Before you book the flight and pack the ski jacket, prepare your body for the mountain. Kevin Flanagan shares the straightforward steps that help you ski with more confidence: stronger legs, better balance, sensible kit and knowing when to call it a day. A warm, practical guide for beginners, returning skiers and grandparents taking the family away.

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Skiing is changing, and altitude has never mattered more. Kevin Flanagan looks at what warming winters mean for European resorts, the limits of artificial snow and the places still worth considering, from the high Alps to Andorra. A thoughtful, practical guide for anyone wondering where — and when — to plan their next ski trip.

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I went to Derry without expecting very much and came away blown away by the city. In this episode, I remember its winter lights, its extraordinary welcome, a Derry Girls afternoon tea and a light show in the old city. I take a boat trip on the River Foyle, then join a Free Derry walking tour through the Bogside, where the story of Bloody Sunday gives the visit an entirely different depth. It’s a travel story about a city that surprised me, delighted me and stayed with me.

You can also follow The Top Travel Destinations on social media for updates: Instagram: @thetoptraveldestinations X: @becreativekev