When I Went To Paris

I went to Paris in September towards the end of the month and I don’t think there’s any better time to have gone! I had great weather most of the time, it was pretty empty, but there was still enough going on for it to be a lively experience.

At this time of year you’ve got cooler weather but it’s still more than warm enough to enjoy walks around the city without getting cold. Highs are around 22/23°C and lows are around 13°C with only a few days of rain here and there! Plus, as I said, you’ll be avoiding massive queues, huge crowds, and frustrating foot traffic.

Why September Is The Best Month To Visit Paris

• Weather that’s not too hot, or too cold
• Low chance of rainfall
• After the holidays so there’ll be less people and kids about
• With autumn on its way at this time of year, the leaves are starting to drop and change colour
• It’s cheaper – tickets for getting there and back are cheaper, as well as activities in the city
• Disneyland will be much more bearable without the summer queues – in fact when I went, I barely even queued for most of the rides!

What Should You See And Do In Paris?

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel tower is pretty much a no-discussion-needed spot when you visit Paris. It’s almost definitely on your list already right? I’d recommend going up in the afternoon as you’ll get the best weather and views of the city. Then, once it gets dark you can grab a picnic blanket, some wine and snacks ,and enjoy the tower’s lights from the Champ de Mars! 

The Louvre

Now I never actually made it into the museum when I went – there wasn’t quite enough time! But I did spend some time above it by the famous pyramid and walking around the old surrounding buildings. I couldn’t leave it off the list though as a) even if you just do what I did, it’s still worth it to see this fascinating building and b) if you do have a little more time, the full art gallery is meant to be good…although I have heard the Mona Lisa experience is fairly underwhelming!

The Catacombs 

Paris’s catacombs are certainly a unique sight and definitely and interesting one worth adding to your list. Twenty metres beneath the city are the bones of millions of Parisians with creative artwork displays and incredible history of what happened in Paris and why the millions of skeletons are all there! I can’t say what it’s like in terms of busy-ness most of the time, but when I went in the morning it was extremely quiet!

Disneyland Paris

This is one for you if you’re a fan of anything Disney, or theme parks in general. I’m definitely more into the latter, and it was a great day exploring both parks. Again, in September during the week it was virtually empty and I barely queued! If you manage to go out of season when it’ll be relatively quiet, get the 2 parks pass and do them both in one day. 

The Seine

The famous river that runs all through the city is great for strolls and will lead you to loads of cool spots along the way. If you’ve got the weather for it (which in September you should do), take some walks along the Seine and enjoy the bridges, parks, and sights on the way! Look out for the Louvre, the Notre Dame, Pont Neuf, Jardin des Tuileries, and the Eiffel Tower.

Arc de triomphe

Another must-see if you’re in Paris! It’s almost always busy from what I gathered, but you can still easily get a great view of this stunning architecture. It’s a bit out of the way of other spots so I’d recommend getting the metro there and back. When I was there it was  covered as a commemorative art piece, check it out:

Notre Dame

Another sight that’s worth a quick visit, especially at the moment with it under repair. Whilst it doesn’t look as spectacular, in my opinion it’s even more fascinating to visit the Notre Dame now since it nearly burnt down in 2019 as it really shows you the huge extent of the blaze. There’s also some interesting back story to read about the building if you walk along its side! 

The Luxembourg Gardens

An unexpected and spontaneous trip to the Luxembourg Gardens actually turned out to be my number one spot! This huge garden area in the middle of the city is amazing on a warm sunny day. It’s a beautiful area, with grass for sitting on, chairs to enjoy the sun in and an amazing view. I can definitely recommend spending a late afternoon here with a few bottles of beer and wine!

The Promenade Plantée

The Promenade plantée is a walkway that goes above the city, filled with cool plants. It’s a great way to spend your time walking through Paris, especially if you’d like to be surrounded by a bit more nature. Lots of spots along the way give you a great lookout over the Parisian streets! 

La Petite Ceinture

The petite ceinture is one of the more unique spots in Paris – it’s an abandoned railway track that’s been turned into a beautiful walkway surrounded by loads of plant life. If you enjoy walks in a more peaceful setting then this is the place for you! The track runs for a fairly long way so if you’d like you can spend a decent amount of time strolling through the various sections.

Have you got plans to visit Paris any time soon? If you’ve got any questions or want some more recommendations, feel free to send me a DM on Instagram!

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London

This list couldn’t be written without England’s capital and largest city – London. Filled with culture, museums, stunning sights and good old British pubs, it’s a definite English must-see. 

Some of my favourite spots include Leicester Square for its energetic city-centre vibes, the walk along the Thames from the London Eye to Big Ben, Hyde park, and Camden Town for its creativity and bustling markets.

If you’re in the mood for a drink or two – and by if, I mean when – then be sure to check out the Alchemist for its fun and unique drinking experience, or head to the Sky Garden Bars for a spectacular view. If rooftop bars are your thing, check out this list of London’s best! 

London’s also home to some great museums, including the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Tate Modern Art Gallery (yeah ok, not technically a museum, but it fits in too well with this category). They’re all relatively central and are easily accessible by tube, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re nearby. 

Cornwall

One of, if not the nicest beach-y area in England, Cornwall has lovely coastal areas, seaside towns and is home to the almighty Pasty. If you’ve never had a pasty, I could recommend you to visit Cornwall on that basis alone, but there are certainly more than enough reasons that make a trip absolutely worthwhile.

