Wales may not be the most common choice of vacation destination, but it has plenty to offer. Tourists in the UK are usually more likely to head for the vibrant capital city of London, the sunny Cornish coast, or even the awe-inspiring Scottish Highlands, and Wales can be easily overlooked. However, there are many reasons to visit this part of the world for your next family vacation!

In this guide, we will explore just five of the reasons to vacation in Wales.

• Scenery

Wales is not just home to the dramatic Mount Snowdon, but it is also home to no fewer than five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. No mean feat for a country so small! Driving through the rolling hills can be breathtaking, and there is no shortage of scenic walks if you want to stretch your legs. Many people even end up consulting a mortgage broker for holiday lets in scenic spots in Wales!

• Beaches

It is not just the hills and fields that are gorgeous – the Welsh coastline is stunning, and you can drive along most of it and see hundreds of beaches. Many of the beaches and coastal towns are very popular with tourists, and you can get fish and chips and ice cream while looking out at the sea. If you prefer more peaceful, relaxing walks along the beach, you are never too far from a quiet spot that isn’t too far out of the way!

• Wildlife

One of the most popular pastimes for tourists in Wales is dolphin-spotting. At most places along the Welsh coastline, you can look out to sea and see dolphins and porpoises leaping in the distance. Further inland, there are over 70 nature reserves in the country, which are teeming with wildlife from cute squirrels to majestic birds of prey like the red kite.

• Food and Drink

Alongside other European countries like France, Wales is prized for its cheeses. In fact, the delicious soft Caerphilly cheese is named after the town Caerphilly in the south of the country. Welsh cakes, tasty snacks similar to scones which include sugar and dried fruits, are another staple of the country’s cuisine. If you enjoy beers, cider, and ales, you are also in luck. Wales has a huge number of breweries that are world-renowned and produce some of the tastiest beverages in Europe. The pubs that they serve are also usually picturesque and inviting, and perfect to settle down in after a long nature walk.

• Culture

The culture in Wales, just like the nature, is astonishingly diverse and rich for a country so small. From Arthurian legends through to the modern Welsh language (spoken alongside English by many Welsh people), the country’s history is fascinating. The Welsh are also famed for their love of music and of sports. The Welsh rugby team is first class, and even the smallest Welsh villages are likely to have their own rugby team as well as their own choir, as love of singing runs deep in Welsh culture. It is no wonder that world-famous entertainers like Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey grew up in Wales!

Welsh people can be some of the friendliest in the world, and you are likely to welcomed into joining in with any of these traditions.

Whether you plan to go on a vacation or travel for business, you’d want the most comfortable, affordable, and convenient transport for pleasant experiences. That’s where private jets for hire come up as a viable option. Private jet charters are getting popular because of their efficient and quality services.

However, if you consider a private jet for your upcoming tour plan, look for a trusted service provider for comfortable travel. It is also recommended to research well and find how the specific jet company operates before you make any final decision.

The following are some important things that you should consider when hiring a private jet charter.

What Type of Airplane Do You Want?

Since the trend of hiring a private jet is increasing, different types of jets cater to these demands. When choosing a charter company, ensure that you pick the best one with a diversified fleet of aeroplanes in different sizes. It also entails recognising the exact type of aircraft you need before you start looking for a jet charter company.

Here, you should also know that private jets have different baggage capacity. So, make sure that you know what baggage capacity the jet has before you hire it.

Check Out Safety Measures

Even though professional private jet charter companies put stress on passenger safety and security, it is still practical for you to check these safety measures firsthand.

Mostly, the private jet companies should have pertinent information on the safety policies on their website. Read through them carefully and select the jet service that can fulfil your travelling needs with adequate protection.

Check Out the Services You Get 

One of the most crucial things to consider when looking for private jets for hire is the actual service that you will get. Reputable service providers will leave no stone unturned when it is about maintaining their reputation.

Is a Private Jet Insured?

If your hired private jet is not insured, it can create massive issues, should anything unfortunate happen. And, if the operator has insurance, they must show you the certificate document. On the certificate, you can find the tail number of the jet. Make sure that you ask to see the certificate and ensure that the numbers match up.

Is the Jet Company Audited?

If the private jet company you pick has been operating for a while, they may have audited by an independent, third-party organisation. Audit encompasses a thorough inspection of:

• Maintenance to the aircraft
• Operational procedures
• Training of pilots and staff

Once the audit is complete, the operators receive a detailed report. You can request them to see the audit report to have an idea about their credibility and financial standing. This way, you can have peace of mind.

