Travels with 925 Alive

Incentives - when you need more than a carrot!

2009-07-01T02:07:00.000-07:00

Recognition and reward are becoming increasingly important where employees are concerned and this is especially evident during hard times.

Incentives can be almost self funding as they are often based around winning business so the new revenue pays for the trip.

We have found that incentive trips work best when they provide employees with the opportunity to visit a destination they would probably never see and experience activities which they would never think of doing!

As with any type of expenditure, return on investment is really important. By creating an amazing incentive, your business can also achieve the following:-

Increase Productivity

When employees are motivated they will be more willing to work harder providing a much more stable environment for everyone.
Take a snowmobile ride to an igloo for the night in Finland.

Click here for more details.

Reduce Absenteeism

It is much easier to keep costs of absenteeism at an acceptable level when employees know that they are valued and appreciated.
Visit the Uk’s south coast for a day on Zap Cats and Power Boats.

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Reward Improved Performance Levels

Recognising when those around you have worked hard encourages others to do the same. What better reward can you offer than taking them somewhere both unusual and memorable so that you ensure increased performance in the future.
Experience white water rafting down one of the best rivers in the Catalan Pyrenees.

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Attract the Best Employees

Word gets around when you look after those you work for you. It’s a fact that good working conditions and a happy environment are important factors when deciding on employment.
Take it easy on an amazing mountain bike descent with a wine tasting and ice cream in Tuscany.

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Increase Staff Retention

The cost of replacing employees is becoming more and more expensive. Why not reduce staff turnover by looking after and retaining the people you already have, saving time, effort and money that can be used elsewhere?
Go on a 4x4 safari then sleep out in tents under the stars in Morocco.

Click here for more details.

Shhhh – don’t tell a soul about Slovenia

2009-06-09T02:30:00.000-07:00

It is very rare that when I return from a trip I don’t want to shout it from the mountains but when I first visited this place – I did question whether I should tell anyone at all – or just keep it as a secret!

I have decided to share this little gem of a trip with you – but be careful who you tell!

What makes Slovenia so special?

Not many people know much about it which adds a little mystery to any trip
The mountains still remain unspoilt with jaw-dropping scenery
The people are welcoming and extremely helpful
Even during peak season, the area is not that busy
There are some amazing activities to experience

What about the activities ?

Kayaying – a great introduction although I did seem to be able to paddle backwards much more easily than forwards!
Hydrospeeding – definitely my favourite but you do need to be very comfortable in fast flowing water.
Canyoning – a brilliant activity in fantastic surroundings
White Water Rafting – always enjoy this one – fun mixed with some tricky rapids.

The great guides give you all the confidence you need whatever your activity choice and they are there to help you if you are unsure and give lots of encouragement when necessary.

Yes, yes, I here you say – there are lots of places like this – and you would be right. But what makes this trip really special is the combination of fantastic activities in an unspoilt location with the most beautiful place to stay.

No it isn’t 5 star, nor does it have a Michelin star but it doesn’t need either - this place rocks – you feel it when you walk through the door! A genuine Slovenian welcome puts you at ease and when you open the door to your bedroom and see the stylish yet traditional décor, you just know that you have come to the right place.

You walk down the stairs into the dining room where you can feast on the fantastic food and wine which has been lovingly created using local produce and a passion for gastronomy.

It is very rare these days that the owners are so knowledgable about the food and wine they serve – the 7 course taster menu with accompanying wines was an absolute joy to experience!

Each course was better than the one before – the unique combinations were unusual but not off putting and the quality of the ingredients shone through. The textures and tastes were a pleasure to try and so beautifully served that it was almost a sin to destroy each creation placed before you – not that it stopped me!

I would say the evening meal was more of a performance than a dinner and I was entertained from curtain up to the finale.

I returned from this exhilarating trip feeling relaxed and rejuvenated - it really is a magical retreat which I can’t wait to repeat!

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Been there, done that and got the paperwork!

2009-05-26T04:06:00.000-07:00

When you work in travel, you do get to travel – which is great!

It is a fact that conveying all the benefits of a destination to a client is much easier once you have actually been and seen it for yourself. It is also much easier to work with people you have met and because we use local representatives and guides, we need to know that our clients are in the safest of hands.

You can do so much using the internet these days but there is still no substitute for eating sleeping and breathing a place. Knowing how you felt when you visited it for the first time, the ambiance of a hotel, the best thing on a restaurant menu and the local customs can’t be conveyed on a website - they have to be experienced.

So imagine how important this is when you start to talk about activities and guides. When we visit a place we aren’t just looking at the hotel facilities and what the destination has to offer, we meet the guides and we try out the activities. We learn how it feels to jump into a canyon or ride the rapids in a raft even jump out of an aircraft – with a parachute of course!

We establish the maximum numbers who can take part in an activity, the ratio of guides to group, location and duration options, transport, safety procedures to name but a few - there is a lot of paperwork!

Then and only then do we feel we are in a position to advise on what is going to best for you and your group.

Click here for more information

Finnish Lapland – The Best Winter Playground

2009-05-01T05:23:00.000-07:00

As winter is coming to an end in many of the destinations we offer, April is often a time of year when we get the chance to visit our contacts to plan for next season. Luckily for me, this year was no different as I commenced a whistle stop tour of the area. I could go on about all the places I saw but I wanted to concentrate on one destination for this blog - Harriniva.

When you arrive at this location you feel you are in the very heart of Lapland – which of course you are but it is only an hour from the airport. What I love about Harriniva is that it delivers everything you would want from a winter wonderland experience and it's all in one place.

Fantastic Dog Sledding and Snowmobiling in a wilderness location.
Wonderful Venues for Meetings and Dinners
A selection of accommodation from wilderness cabins to igloos
Spa facilities
Great Finnish Traditions

Imagine arriving in a snowy location where you have dinner in a traditional wooden kota and then you are met by the sharman who provides you with a traditional Finnish welcome followed by a meal cooked on an open fire in the middle of the kota – it is the perfect beginning to any trip.

The spa facilities again embrace everything Finnish – where else can you have a reindeer milk facial and sauna then run outside where a hot tub overlooking the frozen river awaits you – and hopefully a glimpse of the Northern Lights!

By now I was itching to get out on a snowmobile – so in the morning I went to the safari house to get my equipment and after the safety brief – it was time to go! Within minutes we were on our way through the remote landscape where the scenery was stunning and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky! We travelled over frozen lakes (yes they still have a covering of a metre of ice in some places!) and through snowy forests on our trusty snowmobiles.

The outdoor air certainly increases the appetite and it isn’t long before we stop for lunch. There is nothing better than having a cooked meal over an open fire on a frozen lake under endless blue sky – jealous? – you should be! The food here is simple but created with quality ingredients which are locally produced – sauted salmon fillets in flat bread topped with a generous dollop of cream cheese and fresh herbs.

So what better way to end the day than try out the igloo accommodation – it really is lovely – simple and traditional. You enter into the big igloo where there is a central area then there are little archways with reindeer skins for curtains leading to the seven rooms. Don’t worry as they always keep a rooms for you in the hotel in case you don’t like it!

