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travelcenter-uk · 3 years ago

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Top-tiered ski destinations in Europe you should visit in 2021

Are you thriving for an adventure or looking for some extreme level of fun? Then, a trip to one of the top-rated ski destinations in Europe will have your whimsies covered!

Moreover, there’s a vast range of holiday options around the beautiful mountainous slopes of Europe. Whether a seasoned skier or rookie to the slopes, you’re bound to fall in love with the idea of skiing. We compiled a list of some of the best ski resorts in Europe, with snow-capped mountains and energetic environments.

Where can you find the best ski destinations in Europe?

Looking out for suitable ski destinations in Europe for your next top-tier ski break? Ski holidays in Europe gaining more demand, and there’s no shortage of places where you could go skiing in Europe.

However, choosing the ideal location can be an overwhelming task. So, to make things easier, take a look at our roundup of the coolest ski resorts. From the stunning mountains, the best training spots, to the most challenging slopes – in fact, these are the best of the best.

Chamonix- Mont-Blanc, France

Chamonix, located in the French alpine region of Haute Savoie, tucked into a sharp valley at the base of Mont-Blanc. This is one of the highest mountains in Europe and is a dream destination for ski enthusiasts.

Chamonix-Mont Blanc displays a gorgeous view which makes it another reason for skiers to visit. The town in France oozes with alpine charm and offers plenty of ski opportunities. If you’re visiting here, don’t forget to ride the Aiguille du Midi, the highest cable car in Western Europe.

Borovets, Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the top ski destinations in Europe and comprises three small ski towns. One of which is Borovets, situated on the northern slopes of Bulgaria, in the gorgeous Rilla mountains.

Borovets offers lively resorts full of bars and clubs, which makes it a top-notch allure. This is the ideal place for those who want to learn to ski at its 5 ski slopes, with the competence of ski instructors. Furthermore, Borovets offers unique night ski experiences on the slopes of Martinovi baraka. If you are planning your ski holiday on a budget, there’s plenty of offers with prices that you’ll love.

CHOOSE YOUR SKI DEAL HERE!

St. Anton, Austria

St. Anton, known as the “cradle of alpine skiing,” forms the Arlberg region’s heart. Besides, St. Anton the largest interconnected ski resort in Austria and the fifth largest in the world! Essentially, those looking for the ultimate ski adventure will not be disappointed as this remarkable place has plenty to offer when it comes to icy adventures.

If the magnanimous snowy slopes aren’t enough, you can experience St. Anton’s impressive dining scene with a sizzling meal to satisfy your taste buds. Revel in the vibrant nightlife, where you can dance the night away while sipping on a Bordeaux.

Courchevel, France

Courchevel, situated within the largest ski region globally and one of the most visited ski destinations in Europe. It has six interconnected multi-level resorts, linked by lifts with easy access between the resorts and slopes. It also has more than 100 upscale boutiques and a children’s ski area featuring nine beginner-friendly ski lifts. This region is known for the longest ski season; its exceptional snowfall in the whole of the Alps is perfect for skiing and snowboarding.

No other ski holidays in Europe embodies the charm, luxury, and awe-inspiring vistas quite like France’s Courchevel. Moreover, Courchevel hosts exciting events during the ski season, such as; the Ladies Alpine World Cup giant slalom in December, plus the International Fireworks Festival in February and March. While you’re here, explore nearby restaurants and bars to enjoy steamy dishes and refreshments to keep you warm and energetic.

Verbier, Switzerland- Swiss Alps

Verbier’s reputation precedes one of the Alps’ most glamorous ski resorts in Europe, located in Switzerland’s southwest. As a result, the mountain’s mix of refined Nordic trails attracts a young, active clientele plus families who enjoy ski activities to the valleys. You can ski in the sun-drenched slopes on one side or more shady slopes facing North, down to the hills. The view of the mountains and far below the valley is truly magnificent.

If you visit during the summer months, you can ride mountain bikes and off-piste cycles. Additionally, Verbier village also offers a choice of well-regarded Swiss Ski Schools and a range of snow-sure mountainous slopes ideal for skiing.

Courmayeur, Italy

Courmayeur, located on the sunnier, Italian side of Mont Blanc. Considered as some of the best destinations to ski in Europe and is a premier freeride destination globally, it is arguably the biggest draw for ski-junkies to Mont Blanc massif. It is also home to some of the best Michelin-starred dining spots that attract many sybarites.

The ski resort shares passage to the legendary glacial run of the Vallée Blanche along with Chamonix. So, put on your jackets and prepare to explore a little bit of Courmayeur in the lift, where you can enjoy jaw-dropping panoramas.

It is best to head over to Courmayeur between December and April.

Kitzbuhel, Austria

Ski resorts of Europe don’t get any prettier or more romantic than Kitzbuhel, an award-winning ski destination, for the best ski resort in the world in 2015. A small town located in the east of Innsbruck, Austria, a mere two hours from Munich.

Its ideal natural position between the Hahnenkamm and Kitzbüheler Horn mountains offer a variety of ski terrain. Austria’s most popular holiday resort offers many hotels that draw more tourist attraction to the town. Plus, several quaint mountain huts and restaurants present delicious options to refuel or lounge leisurely on the slopes.

In Kitzbuhel, the ski season lasts for eight months, enabling you to enjoy the best winter sports and challenging races in this winter wonderland. Furthermore, every January, Kitzbühel, plays host to one of the world’s most renowned downhill ski race, the Hahnenkamm.

St. Moritz, Switzerland

It’s hard to talk about the best ski destinations in Europe without mentioning the oldest winter holiday resort in the world! The beautifully lit-up resort located along the high Engadin valley offers Europe’s most glamorous exclusive ski club, which has gained popularity among royals, celebrities and world elites since 1864. With its glinting lake, lush forests and snow-peaked mountains, the town looks like a tapestry.

St Moritz is blessed with 322 days of sunshine a year, along with a champagne climate. The region is home to star-class hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, and world-class skiing off-piste that draws many travellers and celebrities.

Hemsedal, Norway

What kind of list would this be if we didn’t add a Scandinavian ski town? The tiny Norwegian village of Hemsedal is home to the best ski resorts in Europe. You can choose your preferred slope for a fun and exciting skiing experience out of 49 slopes. Suitable for skiers who are well seasoned and Bambi-legged beginners, offering an array of endless snow-based activities such as ice sledging, snowmobiling and of course, skiing!

Are you stunned by the beautiful snow-capped mountains? Planning on an epic ski break? Call or email Travel Center UK today to plan your snowy escapade at ski destinations in Europe. Accept the icy challenges to have some extreme fun during your stay to make your winter getaway a memorable one!

START YOUR JOURNEY TOWARD A SKI HOLIDAY!