Check the Authenticity of the Private Jet Company

When you plan to hire a private jet, pick a reliable company. To ensure that they are genuine and reliable, you should check their track record for flying and how smooth their jets are. Moreover, flying on a private jet should be a luxurious experience for you, so avoid any company with a bad reputation.

Similarly, you must also find out how punctual the jet service is, and do they have impressive and efficient customer service? These things ensure that you are not making any hasty decisions.

The Pricing 

Since travelling by private jet is quite expensive, it is always better to compare the rates of different charter companies and select the best offer. Similarly, you should also confirm your final expense and ensure you get a clear quote, not an unclear estimate that may shock you onboard.

To sum up, you should keep all the things mentioned above in mind when you look for private jets for hire. After all, a single wrong choice can wreck both your trip and budget.

Camping holidays are a fantastic way to explore the natural world and bring the family closer together. We leave our reliance on technology at home which, although daunting for some, leaves little else to do besides work together as a team, create our own fun and reconnect emotionally.

However, whether you are heading out to the local woods for the weekend or traveling to a completely new state (or country), camping for the first time with children can be a challenge. If you are planning your first family camping trip this year, here are 6 important tips to keep in mind.

• Choose your campsite carefully

You need to ensure that the campsite you are staying at is child friendly. Not all campsites allow children as they are aimed at more mature vacationers looking for peace and quiet. Before you book the campsite, check its location because if it is in a remote location, you may not be able to drive all the way there. The last thing you want is a 2-mile trek through the undergrowth with young children. Ideally, you want a campsite with laundry facilities. Some will have toilets onsite, but you may need to take a portable toilet.

• Dress children for the outdoors

It may sound obvious, but you should be dressing your children for the unpredictable weather. This means plenty of layers which can be removed and replaced as needed. Waterproof coats and trousers and wellies will be important, as well as plenty of spare clothes.

• Get cozy sleeping bags

Sleeping bags which are shiny on the inside tend to get very cold and slippery, so make sure the children have sleeping bags with a cotton lining and that they have a thermal blanket. Pajamas are also important to have as they can be removed if they get too hot during the night.

• Buy a family-sized tent

While a tent may be described as 4-person, this usually means that there is enough space for 4 people to sleep, but not a lot else. Think about how much space you will need if you are inside during a particularly rainy day. It is also vital that the tent you choose is easy to construct as you do not want the hassle of fiddling with hundreds and pegs. The Qomotop cabin tent, for example, is a freestanding tent which does not need to be staked to the ground. Find out everything you need to know about Qomotop cabin tent review.

• Be considerate of other campers

Remember that you will be probably be staying in close proximity to other campers, so maintain the discipline and control you would at home. It is an excellent opportunity for children to learn respect for others in terms of boundaries. Of course, you may want to adapt your routine in terms of mealtimes and bedtime. Safety while camping is obviously crucial so children should not be running off around the campsite and certainly not disappearing from your sight. There could be ponds or rivers, fields of cattle, electric fences, or farm vehicles nearby.

• Plan some entertainment

Once the novelty has worn off, the kids will not have their usual computer game consoles and smart devices to keep them entertained, so you need to plan for this. Bring toys, books, puzzles, coloring books, and whatever else will keep stop them from getting into mischief.

In such troubling and challenging times, we all need something to look forward to. We may not be able to venture out and socialise as much as we’d like, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop planning things to enjoy with our loved ones once we’ve returned to some form of normality.

That might include the simple pleasure of popping over to the neighbours for a barbecue and a few drinks, or it might involve travelling up and down the country to visit family. Others, meanwhile, may feel more liberated once the restrictions have been lifted and will set their sights on a more extravagant way to celebrate the end of lockdown.

For those seeking a splash of adventure and culture, there are no end of festivals to be enjoyed around the world. If you fancy a trip overseas alongside a trusted companion, be sure to book your flights early and make savings with web duo tickets to get you to the airport. After all, you want such a special trip to start off in style. Here, we’ve picked out a handful of the best festivals you might like to try…

La Tomatina

Ever wanted to throw a load of tomatoes at thousands of strangers? La Tomatina is your chance! This annual celebration kicks off in the eastern Spanish town of Bunol, in the province of Valencia. La Tomatina’s history dates back to 1945, when a parade participant fell and collided with lots of people, prompting an angry response and the throwing of tomatoes. That practice was banned in the early 1950s, but soon returned with a vengeance, so get out there and get amongst it!