Another option for those who would like to experience another type of accommodation is to stay in a wilderness cabin overlooking the frozen lake. These vary in capacity from 8 to 35! Yes they have a cabin that sleeps 35 people. It has it’s own wooden kota for meals and 2 saunas in smaller cabins by the lake – it offers a real taste of the outdoors and the beauty and silence of this remote location speak volumes.

I left this wonderful family run hotel feeling that I had achieved everything I wanted from a trip to Finland – I learned of their culture and traditions, sampled some of the best local produce, experienced fantastic activities and slept in unique accommodation. The people who looked after us were amazing – being a guide in this area is certainly a lifestyle choice – but what a lifestyle! I feel privilged to have experienced it – even though it was for a short time.

For more information on trips to this destination, please click here.

Face to Face at G20

2009-04-03T05:45:00.000-07:00

I am sure when you think of G20, it’s a bit like marmite at the moment – you either love it or hate it! Yes, there is no grey area here – you can either see the value of the Summit or regard it as a waste of time.

For me, it doesn’t matter what they are going to discuss – the fact is that all those people from all those countries can still see the value in setting time aside to make the journey for themselves and their entourage (some larger than others!) in order to meet up in one destination to discuss important topics face to face.

The face to face part is vital and they aren’t just flying in for a day – they are setting several days for this event. Today, with all the technology we have at our fingertips, there is still no substitute for meetings in person and here are some reasons why:-

You can discuss more and get immediate feedback in the form of verbal and the equally important non verbal communication.

You can enhance business relationships by spending more time talking and listening to people.

People like to deal with people so when you are face to face you can convey your own personality, character and knowledge more easily.

When you give people more time together they can emerge from a meeting with a lot more ideas and solutions.

The G20 Summit has received much press over the last few days but there are meetings happening all over the country, all the time and we need to continue to value face to face inter-action as the best marketing tool at our disposal!

And always remember that meetings, no matter how important, don’t always have to be somewhere like this

They can be somewhere like this!

Click here for more information

Off Road and On Track for a Fantastic Driving Experience

2009-03-18T02:19:00.000-07:00

I wish there was a better term to describe myself other than petrol head but sadly there isn’t – so imagine my excitement when I was invited to take part in a track day at Silverstone!

The Winter Challenge was a combination of various driving disciplines commencing with extreme 4x4, then a spin around the race track in a Lotus Exige, followed by off road rallying in a Ford, then taking a Peugeot 206 rally car around the race track and we even had time for a skid session and a pit stop challenge!

The 4x4 activity was really good as although I have driven 4x4 s off road I had never seen them put through their paces in quite the same way and to be at the wheel whilst it is all happening is great – Colin my instructor was calm, informative and put me at ease straight away as I really didn’t want to end up overturning the vehicle in 4 foot of water and having to swim for it!

Next was the Lotus Exige – wow what a machine! I loved it but unluckily for our team it started to rain and so we did have to be very careful not to loose control of such a light and high powered vehicle – Tim my instructor again was fantastic – he was calm and gave instruction the whole time which increased my confidence and trust in what the vehicle was actually capable of!

Lunch followed which included a “to die for” chocolate cake – just what you need before getting into the off road rally ford! This was a complete contrast to the Exige – different handling and different way of controlling the vehicle or not as the case may be – but again my instructor was great – giving lots of positive feedback and great instruction as we spladooshed into deep puddles and perfected (well tried to!) handbrake turns in the mud – loved it!

Now it was time for some tarmac rallying in a Peugeot 206! When someone says to you “drive it like to stole it!” – you know you are going to have some fun and this little car delivered all that and more! At the risk of repeating myself again the instructors made this activity as they really pushed you to push the car and you begin to realize how addictive this kind of experience can be.

I left the event with a big smile on my face which lasted for the 4 hour journey home! I had really enjoyed my day and met some great people - fellow team members, all the instructors and our team leader Gill!

I love driving but you don’t have to be a great driver to enjoy a great driving day – the instructors tailor make the activity based on your own personal ability so everyone feels they have learned something new.

It is very rewarding to take part in an event where you actually learn while having so much fun. The instructors are so laid back and calm it's unbelievable, but make no mistake they have oodles of racing experience and are weighing you up from the minute they meet you to make sure that you get the most from the day in a safe and fun way.

They make sure you leave always wanting one more go so you will definitely be back for more… and more….and more!

Click here for more information

What have I let myself in for?

2009-02-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

If you have ever decided to do something that is challenging and difficult but if completed it will prove very rewarding - then you know exactly how I am feeling right at this moment!

Some time ago the subject of The Great North Run and raising money for charity was discussed in the office – and you think to yourself – yes I would like to do that – do my bit to raise money for charity while setting myself a target. So you go on line and register then you forget all about it until you receive an email to say that you have been accepted to take part – and you think …. What have I done?

The laid back thoughts of I have plenty of time to train – I will be fine change to the mild panic of what if I can’t do this, what if I fail and can’t raise any money, what if I let others down.

These are exactly the thoughts some people feel when they are thrown into an activity trip. They really want to do it and are excited at the prospect of challenging themselves to do something new and different but at the same time they are nervous and it is natural, completely natural. To be honest I would be more worried if people weren’t a little apprehensive!

However, once anyone has been and experienced the new activities and challenges they are on such a high and often can’t believe what they have achieved as it is rarely as daunting as they initially believe.

Taking the plunge is ultimately a good thing and I am hoping that this will be the same for my latest challenge - I will keep you posted on my progress.

New Year, New Ideas, New Business

2009-01-07T03:08:00.000-08:00

Well here we are at the beginning of a New Year which is always met with a degree of excitement about what the next 12 months will bring – a large amount optimism and a little trepidation combine as plans are set in motion.

For me this year will be no different to any other – I will still have a marketing budget, business plan, sales strategy and targets to meet and that is exactly how it should be.

The world still revolves even in a recession – it may not be as fast but it still turns and businesses still evolve even when times are hard.

So many people have an opinion on investing in the markets at the moment and here are two of my favourites (as you can probably tell, my glass is at least half full and rarely half empty – from an optimistic point of view!):-

“Be fearful when others are greedy and be greedy when others are fearful.”
Warren Buffett – legendary invester and philanthropist renowned for his value investing philosophy and regarded by many as the richest man in the world.

“What always holds true is that when investing seems most scary, it is likely to be most profitable.”
Tom Stevenson of Fidelity International.

I think this advice can also be applied to investing in our own companies to drive them forward. However, investing in a business need not be purely financial – time, effort and energy are also important commodities as is having the guts to stand out when others don’t.

We need to recognize that change can be positive and that by embracing change we ensure our survival.

With a little luck, we wish you a lot of success in 2009!

Get the team together.... and get the flock out there!

2008-12-05T07:58:00.000-08:00

Yes we know you would never regard your team as a flock of sheep but every team no matter how individual, need to be guided and looked after in order to make the most of them and help to prevent them from straying too far from the fold, especially during difficult times!

