Hey there, snow enthusiasts! Get ready to hit the slopes because the 2023/2024 ski season is here, and it’s the first uninterrupted season since the pandemic crashed the party. Skiers are lacing up their boots with more excitement than ever, and even those who’ve never experienced the thrill of skiing are doing some research. And why not? Skiing offers a chance to embrace the great outdoors, revel in stunning scenery, learn a new skill, and create unforgettable memories with loved ones.

But let’s be honest, skiing can be a pricey affair, especially if you’re eyeing those famous resorts in France, Switzerland, or Canada. Well, fear not because Flight Centre has some insider tips for you. Get ready to discover three lesser-known ski destinations that won’t break the bank and will still give you an epic skiing experience.

Grab your hot chocolate, and let’s dive in!

Japan: Where Japow Rules the Slopes

When it comes to snow, Japan knows how to deliver. Picture this: abundant, high-quality, low-humidity powder snow, lovingly called ‘Japow.’ How does Japan achieve this snowy perfection? It’s all thanks to a magical blend of cold Siberian winds and warm moisture from the Sea of Japan. The result? Light, dry, and fluffy snow that skiers and snowboarders can’t get enough of.

Japan offers diverse terrain suitable for all skill levels, from gentle slopes for beginners to challenging off-piste areas for the more advanced. And let’s not forget the well-groomed trails, tree skiing opportunities, and mind-blowing backcountry options.

The best time for skiing in Japan is generally from December to March, depending on the region and specific ski resorts.

One must-visit spot is Niseko in Hokkaido, where you’ll find plenty of Japow, a long ski season, and the chance to experience night skiing. Plus, it’s conveniently close to traditional Japanese hot springs known as Onsens. If you go in February you can catch the Sapporo Snow Festival (held annually for seven days in February) for a truly memorable ski adventure.

Turkey: Affordable Skiing Delights

With several ski resorts in regions like Uludağ, Palandöken, and Kartalkaya, Turkey offers affordable skiing adventures that won’t drain your bank account. The rand is stronger than the Turkish lira, so lift tickets, accommodation, and dining options are wallet-friendly. The best part? These ski resorts are easily accessible from major cities like Istanbul and Ankara, saving travel time and expenses.

Related content: A visit to Turkey

As for the ideal time to hit the Turkish slopes, plan your trip between late December and early April, depending on the ski resorts and weather conditions. If you’re headed to Uludağ, January and February are peak skiing months, while Palandöken offers a longer ski season from December to March.

Don’t miss exploring Turkey’s historical sites, sampling mouthwatering Turkish cuisine, and treating yourself to a relaxing Turkish hammam after skiing.

Chile: Majestic Andes and More

Prepare to be blown away by the majestic Andean Mountain range in Chile. It’s a skier’s paradise with sweeping vistas, snow-capped peaks, and pristine slopes catering to different skill levels.

Chile might be a hidden gem, but it shines brighter than some of the more popular ski spots in the Alps. Why? For starters, its geographical location in the Southern Hemisphere means a more extended ski season than many other destinations. You’ll have more time to perfect those killer moves on the slopes! And if you’re seeking more adventure, Chile offers snowboarding, heli-skiing, and even volcano skiing.

Related content: The ten most incredible places to visit in South America

The peak ski season in Chile is typically from July to September, but if you want to avoid the crowds, consider staying in June or October. June offers quieter slopes and fresh snowfall, while October still provides excellent skiing conditions, especially at higher elevations.

For an unforgettable ski holiday, check out Valle Nevado, nestled in the Andes and just a stone’s throw away from Santiago, Chile’s colourful capital city. The city is known for its iconic sites, including Plaza de Armas, and its scenic funicular ride up San Cristobal Hill.