Songkran

Marking the start of the New Year in Thailand, this is an important Buddhist celebration. Derived from the Sanskrit word meaning ‘passing’, Songkran involves lots of water being splashed over others by using buckets, pistols or by any other vessel you can get your hands on. Lots of people in Thailand also take the chance to spend time with their families during the festival, while tourists are fully encouraged to get involved in the water-throwing festivities.

Comic-Con

If you’re a comic book enthusiast, this will feel like something akin to a holy pilgrimage. Held in San Diego, California, thousands flock to the convention every year and, with a history dating back half a century, Comic-Con has expanded and changed with the times. Previously focused on showcasing comic books and science-fiction related exhibitions, it now attracts fans across numerous genres including video games, horror, card games, toys and fantasy.

Notting Hill Carnival

For something a little closer to home, why not plan a trip to Notting Hill Carnival? This corner of London truly comes alive over the August bank holiday weekend and, led by the British West Indian community, attracts millions of people every year. A celebration awash with culture, colour, music and dancing, this is a carnival not to be missed.

Choosing a place to visit in order to see some great art can sometimes feel like you are taking part in a sweepstakes casino. There are so many places around the US with incredible art on show, but there are also many places that do not offer such impressive displays. There is no need to worry though, we have put together a list of the best places in the US to visit if you want to scratch your cultural itch!

New York City

New York is often called the art capital of the world, and it is with good reason. The city offers art lovers a huge amount of different cultural choices to enjoy. It truly is the US venue that should be top of everyone’s list. The first aspect that really grabs the attention of people is the museums that are available. Both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art offer a fantastic time viewing some of the most beautiful art you can think of. What makes New York so special is that it just continues from there. Once you are finished with these two fantastic venues then you can make the trip to the Guggenheim museum to look at even more gorgeous artwork. When you are finally finished with these three venues, rest assured that New York is not finished with you yet. There are plenty more smaller museums around the city that have even more wonderful art to take in.

What makes New York so special is that it has an incredible number of art galleries. What not too many people are aware of is that you do not have to be buying something if you visit an art gallery. With more than 500 galleries dotted around the city you can take in some fantastic artwork without having to spend anything. Of course, if you are sufficiently impressed then you can purchase some of the artwork, but you do not have to, you are more than welcome to just enjoy the art and leave.

Marfa

Marfa is an outside of the box option. It is located in Texas and at first glance might seem as though it is more suited to a Halloween celebration than a trip to enjoy art. However, the entire town is a breeding ground for concept art of the highest order. It started in the 1970s when an artist left the stifling art scene of New York for Texas. Once he was there he started to show his art wherever he could. This included adding some high concept art to an abandoned army base. The original artist who descended on the town died in the mid 1990s, but it has lived on with the work of other artists.

The town is now almost completely dedicated to art which has seen a huge number of conceptual pieces being placed in the locality. This has caused a number of art galleries to make their way to the area. Marfa truly is a town that is almost completely dedicated to art. If you are planning a US art trip, then a stop off in Marfa will be one of the highlights. Make sure that you do not miss out.

San Francisco

How could the city known as the cultural capital of California be missed out of any list of places to visit? It offers a huge amount of different types of art for lovers of any style. It has one of the most varied ranges of art styles of any area in the US. The Asian Art Museum holds some of the most impressive art from across the continent of Asia, the Museum of Modern Art has everything from concept pieces to incredible photography collections and the de Young Museum covers a range of different art styles from across different continents. It has everything that any art lover could want.

It continues with the vibrant street art scene giving people the opportunity to view some of the most expressive art around that continually changes and evolves over time. If you are still hungry for more you can also take in some art at one of the many galleries available within the city. It truly is a paradise for art lovers. San Francisco might not have the big reputation that New York has, but it offers art lovers a variety of pieces that very few other places in the world can compete with.

While booking a flight and making hotel reservations are essential when it comes to travel preparation, they are just the start of the planning phase of the trip. And if you want to ensure that your vacation fulfils its intended purpose of giving you rest and respite away from the trials and tribulations of daily life, then you need to take care of all the essential tasks such as packing everything that you need, researching your chosen destination, and carefully managing your budget. So before you leave, here are a few things that you must do first.

1. Never forget to bring a medical kit with you

Whether you’re taking a holiday trip with your family or travelling on a romantic getaway with your special someone, it’s a general rule of thumb never to forget to buy antibiotics online UK pharmacies sell, and take a medical kit with you. After all, it’s not very easy to secure the right medications when abroad. And you’ll be surprised at how much worry you’ll avoid by having all the medicines that you need within reach.

