Category Archives: Adventure

Las Vegas is surely one of the dream destination for almost every individual. All of us wish to visit the much hyped place at least once in our lifetime due to various reasons. If you are a first timer in the city then you should get some advice and tips for visiting this place. Here are few tips that will help make your trip more enjoyable and smooth.

Carry a jacket and sunscreen

There is no guarantee of the weather in Las vegas and it might start feeling a bit cold out of a sudden. You should always carry a jacket to Las Vegas even if you are travelling during the summers. Apart from that sun can also bother you at anytime so you should also keep your sunscreen handy.

Take Gambling Lessons

Las Vegas is much in the air due to the gambling table games that it offers. Visiting Las Vegas and not gambling is like a waste of your trip. At the same time not every person is much aware about the tricks that are involved in gambling. To ensure a fair experience you should take gambling lessons beforehand.

Ride in sharing pools

Sharing the ride will save you a lot of your money and time at the same time. You can also go for the shuttle services that are available at the airport itself. Apart from that you can also go for the general ride shares.

Snap Photos everywhere

No matter how awkward you feel to pose around people in your proximity, you will always regret not taking pictures of certain things. Even if you are not taking yourself in the frame, you can still take pictures of the things that you see and lead to.

Use Walkways

You will find ample of casinos in Las Vegas and the best way to visit these casinos is by taking the walkways. The walkways are very clean and air conditioned to elicit a better overall experience.

Don’t buy drinks in casino

If you plan to play the table games at the casino, do not go for ordering a drink too soon. Most of the times, casino’s waiters offer you free drinks if you are playing well and they want you to continue playing.

Plan your trip beforehand

Planning will always save more time and money. No matter how confused you are about the trip you should always have rough itinerary of the trip in your mind which will make your trip easier and better in experience.

Travelling to las vegas is a dream for many and there are many who have already lived it. In either case you need some expert advice to ensure that your stay is enjoyable. Mentioned in the above section are few travel tips for Las Vegas. Although, there are certain basic things that most of you are aware of but there are certain rules and codes of a particular which you might not find on the internet. The above section of the blog consists of some very deep secrets of Las vegas.

The fact that a deep sea fishing charter is something of a once-in-a-lifetime experience for so many illustrates the importance of getting it right. Perhaps the most important thing to be aware of when going about the booking process is the fact that all providers and all trips are by no means the same. From value for money to pure enjoyment to safety to amenities and so much more, the differences between competing providers really are night and day – differences that will have a huge impact on your trip as a whole.

Of course, personal preference plays a big role in things and what suits one may not be right for another. But at the same time, there are certain universal rules to follow during the selection process to make sure you don’t land yourself with a dud.

So, with this in mind, here’s a quick look at the six golden rules for booking the best fishing charter on the market for you and your group:

1 – Cheap Isn’t Always Cheerful

First of all, be aware of the fact that there’s a lot more to making the right choice than getting the lowest price alone. It’s all well and good for any given provider to offer an excursion that’s massively cheaper than everyone else, but ask yourself – why might this be the case?

If you’re lucky, an overly cheap fishing charter may be explained by way of poor quality equipment and equally poor quality guides. If you’re unlucky however, it could be that they’re not even licensed and insured to be doing these kinds of trips in the first place. So, before diving into a bargain deal, make sure it isn’t too good to be true.

2 – Book the Captain, Not the Boat

The simple fact of the matter is that it really isn’t important how great the boat or its equipment may be – an unexperienced captain or surly team of ‘guides’ will completely ruin your day. As such, when looking to make a booking it’s a good idea not to be too focused on the boat alone, but to also factor in the captain. They’ll no doubt have all manner of reviews and comments floating around the web, so be sure to do a little ‘fishing’ of your own before you book your fishing trip.

3 – Book in Advance

According to the experts at www.gsfishing.com, it’s never in your best interests to just turn up on the day and dive straight into an excursion at the dock. There are two good reasons for this, the first of which being that you’ll never get a better deal than those that are available for online booking. So, for the sake of avoiding paying over the odds, it’s good to book in advance.

