Valle Verzasca, hydroelectric dam, Switzerland by Martin Abegglen

The Best Place to Go…Bungee Jumping

In Valle Verzasca, in the Italian region of Switzerland, you can jump from the famous hydroelectric dam where the James Bond film Goldeneye was filmed. The dam stands at a whopping 220 m. If you wish to match the daring-do of Mr. Bond, you’ll need to make an advance reservation, have a medical evaluation and fit the proper height and weight requirements.

The Best Place to Go…Paragliding

France is home to the highest number of paragliding sites in the world. Perhaps the most thrill-inducing is the site on top of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in Western Europe. Other good places include Annecy and Treh.

Alternatively, you can also paraglide over the castle in Neuschwanstein, Germany. This flight provides stunning views of the iconic castle, set against the backdrop of beautiful green scenery.

Mont Blanc paragliding by Yves Jusot

The Best Place to Go…Mountaineering

The sport of mountaineering was born on the slopes of the Matterhorn in Switzerland, a snow-covered crag of rock stretching up into the sky. To successfully complete this 9-hour climb, you’ll need to be in good physical condition, have reliable gear for climbing and also the funds to hire a guide. You’ll also need to find a reputable tour operator to make sure you have a safe climb.

The Best Place to Go…Skydiving

Skydiving can be a rather pricy sport, but for the bargain price of 205 euros, you can jump from 15,000 feet over the orange trees in Seville, Spain. Other great places to dive include the mountainous regions of Interlaken, Switzerland and Le Marche, Italy.

The Best Place to Go…White-Water Rafting

If you’re looking for Class V waves, then the Noce River in the Italian Dolomites is the place to go. You can also try your hand at kayaking on these fantastic waves. Just make sure you go with a guide if it’s your first time.

White-Water Rafting by Ian Armstrong

The Best Place to Go…Cliff-Diving

Also known as “tombstoning” because many unfortunate participants have found their way to a tombstone earlier than expected, the best places to try it in Europe are the cliffs near Santorini, Greece. Afterwards, join the partygoers on the beach for a well-earned cocktail.

If you attempt any of these death-defying activities, just make sure you are going with a reputable tour operator and that you have the necessary training. You don’t want to have to hire a head injury solicitor at the end of your trip.

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Although it’s a small island, Ibiza has a huge range of scenery including amazing long white beaches and rocky coves, as well as rolling hills and stunning mountains. There is a beautiful selection of different plants and flowers to see on the island and the best way to do this is on foot. You can join a guided tour walk and get the benefit of a local’s knowledge or you can head for the hills or coastal paths by yourself. It really is the best way to take in some of the amazing scenery and stunning views.

Ibiza and Formentera, Spain by David Sim

Ibiza is also renowned for beautiful sunsets and the best place to see the sun go down is from the water. You can hire boats to go out into the gentle Mediterranean and spend the day snorkelling and swimming from your launch. Then enjoy the sunset at the end of the day before turning back for the shore. There are also plenty of places to go water-skiing, ride a jet ski or try out windsurfing.

You can go exploring and see cultural sites such as the Necropolis del Puig des Molins – an ancient burial ground on a hillside that dates back to the seventh century BC. You can also take a trip to the mysterious island Es Verda. Two kilometres from the coast of Ibiza this island is said to be linked to the Egyptian pyramids and that the lost city of Atlantis lies below Es Verda.

Sea around Ibiza, Spain by David Sim

As you can imagine, these are only a few tasters of what Ibiza has to offer. One of the best ways to get to see this beautiful island is by booking flights to Ibiza with Jet2.com, Ryanair.com or other air lines. There are always great offers to take advantage of and it can really reduce the cost of your holiday, leaving you spare cash to do lots of things while you are there.

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Megeve, France by Leo-setä

Perhaps a beautiful wooden chalet in a rustic alpine hamlet nestled in a picturesque snowy valley is what you are looking for? Unfortunately the most rustic and charming ski resorts are becoming harder to find. They have either given in to the pressures of commercial skiing and grown to become larger ski resorts, struggling to hold on to the idyllic image that once made them popular, or they have rejected this path all together. In the latter scenario this means you are unlikely to be able to get much more than a token bit of skiing in, or won’t see another person all week.

