St Anton, Austria

This is a fantastic resort that’s situated in the Arlberg and also between a range of different towns and villages in Western Austria. The area is snow secure and a actually the home of the modern snow slalom – it was invented here.

St Anton, Austria by Nick

Verbier, Switzerland

Situated just on the border between south west Austria and Italy’s northern border, this is a luxury ski resort with access to the Four Valleys lifting system. This means that it’s large and efficient and is as ideal for those looking to party as for families. This can be best seen from the mixture of Prada laden skiers performing side by side with silver taped skiers. So, whether you’re looking for luxury and the best of the best, or just a decent apartment at a good going rate, there’s plenty of choice. It’s also a great place for night’s out and is busy throughout the season.

Davos, Switzerland

This town is surrounded by a number of lifts and these allow access to a range of areas. Davos is also the highest town on the continent. Parsenn and Jakobshorn are the most well-known and also incorporate the most kinds of skiers. Slopes themselves are quite moderate, though there are some more challenging areas too. The area is served by a free transport service and the town itself provides a nice mixture of skiing, shopping and also cuisine.

Le Grand Massif, France

Those looking for a great value trip that is free of many of the pretensions of the typical big French resort will be happy to come across Le Grand Massif. The area is around an hour from Geneva airport and situated near Samoen and Morillon. The area offers an extensive range that most skiers will find the sort of area for them. The area is also beautiful during the summer time and offers amazing lakes, waterfalls and hikes throughout.

In addition, the towns of Samoen and Morillon offer working places where people live and are fully functioning all year round – something a lot of ski towns can’t claim. This means there are all sorts of shops, markets, entertainment and things going on throughout the four seasons. If you’re looking for a luxury ski chalet France for less, this is the place to go.

Le Grand Massif, France by Richard Allaway

Chamonix, France

The love/hate relationship people have with Chamonix is foretold aplenty. The area offers some of the world’s best skiing conditions, however it’s also extremely busy and too much room is not generally something people complain about. It’s a good place for people who like off-piste.

These are just some of the best Alps ski resorts on offer but some of our favourites. Where do you find offers more?

By Cormac Reynolds

Cormac Reynolds writes a range of articles for travel and tourism websites. He loves travel, food, sport and trekking too.

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Siam water park, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain by stephen jones

One of them is the Siam water park. It is found in the Adeje region (Tenerife) and has the popular tower of power. This tower has a notably long slide which ends with a tunnel passing through a shark tank. You should however not be worried as people are protected from the sharks. In addition to this, there is the vertical slide dubbed the dragon on which one slides at a great speed. For the ones who love surfing, the large pool waves with sandy beaches are sure to catch your attention. Simply, there is something for the whole family.

The Tropical Islands in Germany is another great water park in Europe. It has great indoor pools which are large enough to accommodate about 8,000 people. There are many slides in this place and it is up to you to choose the one you want. Presence of an indoor pool means that the family gets to have a wonderful time irrespective of the environment outside. This place has tropical pools and beaches to make the time spent here simply amazing.

Tropical Islands, Germany by Thomas Kamann

When looking at the great parks in Europe, there is one which cannot be overlooked. This is the Alpamare water park ideally located near the shores of Lake Zurich. This park offers both indoor and outdoor pools to families. It is the largest covered park in Europe. Therefore, you can be sure that the children will have ample space to play in and have fun. The area is more than enough and there is no congestion as it is the case with other water parks in other different locations. To make the experience even more wonderful, there is the underwater music in the outdoor pool.

To add onto the options of wonderful places to have fun with the family, there is the Aquariaz water park in France. It happens to be one of the newest family destinations. It is also the highest but not the biggest. Within this park, any type of slide that comes to your mind is readily available. Notably, the place is open throughout the year including the winter season. Without a doubt, it is one of the best places for families during the summer break. However, if one wants to come with the family to Europe and have a wonderful time, you should first consider going for the passport applications.

These popular locations have been presented by Ellen Nicola who has vast experience of the travel industry. She has worked in this industry for about 20 years. She has also been involved with expanding of online information on travel since the inception of the World Wide Web.

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1) Zurich

The number one place to live in Europe is Zurich. Zurich has a tiny population and a wealth of bars and restaurants as well as stunning views of the Alps. Taxes are some of the lowest in Switzerland and its education and medical facilities are superb. It is however extremely expensive and property here comes with an equally big price tag.

Zürich and lake Zürich, Switzerland by MadGeographer

2) Vienna

Voted number two is Vienna in Austria. The whole of the city centre in this beautiful city has been designated a UN World Heritage Site, and the city boasts an excellent education system and superb infrastructure. It hosts around 200 balls a year, the Opera Ball being the most famous, and a regular feature of the Viennese Carnival season.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria by Gryffindor

3) Geneva

Next up and following very closely – if not jointly tied – is Geneva in Switzerland. One of the most attractive and cultured cities in the world, this really is a stunning city and offers a fantastic quality of life. More than 40% of the population here comes from outside of Switzerland which is a testament to its huge appeal.