Cornwall is surrounded by coastal walks, beaches and stunning cliffs that easily make for several days’ worth of adventure. Visit Kynance Cove, Porthcurno Beach and Sennen cove for fine-sand, blue-water beaches. Several beaches – Fistral Beach, Gwithian Beach, and Praa Sands Beach to name a few – are known for their great surfing.

Other iconic landmarks in the area include: 

• Eden Project – a large eco environment that hosts tropical plant species
• Land’s End – literally where the land ends, the final point of England
• The Minack Theatre – an old open-air theatre with sea views

There are also several coastal towns filled with English culture, pubs and restaurants that definitely make it onto Cornwall’s must-see list. Some of the most renowned include St Ives, Padstow, Falmouth and Newquay. 

Brighton

Brighton is another English city on the southern coast of the country, that has a vibrant and energetic culture. There are loads of interesting spots scattered all over Brighton that make it a great place for a fun weekend trip.

Along the coast, you’ve got long stretches of beach to spend the day (providing that the weather permits). A fun fact about Brighton’s beaches is that you’re actually allowed to barbecue on them, so grab a disposable BBQ from any of the nearby shops and set up on the beach for a seaside meal!

Other activities to enjoy along Brighton’s coast include the renowned Brighton Pier, and the British Airways i360 tower – the world’s tallest moving observation tower. On certain days you can even dine and enjoy a drink up there, which makes for a stunning evening meal.

In the city itself you’ll find even more cool spots to fill your day, including the iconic Royal Pavilion, the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Brighton’s open market and the Street Diner BN1 – a street food market hosting a variety of emerging and established stands.

As you can see, there’s more than enough to keep you busy during the day! Then, fill your nights will Brighton’s best bars for a fill of delicious cocktails and craft beers. Check out some of the city’s best bars here.

Lake District

The Lake District National Park boasts 912 square miles of mountains, lakes, and some of England’s most stunning countryside. Situated in North-west England, this park is perfect for long hikes through some of the country’s most stunning nature!

Climb to the top of Scafell Pike, England’s tallest peak, or hike along Cat Bells High Ridge for some breath-taking views, and great exercise of course. At 978m and 451m high respectively, you’ll get a great panoramic view of the surrounding nature!

The Lake District is also home to – you guessed it – a large number of lakes! Some of the top lakes to visit include: 

• Windermere – which offers great views, watersports, lake cruises and is England’s largest lake.
• Derwentwater – which offers stunning lakeside walks and is situated near to the friendly market town of Keswick.
• Ennerdale Water – which, although harder to access, makes up for it by being much quieter. It offers stunning lakeside walks and views.
• Wastwater – which is perhaps the hardest to access and explore due to a lack of roads, but again offers stunning views and some great walks.
• Ullswater – which offers a quieter environment than Windermere, yet is packed with all you could want: boats, water sports, great walks and amazing scenery.

Yorkshire & Leeds

Yorkshire covers a huge area that’s home to stunning nature and seven cities, each with their own scenes and unique attractions. There’s so much variety here that I couldn’t leave it off the list of England’s best travel spots.

If it’s a nature-filled day that you want, head to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the North York Moors National Park and Sheffield’s Winter Gardens. Both national parks contain expansive areas of wild moorland, rolling hills, limestone caves and cliffs, and waterfalls. Sheffield’s Winter Gardens consist of an indoor glass house – one of the largest built in the last century – that hosts over 2,500 plants in a warm and peaceful environment. A perfect escape in Sheffield’s city centre!

As already mentioned, Yorkshire is also home to a number of bustling cities and picturesque towns. Whitby, located on the coast of East Yorkshire is a small seaside town, with a traditional feel and beach access (that’s if you’re brave enough for the North Sea!).

Yorkshire’s largest city is Leeds, vibrantly filled with both modern and traditional sights. See some of Leeds’s older spots at the Kirkstall Abbey Ruins, and Harewood House, where you’ll find art, bird gardens and a stunning 18^th Century mansion. Next, visit the Corn Exchange – a retail space and food hub built into a stunning Victorian-era building. You’ll often find street food festivals and craft fairs taking place in this buzzing environment. If you’re in the mood for some night time fun, check out the renowned Call Lane, which hosts an extensive array of bars and nightclubs that will keep you up into the early hours of the morning!

Bristol & Bath

Bristol and Bath are two cities located on England’s West coast, situated closely to Wales. Bristol’s got something for everyone, with museums, art galleries, nightclubs, great food and so much more. 

Take a trip to The Harbourside – Bristol’s former harbour that has been transformed into a modern cultural hub. Here you’ll find bars, cafes, restaurants shops, and markets. It’s also home to the Arnolfini Arts Gallery, and the M Shed Museum if that’s more your style.

Other areas of interest around the city include Bristol’s Shopping Quarter, the SS Great Britain, Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Zoo Gardens. If you’re around in August, be sure to check out Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta, where over 100 hot air balloons take off above the horizon! Bristol is also has several markets and a range of fun bars and nightclubs that are perfect evening entertainment.

Bath is a nearby city, filled with thermal baths and limestone buildings, making it a picturesque destination well worth a visit if you’re in this area. Enjoy the day relaxing in warm Roman Baths, or simply tour the city to enjoy the Georgian Limestone buildings. The Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge and Circus are some of the most renowned spots to visit. 