So, which ski resorts  have managed to combine that ‘chocolate box’ scenery with good lift access to quality ski areas, and a fun atmosphere?

Megeve, France

Back in the 1920s, this medieval town became perhaps one of Frances first purpose built ski resorts. Thankfully they had more of an eye for picturesque detail than they did the in the 60s and 70s, so the centre of town really is reminiscent of a fairytale winter destination. The ski area is large, varied and uncrowded, though the lifts system is a little tired in places.

Grand Bornand, France

This historic farming town, also one of the closest ski resorts to Geneva, is amazingly still something of a hidden gem. The classic cobbled town square is the perfect place to grab a sunny coffee and take in the stunning views of the Aravis mountains rising above the eye catching church spire. When you get up onto the mountain things don’t change. The mountain restaurants are all beautiful old farmhouses, and the skiing, on all sides of one main peak, has plenty to keep you entertained for a few days at least.

Grand Bornand, France by Michael McKechnie

Canazei, Italy

This charming village of cobbled streets and traditional buildings is set against the jaw dropping backdrop of the Dolomites. The resort is well linked with the mighty Sella Ronda network of over 433km of pistes, which is the ideal location for those who want to clock up some miles, before settling back and enjoying Italian mountain scenery at it’s best.

Saas Fee, Switzerland

Is Saas Fee one of those resorts that ticks all the boxes? Undeniably it has the mountain charm factor, with it’s car free village centre, good restaurants, family atmosphere and dramatic surroundings. It also has the snow sure factor – most of the 100km of skiing is between 2500 and 3500m. Perhaps the only downside is the limited expert terrain. If you have skied it all, it isn’t far to get to Saas Grund and even Zermatt (which nearly made this list).

Murren, Switzerland by BigJimInDC

Murren, Switzerland

Car free Murren is part of the Jungfrau ski area which includes the slightly better known resorts of Wengen and Grindelwald. Despite having limited nightlife and only a small amount of skiing directly linked to this town, it simply had to make the cut. When you have taken the cable car from town to the Schiltorn, or are looking out across the valley to the most famous of peaks, the Eiger, you will certainly agree.

Alex works for SkiWeekender.com, who specialise in short ski breaks in charming villages of Grand Bornand, La Clusaz and Samoens in the French Alps.

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Seven Sisters, UK by mari

Stunning Scenery

The Seven Sisters and Beachy Head are one of the most iconic views in the country. These stunning cliffs are whiter and longer than the White Cliffs of Dover and offer miles of uninterrupted walks. Standing at Beachy Head you can look to your left to see the quaint essential sea side town of Eastbourne where you can make out their award winning carpet gardens along the sea front and the pier jetting out into the water.  Directly in front of you is the lighthouse and without getting too close to the edge, directly underneath you’ll see what’s left of part of the cliff that collapsed into the sea just over ten years ago. On a clear day you’ll see Brighton to the right and if it’s clear enough you’ll see all the way over to Selsey in the edge of West Sussex. You’ll find plenty of spots along this costal route to pull up your camper van or motorhomes for a quick overnight stop or if you prefer a few more immunities there are dozens of campsites dotted along the south east coast.

Quirky City

If miles and miles of rolling hills and stunning views don’t quite do it for you and you want something a little more happening then Brighton has to be your ultimate destination. All the cheese of a British sea side town with just enough quirkiness to make it cool, culture to make it cultural and eccentricity  to make it unique. There aren’t many sea side cities with a palace parked right in the centre, The Royal Pavilion was commissioned by the Prince Regent who would go on to become King George IV. Walking round you’ll notice the first half is decorated so decadently it’s almost too grandiose then suddenly the latter half resembles the more traditional sombre décor you’d expect from a royal palace. It’s almost like you can spot the very room he was decorating when he unexpectedly became king. If history doesn’t appeal to you the shops in Brighton are second to none. There are plenty of typical high street names but The Lanes and North Laine offer truly one off shops from jewellery to bohemian chic and everything you could possibly imagine in between. Oh and there’s always the obligatory sea side attractions and pier.

