Travel through time and get a glimpse of an ancient civilization’s glorious past when you visit Cambodia. Wild yet serene, Cambodia’s naturally-breathtaking landscapes combined with the genteel, friendly disposition of its people make for a truly unforgettable travel experience. Don’t forget to spend days (most tourists would confirm that a day is not enough) exploring the ruins of the mighty Angkor Wat, one of the wonders of the Oriental world and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For shopaholics, Phnom Penh yields a treasure trove of great finds at bargain prices – from handicrafts to silverware that display excellent craftsmanship.

I’m already booked for a week in the snow with my snowboard in Scoul Switzerland for the second week of February. Unfortunatly, that’s the earliest I could get away this year. But if you are looking for a white vacation already now, check out the already white snowmobiling capital of Lanaudière. Check out the press release below, Lanaudière has already received 18 inches of snow this week alone (and the week’s not over). Boy, I would like nothing more than taking the next few days off and embarking on a white Snowmobile vacation. If you’re not buried in work yourself – you’ve got no excuse. So go have a great time and don’t forget to send in your pictures.

Lanaudière, Snowmobile Country,
announces the opening of 350 km of trails

For more than 30 years, Lanaudière has been a snowmobiling capital!

Rawdon, November 30, 2007 – Mother Nature has been busy during the past week, covering the Lanaudière landscape with an average of 45 cm (18 inches) of snow and more in the northern part of the region. Snowmobile enthusiasts can now start their engines for a new season with 350 kilometres (161 miles) of trails open in northern Lanaudière.

These are the areas that are currently accessible, where conditions are good with new snow coverage:

• Mont-Tremblant National Park (start at Pimbina entrance)
• Certain areas in Saint-Zénon
• Certain areas in Saint-Michel-des-Saints

For precise and accurate information, contact the snowmobile clubs concerned directly (Club Saint-Donat at 819 424-7988; Club snowmobile du royaume at 450 884-5762).

To find out about trail conditions (updated regularly), weather, touring suggestions or order your free copy of our new snowmobile trail map, just visit www.snowmobilecountry.ca or call 1 800 363-2788.

Please note that lakes are not yet frozen over.

Tourisme Lanaudière reminds you of the importance of driving safely and respectfully. Permission to pass through private property is difficult to conserve and represents a privilege to users. Respect for property and words of thanks to owners are gestures that are greatly appreciated, and it is equally important to respect signs and trail markers.

Source: Maryline Lafrenière, Communication Agent
450 834-2535
lafreniere@lanaudiere.ca

Winter is here and for all winter sports lovers this is officially time to book your winter vacation. You don’t have to travel far for a complete, professional ski vacation. I know many people who learned to ski at Mt Hood, Oregon. Training and lessons are available for all levels by The National Alpine Ski Camp (NASC) which offer the lowest athlete-to-coach ratio standing at five. This ensures an enjoyable and successful experience. Many skiers are choosing local slopes this year due to the low dollar and the rising prices of oversees travel. Mt Hood offers the best of all worlds with an amazing skiing experience at local prices.

Who says beach and golf don’t go together? Both can be had in various places around the globe, you just need to find the right one suited for your budget. Yeah right, you may need to travel far but don’t fret because you will get real value for your money once you’re already there and enjoying life’s pleasures. You’re doing this only once or a few times in your life so fly and golf away to your heart’s desire.

Boracay Island is one of the best destinations in the world where one can experience leisure, golf and other sports activities at the same time. It has been voted as the best beach in the world by the Sun Herald of Australia and Harper’s. Situated in Aklan province, at the northern tip of Panay in the Philippines, this paradise island is a beach and golf haven for both local and foreign tourists. Boracay enjoys a booming tourism industry accommodating hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Not only does this island offer one of the world’s excellent beaches with its powdery white sand and crystal clear waters. Boracay, too, boasts of a world-class golf resort that features breathtaking putting landscapes.

The island’s only golfing venue is the Fairways and Blue Water Resort. This 18-hole, par 72 world-class golf course was designed by renowned master golfer and designer Graham Marsh. The golf course has already hosted several tournaments and offers other water sports as well. And because of its awesome location in the middle of a paradise island with scenic views, this golf course has gained the title as the “golfing jewel of the pacific”.

California is not only home to fabulous beaches and tourist destinations but also to great golfing venues. People who love to play golf can engage in their favorite sport or hobby while in this fantastic state for business or leisure.

Los Angeles boasts of its Lost Canyons Golf Club situated in the foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains. The 36-hole golf club was created by Pete Dye and Fred Couples and is the venue of many celebrity tournaments, being close to Hollywood. While on the so-called Sky and Shadows courses, golfers will get the feeling of being in the Rocky Mountains because of the presence of high ridgelines. The Sky golf course runs in the Tapo Canyon while the Shadow course rolls on the canyon floor below the White Face Mountain.

San Francisco has its Half Moon Bay Golf Links featuring the Ocean Course overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Half Moon Bay’s Old Course designed by Arnold Palmer and Frank Duane is best for a gentler round of golf.

In San Diego, golf can be enjoyed at the Four Seasons Resort Aviara which floats above the Batiquitos Lagoon. The 7,007-yard golf course designed by Arnold Palmer offers great views a wide variety of species of waterfowl and shorebirds as well as lovely flowers.

New Mexico, that is. In land-locked Santa Fe, Ten Thousand Waves might evoke images of the beach but in this authentic Japanese day spa the name refers to the healing and therapeutic benefits of soaking in pools of hot water – the traditional Japanese way. Amid a Zen-like environment, clients are given a pampering treatment of massages and skin-care regimen befitting royalty. If you’re feeling adventurous and non-squeamish ask for the Nightingale Facial, touted to be used by Kabuki artists and even geishas during the days of yore. Said to soften and moisturize the skin, the mask is made from nightingale droppings collected from farms where the birds are kept on a special diet.