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TRAVELLER
As travellers feel the pinch, destinations
outside the eurozone will see even
more visitors, with the likes of Estonia,
Bulgaria, Romania and Jordan on
the up. You could also try a new
European Capital of Culture for 2012,
Maribor in Slovenia. It’s offering a
year-long programme of visual and
performance arts, and cultural events
– coupled with cheap accommodation
and a non-euro currency. It also has a
nearby ski resort and its own local wine.
Michael Fleetwood
For some time, hotels have been
providing white-noise machines, which
block out other noises to help you sleep.
But this year travellers should be on the
look-out for even more sophisticated
ways to get your zzzs. The Hotel
Gabriel Paris Marais, for example, uses
NightCove, which emits soft sounds and
melatonin-producing light, designed to
soothe the senses. Meanwhile, Crowne
Plaza Hotels are trialling “snore-
absorption rooms”, with headboards
designed to soak up noise, anti-snore
pillows and wedges to prevent snorers
from lying on their backs.
Juliet Kinsman
Long-haul is just so passé. It’s
becoming increasingly popular for
newlyweds to take a “mini-moon”
in Europe for a few days after the
wedding, followed by a longer,
traditional honeymoon some time la
Sophisticated, hip hotspots, such as
Santorini in Greece; Hvar in Croatia
and Lake Bled in the Slovenian Alps
the go-to places. If you’re looking for
treat, try Vila Bled, with its views ov
Lake Bled to the little island and 11t
century fairy-tale castle.
TomMarcha
ILLUSTRATION ©ANDRÉ BEATO | PHOTO ©AWL IMAGES
Ever fancied emulating the Tour de
France? A growing number of cyclists
are doing just that. Cycle touring has
been big news for a while, but the latest
trend is seeing enthusiasts head to the
continent for a taste of the real thing.
The Étape du Tour is the equivalent of
two stages of the professional race and
it’s fast taken off as a holiday for the
two-wheeled fan – there are now 8,000
entrants a year. If you’re only new to the
sport, I’d recommend gorgeous but less
challenging climbs in the Black Forest
in Germany, and the stunning rides
south of Turin and around Tuscany in
Italy.
Daniel Friebe
Mini-moons
Cycle like the pros
Sleep easier
Push the Eastern boundaries
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