One of the most effective ways to learn a new language is to travel to your desired country and fully immerse yourself in the language of locals.
With 2024 in full swing, people are undoubtedly beginning to prep their travel plans for the year ahead. Whether it’s a city break or a six month backpacking trip, you may want to use your upcoming getaway as a chance to naturally pick up the language you are currently learning or intend to learn. With this in mind, the language experts at Preply have revealed seven fun and creative ways in which travellers can pick up another language while on their explorations:
1: Take part in icebreaker games with locals
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, the next step is to pluck up the courage and strike up conversations with locals. To make getting to know each other less of a task, why not suggest engaging in some icebreaker activities? If you’re sharing a room with others in a hostel, this would be ideal. There are plenty of language learning games and activities out there that can help you pick up another language, and also make friends at the same time. For example, games such as charades and bingo require players to answer in the language they are learning, and this will enable them to build their vocabulary.
2: Go on an outdoor adventure
The problem with tourist hotspots is that you are bound to run into people who speak your mother tongue, and this can hinder your language-learning experience. On the other hand, exploring the outskirts of a city and going on more of an outdoor adventure will give you a chance to integrate with locals and learn from them. When it comes to exploring an area as well, don’t be afraid to get lost, as this will give you a chance to practise asking for directions in the language you’re learning.
3: Learn the local songs
If your city has a thriving nightlife, then get those dancing shoes on and shake those hips to the music played in bars and clubs. When coming across a song that you like, it might be a good idea to Shazam the track and get to know the lyrics to enable you to pick up some more words.
4: Eat the local delicacies
Who knew you could also use your love for food to aid your language development? Exploring local cuisine is a vital part of immersing yourself in the culture your country has to offer. Trying native dishes not only allows you to enjoy new delicacies, but also offers you a chance to practise your language skills with restaurant staff and vendors.
5: Join clubs and classes
Similarly, if you have various day-to-day hobbies, use these as opportunities to develop your language skills by joining available classes. From cooking to dance, being part of such classes will allow you to become more disciplined to the language you’re learning as you’ll be following directions.
6: Watch, read and listen in another language
Checking if your favourite TV series or podcast is available in the language you’re learning, or if your beloved books have been translated into it, would be another effective way of picking up a language. Doing this makes the whole learning process seem less of a chore, as you are still educating yourself while keeping up with the Kardashians.
7: Journal
To stay motivated on your language-learning journey, take the time to reflect on your progress and the interactions you’ve engaged in by keeping a journal. Keeping a journal will also allow you to reflect on the progress you’ve made and enable you to celebrate your individual successes.
For the last year and a half, Steve and I had been navigating a world of hospitals, surgeries, and treatments for cancer. It had been relentless and, more than anything, we needed to get away – to not think about scan results, side effects, or next steps. We needed some time together, the great outdoors and even greater food. So, when the opportunity for a mini-break in a finely catered chalet in the beautiful alpine village of Morzine came, we leapt at it and booked the flights.
That said, this getaway needs some context. Steve has never skied, and despite being allowed to travel wasn’t really in a fit state to start learning. I am a peculiar skier – technically proficient but terrified of heights, a weird combination that can see me take a wrong turn down a perfectly traversable slope where I can “see too far” (I know, stupid) and end up trembling on the edge of the piste, unable to turn and considering whether I should just take off my skis and walk, or settle in and wait for frostbite and hypothermia to take me. Up till now, I had taken our kids on budget ski trips whilst Steve stayed home and ate all the food I disapprove of in my absence.
All to say, a late-season ski holiday was not an obvious choice for Mr and Mrs Legg. It was, however, the option in front of us and to be honest the offer of a roaring fire with canapés and a home-cooked dinner was all we needed to hear. This was to be no ordinary skiing holiday. We were travelling to Chilly Powder, a family run hotel where guests are treated as an extension of the family. From the moment you arrive, everything is taken care of. The team (I hesitate to call them staff) introduce themselves by name and show genuine interest not just in your stay but in you.
Within minutes of arriving, they had arranged for a mobile ski company, Doorstep Skis, to arrive, measure my feet and kit me out for the next day. Everything was stored in the garage and the boots were kept in a warm room. It couldn’t have been easier.
We arrived early evening after an hour’s transfer from the airport. Dinner was being served. This is where the extended family feel of Chilly Powder really kicks in: meals are served in community. Guests gather around the fire at 7.30pm for canapes and a drink, and then take their places together on large dining tables. Truthfully, we weren’t entirely sure what we thought about this before we arrived. A combination of shyness and just needing some space left us a little apprehensive about sitting down with people we didn’t know, but actually, dinner turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip.
