New road cycling parks, ski dorms, and Botswana's rhinos: Travel agenda
Where to go and what to know
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Your support makes all the difference.1. Learn to relax
If 2015 is already stressing you out, newly launched Mindfulness Journeys is offering a range of breaks combining meditation, mindfulness and yoga. Destinations include the Moroccan desert, the Greek island of Lefkada and Umbria in Italy. Week-long trips start at €1,160pp.
2. City flight cut
Flybe's short-lived London City-Inverness route comes to an end on 23 February. The airline says the link has not met expectations, and one of three London City-Exeter flights is also being cut. Aircraft and slots will be re-deployed for extra services to Edinburgh and Belfast.
3. Flightless Bird
Gambia Bird Airlines has suspended commercial flight operations. The carrier, which had been flying a Gatwick-Banjul service, says it will provide full refunds on all booked tickets; UK customers should call the London office on 01293 822 922 or email crm@gambiabird.com.
4. Talking rhinos
Find out about Botswana's rhinos during a talk at the Royal Geographical Society in London on 14 January. Safari guide Ralph Bousfield, who grew up in the country and presented the Discovery Channel series Uncharted Africa, will be speaking alongside Joss Kent, CEO of &Beyond. Proceeds from the event will go towards rhino conservation.
5. Peak interest
The Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival returns to the George Square Lecture Theatre from 6-8 February. The programme of films and talks will cover everything mountain-related, from scaling and skiing extreme peaks to surviving freezing temperatures and life-changing injuries. Tickets from £7.
6. Pedal power
Get on your bike at one of Eurocamp's five new road cycling parks, added to the company's Active portfolio for 2015. New additions include Les Fontaines, La Ravoire and La Ferme de la Serraz in the French Alps, Zell am See in Austria and Playa Montroig on the Costa Dorada.
7. Ship shape
The CWM FX London Boat Show opened today at ExCel, where it will run until 18 January. Olympic gold medalist Sir Ben Ainslie and his racing team will make an appearance at the event, which features more than 450 exhibitors showcasing hundreds of boats and nautical products. Entry £20.
8. Ski dorms
La Laurys hotel in Morzine has undergone a £1.2m transformation into the Rude Lodge, a hip hostel-style space with 40 beds in twin and dorm rooms. It also offers free wi-fi and picture and video upload facilities so skiers can share snowy snaps with friends. Prices start at £28pp per night including access to events at the hotel's bar and nightclub.
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