Secondly, the very best deep sea fishing charters are booked pretty solid throughout the season and generally don’t have any space left over for walk-ins. As such, when there are charter crews down by the dock largely begging for business, it’s worth mulling over why these particular providers don’t seem to be nearly as busy or popular as their rivals.

4 – Check Skill Requirements

There’s a very big difference between a fishing charter provider specialising in pro-level anglers and another that’s more about giving families their first fun-filled taste of fishing. This will usually be made pretty clear, but in all instances it’s important to make sure you know if there are any necessary skill requirements that could make it an inappropriate choice for your own group.

5 – Ask About Tackle

There’s also a very big difference between organising fishing charter trips with the very best equipment on-board, and expecting your guests to use dated, worn and generally quite awful gear that hasn’t been replaced in decades. It’s not like you’ll necessarily be needing the best of the best as a first timer, but at the same time your success and enjoyment will be largely dependent on the quality of the equipment you’re provide with.

6 – Ask About Catch and Keep/Release

Last but not least, make sure you look into the charter’s policies when it comes to catching and keeping or releasing. Exactly which of these appeals most will vary from one person to the next, but it’s nonetheless crucial to make sure you book a trip that’s in-line with your own ideals and intentions. Again, this should be made pretty clear without having to mine too deep for information, but it’s still worth asking just in case.

If a spirit of adventure courses through your veins, then your choice of holiday destination is likely to shadow this trait. Not for you the tame, tried and tested territories of Dorset or Benidorm – you crave something different.

Those casting about for ideas where to take off on an adrenalin fuelled odyssey should look no further than Morocco.

With its easy to reach location on the tip of North Africa, you will find many short haul airline carriers able to fly you to Morocco. It may sound like a far off and distant land, but it really isn’t – look on a map and you’ll see it sitting just below Spain.

So what activities for the seasoned travelling adventurer can Morocco offer? It is difficult to know where to start, because there is definitely plenty of choice. Flying in to Marrakech makes a lot of sense as it places you close to where much of the action takes place. The nearby Atlas Mountains are a playground for adventure seekers and make a good place to start. Oh yes, for adventure holidays in Morocco the backdrop of wild terrain and magnificent landscapes certainly ramps up the adrenalin levels.

Morocco actually boasts four mountain ranges, and where there are mountains you will find deep, lush valleys too, full of waterfalls. Rock climbers should test their skills at Todra Gore, a challenging climb not for the faint hearted. If trekking and exploring is more to your taste, head out on the Tacheddirt-Imlil route for a close up view of the country’s rich flora and fauna.  Mountain biking fans will find some great routes to test their nerve and skills  amongst stunning surroundings. Organised excursions with air conditioned 4×4 vehicles can take you to the desert where sand boarding on gigantic dunes, camel rides and quad biking can be experienced. Push the sensation of being out in the wide desert that much further by camping over night under the stars in a nomad camp. Some tour providers can arrange visits to traditional Berber settlements where the welcome is always warm and the mint tea at its sweetest.

If you like a bit more liquid with your adventure holidays in Morocco, try white water rafting  in the rainier months when the rivers are well fed. Alternatively, simply head to the coast for a huge selection of beach-based fun. The long and beautiful Atlantic coastline is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts who come from all over the globe. Whatever type of surfing you fancy, they’ve got it in Morocco. Southern coastal towns such as Agadir and Essaouira are generous with the water sports as well as having great facilities and accommodation. Wind surfing, kite surfing or just simple surfing, can all be enjoyed in the lively waters of the Atlantic. You could even channel your inner-pirate in Essaouira, famous in historic times as a port frequented by ships flying under the skull and crossbones flag.

