated as one of the most beautiful parts of the Drakensberg, It is the host of Mont-aux-Sources (one of the highest mountains in the Drakensberg) and the stunning Tugela Falls. The park is ideal for hikers, horse riders and rock climbers. Try the eco-tour Karkloof Canopy who offer a steel cable tour 30metres above the forest floor allowing you to witness the incredible scenery and bird-life.

South Africa is an incredible and diverse country that has a lot to offer visitors, hopefully my top ten will help you plan your trip. After I left I remembered how true the Big Five Safari website description of the South Africa expereince is. In it’s opening paragraph is states: “Be warned – once you have visited our country, you WILL spend the rest of your life longing to return!”.

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If you find the beaches of Florida too crowded and a vacation in New York too expensive then perhaps it’s time to try our pick of destinations that offer you a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of life in the city. No doubt, vacation means visiting those places that you have always wanted to see but it also means relaxation and a break from all the daily hum drums. If you are tired of visiting overrated and over crowded destinations, why not plan an action packed outdoor vacation?

Taking an outdoor vacation is fun. You don’t need to venture into some remote wilderness to explore these destinations; they are conveniently located near your own neighbourhoods. Here is our pick of top outdoor destinations that should certainly feature on the “Places to Visit” menu.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Photo

Breathtaking snow-capped peaks, majestic mountains, hiking trails that will take your through spell binding scenery, romantic hotels and lodges await you in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. A paradise for outdoor lovers, Rocky Mountain National Park is perfect for everyone seeking a relaxing time full of fun, romance and adventure. Be it a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a group trip, Rocky Mountain National Park has everything to make your vacation an unforgettable one.

Poconos Mountains

Photo

Perfect for those in search of that place where they can enjoy the most, Poconos Mountains in Pennsylvania, is all about romance, adventure and relaxation. Explore trails that will take you through magnificent waterfalls and striking scenery covered with flowers. Spice up your trip by indulging in various activities such as biking, white water rafting, skiing and snowmobiling. Play golf at the Buck Hill Falls Golf Club. Enjoy your stay in luxurious romantic hotels and resorts. Your Poconos vacation will surely be remembered for a lifetime.

Lake Tahoe

Photo

Whether you are a family vacationer, a honeymoon couple or a city slicker seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of big city life, Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada mountains (located along the border between California and Nevada), is just perfect for all. Take a Lake Tahoe Cruise. Enjoy the Beaches. Explore enchanting trails that will take you through diverse landscape. Couples will just love the romantic ambiance and the privacy. As for adventure seekers, Lake Tahoe is home to some of the best ski resorts in North America.

If you’re done partying at the nightclubs or  cheap hotel in New York City, gambling outrageously at the casinos of Las Vegas or soaking the sun on the picturesque beaches of Miami, then it’s time to head out to these offbeat destinations and discover the undiscovered.

By Kavita Sharma
www.cheapostay.com

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Having just completed a four day Inca Trail hike in Peru, it became apparent how tempting it is to ignore thirst while travelling. Dehydration impairs both physical and mental performance in all levels of exercise (even just walking in the sun), yet it can be avoided (or at least minimised) by appropriate drinking strategies.

The dangers of fluid loss

Exercise produces heat and sweating unless fluid losses are replaced by consumption of liquids, sweating goes on to cause progressive depletion of circulating blood volume, leading to dehydration and a thickening of the blood. This places a strain on the cardiovascular system, with a rise in heart rate in order to maintain adequate blood flow to exercising muscles and vital organs. As blood volume depletes so too does blood flow to the skin. As a result, sweating decreases and heat dissipation is impaired, causing core body temperature to rise potentially leading to heat stress, collapse and even death.

Fluid needs

Photo: twicepix

Water is the largest single component of the human body. For every 600 kilocalories (kcal) of heat loss, the body is reported to lose one litre of water. Water loss from daily living alone can result in two to three litres, not including added losses from exercise.

