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Enjoy an exhilarating family day out at Aqualand! | Abruzzo, Italy

Claire — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 09:22:59 +0000

Picture the scene: it’s a scorching hot summer’s day in Abruzzo and the sun’s rays are beating down. You may be relaxing in your villa’s private garden with a cold refreshing drink in hand, and the kids are playing outside, but they’re getting more and more restless. What you need is a fun, outdoor activity that all the family can enjoy…something that will bring lots of laughter and smiling faces…what you need is a fun-filled day out to Aqualand!

Aqualand Vasto, Abruzzo, Italy by aqualandvasto.com

Aqualand is a spectacular aqua park in Vasto that is perfect for all the family – adrenaline seekers, nature enthusiasts and sun worshippers alike! About 50 minutes drive from Villa Ducale in Abruzzo, it is ideally situated so you can visit when you have a day free, without having to plan in advance. This is especially convenient, as we would recommend you visit a water park on a fairly warm, sunny day to make the most of the water-fuelled fun.

For those of you that love the thrill of water slides, you will discover around a mile of slides at Aqualand, ranging from the terrifyingly-exciting Kamikaze vertical drop slide or the high speed hill slide where you can race to the finish against your family and friends, to the gentler ride along the slow-moving rapids. There are even a couple of mini slides especially for babies and younger children, so they too can enjoy the excitement of the water park.

Aqualand also offers 3,000 square metres of swimming pools to enjoy, including everyone’s favourite – the wave pool! There is even a whirlpool where you can sit amongst massaging bubbles, perfect for lifting any stress away. Isn’t that what holidays are for after all? So whether you want to ride the waves, have a relaxing swim or complete some lengths for a bit of exercise, there is a pool for you.

Tobogans in Aqualand Vasto, Abruzzo, Italy by aqualandvasto.com

There are so many more attractions than just swimming pools and water slides to discover at Aqualand, however. For example, you can choose to watch a musical or dancing show at the Aqualand Theatre or take part in some sports and fitness, including the gym. There are also lots of wide open green spaces where you can enjoy a spot of sunbathing, reading a book or eating an ice-cream.

Another favourite attraction you will find at Aqualand is the petting farm. With many different animals including ponies, donkeys, rabbits and goats, the whole family, especially the younger children, will adore being able to pet the cute animals.

As you can imagine, at the end of a day out at Aqualand everyone will be feeling extremely tired after lots of laughter and exhilarating fun. And when the kids are fast asleep in bed early, you can enjoy a nice relaxing evening – that’s if you’re not fast asleep too!

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Soak up all that Cyprus has to Offer

Claire — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 07:50:56 +0000

Of all the holiday islands in Europe, Cyprus perhaps represents the most impressive destination of all. There are so many landmarks which are just waiting to be discovered by curious tourists who are keen to find out more about the local history, for example. It’s worth pointing out, however, that it’s also the perfect location for weary travellers who just want to lie back on the beach and soak up the sun’s rays for an afternoon.

Cyprus coastline by Anton S.

If there’s one thing above all else that Cypriots are proud of, it surely has to be the warmth of the welcome they offer to visitors. Wherever you have been in the past, the chances are you will be pleasantly surprised by how pleased the locals are to show you just how friendly they can be. This is one of the reasons why a great number of visitors from all over the world return to Cyprus on an annual basis.

The climate on this beautiful Mediterranean island is the envy of a great many other holiday destinations. In the summer, the days are warm, long and wonderfully sunny, yet even on the hottest days it rarely becomes uncomfortable because of a cooling breeze that’s often in the air. And when the winter months come along, the temperatures are still high enough to make life comfortable for everyone.

Get a proper taste of Cyprus

In most restaurants on the island, especially around the tourist resorts, you’ll find a wonderful selection of local and international options on the menu. Although you may want to try something a little familiar on some occasions, be sure to choose something typically Mediterranean at least one or twice on your vacation. As you might expect from an island nation, fish dishes feature prominently, so try the gilt-head bream or the delicious calamari.

For most people, a holiday to Cyprus offers a much-needed opportunity to relax, if only because modern life seems so hectic nowadays. Because we are always rushing from one place to another in our daily lives, the restorative effects of an annual summer vacation should never be underestimated. A cool drink, a comfortable sunbed, a good book and a beautiful view of the ocean – what more could we ever need?

Needless to say, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy for those who are in the mood for something a little less sedentary. Cyprus has a number of golf courses to offer, for example, as well as some stunning cycling routes. Another favourite option is to hire a car for a few days in order to explore the island. With a rich heritage all around you, you’ll find plenty of fascinating places to visit.

David Showell has visited Cyprus on several occasions. He works for http:/www.carrentals.co.uk.

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Surfing Holidays for Beginners in Lanzarote | Spain

Claire — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:45:40 +0000

Has the idea of riding the waves and learning to surf always appealed, but the cold British weather has put you off? Lanzarote is known as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ for many reasons, including the weather, the people and of course, the amazing waves. The winds from the Atlantic Ocean buffet the coast, providing excellent waves, whilst the sheltered bays create the perfect environment for a beginner.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Phil Jenkins

Surf Schools

There are a number of surf schools in the north of Lanzarote, where the best surfing conditions are found. The livelier resorts are in the south of the island and because of this, many of the surf schools offer shuttles and transfers. We recommend you to stay in Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen, for the best combination of surfing and other holiday activities. Below are some of the best schools:

Before you go

Before you go, there are a number of practice exercises you can do so that you don’t waste time when you are on holiday in Lanzarote. You should start off by lying on the floor on your front as if you were lying on a surf board and practice jumping up to standing using your hands to balance, in one smooth movement. A good level of fitness is also always useful when learning to surf!

The best thing to do is to hire equipment for the first few times, before making the large financial commitment of buying your own board and wetsuit. There are surf shops and schools where you can hire equipment and the instructors will be more than happy to help you choose which is best for you.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Thierry Gregorius

Here are some top tips for beginners, including where to stay and what to wear.

Always buddy-up. Never surf alone, just in case you get into any kind of difficulty
Don’t be a hero. If you’re tired or feeling unwell, don’t risk it, no matter how good the waves seem!
Look out for the flag system and any warning signs. beaches change every day, so don’t assume that just because it was OK one day, it will be the next
Cover-up. the warm waters in Lanzarote may mean that you don’t want to wear a full wetsuit, but a long sleeved rash-vest will protect you from the sun
Go long. when you first start surfing, you will need a bigger board so that you have more balance
Most importantly. DON’T GIVE UP! Everyone falls off at first and it will take some people longer than others to stand-up.

Top hotel: The Aparthotel Blue Sea Costa Teguise Gardens is just 800m from the beach and is within the pick-up zones of the surf schools in the north. There are also shops, restaurants and water parks within easy reach.

View Surfing in Lanzarote, Canary Islands Spain in a larger map

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