Forward thinking businesses realize how important team building event programmes are, allowing you to strengthen bonds within your team and helping to boost morale through achievement. Employees who feel valued will increase your profitability whilst also providing a strong platform on which to develop and grow your company.

It’s a fact that some time out of the office can make the difference - whether you want motivational outdoor team building activities, physical adventure events, mental team challenges or just a fun time for all!

Taking people out of their comfort zone and placing them in an unfamiliar environment, in order to learn a new activity, encourages them to bond and integrate with each other much quicker than normal. They also gain a trust and respect for one another through a recognition of each others’ strengths and weaknesses.

Adventure activities allow people to realize what they can do and although they may find it difficult at the beginning, this only adds to the feeling of satisfaction when they have completed the task.

Here are some teambuilding ideas for you to think about:-

White Water Rafting and Canyoning in Slovenia
Mountain Biking and Pizza Making in Tuscany
Climbing and Canoeing in the Lake Distirct
Sailing and Port Tasting in Lisbon
Snowmobiling and Dog Sledding in Finland

Make the best of your team
by making them the best team.

Big Chill or Winter Thrill – why choose a winter trip?

2008-11-14T04:15:00.000-08:00

Can you remember when winters in the UK were cold, frosty and we actually got proper snow – not just the stuff that turns into back slush within an hour then brings the whole country to a stand still. I remember when the snowfall brought the child out in everyone, when there was snow at Christmas and that if you asked the man in the red coat for a sledge – there would be a good chance of using it over the winter!

How times have changed – most of us have to travel to get that winter wonderland experience and those who can’t, end up forgetting how much fun the cold and snow can be.

Winter can be a really magical time and the destinations we feature are all picked because they offer something different and really do deliver everything that you want from this kind of trip and more. Of course you can go snowmobiling, dog sledding, reindeer driving, cross country skiing and snowshoeing but what about:-

Visiting a Snow Castle for a drink in an ice bar followed by dinner
Overnighting in an igloo
Having a trip on an icebreaker then a swim in the frozen sea
Landing on a frozen lake in a sea plane
Travelling to an Amethyst mine on snowmobile to dig for a gem
Experience a traditional smoke sauna followed by a dip in a snow hole
Travel on a chairlift to an observatory to see the Northern Lights
Staying in a ship frozen in the arctic

The list is endless - I promise you there is something here for everyone.

Here are a few FAQs to try to dispell those pre - conceived ideas about a winter trip

Will it be cold?
Yes it can be cold but only when you aren’t wearing the correct attire. On our winter trips, we make sure you get thermal suits, boots, hats and gloves for the duration of your stay so all you have to think about is having a great time. When you are inside the hotels, bars and restaurants, they have such great heating systems and construct their buildings in such a way as to retain the maximum amount of warmth.

What if I can’t ski?
So what? You will have loads of new activities to try that require no previous experience. All tuition is given when the activity begins and your guides will help you for the duration of the activity.

Will it be dark all the time?
No. The destinations we visit do have restricted hours of daylight – they call it blue time, but the snow on the ground reflects the light so you can still experience all the activities. In late February and into March the hours of daylight extend by 10 minutes per day so it doesn’t get dark until nine at night!

Is n’t it a long way to go?
The path less travelled usually is, but to travel to somewhere that is virtually untouched by mass tourism, going the extra mile is certainly worth it. The feeling of space, the remote landscape and the beauty of this rugged and harsh region combined with the warmth of it’s people is second to none. We send many groups to destinations in Lapland and we have never received any complaints about the length of time it takes to get there – it all becomes worthwhile once you arrive – believe me!

Can’t you do similar activities in central Europe?
You may be able to get on a snowmobile, or go dog sledding, but the experience you will get in a region such as Lapland is completely different. You can ride a snowmobile your self through forest tracks and over frozen lakes for up to 5 hours in a day and not cover the same track twice – this area is vast. The husky safaris are the same and you get to take the reins at the head of your own team because the terrain is varied and you can begin on more gentle tracks before progressing to more difficult areas. You certainly won’t be able to go on a reindeer safari in central Europe!

What if I haven’t got any previous experience of the activities?
Don’t worry – we want this trip to be memorable for all the right reasons so that is why we have local guides with local knowledge to look after you and teach you about each activity you will be doing. All the activities that we offer need no previous experience which means that everyone starts at the same level and no one need worry that they won’t be able to do it!

Please look at our winter destinations where you can pick a trip that will amaze and inspire:-

Finland

Sweden

Norway

Canada

Then contact us as we love to talk about these fantastic places and why the thrill is the chill !

Welcome to the World of Upsidedown!

2008-10-08T07:47:00.000-07:00

Now I probably get more than my fair share of fun in this job but this experience was definitely up there with the best things I have ever done. I was on a real high – literally!

I was invited to take part in one of the most exhilarating activities have ever tried and felt very proud that it was going to take place in the UK. I was going to have a flight in an aerobatic plane where I would actually do some of the manouevres myself even some combat flying – I couldn’t wait to meet the pilot who was crazy enough to give me control of his aircraft!

The Briefing
This was very informative and set out exactly what was in store for us. It covered health and safety, information about the aircraft, what we would be learning and taking part in and last but by no means least, the emergency procedures. After donning my flying suit, I went in search of my pilot.

The Pilot
DJ was his name and he was great! Enthusiastic yet calm, knowledgeable yet funny and with over 14000 flying hours under his belt, he had oodles of flying experience and a great personality to go with it!

Cleared for Take- off
I walked over to the plane with DJ and while he was doing his safety checks on the Bulldog someone else was helping me on with my parachute, getting me strapped into the aircraft and going over final safety and emergency procedures then we were off.
Within minutes we were taxiing down the runway and I was learning how to use the rudders to steer the aircraft. We took off in formation with another aircraft which was amazing – I had never flown so close to another plane – I just knew I was going to enjoy every moment!

Aerobatic Adventure
The aircraft was dual control which was probably even more comforting for DJ than myself! It did mean that I could try to learn some manouevres in a very safe environment and I was ready to experience some real aerobatics! The first loop was amazing – the aircraft was very responsive and effortlessly went through 360 degrees. You see sky then fields then sky again – a great feeling – which I conveyed with my shrieks of laughter. Now it was my turn – I couldn’t believe that I was going to get the chance to do this and of course DJ was always there to tell me what to do and step in if necessary.

Tail Chasing
This was the part of the flight where I turned into a female version of Tom Cruise (in the film Top Gun) as I chased another aircraft around the skies. I would have to use all the skills I had learned to keep on the tail of the other aircraft who was doing his level best to shake me off! I did love this part of the day but I definitely need more practice – I will just have to go back and do it all again!

Back to Base
They say that all good things must end and although I was sad that we were on our way back, I was really amazed that I had done so much - the aerobatic manouevres, pulling 4.5 g and then chasing another aircraft around the skies – what a way to spend an afternoon! When the aircraft came to a halt and as I put my feet back on the ground, I had the biggest smile on my face which stayed there for the rest of the day! To be honest it returns every time I think about it as I had so much fun and will remember this experience for a very long time.