As a general guide it is recommended that we consume at least two to three litres of water per day with an additional litre of water per hour of exercise undertaken or time spent in the sun to maintain adequate hydration. Just 2% dehydration (approx 1kg bodyweight loss for a 50kg person) is claimed to reduce exercise performance by 10-20%. Dehydration of 3-5% results in nausea, muscle cramps, diarrhoea, dizziness, heat exhaustion and other more serious health problems.

Interesting dehydration facts

• Our sense of thirst fails to advise us early enough of our body’s need for rehydration. By the time we are thirsty we’re already dehydrated.
• Other beverages such as diet/regular soda, juice, coffee, tea, processed milk and alcohol require much more water than they contain so can actually dehydrate more!
• Fruits and vegetables are a good source of water, for example cantaloupe and melons contain more than 90 percent water, as do leafy vegetables such as lettuce.

Guidelines for water intake

Photo: notorious d.a.v.

When planning for exercise such as hikes or a run along the beach, the ideal is to drink a significant amount of water 30-60 minutes prior to starting. During activity keep a bottle of water with you and hydrate every 15-20 minutes.

Drink no more than the equivalent of one to two cups at any one time will allow more of the water to move from the bloodstream into the cells. Drinking any more than this at once causes the kidneys to filter out the water. It is very important to drink plenty of water in the 30-60 minutes after exercise.
In short, following these suggestions of hydration will not only increase your performance while hiking or trekking but also will reduce your risk of health problems when travelling.

Camille Brandon
Director of Results
Milestone Personal Training

Camille Brandon is GlobalGrasshopper’s newly appointed Health & Fitness Travel Expert. Camille is a Master Trainer and Functional Movement Screen Specialist with in-depth expertise of weight management, strength and sports conditioning, and rehabilitation and exercise referral joins. She also is very well travelled!

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Australia is an incredible country; there is something for everyone. If you are a party animal you can head up the East Coast, if you prefer scenery then the West Coast is the way forward. Australia has some excellent cities; my favourites included Melbourne, Perth and Sydney whilst one place I would recommend avoiding is Canberra – a random city in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do or see. If possible try to buy a car, whilst it’s more expensive it allows you to see so much more and gives the flexibility a country like Australia needs.

I have listed my ten favourite places, they aren’t in any particular order just places that I would recommend visiting.

1 The Red Centre

Photo: nielsvk

The Red Centre is a made up of a trilogy of sites; Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Kings Canyon. When visiting the incredible Uluru you have are two options; you can walk around it or up it, many tourists tend to attempt to climb it but Aboriginals prefer people to avoid climbing it as it is one of their spiritual monuments. During the walk around you will have the opportunity to see aboriginal drawings dating back 10,000 years, it‘s a fantastic but tiring walk. Whilst Uluru is incredible, I felt its’ neighbour Kata Tjuta was more impressive. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) is 25km from Uluru, it has 36 sandstone domes and covers almost 22km². You can go on an 8km walk across the boulders; there is a wonderful feeling of peace as you walk around, there is often a gentle breeze blowing which helps you take your time.

The final part of the trilogy is Kings Canyon which 300 metres high and overlooks Kings Creek. Like the other two it’s another incredible site; there are two walks to choose from. The first is a 2km which takes you along the bottom of the gorge but if you have travelled all the way to Kings Canyon you might as well do the full walk so you can appreciate the total experience.

2 Great Barrier Reef

Photo: Vandelizer

No trip to Australia would be complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. It is located in Queensland, and is the world’s largest coral reef which is spread over 2,600 km and has approximately 900 islands. The most famous area is the Whitsundays. If you know someone who has visited The East Coast it’s highly likely you have received a postcard with a picture of The Whitsundays. I would recommend going out on a boat tour, ideally for a few days so that you can take in the sights and go scuba diving as well as enjoying incredible cuisine that is often served on the boats. There are all types of deals on offer. The Great Barrier Reef has all kinds of incredible fish including clownfish (remember Nemo), manta rays, red bass, red-throat emperor, snapper, tiger sharks and yellow-faced angelfishes, then there’s also beautiful coloured coral, beware of the fire coral-it will hurt!