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bigyack-com · 5 years ago

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Turn Valentine’s Day 2020 into a romantic weekend at one of these lovely hotel properties - travel

If you haven’t yet lifted a finger for your significant other this Valentine’s Day, there’s still time. The holiday falls on a Friday this year, which means it’s perfect for booking a long weekend away.To help you, here are the most romantic new hotels and resorts for a quick escape—places where weeks of stress can melt away in minutes, or destinations that are easy to explore in just a few days.And please, hold the flowers and chocolates. For each of these 14 getaways, we’ve found sweet, easy-to-schedule excursions or amenities that are much more original. No matter where in the world you’re starting out from, at least one will be close by; their romantic appeal, on the other hand, is universal. If You’re on the East CoastShou Sugi Ban House, HamptonsA midwinter trip to the Hamptons may seem backward. But there’s no more romantic way to stroll a beach than in total quiet, wrapped in a blanket with your loved one. Afterward, retreat to the Japanese oasis that is Shou Sugi Ban House, where you can grab a cup of matcha from an onyx-colored bar and sit around an outdoor fireplace set in a Zen garden. There are wooden soaking tubs in the rooms and flax linen robes for lounging. What else could you need?The romantic gesture: The hotel’s expansive spa has hot and cold hydrotherapy plunge pools, a solarium and roof deck, chromatherapy showers, and apt wintertime treatments, like the “Deep Within” hot stone massage, to soften chapped skin and relieve tight joints. (It’s paired with pre- and post-treatment soaks and tonics to extend the “me time” magic.)Maison de la Luz, New OrleansIt’s not yet a year old, but this whimsical hideaway in the Big Easy’s Warehouse District feels like it’s been there forever. Its rooms have a historic, palatial feel reminiscent of Paris’s hôtels particuliers, and the bordello-like Bar Marilou has quickly become a local fixture.The romantic gesture: Do dinner at one of the city’s so-hot-right-now restaurants like Gautreau’s or Coquette, both of which have sexy dining rooms and elegant menus that aren’t overly fussy. Then have the hotel staff draw up a bath and set a bottle of Champagne on ice in your room while you mix your own after-dinner drinks in the living room.Royalton AntiguaThere aren’t many places to get overwater bungalows without flying to the Maldives or Tahiti. But one exception is just a quick hop from most East Coast hubs: the Royalton Antigua. Its thatched-roof pavilions set a new standard for oceanside luxury in the Caribbean when they opened last summer. The setup means you never need to leave your room: Butlers can deliver your meals, and your room includes snorkeling gear and direct access to the water, making it perfectly reasonable to indulge in total privacy.The romantic gesture: As long as you book a day ahead, a personal bartender can set up shop on your terrace and stir you endless G&T’s as the sun dips into the horizon.If You’re on the West CoastFour Seasons Lanai at Koele, a Sensei RetreatThe new prince of Hawaiian pampering is this wellness-oriented offshoot of Larry Ellison’s island estate. Of course you can dive around tropical reefs and zip line across Kaiholena Gulch, but that’s not why you’re here. All-inclusive stays (minimum three nights) cover art and mindfulness workshops, Nobu-created meals with ingredients from the property’s farm, tons of fitness classes, and high-tech spa treatments such as massages that use thermal mapping to pinpoint your tight spots.The romantic gesture: Most people associate Hawaii’s lush interior landscapes with beautiful hiking trails, but in Lanai, you can explore the state’s old ranching country and wooded valleys on horseback.Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Los Cabos, MexicoThe butlers at this exceptional new resort are called Tosoanis, or dream keepers—and it’s a fitting description. They’ll pick up on your interests and leave you thoughtful, customized surprises in your room, whether a rose petal-strewn bath or fresh-baked Mexican pastries. That’s the level of service needed to pull your attention away from the Sea of Cortez views, which are hard to ignore when an entire corner’s worth of walls in your room opens onto a private deck and plunge pool hugging the water’s edge.The romantic gesture: What’s written in the stars for your relationship? That’s a good question for the property’s naturalists, who can help you navigate the night sky with a powerful telescope that offers up-close views of Venus and Polaris. Shooting stars aren’t an uncommon sight, either.If You’re in EuropeSão Lourenço do Barrocal, PortugalTwo hours from Lisbon in the Alentejo countryside is this off-the-grid estate, once the nucleus of a small farming village. It’s been in the same family for 200 years but operational as a hotel for much less time. Holdovers from its agricultural heyday include 220 cows, 600,000 square meters of olive groves, and a 2.5-acre vegetable garden to supply the restaurant; more recent additions include barn cottages and a winery.The romantic gesture: Head out on a hot air balloon ride. The skies in this region are famously clear and sunny, and the staff will pack you a picnic with one of the estate’s sparkling wines.Niehku Mountain Villa, SwedenMaybe you want to heli-ski and never see another soul. Maybe you want to hole up in the luxury equivalent of an igloo. Or maybe you want to spot polar bears north of the Arctic Circle. All those boxes can be checked at Niehku, the fabulous 14-room bolt-hole that straddles Norway and Sweden—even if you’re around for only a three-day stint (the property’s minimum stay).The romantic gesture: Pray to the weather gods for a showing of midnight lights, go dog sledding in untouched terrain occupied primarily by reindeer, or hunker down in the wine cellar, where only top-notch bottles are allowed. There’s no wrong choice.InterContinental Lyon Hotel Dieu, FranceThe building that houses this hotel—a maternity hospital until 2013—is supposedly where one-third of the Lyonnaise population was born. Now it’s heralding a five-star rebirth for a city that’s long been set in its humbler ways. The jaw-dropper is the first-floor bar, set under a 236-foot-high dome, with immaculately restored detailing that glows in the floodlight that pours in from its many monumental windows.The romantic gesture: Lyon will never abandon its zest for traditional, butter-laden meals—the city is often considered the epicenter of classic French cuisine, and it’s worth leaning into the calorie splurge for a night or two. Burn it off the next morning with an urban hike up the many stairs that lead to Croix-Rousse, the bohemian-feeling neighborhood in the north. Along the way you can take in city views from above, wind your way through the old silk merchant storehouses known as traboules, pit stop at Sebastien Bouillet’s phenomenal namesake bakery for a praline croissant (the local specialty), and buy pretty bouquets of flowers (fresh or dried) at the city’s best farmers market.Fife Arms, ScotlandPrince Charles and Camilla personally cut the ribbon at the reopening of this lavish inn in the Highlands a year ago, along with the property’s new stewards, Iwan and Manuela Wirth—owners of the Hauser & Wirth art gallery. The royal status is warranted not just because it’s at the center of Braemar, the town Queen Victoria chose for her vacation home (Balmoral Palace) and where the current monarch goes annually for the Scottish Highland Games, but for its contemporary cultural relevance, too. In its new life, the property is home to 16,000 artworks—bearing signatures as wide-ranging as Picasso to Bharti Kher to Queen Victoria herself.The romantic gesture: You can go for a big wow moment here on a personal tour of Braemar Castle (perhaps make your partner feel like the king or queen they are), or get your hands dirty together on a foraging tour through the estate grounds.If You’re in AsiaAman KyotoFew cities can mimic Kyoto’s blend of quiet contemplation and cutting-edge dining. And within Kyoto, few hotels capture both sides of that coin like the just-opened Aman. Its latticed-wood rooms resemble the carefully crafted boxes locals use for precious gifts; inside they have tatami sitting areas and Hinoki soaking tubs. And since each of them is scattered around an ancient-feeling forest, it’s perhaps no surprise that the property’s chefs can source most of their ingredients within a 10-minute walk from their kitchen.The romantic gesture: The moss-covered grounds make Aman Kyoto’s gardens feel like a lush, movielike setting for a picnic. But if it’s too cold for that, book a personalized tour to Kamishichiken, the oldest of the “flower towns” that have long served the city’s geishas. Getting guided access to these districts is the best way to understand the training and culture behind Japan’s most romanticized profession, whether you visit an ancient ochaya (tea house) or watch an actual performance.Lelewatu Sumba, IndonesiaA puddle hop away from Bali is this comparatively undiscovered and underdeveloped gem of an island, where it’s easy to feel like you’re simply at the end of the Earth. And if the Earth were to end here, under the white canopy beds of Lelewatu’s soaring thatched-roof pavilions, with the sounds of the Indian Ocean lapping just outside, that might be a totally fine way to go.The romantic gesture: Drink coconut water out of a coconut. Sit on your patio and listen for chirping birds in the nearby jungle. Here, the move is simply to let time sit still.Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa, New ZealandWith the fires still raging in Australia, it’s comforting to know that a slice of Eden is thriving just across the Tasman Sea. Take it in from Gibbston Valley Lodge & Spa: The property is a cluster of villas within a pinot noir vineyard, all with access to the legendary biking trails of Kawarau Gorge and a “vinotherapy” spa.The romantic gesture: The local pours are elegant and nuanced, so take that as your cue and book a private, candlelit dinner in the property’s wine caves.If You’re in South AmericaCannúa, ColombiaAn hour and a half from Medellín is Cannúa, the first resort ambitious enough to put Colombia’s full biodiversity on display—from the double-height windows in the rooms to the guided birdwatching hikes and the culinary focus on the country’s kaleidoscopic bounty.The romantic gesture: The area around the resort lays claim to Colombia’s two most famous (legal) exports: coffee and flowers. Visit local farmers and sample their very best; this is the stuff that the best dates are made of.If You’re in Africa or the Middle EastOberoi MarrakechMarrakech already lays claim to some of the world’s most over-the-top resorts—nearly one from every luxury brand—and yet the city’s newcomer manages to stand apart. The Oberoi’s architecture, inspired by the 14th century Medersa Ben Youssef, is a showcase for Moroccan craft traditions, ranging from zellige tiles and ornamental plasterwork to magnificent courtyards with petal-strewn fountains. But it differs from the historic theological monument in its unwavering embrace of opulence; here, the central water feature isn’t a shallow reflecting pond but a veritable “grand canal,” which runs the entire length of the resort. And the sleeping chambers aren’t humble student quarters, they’re palatial apartments with their own gardens and pools.The romantic gesture: If you’ve already shopped your way through the city’s epic souks, let the resort take you on a next-level exploration: an aerial survey of the Sahara via private helicopter, culminating in a butler-serviced lunch at a nomadic desert camp.(This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.)Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter Read the full article