Which of England’s best travel spots do you want to visit the most? My current number one has to be the Lake District as I’ve never been, but it looks awesome!

The post English Tourism Week – What are England’s best travel spots? appeared first on Centravely Travel Blog.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast has been one of Italy’s most sought out destinations for many years now, and with great reason too. Dramatic cliffs lining the coast, scenic villages and towns, and stunning clear blue water. 

There’s so much to do, you’ll never run out of options. Visit any of the picturesque towns including Positano, Amalfi and Sorrento. Traditional, pastel-coloured buildings line the coast where you’ll get great sea views and authentic Italian food.

A trip to the island of Capri is also a must – some of the most stunning views, beaches, and swimming that you’ll find in all of Europe! Other great beaches along the Amalfi Coast include Spiaggia di Cauco, Fiordo di Furore, Spiaggia Arienzo and Marina Grande.

Corfu, Greece

Corfu is a small island located off the coast of Greece that makes for a relaxing, nature-filled summer break. Filled to the brim with picturesque sights, beautiful beaches and stunning coastlines, this small, friendly island offers plenty to do.

Visit Agni Bay or Corfu City for a relaxed day exploring local areas with fantastic Greek food and traditional Greek buildings. Agni Bay’s small beach is lined with restaurants that all serve fresh food, Greek beer and live music in the evenings. My absolute favourite here was Nikolas’ Taverna – a lovely beachside spot for a relaxing evening!

For awesome beaches and equally amazing sights, check out Palaiokastritsa, Porto Timoni and Cape Drastis. Beautiful white sand beaches, dramatic white cliff faces and great snorkelling opportunities.

Zillertal, Austria

I suspect that this is one of the lesser-known spots on the list, but it’s absolutely worth a visit! Just an hour and a half drive from Munich and situated in the middle of the Austrian countryside, a stunning summer awaits.

It definitely caters to those who love an action-packed trip, with endless mountains, lakes, activities and hikes. Head up to Lake Achensee for a full day of lake activities – long hikes along the lakeside, water sports ranging from paddle boarding, to windsurfing to sailing, relax on the beach, or even go diving in the crystal waters.

Alternatively, go rock climbing at one of the many climbing courses located nearby (in German known as a Klettersteig), or take a mountain hike. I recommend the Olpererhütte hike that takes you up above Lake Schlegeis to a great observing bridge (pictured on the right, above). And who doesn’t love a great Instagrammable spot once in a while right? To find out how you can make it here, check out this helpful guide!

A personal recommendation is to stay in Zillertal, a small village located just south of Lake Achen – there are some great, quiet homestays that plunge you in traditional Austrian life! Absolutely one of Europe’s best summer destinations if you ask me!

The French Riviera, France

The South of France is another great coastal spot with so much on offer. Long stretches of beach, non-stop fine dining, and iconic coastal towns. It’s one of my favourite scenic trips in all of Europe and definitely earns its spot on this list.

Along the coast you’ve got St Tropez, Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes. All of these picturesque seaside towns make for a great day out, roaming the cobbled streets, surrounded by traditional French buildings, cafes and restaurants.

And let’s not forget that, being situated on the Mediterranean, this area is packed with lush beaches. Clear blue water, white sand or cobblestone, and endless sun! For some of the best that the French Riviera has to offer, check out Paloma Beach, Plage des Marinières, Plage de la Mala, and Plage D’Argent. 

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The final spot on this list goes to Amsterdam – a city teeming with culture and stunning scenery. This is a great place for a city break that really comes to life in the summer.

With more bikes than people, you won’t find it hard to locate a bike and tour the city. Cycle along the canals, to nearby lakes for a swim, or to one of the many cafes situated around the city. Amsterdam also has several great museums including the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. If you want to book tours or tickets in Amsterdam, grab some great deals here!

In the evenings, enjoy drinks at one of the local breweries, roof top bars, or pubs. For some of Amsterdam’s most popular bars, head to the Skylounge, the Flying Dutchman, Hiding In Plain Sight, and Brouweij’t Ij.

So there we have it, 5 top picks for a summer in Europe. Obviously, there are loads more awesome European destinations that should still make it onto your list at some point, but you can’t go wrong with the ones listed here.

Which of Europe’s best summer destinations have you been to already? Which spot gets your number one pick?

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So, we have to look forwards right! I’m calling it right now – 2022 is going to be the biggest year we’ve ever experienced. The roaring 20s all over again, only we can easily travel the world this time! Let’s take a look at some of the top places to visit next year, in terms of great travel destinations that are most likely visitable by 2022.

Europe

In terms of ability to travel, all European countries are going to be lumped together here. They pretty much all follow the same guidelines, and if one implements a border close, most others are likely to follow suit.

With that being said, Europe is going to be a great destination for 2022. It’s done – relatively speaking – not too badly in terms of Covid-19, and they’ve been able to keep a lot of the borders open for extended periods of time. By the time next year rolls up, a good chunk of the continent should be over their peaks, and should have a fair amount of vaccinations completed – all speaking for potential travel opportunity. Especially for those living within Europe, or nearby and those with vaccinations stand an even better chance of travel to and within Europe in 2022. But which places should you visit?

