TRAVELDIARY Helen Elfer TRAVEL EDITOR
follow us on
@tntmagazine
Blades of glory: this marathon’s called the toughest race on ice
HEY THERE, HOT STUFF Yes, that’s right, you. The one looking all sexy reading the travel pages of TNT. Yeah, just like that. Phwoar! Guess what? 80 per cent of people are going to be thinking just how utterly irresistible you look right about now.
Adventure tour operator Intrepid Travel have just released a poll showing that eight in 10 people find a potential partner more attractive if they have an “interest in travel”. In fact, the members of mysinglefriend.com surveyed seem to use the expression as a byword for a whole string of other extremely appealing characteristics. Nine in 10 of those polled said travellers are more adventurous, while very high percentages said they are also more “curious about the world”, “cultured” and “openminded” – and we all know what that last quality really means. (Of course there was a contingent that had to spoil things: 19 per cent said they find those who travel more attractive because it means they have spare cash to splash. But let’s forget about those golddigging scumbags.) I’m definitely among the 80 per cent that has a soft spot for anyone that has seen a bit of the world. If someone tells me tales of dangerous treks through remote mountain crossings, recognises obscure dishes on exotic menus or, best of all, can switch languages without even pausing for breath, well I’ve been known to get quite hot and bothered. Anyway, readers, it’s safe to say that just by dint of opening this section you’ve put yourself among London’s most eligible. No, really, there’s no need to thank us ... Turned on by travellers? Write in and tell us
Taking place every year on the frozen Lake Kallavesi in Kuopio, Finland’s Ice Marathon cuts through some of the finest of snowy 20-23 scenery. As well as the main 37.5km competitive skating event there are plenty of other activities even beginners can take part in, such as moonlight skating or watching a fast and fierce ice hockey game. FEB
WHY: This is the 30th anniversary of
DO IT BECAUSE: If your skills on the
the Finland Ice Marathon, an event that’s often referred to as the “world’s toughest ice race” and over 10,000 skaters are expected to be hitting the ice, ranging from skating endurance pros to wobbly enthusiasts.
blades aren’t up to much, there’s the chance to go on a snowmobile safari, which takes you along trails from the frozen-over Lake Syväri to the top of the Tahkovuori Hill. Magic.
CIGAR FEST Cuba
If you’re going to indulge in a vice, you might as well go 26 all out. Cuban tobacco is plentiful at this festival, where you can puff on Montecristos and more. Visitors can tour tobacco plantations in Vuelta Abajo, visit tobacco factories, taste samples and roll their own cigars. FEB
cubasun.net
PURIM Israel
This carnival in Tel Aviv celebrates the biblical story 26 of the Book of Esther, when Jews living in Persia were saved from extermination by Haman. Revellers dress up and parade in colourful costumes and masks. FEB
visit-tlv.com
52
pohjois-savonliikunta.fi
LUMIÈRE
Canada
Montréal en Lumière, Canada, is one of the largest 21-3 winter fêtes in the world, with more than 900,000 people enjoying music, circus, arts, song, theatre and dance acts. The fun ends with a free, all-night party called Nuit Blanche. FEB-MAR
montrealenlumiere.com
NATIONAL BEER DAY
Iceland
Celebrating the end of the prohibition that lasted from 1 1915 until 1989, Icelanders drink to make up for lost ale time. Many also celebrate the unofficial holiday that falls on March 2 – National Hangover Day. MAR
visitreykjavik.is
Photos: Getty
why at helen.elfer@tntmagazine.com
ICE MARATHON Finland
TNTMAGAZINE.COM
1537 FINAL TRAV diary.indd 52
08/02/2013 10:40:10