Brundwick Monument in Geneva, Switzerland by Zeke

4) Dusseldorf

In fourth place is Düsseldorf in Germany with a great infrastructure and international transport system. Set on the banks of the Rhine, another stunning city in which to live – and especially work. This German bastion is known as a business and financial hub, as well as for its renowned artisanal beer, and an intense rivalry with the nearby city of Cologne.

Dusseldorf, Germany by Johann H. Addicks

5) Munich

Munich is very close behind. Possibly best known for Oktoberfest, a two week festival featuring the best in beers. The Munich Biennale is another draw for tourists, and a great example of the rich operatic culture in the city. Known for its publishing houses, Munich is a popular destination for emigrating editors and writers.

Munich, Germany by Diliff

6) Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the largest financial centre in Europe, with significant commercial interests. It is also the most expensive place to live in Germany, but is very family friendly, and is known as a ‘Green City’; with over half of the area within the city limits being protected outdoor space. It also boasts 8 festivals a year and two botanical gardens.

Saint Bartholomew’s Cathedral, Frankfurt, Germany by rupp.de

7) Bern

Number 7 in our list is Bern, again in Switzerland, the world’s second safest city and excellent medical facilities. Like Vienna, the town centre has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to 114 significant heritage sites, making it the perfect expatriate destination for history buffs.

Bern, Switzerland by Daniel Schwen

8) Copenhagen

Number eight in our list is Copenhagen, capital of Denmark, again, an expensive city but it does boast no less than eleven Michelin Starred restaurants, the best international schools and medical facilities. The city is also known for its exquisite promenades and waterfront structures, contributing to the cultural beauty of Denmark.

Amagertorv in Copenhagen, Denmark by Furya

9) Amsterdam

Number nine sees Amsterdam step up to the mark with its liberal attitudes, network of canals and a family friendly reputation. Reliance on cycling helps make the city a healthier place to live, and the gay friendly vibe contributes to the feel good atmosphere for residents. 55% of housing is government owned, with tenants heavily favoured by law – making Amsterdam a haven for renters.

Amsterdam, Netherlands by Swimmerguy269

10)Brussels

Finally Brussels in Belgium makes it into our top ten with great schools and a thriving ex pat community. It has a mainly bilingual population, speaking both Dutch and French (making the city more accessible). In addition, 25% of the population are of Muslim background, making it a great place for Islamic expatriates.

Brussels, Belgium by Wouter Hagens

Written by Helen Shepard from Movers International, a professional ex pat with a spirit of wanderlust.

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Its dimensions are impressive, but when viewed close-up it seems to be even greater. Span arch at the bottom is 26.5 m, the height of the gate is 16m and its width is about 7-8m. The minimum thickness is 3m, the peak of the gate is 21m above the bottom.

From the point of entry into the area there are several divergent paths and stairs to the observation platforms where you can watch Pravčická brána or enjoy impressive views to the surrounding nature.

On your way to Pravčická brána you have to pass through the Castle Sokolí Hnízdo (Eagle’s Nest), built in 1881 on the site of the oak bark hut, which served as a bar. Castle Sokolí Hnízdo was originally used to accommodate important guests of the local family of Clary-und-Aldringen. Today there is the museum of the national park and stylish restaurant decorated with original paintings.

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One national park and many other regional parks are located in the Dolomites. In August 2009, the Dolomites were declared a natural heritage site by UNESCO.

The Dolomites are located at the north of Italy and forms the border with Slovenia, Austria and Switzerland. To the east they are surrounded by Julian Alps and to the west by Swiss Alps.

The main centres of Dolomites are Cortina d’Ampezzo, Brunico, San Martino and Canazei.

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Gauja National Park was established on 14 September 1973 and is therefore the oldest national park in Latvia. The area was formerly sometimes known as the “Livonian Switzerland” and tourists started to visit this area in the 19th century.

The territory of the Gauja NP contains more than 500 monuments of history and culture – castle mounds, castles, churches, manors, water and windmills as well as numerous archaeological and art monuments.

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The cave was formed by the river Gauja, which cuts through a sandstone layer and forms a picturesque gorge with several river caves. Thats why this area is called “Latvian Switzerland“.

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France – Offers the best value for money in Europe. France offers large accommodation resorts, that are situated almost always right on the slope.

Courchevel Ski Resort in Parc national de la Vanoise is one of the best ski resorts in France. It is located in the eastern part of the country, in the region of Rhône-Alpes, in Les Trois Vallées, at an altitude of 1300 – 2740m. Courchevel Ski resort is also the oldest and most luxurious ski resort in Les Trois Vallées. It offers a total of 180 km of slopes of several types. Transport is providing by 25 lifts and 40 ski-tows with a total carrying capacity of 68 350 persons per hour. Ski resort Courchevel is divided into four villages. The lowest one is Courchevel 1300 m, where you can see admire the local architecture. There are houses from the 13th century. Upper one is Courchevel 1550, which offers a nice entry to the slopes. Courchevel 1650 is another historic part with the typical wooden houses of Savoy. The highest part of Courchevel 1850 offers the best access to the lifts. After skiing you can enjoy a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and bowling.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Leo-setä

Italy – Offers high quality ski slopes and higher quality of Italian accommodation standards. Another positive thing is that there are beautiful mountain sceneries. The disadvantage is that Italians are not consistent, and thus you can often find something that is out of order or goes wrong. You also should start to learn Italian before your trip.