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest really has it all for city adventure. Great food? Check. Awesome sights and attractions? Check. Fantastic culture? Check. Cheap booze and some of Europe’s coolest bars? Definitely check!

If you’re looking for a long weekend getaway, or a city adventure, this is definitely the place for you. Accommodation is affordable, and central to the city’s top spots with great public transport links. The food is brilliant yet cheap, with a huge array of local Hungarian restaurants and take away’s. 

Budapest also has tons of great sights to see, so you’ll never get bored of exploring. And to top it all off – the ruin bars built into old buildings, filled with fascinating night-time vibes and some delicious cold brews. 

Keep an eye out for an upcoming guide to Budapest here on the blog!

Berlin, Germany

Another great city adventure awaits in Berlin. Known for its variety of attractions, Berlin is filled to the brim with Museums, beer, cultural landmarks and nightlife. What more could you want from a city trip right?

Although a little on the pricier side for European cities, it’s well worth it! Head out in the mornings to tour the city on electric scooters, discovering the massive array of historic museums and sites – from the Berlin Wall to the Brandenburg Gate.

Then, spend your afternoons visiting the cafes, traditional German restaurants and bars, filled with wonderful German beers and traditional German dishes. You’ll definitely get your fill of the culture here!

To top it all off, Berlin’s world-renowned nightlife awaits, with an endless supply of pubs, nightclubs and open-air clubs. From Berghain to the ELSE Open Air Club, regardless of how long you’re in Berlin for, you’re not going to run out of exciting nightlife options!

Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart is a city that’s often missed on people’s lists, however it makes for a perfect weekend or even week-long trip. With a large city centre and plenty to do there, surrounding countryside spots and the second largest Oktoberfest in all of Germany, there are so many great options in Stuttgart.

The main city, like many others, is filled with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. There are also several park areas to enjoy the surprisingly nice summer weather that they get in Southern Germany. You can easily spend a full day walking around and exploring the main street!

Something that many don’t know about Stuttgart is its close proximity to the Black Forest, Swabian Alps, Switzerland and France! All within a 2 hour drive, you could visit the picturesque city of Strasbourg, go for a swim in Switzerland at Lake Constance, go hiking in the Black Forest or climb to the top of a mountain!

There are so many sights to see in the surrounding areas that you won’t ever run out of options. Lakes, idyllic German towns, forest treks, mountain hikes, waterfalls and so much more!

I couldn’t mention Stuttgart without talking about the Oktoberfest and “Frühlingsfest”. Every year in April and October, Stuttgart breaks out into its traditional festivities of drinking beer and eating classic German foods. Stuttgart hosts the second biggest in all of Germany, the benefit being a cheaper, yet equally bustling event. If you’re around the area during this periods, it’s well worth a visit – even if drinking litres of beer isn’t your thing!

France’s Alps

There’s no question about it, the French Alps are my favourite mountains in the world. If you’re a bit of a skiing freak like me, you’re probably itching to get back to the slopes ASAP and this is the place to do just so in 2022. 

With over 250 ski resorts to choose from and over 10,000kms of beautiful white piste, there are virtually endless options. 

The larger resorts including Courchevel, Avoriaz and Alpe d’Huez provide you with a more commercial stay; more shops, larger hotels, more bars and clubs. On the other end of the spectrum, small ski towns give you a more peaceful, less busy trip and often won’t have as much piste to discover. 

I’m hoping that all of them will have the chance to open up again in 2022 – I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed until then. With such an extensive array of ski resorts, all filled to the brim with delicious French cuisine, there should at least be a few options available to those of us who are desperate to get back next year!

The Greek Islands

As of when this was written, Greece looks like it’s going to open up travel again in 2021, albeit limited to those who have been fully vaccinated. This is however a good sign that most people will be allowed to travel to Greece and its islands next year – although it all depends on the evolution of the current situation.

There are over 220 inhabited Greek islands to choose from, all special in their own ways, yet having lots of great travel-inspiring things in common: Local Greek food, great snorkelling, beautiful countryside and some of Europe’s best beaches!

You can’t really go wrong with a trip to any of the Greek islands – although one thing to look out for is pricier accommodation. Here are some Greek island top picks for 2022:

• Santorini
• Corfu
• Zakynthos
• Naxos
• Crete

The Spanish Islands

Spain have also said that they’ll be opening their borders up in 2021. From June 21^st, travellers within Europe will once again be able to visit, although as with every other country, this is subject to change. 

If all does go to plan though, the Spanish islands are a great bet for summer travel in 2022. Warm weather, lovely beaches, cheap living costs and awesome nightlife awaits!

Spain’s islands also provide you with a wide range of holiday styles – spend your trip enjoying nightlife filled islands like Mallorca and Ibiza, or fill your days with activity and beaches in the Canary Islands.

Some of Spain’s top island picks for 2022 include:

• Mallorca
• Tenerife
• Gran Canaria
• Menorca
• Ibiza
• Lanzarote

Portugal’s Algarve

Algarve in Portugal has been a favourite spot for many for a few years now (before Covid-19 hit of course), and there’s good reason for it – stunning cliffs along the coast, perfect beaches, affordable costs and lively towns. 

All along the coast of the Algarve you’ll find great beach spots to spend your day relaxing, partaking in water sports or surfing the waves at any of the awesome surf spots. 

