How to Have a Fabulous Family Trip to Wales
Every family is unique, but there are basic elements that make for an enjoyable holiday for any family. The key element would be keeping the children occupied and entertained. This takes stress and worry off of the parents, allowing them to relax and enjoy themselves as well. Wales accommodates this in many ways, making an experience that your family can remember and cherish for quite some time.
Whether spending time on a farm, camping and enjoying the outdoors, or spending time at the beach enjoying the sun and surf, Wales can give your family a fabulous holiday. Not only that, but quite a bit of the attractions there are free of charge, allowing for a great time for families on a budget (and let’s face it, who isn’t these days?) Let’s have a look at what Wales has to offer you and your family.
Outdoor Adventures
If your family fancies outdoor activities, Wales has plenty to offer them. A plethora of campgrounds abound for you and yours to enjoy the great outdoors, but you won’t find yourself limited to sitting fireside telling stories here. If cycling is your thing, whether traditional or mountain biking, Wales has you covered. There are over 331 miles of traffic free cycling routes throughout, making it perfect for riding with your children. Explore coastal paths and forest trails with highlights including the Swansea seafront, the gorgeous Elan Valley, the Millennium Coastal Path, and mountain biking at the Coed y Brenin’s Yr Afon Forest Trail.
If you prefer moving on your own two feet, Wales offer plenty of opportunity to get some fresh air as you stroll about waterfalls, forests, the coastline, or hike up mountains. There are many walking, hiking, and backpacking trails throughout the countryside, highlighted by the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, Snowdonia National Park, the historic Usk Valley Route, the nature trails of Lake Vyrnwy, and walking amongst the wildlife in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Experience the Beach
Wales features some of the United Kingdom’s top rated blue flag beaches over its 750 miles of coastline. Always a family favorite, beaches will keep you and your family relaxed, occupied, and entertained while basking in the sun and enjoying a refreshing dip in the sea.
If you are looking to try something different, Wales offers a perfect opportunity to give your family a new experience surfing. A day out surfing is sure to have your children excited and having an all-around good time. Beautiful surfing conditions exist all along the Welsh coastline in areas such as Gower Peninsular. Don’t be intimidated if you have no surfing experience as there are multiple surfing schools along the coastline. Finally, if wiping out in the open ocean just sounds like a little more sea water than you care to swallow, there is even an indoor surf park located in Swansea.
Stay on the Farm
If you are looking to take the family for a truly unique experience, then a farm holiday may just be the way to go. Book a stay in an old farmhouse with gorgeous views amidst the Welsh countryside. Wales truly has a wide selection of choices when it comes to farm stays, from rustic bed and breakfasts, to self-catering farms where you can collect your own eggs for breakfast. Some of the more popular choices include Tyddyn-du-Farm, Nannerth Country Holidays, Parc-le-breos, Pentretai Farms, and Knock Farm. All promise to create a unique and memorable holiday that the entire family will enjoy.
So, if you are looking for a family-friendly holiday on a budget, look no further than Wales. With all of these options to choose from, you can surely book the family getaway you need today.
Photo courtesy of Kat Stan
If you are planning on taking the whole family to this part of the UK, your best accommodation option is cottages to rent in Wales. Visit the Owner’s Direct website to find the perfect one in your ideal location.
Traveling to the Ukraine for the First Time
Ukraine is a country with a rich and proud history. If you are visiting the Eastern European nations, like Russia or Poland, this is a cultural stop you won’t want to miss. When traveling to the Ukraine for the first time, there are things you are going to need to know and some things you will want to see.
Visa and Customs Requirements
The first thing to address when planning a trip to the Ukraine is your visa. Ukraine travel has the standard visa requirements. Ideally, you should check with your airline to ensure there are no changes or restrictions when booking your ticket. If you are traveling by car or train from one of the neighboring countries, stop at the nearest customs office in the station or at the border. For example, if coming in from Poland, you can stop at the customs office in Przemysl.
