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Chamonix, France: An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

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Chamonix is a popular outdoor destination residing in the south east portion of France and was the original site of the 1924 Winter Olympics. Sitting near the Aiguilles Rouge as part of the French Alps, Chamonix resides as one of the older ski resorts in the country of France and is most notorious for winter sports. Mont-Blanc, one of the highest mountains in the region, is part of the offered skiing experience. The peak’s base serves as a center for a variety of outdoor activities. Extreme sports on the peak include:

  • Ice Climbing
  • Rock Climbing
  • Paragliding
  • Skiing
  • Rafting

The area is also famous for its cable car ride to the top of Aiguille du Midi, which was originally constructed in 1955. This attraction remains as one of the highest traveling cable cars throughout the world and has been combined with another system for reaching Pointe Helbronner. The two allow visitors to cross Mont Blanc in its entirety by cable car; however, the car going to Pointe Helbronner is only open in the summer months. Alpine mountaineers typically flock to Chamonix in the summer to face the challenges supplied by Aiguille du Dru. The area is a favorite location for travelers who love mountain sports such as skiing, biking, and climbing. Visitors must take the highway, ride a railway line, or fly in by helicopter to reach Chamonix upon entering France.

See & Do

While this destination remains fairly focused on active, extreme winter sports, visitors have several sightseeing or exploration choices in Chamonix, France. The Mer de Glace resides as one of the biggest glaciers in the area and can be accessed by the Montenvers rack railway. This railway station provides an astonishing view of the glacier in addition to a view of the Face of Grand Jorasses, which is a famous north face of the European Alps. The Aiguille du Midi cable car is another great tourist attraction consisting of the most significant vertical range among all worldly options and provides a great view of this one of a kind destination. Cable car trips are available to view various portions of Chamonix and visitors also have the option of the Montblanc Tramway when desiring to see the many valleys of this destination. A multi-pass can be purchased by visitors wanting to ride more than one cable car during their stay.

Guided mountain tours and adventure travel expeditions can be taken to explore the French Alps while staying at Chamonix. A mountain sanctuary is an option for travelers wanting to retreat into less developed territory. Those interested in cooking should spend time at the Chalet Academy to participate in quality chef training. Professional guides offer summer or winter tours for skiing, trekking, climbing, or mountaineering. Travelers desiring to ski have choices such as Vallee Blanche, The Brevent, la Flegere, and Le Tour. Hiking and biking are additionally popular activities while staying at Chamonix. It is a great destination for the active traveler who likes new, extreme experiences or families desiring the perfect spot for learning to ski.

Antigua & Barbuda An Incentive Travel Featured Destination

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Antigua and Barbuda are twin isles located between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The two masses lie in the center of Leeward Islands, which is often referred to as the “Land of 365 Beaches.” Culture in the area has been immensely influenced by British customs since it was once part of the countries empire. Both isles reside to the southeast of Puerto Rico as part of the North American continent. The terrain of these islands was developed by limestone formations in addition to volcanic activity. They are low-lying land masses that have become popular for their beaches. Climates in the region are toned-down by the northeast trade winds and precipitation remains minimal due to the low elevation of each island.

Local History

Sir Christopher Codrington was the first to arrive in the beautiful lands of Antigua and Barbuda. The enterprising man came to the region in 1684 to determine if it was suitable for sugar cultivation. It was a successful venture where cultivation remained prominent on Antigua for approximately fifty years. In the mid-18th century, over one-hundred fifty processing windmills were scattered across the island and can still be viewed today by visitors. Many have been transformed into bars, shops, or restaurants; however, the original mill on Codrington’s estate has been fully restored. Antigua grew into a significant port and commercial colony at the end of the eighteenth century. It was then referred to as the “gateway to the Caribbean” since its position could be used to control numerous sailing routes. Several historical sites were built to protect the land from outside attacks during the colonization period and remain standing for visitors to view.

Things to See & Do

Of the two islands, Barbuda remains fairly undeveloped while Antigua has been slightly commercialized. Barbuda delivers white sanded beaches in a peaceful, mostly unaltered setting. The activities offered on this undeveloped mass of land are centered on nature. Travelers are able to participate in beachcombing, fishing, hunting, and resort offered fun. Resorts on both isles allow travelers to take part in activities such as:

  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Beach Basking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hiking
  • Bird Watching

Visitors have a few specific points of interest when staying on Barbuda including a trip to the Frigate Bird Sanctuary. This sanctuary consists of stunning beaches mixed with shipwreck sites and gorgeous reef formations. The island, reachable by plane or boat from Antigua, houses luxury accommodations in addition to small, cozy hotels. Antigua is more modernized with a variety of things to do including eateries and shopping opportunities. Individuals visiting the island should take some time to see the best view of the English Harbour from Shirley Heights or the creative works of art housed at Harmony Hall museum. This particular museum plays a major role in the area arts community and holds many events to show off local creations. The Museum of Antigua and Barbuda presents the story of these two land masses from their first formation to present day. Both isles provide countless attractions, sightseeing opportunities, and some of the best beach scenery in the world.