Ola's World: editor of DiverseTraveller.com the online community for women who travel, write, snap and share

Love of Travel - 'Love of place.'

Life on a typical Tuscan street

"It isn't necessarily the great and famous beauty spots we fall in love with. As with people, so with places; love is overseen, and we can all find ourselves affectionately attached to the minor and the least obvious. I do not have an art historian's response to places. I can discern and admire a late-Renaissance gate, a medieval street, a Romanesque church, Etruscan wall, but my first thoughts are for the warmth of the stone or for the clouds, when they look like a 15th century painting with a chariot or as saint the singing up into them. I notice the light and shade on buildings grouped on a hilltop, the rich skin colours and the shapes of the people around me. I love to watch people, to sit in a trattoria or listening in to their talk, imagining the rest."  -Muriel Spark, "Side roads of Tuscany." Taken from 365 Travel: A Daily Book of Journeys, Meditations and Adventures (Body & Soul)

What do you love about travel / travelleing?

Where in the world was I?

They. Whoever they are, say imitation is best form of flattery so I am flattering the Mirror online by copying their great photo idea. TEST your travel knowledge with the Daily Mirror as as will be known from now on with these virtual walls ' test your travel knowledge with Diverse Traveller.'

Each week, I'll post a photo taken whilst on my travels. All you have to do is work out where I was when the photo was taken. You'll get a clue but no prize - just the warm inner glow of getting it right.

Post your answer in the comment box below and I'll give you the answer, next week, when I post a new photo. If you would like your photo to be used, in this fun quiz, get in touch.

The photo for this week:

Clue: In Rome, a city spoilt with architectural wonders, this building is able to stake a claim as being one of its most impressive sights.To point your nose upwards is to enjoy a view of the vast hemispeherical dome, that has stunned vistors for nearly two thousand years. Natural light enters through the oculus at the dome's centre and as the sun moves striking patterns of light dance across the walls. There's many a bar less than 50 yards from the entrance, handy in winter; as I can testify having visted this building and a neaby bar last November.

 

Please provide your answer in the comment box below, there is no prize, it's all a bit of fun.

If you also want to take part in the original version of this quiz, visit the Daily Mirror website: http://www.mirror.co.uk/advice/travel/where-is-mirrortravel/#ixzz1iZUdHRvM

Adventure Travel Show 2012 speakers confirmed

 

 The list of speakers has been confirmed for the Adventure Travel Show 2012, celebrating the spirit of adventure, this year’s show also includes talks from a panel of Daily Telegraph editors and writers, presenting their pick of top adventures for 2012. Each talk will be followed by a short Q&A.

Here are just a few of the speakers that will be there:

Saturday 28 January 2012

Time : 10:30 till 11:15 

Harry's Arctic Heroes - The North Pole Challenge. Edward Parker - Walking With The Wounded.

Featured in the BBC1 TV Series 'Harry's Arctic Heroes', Walking With The Wounded helped four wounded servicemen to trek 180 miles to the North Pole. The attempt aimed to raise £2m for armed forces charities. The expedition was founded after Edward Parker's nephew was severely injured in an IED blast on tour in Afghanistan. Together with friend Simon Daglish, Edward Parker began to secure support for the idea, first with the military and then potential sponsors. A chance meeting with Prince Harry secured his support and resulted in him joining the team for the first days on the ice. Walking With The Wounded received worldwide media attention and generated substantial funds for injured servicemen. It continues its work, and next year, the charity aims to put 5 wounded soldiers on the summit of Everest. Join Edward Parker and some of the team as they tell their story.

Time : 12:30 till 13:15  

 The Accidental Adventurer - Ben Fogle.

Ben Fogle is a presenter, writer and adventurer. His achievements include racing 160 miles across the Sahara desert in the notorious Marathon Des Sables. He has rowed the Atlantic Ocean in 49 days and crossed Antarctica in a foot race to the South Pole.He has presented numerous programmes including BBC’s Animal Park, Wild In Africa, Countryfile, Crufts, One Man and His Dog and Extreme Dreams.