One of Algarve’s best-known features is its stunning cliff-lined coast with amazing sights and cool caves. Take a trip to Sagres and Lagos for some of the best cliff views in the country!

Algarve is also full of lively towns that provide great restaurants, nice cafes and some great nightlife. Some of the best towns to experience a lively night include Vilamoura, Portimão and Albufeira.

And to top it all off, the Algarve is budget-friendly and one of the safest destinations in all of Europe! Airbnb’s, hotels and restaurants are all among the most affordable in Europe for beach destinations, and Portugal is currently listed as one of the safest countries in the world, making it a great family-friendly area too!

Outside of Europe

Venturing outside of Europe is going to be more difficult in 2022, simply because of the additional travel restrictions and difficulties that come with going further away. Whilst some countries have done better than others, they are currently opting to keep their borders closed, and it could be a long time before they reopen.

There are still a few countries that are looking positive for 2022 travel though:

USA

Although one of the worst hit by the pandemic, the USA are now ramping up vaccinations and it looks like a good majority of them will have had one by 2022. As of now, America are saying that they’re going to try and open borders up for international travel again in mid-May 2021 – a good signal for travel freedom in 2022!

The US has such an array of options that you’d struggle to go wrong with a trip here! Massive cities such as New York and Chicago, beach states such as Florida and California, mountains with amazing ski resorts, and national parks throughout the country.

Some of the best trips include a West Coast road trip, East Coast road trip or a skiing trip to the Rocky Mountains. I’ll have guides on each of those coming up soon!

South East Asia 

A few countries in South East Asia are also looking like a solid option for travel in 2022. Many of the countries rely so heavily on tourism that they’re keen to reopen as soon as possible, which is great news for travellers as trips to this part of the world make for some of the absolute best!

Thailand

Thailand currently looks like the best option as they are reopening borders up again on July 1^st 2021. Provided all goes well, they’ll definitely be open to most countries in 2022 as well. 

You get the best of everything in Thailand – great local food, mega cities like Bangkok, full of restaurants and nightlife, great beaches, rainforests and amazing snorkelling/diving!

Some of Thailand’s top destinations include:

• Bangkok
• Ko Samui
• Ko Tao
• Khao Sok National Park
• Similan Islands

Singapore

Singapore is another South East Asian country that not only makes for an awesome trip, but is also looking like a go for 2022! The small city-country is filled with great sights and activities, so you won’t get bored.

For some of Singapore’s most iconic sights and attractions, visit the Marina Bay Sands for an amazing view from the observation deck. Nearby are also the Gardens By The Bay, which provide an escape from the bustling city – you’ll be surrounded by plants, have the opportunity to see the world’s largest indoor waterfall and walk high above the Supertree Grove. 

Back in the city, you’ll find endless high-end shopping malls and streets with stunning architecture and design. There are also many places to eat and drink – take your pick from small local takeaways, to large, luxury restaurants. Chinatown is also a great place to eat on the go whilst you explore the fascinating area of shops and stands.

Finally, there’s Sentosa Island. If you’re feeling beachy or sporty then this is a great place to spend your time – sandy beaches, indoor and outdoor water sports and beach volleyball are just some of things you can enjoy here.

Where do you want to go in 2022? I certainly can’t wait to get back to travelling and visit anywhere that will take me!

The post The Top Places To Visit In 2022 appeared first on Centravely Travel Blog.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park covers a mountainous 823 square miles in North-western Wales. Founded in 1951, the park contains a huge array of outstanding spots – from Mount Snowdon itself, to magnificent castles and stunning lakes.

This National Park really has something for everyone and is a definite must-visit once things start to open up. Take massive hikes to the top of Mount Snowdon, or through the Llanberis Pass – surrounded by vast green nature and rolling hills! 

Alternatively, visit the White Water Centre for an adrenaline-packed white-water rafting experience, or visit the Zip World Forest where you can experience the thrill of Europe’s highest five-person swing and the world’s first tandem drop experience.

For a more relaxed, sight-packed experience, visit some of the castles: Harlech, Conwy and Caernarfon are all stunning and impressive sights that are well worth a visit! The park is also home to a vast array of beautiful lakes, including Lake Bala, Llyn Padarn, Llyn Ogwen and Llyn Trawsfynydd (try pronouncing that one!). 

The Lake District National Park

Also created in 1951, the Lake District National Park boasts 912 square miles of mountains and lakes. Situated in North-west England, this park is perfect for long hikes through some of the country’s most stunning nature!

Climb to the top of Scafell Pike, England’s tallest peak, or hike along Cat Bells High Ridge for some breath-taking views, and great exercise of course. At 978m and 451m high respectively, you’ll get a great panoramic view of the surrounding nature!

The Lake District is also home to – you guessed it – a large number of lakes! Some of the top lakes to visit include: 

• Windermere – which offers great views, watersports, lake cruises and is England’s largest lake.
• Derwentwater – which offers stunning lakeside walks and is situated near to the friendly market town of Keswick.
• Ennerdale Water – which, although harder to access, makes up for it by being much quieter. It offers stunning lakeside walks and views.
• Wastwater – which is perhaps the hardest to access and explore due to a lack of roads, but again offers stunning views and some great walks.
• Ullswater – which offers a quieter environment than Windermere, yet is packed with all you could want: boats, water sports, great walks and amazing scenery.