Travel Within the Country
While traveling around the Ukraine, either by car or public transportation, make sure to carry your visa and ID with you at all times. You must have your original visa and not a photocopy. The Ukraine is a picturesque region and worth the visit, however, the police tend to be overly cautious with tourists. You should be ready to show your documentation at any time.
Lodging
Picking a hotel that is a little pricier might be the right choice for a first-time visitor. The lifestyle in this part of the world is different. You can find many mid-priced hotels in the main areas. A three-star hotel will be more familiar with western service standards and still be a reasonable price. You can also find five-star hotels inside Kiev if you want to splurge.
Currency
The local currency in the Ukraine is hryvnia. As of March 2012, the conversation rate is 8.0286, according to Forex Ticket. You can exchange both USD and Euro to hryvnia at currency booths. If you are coming from a bordering country, you should try to exchange your currency to either Euro or USD before crossing the border. Make sure to have plenty of hryvnia cash on you when you shop. It is illegal to buy items in the Ukraine with anything but local currency. Some shop owners may still be willing to take USD or Euro, but it would not be legal.
Places Not to Miss
Places you want to make sure to visit include Kiev, Lviv, Odessa and Chernihiv, to start. If you have more time, try to see some of the other major cities, like Kamyanets-Podilsky. Kiev is the capital city of the Ukraine and full of historic culture. Lviv is a city with medieval, paved streets and rich architecture. Odessa is the place to go if you want to visit the beaches along the Black Sea. In Chenihiv, you will find over 2,000 years of Ukraine history. If your time is short, you can pick one or two cities that appeal to you. Rent a car to make your travel fast and flexible.
Food
Ukraine cuisine is not for the picky eater or sensitive stomach. Local favorites will include borshch, a soup made from red beets, or solianka for meat lovers. Other local faire includes Blin, small pancakes stuffed with caviar and varenyky, dumplings with fillings of meat or fruit. You will find restaurants that serve more Western-style food, as well. If you are a fan of vodka, don’t leave the Ukraine without trying the horilka, the local pepper drink.
There is plenty to see and lots of food and culture. The Ukraine is an independent nation and you should respect their customs and restrictions when in-country. The people are friendly and hospitable. For your first visit, see as much as possible or concentrate on one region and move to another on your next visit. Once you taste the food, see the culture and meet the people, Ukraine will probably be a country you want to explore again and again.
Andy Johnson is a frequent traveler to Ukraine. He currently works as a content create for I-dish.com.
The London Underground: A Great Way To Travel
Even though it is not a tourist attraction in itself, the London Underground is certainly a purely London activity on everyone’s list. When I travelled to London for the first time last year, I had already decided that it would be my main mode of transportation. I was on a budget, so taxis and hire cars were out of the question.
The first thing I did was map out where I was staying in relation to where I would need to go. You can find a good tube map online at the Underground’s official site. Visiting all of the famous London attractions is very easy from the Tube; they are all about 5 mins from the stations. When you are on the Tube itself, each stop is announced by a friendly voice which also lets you know what attractions can be visited at each stop.
You can buy tickets for each journey from either the ticketing windows, or from the self-service machines in the lobby. A few cheaper alternatives is to buy an Oyster card, which is a pre-loaded card that allows you to pay less for each journey. The London Pass is another one – this one is more expensive, but it also gets you into all of the attractions as well as the tube and bus services. For a one off fee, you simply show the card at, say the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, and pay nothing more.
For a completely free ride, some people are jumping on the train without paying, as at some stations, there isn’t a turnstile to prevent non payers from getting to the platform. I wouldn’t recommend this as there is a hefty on the spot fine, and in some cases, you could get arrested! A few British MPs are looking into the issue and have announced that there may be driverless Tube trains within the next few years, thus freeing up resources for the fare evaders capture.
London is a huge place, but don’t get intimidated by the Tube; even if you get off at the wrong stop, chances are it was only 300 metres from the last one, and you might even find something that you might not have otherwise found! When I travel, I generally rent an apartment in London and catch the Tube, as it’s a completely autonomous way to live. Tours and paid ‘experiences’ are a bit too set up for me, but to each their own.