He writes regularly for the Sunday Telegraph and the Independent and has written five bestselling books. Ben’s latest book, The Accidental Adventurer is out now. He is an ambassador for WWF, Medecins Sans Frontier and Tusk, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the President of the Campaign for National Parks.

Sunday 29 January 2012

Time : 10:30 till 11:15  

Having goals and confronting fears.Annabelle Bond.

Annabelle reached the summit of mount Everest on May 15th 2004, making her the fourth British woman to ever stand on top of the world. Since climbing mount Everest, Annabelle went onto scale all seven summits, the highest peaks on each continent in just 360 days reaching the summit of Denali in Alaska on 10th May 2005, thus making her the fastest woman climber in the world and part of an elite group of less than 115 people to have ever achieved this physical and logistical feat.

Time : 13:30 till 14:15

 Wilderness Camera, by Frozen Planet Cameraman Doug Allan.

Join cameraman Doug Allan in his experiences of filming the BBC wildlife series “Frozen Planet”.  In a career spanning 25 years, BAFTA and Emmy award winning photographer Doug Allen has made over 50 filming trips, taking him from the depths of the Arctic to the upper reaches of Mount Everest.  Most recently known for his esteemed position as the cameraman for the BBC documentaries “Human Planet”, “Ocean Giants” and “Frozen Planet”, Doug has experienced, captured and shared his fascinating experiences and remarkable tales.  Awarded the Fuchs Medal in 1982 and then the Polar Medal in 1984, Doug is now set to join a select band of polar people as he prepares to collect a bar to his Polar Medal in January 2012, in recognition of his notable contribution to polar photography.

You still have time to try and win a pair of free tickets, click here to enter our prize draw.

Destination Maryland - America in miniature

If you haven’t heard about Maryland, you're not alone. But I bet you know more about this eastern US state that you think. The star-spangled banner, Alex Haley (author of Roots), Babe Ruth, swimmer Michael Phelps, Baltimore, or the breathtaking beauty of Chesapeake Bay, all have Maryland ties.

Introducing Maryland

Maryland, a historic, cultural and natural melting pot, remains undiscovered by many travellers. Bordering Delaware, Pennsylvania, Washington DC and Virgina, the sprawling state of Maryland was once described by National Geographic, "America in Miniature.

Annapolis - Alex Haley, author of Roots, memorial

Nature

Located  on the mid-Atlantic corridor, Maryland, benefits from moderate summer temperatures, fall views that rival New England, and  ski perfect snowy winter landscapes; this makes for great all-year travel, where you can indulge in every out-door activity you can think of, especially those that take place in or on water.

You can literally smell the salt water from and in most parts of the state. That's not an exagerration, as Maryland is very much about the sea shore, boasting nearly 4,000 miles of shoreline, which includes over 30 miles of Atlantic Coast. And Maryland is home to America’s largest estuary, Chesapeake Bay, and according to the residents America's best crabs. 

But if water is not your thing, travel up the coast and behold the rugged mountain peaks. For example, check out the Allegheny Mountains, it stretches ver 3,300 feet above sea level and at its highest point, Backbone Mountain, you can take pause awhile to appreciate the breathtaking views as Maryland lays out before you.

History and culture

Named after Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I, Maryland is steeped in English history. And its capital is Annapolis, is a dream for a history buff, as in a day you can spend your time  exploring and learning about its English links.

Georgian style house in Annapolis, Maryland USA 

However, as attractive as Annapolis is, it is to Baltimore I go for my  cultural fix.  Roaming the streets and neighbours of Baltimore, brings to mind the city's history as a major maritine and manufacturing centre. There is no denying its historic and strategic role as a major American port, bet you didn't know that many European immigranmts entered the USA through Baltimore, in fact the city was the second largest point of entry for immigrants to America from Europe.

However, as attractive as Annapolis is, it is to Baltimore I go for my  cultural fix. Roaming the streets and neighbours of Baltimore, brings to mind the city's history as a major maritine and manufacturing centre. There is no denying its historic and strategic role as a major American port, bet you didn't know that many European immigranmts entered the USA through Baltimore, in fact the city was the second largest point of entry for immigrants to America from Europe.