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westletter · 5 years ago

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September 2019

Winter Morning, Charlevoix County -- A. Y. Jackson, 1933 Dear Friends, The theme of this edition is vision. Fatherless at age 12, the young A. Y. Jackson apprenticed to a lithographer in Montreal and quickly realized he did not want to spend the rest of his life designing soup can labels. He had a vision, hopped a freighter and studied art in Paris. On his return he knew he wanted to dedicate his life to art. We now remember Jackson as one of the co-founders of the Group of Seven in Toronto, and the equally influential Beaver Hall Group in Montreal. Jackson and his friends in both groups were determined to create a new artistic vocabulary that was distinctly Canadian, and not derivative of our European mother countries. And they did! I first encountered the magic of Quebec’s Charlevoix County when I was 12. My Queen’s professor father took me out of school in late spring of my grade eight year and said he was going to take me along on an annual business trip that would take us to Quebec City, Baie St. Paul, Murray Bay (now La Malbaie), Tadoussac, Baie Comeau, Seven Islands (now Sept Isles) and all the way up to Wabush and Labrador City. Baie St. Paul is in the heart of Charlevoix, where the Laurentian mountains tumble down spectacularly into the tidal waters of the St. Lawrence. The air is salty and luminous, like the south of France. The hills are so steep, the region used to be known as Little Switzerland (La Petite Suisse). As many of you know, the biggest and best skiing in the east is at Le Massif, a 15 minute drive down Highway 138 from Baie St. Paul. I have been going there faithfully every winter for the past 25 years. You may not know that part of the charm of Le Massif is that its visionary Cirque du Soleil co-founder and owner, Daniel Gauthier, saw to it to name a number of the resort’s runs after famous Charlevoix artists. It is a very special thrill to make fresh powder tracks in the company of René Richard, Marc- Aurèle Fortin, Clarence Gagnon and Louis Tremblay. This summer, I retraced some of the steps of that long ago voyage with my father. I hadn’t been in Baie St-Paul other than in the depths of winter for close to 60 years, ahem. It is still a teeming art colony hugging the St. Lawrence, with colourful galleries, bistros and auberges lining its one main street. Lest you forget, the city fathers have wisely erected bronze busts of about a dozen of the artists who put Baie St. Paul on the map. The four from Le Massif are joined by the likes of Jean Paul Lemieux; André Biéler (who taught at Queen’s beginning in 1936 and became the first director of the Agnes Etherington Art Centre in 1957); my old Montreal ad agency boss and Charlevoix artist Claude Le Sauteur; the godfather of the Beaver Hall Group and mentor to A. Y. Jackson, William Brymner; the folk artists Blanche and Yvonne Bolduc; and the inimitable A. Y. himself.

High tide in Baie St. Paul with Le Massif in the background Dad said he met A. Y. once on his North Shore travels. I can’t remember what he related of that encounter, but I recall that he was impressed. Who wouldn’t be impressed with an artist who spent so much time tramping through the deep snow in the depths of winter in order to capture the perfect Charlevoix light that the locals dubbed him: Père Raquette (Father Snowshoes)? One of Jackson’s greatest gifts was his ability to connect with fellow artists and lead, without basking in the limelight. Being bilingual, and presumably to some extent bicultural, it was A. Y. who bridged the divide between the anglos in Upper Canada and the French Canadians memorialized in the ski runs of Le Massif. This is what he is recognized for in the plaque below his bust in Baie St. Paul. It was Alexander Young Jackson who coaxed and seduced his brethren in Toronto -- e.g., Edwin Holgate and Arthur Lismer -- to pack their bags and easels and join in the creative ferment of Charlevoix. Equally, he promoted Quebec artists in Toronto, particularly the Beaver Hall Group members, from his perch in the Group of Seven. § I think my father had a vision for his 12-year-old son when he took me on that trip down the North Shore so many decades ago. Without ever saying it out loud, he must have wanted to impart to me the romance of French Canada. The first night in Quebec City, gazing down at Lower Town and the river from Dufferin Terrace with the Chateau Frontenac behind us, Champlain’s statue beside us, and the Plains of Abraham to the west, was enough to do that. As I see it now, Dad also wanted to draw my attention to the kind of people he admired, the doers, creators and builders. He didn’t call them visionaries. He liked to talk about examples as we came upon them. Champlain fit that category. And A. Y. too. When we reached Baie Comeau, and passed a bronze statue in the centre of town of a man paddling a canoe , Dad was quick to tell me that it was Colonel Robert McCormick, the former publisher of the Chicago Tribune.