Quick tips to save on your skiing holiday

Choose one of these lesser-known ski holiday destinations, and you’ll instantly save yourself thousands. Save even more with these quick, helpful tips from our Flight CentreTravel Experts:

• Choose Off-Peak Times: Consider planning your trip during off-peak periods. Avoiding school holidays and peak weekends can significantly save accommodation and lift tickets
• Book in Advance: Take advantage of early-bird discounts by booking your ski holiday well in advance.
• Look for Last-Minute Deals: Watch for last-minute deals and flash sales. Sometimes resorts offer significant discounts to fill up remaining vacancies, especially during the off-peak season. Signing up for newsletters or following resort social media accounts can help you stay informed about special offers.
• Consider Travelling Midweek: Consider travelling and skiing midweek if your schedule allows. Many resorts offer discounted rates on lift tickets and accommodation during weekdays, as they tend to be less busy than on weekends.
• Rent Equipment Locally: Rather than lugging your ski or snowboard equipment on the plane with you, consider renting gear at the resort. Renting locally can be more cost-effective and convenient, saving you from extra baggage fees and the hassle of transporting your equipment.
• Explore Free Activities: Skiing is undoubtedly the main attraction, but don’t forget to take advantage of free or low-cost activities offered by the resort or in the surrounding area.

There you have it. Japan, Turkey, and Chile offer incredible skiing experiences without the hefty price tag. So, grab your gear, hit the slopes, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy skiing!

Be sure to explore the Flight Centre Winter & Ski Deals or contact us to chat with a Travel Expert for help planning your dream skiing escape.

• Policymakers, tourism experts, innovators and changemakers will gather for the Airbnb Africa Travel Summit to explore the role technology can play in driving inclusive and sustainable tourism in Africa.
• Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, will open the conference; with Afua Osei, co-founder of She Leads Africa, moderating the event; and actress and activist Zozibini Tunzi presenting the final keynote.
• More than 200 attendees will hear from over 20 speakers, such as Bankole Oluwafemi, Founder of TechCabal, through interactive panel discussions, ChangeMaker sessions and case study presentations.

25 August 2023: More than 200 policymakers, tourism experts, innovators and changemakers from across the continent are set to gather at the Airbnb Africa Travel Summit in Johannesburg on 24 October to explore, innovate and collaborate on building an inclusive and sustainable tourism industry across Africa.

The Summit, hosted by Airbnb, is the second of its kind, and will take place at Victoria Yards in Johannesburg, South Africa. Moderated by Afua Osei, co-founder of She Leads Africa, the event will convene a lineup of more than 20 speakers and panellists that will facilitate an interactive day of discussion and networking around the role of tourism and technology in driving continued inclusive and sustainable economic empowerment and growth across the continent.

Patricia de Lille, Minister of Tourism, will take the stage for the welcome note, alongside other notable thought leaders, including Bankole Oluwafemi, Founder of TechCabal; Juliette Langlais, Airbnb’s Director of Public Policy and Campaigns for Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Anita Mendiratta, Global Strategic Advisor on Tourism & Development..

They will be joined by representatives from  UNESCO and the WTTC, as well as changemakers in inclusivity, sustainability and tech regulation. Zozibini Tunzi, actress, model and advocate of empowerment and inclusivity, will present the final keynote; and the evening will end with a performance by world-renowned recording artist, Bongeziwe Mabandla.

Each speaker and delegate will bring a unique perspective to the overarching theme of the summit – sharing lived experience, research findings and thoughts on best practices around how travel and technology can drive a more inclusive and sustainable future, and help support the recovery of tourism post-pandemic.

The programme will include interactive participation, networking opportunities, and experiential elements through curated panel discussions, ChangeMaker sessions and case study presentations, including:

• ChangeMaker Presentation: the transformative power of technology in Africa, led by Bankole Oluwafemi, TechCabal.
• Fireside Chat: building inclusivity in travel, with Bheki Dube from Curiocity and Phakamile Hlazo from Zulu Nomad.
• Panel: regulating new technologies, centred on how policy makers and tech companies can collaborate to ensure evidence-based decision making; moderated by Sofia Gkiousou, Google.

The Airbnb Africa Travel Summit builds on Airbnb’s commitment to inclusive tourism in South Africa, and its proposal for new measures that will help build a more inclusive tourism economy, and enable government and the private sector to work together to address important issues, such as systemic barriers to entry and inequality.

The event is invite-only and will take place at Victoria Yards, Johannesburg in South Africa. Further details, including registration, at airbnb.co.za/e/airbnbafricatravelsummit.