If you want to rent a London apartment, there are heaps of places online that will help you book, Worldwide-accom is one of the reputable ones, they’ve been doing it for ages and are experts at helping you live like a local on your holiday.
A Mistake I Won’t Make Twice: Travel With Outlet Adapters
A few years ago, I traveled to Europe for the first time with my family and 2 cousins. We were visiting London, and we went to our hotel shortly after we landed to relax before going to dinner. The hotel was right near Big Ben in the heart of downtown, a very busy and bustling tourist location. While I was snoozing in the later part of the afternoon to get over the jetlag, I heard my cousin scream a long list of expletives, none of which are appropriate to repeat in this post.
I immediately jumped up from the bed and ran to the bathroom door to see what was wrong. My cousin then informed me that she was running late getting ready for the evening, and that her hair iron would not work. She also shocked herself a bit trying to force it into the outlet (to this day, I’m still not sure what she was thinking). Being novice travelers, we didn’t realize that we needed to get an adapter to use our electronics in Europe. Although I pleaded with my cousin that her hair looked fine (it really did), she teamed up with my mom and I had to travel the very packed streets of downtown London with my dad and uncle looking for an adapter.
The streets were extremely packed, and I would honestly say that downtown London is just as busy, if not busier, than Times Square in New York City. Despite being such a popular tourist destination, we could not find a store that sold an adapter for her to use. While walking downtown, someone attempted to pick pocket my uncle, although he caught them before they could reach for his wallet. After walking around for nearly an hour, we found a store and bought the adapter for roughly $50 US.
Back in the US, we later learned that we shouldn’t have paid more than $10 for the adapter. Although not surprised that we were ripped off, charging five times more seems like robbery. To help save other travelers’ money, time, and the hassle we went through, my team created this international electricity guide that will let you know if you need an adapter or converter based on the country you are traveling to. Save your hard earned money and time by buying these products in advance, and spend those resources visiting the beautiful country you are in!
Bio: An avid traveler, Adam is a writer for travelproducts.com where he contributes to the blog and helps international travelers find the adapters they need for their upcoming trip. When he isn’t busy at work and traveling, he enjoys golfing and trying new recipes.
Five of the Best Authentic Eateries in the Algarve
Portuguese cuisine is not exactly known to be among the world’s best, but this is due more to obscurity and experience than actual quality. The chefs of the Algarve combine a variety of delicious and unique ingredients in their cuisine to produce fabulous dishes that offer the very best of the Mediterranean. Throughout the southern tip of Portugal, several of these restaurants can be found dotting the coast and we have outlined our pick of the best five authentic restaurants to visit while in Algarve.
Dom Carlos
Located in the heart of Albufeira, Dom Carlos is a family-owned establishment that cooks up a variety of delicious homemade breads, soups, fish and desserts. The husband and wife who run this place go to great lengths to make sure each customer is attended to and the romantic atmosphere here makes it the perfect place to go as a couple. Lunch and dinner can be eaten here, with simplified menus to make ordering easier. The price is a bit higher than some of the surrounding restaurants, but it is absolutely worth it.
Restaurante Ruccula
Rated by many as the best restaurant in Alvor, Restaurante Ruccula is a family-oriented eatery that aims to provide the best dinner courses possible. The décor is warm and relaxing, while the dishes are crafted to please both the tongue and the eyes. Delicious entrees include fresh fish and lamb, with an excellent wine selection to boot. With small terraces available, you can even eat overlooking the lapping waters of the Mediterranean. The restaurant can get busy so it’s best to make a reservation prior to showing up unannounced.
Pizzeria Fratelli
Popular among repeat tourists for its quirky environment and reasonable prices, Pizzeria Fratelli offers a selection of pizzas and pastas from the beautiful views of Olhos de Agua. While not a fancy hidden gem off the beaten path, this restaurant has its own authentic environment and keeps its customers loyal by always delivering hot, fresh, delicious entrees and sides. The service is great, the prices are very affordable and it’s a great place to take the family for a slice of pizza or a bowl of ice cream.