There were around 20 adults staying and we met such a wonderful array of people it meant that our conversations were rich and varied. We were the only guests who had never been before and it was clear that this warm and welcoming hotel was a place that people revisit. Each couple we met had a different story of how they had discovered Chilly Powder and why they now wouldn’t go anywhere else, or how they had brought friends to share in their discovery.
For some, the joy was in the childcare. Chilly Powder welcomes children as warmly as it does adults; it runs a crèche and helps the older children access ski school. Steve and I were often in earlier than the others and saw the kids being taken out for crêpes or to play in the park before being brought home in time for tea.
For everyone, a key draw was the location. Chilly Powder is a 5-minute walk, even in ski boots, from the bottom of the Les Prodain Express. This super-fast lift whisks you up to 1,800m to find the vast ski slopes of Avoriaz. Avoriaz itself is one of the best entry points to the Pistes du Soleil, considered to be the largest connected ski area in the world: 12 resorts and more than 600km of pistes. From here, everything is accessible: beginner slopes, a World Cup downhill run, hiking trails, beautifully groomed slopes and hair-raising off-piste action (the Swiss Wall – something I didn’t even begin to contemplate!). You can even ski into Switzerland.
And you can ski home. No long uncomfortable bus rides with skis digging into your neck and your boots wedged under a seat, no long slog at the end of the day; you can literally ski into the garden, where the hot tub awaits. No wonder people go back.
So, how did this decidedly trepid couple manage on a skiing holiday? Good question. We did get up slowly and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, we did explore the town of Morzine and find more places to eat. But, we also took the fast lift to Avoriaz to enjoy the snow.
Avoriaz itself is a delight. Perched on the edge of a ravine, in the winter season it is a no-car zone and instead has a fleet of horse-drawn sleighs acting as taxis. To get anywhere you ski, take a lift or relive your childhood fantasy with jingling bells thrown in. It’s a proper winter wonderland.
Across the piste from the top of Les Prodains Express is a restaurant and bar (La Tanière) with swathes of outside tables and deckchairs facing out over the valley of Les Prodains and a great set of green, blue, and red runs. It was perfect. We crossed the piste, chose a seat, ordered a coffee, applied the sunscreen and, when I felt brave, I went off to explore, leaving Steve in the sunshine with a book.
He was happy; I was nervous, but swiftly discovered that the resort is cautious with its grading of slopes. I grew in confidence that even red slopes would be manageable and that so long as I stayed within the bowl of the mountain in front of me, my vertigo wouldn’t kick in.
It was joyous, and warm – unseasonably so. One day the temperature rose to nearly 20 degrees which left me wilting in my ski gear and Steve sitting in a tee shirt sipping a beer. But the snow was good. At the bottom of the slopes it was slushy, right down in Morzine it was more grass than snow, but the beauty of being in such a vast collection of resorts was that there was always a slope in the shade and a lift above the freezing line.
Another day I set out for another section of the mountain – and discovered a range of gentle pistes with stunning views. These would never scare me and instead I practised my parallel turns, toyed with carving, but mostly just enjoyed going on a really good journey and not just repeating the same runs. These pistes could have connected me with Morzine, Les Gets or Montriond, but, wanting to actually spend time with my husband, I didn’t stray too far.
There are walking trails here too, that in another year we might have explored in snowshoes and together taken in the views. The kind of trails I like; walking downhill and catching a lift back to the top to a welcoming bar.
But not this year. This was a year for being gentle, enjoying each other’s company, and taking in the beauty the world has to offer. Chilly Powder gave us just that. We were able to sit back and relax, to let other people take care of us and to explore at our own pace. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
Chilly Powder operates all year round, so it’s perfect whether you’re looking to hit the ski slopes or hop on your mountain bike. There are extensive winter holiday packages on offer for individuals, groups and families with winter prices starting from €995 per person per week based on two adults sharing a double or twin bedroom or €2,760 per week for two adults and two children sharing a standard family room. Prices based on a half board basis with wine included in evening meals.
Childcare facilities are also available with prices starting at €315 per week and ski school for €295 per week. The chalet also offers self-catered and B&B options in both summer and winter, and is available for weddings and events.
To learn more or to making a booking, contact Chilly Powder on info@chillypowder.com or 020 7289 6958 or visit chillypowder.com
Even after lockdown, the staycation hype shows no signs of declining, with nearly three quarters of adults saying that they’d rather opt to stay in the UK for a holiday.
And so, with summer holiday season in full swing, the team at Select Van Leasing have ranked the UK’s top-rated campervan holiday spots to pay a visit to.
Emerging as the best-rated campsite for campervans is Glengoulandie Camping and Caravanning in the Cairngorms National Park, with a score of ten out of tenfor its five-star rating.