What I learned
An activity that would be classed by some as extreme can be experienced in such a fun, safe and professional way.

The freedom you feel when you are flying and taking part in aerobatic manouevres is very liberating - you can leave any cares and worries on the ground while you play in the skies.

Everyone working in this company has a love of flying and they are all great ambassadors for the aviation industry. Their knowledge and expertise can be passed on to others whether they have never flown before or are pilots themselves.

This is a very addictive activity and I will certainly back for another fix!

Click here for more information about this trip

Credit Crunch - the fact and the fiction

2008-09-25T04:43:00.000-07:00

During the Summer I attended a conference for the Events Industry which gave a great insight into past, present and future trends combined with time to meet old friends, make new ones and generally put the world to rights over one or two drinks.

So the conference began with a talk from an economist about what we could expect to encounter over the next 12 to 18 months. He likened the economic climate to the film “The Perfect Storm” – great, I thought, when is George Clooney going to make his entrance! But that wasn’t going to be the comparison he was making – it was the fact that in the film, the storm ended up being the worst on record due to several phenomena taking place simultaneously and this was what we could expect from our economy.

We all left the meeting wishing there was something a little stronger to drink in the break than the coffee and tea on offer! To be fair it was no surprise to most of the attendees, but it did make everyone think about how we could harness this knowledge to make a positive impact on our own businesses and those we work with.

Let’s be honest, events are often thought of as luxury items which are the first to be cut when times are hard but shouldn’t we be incentivising employees and looking after key clients more when times are hard?

After all aren’t events that help to re-assure people in uncertain times and strengthen client relationships money well spent?

Yes we know things will have to change – we are going to have to work even harder at creating great ideas with lower budgets to prove that events can still take place, achieve results and exceed expectations. We will work even more closely with our clients giving them the best advice on how they can get the most value and return on investment from an event.

At the end of the day, the fact is that we are going to have to batten down the hatches and ride out the storm, hopefully with a little more success than George. But let’s try to be as creative as we can in order to secure our businesses and clients. The fiction would be to sit back and believe everything is going be fine – we need to act on what we have learned and if we think we can just wait for the good times to return, we are the ones who don’t have a grip on reality.

Overnight in an Igloo - Does it leave you cold?

2008-08-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

When you say “I am going to stay overnight in an igloo” to some people, you can see them shiver at the mere thought of it – then they look at you as though you are mad!

I want to set the record straight – I loved every minute and although it isn’t for everyone, I am sure that many would enjoy the experience as much as I did.

Yes it is true, why would anyone want to stay in an igloo - you wouldn’t pay good money to sleep in a freezer would you? But that’s the difference – there is something amazing about spending the night in such an unusual place ……..the igloo not the freezer!

When you start looking for an igloo experience, you will find there are several choices to be made. At the top end of the scale are places such as the Ice Hotel in Sweden with it’s fantastic vodka bar, beautiful church for that unique setting to tie the knot, shop, separate restaurant and about 30 bedroom suites with the most amazing themes – non are ensuite I might add.

There are however several places that are not so well known where you can have just as cool an experience.

There are the Snow Castles in Kemi and Lainio - although the rooms are more plain it does benefit from an ice restaurant where you can sit at an ice table and have a 3 course meal before retiring for the night.

Then if you want a more rustic feel to your accommodation, why not spend the night in an igloo in Harriniva or go to the Snow Lodge near Kemi.

If you are really unsure of the igloo then why not spend the night in a glass Igloo in Saariselka. These are made from glass and you get great views of the northern lights or enjoy the snowfall from the comfort of a warm igloo.

Although each place is unique the experience you will receive is similar in that you will be amazed at the atmosphere inside, the sounds you will hear and how warm you are – yes warm, that’s what I said!

Thermal sleeping bags do exactly what they say on the tin – they keep you warm in temperatures of up to minus 40 degrees and when you think that the average temperature in an igloo is about 1 degree then you will begin to understand how warm you will be.

You do need to wear a hat for bed as you loose a high percentage of your body heat through your head but apart from that you will be just fine. I think that the secret is to keep warm and have lots of layers so you can add and remove them – it is much easier to keep warm than to get warm once you are cold.

I remember arriving at the igloo where I was going to stay and how quickly I became accustomed to the fact that everything was made of ice and snow – the bar, the chairs, the tables, and the beds. I have never had champagne that was so cold – not that I am complaining! The food was great too and everyone sat together around a big table in the restaurant. We were all the best of friends by the time we got into the hot tubs outside to enjoy the moonlit landscape.

I remember going to bed thinking – I hope I don’t end up with my arms out of the sleeping bag and then waking up in the morning with frost bite – I need not have worried as I woke up at about 4am feeling so hot that I spent the rest of the night with my sleeping bag half undone just to cool down!

In the morning I was woken up with a nice cup of hot tea and then went to a local hotel for breakfast.

I think the best way to get the most from this type of experience is to think about what you want from it, decide whether you want the expensive bigger hotels or whether you would prefer to be in something that is more rustic and perhaps not quite so commercialised.

I left my igloo experience having dispelled many myths and pre-conceived ideas that even I, as a snow junky, had harbored. I will remember it as being one of the most unusual places I have ever stayed and it was worth every penny. I wasn’t just paying for a bed for the night, it was the whole experience during my stay that made it so special.

Here are links to the places where you can spend the night in an igloo:-

Kemi
Saariselka
Harriniva

Rib Roaring Day on the Solent

2008-07-31T05:58:00.000-07:00

It’s always nice to receive an invite to a launch party especially when it involves an unusual venue, great activities and liquid refreshment – how could I refuse?

Although many of our destinations are abroad, I am only too aware that not everyone has the time to escape the office for longer than a day so I am always on the look out for an alternative.

The south coast is a perfect destination for a day out with great links to London. Only an hour and a half by train or car plus there is lots of parking and the station is only a 5 minute walk to the marina.

I arrived at Gunwharf Marina and quickly found the venue – a converted trawler right beside the Spinnaker Tower. As I boarded the vessel, I wasn’t sure what to expect, would I be greeted by Captain Birdseye at the helm with a plate of fishfingers?.......well I had to eat my words as I crossed the canopy covered deck where an immaculately dressed waiter offered me a glass of champagne and some ‘to die for’ canapés – a great start to the afternoon. We then had a very informative tour of the trawler and learned about the conferencing facilities available on board.

From here it was time for us to experience a ride on the Solent in a Rib. After the issue of life jackets and safety brief, we set off on our treasure hunt. Each member of the team had a different function, one person shouted out the clues, another gave the map readings (thank God that wasn’t me as I think we would still be there!) and then another had the compass. It was up to us to tell the skipper where we needed to go – what could possibly go wrong!

Within a very short time we were enjoying the speed of the rib, jumping out of the water as we crossed the waves whilst we were taking in the view, discussing the clues and trying to find some answers.