Pig & Whistle
Nestled near the town of Faro along the main road, Pig & Whistle is a long-established restaurant that offers a quaint environment inside and out while still managing to produce dishes that are of five-star quality. The rustic look of the restaurant gives way to professionally cooked and garnished entrees that will leave your taste buds completely satisfied. Currently under new management by a couple from Scotland, the old environment of the restaurant remains intact thanks to the complete preservation of all its original staff and recipes.
Restaurante O Manjar
Finally, we return back to Albufeira to visit Restaurante O Manjar, a great restaurant that specializes in steaks and other grilled meats. The restaurant typically has an open feel due to the floor plan and with it being off the beaten path; the service here is quick and thorough. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle during lunch hour and want to have an authentic experience for a great price, then this restaurant is ideal.
If you are planning on visiting some authentic eateries whilst on your Algarve villa holidays why not take the experience one step further and stay somewhere truly traditional too. Traditional villas with private pools are available throughout the region and are guaranteed to make your holiday extra special.
Places You Wouldn’t Want to Miss in Singapore
Those rare chances to take a vacation are things that we should all take advantage of. This year, have you though about where you will be going next? Have you considered exploring the hidden wonders of Asia? If you want a travel and holiday destination, Singapore just might be your best bet. Flocked by thousands of people throughout the year, this country promises to give you a place where you can enjoy some quality time with your family and friends.
Marina Bay
The Marina Bay just might be the busiest and most populated places in all of Singapore because of the various activities and entertainment that it offers. This is not only a popular place for tourists. In fact, local people also flock in this place with its multitude of hotels, restaurants, malls, and other events.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa is an island resort that boasts itself as the perfect holiday event destination with the variety of facilities that they offer. Its white sand beaches are a big hit along with its other attractions like the Underwater World and the Songs of the Sea.
Changi Village
This village in the northeastern side of the country is the perfect from all the hustle and bustle of the city. A rough 11 miles from the city, the Changi Village strikes every visitor with its stark contrast to the modern Singapore. Its offers a very relaxing and calm environment for that much needed peace of mind.
Image courtesy bestindonesiantravel.com
Chinatown
Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures which is exactly why you will find citizens coming from varied communities and countries. The Chinatown, with its various cuisines and shops, would be a wonderful place to tour and explore.
Little India
For tourists who desire to know the Indian culture in Singapore, a trip to Little India will treat them to the sights and sounds of local Indians selling products and produce that are native to India. Tourists can even take a glance at Indian temples.
Singapore Zoo
For those love being in touch with nature or are travelling the country with children, the Singapore Zoo should be high atop their list of places to travel. Aside from the animals, the Rain Forest Kidzworld and Boat Ride along with the many cafes and restaurants should entertain you and the children all day.
Singapore River
Venice might have the romantic boat ride that takes lovers through the marvelous architecture but Singapore has its own version of this in the Singapore River. Cutting through the city, this long stretch of water will give tourists a stunning view of the country from the river.
Orchard Road
A haven for shopaholics from around the world, the Orchard Road is a very well-known place in the country for its variety of shops and stores selling practically anything from clothing to kitchenware. Malls are practically interlinked, giving hours of non-stop shopping.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Near the Orchard Road lies the Singapore Botanic Gardens which should be the perfect destination for nature lovers. The vast number of plant species in the area makes it one of the most popular destinations in the world.
Night Safari
There are a variety of pubs and discos that bathe the country at night but if you would want to enjoy Singapore in a more eco-friendly way, visiting the Night Safari would be a very good choice. Enjoy rare nocturnal animals under special lights.
About the Author:
Amy C. is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about the best travel destinations for the holidays. She especially talks about the various activities that will make the entire overseas trip worthwhile. During her free time, she helps in the blogging and administration activities of Greyside Group, a maritime security and executive protection company. Check out her post and know where she will take you next.
Birmingham’s Nightlife
Birmingham has a real mix of pubs, bars and nightclubs. There’s something for everyone, whether you want a quiet pint by the canal or a high energy club night in the city centre.
