Morzine, France by Jane Caryer

Morzine is an excellent resort for a mix of abilities. Our group had a beginner, two intermediate skiers and two experts - All were happy. Morzine has an extensive range of runs, fast lifts and we found the queues almost non existent. In the mountains pretty wooden chalets provide plenty of places for a good hot chocolate, vin chaud or a snack.

The Pleney lift in the centre of Morzine provides good access to the slopes. There are numerous ski hire shops near the lift many with heated boot rooms. Leaving equipment here was a bonus, and saved us having to carry it. The bus to Avoriaz stops nearby, as does the land train connecting to the Super Morzine Gondola. The land train stops for lunch between 12.15 and 1.30

The area near the top of The Pleney lift was particularly good for beginners. There were plenty of blue runs and a large bowl with a moving carpet which saved complete beginners having to use lifts initially. The instructors we used were patient and knowledgeable and spoke good English, and our complete beginner felt very safe.

Snow conditions at Avoriaz which is 800m higher than Morzine will be better in warm weather. A highlight in Avoriaz is the wooded area called The Stash. A huge area filled with various levels of jumps and obstacles The Stash was excellent fun.

Top Tip Have lunch later, we ate after 2.00 each day which meant we could easily get a table and take our time. Early starts meant we were generally ready to head down the mountain at 3.30, and with happy hour starting at 4.00 this worked well.

Above the Super Morzine Gondola is a very quaint restaurant. A white fluffy cat was curled up in a basket by the door waiting for our attention, but the open fire and chocolate chaud made this a lovely stop for skiers.

Although we didn’t have any children in our party we could see they would be well catered for in Morzine. A kiddies area for 3-6 year olds, and play activities were available as well as lessons.

Morzine has a short transfer from Geneva of approximately 90 minutes, a good range of bars and restaurants for après ski, and an extensive ski area making it suitable for all types of skiers.

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Orlando & The Florida Keys by Annie Clougherty

We stayed one week in a 5 bedroom villa in Orlando. Whilst we were there we visited MGM Hollywood Studios – they were having a cold spell – hence the layers in our photographs!

EPCOT which stands for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow, is the largest of the Disney parks and features different countries. Set around a lake, numerous restaurants mean you can experience all the different foods. Although very educational and interesting, it also has some thrilling rides. A Garden Festival is held in Spring. Every night at EPCOT they have spectacular fireworks over the lake. We also visited Aquatica the new waterpark from Seaworld which was fantastic!

After leaving Orlando for our journey south to the Keys, we visited Naples, one of the wealthiest communities in the USA, hence all the millionaires homes set directly on the beautiful beach. The prestigious shopping area of 5th Avenue is a must for shopaholics.

The drive from Naples to the Keys is lovely as you pass through the everglades and see many alligators on the banks. We visited Key Largo, Duck Key and Key West. My favourite was Duck Key and the resort of Hawks Cay where you can rent bicycles and cycle around the resort. It is possible to swim with the dolphins at the Dolphinarium.

A day trip to Key West is worth a visit as it is a very colourful place, and the southernmost point in the USA. Duval Street is full of interesting shops and is very lively in the evening. We travelled down Duval street on a Pedicab.

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For our other blogs scroll down or use the archive on the right.
Contact us via www.travel-stop.co.uk for experienced travel advice.