Why taking the train from Vienna to Saalfelden Leogang is food for the soul

TTC Tour Brands is launching a new familiarization trip with its guided vacation company, Trafalgar, for BIPOC travel advisors, departing March 11, 2024 for destinations across Europe. 

Ski-based travel brings all sorts of wonder for families: seeing the snow-draped mountains and traditional ski chalets for the first time, riding the gravity-defying ski lifts and learning how to navigate those vast, powdery slopes thrills travellers of all ages.

A few years ago, competition from low-cost airlines and high-speed railways looked like they would spell the end for sleeper trains, which were increasingly starting to look like relics.

Pristine white peaks all around, and skis crunching over crisp snow. If any holiday feels like escapism, it’s a ski holiday. But climate breakdown is increasingly threatening to poop the party.

If you’re thinking of relocating as a family to another country, this research could help you choose your destination.

There’s nothing like the first sip of a creamy Chardonnay after a long drive on a sunny day. In the garden at Kuzubağ, a winery in southwest Turkey, a cold glass slips down easily. The Aegean breeze rustles the leaves, the sunset paints the open skies rusty orange and resident feline Misket jumps up for a belly rub. “Our cats appreciate attention,” says vineyard owner Aslı Kuzu, before gently shooing her away.

Hyatt doesn't have the biggest footprint when it comes to the major hotel groups, but it has grown steadily over the last several years — focusing on luxury properties, its European expansion, extended stays and all-inclusive resorts. Hyatt also recently acquired Mr & Mrs Smith hotels and is about to get into the vacation home rental market.

Trains are my favorite mode of transportation. 

Girls' trips can be a hit or miss.

Some kids get annoyed when their parents track their location, but as a 27-year-old frequent solo traveler, I consider it a blessing. 

Mountains, music and sweets mit Schlag: Austria’s charms are irresistible, and draw millions of visitors each year.

As I traveled on a tour bus from Seefeld to Innsbruck in Austria, a loud voice from the back called out, "Can we stop somewhere to buy some tchotchkes and knick knacks?" The mention of souvenirs made me cringe a little as I wasn't fond of purchasing things that ultimately would end up forgotten. Even though they serve as mementos of our travels, I had one too many magnets that didn't stick or t-shirts that were mass-produced thousands of miles away. Despite my reluctance, we stopped at a shop full of beer steins, snow globes, scarfs, hats, and miniature dolls dressed in Austrian trachten. As I picked each one up, I heard that voice again, this time much closer, "That's a beautiful keepsake, you should get it." Although I don’t drink beer and have no use for the beautifully decorated Stein, I caved in and purchased it. Months later, when packing for another trip, I found the beer stein, still in the original packaging, and pawned it off to a friend, who promised to "have a cold one in it and remember our friendship", amidst several exasperated eye rolls.