2. Notify your bank regarding your travel plans

It’s not uncommon for banks to suspend accounts when they think that fraud is being committed. And there’s a good chance that this can happen if you start using your credit card in a different country. So before you leave, make sure that you notify your bank first. In this way, they won’t accidentally freeze your account when you are making purchases.

3. Have an itinerary in place

While spontaneity might make the trip a lot more exciting than it would have been otherwise, you also leave a lot more room for chance and error too. And if you’re working with limited financial resources, it makes sense to plan your vacation carefully and have an itinerary in place. Not only will you have a much smoother trip, but you’ll also avoid a lot of potentially expensive problems as well.

4. Bring a portable charger with you

Having a portable charger like a power bank for your mobile device isn’t just a luxury, but a necessity when travelling. After all, there’s hardly a reason to have a smartphone or tablet handy if they run out of power. So before you leave, make sure you pack a portable charger in your carry on. In this way, you’ll have peace of mind that wherever you are, you’ll never run out of charge for your mobile device.

5. Check the weather beforehand

Despite how much it can affect the trip, most travellers tend to take the weather for granted. So before you start planning, make sure to check the weather forecast for your intended destination first. In this way, not only will you be much more prepared to deal with the weather once you arrive. But you’ll also avoid rain and storms ruining your vacation.

Having a relaxing and stress-free vacation is all about preparation. And by leaving no stone unturned before you leave, you’ll minimise the risk of encountering any issues or problems along the way. As a result, you’ll enjoy the trip that you’ve always promised yourself.

Chances are that you have heard of Bellagio over Cactus Pete’s Resort in Jackpot. The reason for this? Well, there are plenty of hidden gems in Nevada that often get overlooked. Irrespective of whether you look for the glamor or the glitz, or simply wish for solitude right in the speck middle of the desert state, you are sure to find a diverse culture here that you are missing out on! To keep up with your search, here are some of the offbeat destinations that you should perhaps include in your itinerary for Nevada:

1. Jackpot

   Being a town that truly lives up to Nevada, Jackpot is one of the best gambling hubs that you can find. The reason behind this city being born is because Idaho became strict about their laws. It was conveniently nestled right in the middle of Nevada and Idaho. Initially, it was a simple cabin that had plenty of slot machines, the town grew and today houses some of the best destinations for recreation. Our top pick? Well, we recommend you to book a stay at Cactus Pete’s Resort in Jackpot to get the best of a slightly laid back Vegas!

2. Reno

   When it comes to Northern Nevada, Reno is pretty much the King. It is the largest city on this side and offers quite a blend of cultural, outdoor, fun and gaming attractions. Enjoy the outdoor activities here right by Lake Tahoe or simply enjoy the ski facilities. Visit Sierra Arts or simply head to the Nevada Museum of Art here, where you can enjoy a lot of amusement and entertainment options.

3. Carson City

   As it is the capital of Nevada, Carson City has an amazing mélange of cultural, outdoor and historic activities to offer to you. Find attractions that match your taste. Historic buffs would love this place. Start with Nevada State Capitol as well as visit the Railroad museum and enjoy taking a ride here.

4. Henderson

   While looking for ideal Nevadian getaways, we recommend you visit the City of Henderson. It makes for quite an ideal option and is right at the base. You can find some of the best attractions here. These include the Vegas Strip lake mead and even the Hoover Dam at a close vicinity. So, basically if you want a base where you can put yourself up, without spending a bomb, and enjoy the best of Vegas; then Henderson is your best bet.

5. Fire State Park

You should also explore Fire State Park if you get a chance. This red sandstone valley has beautiful rock formations. It has been drawing in visitors to Nevada’s largest and oldest state park since the year 1935. It is situated in the vicinity of Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.

The best part about these hidden towns is that they have amazing properties such as Cactus Pete Resort in Jackpot and Golden Nugget in Reno. You can book your accommodations in advance and enjoy these cities to the fullest.

Pet owners across the world can all relate to the concern of having to travel with a pet. Your dog is such a big part of your home and your life, and you’re going to want to bring him or her with you when you travel. The problem is that certain places are not overly accommodating of this. So, you need to make sure you are proactive, and that you take decisive action right now to make sure you plan for this.

San Francisco is one of the most beautiful and liberal cities in the entire of the US, and it’s the perfect haven for dog owners looking for a memorable trip. If you are looking to get the most out of your doggy-friendly adventure to San Fran, you are going to need to strategize to find the most pet-friendly places and activities before you choose to go there.