Velma Corcoran, Regional Lead Middle East Africa at Airbnb, said, “To support of the continued recovery and growth of the tourism industry, the Africa Travel Summit will bring together the leading thinkers from across the continent to discuss how we can leverage technology and innovation to empower more local families and their communities to benefit from African travel. 

“We look forward to facilitating important discussions amongst industry, policymakers and changemakers to collaboratively build a sustainable and inclusive tourism model that benefits everyone. An event that we are certain will both inspire and ignite entrepreneurial spirit across Africa”.

Rwanda has undergone a remarkable transformation since the tragic events of the 1994 genocide. The resilience and determination of the Rwandan people to rebuild their country and create a better future are truly inspiring. Despite the immense challenges they faced, they have managed to achieve impressive social, economic, and political progress.

The achievements highlighted, such as sustained economic growth, meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting gender equality, improving education, and implementing effective healthcare systems, demonstrate Rwanda’s commitment to progress and development.

The emphasis on unity, forgiveness, and changing the prevailing narrative from hate to a message of reconciliation is a crucial aspect of Rwanda’s journey. By addressing the root causes of the genocide and actively working to prevent its recurrence, Rwanda has positioned itself as a nation dedicated to learning from its past and fostering a culture of understanding and unity.

The use of education, like bringing students to the Kigali Genocide Memorial to learn about history, is a powerful tool for transmitting the lessons of the past to the next generation. By doing so, Rwanda is ensuring that the painful history is not forgotten and that future generations are equipped to contribute positively to society.

In a comparison of Rwanda to Dubai, while illustrating its rapid development, also underscores the unique identity and progress that Rwanda has achieved. Rwanda’s journey from tragedy to recovery is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the potential for positive change even in the face of extreme adversity.

The story of Rwanda is a reminder that countries can overcome deep-seated challenges and work towards a brighter future when they commit to reconciliation, development, and unity. It’s also a testament to the importance of understanding and learning from history so that we can prevent similar atrocities from occurring in the future.

For media enquiries please email Rebecca Lekwane:  [email protected]

That overwhelming frustration and anger that feels like it comes out of nowhere, but could probably be related to the inexplicable seven kilograms of weight you’ve just picked up this past year; a menstrual cycle with a mind of its own… also, what is up with these nipple hairs?

If this sounds like a page out of your diary, it’s likely that you’re one of the 8-13% of women who suffer from a common but under-diagnosed condition called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Yet, as common as PCOS is, and as severe as its symptoms are known to be, PCOS typically goes undiagnosed for months and in most cases for years. “Many women and sometimes even their healthcare providers shrug off the symptoms associated with PCOS as a natural part of being a woman. Sadly, this all too often leads to delayed diagnoses,” says Dr Bradley Wagemaker, Medical Director at Lamelle Pharmaceuticals.

“While strides are being made in the medical industry and through PCOS Awareness Month in September, to improve the number of women being correctly diagnosed and treated at an early stage, women need to educate themselves on the signs to look out for,” he says.

PCOS is an endocrine (hormonal) condition that affects both girls and women but is often only diagnosable in women of reproductive age. Some of its signs include heavy, irregular or even absent periods, excess facial and body hair, oily skin and acne, and small cysts on the ovaries. Women with PCOS may also be more susceptible to insulin resistance, weight gain, psychosocial disorders, endometrial cancer, and other serious and life-threatening conditions.

PCOS also often leads to infertility in women; with the hormonal imbalance brought about by PCOS, the ovaries are unable to grow and release eggs, stunting the ovulation stage in a women’s cycle – that all-important time for baby-making.

“It’s sadly very common for women to suffer in silence, thinking that the uncomfortable, inconvenient and even traumatic symptoms of PCOS are nothing more than a normal part of being a woman, or a burden for them to deal with on their own,” says Dr Wagemaker. “Instead, the message we should be sending to all women is that PCOS is manageable, and that you may not have to forgo your weight loss goals or your dream of starting a family.”