Modern day Baltimore City Skyline

Strange but true

Like many US states, Maryland has it fair share of quirky symbols. As a lover of cake, I was destinited to love Maryland as its official dessert is the  Smith Island Cake, made for many years by the ladies of Smith Island. Smith Island cake, a decadent layered cake is eaten all over America, and I can vouch that it is rich and delicious. Hunt it down when you visit.

Maryland - Original Smith Island Cake

Like other US state, Maryland has a number of nicknames, which come from history and  / or notable locals, it is reffered to as “Old Line State,” General Smallwood’s “Maryland Line” stood firm against British troops during the 1776 Battle of Long Island, ) and “Free State,” during the Prohibition a Baltimore Sun editor argued against prohibiting the sale of alcohol.

You would think as the birthplace of Babe Ruth, the state sport would be baseball. Well it is not, it's jousting. Strange I know! A visit to any big Maryland shopping mall, is not complete without taking part in a faux-medieval event run by Medieval Times. But be warned there are usually long queues, as this is a favourite for tour companies.

Time for a visit

I hope I have peaked your interest, and you will leave here and find out more. Here's a radical thought, instead of automatically booking trips to Florida, or New York, think about trying something new and visit instead, or as well as if you are on the East Coase, to Maryland. Experience its coastal life, parks and mountains, seafood, and diverse arts and culture.

Since my first visit to Maryland, in 1997, I have been back so many times and on each visit I still find something new to do and see. Beleive me, no matter your travel type or tastes, I am sure, like me all, all it will take is one visit, and you to be hooked on this miniature version of America.

For more information about visiting Maryland, travel along to the Visit Maryland website

Have you been to Maryland, or do you live there? If so, please share your travel experiences and tips. If there other US states you have been to that are of little known to travellers

New year new experiences - horse riding

I blame a DVD marathon of Mad Men. In season three, Betsy Draper, spends most of her free time horse riding. Why do I mention this, well Betsy Draper is played by the beautiful January Jones, and January is the month where I am at my most impulsive, basically anything is possible.

I get this way, because I spend Decemeber in the dark, literaly, lots of reflection about life as the darkness of early afternoons brings my spirits low, and then there is the mess that is Christmas. So when January, finally gets here, it's time to replace somber thoughts with crazy ones, especially is it entails a new experience. So I was in seventh heaven today, when on scanning through my emails, I saw a Groupon deal for a half-day horse riding. Now do you get the Mad Man reference?

Aside from watching people on TV ride horses, or standing next to the ones at Horse Guards Parade, London, I have never been near a horse, not to talk of ridden one, and to be honest I have never thought about riding one either. I am not even an animal person. But this is January, and the price was so right, so the little devil on my shoulder told me to book it, and I did with minutes to spare. 

Faced with the confirmation page, reality set in, what had I bought? Before panic could take hold, I read the details again, I have purchased a half day equestrian experience for £39 at Trent Park Equestrian Centre, at a whopping 61% discount - kerching! That's more like it.

A quick canter over to the Trent Park Equestrian website informed me that ...

"Horses were once considered man’s best friend, but after the invention of the dog, they were re-branded as man’s eccentric, oat-obsessed uncle.

Proudly trotting out their status as a British Horse Society Equestrian Centre of Excellence, Trent Park is home to over 100 impressive beasts, all experienced in hosting hacking and riding lessons. The centre teaches horse lovers from London and the Home Counties, and provides activities ranging from cross country riding and pony days, to horse riding parties and impressive dressage competitions." Uh ah Mrs!

Thankfully, they welcome riders of all skill (or lack of) level, and before the lesson begins, my ability will be assessed. My half day involves lessons on a horse-shaped bandwagon, lasting up to three hours, and a learning session on caring for new pals, not that there is any room for a cat never mind a horse in my tiny Sheffield flat.

Thankfully, as a beginner, I will receive basic riding lesson, while watching intermediate rider canter, or "go for a hack" in the woods. After the introduction, assessment, and riding experience, all riders get a group session to learn about the fine art of grooming a horse's sleek coat.

The more I read about the day the more excited I get. I plan to book my lesson late spring, so I work on my wardrobe; it just wouldn't be right to turn up in a polo neck jumper, jeans, puffa coat and Ugg boots.