The New Forest National Park

The New Forest became a National Park in 2005, however it has been home to idyllic villages and huge expanses of forest for almost 1,000 years. Full of wildlife, plant life, picturesque villages and lakes, it makes for a great weekend out in nature!

Take long hikes or bike rides through the forest for a brilliant outdoors day. The Northern Commons and Telegraph Hill are great places to spot wild animals – from free roaming wild ponies to cows. The large open areas also provide for a great sunset!

If you’re looking for interesting plant life, take a trip to the Ancient Woodlands – home to some of the oldest trees in the country and stunning all year round. The Exbury Gardens also host an array of plant life, with many different flower types, rare trees as well as small lakes with water plants.

The New Forest also boasts some brilliant coastal spots. Lepe Beach offers a nice stretch of sandy seaside with blue water – perfect for a summer getaway (hopefully one that we’ll actually get this year!). Or, visit Lymington, a picturesque seaside town and stroll through the cobbled roads and old English pubs!

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park covers over 240 square miles of the Western coast of Wales. From magnificent castles, to beautiful beaches and stunning walks, this National Park is definitely worth a trip.

Visit any of the old castles or cathedral to capture some of Wales’s oldest architecture, including Pembroke Castle, Manorbier Castle, Cilgerran Castle and St David’s Cathedral.

Alternatively, take a trip to any of the idyllic coastal towns situated within the National Park. Tenby, Goodwick and Fishguard are some of the most notable towns to visit, due to their old and historic feel. They are also surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches and stunning walks if you prefer to venture further than just the town centres.

For the ultimate Pembrokeshire experience, hike along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path which runs along 186 miles of the coast! Here you’ll see some of Britain’s most breath-taking coastal scenery with miles of beaches, cliffs and wildlife. Be sure to keep an eye out for seals along the way! 

Last but certainly not least are the beaches of Pembrokeshire. These are some of Britain’s nicest beaches and provide for a great beach day in the summer. Some of the top beaches here include:

• Barafundle Bay
• Blue Lagoon
• Whitesands beach
• Freshwater West Beach
• North Beach

The Cairngorms National Park

The largest National Park in the UK, the Cairngorms National Park covers a huge 1750 square miles. The park is filled with mountainous terrain, forests, rivers, lochs and more. It also boasts a huge variety of wildlife, including a quarter of the UK’s rare and endangered species.

Take long hikes through the varying landscapes – moorlands, forests, mountains and glens. Keep your eye out for any of the amazing wildlife there, including birds of prey like the Osprey and Golden Eagle, deer, red squirrels, badgers and many more.

If the weather’s not so great (which can often be the case in Scotland!), spend your time visiting any of the distilleries in the area. Speyside, Scotland’s home of whiskey, contains over 40 distilleries! A great way to learn more about the process of whiskey making.

For the more adventurous, the Cairngorms National Park also offers an array of adrenaline-packed activities. Go white-water rafting on the River Feshie, or mountain biking at High Burnside or Laggan Wolftrax, or go climbing at Glenmore Lodge or the Northern Corries. 

If you’d like to discover more on any of the national parks mentioned, check out their websites listed below! Although it’s unlikely that many of us will be able to experience the parks during Discover National Parks Week, it’s still a great opportunity to spread awareness of the stunning nature that we have right on our doorstep! And, with any luck, by the time summer comes around, we might get our chance to go exploring!

1. Snowdonia National Park
2. The Lake District National Park
3. The New Forest National Park
4. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
5. The Cairngorms National Park

Which of the national parks do you like the sound of the most? Leave your comments below!

The post Discover National Parks Week 2021 – 5 Of The UK’s Best National Parks appeared first on Centravely Travel Blog.

With that being said, there’s nothing we can do about it, so why not find things that come closest to satisfying your travel urges? In this short guide we’ll discuss some of the best ways to take your mind off of the boredom and to start feeling like a globetrotter once again! Feel free to leave any other suggestions in the comments so that others can join in on your fun!

Hiking

One of the few things that we’re still allowed to do – at least in the UK – is to go out for exercise. A great way to make the most of this opportunity and to enjoy an adventurous outing is to plan longer hikes through nature.

You often don’t have to stray far from home (perfect for adhering to lockdown guidelines) to find amazing walks and treks to spots that you’ve never even visited before. I don’t think I’ve ever explored my local area as much as I have in the last year!

Simply have a Google, or use online maps to mark out your route. Look out for fields, hilly areas or forests and you’re well on your way to immersing yourself in a whole new world – hopefully giving you a somewhat travel-y feeling along the way! 

Of course, it’s not the perfect solution, but sometimes the best we can manage will have to do!

Plan your next trip

Another great way to feel the excitement of travel – without even leaving the house – is to plan your next adventure. Obviously, it’s not the easiest thing to plan currently; we don’t know when travel will be allowed again, we don’t know when certain countries will open their borders and we don’t know what the new travel requirements might be.

Having said this, you can still plan what you’re going to do when the time comes. Plan where you want to go, plan what you want to see and do whilst you’re there, see where you could stay.

The great thing about the internet is that it allows you to save as many spots, places to stay and activities as you want. And that’s exactly what I do! Browse for hours finding great beaches, awesome activities and stunning accommodations that you can keep stored away until it comes time to book. In the worst case, when travel is allowed, some of the activities won’t be, or some of the spots won’t be accessible – but thanks to your never-ending list of bookmarked ideas, you’ve got nothing to worry about!