Cosy Canalside:
The Canalside Café at Regency Wharf is a cosy little whitewashed pub that serves real ales. This ex lock-keeper’s cottage is lovely on a warm evening, when you can sit on the towpath with a pint and some hearty pub grub.
Pic courtesy http://www.blipfoto.com
The Tap and Spile, a canalside pub that dates back to the heyday of the waterways in 1821, is on Gas Street – just off Broad Street. Because it’s quite central it can get a little busy, and its late license means that it’s often open when the Broad Street bars close so its character changes a lot late at night, but on an afternoon it’s a fine place to cosy up with hand pulled ale and some traditional food and watch the narrowboats go by.
Town-centre tipples
One of the quirkiest bars in Birmingham, and certainly one of the most festive, is the Bacchus bar beneath the Burlington Hotel in the Burlington Arcade. The interior is decorated in mock-medieval splendour and their tasty classic British food, like Shropshire chicken or smoked haddock with a Welsh rarebit topping, is fit for a King.
Head to the Old Joint Stock on Birmingham’s Temple Row, probably the city centre’s nicest street to live in and visit because it surrounds the St. Phillip’s church cathedral park. The Old Joint stock is a Fullers pub and serves their usual range of drinks and food. What makes this bar stand out is the splendid building. This Victorian listed building with its domed ceiling was designed in the 1860s by church architect Julius Alfred Chatwin. It was a temple of commerce for many years, housing a Lloyds Bank, but now it’s devoted to the gods of wine and theatre – the first floor houses an 80-seat fringe venue that puts on new productions every few weeks.
Clubbing in the city
Birmingham has so many nightclubs of every sort, from huge multi-room venues to quirky little hideaways.
The Aprés bar on Summer Row is styled as a groovy 1960s ski resort. You’ll feel like Bond, James Bond as you sip a cocktail in one of their red leather booths by the crackling wood fire. No light snacks here: the hearty food is more suitable for a day on the piste to a night on the…town, but the chilled out ambience might just tempt you to stay cosy as the resident DJs do their stuff. If not, you can always dance away the calories.
The Jam House in the Jewellery quarter is a live Jazz, Blues and Rock venue were the music director, Jools Holland (yes, that one) ensures a steady stream of the hottest new talent graces the stage. If you’d rather have the multi-venue superclub vibe then Birmingham has that too – Gatecrasher or the Air Warehouse are the places to be.
Learn About Different Types of Airport Parking
Considering an advance booking of parking space in the airport? Great idea; it will save a lot of your money as well as your precious time. But you can get even cheaper deal, if you are informed about many features of airport parking. As for instance, an indoor parking is more expensive than an open air lot. Similarly there may be restrictions on the entrance of certain types of cars in the airport parking for security reasons. If you are aware of the different types of airport parking, it will be easier for you to choose the most suitable one for you.
Short-term and long-term parking
In all major airports, all around the world, you will come to find that the parking facilities are divided into two types of bays: short-term and long-term parking bays.
The short term parking spaces are typically very close to the Terminals of the respective airports. The rates for these types of parking bay are determined on a per hour basis. Discount rates are available only after a specific number of days.
In contrast, long term airport parking is meant to provide shelter to the cars over an extended stretch of time, often for more than four to five days. These are cheaper than the short term parking lots. During the busy seasons, you have to be lucky enough to secure place in this parking area without an advance booking. So during the seasonal rush, you have to take good care of booking the parking space well in advance, so that you do not have to opt for the more expensive short term parking as the last resort.
Terminal Parking
In many US airports you will come to find the term, terminal parking. This Parking is accessible from the Departure (Upper) Level only. The terminal parking usually consists of multiple numbers of four parking structures. There can be height restriction for certain types of the vehicles from entering this parking.
Valet Parking
This facility is also known as meet and greets facility. You can avail this service when you are in a real hurry and have no time to wait for the shuttle service to the terminal. In that case, a parking company executive will come up to you and you just need to handover the charge of your car to the man, who will safely park your car. On return, you will again be picked up by the company driver. The valet parking areas are usually located on the departure level of the terminal.
