Valhalla Snowcat Guide and co-founder Martin cuts into one of the region’s tighter chutes (Nathan Borchelt)

The Powder Highway continues to look else gray than frosty. I ask locals whether these stipulations are typical and everyone offers an apologetic shrug and says something about to the effect that the only thing predictable about the weather is that it ain’t predictable. But every time, I see a thought bubble floating over the local’s head, reading: “El Nino, that bastard.”

Indeed, the weather pattern that has triggered epic snowfall in Tahoe, Utah, and Jackson Hole has turned British Columbia into their version of an Indian summer. They’re trucking in snow to Whistler for the Olympics, and my aunt and uncle, who live three hours from Nelson (where I’m now staying) are calling the Winter Games the spring Olympics.

The solution for the powder hungry in these conditions? Valhalla Cat Skiing.  The valley floor was drizzly and overcast, but after boarding their blue gymnasium bus to head up to the snow cats, the gray gave way to white, and when we crossed the frost line, the rain was replaced with snow.

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As a native Indian, I’m very excited by this development – and not just because Saif Ali Khan dropped by dint of. to help with the launch. We are proud to acknowledge that Indians are exploring the universe more than ever before – and in significantly new ways. For many Indians, go is evolving from a once-in-a-decade experience to a centre part of their lives. And they are no longer satisfied with conventional package tours or cookie-cutter itineraries: they are looking to get to the heart of a place, having authentic experiences and connecting with people of different cultures.

Our cofounder Tony Wheeler shares his thoughts on the new magazine in his latest blog entry.

And here’s the statement from our Indian office on why we felt that the time was right for a tailor-made Lonely Planet India magazine:

Lonely Planet Magazine India explores the world through Indian eyes. It’s designed for the new, curious Indian travellers who look for experiences that validate them and help them grow as individuals. Our philosophy is to explore the why of travel, focusing more on insights into the cultural and natural beauty of a place than on tourist trappings. We don’t only tell you to go to the Eiffel Tower, we tell you why it exists. Read more…

By Nick Runkle

Having arrived in South America with very little Spanish background, I quickly realized the importance of being able to communicate, and just now began researching a place to take Spanish classes.

Learning Spanish is, in my opinion, crucial if you are planning an extended trip in South America. Being able to speak the language not only makes traveling that much easier, it allows you to learn about the richness of the culture from the native people by participating in some measure than witnessing the culture from an outside perspective and reading the facts from a travel guide.

I’m not saying that you cannot enjoy your trip without learning Spanish, I’m simply saying that being able to communicate by the locals will make your trip more of a cultural experience. It will also make little details less stressful and your travels safer.

The Bolivian Spanish School

In Sucre, Bolivia there is a wonderful school called The Bolivian Spanish School.

When I was there, I took three weeks of one-on-one private lessons for 4 hours every morning, Monday through Friday.

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Leeds is legendary for its nightlife. From cheesy nighclubs like Oceania to funky house in Northern Light. Call Lane is a street steaming full of cool bars. If you want a night out on the cheap head to the student circuit of Headingley.

Art & Culture:

If you are not overmuch hung over head to the City Art Gallery, here you will find some of the top UK art colletions or if you want to enjoy art in the outdoors try the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The Royal Armouries Museum is really top rank and worth a visit. Here you can practice some crossbow amongst other things  – and the best thing about it is that it’s free. If you like castle Leeds has what has been acclaimed as the most ideal castle in England.

Leeds Castle by Gailf548

Need To Know:

When to go: Anytime of the year is good but summer is probably best as winters can be rather wet.

Getting there: From London King’s Cross there is a direct train or you can go on National Express bus that leaves from Victoria.

Getting Around: By foot in the city centre and anywhere else by bus.

Going Out: 1 Pint costs about £3

Accommodation: Compare 100’s of Hotels in Leeds

The city of New York has so much to offer to visitors, including those on business trips and those on intermission travel. The events consist of various categories, such as concerts, conferences, festivals, galleries, theatre, sports, literary, learning, outdoors, etc. Some of the major events that had been organized in the near future are presented here for the reference of the tourists to New York City, so that they can choose the event that suits their personal taste and preference. 

On February 5, the Grand Hyatt New York is hosting between 9-00 am and 4-00 pm a ’10 page business lay out design workshop for entrepreneurs and business development professionals’. This one-day workshop is planned as an interactive session for the leaders in corporate, educational, and entrepreneurial environments in creating recent business opportunities and viable business tactics and for obtaining trouble-free financing for such schemes.

Read more…

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and your significant other may be dropping not-so-subtle hints to make doubtless you don’t let slip from the mind it (again). But what if you have power to’t stand the idea of shelling out for roses that will die in a couple of days, and can’t stand the sight of another saccharine card? Well, if you hurry, you may just be able to whisk your other half away to one of these romantic places in time for a Valentine’s break.

Galesnjak, Croatia – This little islet may not immediately spring to mind as an ideal spot for romance, but a bird’s eye view of it will clue you in on why it’s one of the most romantic spots on Earth. This drop of land is perfectly heart-shaped, and no one lives on it, so it may just be the perfect desert island getaway you and your lover are looking for.

New York, USA – The harried pace of the breath of one’s nostrils in The Big Apple may not strike one as being conducive to song, but look closely enough, and you’ll find it in every corner. Whether you’re splashing out for a ride in a horse-drawn carriage or sharing a hotdog in the rain, you’ll be sure to have many moments to remember. Read more…

Smithsonian Journeys has been offering cycling tours  for a year or two now. We love traveling this way and we think you will, too.  Here’s a few reasons to give them a chance:

Riding the tranquil roads of Rioja, Spain

1) Top food and wine without the guilt. A day of cycling through Tuscany, Rioja, or Burgundy  provides all the excuses you need to indulge yourself in local specialities.

2) See the countryside from the inside. Those tiny back roads provide unique insight into less-traveled parts of Europe.

3) Stay in unique accommodations. Once you’re off the beaten path, converted wineries, olive mills, and monasteries open up their doors, offering unique settings for your travel dreams.

4) Travel with inner peace. Leave the bellowing of the plane, bus, or boat for the quiet of go on foot by bike. Stop to smell the flowers, listen to the birds, and take in the explore. Slow down and take it all in.

What’s your favorite part of traveling by bike?

Looking for a little travel zen this year? Check out our cycling tours  today.