Press release: winter holidays 2008

MEDIA RELEASE: 28 October 2008

Winter breaks that don’t cost the earth

It’s that time of year again to wrap up and pack up for another alternative winter adventure with the world's leading online ethical holiday company, responsibletravel.com.

Whether it’s action or relaxation responsibletravel.com has over a hundred winter holidays that won’t cost the earth (or your pocket!). See responsibletravel.com/accommodation/winter for further details.

UK breaks...

Snowhole expedition in the Scottish Highlands – from £321 for five days
This expedition takes you through Britain's highest mountain range - the Cairngorms. Once you've undergone a day of skills training you embark on a two-day expedition deep into the snowy wilderness. The route takes you across the Cairngorm (4085ft) - Ben Macdui (4295ft) plateau where you will help construct a roomy, communal snowhole, in which you will spend a night. This is Britain’s ultimate winter mountain experience.

Price includes full board accommodation, provision of snowholing and cooking equipment, plus transfers from Inverness airport/Aviemore rail station. Travellers arriving by train or bus receive a £15 discount.

Departures 31 Jan, 25 Feb, 7 Mar, 28 Mar 2009.

Ski mountaineering in Scotland - from £445 for four days
Experience the best of British backcountry skiing and mountaineering in the Cairngorms National Park. Master the art of climbing with skins, the science of mountain navigation and avalanche awareness, whilst tackling the bold summits and descents from open powder fields to challenging gullies. Return to the 4 star accommodation to relax and reflect on the day's adventure by the roaring log fire, with views of the summit.

The company behind this trip was recognised in the 2006 Responsible Tourism Awards for making a commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.

Departures 5 Mar and 12 Mar 2009.

Accommodation only...

Transylvania winter holiday accommodation - from €80 per night full board including wine
Stay in Transylvanian luxury, in the lovingly restored Kálnoky family cottages at the foothills of Carpathian Mountains. Wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread and enjoy home cooked traditional cuisine with meat and milk from locally reared animals.

The first snowfall of the winter in October opens up a wealth of winter activities such as skiing (with free transfers), wildlife tracking with local experts, exploring the ice gorges and caves or snow shoeing. Or if that all seems a little to hectic, how about a relaxing horse sleigh ride.

Adventurous, Action Breaks...

Family winter holiday in Slovakia - from £889 (£809 under 12s) for eight days including flights
Kick start this family activity week with three days downhill skiing and a trip to the thermal baths to ease aching muscles. Enjoy independently exploring the small mountain village of Zuberec/Habovka before sharing lunch with a Slovak family - a unique insight into modern life in Slovakia. You’ll also embark on a snow shoeing expedition and then round up this incredible week with a day’s dog sledging.

Departures are weekly from 13 Dec 2008 to 28 Mar 2009.

Husky Safari in Finland - from £1325 for eight days including flights, transfers, accommodation, full board, equipment and instruction
Leave the hustle and bustle behind you and find a place where the only noise will be the ‘swish’ of your sledge through the snow. After being introduced and learning to manage your ‘team’ of 4-6 huskies let them pull you through forests, fells and frozen lakes close to the Pallas-Ounas National Park in Western Lapland. Enjoy lunches by open fires and nights spent in the basic but cozy safari houses and cabins. The remoteness creates the best possible chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis. By using only local activity providers and accommodation this trip helps to combat the high levels of unemployment in this area.

Departures are weekly from 23 Nov 2008 until 12 Apr 2009.

Iceland Weekend Adventure Holiday - from £865 for four days, including flights and accommodation
Start a jam packed weekend of discovery with a visit to Reykjavik’s famous thermal baths, followed by walks on the volcanic and glaciated landscape. Spend day two snowmobiling before your epic exploration on the Solheimajokull glacier -crampons, ice-axe and rigid boots provided.

Departs 11 Dec 2008, 15 Jan, 12 Feb, 19 Feb, 19 Mar, 26 Mar, 2 Apr 2009.

Skiing Holidays with a twist...

Yoga & skiing holiday in the Swiss Alps - from €990 for eight days including accommodation, breakfast, yoga passes and ski pass for three regions
Spend a week centring body and mind in a UNESCO site of world beauty in the car free village of Wengen. Begin the day with a gentle yoga session, then after a delicious breakfast head off for skiing, boarding, hiking, sledging or even curling. End the day with another yoga session and a pampering massage. Finally, enjoy a famous Swiss hot chocolate or something stronger under the stars from your private terrace.

Funds from your ski pass payment go to the protection and upkeep of the nature reserve. Departures available in March.

- Ends -

Notes to editors

About responsibletravel.com:
responsibletravel.com is the world's leading online ethical travel company, selling over 3,000 holidays from over 270 specialist operators and 550 accommodations. All the holidays meet specific responsible tourism guidelines and aim to create better places for people to live and to visit. Launched in 2001 with backing from Dame Anita Roddick, the website is for travellers who want more real and authentic holidays that also benefit the environment and local people. The organisation - based in Brighton, England - also campaigns for positive change in the travel and tourism industry.

Contact:
Krissy Roe
press@responsibletravel.com
01273 648 519 or 07717 348 368