When the urge to explore the world starts at a young age it is not always easy to actually visit different countries. But there are other ways  to discover new countries and cultures, for example, thanks to education. Focus on different possibilities.

Studying in an international environment

One of the many possibilities to start discovering the world is through education. Indeed, it is fundamental because it gives children the will to discover other countries very early. It can be done quite easily, for example by putting children in international environments.

It is possible, as soon as lower school, to give children a multi-cultural surrounding, for example in international schools in Paris or in any other big city. This type of school welcomes children of many nationalities, thus allowing them to learn how to live together and learn from each other’s cultures. As they make new friends from other countries, they learn and it is a big start to discover the world. They are also taught international curriculums which broadens their knowledge of what other children learn too.

The different course choices made can also be in favor of an international education. For example, it is possible to study to get an international baccalaureate (IB) in IB schools in France or anywhere else in the world. This allows students to have more knowledge about the world in general and it usually makes them more open minded.

Studying abroad

Another possibility to start travelling through education is actually to go study somewhere else. There are many programs now that enable students to go and discover another country and culture while studying. For example in Europe, the Erasmus program allows students to spend one or two semesters abroad which allows them to visit a country and mingle in local life while studying.

This is a very good start to discover the world and learn to appreciate travelling. It is also a good way to travel without spending too much money as these programs are often funded by states and organizations and students can benefit from scholarships.

Finally, it is important to say that travelling enables children to understand the world better and it is the best way to make them aware of all that goes on in our world.

You finally planned your winter holidays in the Alps and now you have to actually prepare your trip. If you don’t know where to start, what to bring or what to do, keep on reading, we will give you some advice to properly get ready for your winter holidays.

Step by step: preparing your winter holidays

Make reservations

Now that you have planned your trip you need to make all the reservations necessary for your stay. First of all, you need to book transportation tickets if needed. You can also choose to go by car as you will probably have quite a lot of luggage (if you bring your own ski equipment for example).

Then, you have to make a decision regarding the accomodation. There are many choices in every ski resort. To spend relaxing holidays in Chamonix for example, you can choose a high-end residence such as MGM, where you can be pampered. You can also decide to rent a typical chalet or stay at a hotel. It really only depends on what you want and your budget.

Once you have booked your transportation and accomodation, you may need to rent some equipment. If you want to ski but don’t have the necessary equipment, you can rent it for the lenght of your stay or just a few days. Sometimes, hotels can get you some nice deals so don’t hesitate to check that when booking a room.

Physical preparation

As you decided to ski and now that you have booked your equipment, you may want to start a bit of physical preparation. Indeed, skiing is a sport we don’t do often and which requires a quite good physical condition. You can for example start running a little or do squats a few weeks before your holidays. This will prevent you from getting sore muscles right after the first day on the slopes.

If you already are in good physical shape you can skip this step.

Start packing

Finally, you are only a few days away from the slopes and the snow. It is now time to start packing. Regarding where you are staying, you will not pack the same things. If you rented a chalet you may need to bring some sheets and towels. You can check on your reservation if they are provided or not.

If you decided to stay in a hotel or a premium residence, then you don’t need them, just the usual things you bring when travelling, plus warm and ski clothes. But don’t forget to bring your swimsuit as many residences have steaming rooms, saunas, pools, jacuzzis… You can enjoy some relaxing après-ski time!

The winter can all too easily leave us feeling a bit under the weather, physically and emotionally. Why not combine the physical challenge of skiing with some pampering après-ski activities at the Deep Nature Spa in the Les Arcs 1950 ski resort?

There’s no better way to unwind after a day’s skiing than the Deep Nature Spa

Les Arcs 1950 is a modern ski resort with a richly-deserved reputation for excellence that’s borne out by its five star accommodation, beautiful scenery and top-notch eateries. One real bonus for residents at Les Arcs is the Deep Nature Spa, a 1000m² facility devoted to wellbeing and relaxation. Sculpted to resemble natural rock formations and caves (including the aquatic cave, the ice cave and the volcanic cave), the venue is home to a full range of spa equipment and treatments. Water jets, hammams, multi-sensory showers, an outdoor sauna and a nail bar are just some of the options you can enjoy. In terms of treatments, on the menu you have everything from Balinese massage, aromatic scrub with spices and numerous kinds of facial. One stand-out feature that will really take your breath away are the stunning views of Mont Blanc to be had from some of the treatment rooms. Deep Nature is a great place to introduce children to the world of spa treatments – it has a special range of treatments aimed specifically at kids aged from 6 to 12 and even a parent and child massage treatment to be enjoyed together. It’s also worth noting that many hotels and apartment buildings in Les Arcs 1950 have their own swimming pools and jacuzzis.

Working up an appetite: les Arcs boasts some great eateries

Les Arcs, in France, is also known for its top-class restaurants and bars – which is just as well, as you’re bound to work up something of an appetite after a day on the slopes! All tastes are catered to, with an emphasis on French cooking, especially local Savoyard cuisine. Brasseries, sophisticated restaurants, cosy cafés, wine bars, takeaways, Irish-style pubs, pizza and pasta specialists, steakhouses – they’re all here. Some of these venues double up as clubs so you can dance the night away. Others offer the warmth of an open fire, pool tables, live music and sporting events, DJs, themed evenings and other forms of entertainment.