We travelled to the different forts within the Solent and also made a visit to the Isle of Wight. Our skipper was great – his knowledge of the area was excellent, his concern for our safety was paramount at all times, his experience of the waters and the handling of the rib were second to none and his help with the clues was invaluable!

I had a great day – it is always interesting when you get to visit a new venue that is a little unusual – it stands out and I think creativity should always be applauded.
The Rib was also a great experience – skimming over the Solent at speeds of up to 50 mph was brilliant and the views of the coast were tremendous.
Being out on the water always gives a sense of freedom and I returned to the shore feeling refreshed and relaxed with a big smile on my face – perfect!

Click here for more details

Discovering Lisbon - Guest Blog

2008-05-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

Well for this blog all you are going to get from me is the introduction! - the rest is going to be written by a client who recently organised a trip to Lisbon. I thought it would make a refreshing change to hear about a trip from someone who has just been and experienced the destination for themselves. So it’s my client we need to thank for this blog!

The Planning of an Event
It is never easy organising a teambuilding trip for the rest of the company as there are always so many criteria that need to be met :–
· A fun teambuilding event over a weekend in April
· Good links with London and Helsinki
· Short transfer in order to maximise time at destination
· Good accommodation with close proximity to bars and restaurants
· Selection of great activities that will appeal to a wide range of people
· Something different that the group have not experienced together

I contacted 925 Alive and asked if they would provide me with some ideas.

The Solution
The trip was going to take advantage of some evening flights out of London straight after work on Friday returning on Sunday evening making the most of our weekend and combining some activities in and around Lisbon.
The first day would be spent on the water where 4 skippered yachts would be at our disposal to compete in our own sailing regatta.
The next day we would see a different side of Portugal – a more traditional and rural setting for our mixed activity day to experience some unique and varied activities including stock car racing and donkey polo!
It sounded just right, and contained all the elements I was looking for, although I was a little concerned with the donkey polo!

The Welcome
When we arrived at the airport we were met by Joel who would be looking after us during our stay. He was great and there from start to finish making sure everything went according to plan. He wasn’t over bearing but was at the same time attentive. Getting this balance right is quite hard but Joel did it perfectly.
As the organiser of a trip, you always feel that the responsibility lies with you, so it was really nice having someone there to share this, which allowed me to relax and enjoy the weekend as well!

The Nightlife
Our first evening was spent in a cosmopolitan restaurant and bar with great views overlooking the water.
To be fair, my only criticism of this venue was that although the meal was very good, there was probably too much food for us at such a late hour. We travelled there straight from the airport, so with hindsight, I would probably have chosen something a little lighter for the meal. Several of the party had to be winched out of their chairs!
After dinner, we relaxed in the bar and enjoyed the lively atmosphere followed by the option to return to the hotel or sample more of Lisbon’s nightlife. The place was pretty empty at midnight but had filled up and was rocking by 2am when some of the lightweights headed back to the hotel, leaving the slightly younger element the task of flying the flag, which they seemed to do with aplomb judging by some of the faces at breakfast – credit to them though, they were all there!

The Sailing
Our morning got off to a great start as each team was assigned a yacht and skipper, then the race began. Sailing is one of the best sports to bring people together, raise their spirits and highlight their competitive edge – all at the same time and believe me, we were no different! The race ended as we arrived at a restaurant beside the marina, where we were welcomed with some particularly good caipirinhas followed by an excellent lunch.

In the afternoon, the wind had dropped so we opted for the more laid back approach to sailing – having a laugh, relaxing in the sun, taking in the view and sampling the chilled liquid refreshments on board! Our boat managed to sample so many they ran out 10 mins before we hit our mooring!

The Mixed Activity Day
The whole day was brilliant - all the activities were great, well organised and really good fun. The stock car racing was brilliant. The climbing wall and zip wire were also very popular and gave certain people within the group the opportunity to try something they wouldn’t normally do and rise to a new challenge, and in some cases conquer some fears.
We ended the activities with donkey polo – which we loved although our version wasn’t quite the “Sport of Kings” – more the ‘Sport of Misfits’

The Best Bit
Quite frankly, it had to be the mixed activity day – the whole experience was great – from the diverse activities to the relaxed atmosphere that was created – the country estate the day was run on was a real family affair which was really nice to see! All the staff were so friendly and you got the distinct impression they really liked what they were doing, which is vital as it is infectious.
The lunch was particularly memorable as we were serenaded by a local band while we ate homemade bean stew – which was fantastic! 925 Alive should provide the recipe – Jane, I am still waiting!

The Worst Bit
In the late afternoon just before we were going to set off to the airport, we found out that our return flights had been cancelled by BA, due to the chaos at Terminal 5 – this was a business critical situation for us as returning to the UK that night was key – our office needs to be staffed from 06.00am and not being there is simply not an option.
Within a very short period of time, the 925 Alive reps on the ground were on top of things, and flights for everyone were arranged with another airline - one guy came into the office in Lisbon from home especially to sort our situation out.

It isn’t until things go wrong that you learn how well you have been looked after – I have nothing but praise as what could have been a total disaster was dealt with swiftly and professionally. Fantastic. This also got me conveniently out of donkey polo! (Also fantastic – for the beasts of burden - as I was larger than most of them!)

The Next Trip
I am already looking at options for next year from 925 Alive!

Learning something new can be good for you!

2008-04-22T02:58:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from my last ski holiday of the season – I am absolutely gutted – however I did have a fantastic time and one of the most memorable parts of the trip was when myself and 7 other friends decided to push the boundaries and have a day of snowboarding.

Now as someone who has skied for almost twenty years, the thought of changing to a snowboard even though it was just for one day, was a monumental step. I mean why take off a perfectly good pair of skis that I am happy to go down anything on and replace them with the more unpredictable snowboard?

Because it had to be done!!

Even though I knew it was going to be different, difficult and darn right painful at times, nothing was going to stop me or my friends from trying out this new pass-time – you never know – we could be converted – I was already planning my new boarder chick outfit - well maybe that was a little on the optimistic side – even for me!

I was really looking forward to snowboarding – there is something about trying new things and although they can be challenging, the reward and the buzz that you feel is worth every penny that you spend on the tuition ....... and the massage afterwards!

What made the day really special was our instructor – a cool Canadian freestyle dude who made it all look very easy whilst giving fantastic advice and encouragement. The best was -

“If you look down then you’re going down!”

I didn’t think it was possible for me to look down that much – but clearly I was a natural!!

At the end of the day – we walked away (well some of us limped!) with yes, a few bruises, but the biggest souvenir was taking time out from skiing, something that we were very comfortable with to enter into the unknown and go back to learning a new skill from scratch.

We started the day not able to stand on a board and finished it being able to board down a nursery slope (with varying degrees of control – I must admit!). The fun was learning something new with a bunch of friends knowing that in years to come we will all be able to smile and laugh as we remember the day we went boarding – unforgettable!

So the next time someone suggests doing something completely different or learning something new – give it some serious thought – you never know you might really enjoy it!!