McCormick was an adventurer and a builder. In 1915, the time depicted in the statue, he was exploring the woodlands of the North Shore of the St. Lawrence, with an eye to sourcing pulp and paper for the hungry Tribune printing presses in Chicago. That is how, 22 years later, the company town of Baie Comeau came to be. Initially pulp and paper was the sole industry, but along the way Reynolds Aluminum established North America’s largest aluminum smelter, the deep water port attracted shipping and the town grew. It even produced Canada’s 18th prime minister.

There are two important rivers that empty into the St. Lawrence at Baie Comeau, the Outardes and the Manicouagan. Baie Comeau continued to prosper as Hydro Québec, over a 20-year period, beginning with the election of Jean Lesage in 1960, built the damns that harnessed the hydro-electric power potential of these magnificent rivers. Dad didn’t say this was part of what we now know as the Quiet Revolution -- the Minister of Energy was Réne Lévesque -- but Hydro Québec were doers, creators and builders, and he knew the energy they were generating was not just hydro-electric.

The visionary Joseph R. Smallwood, Premier of Newfoundland, 1949 - 1972

Joey Smallwood styled himself as Canada’s “last father of Confederation”, having dragged Newfoundland, by dint of sheer will and oratory, kicking and screaming into Canada in 1949. That was only the beginning of his vision. He had much more in store. Joey was determined to bring modern education standards to Newfoundland. A major objective was to elevate Memorial College to full university status. He achieved that soon after being elected Premier in 1949. Joey’s first choice for University Chancellor was Max Aitken, better known as Lord Beaverbrook, the wealthy Canadian industrialist and newspaperman who memorably served as minister of nearly everything in Winston Churchill’s WWII war cabinet. Joey and Aitken had never met. In typical Smallwood fashion, Joey cold-called the Baron and wangled an introductory meeting. Beaverbrook graciously declined the Chancellorship, but the two hit it off personally and a relationship was formed. In 1952, Joey was glad-handing and talking up a storm about his next great visionary project for his beloved Newfoundland and Labrador. He was determined to tap the province’s vast, but largely undeveloped, natural resources. The crowning glory would be harnessing the massive hydro-electricity generation potential of what was then known as Hamilton Falls on the Hamilton River in Labrador. Much like King Charles granted Rupert’s Land to the Hudson’s Bay Company three centuries earlier, Joey was prepared to bestow a similar monopoly over an extraordinary swath of territory in Labrador to the right financial and operating partner. The search was on. Joey was more inclined to look to the mother country than the US. He called up his pal Beaverbrook and said he was coming to London. Could Max possibly set him up for a meeting at Downing Street with Prime Minister Churchill? Beaverbrook and Churchill were no longer close. Max thought it highly unlikely that Winston would be inclined. Joey, pacing the floor at his rooms in the Savoy, would not be deterred. He pestered and pestered until miraculously an opening in the PM’s schedule was created. The meeting took place late in the day over brandy and cigars, after Churchill returned from a wedding, at which presumably copious libations had already been consumed. The prospects for Smallwood making a memorable impression appeared remote. But Joey cranked it up and delivered a spell-binding sales pitch for his grand vision. Afterwards Churchill said to an aide: “Ring up Tony [Anthony Rothschild] and tell him from me I would like him to see Mr. Smallwood.” Rothschild was the head of the British branch of the legendary family of bankers and financiers. A meeting was set up and once again Joey was masterful in his presentation. “It is probably the greatest storehouse of undeveloped natural wealth left in the world, and it’s ours,” he said. He pitched the development of Labrador as being “the beginning of England staging a great [post WWII] industrial comeback.” Rothschild liked the story so much, in short order he brought in major partners and British Newfoundland Corporation (Brinco) came into being. It was granted exclusive mineral, timber and hydro-electric generation rights over territory larger than New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI combined, for 99 years. By 1972, Joey Smallwood’s impossible vision was realized. The Churchill Falls Generation Station (the falls and the river were renamed after Churchill died in 1965) was operational and inaugurated by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. It had been the largest construction project ever undertaken by a private company anywhere. Trudeau congratulated “the dreamers as well as the workmen, the financiers as well as the engineers, the scientists as well as the managers” who made it happen. My father, was proud to have been one of them. And so am I. Dad first regaled me with fantastical Joey Smallwood tales on that magical trip down the North Shore when I was 12. He made light of the last father of Confederation’s infamous failings and foibles, always drawing attention to what was best in Joey: the visionary doer, creator and builder. § YEAR-END REPORT CARD Class of 2019: Another Index Beating Year The Headmaster is well pleased with his visionary doers, creators and builders. Collectively, their class average (for the July 1 ‘18 to June 30 ‘19 school year) came in at a more than acceptable 10.3%. The comparable returns for the S&P 500, the Dow and the TSX, were respectively 8.2%. 9.6% and .6%. “Never underestimate the importance of visionary leadership,” says the Headmaster, when assessing a potential investment. “Without the far-sightedness of founders and CEOs like Alain Bouchard at Alimentation Couche Tard, Bill Gates and now Satya Nadella at Microsoft, Steve Jobs and now Tim Cook at Apple, Darren Entwistle at Telus, Bruce Flatt and Sam Pollock at Brookfield, Bob Iger at Disney or Eric La Flèche at Metro -- I could go on -- the Class of 2020 would have very underwhelming prospects." There were many outstanding performances in the Class over the past year, and few disappointments. Here are the sector by sector results. Financials - B TD Bank, Royal Bank, Bank of Nova Scotia and BlackRock continued their sojourn in the doldrums with an average return of -1.5%. “Keep the faith and enjoy those fat dividends,” advises the Headmaster. “This blue chip quartet continues to deliver consistent revenues, earnings and dividend growth, despite the naysayers. Their stock prices will catch up. It’s only a matter of time.” Promoted. Resources - D Sadly, the Headmaster concluded in May that he had no option other than to dispense with long-time class member Vermilion Energy. Despite positive cash flow and demonstrable balance sheet strength backing up a dividend that has never been cut dating back to the Crash of ‘08, the writing is on the wall: Vermilion, like its many Canadian peers, cannot win the respect of the market, no matter what it does. It’s performance to May was down 38.9% and falling. The Headmaster is of the view that blame for the Canadian oil and gas sector’s woes cannot be laid entirely at the feet of government. Yes, things would be better for companies like Vermilion if one or two pipelines had been built by now. But in the larger scheme we have to ask ourselves: how close are we to the tipping point, when fossil fuels will start their slow inexorable descent? “That’s a wagon we do not want to be hitched to,” says the Headmaster, “especially against the backdrop of dramatically falling green energy prices.” Nutrien, the fertilizer and agricultural retailing powerhouse, held up reasonably well, with a return of -2.1%. That negative statistic belies the reality of this class member’s admirable performance: despite one of the worst US planting seasons in years, the company still spun off cash. It is closing in on its target of $650 million in 2019 synergies from the merger of Agrium and Potash; it bought back $1 billion in shares in the second quarter; and still was able to hike its dividend. Promoted. Utilities - B minus Enbridge and newcomer Algonquin Power, who joined the class in May, produced a modest average return of .9%. Faced with permitting delays on new pipeline capacity, Enbridge performed remarkably well, managing to grow revenues, earnings and its dividend (now yielding an eye-popping 6%). If fossil fuels are eventually heading to a tipping point, though, should one be hanging on to an aging oil and gas pipeline player like Enbridge? Says the Headmaster: “I ask myself the same question. As long as pipeline capacity is less than demand, it should bode well for Enbridge. It’s a seller’s market. I also like the fact that much of this class member’s revenue is tied to regulated long term rates. That’s a nice thing to have the next time we head into a downturn.” Promoted. “Eventually, though, the green tide will turn, even against stalwarts like Enbridge. Which is why I asked Algonquin Power to join the class. The company is well managed and has an impressive and growing suite of renewable assets, including solar, wind, hydro-electric and geo-thermal. I think the tidal currents of change are at its back. To boot, it pays a decent 4.2% dividend.” Promoted. Infrastructure - B plus Brookfield Infrastructure, ably led by the visionary doer, creator and builder Sam Pollock, was up a tidy 11.3% at the end of the school year. The Headmaster particularly likes this class member because it affords him exposure to the kinds of long-lasting assets -- like toll roads, port terminals, transmission systems and cell phone towers -- that are often only available through private equity. “I also like the fact that much of its income derives from fixed long-term contracts,” he adds. “This is the kind of company that can weather the storms.” Brookfield has a growing dividend, currently yielding 4.2%. Promoted. Retail - A After resting on their laurels for the past year or more, both Alimentation Couche Tard and Metro showed us their true mettle over the past year with a sparkling average gain of 27.1%. Each uncorked double digit gains in revenues, earnings and dividend growth. “Metro’s takeover of Jean Coutu is really starting to pay off,” says the Headmaster. “And Couche Tard is firing on all cylinders. The company is becoming a cash machine. It’s paying down debt ahead of schedule. We can expect another transformative acquisition in the coming months.” Promoted. Industrials - B plus CNR, John Deere and the packaging conglomerate CCL chalked up an average return of 10.2%. Despite international trade headwinds and market uncertainty, each managed to grow its revenues, profits and dividends in impressive style. “I particularly commend Deere,” says the Headmaster. The American farmer has been hit by a double whammy of bad weather and ill-conceived trade policy. You’d think that the company might have suffered a retreat. But no, they reined in costs, while ramping up handsome gains from the recent acquistion of the Wirtgen heavy equipment group in Germany.” All promoted. Healthcare - A During the year Express Scripts was taken over by the managed care operator, Cigna. This resulted in a large gain. Averaged with class members Amgen and Johnson & Johnson, the collective performance was 19.4%. “Of note,” says the Headmaster, “I decided in May to let Cigna go. We have done well with the takeover, but now Cigna is in a show-me mode as we wait to see it produce numbers to justify its expensive buyout of Express Scripts. I’m not comfortable with that.” Both Amgen and JNJ cranked out workmanlike growth over the school year. Of late the market has tossed a wet blanket over JNJ, responding to its purported involvement in the opioid crisis. The company was fined a half a billion dollars by a judge in Oklahoma. Says the Headmaster: “Pharmaceutical companies are being sued all the time, and it is not unusual for unreasonably large amounts to be awarded in the lower courts. The appeals process takes years and almost inevitably results in dramatically reduced fines. If you don’t own JNJ, now is a good time to buy.” Conversely, the market is delighted with Amgen’s recent announcement that it is going to purchase the blockbuster psoriasis drug Otezla from Celgene Corporation (which in turn is merging with Bristol-Myers Squibb). Both Amgen and Johnson & Johnson are promoted to the Class of 2020. Telecom - B minus “I continue to like Telus,” says the Headmaster. “And I like its visionary CEO Darren Entwistle.” When he joined Telus in 2000, the company was merely a regional landline operator. Entwistle engineered the takeover of the wireless player, Clearnet, that year for $6.6 billion. The stock tanked on the day the deal was announced. The market couldn’t see what Entwistle could see. Today Telus owns 30% of the Canadian national wireless market, and it contributes 50% of company profits. The stock price has marched upwards commensurately.

