Austria

Do you ever just close your eyes and imagine escaping your day-to-day surroundings? Wishing you could travel to some far-flung destination? All of us do this at some point and especially of you are a lover of the white stuff when winter comes around. Well, we have a destination for you. With its awe-inspiring mountains, expansive lakes, powdery snow and perfect vistas, the Austrian ski resort of Zell am See-Kaprun can certainly the answer to that dream.

With its splendid architecture, wide collection of museums and galleries, and regular performances of world-class ballet and classical music, this is the place to embrace high art. Throw in atmospheric bars, taverns and cafes, and you've got the makings of a wonderful city.

Headline attraction

The Schloss Schonbrunn, the baroque palace that was Marie Antoinette's home as a child, is a microcosm of Vienna - touching on many of the things for which the city is famed.

Adventure awaits you in Austria. As the seasons in Tirol change, so too does the landscape; transforming the region from a winter wonderland into a summer playground. Think majestic mountains and craggy ravines, emerald pastures strewn with wildflowers, playful brooks rushing through verdant woodland, and crystal-clear lakes just waiting to be leapt into.  Winding pathways meander throughout, helping those who wish to wander; in fact, there's 24,000km worth of marked hiking trails and 6,000km of mountain bike tracks to find and countless outdoor activities to try. Charming alpine villages with friendly locals, hearty dishes served in cosy mountains huts, and lively summer festivals all add to the appeal after an action-packed day of exploration.

Salzburg and its surrounding are an area of immense natural beauty, versatility and steep in history.  Bordering with Germany and sharing the mountains of the Alpine region, its located in a region that caters for a variety of activities: summer, spring or winter. The Edelweiss meadows and high mountain lakes, hilltop castles and turf-roofed timber cabins – life is beautiful here, it’s the home of Mozart, Maria von Trapp and its Baroque architecture.

Austria is famed for its beautiful mountains and amazing snow sports. Every year, visitors from across the world travel here to enjoy the country's incredible slopes and mountain lifestyle.  With pristine slopes, off-piste powder and the snowiest ski area in Austria, Obertauern is set to become your new favourite winter destination.

Thinking of going skiing this year, but not sure where your budget can take you? Let us help you with a few options. You have to be quick though before these well-kept skiing and snowboarding secrets are discovered by the masses.  Destination ranges from Europe, North America to the Far East. Some of these were once used as Winter Olympic destinations.

Set in the valley of Zillertal in Tirrol, Austria, is the scenic town of Mayrhofen;  a top destination for the ski season, and a delight during the summer months, thanks to an abundance of flora and fauna.

From Michelin-starred finger food to sublime strudel - eating and drinking your way around Salzburgerland couldn't be more tempting.  Here's a pro tip for Salzburg to start you off: arrive hungry. The city is a prime destination for foodies, whether you're looking for fine dining or casual - but - delectable options.

Goodness knows what the people of Salzburg made of my family and I careering round their city on bikes, singing Edelweiss at the tops of our voices. But Salzburg is intrinsically linked with The Sound Of Music and The Fraulein Maria bike tour is possibly the most memorable way to immerse yourself in it. To be honest, it wasn't really music and we didn't quite make it up into the hills, but the streets were definitely alive with the sound of our hollering.

Let’s be honest. Salzburg in Austria might not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of a romantic city break – but that’s part of what makes it the perfect place for one. The city doesn’t shout too loudly about its many charms, but those savvy couples that do visit will be richly rewarded with stunning sights, blissful views and so many romantic restaurants and bars that you’ll be planning your return before your holiday is even over.