Royal Pavilion, Brighton, UK by Richard Randall

Quaint Essential Sea Side Town

Hastings is the best stop along the south east coast if you’ve got young children to keep entertained. It offers all the innocence of a British sea side holiday without the hidden innuendo of Brighton and it’s generally a little cheaper too.  Driving through Hastings you can’t fail to spot too perfect attractions for the little ones. The first is the sea side attractions; although the pier is off limits after a devastating fire a few years ago there is still plenty down the sea front to keep children of all ages entertained, from Underwater World to the Stade Amusement Park and Clambers. The second obvious attraction is the Hastings Funicular Cliff Railway taking visitors up the steep cliff to the national park at the top (for more of Sussex’s stunning views). For slightly older kids a trip to Battle just outside of Hastings is the perfect way to make their history lessons come to life (the infamous Battle of Hastings never actually took place inside Hastings, but just outside in a place that would later become known as Battle). Set a little further inland this beautiful little town offers plenty to see and do for any history buffs – or even someone who just appreciates what the perfect British holiday entails.

Louise writes for TraveWorldRV who offer the largest range of RV’s and Motorhomes in the UK – whether you’re looking to buy or rent, they can make sure you see the country in style.

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Dolceacqua / Andrea Puggioni

Dolceacqua is situated in the Northern Province of Imperia and very close to the border with France.  It is a small village, but it has some interesting sights to see for a day trip. The castle on the hill was built back in 1151 by the Counts of Ventimiglia. Since then the castle has been passed down through generations and after years of changing hands, attacks and earthquakes, the castle was formally in ruins. However, the castle was recently restored by the Ligurian government and reopened in 2007. The restoration consisted of repairing the main structure, floors and stonework. A conference hall was added with an extra patio and nowadays the castle is host to many cultural events and art exhibitions, and it can be even rented out for special events.

Another interesting site to see in the village is the bridge in Dolceacqua was famously painted by Claude Monet in 1884, and looking at the oil painting in comparison to the real scenery, it still looks very similar today. One of the best photos of the town is taken from a point before the bridge with the castle to be seen up above – one of the most famous viewpoints of Liguria.

Square in Dolceacqua / Luca Galli

One of the highlights of Ligurian cuisine is pesto, a sauce native to the area. Dolceacqua has a few restaurants on offer serving regional specialities such as two hot pastry snacks of the area called barbajuan and fugasan, the latter of which is suitable for vegetarians.  Liguria boasts garden-fresh vegetables which account for other traditional vegetarian dishes of the area such as stuffed courgette flowers and onion pie. Those looking for seafood will not be disappointed- due to its position close to the coast; the seafood is at its best and consists of mouthwatering fish, mussels and clams.

Dolceacqua is very close to the French border so it’s easy to do a day trip- both Nice and Monaco are less than 1 hour away, so you can soak up a bit of French culture as well. The closest city of Ventimiglia is a mere 15 minutes away and has an old town worth exploring as well as nearby Roman ruins and the exquisite Villa Hanbury Botancial Gardens, one of the best that Europe has to offer.

Liguria boasts 300 days of sunshine a year but also a cool sun breeze so you won’t go crazy in the heat. The whole Province has so much for tourists to see that is worth renting a holiday house in Liguria for a week or two so that you can explore everything that the region – and nearby – has to offer. So don’t delay and book a holiday home today!

Vanessa wrote this article for BlumenRiviera, Liguria holiday rental specialists.

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Teggs Nose is on the western edge of the Peak District. There are so many stunning views along this walk, including views of the park and across the beautiful Cheshire plains.  On clear days you can sometimes see as far out as the Welsh hills and Liverpool. The walk on average should take a round 1 – 2 hours, so if you’re looking for a great walk but not a long distance one, then Teggs Nose is perfect.