Situated in the picturesque Highland Perthshire, the family-run site is only eight miles from the bustling towns of Aberfeldy and Pitlochry. The spot is also perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of cycle routes and water sport locations close by, alongside multiple walking trails that take in Scotland’s natural beauty and stunning deer park nearby.
Joining Glengoulandie Camping and Caravanning in joint first, is the Welsh campsite Hendre Mynach Camping and Touring Park in The National Park of Eryri, Snowdonia, scoringten out of ten for its rating of five stars.
Landing in second place is the Cosmos Camping in the Brecon Beacons National Park, which scored an impressive 7.7/10 and a 4.98-star rating.
Accompanying Cosmos Camping in second place is Westdown Farm Wild Camping and Caravanning Centre in the Dartmoor National Park, rated 4.98 stars with a score of 7.7/10.
When taking trips abroad, it’s vital to consider how you will travel throughout the country beforehand. Unregulated airport taxis could take advantage of the fact that you aren’t local and may be uneducated on typical fares. As a result, you could be charged extremely high rates or taken to the incorrect destination which pays the taxi a finder’s fee, rather than the hotel, restaurant or particular business you requested. To avoid this, travellers should always research reliable, licensed taxi firms rather than getting into the first one they see. In the majority of countries, taxi drivers are required to carry and display their ID badge in the vehicle. Always ask the driver what the fare will be, before starting the journey. If the driver refuses to show you their ID or pre-warn you of fares, book with another taxi firm and do not enter the vehicle.
Fake PCR
Some countries now require travellers to report a valid, negative COVID test before entering their country. Amid reports that scammers have been caught conning holidaymakers with fake PCR tests and ‘fit to fly’ certificates, it is vital to always ensure that any PCR test you take is from a reputable source. If you’re travelling from the UK, you can purchase PCR tests from most pharmacies and report the results through the NHS app.
Hotels and Accommodation
When booking accommodation online, ensure to fully research the facility before booking. Look for reviews with images and check to make sure it’s a registered building. More and more adverts are appearing to show accommodation that isn’t real, outdated, and different to the visuals provided. By booking through reputable travel agencies, you can avoid illegitimate accommodation as the agency will cover all of the above bases for you.
Public Wifi
Most hosts will offer holidaymakers the services of their shared public Wi-Fi. While this is convenient, it’s key to remember that public Wi-Fi may not be as secure as your private network at home. When browsing the internet, make sure you don’t use sites and apps that involve inputting personal information, like contact details or bank card details. Alternatively, you can download a VPN, which will allow you to block any unwarranted third party companies from accessing your data.
Pickpockets
Pickpocketing is the oldest scam in the book, but now more than ever, scammers are becoming increasingly creative. Scammers may interact with you directly, to allow time for a third party to steal from under your nose while you’re distracted. When in crowded, public spaces, it’s always vital to keep your personal belongings close by. It’s best practice to leave valuables at home, but if you must bring them with you, store them in a money beltor bum bag to prevent theft.
Activities and excursions
When booking excursions or additional activities during your trip, always book through an official company. Some illegitimate companies may lack the health and safety precautions necessary to keep you safe abroad. The safest option is to book any extra activities or excursions directly through the official travel agencythat you booked your trip with. If you choose to book with a third-party, thoroughly research the company beforehand and always look at previous customer reviews.
Gambling
Make sure to thoroughly research any casino games you may take part in while on holiday, to avoid being scammed. Casino staff may explain a game to you in a lengthy wayto take advantage of the fact that you lack knowledge in this area. Scams.info have provided six famous examples of Vegas Casino scams in their recent article here.
The Woodland Trust has more than 1,000 woods which are free to visit and open every day. Woodland Trust site manager James Jesson said: “If you’d rather not spend the entire festive season overindulging, head out for a woodland adventure. Our woods are real winter wonderlands, so whether it’s a crisp, frosty morning or a damp soggy afternoon, it’s great to pull on your boots and thermals or waterproofs and head out for an invigorating stroll. Winter woods take on a whole new character. Spectacular, frosty landscapes and bare branches expose elusive wildlife and hidden history.” Locate a woodland by entering a postcode at woodlandtrust.org.uk/findawood
Here’s a selection of winter walks:
Archers Wood, Cambridgeshire is an ancient woodland nestling in an agricultural landscape, Archers is a real oasis for nature. Wander among majestic oak and field maple trees and watch carefully for a shy fox or deer in the distance.
Londonthorpe Wood, Lincolnshire is just a stone’s throw from historic Belton House and neighbouring a wild deer sanctuary. There are new all weather paths and there’s a mix of old and new woodland to explore.