Sweden - Searching for the Northern Lights

2008-03-28T05:23:00.000-07:00

The nicest words I can hear from my boss are “I want you to visit a new place to set up a trip”

Sweden was to be my next destination and I had a mission - I was going in search of the Northern Lights – I couldn’t wait!

People say you should never work with children and animals – well I think that natural phenomena should also be added to that list because on this trip the Northern Lights did elude me but that did not in anyway detract from the trip itself and I do feel that if you do see them it is a bonus!

Ice Hotel

On arrival in Sweden the first port of call was the famous Ice Hotel. I have seen my fair share of castles, lodges, and hotels made from snow and ice but the Ice Hotel was really quite beautiful. The art work and design were particularly innovative and not only do you get to visit all the rooms during the day, you also learn how the hotel is created which is really interesting. I loved the Vodka Bar – who wouldn’t? – even if Vodka isn’t your tipple it is nice to have a drink and sit on ice chairs covered with reindeer skins. Each of the bedroom suites was better than the one before – I think I must have photographed all 30!

Night Snowmobiling

This was another activity worthy of a mention – speeding through the winter wonderland on a snowmobile is quite something – eerie and exciting all at the same time!

We stopped at a small kota (traditional wooden tepee) and by the time I had taken off my helmet and mittens, the guide had lit a fire and was busy preparing dinner - a veritable feast created out of almost nothing!

Once fed and watered, it was time to return to civilisation on my trusty snowmobile. I didn't catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights - however I did get the next best thing – it was snowing!

Ice Fishing Cabins

I was sitting on a sled pulled by a snowmobile as I crossed the frozen lake – I couldn’t believe my eyes as in the distance I could see several small cabins sitting on the frozen expanse of water. Each heated cabin was designed to sleep 3 people and they had a hole in the base so that you could fish if you wanted without even venturing outside!

There was a larger cabin where a 3 course dinner with wine would be served to the group and also a sauna – a great way to relax after a busy day outside.

They can even bring a hot tub out on to the ice so you can watch the Northern Lights as you chill out in the warm water. Now that’s what I call service!

Chair Lift to the Northern Lights

Well this activity was the final one of my trip – if the Northern Lights weren’t going to come to me then I was going up to find them!

Dinner was served in a local restaurant where I got to know the rest of the group and compared notes on who had seen the elusive lights during their stay – no one had been lucky so far but this didn’t dampen our spirits in the slightest. After 3 courses and a few glasses of wine, we ventured out into the cool evening air for the short walk to the chairlift.

We were given thermal clothing to wear and a blanket covered our legs as we started the 15 minute journey on the chairlift to the mountain lodge 500 metres above. It was a strange sensation going up on a chairlift in complete darkness but it really added to the experience. Once at the top, we entered the mountain lodge which was illuminated only by candles, it created the perfect ambience for our evening.

Our time in the Lodge passed very quickly. There was a small information centre to look around and our guide, whose levels of optimism even surpassed mine, was also very knowledgable. There were hot drinks available to warm you up after time outside on the observation terrace. After 3 hours we returned to the hotel using the chairlift. Even during the descent I kept thinking wouldn’t it be amazing to be on the chairlift when the Northern Lights appeared! I was an optimist until the very end but I was unlucky this time.

What I learned

They say that it isn’t the arrival that is important but the journey itself and I think that this best describes my search for the Northern Lights.

Not seeing them was a shame but did it detract from the activities I took part in?

Certainly not!

The activities are all amazing in their own right and seeing the Northern Lights would have merely been the bonus. It also gives me a reason to return to try again and hopefully next time I will be a lucky optimist!

Click here to view trip

Iceland - Pure Contrast

2008-02-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

As you have probably realised if you have read my blogs, I love to travel and nothing excites me more when I not only get to visit a new destination but also a new country!

Iceland really has a lot to offer the corporate market and I wanted to find out what made it so special and unique. It was a new country to me in every sense of the word – a place developing before my very eyes with its geysers, volcanic activity and unusual landscape. Combine this with the cool cosmopolitan city of Reykjavik, the warm Icelandic welcome and the amazing activities – this place will never disappoint and never cease to surprise.

The Landscape

You don’t have to be a geologist to be impressed by the landscape and natural beauty of this country. When you drive from the airport you will feel that you have arrived on another planet not just to another country. The largest waterfall in Europe is also very impressive and make sure you give yourself enough time at the geyser to see it erupt at least twice as you will never get a photo the first time you see it – you will be too busy gasping with surprise!

The Activities

What can I say, the Icelandic people love the outdoors so there is plenty to do and this is one of the very few places where in the summer, you can have a morning snowmobiling on the glacier followed by an afternoon of rafting. There are plenty of other activities as well such as horse riding – Icelandic horses have a great temperament which makes them ideal companions for those of us who are complete novices. If you want a little more horse power then you can experience the Super Jeep safaris where your guide will give you lots of knowledge about the country and also entertain you with an off road experience. If you want to enjoy the wildlife then a boat trip to go whale watching is not to be missed.

The Relaxation

You can’t visit Iceland without taking a dip in the famous Blue Lagoon – an amazing and natural phenomena that is both fun and relaxing. If you are in a group, you can even arrange to be served a Blue Lagoon cocktail while you are in the water, which is very warm even in the winter – the water not the cocktail!

The Nightlife

These people certainly know how to party and consequently there is no shortage of places to drink, sing and dance the night away. Yes the drinks are not the cheapest but the atmosphere more than makes up for that.
There is a mixture of restaurants from the more traditional looking in the older style buildings to the ultra modern but all serve great food using high quality ingredients. There are some delicacies that should be tried – certainly the Icelandic lobster, puffin – yes that’s what I said, all lamb dishes including smoked lamb which is really nice. Then for the more adventurous you need to try rotten shark, ram’s testicles, sheep’s brain terrine and whale blubber – but only in very small amounts!

What I learned

The small capital of Reykjavik will give you a big welcome and you can’t help being charmed by the atmosphere and the Icelandic people themselves. You can leave the capital and be in the middle of no where in about 20 minutes – which you can’t say about many capitals in the world.

What I loved

The people
The natural and rugged beauty of the landscape
The activities

What I want to go back for

Whale Watching
White Water Rafting
Rotten Shark – just joking!

All Aboard the Icebreaker for the Coolest Trip!

2008-01-31T03:04:00.000-08:00

Last year I had the chance to experience this activity and ever since have been telling everyone who will listen (and even those who don’t want to!) that they should try this out.

Boring – I here you say – well you are entitled to your opinion …. after you have read this!

I love winter destinations and have had my fair share of visiting different places and trying out different activities but, for me, this day of activity covered everything – a unique, unusual and exhilarating experience that would appeal to a varied audience.

When I opened the door of my hotel room, my clothing was waiting for me – a thermal suit to go over my clothes, thick socks, boots, gloves and a warm hat. My outfit wasn’t going to win any fashion awards but it would keep me very warm during a day that would be spent mainly outside in cool conditions.