After the physical challenges of the wide open, why not test your courage in the buzzing cities of Morocco? Sip cocktails in film-famous Casablanca, barter in the chaotic souks of the ‘red city’ Marrakech or discover the cultural highlights of the capital, Rabat.

Shopping for souvenirs is well worth trying in the souks and bazaars, usually found in the ancient parts of town. Haggling is expected, so ignore the prices you are quoted at first, and use your negotiating skills to reach a lower figure. Products such as Argan Oil and Henna are widely available at competitive prices, as are attractive textiles and ceramics such as the traditional Tagine pots and distinctive Berber jewellery.

Those whose adventurous streaks extend to culinary risk-taking should sample the street food in and around the souks for a real taste of Morocco. The cuisine is an exciting fusion of African, Arabic, Spanish and French flavours and if you acquire a taste for it, remember to stock up on the local spices from the markets before you leave.

Those on the hunt for an adventure holiday combined with a healthy dash of culture and spice should visit Morocco. This exotic destination that may seem like a million miles away, is closer than you think. With reliable sunshine, plenty of action and tons of choice, Morocco is an adventure with your name on it.

For many people, it is a dream to be able to travel and work at the same time. In reality, it is entirely possible to find a career field in which traveling around the world is not only possible, but mandatory.

Working on a Vessel Crew

One of the best ways to see the world is to work on some sort of travel vessel. Working as a part of an airline crew, such as a pilot, air marshal, or flight attendant, is one of the most popular options. You can also work on a cruise ship, as a captain, lifeguard, server, entertainer, chef or doctor. These are great careers for somebody who wants to enhance the experiences of their customers.

Documenting Destinations

Working as a writer or photographer can allow you to get paid to explore destinations all over the world. You could write or shoot for newspapers, magazines, books, and online publications. In order to do this, you do not necessarily have to write about travel if you choose to work from home. Creative types will flock to these careers, especially as there is no mandatory schedule for those who work in these careers.

Education Throughout the World

There is a high demand for English teachers all over the world. Fortunately, these positions are relatively short-term. This means you can travel from place to place with ease and sometimes receive free accommodations. You can also be selective with the age range you teach, from small children to adults. English teachers might find work teaching other subjects as well. This can be a truly rewarding experience for people who want to pass on knowledge and truly get to know a group of people.

Health Careers Across Borders

Many registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and other medical personnel are given the opportunity to travel to countries where healthcare is not as accessible as it is in other countries. These assignments range from short-term to long-term, and some workers are given free housing. Nurses and doctors who work abroad truly feel that they are making a difference in the world, especially when they provide care for people in dire situations.

Teaching Others About Global Cultures

If it is in your heart to introduce people to your favorite locations around the world, you might work well as a tour guide. You can work wherever you want, whether you want to work in a metropolis or you a rural countryside. You can work in museums or guide bus tours. It is necessary that you know everything about the country you are working in, from history to local flavor.

If you love working with children, you might enjoy working as an au pair in another country. Your duties will include watching and caring for children and potentially some housekeeping and cooking duties. You will live with the family who hires you, possibly accompanying them on vacations. This is a great opportunity for somebody who enjoys spending time with children and wants to build a relationship with a new family.

There are plenty of careers you can get involved with that encourage you to travel. Many of these careers allow you to make a real difference in the world while still having fun and seeing what else the country has to offer.

Jonathan Fairbanks is a freelance travel & business blogger based in Springfield, Illinois. Though the careers referenced above do offer opportunities to see the world, being a taxi cab driver allows one to travel around locally and also connect interpersonally with customers; to learn more about a reputable taxi company visit http://www.stitataxi.com/.

Image credit goes to ToastyKen.

Home to the University of Virginia, Charlottesville has become a favorite vacation destination for thousands of people every year, and not just because of the football. Today the city is known for its entertainment industry, beautiful scenery, eclectic foods, and hospitable people. Charlottesville dates back to 1762, when it was named after Princess Charlotte, who later became Queen of England. The town—which was officially named a city in 1888—has been the home of three US presidents, served as a camp for housing prisoners during the Revolutionary War, and was farmed by Meriwether Lewis’ great great grandfather.

