The winter sports holiday is one of the most expensive trips you can book. And once you hit the slopes, you spend half the day standing in line for lifts, weaving through crowds, and avoiding falling kids. If you’re thinking, ‘This can’t be the only way?’ then I’ve got great news for you, because you’re right. You just have to look a bit further, and you’ll find the most beautiful hidden gems. Not many people have discovered this place yet... It’s so much cheaper than any other ski resort Since 'Who is the Mole' aired, Georgia has become a bit more well-known as a vacation destination. But did you know that you can ski there in the winter too? The nature in the Caucasus is a dream, and there are also some super cute villages with a lot of history. In the Caucasus, you’ll find the area of Svaneti, located in a valley. The capital of Svaneti (Mestia) is 19 km away from the ski resort, Tenuldi. You can ski here for just €17 per day, as much as you want, from December to May. Especially for beginner and intermediate skiers, this place is a real treat; the blue and red pistes are well-represented, and there’s even a black run. The residents of this secret area were isolated from the outside world for centuries Around Mestia, there are several other small villages. Svaneti was once a principality and was cut off from the outside world for centuries. The reason for this is simple: there were no proper roads to and from the area. The Svan, the original inhabitants of this area, still speak their own unique language. You’ll also see many unique buildings. For example, there are still many koskis: these are watchtowers, used for defense during attacks. In the summer, it’s also gorgeous here for hiking, with a visit to the Shdugra waterfall and the Chalaadi glacier—nature is stunningly beautiful 365 days a year." Let me know if you need further assistance!By Isabel ten Brink
There are a few things I look forward to once we hit mid-September, when it starts getting colder outside, and suddenly you want to drink tea all day because your hands freeze after sitting behind your laptop for too long. Maybe it's some sort of coping mechanism, focusing on the little joys that winter brings, instead of hiding in a corner and waiting for the first rays of sunshine. Because we know that can take a long time in the Netherlands. The little things I think of are probably very familiar to other Christmas lovers: searching for the cutest and most beautiful gifts for everyone you love, an advent calendar full of beauty goodies so I can give myself a gift every day in December, the smell of the Christmas tree in the living room, and of course, the beautiful lights everywhere. On the canals in Amsterdam, it's fantastic, especially if you're lucky enough to take a boat along all the artworks at the Light Festival. But it’s still incredibly tempting to travel to that one city that really knows how to do Christmas right: London.You owe it to yourself to book a weekend in London It’s not a bad idea for your family and friends either, as anyone who doesn’t join you on your trip can expect the most beautiful gifts you handpicked for them at Harrods and other beautiful stores. Because it’s so nice to sleep in a cozy, Christmassy hotel, I’ve selected a few of the coziest hotels in the most charming neighborhoods of London for you. The Half Moon Hotel It might sound a little eerie, but that’s unfair. This is a hotel that almost immediately feels like a home. The rooms vary in looks, so you might want to ask for a specific color or vibe when booking. Once you step outside, you’re immediately in a cozy, truly London neighborhood with shops and cafes. This hotel is also super close to all the touristy things you definitely want to do. ... The Laslett If you want to feel like Julia Roberts waiting for Hugh Grant to finally say he loves her, it’s a good idea to stay a few nights at The Laslett. This hotel is literally IN the Notting Hill neighborhood, so it’s within walking distance of all the filming locations. A must for true fans of the movie, but even if you’re not crazy about the film, you’ll still have a great time here. I mean, hello, Christmas decorations on point! ... Lime Tree Hotel Save the best for last. This is the hotel I personally booked for my three nights in London. Tiny rooms, no elevator, but look at this. If, like me, you're obsessed with coziness, you should book the cozy rooms. These are on the first floor, which is always nice if you need to haul your luggage up. Once you step outside, you’re immediately surrounded by the coolest restaurants and bars in London. This hotel is also located on a beautiful street full of true London houses. You’ll feel like a London princess on her way to Buckingham Palace (because that’s also within walking distance). ... By Isabel ten Brink
There are a few things I look forward to once we hit mid-September, when it starts getting colder outside, and suddenly you want to drink tea all day because your hands freeze after sitting behind your laptop for too long. Maybe it's some sort of coping mechanism, focusing on the little joys that winter brings, instead of hiding in a corner and waiting for the first rays of sunshine. Because we know that can take a long time in the Netherlands. The little things I think of are probably very familiar to other Christmas lovers: searching for the cutest and most beautiful gifts for everyone you love, an advent calendar full of beauty goodies so I can give myself a gift every day in December, the smell of the Christmas tree in the living room, and of course, the beautiful lights everywhere. On the canals in Amsterdam, it's fantastic, especially if you're lucky enough to take a boat along all the artworks at the Light Festival. But it’s still incredibly tempting to travel to that one city that really knows how to do Christmas right: London.You owe it to yourself to book a weekend in London It’s not a bad idea for your family and friends either, as anyone who doesn’t join you on your trip can expect the most beautiful gifts you handpicked for them at Harrods and other beautiful stores. Because it’s so nice to sleep in a cozy, Christmassy hotel, I’ve selected a few of the coziest hotels in the most charming neighborhoods of London for you. The Half Moon Hotel It might sound a little eerie, but that’s unfair. This is a hotel that almost immediately feels like a home. The rooms vary in looks, so you might want to ask for a specific color or vibe when booking. Once you step outside, you’re immediately in a cozy, truly London neighborhood with shops and cafes. This hotel is also super close to all the touristy things you definitely want to do. ... The Laslett If you want to feel like Julia Roberts waiting for Hugh Grant to finally say he loves her, it’s a good idea to stay a few nights at The Laslett. This hotel is literally IN the Notting Hill neighborhood, so it’s within walking distance of all the filming locations. A must for true fans of the movie, but even if you’re not crazy about the film, you’ll still have a great time here. I mean, hello, Christmas decorations on point! ... Lime Tree Hotel Save the best for last. This is the hotel I personally booked for my three nights in London. Tiny rooms, no elevator, but look at this. If, like me, you're obsessed with coziness, you should book the cozy rooms. These are on the first floor, which is always nice if you need to haul your luggage up. Once you step outside, you’re immediately surrounded by the coolest restaurants and bars in London. This hotel is also located on a beautiful street full of true London houses. You’ll feel like a London princess on her way to Buckingham Palace (because that’s also within walking distance). ... By Isabel ten Brink