Terminal Curbside Parking
If you are lucky enough to be driven by one of your friends to the airport, you should be careful of the area where to park your vehicle for getting down from the car and taking luggage off the car. Generally, curbside parking is only meant for quick loading or unloading and the driver is not allowed to stay beyond a specified period of time.
Save Money on Vacations with Home Exchange Programs
The home exchange is not a new concept. In the past, companies have orchestrated the swapping of homes between their members for a fee. While these official home exchange programs were successful, many people do not feel comfortable swapping homes with complete strangers. The advent of online social networking sites solves this problem. Now you can save money on your vacation by setting up a home exchange program with your friends on Facebook or MySpace.
Step #1 – Test the Water
The first step in creating a home exchange program is to ask your online friends if they are interested in participating. If they are, then they have to be willing to swap their home for someone else’s home for one or two weeks.
Step #2 – Have People Create a Profile
The next step is to have the people that are interested in participating to develop a profile of their home and availability for swapping. This profile should describe the property and its amenities, as well as describe local attractions. Rules for using the house also need to be provided, such as no smoking or no pets. Finally the dates that the house is available for a swap need to be added to the profile.
Step #3 – Post the Profiles and Coordinate the Swaps
In order for this to work, the people that sign up to participate have to follow through with swaps. It is a good idea to have one person manage the scheduling of the swaps. Since you all know each other you can talk on the phone to iron out specific dates of travel, however, once an agreement is made between participants, the agreement needs to be finalized and posted by the program’s administrator.
Step #4 – Send Out Reminders
As swap dates get closer it is a helpful to send out e-reminders to the participants. These e-reminders should include the date and terms of the swap, as well as encourage the participants to confirm their travel plans with their swap mate.
Step #5 – Report Back
The final step is to have participants report back about their experience. Their impressions about swapping homes can be used to improve the program’s protocols as well as to promote it to other friends. This reporting process also gives you the opportunity to evaluate participants to determine if they should be allowed to stay in the program or be asked to leave.
New Zealand has excellent exchange home exchange programs. They also have a wwoof program for adults up through the age of 25 where you can work 1/2 a day and travel the 1/2. Many people take advantage of the
Wineries You Should Check While Visiting Italy
All across Italy you’ll find prime regions that are perfect for successful and picturesque wineries. You can visit some of the nicest wineries in Italy on your own or with a planned tour. It’s a good idea to make a plan as to how you will accomplish this. Make sure to have travel insurance before you take off on your Italian winery tour. This will put your mind at ease and allow for you to have a carefree and fun filled vacation. Planning ahead and making a list of some of the best wineries in Italy to visit is also a good idea so as to make your trip run smoothly. This will also ensure your ability to see and experience some of the best wineries that all of Italy has to offer.
In Montalcino, take a trip to the Castello Banfi Estate. This is an Etruscan castle that dates back to the 11th century. It has just recently been converted to an award winning winery. It has been in full operation for less than 20 years, which is very young by winery standards. It sits on 7100 rolling acres of picturesque beauty. It makes for a perfect day trip.
In Chianti you’ll find Vignamaggio, a scenic converted villa that dates back to the 14th century. Take some time to explore this luxury villa’s enchanting gardens while sipping on some of its prized Chianti varieties of wine. They also produce locally processed olive oil, and it is available to purchase in their gift shop on site.
In Tuscany stop off at the Casa Emma which is located just outside of San Donato. Here you’ll find a full service, working winery that you can tour and see it in action. They pump out a massive amount of wine in bottles and ship it internationally. Even the kids can get in on the educational aspects of touring this winery. There is so much to see and so much to learn from such a special working winery.
Just past Radda you’ll find the Castello Di Volpaia winery. It’s a little off the beaten path, but thought to be well worth the trouble to find it. This old castle and surrounding buildings are made of massive, impressive stone architecture that is sure to impress. You can try out all the wines they produce, and if wine isn’t the only product they produce that you’re interested in, you can also try out the gourmet vinegars, oils, and honeys they also produce there on site.