3 Fraser Island

Photo: name

Fraser Island is an incredible location; it’s actually believed to be the largest sand island in the world and spreads across 1840 km². Sadly some people find themselves having to choose between Fraser Island and a trip out to Whitsundays but if possible try to do both – You won‘t be disappointed. Most tours start at Hervey Bay on the mainland where you collect your four wheel drive vehicle, do your food and alcohol shopping before getting the ferry to Fraser Island. Once on the Island you will have two or three days driving around on the sand, trying to avoid crashing whilst checking out various interesting spots such as the famous Champagne Pool which is great to lie in or the Wreck of the Maheno which provides a perfect photo opportunity. A tip-beware of the Dingos! They sometimes come into the camp grounds at night looking for food but don’t approach people. It’s a fun experience, plus you get to chose to choose where to camp each night.

4 Purnululu National Park

Photo: Mgjefferies

Purnululu National Park is located in Western Australia. Unfortunately, due to its’ location this part of the country is often bypassed but on a positive it means that it remains quite untouched. Western Australia was my favourite part of the country, it’s very beautiful and you rarely see other travellers so you get a feeling there you‘re the only ones there. When you visit Purnululu National Park Bungle Bungle is the area to be seen. It was often used as an excuse for Helen Daniels (TV show ‘Neighbours’ character) when she needed a break from the show, she was always said to be heading to the Bungle Bungles to paint. The Bungle Bungles are tiger-striped sandstone rocks which are an incredible sight. At the Bungle Bungles you can go for various walks at ground level which gives you one view, alternatively go can go up in a helicopter and get a birdseye view. I chose to go up in a helicopter, whilst it wasn’t cheap it was well worth it, the view was incredible.

5 Barossa Valley

Photo: Michael Dawes

In Barossa Valley I fell in love with wine, in particular red wine. Barossa Valley is Australia’s most famous wine region with brands such as Penfolds, Orlando Wines, Wolf Blass and Yalumba. It well worth going on a tour around the Valley which will allow you to visit different wineries, it’s best to avoid driving so you can enjoy the wineries without worrying about driving home. I went with Prime Mini Tours and had the pleasure of five winery visits, The Barossa Distillery, Keg Factory and a three course dinner where I enjoyed barramundi, crocodile and kangaroo.

6 Kangaroo Island

Photo: Augustusoz

Kangaroo Island is Australia’s third biggest Island, it’s only smaller than Tasmania and Melville Island. To get to the Island you need to get a ferry from Adelaide. A lot of people hold off visiting Kangaroo Island and opt to visit Philip Island, each to their own but Kangaroo Island has some wonderful wildlife including an Albino Wallaby which I was lucky enough to witness, Sea Lions and lots of little blue penguins which come on land at sunset for feeding, plus the Island is less touristy. I would recommend using Daniel’s Tours, a tour run by one of the locals on the Island.

7 Broome

Photo: Yaruman5

Broome is unlikely to find its way onto many lists, like Purnululu National Park it is located in Western Australia and gets missed. Broome is the place to get your pearls, but realistically visitors go to Broome to relax and for Cable Beach – Broome’s famous beach is one of Australia‘s top ten beaches. Broome is possibly the most relaxing place I have ever been, time just seems to disappear. I had planned to stay for a couple of days and ended up staying a week, I recommended to my sister to go for a week and she stayed two and half months. It really is a special place which is perfect for relaxing, you should also visit the open air cinema which makes for a good night before hitting the pub. If you are going to stay in a hostel then The Kimberley Klub is the way forward, it is a very friendly hostel with its own bar and swimming pool should you not fancy heading to the beach.

8 Byron Bay

Photo: baddogwhiskas

Byron Bay is a beachside town in New South Wales. After spending time in Sydney and Brisbane, Byron Bay provides a perfect escape from city life. Byron Bay is a is very relaxing location, the local community is full of artists which gives it a creative feel. Byron Bay is perfect to have a break as well as picking up some lovely gifts for family and friends. Whilst you’re near the beach it is always nice having a swimming pool, the YHA hostel offers both cheap and clean accommodation as well as a good sized pool.