Next morning the group met in the hotel foyer and started on the long journey to where the snowmobile safari would begin – it was all of 25 metres – just across the road from the hotel!

Snowmobile Safari across the Sea

We received our safety instructions, details of how to control the snowmobile and a run through of hand signals that the guide would use in order to give instructions to everyone as we travelled. Then it was time to start the engines and off we went onto the frozen sea - I did remember thinking, maybe I shouldn’t have had that second croissant at breakfast! It just looked like a great flat expanse of land covered in snow so it did take a while to come to terms with the fact that you are actually crossing the sea – even though it is over a meter below you.

We travelled to meet the Icebreaker vessel which had already left the harbour. Just as I had got used to the concept that I was travelling over the frozen sea on my snowmobile, I saw the most amazing sight on the horizon – a big ship cutting through the ice and appearing to float across the completely frozen water.

We were given the signal to stop our snowmobiles and get off them as the ship was approaching (about 200 metres away). We dismounted with a certain trepidation – it took a while to get your head around the fact that the ice is so thick and stable over the waters beneath. We left our snowmobiles just parked in the middle of the sea while we crossed the short distance to the vessel which had now stopped and lowered the gang plank so we could board the ship.

Breaking the Ice with the Captain

We met the Captain and had a tour of the ship including the engine room which, I must admit, was a bit more Poseidon Adventure than Star Trek! We then headed for the restaurant for our traditional and hearty 3 course meal. During the meal the ship was doing what it does best – breaking through the ice. The best view was from the bow (the pointy end to those of you in the know) where we could look over and see the vessel as it effortlessly crashed through the frozen sea to reveal the water below which was almost black in colour having been deprived of light.

Arctic Swim

Now all that remained for us was the part of the trip I had really been looking forward to – the afternoon swim in the sea. We were given help to get into our special suits – these were really thick rubber suits worn over our clothes that covered the whole body except for your face – and they did keep us dry – really!

One of the funniest sights was to watch other people as they waddled down the gang plank and towards the large hole in the ice that had been created by the Icebreaker. The crew helped small numbers of people at a time into the water so they could have more of a splash and float about rather than a swim!

I couldn’t believe that I was swimming in the sea surrounded by ice – and it was a great feeling that I still talk about at every opportunity!

Once everyone had their turn in the water the ship began to head back to land and stopped by the abandoned snowmobiles so we could get off and continue the safari.

Chill Out at the Snow Castle

Our next stop was at the Snow Castle – we received a guided tour of the place with a non alcoholic cocktail served in an ice goblet in the Ice Bar – the price you pay for still being in control of a snowmobile, but well worth it. Then we continued to a lovely lodge where the safari ended. The lodge was typically Finnish with a traditional smoke sauna, hot tub and ice hole – don’t knock it until you have tried taking a dip in water that is barely above freezing point – believe me, I know! Dinner was served in the lodge before returning to the hotel.

At the end of the day

Sometimes when you look forward to doing something that you have wanted to do for some time, it can be at best a bit of a let down or at worst, a complete disappointment.

I left my destination with a great big smile on my face and happy in the knowledge that I had experienced another dream activity that I will remember forever and that I would do again tomorrow.

Movie Footage

Click here to view some movie footage of the experience

Other Activities

Click here to see more activites that you can try at this destination

New Year Resolutions Made Easy

2008-01-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

Well here we are at the beginning of another New Year. It’s a time for reflection......setting goals...... getting your life on track...... planning for the rest of the year……

Bull…!

Whenever anyone makes a resolution they always pick something that is virtually impossible to achieve then lose interest and wonder why they end up failing.

Why not break with tradition this year and make sure your resolution for 2008 is not only possible but also fun to achieve.

Don’t take something out of your life put something into it.

Try a new experience or visit somewhere different – but whatever you choose as your goal for the year….

Make it fun, interesting and enjoy 2008!

My Holiday Heaven

2007-12-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

My next trip isn't for work, it's just my annual indulgence - the all important ski trip for Christmas and New Year.

It isn't everyone's choice but, for me, being outside all day in the wonderful fresh mountain air amidst breath-taking scenery followed by the apres ski, is absolute heaven!

I hope you get all that you wish for during the Festive Season and that the New Year brings all the happiness and prosperity you can handle.

Eco-entertainment makes the difference

2007-12-06T05:16:00.000-08:00

Eco–entertainment is a concept that will feature more and more in the Events, Incentive and Hospitality Industry.

The penny is finally dropping in the business world – yes, making money is important but we also need to consider our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). With the revelation that 75% of people would prefer to work for a company that has an active and evolving CSR policy, everyone needs to take stock of what they can do to make a difference.

There are many forms of CSR, from reducing your carbon footprint to investing in worldwide projects.

Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean that events won’t be fun anymore it just means that more thought goes into combining entertainment with making a difference.

You can make a difference by enjoying an event that focuses on helping others to secure a more stable future.

We all talk about the best things that money can buy and what we would do if we had more money, but what about the gifts that money can’t buy?

The look on the faces of a whole village in the footthills of the Atlas Mountains when they see you plant olive trees that they will benefit from for years to come.

Imagine being part of a trip where you work together to give something really special to people you have never met and who can never repay you.

It’s called making a difference and it’s priceless!

The Perfect Guide

2007-11-29T01:21:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of the year when I scrutinize the website and chat to the designers about plans for the next 12 months.

Websites are so important these days and I think everyone knows that building a website and then not updating it, is a waste of time. It needs to evolve just as your business evolves.

Amongst the many ideas to be added over the coming months such as more images, other sample trips and some fantastic new movie footage, the one I am really excited about is the Guide of the Month page.

This is where we will add information about the many guides we use for our activity destinations and each month we will feature a guide from a different location. There will be the all important picture, of course, but also some extra information to give more of an insight into the person, their values, likes, dislikes, favourite activities and most important, their history and experience.

When anyone books a trip which involves activities such as sky diving, white water rafting or snowmobiling, it is really important that they have confidence in their guides. This is why we think that this section is so important – it is invaluable that we find the right people to look after our groups, as they learn new skills and take on unusual challenges.

Also, another important factor is that we always use people who are local to the area, as local knowledge is vital to promote the smooth running of any event and the ability to react quickly to a problem is paramount. We ensure that guides are fully qualified and that they comply with all safety regulations so that you don’t have to go to the trouble of vetting and checking them yourselves.

Another benefit to using local people is that we put money and investment back into local communities so they can secure a future for themselves and their families.

Top tips for the Perfect Guide

Fully qualified and comply with safety regulations
Let’s be honest – this is the most important factor to provide peace of mind to those organizing and those taking part in an event.
Provide good quality of equipment
It’s pointless having good guides if the equipment they are using is “out of the ark”

Experienced
We use guides who have lots of experience so they can spot any problems and deal with them swiftly ensuring that events are well run and everyone leaves with a feeling of achievement.

Can teach in the lanquage of the group
It’s hard grasping a new activity when you are being taught, as best, in a language you learned for a couple of years when you were at school so we make sure that our guides have a great command of the English language.