For me, planning a trip is the single best way to feel the excitement, without actually being on the trip.

Start scrapbooking your old trips

If you feel too uncertain to plan a new trip, how about making more out of your old trips. Creating a scrapbook, a photo album or a photo board of an old trip is an easy, fun way to bring the memories back and get the travel feeling.

It’ll take you hours of digging through photos, old tickets and souvenirs that will keep you motivated through until the next one! 

They’ll also leave you with an added bonus – some great decorations for your home that will serve as a constant reminder of the best moments, journeys and destinations!

Read travel blogs

A bit of a shameless plug here, but, reading travel blogs can be another simple way to get yourself in the travel mood whilst at home. Look for the best travel blogs around and for those who have significant catalogues of destinations as they’ll give you hours of travel entertainment.

Not only can you use them to inspire yourself for future destinations, but they can provide you with a nostalgic documentation of a place you’ve once visited. Lots of blogs also have handy tips and guides that’ll help you to plan better for your next trips!

Read and watch travel books and programs

The fifth and final tip for quenching your travel thirst during this, or any lockdown for that matter, is to read travel books and watch travel documentaries and films.

There are so many out there, you’d be left with no time to sit around in boredom! It’s a super easy way to relax and get your travel fix whenever you have a spare moment, so why not make the most of it! Check out these lists of the best travel documentaries and the best travel books to start building your schedule!

With all of these activities to get you in the feeling of travel whilst at home, you’ll be able to keep yourself entertained for the foreseeable future! Not that I want it to be that long until restrictions are lifted…but just in case! Of course, it’s not going to live up to the real thing, but it’s a time for making do with what you’ve got.

The post 5 Things To Do During Lockdown That Will Quench Your Travel Thirst appeared first on Centravely Travel Blog.

What are the benefits of travelling in your own country?

Although a lot of people may find “local” travelling on the boring side, it can actually have many advantages that longer haul tips wouldn’t allow for. 

It’s easier to avoid flying

Flying is something that we should all look to at least reduce and avoid whenever possible. It’s the least sustainable way to travel and a single flight can produce over 986kg of Co2 per passenger! 

Travelling to nearby destinations, or generally within your own country, often eliminates the need to fly, with train, coach or car journeys being more than manageable. Another benefit that comes from driving or coaches is that they’re often cheaper than flying, especially when comparing it to long-distance trips or with larger groups. Who doesn’t love to save some money when they travel?

It’s often cheaper

As just mentioned, a lack of need for expensive flights is often going to help in reducing costs. Admittedly, sometimes those expensive long-haul trips are more than worth the money – but who’s to say we can’t take some cheaper trips once in a while!

Another way that you’ll probably save money when travelling is by simply knowing what things cost. Sounds obvious, but when you think about it, knowing that you’re paying a reasonable price for groceries, eating out and activities will help you to avoid overpaying for things – which we often do when we’re abroad.

Finally, you’ll also save by not paying for currency exchange. In a lot of cases nowadays you can certainly avoid high costs for this, but spending absolutely nothing is always going to be cheaper!

You know the language

Now this is a bit of a lazy one, but sometimes you just don’t want to learn new phrases or feel lost in a country where you don’t understand what’s going on. Although I fully encourage everyone to learn new languages, or at least some phrases when you’re heading abroad, sometimes we all enjoy that lazy, non-transitional escape.

There are some undeniable benefits of understanding the language fully as it won’t hinder your ability to ask for advice or directions on your trip.

There are still great hidden gems

Surprisingly, you’ll always come across tons of new spots that you never knew about once you start looking properly. I still come across areas that I never knew existed just minutes away from where I’ve lived for years!

Travelling to nearby spots really encourages you to do more research and find out as much as you can about a certain place, which often opens up whole new areas to explore. Carry on reading to find out the best ways to find new sights!

So how can you make the most of it?

There are a few easy ways to make the most of your short-haul trips, so let’s take a look at what they might be.

Google your country’s top nature spots

To begin narrowing down your broad search for destinations, look for the top spots in your country. It’s a super easy way to get some inspiration and find some potential destinations for your trip.

Follow the weather

One of the best ways to make your inland trip really feel like a holiday is to go where the best weather is. If you’re looking for a snowy winter escape, head to the mountains. If you want summer and beaches, find the best coastline with the warmest days. Planning for the weather will be important as it could make or “break” the trip!

Check monthly weather averages and use forums to find out what the weather is usually like during your chosen travel period.

Pick spots within driving distance

Going somewhere near enough to drive will not only save you money on transport costs, but it will allow you to get around easily once you’re there. You won’t need to rely on public transport or care hire – just use your very own vehicle to go wherever you want, whenever you want!

Use TripAdvisor 

TripAdvisor is one of the best ways to find out great spots in your country. They have a ton of activities, things to see and places to go out listed for every location, often with reviews and comments left by people who have previously been. 

Use their extensive search system to find things to do and which are the best for your group to ensure a fun-filled and action-packed trip!

Use local forums

Similar to TripAdvisor, local forums can really help you out in finding great things to do. Simply search for “[destination] travel forums” or “local forums [destination]” and you should be able to find some lively online forums with knowledgeable tips and suggestions for your visit.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, start your own thread! People will almost always get back to you with answers to what you need and handy recommendations that will definitely improve your trip.

