Bardonecchia Ski Resort Italy: The Hidden Italian Ski Gem We Fell in Love With
Looking for a family-friendly ski resort in Italy that feels authentic, relaxed and still a little undiscovered? Meet Bardonecchia. When most people think about skiing in Italy, their minds immediately go to the famous Dolomites, glamorous Cortina d'Ampezzo or the huge ski areas of the Italian Alps. But there is another side of Italy that we absolutely love: smaller mountain villages where life moves a little slower, where lunch on the slopes is just as important as the skiing itself, and where you still feel like you have discovered a hidden gem. That is exactly what we found in Bardonecchia. Located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, close to the French border, Bardonecchia surprised us from the moment we arrived. Beautiful snowy mountains, quiet slopes, delicious Italian food and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere made this one of our favourite family ski trips. And the best part? It doesn't have the crowds and prices of some of Europe's more famous ski resorts.
Summer Skiing at the Stelvio Pass: Yes, You Can Ski in Italy in July!
Summer Skiing at the Stelvio Pass: Yes, You Can Ski in Italy in July! Most people head to Italy in summer for pizza, gelato and lazy afternoons by the lake. But what if we told you that you can swap your flip-flops for ski boots... in the middle of July? Welcome to Passo dello Stelvio, one of Europe's most unique summer destinations. Here, at an altitude of over 2,750 metres, you'll find one of the highest ski areas in the Alps, where snow is still very much part of the summer holiday. Trust us — skiing in the morning and enjoying an Italian terrace in the afternoon might just become your new favourite summer tradition. Where is the Stelvio Pass? Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio in Italian) connects Lombardy with South Tyrol and is famous for its spectacular mountain road featuring 48 legendary hairpin bends. It's considered one of the most beautiful mountain drives in the world. Even if you don't ski, the drive alone is worth adding to your Italy bucket list. The pass sits at nearly 2,758 metres, making it one of the highest paved mountain passes in Europe.
Elba: Italy’s Little Island Secret You’ll Want to Keep to Yourself 🇮🇹☀️
Elba: Italy’s Little Island Secret You’ll Want to Keep to Yourself 🇮🇹☀️ There are islands that announce themselves. They have the glamorous beach clubs, the superyachts, the famous names and the kind of prices that make you wonder whether your Aperol Spritz accidentally came with a mortgage. And then there is Elba. Beautiful, relaxed and wonderfully Italian, Elba feels like the kind of place you discover rather than the kind of place you tick off a bucket list. Think impossibly blue water, tiny villages clinging to hillsides, winding roads through Mediterranean forests, little beaches hidden between rocky cliffs and long lunches that somehow turn into afternoon drinks. And the best part? Elba is surprisingly easy to reach. Just a short ferry ride from the Tuscan coast and suddenly you’re on island time. No long-haul flight required. Just Italy, sunshine and a very strong feeling that you probably shouldn’t have to go home yet. Welcome to Elba. ❤️ Where is Elba? Elba is the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, just off the coast of Tuscany. It’s part of Italy, but once you arrive, it feels a world away from the busy cities and famous Tuscan countryside. The island is small enough to explore by car, but big enough that you can spend several days discovering a new beach, village or viewpoint every day. And that’s exactly how we like our islands. Small enough to feel manageable. Big enough to keep you curious. How do you get to Elba? Getting to Elba is part of the adventure. You drive to Piombino, on the Tuscan coast, and from there you take the ferry across to the island. The crossing takes roughly an hour, depending on the ferry and route. And honestly? It’s a lovely way to arrive.
FIND YOUR PACE IN ABU DHABI
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, is a city of contrasts. Sparkling skyscrapers rise from the desert landscape, housing world-class museums and luxury hotels. Historic mosques and traditional souks offer a glimpse into Emirati culture. Thrill-seekers can tackle the world's fastest rollercoaster, while culture buffs can wander through the Louvre Abu Dhabi's vast collection. Whether you crave desert adventures, luxurious indulgence, or cultural immersion, Abu Dhabi offers something for every traveler.
TRAVEL WITH HAND LUGGAGE ONLY, WHY?
Remember... you used to book a flight and it included 20 kg of checked baggage as standard, ideal! Unfortunately, the time of free checked baggage is over and more and more airlines choose to only add free hand baggage in the ticket price. Would you like to take a large suitcase with you on a trip? Then you can book additional hold luggage for a considerable additional charge. There goes your cheap flight ticket that you found... So it is always the cheapest to travel with hand luggage only. In addition, you can also travel a lot faster on the plane with only hand luggage because you do not have to wait at the baggage carousel. But... how do you travel with hand luggage only? That is the question we often hear, but it is not as difficult as you think. In this blog we share 5 reasons why you should travel with only hand luggage and our 10 handy packing tips on how to get the most out of your hand luggage!
FUN IN THE FRENCH WINTER SPORTS VILLAGE OF VAL CENIS
Winter is on the horizon, and for ski enthusiasts, that can only mean one thing: ski season is approaching! The European Alps, home to some of the world's most iconic ski destinations, are gearing up for the 2023-2024 season, promising fresh powder, thrilling slopes, and unforgettable mountain adventures. In this blog, we'll take a look at the exciting European ski area openings for the upcoming season.