9 Kakadu National Park

Photo: Trevor Page

Kakadu National Park is in the Northern Territory, it makes for a special stop. The national park is very large, it covers an area of 4,894,000 acres. The park is nearly 200 kilometres from north to south and over 100 kilometres from east to west. You will find Alligator Rivers running through Kakadu. You can drive in yourself but it’s best to take a tour, often the tours will allow you to meet local Aborignals who have opted to stay in their ancestral homes rather than moving to cities. The tour guides can take you to the best parts plus they won‘t get lost, I had the pleasure of spending the afternoon at Twin Falls. At the time I was there you had a 200m swim to get there but I’ve heard that has all changed and there is now a walkway… Remember to avoid the wet season as large parts of the park are closed and the crocs come out to play!

10 Great Ocean Road

Photo: Rob Michalski

The Great Ocean Road stretches along the south-eastern coast of Australia between Torquay and Warrnambool and lasts for 243km. The journey is one to be savoured, there are various look-out points to stop at and look at the scenery. The views consist of different rocks jutting out of the ocean; the most renowned is the “Twelve Apostles”, which provide for fantastic photographs especially at sunset and sunrise. I would allow yourself a full day to take in the sights, again it’s highly recommended to drive yourself. There are various options for day trips but it’s better to stop where you want rather than have a guide dictate where you stop.

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by guest writer Aldo Singer

Nightlife in New York is legendary. There are endless museums, art galleries, restaurants and bars. The problem with visiting so many places that New York has to offer is that it might leave a big hole in your wallet on your flight home. Nobody wants that, no matter how much fun you try to have.

Well here are some travel tips that just might help you make it to the end of your trip without making it to the end of your wallet. We’ve all heard of happy hour and there are a few great places in the Big Apple that are just as fun as the trendier places but won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Photo: Ross2085

If you booked your air tickets and were able to save some money than you should have extra money in your travel budget to go a little crazy during your excursion. Here are five bars in New York with great happy hours:

Kabin

Located on 2nd Avenue between 5th and 6th street, it’s a great place to start the savings trail. Kabin actually has a happy hour Monday, and Wednesday through Friday. On Tuesday nights, the happy hour is a little different – just a little longer. It’s the night you want to be there. It’s got a happy hour from 5 to 10pm. That’s hard to beat.

Bull’s Head Tavern

This placing for imbibing is located on 3rd Avenue between 22nd and 23rd street. During the NFL season, it’s got the NFL ticket, meaning it has every game available for your viewing pleasure.  It’s also got a wonderful happy hour that goes from Monday all the way through Sunday. The happy hour lasts from 1pm to 8pm, all draft beer only costs $3. You’re bound to be saving quite a few dollars while you enjoy a piece of New York City.

McKenna’s Pub

If you’re located on the west side of New York City. It’s got a happy hour that goes from 1pm to 7pm, Monday through Sunday. This particular bar offers some tasty treats as well. You can get the classic burger and fries to go along with your delicious beer. (It’s located on 14th street, between 7th and 8th Avenue)

Dempsey’s

Located on 2nd Avenue between 3rd and 4th street

Coyote Ugly

Photo: NickStarr

Located on 1st Avenue between 10th and 11th street.

by Aldo Singer

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Some of the world’s most romantic travel destinations in pictures…

Cala Dogana, Levanzo, Sicily

Photo: Wagman30

Paris

Photo: bEbO

Oia, Santorini

Photo: Marcel Germain

Oahu, Hawaii

Photo: B Tal

Maldives

Photo: Muha

Ulun Danu Temple, Bali

Photo: Jennifer Phoon

Château de Chillon, Switzerland

Photo: Pear Biter

Venice

Photo: Cuellar

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In honour of the up and coming Saint Valentine’s day here are five of the most romantic places I’ve ever visited:

Montmartre, Paris

Photo: Begona V

Despite heavy tourism I still think Paris’s last village is one of the most romantic and charming areas of Paris. Follow in the footsteps of Amelie and take your time to explore the atmospheric winding cobbled streets, houses with shutter board windows and quaint 1930’s style cafes. Grab a Croque-Monsieur, climb the steps to the Sacré-Cœur and enjoy one of the most panoramic views in town. Montmartre is a gastronomical and cultural haven and you wouldn’t have to walk far to find an art gallery or typically Parisian chic vintage boutique. Of course the nostalgically attractive but probably overpriced bars and restaurants come complete with the obligatory charismatic, gesticulating and attentive waiting staff. For a more peaceful stay keep the time you spend in the seedier neighbouring Pigalle district to a minimum but make sure you visit the world-famous and iconic Moulin Rouge theatre at least once.

My personal Montmartre trip highlights:

• Staying at the Le Chat Noir, a quirky design boutique hotel dedicated to the infamous 19th-century cabaret of the same name.
• Visiting the Generation Art Gallery-a gallery of colorful, contemporary and surprisingly affordable art.

Highlands, Scotland

Photo: Martin Sojka

The Highlands will always be on my list of one of the most romantic and unforgettable places I’ve ever visited. Hire a car and drive into the depths of Scotland through breathtakingly beautiful wild sloping landscapes, ancient woodlands, majestic castles and crystal-clear lochs. There will be also plenty of alone time, in the less touristy areas you’d be hard pressed to spot anyone else in vast expanse of beautifully surreal, lunar-esque scenery. In these areas the lakes and woods have eery stillness and you can view a land virtually unchanged for hundreds of years. If the wind and rain start beating you down don’t worry you can always warm up again by your cosy log cabin fire.

My personal Scottish Highlands trip highlights:

• Trying to spot otters on the peaceful and rugged Isle of Skye (voted 4th best island in the world by National Geographic magazine)
• Abandoning the foolish idea of climbing Ben Nevis on a short and ill-equipped trip and hiking the much easier and well-worn tourist path to the Ben Nevis Valley instead.

Big Sur, California

The Pacific Coast Highway that runs through the area known as Big Sur is a road that seems custom made to live out the top-down, wind-in-your-hair American road trip fantasy most people have always dreamt of. Highway 1 is well deserving of its reputation of being one of the most unforgettable and exhilarating road routes in the world. Wind your way along the cliff top road with dramatic views of the blue-green pacific and waves crashing underneath and then camp under the stars at one of the perfectly located camping sites. If you’re not a particularly outdoorsy person stop off one of the quirky bohemian coastal towns instead and enjoy the welcoming hospitality and free cheese and wine evenings that most of the Inns offer.

My personal Big Sur trip highlights:

• Visiting one of the hotels located near Big Sur’s hot springs-a place where the boho/hippy spirit is still very much alive and well.
• Whale watching for hours from the balcony of the gorgeous Tickle Pink Inn in Carmel.

Lake Garda, Italy

Photo: Renata F Oliveira

More laid back than Rome and less crowded than Venice, Lake Garda is a place that has seduced the likes of DH Lawrence, Ibsen and oh.. George Clooney. It would also be my choice for one of the most romantic destinations in Italy, if not Europe. Where can you go wrong with a beautiful sea-like mountain lake flanked by impossibly gorgeous and quintessentially Italian villages with names like Limone and Gardone Riveria? Each of the lake-side villages are very different from the last, ranging from a historic town dominated by a medieval castle to a picturesque village brimming with flowers and pastel-coloured houses. Hire a convertible car and zig-zag your way through caves and tackle the hair-pin bends James Bond style then choose an attractive harbour-side trattoria to eat alfresco, sip limoncello and watch the sunset.

My personal Lake Garda trip highlights:

• Hiring a speed boat before checking the guide book and only narrowly avoiding ’sea-sickness’ while sailing in the northern choppier end of the lake.
• Gaining an insight into an eccentric and possibly insane rich man’s mind on a day trip to the Vittoriale – a bizarre villa and the home of Gabriele D’Annunzio (the most colourful and controversial personality of Italian literature).

