Skiing from hut to hut is a great way to see the Alps, but beware

The Route, which runs through France, Italy and Switzerland, dates back to the mid-1800s. At one end is Chamonix, France; at the other, Zermatt, Switzerland. In between are enough glaciated ridges and sheer drops to make you wonder why you didn't just stay home. But by no other means will you enjoy so intimate an experience of the winter Alps. Both Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn are on the Route, and the scenery's scale is never less than majestic. Nor will you suffer much privation, since, at intervals of approximately one day's travel, a stone hut like a little castle awaits you, light and warmth emanating from its windows, food simmering on the stove and wine waiting in the larder.

Italy remains the leading choice

Luxury travel is booming according to new research presented in December at the International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes. In most countries across the world, luxury travel is one of the best performing sectors of the travel business with many countries currently enjoying between 10 and 20 per cent annual growth.

Travel to Milan, Italy

Milan is one of Italy's most fashionable and richest cities but it also has many great artistic and historical sights and a thriving cultural scene. Home to the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the famous opera house, La Scala, Milan has a lot to offer the traveler. If you want to travel in northern Italy, Milan, with 2 airports, makes a convenient starting or ending destination. Read our Travel Profile of Milan, Italy, to learn more about Milan.

Festa Italiana seeks to shed ‘niche’ image of Italy

The Italian State Tourist Board (ENIT), in association with the Indo Italian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ICCI) and the Consulate General of Italy, concluded the sixth edition of its annual road show in Mumbai, 'Festa Italiana' or Fascinating Italy. The focus of this year's event pointed to the country's desire to present Italy as a more accessible destination to the Indian traveller. It saw the launch of the Hindi version of 'The Little Book of Italy', apart from participation from various partners of ENIT, including cruise liners, hotels and tour operators.

Sunny Italy to shine again

Anyone longing for a pleasant getaway to lift winter spirits might find an idyllic vacation without leaving Annapolis in the Colonial Players' production of Enchanted April.

Italy has long been a favorite travel destination for me, and I was surprised at how well the Italian ambience was captured in the 1992 movie and in a later stage version that I caught in New York.

Want to get away?

Hart says favorite winter destinations for Puebloans are Disneyland and Disney World, the Riviera Maya on Mexico's east coast, many Florida locations, Hawaii, the Caribbean, San Antonio, New Orleans and some of the southern states.

Many people come from elsewhere to ski in Colorado, Hart says, but most residents don't consider going to one of the state's ski resorts as a winter vacation; most want to escape the snow and cold.