2. Hadrian’s Wall Walk (Northumberland)

This is an extremely long trek, it is 84 miles long. However if this sounds all a bit too much for you, there are many shorter and circular walks and routes available, so you can still take in the breathtaking scenery and culture, without the week long hike.

Hadrian’s Wall, England / quisnovus

3. Ilkley Moor (West Yorkshire)

Ilkley is a former spa town, but it is also known as ‘Walkers are Welcome’ town, due to their stunning walks and their commitment in welcoming walkers. You’ll find not only breathtaking views, but many carved pre-historic rocks found on the moor. The walk will take approximately 4-5 hours dependant on walking speed.

4. The Roaches (Peak District)

The name Roaches means rocks, as this walk is a bit of a rocky one, but the views are truly memorable. For example, tucked away under one of the overhanging rocks is a former game keeper’s cottage, which is partly built in the cliff face, this is now a drinking spot for climbers.  The walk will take on average around 4 hours, so you will be able to squeeze it in on a Sunday afternoon.

5. Powis Castle (Wales)

A truly magnificent castle built around 8oo years ago. It is surrounded by 26 acres of gardens and that is why this castle is on our list. It was recently voted the best place to walk in an online national trust poll. The gardens are breathtaking and truly magical.  This walk will only take approximately 2 hours, so more like a leisurely stroll than a long distance hike.

6. The Three Peaks (Yorkshire)

The Three Peaks is the classic walk of the Yorkshire Dales, and it is a classic for a reason. It dominates the skyline of the western side of the Yorkshire dales, and hosts a splendid array of views, nature and complete serenity. This walk will take you anything between 8-14 hours as it is around 23 miles in length, so you may want to take advantage of the B&B’s nearby for a quick snack and a snooze.

Yorkshire Three Peaks / Peter Burgess

7. Ingleton Falls (Yorkshire)

The Ingleton Falls offer some of the most spectacular waterfall and woodland scenery in the country. This walk is approximately 4.5 miles long and will take on average around 2-4 hours to complete it. This walk will lead you through ancient oak woodland via stunning views and geological features.

8. The New Forest (Hampshire)

Exploring the New Forest means exploring wetlands, grassy plains and woodland. There are a wide range and variety of walks and routes available, so you can make them as short or as long as you like and if you prefer a guided walk, this is an available option to you or even a small group of you.

9. The Ridgeway Path (Avebury)

The Ridgeway Path is Britain’s oldest road. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the Ridgeway path is perfect, as it’s peaceful and serene. Even though the Ridgeway Path is 87 miles long and can take up to 2 weeks to complete, there are day trips and shorter routes available, catered around different people’s ability.

Cotswold Way / Joe Calhoun

10. The Cotswold Way (The Cotswolds)

This specific walk has existed for over 30 years and is extremely popular. It is a long distance walk, stretching a whopping 102 miles long. Although this may be off putting if you don’t like long distance walking, there are a lot of different walks available, so you can break the walk up into a collection of different days to suit your capability and your commitments.  It passes through many picturesque villages and leads you to many stunning historical sites.

So there you have my list of the top ten walks in England, can you think of any I’ve missed? Or have you been on adventurous treks around the world and you’d love to share – please feel free to comment!

Kate Dawson is a keen writer who blogs for Optegra on a regular basis. Optegra are specialist eye care providers who provide many treatments such as cataracts treatment for a number of eye conditions, such as glaucoma.

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Cornwall Beach / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Weldon Kennedy

If you’re from a part of the world that has more concrete than greenery, then the West Country will feel like a million miles away thanks to the stunning views. Couple that with the rich heritage of cider making, farming and homely-living and you’ll be in love the West Country in no time.

One place you must visit is Newquay. For decades it’s been the place to go for surfers but thanks to its beautiful beaches and attractions it continues to be a family-favourite everyone will enjoy. If surfing isn’t your bag, then perhaps walking is. If you’re feeling fit and you’ve got your hiking boots, why not head for the South West Coast Path? This picturesque trail is 630 miles long and follows the meandering coast, meaning you can seriously take in the views and breathe in all that fresh sea-air.