Telus was up 3.6% over the year. It has the lowest “churn rate” (turnover of customers) in the industry. The dividend is yielding 4.6% and the company is growing it at 7 per cent per annum. Promoted. Information Technology - A plus This group includes Microsoft, Open Text, Apple and Visa. Collectively and individually they had a great year, with an average return of 22.6% and financial performance to match. The only cloud in the sky was a drop in sales and expectations for Apple, courtesy of President Trump’s trade war with China. Even so, the company managed a respectable return of 6.9% and continues to gush free cash, much of which it is returning to shareholders via buybacks. All promoted. Entertainment - A plus Bob Iger and Disney came into their own this year and the Headmaster is delighted. The stock was up a scintillating 33.2%. The catalyst, as predicted in this publication, was the market’s long delayed recognition that Disney is going to be a force to contend with in the delivery of direct-to-consumer streamed content. Under CEO Iger’s visionary leadership, the company is soon to launch streamed bundles to include Hulu, offerings from the Fox and Disney film and television libraries, and ESPN. Says the Headmaster: “Netflix can’t come close to matching this.” The market seems to agree. Promoted. If you would like further information on any of the investing ideas raised in this issue, or a complimentary consultation, please call or email. CW

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tripstations · 5 years ago

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20 beautiful European cities with few tourists

(CNN) — With overtourism showing no signs of abating in Europe’s most famous destinations, there’s never been a better time to seek out wonderful options that attract fewer visitors. Keen to travel somewhere new without having to battle through huge crowds of selfie stick-wielding tourists in the likes of Venice, Paris and Amsterdam?

Here’s our pick of the most beautiful European cities with hardly any tourists:

Orange, France

While Avignon draws in thousands of tourists thanks to its summer festival and arresting Papal Palace, nearby Orange is usually overlooked.

Easier to navigate with far fewer visitors, the city’s key attraction is the vertiginous Roman theater, which was built in the first century C.E. Meanwhile the Orange Museum, set in a beautiful 17th-century mansion, is also well worth a visit.

Norwich, England

Norwich has one of England’s most impressive cathedrals.

Pixabay / Creative Commons

The saying goes that Norwich has a pub for every day of the year and a church for every Sunday.

While that’s perhaps stretching the truth, this most quintessential of English cities is certainly home to some of the most stunning medieval architecture in England.

Norwich Cathedral dates back to 1096 and the streets of Colegate and Elm Hill are home to picturesque, centuries-old homes.

The Adam and Eve pub, on Bishopsgate, is said to be the oldest pub in the country, dating back to 1249.

Aarhus, Denmark

Denmark’s second city has long been overshadowed by its alluring capital Copenhagen.

But Aarhus makes the perfect alternative for a Danish long weekend thanks to its pretty beaches, towering Domkirke and the superb ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, with its rainbow panorama walkway.

For those looking to splash out, Gastromé,based in the Latin Quarter, has a tasting menu that will satisfy the most demanding of foodies.

Antwerp, Belgium

The UNESCO-protected Cathedral of Our Lady dominates the Antwerp skyline, but there’s so much to this Belgian city than its most famous building.