Cortina d’Ampezzo – Olympic slopes with an international atmosphere. In 1956 there were Olympic Winter Games in the resort and became famous also far beyond the borders of Italy. Cortina d’Ampezzo is the village in the Dolomites, surrounded by peaks Tofana (3244 m), Monte Cristallo (3221 m) and Sorapis (3205 m). It is located in the Veneto region, at an altitude of 1224 m.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Peter Stevens

Austria – Offers technically the best equipped ski resorts and also the reliability is very high. However the prices are higher, so skiing in Austria can be really expensive.

St. Anton belongs to the exclusive association of the best Alpine area – Best of the Alps. It offers comfortable St Anton hotels, but even more accommodation options in private. Despite the fact that it is becoming a bit busier resort, it has kept the pleasant and welcoming Tyrol atmosphere. The minor disadvantage of St. Anton are parking fees. Although St. Anton offers over 30 modern lifts, there are often queues in the early morning hours.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by vuorikari

Switzerland – here you can be sure to have snow during your skiing vacations. Switzerland offers comfortable accommodation, skiing in the middle and beautiful contrast between the modern and technologically obsolete lifts. Among the most popular ski resorts in Switzerland are Veysonnaz. It’s one of the most prestigious ski areas, situated near the highest point of Mont Fort (3300 m). Another beautiful alpine ski resort is Saas-Fee, which is located at 1 560-3 600 m. The world-famous Jungfrau ski area offers approximately 190 km of slopes and e.g. Crans Montana have beautiful scenery and excellent skiing.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by TRAILSOURCE.COM

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Jannis Andrija Schnitzer

Currently, Germany is trying to build a positive image in the world and attract such as many tourists to the country as possible. Most visitors are coming from Europe, USA and Asia. The most visited sites are North Rhine – Westphalia, Bavaria with the Alps, and Baden – Wuerttemberg. Beautiful vibrant cities, architectural treasures, nightlife, traditional customs and festivals. All of these (and much more) can be found in Germany.

In Germany you will find many restaurants offering from traditional dishes to international cuisine. It can be said that you can find restaurant where you get something good to eat, almost at every corner of Germany. You can have a dinner in a luxury restaurant, or in the modest Gasthof with a regular daily menu or just in the pub where you can taste a simple regional food together with the beer. If you are satisfied with service, it is customary to leave a tip of 5-10 percent of the price. Menus are usually visible at the entrance to the restaurant, so you can decide in advance to go there or not. Sometimes the restaurants have also an outdoor garden. Some restaurants serve lunch and dinner menus with several courses for one price. In German restaurants are separate rooms for smokers. If you just need something small to eat, you can go to bistros, pizzerias, cafes and fast foods.

The traditional German beverage is a beer. There is a plethora of brands and types of beer, but the most popular are Pilsner, wheat beer Weizenbier, Kölsch and Altbier. Germans sometimes mix the beer with lemonade and make it like the Alster or Radler. Berlin specialty is bright and light beer Berliner Weiße. Germany is also famous for its wine-growing areas along major rivers, which produces a unique Riesling or Silvaner. The popularity of wine in Germany is rising dramatically.

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Until World War I Austria was vast empire that ruled much of central Europe for the centuries. Austria is now a federal republic, consisting of nine states (Burgenland (Eisenstadt), Kärnten (Klagenfurt), Niederösterreich (St.Pölten), Oberösterreich (Linz), Salzburg (Salzburg), Steiermark (Graz), Tirol (Innsbruck), Vorarlberg (Bregenz), Wien (Wien)).

The capital city of Austria – Vienna hosts many international organizations including the Secretariat of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

The Austrian Parliament has two chambers. National Council (Nationalrat) has 183 members who are elected by direct popular vote for five-year period. Federal Council (Bundesrat) is the second chamber with about 62 members representing different regions. Its members are elected for six years.

Austria has a rich cultural heritage, with a special place of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. But also the music of Franz Schubert is very popular. In the field of philosophy and ideas you can find controversy work of Sigmund Freud, while Ludwig Wittgenstein is one of the most influential philosopher of 20th century. Paintings by Gustav Klimt from the early 20th century are highly reputable.

Austria has a mixed industrial-agricultural economy, but an important source of income is tourism.

Austrian cuisine includes specialties like Wiener Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel.

As a tourist in Austria, you will shortly find out that everything is well prepared for you and services are excellent in the tourist areas. Whether you visit any place in the summer or winter you will be really satisfied – from tourism and cycling signs of groomed trails, through camping facilities and winter resorts, to cultural and spa programs in the hotels and family pensions.

The highest point of Austria is Grossglockner (3 798 m) and the lowest point is Neusiedler See (115 m).

There are 6 national parks in Austria. The beauty of these six totally different protected natural areas you can enjoy on foot or by bike.

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