Newquay beach / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Richard Clifford

Cornwall has a lot to offer and one the jewels in the crown is St. Ives. One of the most idyllic towns in the county, St. Ives is a tourist hot-spot for those who love the sun, ice-cream and boat-trips out. Just watch out for those pesky sea-gulls robbing your chips!

While you’re out and about, a must-visit place in and around that area is Land’s End. It may be a little bit of a trek, but you’d be a fool not to visit England’s most westerly point. Aside from the title, Land’s End is also absolutely beautiful on a sunny day and is a tourists’ favourite.

Getting hungry? Then get your eat on in Padstow! Rick Stein’s highly praised restaurant calls Padstow home and you’ll be guaranteed a fantastic meal with some extraordinary people and scenery. Once you’re done gorging on sea-food, take a walk around Padstow and soak up its typical West Country charm.

Padstow Harbour / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by foshie

And if sea-food isn’t your favourite type of food, don’t fret; there’s so much choice and diversity of food in the West Country that everyone will be pleased. From pubs to gastro-pubs, from Michelin-starred restaurants to your basic fast-food restaurants, the West Country will undoubtedly keep your stomach from rumbling.

Getting tired by now? Well there’s one sure-fire way of slowing things down, by visiting Stonehenge. The enigmatic and utterly ancient monument, still of undetermined origin and purpose, has been wowing tourists for years and continues to be one of the West Country’s most famous and loved spots. It may not move, it probably won’t talk to you, but Stonehenge is something you need to see at least once in your life.

If you’re feeling pretty trodden at this point chances are you’ve done a lot, but there is still plenty to do in this region of the country. In and around Cornwall there are loads of fantastic go-kart tracks to tickle your adrenaline-fuelled pickle. St. Eval’s track is twisty and with their twin-engine karts you’d better be firmly in your Lewis Hamilton mentality.

Stonehenge / Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by mari

So there you have it; endless fun, plenty to do and lots to see. The West Country is full of surprises, and when it’s a lovely summer’s day there really aren’t many places better in the UK.

Sun, sea, beaches and loads of pubs, the West Country is Britain at its very best.

Thinking of paying a visit to the UK? Check out cheap car hire at Birmingham, Gatwick and Manchester airports from Vroomvroomvroom.

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If you’re on the hunt for somewhere which offers plenty of year-round sunshine, top of your European wish-list should definitely be the Canary Islands.

While they’re owned by Spain, making them part of the European Union, the Canaries are located just off the north-west coast of Africa, which explains the great weather they experience.

Sun, sea and sand are what you’ll get if you head to the island group, which comprises Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, among other destinations.

Whether you’re into lazing around on a beach – perhaps after spending the night in a tent under the stars, or snorkelling along the shoreline, there’s something on offer to you in the Canaries.

For the adventurous types, Tenerife may well appeal as it boasts Spain’s biggest mountain – Mount Teide – which you can ascend through the Canadas del Teide National Park.

En route, you’ll pass the Chinyero volcano, which last erupted in 1909, and you’ll be able to check out some stunning views once you reach the mountain’s summit. Perhaps you might want to consider pitching up tents to watch the sunrise in the distance from the peak the next morning.

More than 12 million tourists head to the Canaries each year, so they’re clearly an extremely popular location. And this is with good reason since they have the weather, beaches and natural attractions to boot.

Average sunshine hours vary throughout the year, but even in the British winter, the Canaries see temperatures of around 17 to 18 degrees C, making for a balmy springtime climate.

If you’re a fan of exploring marine life on your holiday, you’re bound to fall in love with everything on offer on the island group.

The waters boast everything from loggerhead sea turtles to sharks and stingrays, so you’ll see a whole host of different beings under the sea. If you head out on a boat trip there’s a chance you’ll encounter the common or bottlenose dolphin, or even a short-finned pilot whale on your travels.

Whatever you’re after from your holiday, the Canaries are bound to offer it to you, all the year round.

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