Tring Park, Hertfordshire is a ten minute stroll from Tring’s famous Natural History Museum. Climb the hill for amazing views of Hertfordshire and the Chilterns.
Low Burnhall, Durham is an important haven for wildlife on the outskirts of Durham. Look out for signs of otters in the rivers which border the site. Owls, kestrels and sparrowhawks are known to frequent the area. Waymarked trails lead past some interesting features; including a sculpture of a miner in a nod to the wood’s historic coal mine.
Hackfall, Grewelthorpe, North Yorkshire is set in a 350ft gorge along the River Ure on the edge of the village of Grewelthorpe. This fragile ancient woodland habitat has been restored since the Woodland Trust took over. Footpaths and woodland walks take in glades, waterfalls, kingfisher and grey wagtail.
Smithhills Estate, Bolton, Lancashire is the Woodland Trust’s largest site. It’s steeped in history and shadowed by the famous Winter Hill TV mast, with panoramic views across to Bolton and Manchester. In its vast expanses of moorland there are patches of woodland, peat bog and elusive brown hare.
Hainault Forest, London boasts herds of majestic red deer roaming through this ancient hunting forest which once provided venison for the King’s table. Just 15 miles from central London with 158 species of bird recorded, it’s a popular destination for ornithologists.
Home Farm, Hampshire has eight miles of pathway winding through a mosaic of old and new woodland habitats. Red kite and kestrel can often be spotted wheeling overhead.
Hucking Estate, Kent has breathtaking views of the Kent Downs, ancient woodland to explore and swathes of open grassland.
Avon Valley Woods, Devon is set in the rolling hills of South Hams. Small birds tend to flock there in large groups during the winter months. While the riverside walk can be muddy, the extensive path network at the top of the site offers grassy tracks and views across Devon.
Credenhill Park Wood, Herefordshire is a local landmark on an imposing wooded hill topped by one of the largest Iron Age Hill forts in England. It’s thought to have once been an Iron Age tribal capital. The walk to the top has views across to Wales when the trees are bare.
Lineover Wood, Gloucestershire is a patchwork of ancient woodland. Recent planting and limestone grassland creates a diverse haven for wildlife where rare plants and fungi flourish. The wood lies within the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and offers views across Cheltenham and the Malvern Hills.
Carnmoney Hill, Northern Ireland offers views of Belfast and the coast. Steeped in history and folklore with a mix of ancient woodland, grassland and wetland, it’s home to a wealth of wildlife and has a range of walks to suit all abilities.
As hundreds of visitors prepare to flock to the Lake District for this weekend’s Kendal Mountain Festival – one church in the picturesque northern town is getting ready to make scores of photographers feel very welcome, writes Val Fraser.
On Sunday 21 November, the Gateway Church will host Faith Through a Lens, a Christian photography event.
“We’re going to be showing photographs from Christian photographers and talking about those pictures and how they relate to God’s word,” commented Gateway Church adviser, the Rev. Jonny Gios (pictured, above).
The clergyman is an award-winning photographer who recently secured first place in the prestigious 2021 One Lake District Photography Competition. His dramatic shot of Derwentwater was taken on an autumnal day from Isthmus Bay and Crow Park looking towards Cat Bells. It captured the greens and golds of a bank of trees mirrored on the lake.
“It was a cold crisp morning, and the sun was out in full force in order to get this shot,” he added. “I’m astounded that my photography is now winning awards and gaining notice around the UK.”
Jonny’s winning image, which appeared on the front cover of Cumbria Life magazine, was sold for an undisclosed amount.
ALL WELCOME: The festival’s doors are open to amateur and professional snappers.
Photographers speaking at the event range from hobbyists to professionals. All are Christians and will be talking about their photographs from a faith perspective. In particular, they will unpack how they feel that God has spoken to them through a photo they have captured, or how a passage of scripture might relate to that photo.
Professional wildlife photographers Tony and Carol Dilger are just two of the speakers at the event. Based in Dumfries and Galloway, the couple is just as likely to be found on a remote Scottish island as they are out in the African bush.
“At the end of the day, we just love photography, and we love helping other people love theirs,” said the Dilgers. “We like to think our images speak for themselves and for sure, they tell our story best.”
Expect some stunning shots and thoughtful insights from the likes of Rev. Vernon Ross, Archdeacon of South Cumbria, and Lathan Ball, a mountaineer and photographer. And the Rev. Gios will be also sharing his own powerful images and his thoughts on how these relate to faith.
He said: “My photography is my opportunity to discover new places off the beaten track. Getting out into the Lake District helps my mental health and stress levels.”
The free event starts at 10.30 am in Kendal Town Hall’s Lowther Room on Sunday 21 November.