For the History Buff:

If you’re planning a trip to Charlottesville, don’t miss out on the awesome opportunity to freshen up on your history. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s former home at Monticello; take a peek around Ash Lawn Highland, home of President Monroe; go for a stroll down the Jefferson Heritage Trail; and check out the Confederate Memorial. Or browse through the collection of books in one of the many historic libraries (including the Woodrow Wilson library, located just north of Charlottesville) or do some shopping in the historic Charlottesville mall.

For the Foodie:

For those with a more refined palate, a dinner set among rolling country hills and picket fences in the country will not disappoint, especially if it’s at the Clifton Inn. While dinner is on the pricier side, the restaurant offers guests the option of choosing a tasting menu with fresh, local ingredients on an individual basis. Dining in a large southern mansion—complete with pillars and all—you’ll feel as though Rhett Butler himself just may appear.

If you prefer a more easygoing atmosphere but still enjoy high-quality tastes, Aberdeen Barn won’t disappoint. Known for preparing food from the fires of its open charcoal hearth, Aberdeen specializes in seafood and steaks, and can accommodate needs for a large party, a romantic candlelit dinner, or a guys’ night out (the restaurant boasts a Sportsmen’s Lounge).

To satisfy your sweet tooth or indulge in a breakfast croissant, Baker’s Palette has you covered. Owned by the world-renowned Sheila Cervelloni, the stop specializes in one-of-a-kind creations and always has something new and surprising for sampling. Known for its wonderful customer service and variety of sweet treats, the bakery offers everything from scones to cinnamon rolls, bagels to brownies. And many of the products are offered gluten free.

For the Fun-Haver:

A vacation isn’t any fun if, well, you don’t do anything fun. Try one of the multitude of festivals that occurs year round in Charlottesville, visit the Southern Cafe and Music Hall, explore the wine trails, discover the many hiking trails, enjoy the plethora of boutiques and stores within the Downfall shopping mall, experience the breweries and vineyards, and much, much more. For a full list of all the activities and excursions Charlottesville has to offer, visit www.visitcharlottesville.org.

Before you pack your suitcase and make your way to this lively southern town, check the weather report and visit the city’s website for information about activities, specific concerts, and festivals that will take place during your visit. Remember, it can be hot in the summer and chilly in the winter, so pack accordingly, and prepare yourself for good food, good people, and a good time.

This article was written by Oscar Howard, world traveler.  Oscar finds Charlottesville absolutely fascinating, and wouldn’t be surprised if you want to call it home.  If you love Charlottesville as much as he does, contact Avenue Realty – Charlottesville real estate.

If you are tired of the daily ordeal of travelling to your office and back and looking for an exciting escape, then there is no better way of beating the morning rush commute than driving along a dried river-bed in the Namibian confines of Damaraland.

As you look around for elephants and other exotic species of African fauna under the watchful eyes of lappet-faced vultures, your jeeps sauntering progress pauses once again– for a speedy inspection of a large pile of desiccated dung. You get down to assessing the age of the droppings and questioning the presence of beasts in your vicinity. After considering the likely direction, you press on the accelerator once again and continue the hunt—against the azure backdrop of the Namibian sky.

Welcome to an adventure tour of the African Deserts. This is made all the more exciting with the presence of rugged terrains, wildlife delights, glorious dunes and the dramatic color, light and sound that surrounds you in Namibia.

How to Start on your Adventure Tour in Namibia

As per locals, there is actually no bad time to experience the bounties of this wonderful country. Book a vehicle and embark on the most exciting trip of your lifetime –in this safest place in Africa’. Adventure mongers and those looking for the adrenalin rush present themselves a self-drive holiday of 1,400 miles per week or more in these deserts. Are you ready to go?