Amsterdam

Photo: MorBCN

Whilst not an obvious choice I found this beautiful and fun city to also be a great place for couples. Amsterdam has a unexpected romantic quality that you just can’t put your finger on but its undeniably there. Maybe it’s the relaxed culture and unbelievably friendly locals, the city’s compact layout and lack of cars or the canals, cobbled streets and uniquely tall gabled houses. If you’re less than open minded or easily shocked stay away from the red light district and concentrate on the culturally rich and historical side of Amsterdam, visit instead the Tulip, Van Gogh or Anne Frank museums. My advice for a more pleasant ‘couples’ break is to stay away from the smaller run down hotels and book into more contemporary or luxurious accommodation.

My personal Amsterdam trip highlights:

• An easy afternoon spent sipping beer in a local-filled typical Amsterdam ‘Brown Cafe’ – famous for their nicotine-stained walls and woody interiors.
• A 3am pizza ‘lock-in’ at the pizza joint around the corner from our hotel (an example of how friendly and laid back the Amsterdam culture is – I can’t imagine many pizza restaurants owners in other cities giving away all the days unsold pizzas to whoever happens to be in the restaurant at the time!)

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Antofagasta is a port city in northern Chile and popular with tourists. Chile is currently one of South America’s most stable and prosperous nations and is a surprising easy place to travel around.

Outdoor types are particularly drawn to Chile as you can climb, bike, ski, and ride your way around the countryside. You could also relax in the hot springs or party in one of the cosmopolitan cities.

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What could be better than seeing the world while competing in a series of marathons offering a $1 million prize purse?

On 23rd January 2006, the World Marathon Majors launched a championship-style competition that includes races in Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City. If you’re asking the question why would anyone in their right mind undertake a marathon, much less take vacation time to do it? Then the answer would be found in the countless studies citing the positive effects of exercise and holidays on our health.

Health Studies

The American College of Sports Medicine found that regular long-distance running can help prevent the metabolic syndrome (a group of diseases that can lead to cardiovascular disease and diabetes) It is also reported that an annual vacation can cut the risk of a heart attack by 50 percent and blood pressure, heart rate, and levels of epinephrine (a stress hormone) decline on holidays of only one or two days!

Photo: bass_nroll

The Races

Boston -
The 114th B.A.A Marathon will take place on Monday 19th April 2010

The Boston Marathon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious annual marathon and part of the World Marathon Majors. A maximum of 25,000 participants begin in Hopkinton and run the legendary course through eight cities and towns before finishing in Boston’s Back Bay.

London -
The 2010 Virgin London Marathon will take place on Sunday 25th April 2010

Elite runners compete for a portion of £150,000, while the fairly flat, city landscape and spring climate combine to provide the best backdrop for posting records – personal, national and world.

Berlin -
The 37th real Berlin Marathon will take place on 25th/26th September 2010

40,000 runners and around 8,000 inline skaters will fill the streets of the German capital on the last weekend in September. The course is known as the fastest in the world, the crowds are legendary and the atmosphere is hard to top at this most international marathon in Europe.

Chicago -
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon will take place on Sunday 10th October 2010

This race has a field of 4200 runners and is among the fastest growing marathon road races in the world mainly due to the fast and flat course which attracts many in the pursuit of personal records and world record performances.

New York -
The Ing New York City Marathon will take place on 7th November 2010

One of the world’s great road races drawing in 90,000 applicants. The race attracts many world-class professional athletes, not only for the more than $500,000 in prize money, but also for the chance to excel in the media capital of the world before two million cheering spectators and 300 million worldwide television viewers.

More information on the World Marathon Majors.

For more information on how to train for a marathon or for a personalised training programme please contact info@milestonepersonaltraining.com

Camille Brandon
Director of Results
Milestone Personal Training

Camille Brandon is GlobalGrasshopper’s newly appointed Health & Fitness Travel Expert. Camille is a Master Trainer and Functional Movement Screen Specialist with in-depth expertise of weight management, strength and sports conditioning, and rehabilitation and exercise referral joins. She also is very well travelled!

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