Highlights include the diamond Square Mile, where travelers can get to the heart of an industry that’s been a core part of the city since the 15th century.

There’s also the Red Star Line museum, located on Antwerp’s old docks, which uncovers the city’s past as a hub for migration to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Hague, Netherlands

Laid-back city The Hague is far less crowded than Amsterdam.

Pixabay/Creative Commons

As Amsterdam attempts to rein in tourists with plans to close its Red Light District and impose strict rules on short-term lets, the Hague serves as a fabulous, low-key alternative for those still keen on a Dutch break.

The city boasts some of the Netherlands’ finest architecture, a pretty network of canals and, in the Mauritshuis, a museum to rival Amsterdam’s behemoth Rijksmuseum.

It’s also just 15 minutes away from the gorgeous Scheveningen beach resort.

Sarajevo, Bosnia

Sarajevo is filled with stand-out architecture.

Pixabay, Creative Commons

Often snubbed for more popular destinations in neighboring Croatia, Sarajevo is a resurgent city brimful of culture and history.

At its heart is Baščaršija, the old market quarter that still buzzes with spice stalls, cafés and the fascinating Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque.

Visitors can learn about Sarajevo’s four-year-long siege during the 1990s civil war at the Tunnel of Hope and the War Childhood Museum. The derelict bobsled track from the 1984 Winter Olympics is also a stand-out sight — the nearby Pino Nature Hotel offers superb views and first-rate Bosnian food.

Pristina, Kosovo

Kosovo’s capital is a quirky city with plenty to see and do.

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The Kosovan capital isn’t usually at the top of many tourists’ destination wish lists, but that’s no reason not to visit this fascinating city.

While Pristina may have been synonymous with war 20 years ago, its undergone a major transformation since then, with various quirky buildings popping up.

The excellent Emin Gjiku Ethnographic Museum is well worth a morning of exploring, as is the superb National Museum of Kosovo.

Pristina University’s unique library will fascinate architecture buffs, while those looking to cool off can find solace in the vast pool tucked away in Germia Park, located just north of the city.

Malmo, Sweden

Malmo — the third largest city in Sweden after Stockholm and Gothenburg.

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Malmo is so much more than a day trip across the Oresund Bridge from Copenhagen.

The excellent Moderna Museet Malmo is one of the best contemporary art galleries in Europe, while culture fiends will find succor at Malmöhus Castle, home to several museums focusing on the local area. The city’s food scene rivals the nearby Danish capital — foodies should check out Bloom in the Park and its “no menu'”concept, as well as the global offerings at Malmö Saluhall.

Meanwhile Ribersborg beach, located just a short walk from the city center, is a wonderful haven from the heat in high summer.

Aberdeen, Scotland

Aberdeen is often referred to as “The Flower of Scotland” thanks to its greenery.

Shutterstock

The hordes visiting the Scottish capital can feel hugely oppressive, particularly during its annual festivals.

However, travelers keen to escape the crowds can simply head north to Aberdeen instead.

The city’s amazing architecture has given rise to the nickname “Granite City,” with fascinating buildings at every turn.

Aberdeen’s main art gallery is due to reopen in November 2019, while those keen to sample the local culture can head out to nearby Speyside for a tour of some of Scotland’s best single malt distilleries.

Bern, Switzerland

The Old Town of Bern — a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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While travelers often simply pass through the Swiss capital en route to a summer vacation or winter ski trip in Zurich or Geneva, Bern is definitely worthy of a few extra days of your trip.

When the heat rises, locals take to the River Aare for cooling dips and paddle board trips.

Elsewhere, the Museum of Fine Arts features works by Picasso and Klee, while hikers can tramp to the top of the Gurten, the mountain which overlooks the old city.

Wroclaw, Poland

Wroclaw is one of the oldest cities in Poland.

Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Few small cities in Europe pack a cultural punch like Wroclaw.

This western Polish city, on the banks of the Oder river, served as European Capital of Culture in 2016 and has plenty of attractions for art, architecture and history fanatics to marvel at.

Wroclaw’s main highlight is the 114-meter Panorama of Racławice, depicting the 1794 defeat of a Russian army by the Poles.

The beautiful Centennial Hall should also be on any itinerary, as should the Penitent Bridge between the towers of the Mary Magdalene Church.

No visit is complete without a day spent exploring the Gothic Old Town.

Tbilisi, Georgia

The name of Georgia’s capital comes from the Old Georgian word “tbili,” which means warm.

Pixabay/Creative Commons

The capital city of Georgia, which is actually positioned between Asia and Europe, derives its name from the hot springs that bubble beneath its surface.

Its sulfur baths are a magnet for visitors, albeit far fewer than those that head to the famous spas.

Tbilisi wears its multi-ethnic history with pride — the famous Metekhi Church, which dates back to the 13th century, sits close to the Narikala Fortress, built by the occupying Persians in the fourth century.

Meanwhile, the rambling alleyways and small shops of the Old Town are perfect for whiling away the hours.

Minsk, Belarus

The Belarusian capital of Minsk is another city that’s usually relatively crowd-free.

Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Having been almost destroyed during World War II, the now Belarusian capital became fertile ground for Soviet redevelopment.

Today, the city’s buildings offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of brutalist buildings.

Travelers can wander around the vast, seven-hectare Independence Square before taking in the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, which looks at how Belarus overcame Nazi occupation.

Minsk’s bar scene is legendary, and if the acquired taste of local tipple Balsam doesn’t suit, the excellent Gambrinus has a variety of beers to try after a day’s sightseeing.

Yerevan, Armenia

Yerevan — one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.

Maja Hitij/Getty Images

The Armenian capital’s position in the far eastern reaches of Europe means it’s easily forgotten by those on the tourist trail.

But with a history going back more than 2,800 years, there’s a palpable sense of the past here, without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds of regular tourist hotspots.

Its downtown area is a mix of Beaux Arts buildings and hulking, Soviet-era blocks.

Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Cluj-Napoca is filled with fascinating Baroque and Gothic architecture.

Pixabay, Creative Commons

Romania’s second largest city is often seen as a stop off for travelers looking for outdoor adventures in the Apuseni Mountains, or those keen to witness Transylvania’s historic sights.

But the vast, Gothic St. Michael’s Church and the fascinating Fabrica de Pensule, a working gallery and art space in a former paintbrush factory, are just two attractions that make a longer stay essential.

Throw in a thriving café and bar scene and pretty squares, and Cluj-Napoca has all the trappings of the ideal city break destination.

Debrecen, Hungary

Debrecen is a less crowded alternative to Budapest.

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While Budapest has a deserved reputation as one of Europe’s most appealing cities, Debrecen is an excellent option for those seeking a less crowded Hungarian alternative.

Kossuth tér, the main square, is home to the impressive Calvinist Great Church and Grand Hotel Aranybika.

Yet it’s beyond these major sights that the real action takes place.

The Old Town rewards those looking to get lost with excellent cafés and people-watching spots.

Keep an eye out for smaller spa hotels, with a chance to soak in thermal waters before heading to the nearby Great Plains.

Ankara, Turkey

Ankara, formerly known as Angora, is the second largest city in Turkey after Istanbul.

Adem Altan/AFP/Getty Images

When it comes to city breaks, Istanbul tends to take all the plaudits.