By using these tips and by planning effectively, you can still make the most of the travel opportunities that you have closer to home in 2021. Although it won’t quite live up to getting lost in a totally foreign scene, you can still satisfy those travel cravings – of which I’m sure many of us have after almost a full year of Covid-19!

The post Travelling In Your Own Country – Tips & Benefits appeared first on Centravely Travel Blog.

After a poor year for travel (that’s putting it lightly!), people are hungry to get out and back to exploring the world in 2021. Sadly, the question still remains whether this will be a possibility at all and if so, when, where to and how. Going into the new year, we don’t know exactly what it’ll be like yet, but there are a few things that are likely to play out – let’s have a look at what we know so far!

Vaccinations are beginning to roll out

As of January 2021, several Covid-19 vaccines have started to roll out and become available. Although these are not currently available for the general population, by protecting large groups of those at more risk, it’s still likely to help and slowly open things up again. 

Depending on how quickly companies can produce the vaccines, and how quickly they can be distributed, it’s likely that most healthy adults under 65 will have to wait until late summer to get a vaccine – and that’s a best-case scenario.

That means a lot of waiting, but it also shows some hope that more travel opportunities will open up towards the second half of the year. I’m definitely keeping my fingers crossed!

If we can travel, it’s going to be more expensive

Unfortunately for travellers who enjoy sticking to a budget – like me – the pandemic has led to an increase in prices. Whether it’s for flights, trains, cruises or accommodation, prices are expected to continue to rise in 2021.

Tui stated that their prices are currently around one seventh higher than in 2019 (the last normal travel year).

Due to travel companies having a shocking 2020, they’re looking to recuperate as much of their losses as possible, whenever and wherever they can. What’s more is that now, less flights are going, with far fewer seats available so naturally, individual prices are likely to rise in accordance with the lack of supply.

The good news in all of this is that flights and hotels in some areas are still running and open, which provides hope for at least some kind of trip during the year – even if it does burn a slightly bigger hole in the savings pot.

Short-Haul is your best bet

There’s no doubt that travelling within your own country, or sticking to nearby destinations will be your safest bet in 2021. You’re less likely to require a vaccine and there’s more chance you’ll even be allowed in in the first place. 

Most countries at the moment, including Australia, the US, Canada and the EU have strict long-haul restrictions that prevent travellers entering and it’s likely to remain that way for a fair while. I’m desperate for a long-haul adventure, trust me, but I’m keeping my hopes way down for 2021!

Having said that, there are a huge range of nearby options for everyone that can still satisfy that wanderlust. Keep an eye out for an upcoming post on how to make the most of travel within your own and neighbouring countries!

Many countries with improved Covid conditions, such as Australia, New Zealand and parts of Europe allow movement within the border and with any luck, this will continue to improve throughout the year. Much like 2020, summer is expected to bring fewer cases and with it, more freedom.

Travel by car or train

This ties in with making the most of nearby destinations; the closer you are to home, the easier it makes it to drive or catch a train rather than flying.

As flights are being cancelled more and more, it’s a risky transport method for 2021 and is best avoided if you can. Your safest option is to drive as you won’t be mixing with any other groups of people. You’ll also have more freedom to go where you want, plus it can often be cheaper than flying.

Another alternative is to take the train, as these are still running far more frequently than flights. It’s also easier to stick to social distancing rules with certain seats being blocked out, allowing passengers to sit further apart. Although trains are generally more expensive than flights, at least they’re likely to get you where you’re going, and you won’t have to worry as much about cancellations.

Remember: you should only take a train or go away if you’re healthy and are able to adhere to all measures in place. We all love to travel, but safety comes first!

So there’s hope for Summer – but what about Winter skiing?

For those who are keen to hit the slopes again this year – I know I bloody well am – it looks like there are one or two options. Although, if you’re from the UK looking to go abroad, your chances aren’t great at the moment, with the majority of countries banning all travellers entering from the UK. 

In Europe, there are a number of ski resorts still open, albeit with limited capacity, fewer lift passes being given out and fewer catering options. That means that cooking your own food, avoiding bars and visiting supermarkets will all be a must if you manage to get out there. What’s more is that any night life or ski events are now obviously not running, so that should be taken into account as well.

The best places to find an open ski resort in Europe currently are Austria, Switzerland and the south of Germany, each with a number of ski resorts open. Be sure to double check recent closures though as changes are constantly being made. Those of you who are able to ski in the US and Canada stand more chance, with over 200 resorts currently opening or reopening!

So it looks like there’s a small chance that skiing could happen in the first quarter of 2021 – the main question is: can you get there? As flights are being cancelled and with borders closing, this will be your main challenge this season. If you’re one of the lucky ones who lives in a country with mountains and snow, then I’m envious. Hopes for you look relatively high!

For the rest of us – especially those in the UK – we’ll need to keep an eye out for any changes to travel regulations and maybe, just maybe, a last minute week of skiing is on the cards!

That is of course as long as you can do it safely, without carrying Covid-19 and whilst sticking to all safety measures. Safety still remains a number one priority, so it’s not worth pushing the limits!

The post 2021 – Will We Be Able To Travel? appeared first on Centravely Travel Blog.