Find Doggy-Friendly Hotels

One of the first things you need to think about is finding the right place to stay in San Fran. And, as a dog owner, this means sourcing doggy-friendly hotels that would be perfect for you and your pooch. This is something that a lot of pet owners struggle with when they travel abroad or to different cities, but fortunately San Fran has a lot of opportunities and hotels that would be ideal for you and your dog. Here is a list of some of the best doggy-friendly hotels in San Fran that you should check out right now. This will help you make the right choice when it comes to finding the perfect hotel for you.

Keep You Mutt Active

You need to make sure you keep your dog as active as possible on your travels. There are a lot of things you can do to help you achieve this, and you should try to make sure you have an active exercise regime while on your travels. Taking your dog for a walk each morning is a good way of achieving this, and you can enjoy the local surroundings as well at the same time. Another tip would be to try to walk everywhere as much as possible – walking in San Francisco is very doable, and you can access a lot of the city by doing this, so make the most of it.

What to Do

Planning what to do is one of the most important things to sort out when you’re in San Francisco with your dog. You want to make sure you choose the best things to do together as dog and owner, and the good news is that there is a lot of choice. Whether you want to do active things, tourist bits and pieces, or even taking a cruise in the Bay area, there are plenty of things you can do with your dog in San Francisco.

Do as much as you can to prepare for the perfect trip to San Francisco as a pet owner. There are a lot of things that you can do to make sure you get this sorted in advance. Enjoying the ideal pet-friendly vacation is so important, and this is something you need to make sure you look at right now! You can have the best time in San Francisco with your dog as long as you pick the right places to stay, and the right things to do.

After suffering through the beginning of winter, feeling like you’re never going to see the sun again, aren’t you just in the mood to get away from it all? You don’t have to book a trip to Costa Rica to experience a fun and sunny vacation. And if you’re a huge Jurassic Park fan, then even better.

The amazing Jurassic World at Universal Studios in Hollywood offers fans of the epic movie franchise an amazing adventure. Here is a quick guide to help you plan your next family vacation to California.

Lodging

If you plan on hitting the city first, then you are probably searching for hotels near Universal Studios California. Now, if this is your first-time-ever going to Universal, then let me tell you, it can get quite difficult and competitive to get a nice, clean, and spacious place to stay near the park.

You should consider hotels in Valencia, CA, due to their proximity to both Universal Studios and other local attractions like Six Flags and other parks.

The Hyatt Regency Valencia is about a 30-minute drive to Universal, and you won’t have to fight for parking or worry about cleanliness and space. It offers guests spacious and well-appointed guestrooms with plush grand beds and deluxe bath amenities that make you think you are at a spa. They also have a heated outdoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, an onsite restaurant that serves locally-sourced seafood. It’s more like staying at a resort than just your average hotel.

The Hilton Garden Inn Valencia Six Flags is another popular choice. It’s a family-friendly hotel centered around the Six Flags Magic Mountain experience. It offers free Wi-Fi to keep everyone connected.

An added bonus, both hotels are only about a 15-minute drive to Castaic Lake Recreation Area, your gateway to nature and recreational outdoor activities.

Transportation

Getting around and out from the busy city to the more scenic areas of California is easiest when renting a vehicle. However, if you want to see the scenery like locals do, the Metro may be a good option for you and your family. The Metro offers affordable day passes, so you won’t have to worry about paying each time you ride it.

Food

If you are visiting Universal for the first time and are worried about food options, then let me tell you that you’ve got nothing to worry about. CityWalk is located before the entrance gates to Universal. There are several restaurants in this area, including Margaritaville, Hard Rock Café, Samba, Bucca di Beppo, Bubba Gump Shrimp, Panda Express, and more. So you’ve got plenty of food options available before entering Universal, in case you don’t want to eat inside.

Other Attractions

Just like food options, this area of California has no shortage of things to see or do. You can do what tourists do (including myself) and visit Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, taking pictures of your favorite movie star’s stars. You can also visit the numerous quirky but fun museums in the area.

If you had enough of the city and are thrilled to begin your outdoor adventure in nature, then let’s revisit Castaic Lake Recreation Area near Valencia, California. Castaic Lake Recreation Area is a state park that covers over 4,000 acres. There you can go boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping to your heart’s content at this picturesque and grand park. Soak up nature, listen, and, perhaps, see the local wildlife while hiking through the magnificent forest.

Are you ready to escape the winter doldrums? I bet your family is. So grab this guide to keep everyone happy and start planning your vacation getaway today.