But capital city Ankara is so much more than a stop off on the way to Cappadocia and the other delights of Anatolia.

Anitkabir, the mausoleum of modern Turkey founder Ataturk, is an obvious starting point, along with the Museum of the War of Independence.

The Kocatepe and Hacı Bayram Mosques are also key attractions, while the cafés of Kızılay are ideal spots to grab a kebab and watch the world go by.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Plovdiv — the first Bulgarian city chosen as European Capital of Culture.

Shutterstock

Currently enjoying its time in the limelight as a European Capital of Culture, Plovdiv is Europe’s longest inhabited city.

As a result, it’s imbued with an inescapable sense of history, especially in the colorful Old Town.

The main draw here is the astonishing second-century Roman amphitheater, which wasn’t uncovered until the 1970s.

Another highlight is the Thracian ruins of Eumolpias, located just outside town and dating back 5,000 years.

Trondheim, Norway

This historic city was Norway’s first capital.

Martin Bureau/AFP/Getty Images

Located on the fjord of the same name, Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city.

However, with fewer than 200,000 residents, it’s decidedly uncrowded and easy to explore.

The famous Gothic cathedral is perhaps its best known sight, but the views across the water and around its vibrant harbor are just as impressive.

Trondheim is also known for its excellent microbreweries — Den Gode Nabo is popular and a great place to start.

Turin, Italy

Turin is home to incredible sights like the Mole Antonelliana.

Pixabay/Creative Commons

Venice’s struggles with tourist numbers have been well documented, but while still popular with travelers, nearby Turin is decidedly less congested.

Travelers can simply sip a coffee on the sidewalk, indulge in some of the country’s best cuisine and enjoy being away from the hordes in the country’s hot spots.

The post 20 beautiful European cities with few tourists appeared first on Tripstations.

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topthingz · 6 years ago

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New Post has been published on TopThingz

New Post has been published on http://www.topthingz.com/top-things-to-do-in-california/

Top Things to do in California

From Hollywood’s glitz and glamour to the luxurious lifestyles of celebrities, California is also a place for a great time of enjoyment. Travelers can find themselves in awe of amazing geographical beauties or take on the endless rides in amusement parks. Pamper yourself into a getaway of excitement where time ceases to exist as we tell you the places you can’t afford to miss.

Make a trip to Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe

Admired for its beautiful scenery of blue and green, this lake lies near the border of California and Nevada. At the stretch of 35km by 19km, Lake Tahoe is split into two (North and South) for different environment and types of activities. Travelers can enjoy a good time of winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. There is also a ski resort for you to stay for a full experience of Lake Tahoe. For a time of less adrenaline, take a walk through Thunderbird Lake Tahoe, or the Tahoe Maritime Museum that share the history of Lake Tahoe. Fishing is also available if you simply like to enjoy the view of Lake Tahoe.

South Lake Tahoe

Down south of the lake, activities that occupy the clock awaits. Cycling and hiking trails lead you to breathtaking journeys by day while rolling with luck at casinos entertain you by night. Don’t forget to have a good splash at the lake with various water sports. Speed boat rides are at Zephyr Cove are also available for a good rush of adrenaline. Enjoy a good time family fun with ice-skating and bowling too. Children can also let loose with the enjoyment from arcades to hot air balloon rides. You might want to consider staying over when you know you’ll never finish all the activities in a day.

A walk with nature in National Parks

Yosemite National Park

Explore California’s natural beauty with decorative land-forms and the attractive gardens of diversity. The Yosemite National Park is a landscape of nature’s secret offerings. It spreads across the area of Sierra Nevada Mountains. With majestic waterfalls, irregular shapes of domes, valleys and glaciers that take residence let Yosemite National Park unfolds into an exotic scene of natural adornments. And if a day at the park isn’t enough, there is always lodging and camping ready for you to spend the night over.

Death Valley National Park

Covering over three million acres of space, the famous Death Valley spreads across the land for millenniums is literally a hot spot to be. A trip from Saline Valley towards the desert also features an encounter with the hot springs too. Other than the desert watch, there are also attractions like the Rhyolite Ghost town and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to stop by. California’s parks bring you a spectacle of nature’s wonders not to be missed.

Stargazing at the Griffith Observatory

There is so much to do and so little time when it comes to Los Angeles, every direction is an attraction. Drop by the Griffith Observatory at East Observatory Road, it is free of charge to the wonders of astronomy. Take a chance to see the outside world through the telescope and learn about the stars of our sky. The Griffith Observatory consists of many exhibits like the Wilder Hall of the Eye that illustrates human observation in the sky, the Ahmanson Hall of the Sky that shares understanding of our connection to the moon and Sun, and the W. M. Keck Foundation Central Retunda that exhibits science and mythology. The famous 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope is also open to public to observe the skies above us.

Catch a play at the Old Globe Theater

Proudly called “America’s Finest City”, San Diego the second largest city of California offers an indulgence of fun and good experience. For the arty travelers, the Old Globe Theater is a center of attention that draws big crowds annually. Found in the famous Balboa Park, the Old Globe Theater has three special theaters, namely Old Globe Theater, Sheryl and Harvey White Theater and the Lowell Davies Festival Theater that is found outdoors. The Old Globe is a leading organisation for America’s theater movement. Audiences can gain a better insight through the many seminars and workshops held. A place where the revival of the old English scene is showcased, the Old Globe Theater proudly presents many plays from everywhere, including the annual Shakespeare Festival.

Savour the culture in Napa Valley

If anyone has heard of the word “wine”, they would have heard of Napa Valley as well. Famous for its vineyards and excellent wines, Napa Valley is the place to be. Its name is also known as “the land of plenty”, where an abundance of natural life is found. Travelers can take on wine tours and find accommodations in the area. Wine lovers are in for a treat with over 400 labels to discover in the wineries. Napa Valley also offers a view from the top with hot-air balloon trips, overlooking the lands of harvest and serenity. It also allows travelers to enjoy outdoor activities like biking, golf and even paintball. Napa Valley offers a beautiful escape for travelers who seek a carefree moment of getawa

Visit The Big Sur in Monterey

The Big Sur up in Monterey, Northern California has a spectacular view of the ocean. During migration periods, animals like California Gray Whales and Monarch butterflies are here to stay. There is the Monterey Bay Aquarium that sees a wide diversity of marine life. Meanwhile, bird lovers can find the legendary gold eagles and the noble bald eagles that reside in Lake San Antonio. If not, take a walk by the shore or have good surf’s up time at Pebble Beach. Pebble Beach is also known for the scenic 17-mile drive which is worth the trip. The Big Sur is definitely filled with many scenic views that will constantly take your breath away.

#California #Things to do in California #Top things to do in California

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tamboradventure · 5 years ago

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How to Travel Kazakhstan By Train

Posted: 11/18/19 | November 18th, 2019

Kazakhstan is a country I’ve always wanted to visit. In fact, I’ve always wanted to go to all the “Stans”. It’s the region of the world I probably want to visit the most. After having lived in Kazakhstan for 8 years, Doug Fears knows a thing or two about the country and how to navigate it. In this guest post, Doug offers some in-depth advice about how to travel around Kazakhstan by train!