Maintaining a healthy diet with limited sugar and carbohydrates is a good starting point, as is regular exercise. There are also supplements available to help alleviate the symptoms of PCOS. Ovaria, for instance, is a nutritional supplement that helps regulate insulin activity in the body.

In this process, the cells in a woman’s body are better able to use the glucose stores available, helping to regulate blood insulin levels, the ripple effect of which is normalised androgen levels and improved PCOS symptoms (bye bye, weight gain, so long, nipple hairs). This also improves fertility for women who are trying to fall pregnant.

“Ovaria has been proven to help with PCOS symptoms. This is due in great part to its main ingredient, Myo-Inositol, the efficacy of which is backed by clinical research,” adds Dr Wagemaker. “It’s also safe for breastfeeding mums.

While there’s still a long way to go in ensuring more women can get the PCOS diagnosis and effective treatment they deserve, women who are armed with the right information have more control over their own PCOS journeys – and that’s half the battle, won.

SOWETO, JOHANNESBURG: This week marks the last trading weekend of Brutal Fruit Spritzer SheBeen, the first pilot women-only venue in Soweto. As the countdown nears to the last days of the establishment, which is set to close on the last day of women’s month, 31 August, the venue has lined up fun activities to keep the revellers entertained.

To close off women’s month on a high note, key activities lined up for the closing weekend include quiz games that will be hosted on Thursday 24 August with DJ PlayGal taking on the decks. Friday which is themed Bestie Friday, will feature sing along songs, Amapiano and old school Hip-Hop, courtesy of DJ Shirley pebbles who will be on the ones and twos. Saturday 26 August will be an all-woman brunch, while Jozi FM’s Refiloe Motsei will host the popular soul Sundays.

The name of the venue, SheBeen, is a play on words where the prefix SHE, refers to the woman patrons who have exclusive access to the venue, and the suffix BEEN, denotes a place where she is inspired, celebrated and truly belongs.

Since its launch, Brutal Fruit Spritzer SheBeen has set tongues wagging across the country due to its novelty. The space was created by the proudly  woman–centric brand, Brutal Fruit Spritzer for SHE to BE free, comfortable, inspired and her authentic self. Thereby affording women the opportunity to come and celebrate one another for the entire month of August through good music, and a tailor-made menu, in a space where they can feel special.

Brand activation and events company Living Masks, was responsible from the activation to operations stage and ensured that the experience of the guests was met and exceeded.

Yolandi Michaels of Living Masks, says she was excited about working on the Brutal Fruit Spritzer SheBeen project as it ideologically resonated with her and her female team. “If I could choose a project to work on, it would definitely be this one. It spoke to some of our experiences as women and gave expression to our desire to have our own space where we feel a sense of belonging and where we can connect and have fun without any inhibitions,” says Michaels.

She continues: “The experience on the ground-working with patrons has been wonderful. The feedback we received from the patrons and the owner has been nothing short of amazing. The patrons are just disappointed that the space is  short-lived and will  not been given a longer lifespan. But overall, the vibe and the feedback has been phenomenal,” says Michaels. She points out that the Brutal Fruit Spritzer SheBeen concept was a conversation starter that has sparked a thought on how brands and consumers can do things differently.

In line with creating a female-friendly establishment, the venue was given a facelift with pink tiles, floral roof, designer furniture, mirrored walls with words of affirmations and a vanity bathroom to celebrate women for the duration of women’s month.

“We are delighted with the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from the public and the patrons about Brutal Fruit Spritzer SheBeen. The venue has been a talking point for millions of people across South Africa on social media platforms. The concept of She-Been stems from Brutal Fruit Spritzer’s  brand mantra of You Belong, which seeks to provide women with the confidence experiences and spaces  that accentuate their femininity and sense of belonging.

Brutal Fruit Spritzer SheBeen also vindicated our conviction that is based on anecdotal evidence and market research that there is a place in the market for women only spaces or experiences where they can  go out and just be free to express themselves unapologetically. We have learnt important lessons from this trailblazing venture, and the insights we have gained will help us to create more enhanced experiences for women where they can enjoy themselves without any inhibitions, in spaces where they belong,” says Candice van den Bosch, Acting Head of Brand, Brutal Fruit Spritzer.