Tignes, The French Alps

A Honeymoon Hotspot doesn't neccessarily mean that the weather has to be hot!!!

One of the most attractive glaciers in the Alps, the 5-star ski area of Tignes with more than 300 kilometres of piste and 89 lifts, sprawls over three mountains and two valleys, which will make every skier's heart race. The high altitude of 1,550 - 3,456 m, guarantees high levels of snow. In 2009 the region will be host to the ski world championship!



While skiing is naturally the most important thing in Tignes, the après ski scene is not far behind! A multitude of bars, cosy restaurants and several clubs take centre stage in Tignes. A real hot-spot is Grizzly's Bar with an arctic atmosphere. Hot salsa rhythms can be found at Kawama Café. For those who wish to remain active, Tignes Le Lac offers a natural skating rink. Alternatively, there is an Aqua Centre, with water and spa facilities, where you can go to relax. Those looking for something unusual can go ice diving in the lake at Tignes! A special highlight is the "Tignes Airwaves" where performers put on an extreme sport show in Freestyle and Freeride!

 

Aeolian Islands

Off the north-east coast of Sicily, only a ferry ride or hydrofoil from Milazzo, the Aeolian Islands were colonised around 580 BC and named after the mythical figure Aeolus, who is said to have kept the winds bottled up in a cave. 

The Aeolian Islands are quite remote, which is part of their appeal. No air travel is available to the archipelago, except for the very expensive helicopter service which runs during high season from the Catania airport. Most international travellers, then, will arrive at the airport of either Palermo or Catania airport in Sicily, or Reggio di Calabria, across the straits of Messina on the mainland.

Stromboli is the most spectacular of the islands, as it's the only one that is currently volcanically active. In fact, its's the only volcano in the world that is known to have been continuously active throughout recorded history. Stromboli town has pretty narrow streets and, further from the centre, beautiful black sand beaches in rocky coves. The must-see attraction is the night-time climb up to the crater. The going is tough, you will be climbing approximately 850m, but you will see an amazing sunset and the eruptions are incredible. The trip is rounded off by running down the volcanic ash slopes, in the dark!

Cairns, Australia

Tropics, rainforests, diver's paradise - this laid-back gateway into Tropical North Queensland is home to lush rainforests, enticing Aboriginal culture, and that natural wonder--the Great Barrier Reef.

The region, known as the Tropical North Queensland, normally experiences two seasons: the green season (November to May) with monsoonal rains, and the dry season (the rest of the year). Dress is informal. Bring sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, swimwear, and walking shoes if intending to hike. Although usually balmy, the highlands and some other areas can be chilly (even cold) during winter months (June through August), making a warm jumper or jacket a welcome companion. Must see sights:

• Port Douglas, North of Cairns, this resort town lures with its fine restaurants, art galleries, stunning Four Mile Beach, Marina Mirage complex, and a myriad of cruise craft that will steer you to the Great Barrier Reef.
• The Great Barrier Reef: The one-and-only Great Barrier Reef can be experienced in many ways-through a dive down under, from a semi-submersible, or from on high in a helicopter.
• Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park: Aboriginal myths, customs, history, and culture are explained through dance performances, slide shows, and laser and light shows.