Picture: Inspiration for my horse riding wardrobe, the ever stylish Betsy Draper (January Jones). Source: http://aplusbinthesea.blogspot.com/2010

Horse riding website: http://www.trentpark.com

***

I am dying to know what new experiences you're planning for this new year, have you been as implusive as me, or have you taken a more adult approach?

Top 12 London views

Where can you go in London to get the best views of the city? Here are 12 ideas from VisitBritain: 

1). London Eye - on a clear day they say you can see around 25 miles from the top - as far as Windsor Castle! The EDF Energy London Eye is 135m high - equivalent to 64 red telephone boxes piled on top of each other.

2). The Monument - was built to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666 and to celebrate the rebuilding of the City. It was erected close to the baker’s house in Pudding Lane where the fire began. You need to be fit to reach the top - there are 311 spiral steps to the Monument’s observation gallery; but for those unable to make it to the top there is a “live” image via a video screen display near the base of the Monument.

3). Tower Bridge - climb up to the High Level Walkways, 42 metres above the River Thames, for great views east and west, from this famous London landmark, which was painted red, white and blue to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977 – before that it was painted a chocolate brown colour. The walkways were originally opened to allow people to cross when the bridge was raised – this happens about 1000 times a year. In 1952 a London bus driven by Albert Gunton had to leap from one bascule to the other when the bridge began to rise with the number 78 bus still on it.

4). Richmond Hill - The celebrated view of the Vale of the Thames (looking upriver) from the summit of Richmond Hill has long been the inspiration of writers and artists, including Turner. The view is actually protected by an Act of Parliament, of 1902.

5). Restaurants - Michelin-starred Galvin at Windows is located on the 28th floor of London Hilton on Park Lane in trendy Mayfair, and the restaurant and bar have breathtaking views over the capital, including iconic sites such as Buckingham Palace, The London Eye and Hyde Park. Other good places for food with a view include the Tate Modern restaurant on the 7th floor of the South Bank gallery, offering great views along the Thames and across to St Paul’s Cathedral; the Oxo Tower Restaurant:, Vertigo 42 in the BT Tower and Paramount in the Centre Point building

6). St Paul’s Cathedral - climb 259 steps to The Whispering Gallery, which runs around the interior of the Dome. It gets its name from a quirk in its construction, which makes a whisper against its walls audible on the opposite side

7). Greenwich Park - climb up the hill in Greenwich Park to the Wolfe statue, for great views back over the park, Canary Wharf and towards North London.

Picture: An extensive view of Canary Wharf and the docklands of London from the top of Greenwich Park. 

8). Primrose Hill - The top of Primrose Hill, in north London, is 63 metres above sea level and the view over London is now protected in planning law. Visitors can look down on the zoo in Regent's Park and further afield to landmarks such as Canary Wharf, the North Greenwich Arena and the BT Tower. They may also spot a film crew because Primrose Hill has become a popular movie location with British directors. The view from the top was used in the 1987 spy thriller The Fourth Protocol and it starred in the opening credits of Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004).

9). See the city from the top deck of a bus - with The Original London Sightseeing Tours or Big Bus Tours

10). From a boat: Many of the most iconic buildings in London can be viewed from the River Thames – with the choice of a cruise boat, a faster Thames Clipper or a high speed RIB boat.

11). Get a bird's eye view of the city with a helicopter tour.

12). And coming soon? There are plans to construct a walkway over the 02 Arena/North Greenwich Dome, hopefully in time for London2012.

Source: VisitBritain 2011

More tips for successful travelling with children

The summer holidays are in full swing now, whether you are recently back from a holiday with your children, or about to go off on one, we all know that a carefully planned family holiday can be a wonderful experience.

Picture: Family travel can be stress-free.

What greater joy is there than introducing your young ones to new climates, activities, languages and cultures; but while there is lots of fun in store, each stage of your trip will present a challenge or two.

Challenges? Diverse Travellers share their solutions

 Recently I interviewed a few Diverse Traveller readers who have travelled with children. Our conversations yielded a list of tips, that many agreed with, for making the annual summer holiday, an enjoyable experience. Diverse Traveller mums took me on their journey, from the planning stage to the holiday itself. 