Visit Sossusvlei 

Namibia is a country that boasts of an area that is slightly larger than France and Britain combined, with every region worth a visit. As you notch up miles, you can look forward to marveling at the picture-perfect scenes of sand dunes effectively sculpted from the Namibian desert—the oldest in the world. You can begin your tour from Windhoek, the capital city and head southwards. After a five hour long dusty drive, along gravel roads (which are just too good by African standards), you sweep into a luxurious desert lodge in Sossusvlei. This venue is best known for its mini watering hole that attracts oryx, ostrich, zebras, springboks and desert dogs—making the place reminiscent of popular John Ford westerns.

Red Dunes of Namibia 

As you drive onwards, you are likely to come across massive red sand dunes, which are a trademark of Namibia and wow by their heights. While Big Daddy is almost 300 meters high, the others provide easier avenues for climbing. Remember to take along your walking pole, boots and all other gear required for long walks through the sandy terrains of this desert.

Abundant Wildlife 

Wildlife abounds for keen spotters like you in Namibia. From elephants, giraffes and leopards to warthogs and swooping rock martins —the region has it all. You can stroll the bush to come upon Dead Vlei—a dried-out salt lake that speaks of stillness and silence. Here you can take a little break before heading towards your accommodation for the night.

Namibia Sand Dune Safari Drive 

You need a trusty (and essential) 4×4 to explore the rugged Namibian deserts. With monolithic sand dunes dominating the landscape and corrugated stretches of water bodies providing challenges to newcomers, you can expect long, long spells behind your wheel. You cross vast distances in between tiny towns to get to the remotest corners of this desert country. And yes, there is very less in between. While driving through this sparsely populated country, you come across remnants of colonial era in its German-inspired architecture. You can head for Swakopmund, which is a unique holiday destination for those drawn to the cool coastal climate.

Along with plenty of adventurous drives through the Sahara, you can look forward to savoring some “advanced sports” –ranging from sky diving to sand boarding in some of the least expected regions of Namibia. If you are looking for a relaxing day in scenic precincts, then head towards the Skeleton Coast National Park or Damaraland– a lovely arid region with flat-topped mountains. You can also head north to visit leopards and rhinos along with several other species at Etosha National Park.

If you are looking for one of the most adventurous vacations that you have ever had, then book yourself a romantic desert escapade. Whether you are driving with your partner or alone, the atmosphere of this continent will surely creep beneath your skin—and in many more ways than one!

About me: Pamela Hardy. A model by day and bookworm by night. She loves all things quirky and exotic. Writing has always been her favourite outlet – She will write about anything! Travel, Health, Technology – you name it! She loves travelling. For any Doubts & Queries on travel she relies on apply for a driving licence.

The Maldives are the quintessential picture-perfect holiday islands, with white sand, swaying palm trees and crystal clear water. Not only do these islands have some of the best diving in the world, they also offer fascinating culture and plenty of other interesting activities to enjoy.

Maldives Culture

Located within a trading route in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives have been settled by many visitors from neighbouring regions over the years. This means that the culture here is an ever-changing mix of influences from all over the world, which has created a unique blend of music, cuisine and celebrations.

Why Diving in the Maldives is So Great

The Maldives is known throughout the world for being one of the earth’s best diving spots, which is why so many people have booked Cathay Pacific flights to this travel destination. One of the reasons for this is the abundance of marine life here. From manta rays to sharks to exotic tropical fish, you will see a number of beautiful and colourful creatures swimming in the waters of the Maldives.

Other reasons why the Maldives are such a premier diving location are the coral reefs, white sand beaches and clear warm waters.

Best Diving Resorts in the Maldives

What are the best diving resorts in the Maldives? Here are a few of the most popular you can visit when you arrive on your cheap flights:

• Banana Reef – This island is shaped like a banana when it is viewed from above and it is one of the oldest diving sites in the Maldives.
• Fish Head – This diving spot has a huge flat top reef that rises steeply, making it very interesting to explore.
• Maldives Victory Wreck –The Maldives Victory Wreck rests at a depth of 35 metres below the ocean’s surface. It’s a lot of fun to explore, but make sure that you go with a qualified instructor who knows the safety techniques.

