Let's get the tent out...

At this time of year our thoughts turn to the great outdoors as the weather starts to look like camping is more of a realistic option and less of a pursuit for madmen...
Now it is a well established fact in my mind that US clothing manufacturers make some of the best outdoor gear available, and have made several purchases from US manufacturers in the past. One of the elite outdoor clothing sites I have come across is the 'LA Police Gear' site which has every possible item you could need along with quite a lot that you wouldn't.. for instance, you probably shouldn't be considering the Blackhawk Holsters if you are a UK citizen as taking a hand-gun on a camping trip would be considered a little extreme in Britain.. However, this accentuates the fact that LA Police Gear is a serious site with some serious bits of kit on offer, prices are keen are there are always some great bargains to be had.

Least Popular Traveling Companions

Thanks once more to Essential Travel for a new report into the people we don't want to sit next to on a flight to our chosen holiday destination - Answers vary from those who don't want their personal space invaded by overweight travelers to those who would prefer not to sit next to their own family members - one respondent answering:‘I would pay not to sit next to my 15 year old daughter’.
The feelings against more portly travelers appear to run fairly high with over 40% of the respondents (out of 1000) citing 'Overweight Individuals' as the least desirable traveling companion - To be fair teenage offspring, or more accurately 'family' were only identified as a problem by 2% which translates as 20 out of the 1000 interviewed.
A good number (17%) identified 'babies' as undesirables whilst surprisingly 'smelly' (7%) was pipped by 'chatterbox' (8%) - Please note that surprisingly and smelly are not part of the same phrase... to be 'surprisingly smelly' indeed puts a whole new spin on simply being smelly...
Politicians and bankers were given an easy ride and identified as being slightly less desirable than your own family members and a honeymooning couple.

This survey will no doubt be welcomed by those airlines who are planning to introduce a 'fat tax' for those who find it difficult to fit into a single seat adequate for most other travelers. RyanAir is one of those who is considering this approach. There is some confusion as to how exactly this charge will be made as weight alone may not constitute an invasion of personal space, and any charge is almost sure to be challenged under discrimination laws. Some US airlines are already charging very obese passengers who spill over into neighbouring seats for a second seat in some cases. United Airlines said it would make additional charges for travellers whose size made them "infringe on another guest's seat".

Travelling in Wales

I have posted about the 'ColinsWales' site before when it was hosted on a free site - I have noticed that a number of free site services have been withdrawn lately which will have prompted some people to dump their sites whilst the more adventurous ones have gone on to create a new site on a new domain. I am pleased to report that ColinsWales is part of the latter group and a new revamped Wales Tourism site has been launched. This site features detailed descriptions of seven major South Wales beaches, a Welsh History section, some stunning photography and even a fascinating narrative about Colin's childhood experiences. If you are planning to visit Wales, then visit: http://www.colinswalestourism.co.uk/ there are lots of ideas about places to visit including an indication of opening times and admission prices. This is an informative site, yet written from a uniquely personal perspective - well worth a visit even if you just want to find out a bit more about Wales.

Hawaii Activities

I spoke to someone today who's spouse was taking part in a conference...in Hawaii! No surprise in finding out that this particular conference is very well attended as surely Hawaii figures highly in the league tables of favourite fantasy holiday locations.
Hawaii conjures up images of island holidays at their very best with beautiful beaches, wonderful facilities and one of the best places in the world to do a spot of surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving or fishing.
There are plenty of Hawaii Activities to take part in, and some wonderful scenery and weather which makes any trip to these Islands, the vacation of a lifetime.
Hawaii is made up of a collection of separate islands, each of which offers different activities. As well as the activities mentioned above you can do everything from helicopter flights, surfing, biking, whale watching, kayaking, and even take a close look at some volcanoes in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park if you are so inclined.
No wonder this is such a popular location for holidays as well as 'working' events, particularly as to counter the full program of available activities comes some of the most beautiful and relaxing surroundings that you could hope to encounter anywhere on earth.

Going away with friends

Whilst taking a holiday with friends always seems like it might be a nice idea, there are some pit-falls that you should be aware of if you are considering holidaying with others.
www.essentialtravel.co.uk have carried out a customer survey which has given some surprising results, not least of which is their finding that 1 out of 10 friendships end after joint holidays. Not only that, but 25% of people 'felt differently' about their friends having spent time at close quarters with them... (and I suspect that they don't mean in a good way).

Amongst the most disagreeable traits of friends on holiday are conflicts caused by holiday romance, disagreements over money and splitting bills, clash of interests and the altered behaviour that we revert to when outside of the 'normal constraints' of home life.

However holidaying with friends can be a success, many groups prove this to be true year after year and EssentialTravel has 10 tips to make your holiday with friends a success (or at least limit the damage...).

Cotswolds - Berkeley Castle

The English countryside is not by any means short of castles, in fact until a week ago I didn't even know Berkeley Castle existed. Berkeley is not a huge imposing edifice battle-scarred and falling into ruin, it is a wonderfully preserved Norman fortress which has morphed over the centuries into a genteel and appealing family home.
Parts of the castle are open to the public and for special events all the year round and the family reside in the remainder. The castle is characterised by a lived-in feeling which few other castles (being mostly ruins) can boast. The walls are decorated with pictures and hangings, there is original wood-panelling and ornately carved period doors. This is not to say that it lacks some austere features, and is reported to be the place where Edward II was murdered.

The Berkeley family is deeply rooted in English heritage and has many claims to fame including links to Shakespeare and Sir Francis Drake and of course Berkeley Square in London. The castle is a jewel in the beautiful Cotswold landscape, offering history, culture, tea rooms and a lovely picnic area.

Entry prices:

Adult £7.50

Child (age 5 - 16) £4.50

Senior Citizen at 60+ £6.00

Students £5.50

Cotswolds - Bourton

The Cotswolds continue to be a very popular spot for visitors to the UK, evidenced by the number of accents and languages you can hear while walking around it's picturesque towns and villages.
The familiar stone dwellings and buildings that characterise this part of the world, hold endless charm and beg to be photographed time and time again.
Whether you are just looking for a pleasant environment to take a stroll or are more inclined to visit a museum or have a meal in the rich rustic surroundings, the Cotswolds has the perfect setting.

Every town in this special part of England has it's own appeal, but Bourton has the lion's share of more contrived attractions from 'Birdworld' to the Model Village, the Motor and Toy museum and the Butterfly Maze amongst others. Of course, to go along with the attractions, there are plenty of places to get a cream tea, place your weary head for the night and have a drink or a meal.
Limited though the parking is in the town centre, car parks can be found just outside within reasonable walking distance, one of them right next to Birdland.
In short Bourton and it's surrounding towns offer a good day out for anyone and particularly for families as there is undoubtedly plenty to do. Most attractions have an entry fee of around £3 or £4 per person, Disneyworld it is not, but a good day out in spectacularly charming surroundings is guaranteed.
If you would like to be accommodated in one of the more picturesque hotels in the town centre, be prepared to spend £100 per night per room.