Whether you’ve been on your holiday or about to pack up your brood and take off by train, car, coach or plan, I hope you will enjoy these practical insights, and feel inspired to share your own. I have been assured by those who have been before, that these tips have been and will be useful in avoiding or overcoming those little obstacles that threaten to derail a great family holiday.

Accommodation

Holidays are seen by many as the time to relax, someone else to do the cooking and cleaning, so the thought of a self-catering holiday may seem far from ideal. But, if you are travelling with young children, maybe Andrea, mother of Troy aged three and Olivia aged 23 months will make you think again. 

“I’ve found booking a self-contained apartment rather than a hotel room makes things so much easier because I can cook small meals, the ones the children like, whenever needed. We usually go for a minimum of two rooms, so kids can sleep in a separate room.  Also I always, check the apartment is located on the bottom floor as there is nothing worse than lugging all the kids stuff upstairs only to carry it back down again when they want to play outside.” 

Stay on ground floor so your kids can help to carry their toys to play area. 

The wee ones

On the subject of kid’s stuff, babies and toddlers may be small in size, but they always travel with a large amount of baggage, home and away. Paring down what you take with you might seem like a challenge, but it can be done. For example, using bottles that can be sterilised in a microwave can save you lugging around the giant steam sterilisers.

“One of my favourite inventions is the portable toilet seat for kids. I can’t bear those times I have disappeared into the public toilet with my toddlers only to end up struggling the big person seat and the often dirty bathrooms. These portable units normally come with easy-to-store bags so you can at least be a little discrete.” Lucy mother of two.

Picture: Happy toddlers on the beach.

Also find accommodation that provides most of the essentials, such as a cot and a highchair. According to the mums interviewed, this can make life so much easier.

Food glorious food!

Not surprisingly, food was on the mind of many of the mothers I spoke to. They all travel with food, food and more food; apparently you can’t have too much. Not only do they take snack and drinks for car / train trips and likely flight delays, they also pack plenty of their children’s favourite food, snacks and drinks to prevent major toddler melt-downs and embarrassing scenes.

Picture: Gingerbread biscuits make great snacks.

Favourite food is also a useful tool in the parent armoury in helping children settle in to new surroundings.

Tweens and teens

Great advice from Helen, mother of Zach eight and Harry aged 12, on how to keep pre-teens from complaining that they are bored or chanting the annoying refrain of “Are we there yet?”

“I was slightly sceptical when my best friend brought a portable DVD Player for her pre-teen. But after struggling with a few long and frustrating journeys myself I splashed out and brought one and it was one of the best things I have done for making my travelling life easier. We take it everywhere now when we travel. You never know when there might be a time you need a bit of peace and quiet and so can simply just pop a movie on.”

Pre-teens and teenagers are notorious for having short attention spans so a top tip, from the mothers interviewed, is to pack a few toys, books and movies, without telling them i.e. keep them in reserve. Keep them in your bag and only bring them out when nerves are starting to fray.

Healthy and clothed – or not

Children are happy to hang out all day in the sun and rain, wearing as little as possible, when they are on holiday. This disregard for covering up is not always in the best interest for your child, especially if your destination is very hot.

Since they will whine for Britain if you drag them into the shade when the sun is at its fiercest, the only thing you can do is to keep them smothered with the appropriate sunscreen. While it might make you more unpopular, nag them continuously about keeping hats on.  

Picture: Teens will spend a lot of time out in the sun with little on.

However, if you are holidaying at home or somewhere where they will be involved in lots of activities, take plenty of spare clothes. The clothes should be easy to wash and quick to dry.

Birds of a feather flock together

If possible travel with a family who have similar aged children, or travel to a place where you’re likely to find other children of similar age. You might not end up becoming the best of friends with the other parents, but you will enjoy your holiday far more knowing that your children are entertained, having friends to play and spend time with.

Picture: Children will be happier if they can make friends on holiday.

All said and done...

No matter the age of your child / children, the most important advice from our Diverse Traveller mums is to “have a positive attitude and roll with the punches,” after all you can’t plan for everything.