Fun but firm where necessary
Guides need to be fun with a great sense of humour as we want you to have a good time but our guides also know when to be firm as sometimes this is a necessary part of the activity in order to keep the group safe and everyone focused.

Knowledge of the local area
The guides need to have knowledge of the area with regards to stretches of river, mountains etc. but local knowledge can also mean – the best places to eat and drink when you go out, or places of interest to visit.

Instant rapport with the group
Guides not only need to be able to get on with the whole group and build up their trust but also need to be able to identify the people in the group who need more help, tuition and confidence.

The new Guide of the Month section will be added at the beginning of next year.

Ice Rallying to the "Finnish" Line

2007-11-20T03:10:00.000-08:00

I love winter – especially when it starts to get much colder and there is hopefully a chance of snow!

It’s funny how different countries view bad weather in different ways. You know how it is in the UK – a few centimeters of slush and we grind to a halt! It’s not because we are a nation of bad drivers, it’s more because we don’t get the experience of driving in wintery conditions very often so when it does happen, we turn into Bambi on ice – only not quite as cute.

In Finland because they drive for so many of the months on snow and ice they have to take 2 driving tests one in the Summer and one in the Winter because they recognize that driving on snow and ice is so different and that is probably why they have produced some great rally drivers over the years.

You can go to various parts of Finland to experience the exhilarating activity of rallying and it is well worth taking time out to do! There are professionally run organisations that provide everything you need from the tuition, equipment, venue and of course the vehicles.

I was very impressed by a company in Northern Finland where professional rally drivers go to practice and test their vehicles and tyres. When you arrive you meet your drivers, begin your tuition, then you receive your equipment (safety overalls, boots, gloves and the all important helmet) and the fun begins!

They have 3 disciplines that you can take part in.

Navigate a Rally Section

The first is where you can sit with a professional driver as his navigator and experience a rally driving section where the vehicle is put through it’s paces – or is it you being put through your paces! Anyway don’t worry, you won’t really need to navigate you can just enjoy the ride – but you do need to open your eyes to get the best view (only joking!).

Slalom on Ice

Next you get your turn behind the wheel with an instructor at your side as you drive on a road covered in sheet ice – it’s amazing trying to control the car and you get lots of tips on how to react when a vehicle starts to develop a mind of it’s own in these conditions.

The Race is On

The finale is where you get to put everything you have learned into the final section. There are 2 independent circular tracks covered in snow and you get to race against the clock and the other person on the other track.

What I Learned

The best thing about this activity is that it is unique – you just can’t do this everywhere. You also learn new skills, become more confident and this kind of activity brings out the competitive spirit in everyone, but they are having so much fun they won't even notice!

Click here for more information

The Magic and Mystery of Marrakech

2007-11-14T06:03:00.000-08:00

Arrival

I arrived in Marrakech armed with my guide book, which I had already digested on the flight – went down better than the food! I was warned that I would need to haggle with the taxi driver, which I wasn’t looking forward to - after travelling you just want to get to where you are staying, but if you view it as a bit of a game then it’s just fun really. I couldn’t believe that I could be somewhere so different, after only a three and a half hour flight from London.

I arrived at the hotel and as I was checking in, I received my first glass of hot mint tea – I must admit I am not usually a fan of tea, but it was so refreshing and a different way of welcoming new visitors. The accommodation was stylish yet traditional with great facilities as standard and extremely clean! There are lots of people to look after you when you are there and they are all really helpful.

Accommodation

My first day was spent looking at other Hotels and Riads, both in the centre and on the outskirts of the town. I must admit I did prefer the Riads, as they offered a more traditional environment – a real taste of Marrakech and the Moroccan way of life.

We drove along a tiny narrow road and our vehicle stopped – I looked around thinking why are we stopping here? Why are we getting out of the vehicle here??
There was a small door to the entrance of the Riad, but it was like stepping through the wardrobe into Narnia – I’m telling you, the two sides of the door could not have been more different – from the nondescript alleyway to the palatial, tranquil courtyard area of the Riad. It was decorated with tiles that you would pay a fortune for over here and added to this, the plants, lighting and the fountain in the centre with rose petals floating in the water – I thought I was in another world.

The rooms did not disappoint either – they oozed quality from the beautiful bathrooms to the crisp white linen on the bed. As a bonus, the Riad was perfectly placed to explore the hustle and bustle of the busy Medina close by – but I don’t know why anyone would want to leave this place, as the outdoor heated pool in an adjoining courtyard, the marble clad hammam and the indoor jacuzzi amused me for hours.

One thing I would say about the buildings in general is, never judge a book by it’s cover! The exterior of the buildings whether they are Hotels, Riads, Restaurants or bars can be very deceiving, as they are all very plain. Step inside though and you realise the thought, design and attention to detail that has gone in to the interior! The choice of fixtures and fittings, the interior design of the buildings and the quality of the workmanship is something that the Moroccans should be very proud of.

Nightlife

All of the drinking establishments we visited were different but stylish too. Very cosmopolitan, but again with that unique feeling and identity of Morocco. There are areas by the bar to sip drinks while listening to local musicians play. Then there are outdoor areas with more comfortable seating located around pools and fountains, gently lit with traditional lamps and candles - fantastic!

The restaurants were also plentiful whether you want Moroccan cuisine served in a traditional restaurant, or dinner with more of an international flavour served in a modern environment, you will be impressed by both the quality of food and the level of service you receive.

Other things to see and do

The next day we went off to the mountains on a 4x4 safari – it was good to get out of the town and head for somewhere completely different. In a very short space of time we were off road and in what felt like the middle of nowhere – fortunately our driver did seem to know where he was going. We stopped for lunch at a lovely little restaurant in the mountains – a perfect oasis with pool, outdoor and indoor seating and beautiful gardens

It was time to return to the busy centre and get my first experience of the Medina!
I wandered around the food stalls selling everything from fresh orange juice to barbecued fish. The most memorable stall had to be the sheep’s head stall – I must admit this stall wasn’t exactly buzzing with tourists! It was a bit like a car accident – people slowing down to catch a glimpse of what was happening then speeding up thanking God they weren’t involved. The sheep’s heads that were cooking – not sure if this was a pre – order or an over optimistic chef – but they actually did smell really nice, and I mean really nice – just like a hearty casserole. I could imagine myself going to someone’s house for dinner and thinking wow that smells great – what are we having..... ?

I wandered around on my own for ages just taking in the atmosphere and although I had my fair share of people trying to sell me things I didn’t want – it was all part of the experience and I didn’t feel threatened by their behaviour at any time.

What I learned
I left this mysterious and magical place feeling that I had experienced much in the short time I was there, but certainly with a desire to return in the near future.

What I loved
Great Atmosphere
Hospitable People
Good Nightlife
Tranquil Places to Stay
Mint Tea

Not so sure about
Sheep’s Head Stew

Want to go back to do
Camel Ride
Quad Safari

Caleche Ride
Haggle for some slippers

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