Things to Do in the Maldives besides Diving

If you have had enough of diving, there are plenty of other activities that you can enjoy while you are in the Maldives. You could visit the ancient ruins of a mosque from the twelfth century, located on Isdoo Island. You could also visit the Esjehi Art Gallery, where you will find an intriguing collection of art.

The Maldives Fish Market is also an interesting attraction as well, where you can pick up some delicious fresh fruit, tune, dried fish and much more. Of course, there are also the many beautiful beaches in the Maldives where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Plan Your Travels With Flight Centre

When you are planning your flight to the Maldives, booking your flight with a Flight Centre travel agent will save you a lot of money. They offer great affordable travel packages and you can enjoy the ‘Lowest Airfare Guarantee’. If you find a cheaper flight anywhere else, your flight centre travel agent will offer you a price $10 lower. They will also throw in a $100 gift certificate for future travel. Why not get started booking your Maldives adventure today?

If you are a hiker or a mountain climber, you probably already know that altitude sickness can be a huge problem. Not everyone suffers from altitude sickness though it is far more common than you might think. Even on a plane, where your atmosphere is provided and recycled by a pressurized system, some people can still suffer from altitude sickness. You don’t want something like altitude sickness ruining your skiing trip, your hiking excursion or even a simple commercial plane ride, for business or pleasure. But what is an individual to do, in order to stave off the effects of altitude sickness? All hope is not lost. Here are a few facts about altitude sickness, so that you can become better acquainted with it and it’s solutions.

FACT #7

Yes, altitude sickness can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. HAPE, which is High Altitude Pulmonary Edema, is an acute form of altitude sickness and occurs when people try to ascend into high altitudes at a fast pace, which creates breathlessness and excess fluid in the lungs. Symptoms include feeling breathless even when resting, coughing up frothy spit and fever. If not attended to, it can cause death within a few hours. It is wiser to take it slow and if you contract any of the symptoms, descend to a lower altitude.

FACT #6

Hikers and mountain climbers are finding out, what other sports men and women have known for a long time, oxygen refreshes and revitalizes your muscles and your mind. Military troops and sportsmen alike are discovering the benefits of using canned oxygen for altitude acclimation. No, we are not talking about the can of oxygen, that your Uncle Harry with COPD carries around, with the nasal cannula attached to it. This is literally canned oxygen, with a little mask on the top. You breathe in and like magic, you feel better. This is not a drug. This is simply much purer oxygen than you receive, when you breathe normal outside air.

FACT #5

Somewhere on the lines of 40% of the population, from every day walks of life will suffer altitude sickness, at elevations as low as 10,000 feet. Some people in fact have problems with altitude sickness, in commercial planes, which can simulate approximately 5000 feet of elevation. For this very reason, the above-mentioned canned oxygen comes in legal, 4 ounce portions for the frequent flyer, with altitude sickness.

FACT #4

Though not entirely hereditary, it has been determined that people with relatives that suffer from altitude sickness, do actually have an increased risk factor of suffering themselves.

FACT #3

Symptoms of altitude sickness can mirror those of a bad hangover. People report suffering through it complain of feeling lethargic, exhausted, a loss of appetite, sleeplessness, loss of coordination, shaking, vomiting, nausea, headache and dizziness.

FACT # 2

In order to prevent altitude sickness, some people have had success with taking their ascent slowly, eating foods heavy in carbs, such as pastas, cereals and breads and making sure to stay hydrated.

FACT #1

There are prescription drugs available to help stave off the effects of altitude sickness, though they reportedly have minor side effects that some people may prefer not to deal with. Oddly enough, some individuals have received relief, by chewing coca leaves or drinking cocoa tea, while hiking at higher altitudes.