Night spilled across the Kazakh steppe. The train’s steel wheels clickety-clacked below, gently prompting me to point toward a bowl of plastic-wrapped apples. Suddenly, my drunken dining car companion began gesticulating wildly while repeating his favorite, and perhaps only, English-language phrase, “No problem!” With a shake of the head and wave of the hand, this newfound friend seemed to dismiss all other apples as second-rate. Apples originated from Kazakhstan, after all, and we had just departed the city of Almaty, “the father of apples.” I simply had to try one. (It was delicious.)

Taking the train through Kazakhstan, the world’s ninth largest country, presents a changing cultural tapestry every time. Imagine a vast land, once secretive and closed to outsiders, where travelers can now experience an eclectic blend of Silk Road culture, offbeat Soviet-era history, and wide-open spaces spiced with warm Kazakh hospitality.

I’ve shared cabins with young soldiers, border police, language professors and martial artists, just to name a few. My favorite memories are the meals and card games enjoyed with these folks, even when I didn’t have a common language.

So forget everything about the movie Borat, and climb aboard as you browse ancient bazaars, ride the rails, and trek to pristine mountain lakes.

Planning Your Route

I suggest the following itinerary: flying into the capital, Nur-Sultan (formerly Astana) (airport code TSE), heading north to nearby Lake Burabay, taking a fast train back south to Karaganda, then an overnight classic train to Almaty in the southeast, with a possible extension to Turkistan (a city and region in the south of the country).

If you want to continue on in Central Asia, you can easily extend your trip from Almaty to see the gorgeous mountain vistas of nearby Kyrgyzstan or continue by train from Turkistan south to Uzbekistan.

The best time to go is between May and October, as northern Kazakhstan is blanketed in snow from November through April, with typical temps in the minus-20 range. Those wanting to snow ski or experience the excitement of New Year’s, the country’s biggest holiday, however, should consider a wintertime trip.

Visas are no longer needed for most visitors to Kazakhstan (for 30 days) and Kyrgyzstan (for 60 days), though advance visas are required for Uzbekistan, Russia, and China.

Buying Train Tickets

There are three types of trains: the fast business-class Talgo, regular long-distance trains, and regional electrics. Budget travelers should opt for regular trains for most trips. Regional electrics are generally slow and will be of limited use.

On regular trains — highly recommended for the best cultural experience — the two main classes are kupe (a four-person closed compartment with two upper and lower bunks) and platzkar (an open rolling dormitory holding 54 travelers on two-level bunks). The kupe is quieter and more private, but single women might want to choose the somewhat safer open platzkar, as they could be in a locked cabin with three men (no gender distinctions are made when making reservations). Also realize that not all trains run daily.

The new Kazakhstan e-ticket website is not easy to use: while there is an English menu, it requires you to enter destination cities using a Russian keyboard! Some foreign bankcards won’t work for payment, and even successful ticket purchases are often blocked by spam filters. However, there is an option to chat online with an English-language consultant who can help you find and purchase tickets.

My suggestion is to use this site as a reference to find train timetables and to purchase long-distance train tickets that are more likely to be sold out. You can use the helpful site Real Russia for international train ticket purchases (especially for traveling from Moscow to Central Asia).

Then go to a train station or train ticket office in the city, as some have kiosk machines that you can try. Another option is to write your destination and date on a piece of paper and present it to a ticket agent at a station or train office for help.

Once you have your ticket, the most important things to know are the date and time of departure, and wagon number. Check the posted signs in the station to find which platform number your train is on and walk toward that wagon — the conductor will check your ID and ticket and help you board.

Kazakhstan Costs

Traveling by train is much safer and enjoyable than by bus, and an incredible value for the long distances traveled. A standard overnight train ticket from Karaganda to Almaty will be about $9 USD for platzkar and $14 for kupe. By comparison, the business-class Talgo on the same route costs $25 in a four-berth kupe, but it does reduce travel time by six hours (and has much cleaner bathrooms!). A night train provides double value, serving as both bed and transport; they are cooler and more comfortable in the summer travel season too!

Local city buses are cheap, about $0.20 per ride, regardless of distance.

Hotel rooms in the city centers of Nur-Sultan and Almaty range from $30 to $50 per night with breakfast. Full apartments ($25/night) or shared guest rooms ($10/night) can be booked on Airbnb.

Food is also reasonably priced. I suggest finding a hotel with breakfast included on booking.com, eating picnic-style meals on the train, and enjoying a streetside café for other meals (grilled shashlik skewers, bread, salad, and drink for about $4), though if you can’t peel it or cook it, it’s best to forget it. And make sure to try the local apples!

Essential Kazakhstan Travel Hacks

Do reserve an upper bunk if you like relaxing onboard (lower bunks are shared during the daytime and used for communal meals), but you need to be reasonably fit to climb the mini-ladder.

Do bring a comfortable change of clothes to wear onboard (track suit, shorts, and T-shirt). It’s perfectly normal to ask others to step outside while you change.

Do bring extra food to share (tea/coffee, instant noodles, sausage, cucumbers, bread, biscuits, apples, sweets). Note: there is always a steaming samovar of hot water in each car for making tea or noodles.

Do pack a small train kit (mug, fork/spoon/knife, toilet paper, plate, wet wipes, plastic sandals, collapsible hand fan, deck of cards, bottled water).

Do take your street shoes off when entering a train compartment.

Do plan your bathroom visits, as the toilets are locked about 15 minutes before and after station stops (read the timetable posted in each wagon).

Do take some small gifts from your home country (magnets, key rings) to share.

Don’t buy unsold seats from touts lurking around stations — I’ve been stuck sharing a four-berth kupe with six people plus a giant-screen TV!

Don’t get scolded for lying on a bare mattress, but don’t pay extra for sheets and towels in kupe class. They are now included in the kupe ticket fare, but beware you may be awakened very early by the conductor collecting them on overnight trains!

Don’t be bullied by transport police or immigration officials at borders — show your passport and ticket and nothing more.

Don’t miss your stop, get stranded on the platform buying ice cream, or, above all, be forced to jump off a moving train!

Best Kazakhstan Train Routes

Because of the challenges with the ticketing website, I’ve listed the most helpful train routes for getting around. Note that all of these run daily.

While northbound trains from Nur-Sultan stop at Borovoye/Shchuchinsk, it might be easier to take a shared van or minibus for the short 2.5-hour trip. Just listen or ask for “Borovoye” at the Nur-Sultan-1 train station, where vans wait to fill up and leave throughout the day. You can do the same if heading directly south from Nur-Sultan to Karaganda, as a new tollway has opened, cutting the travel time between these two major cities to two hours, although all Nur-Sultan-to-Almaty trains also stop there. Note that both Nur-Sultan and Almaty have two train stations in different parts of the city — make sure you go to the right one!

Train #031 from Almaty to Semey in the northeast traces the historical “TurkSib” route — from here you can head east to explore the Altay Mountains or continue north into Russia to connect with the legendary Trans-Siberian route.

Route

Train No.

Departs

Arrives

Cost

Nur-Sultan-1 – Borovoye (Lake Burabay)

705 Talgo

07:56

10:04

$13 (4p kupe)

Borovoye – Karaganda

706 Talgo

18:40