While not everyone will suffer from altitude sickness, a substantial majority of the population will at one time or another contract the symptoms and the sickness. Seek help, as soon as you feel any discomfort, from being in high altitudes. Better still, be prepared and seek out a remedy to take with you, before you travel.

South East Asia has been a favourite holiday destination for many over the past years with large numbers flocking to the likes of Thailand and other countries, but how many have considered Vietnam for a luxury holiday? Well, if you want to experience sheer luxury in a destination you hadn’t considered before, then pay a visit to Lang Co Resort and in particular Banyan Tree Lang Co.

Being the most luxurious addition to the area, it is certainly a resort that will impress you with its five star villas and other high class amenities on offer. To reflect the culture and history of Vietnam, the buildings feature courtyards and wood rafter ceilings in the style of traditional houses as well as sandstone sculptures and silk embroidery.

The resort features a gym and yoga pavilion if you want to keep fit whilst on holiday, and other activities such as sea sports are extremely popular amongst visitors to the area. If you want to experience a much quieter stay then head for the spa and the many different treatments on offer to leave you feeling relaxed and stress free. It has been described as a “sanctuary for the senses” with its approach to spiritual and physical well being and every treatment is carried out by expert therapists. Try the Balinese which features a deep tissue massage with warming Spirit Oil to improve blood circulation and energy levels, or the Island Dew, designed for more sensitive skin using a blend of oils to relieve tired muscles.

Accommodation comprises of 49 pool villas featuring traditional architecture and furnishings. The Lagoon Pool Villa overlooks a tranquil lagoon and is the ideal place to spend your evening relaxing in your own private pool. Try the Beach Pool Villa if you prefer to be down by the ocean instead.

Our family used to rely on air travel to take us to islands such as Lanzarote and Majorca, but it was costing us a lot, as well as being quite stressful. That’s because we’re a family of six (the four kids are aged between two and 14), so it was quite hard to keep everyone happy and entertained. So last year I decided that my family and I would have the majority of our holidays in the UK going forward.

By staying on home soil we can choose to travel by car instead, and bring everything we need for our trip without being restricted to 20kg of luggage. That’s how we ended up exploring the Welsh valleys a couple of months ago; I’d certainly recommend it if you’re looking to make a similar swap to “staycations”. Here’s what we did:

Amman

We wanted to explore the great outdoors so we went to the head of the Amman Valley to Brynaman. It sits at the base of the Black Mountain, so naturally it is very beautiful. The kids really enjoyed the variety of trails in the area which range from gentle strolls to more taxing day hikes. The best place to start is The Black Mountain Centre so you can plan your routes and stops.

Rhondda

The Rhondda Valley was recommended to us by a friendly neighbour so we went to see what was suitable for families. We found the Rhondda Heritage Park which really went down well with my eldest children. The littluns were more amused by the playground area, but my 10 and 14 year old loved the underground experience tours which are fully guided by ex-miners. It’s a good way of introducing a bit of education to a holiday!

Vale of Neath

We quickly discovered that the Vale of Neath is also known as “Waterfall Country” due to the amazing assortment on show here. We went to Sgwd-yr-Eira and Sgwd Clun Gwyn but we’re aware that there are many more we didn’t see. On our travels we noticed quite a lot of people rock climbing here so this might be a good activity for teenagers and adults.

Afan

Somewhere we all enjoyed was Afan Forest Park. It seems like there is loads to do here, but we spent our time doing a bit of cycling and more strenuous mountain biking. We set off on our trails from the Afan Forest Park visitor centre but you can also start at Glyncorrwg visitor centre if this is more convenient.

Swansea

We couldn’t visit the Swansea valleys without a trip to the National Showcaves Centre for Wales. We’d heard the caves referred to as Britain’s finest natural wonder and also knew they had a number of awards. We were not let down when we arrived as they were absolutely spectacular. There are two main caves to look in but there are other attractions that will keep the younger kids happy; ours loved the dinosaur models!