Picture: A relaxing and uneventful family holiday

Win with Diverse Traveller

There is still opportunity to share your own travel experiences through travel writing (stories) or tips, All contributors will be entered into a prize draw to win one of a £5 Amazon voucher or 100 Things for Little Children to Do on a Journey (Usborne Activity Cards value £4.99). Whether you are travelling with children as a mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, etc we look forward to hearing from you.

Resources:

• Diverse Traveller for travel writing about the experience of travelling with children
• Click here to download, free, articles around the web about travelling with children
• For help to find child-friendly holidays and / or accommodation around Europe, check out Tots to Travel
• The Observer’s top 50 list of tips for travelling with kids. Written three years ago, but still relevant today. 
• Take a visit to The Family Travel website for tips and tricks for an enjoyable family holiday. 

Tips for summer road trips with children

With the promise of a long summer, millions of families will be hitting the road in search of some quality time together. Take some time to enjoy the great British countryside or plan an exciting day with the children.

South East

The Look Out Discovery Centre, Bracknell. This interactive science exhibition has more than 70 exhibits set in over 2,000 acres of woodland. Facilities include children’s play areas, mountain bike hire, walks and orienteering. Turn off at junction three from the M3 or junction 10 off the M4. For more details call 01344 354400 or visit www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk

Colchester Zoo, Essex. Colchester Zoo is one of the finest zoos in Europe with over 200 species set over 60 acres of beautiful parkland. Award winning enclosures include the Kingdom of the Wild and Penguin Shores. Located off junction eight of the M11 with free parking, Colchester Zoo has been voted Zoo of the Year and also Essex Family Attraction of the Year. For more details, call 01206 331292 or visit www.colchester-zoo.com

South West

The Dinosaur Museum, Dorset. The only museum in Britain devoted solely to dinosaurs is packed full of fossils, skeletons, life-size models and interactive displays. The museum is situated off junction 25 of the M5 and has nearby parking. For more details call 01305 269880 or visit www.thedinosaurmuseum.com

Bristol Zoo Gardens Animal Collection, Clifton, Bristol. From the smallest and rarest tortoise in the world to the largest ape, there are over 300 exotic and endangered species to see at the Zoo of the Year, as praised by the Good Britain Guide 2004. From the M5 follow the brown tourist signs from junction 17 or 18 or from the city centre. For more details, call 01179 738951 or visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk

Midlands

Alton Towers Theme Park, Staffordshire. Boasts over 125 rides and attractions including the brand new Rita Queen of Speed ride and thrilling Oblivion and Nemesis. Those travelling south can take the M1 junction 28 or M6 junction 16. If you are travelling north take the M1 junction 23A or the M6 junction 15. For more details call 08705 204060 or visit www.altontowers.com

 Picture: Alton Towers Theme Park.

Althorp House, Northamptonshire. Althorp has been the home of the Spencer family since 1508 and is the final resting-place for Diana, Princess of Wales. Visit the house, grounds and exhibition. From the south, Althorp is clearly signposted as you approach Northampton from Junction 16 of the M1. The Park is located seven miles west of Northampton off the A428. For more details call 01604 770107 or visit www.althorp.com

Wales

Techniquest, Cardiff. Techniquest is a science discovery centre with 160 interactive exhibits, live shows, tours of the universe in the ... Read more

Holidays for happy teens

Teenage years are hard on everyone, but especially parents. The thought of spending two solid weeks in close confinement with an emotional teen could send a shudder down the spines of even the toughest parents.

Leaving the teenager home alone might be tempting but could prove to be more worrisome than taking them along. The only sensible option is to create a holiday that has the potential to keep everybody happy.

The most important decision is choosing to travel to places that have activities for both you and your teenager(s), to avoid the incessant statements like, “I’m bored,” and, “There’s nothing to do.”

The best choice is an activity-based resort or destination. This doesn’t mean you have to don backpacks and head off into the wilds; just choose places where you can laze around on the beach all day, snorkel, take part in beach activities or head off on more exiting adventures together. Variety is the spice of life for fickle teenagers.

Options

Giving all the family the option of doing what they want is key. There are two ways to best achieve this.

Firstly, you could choose a well-equipped all-inclusive resort or you could opt for a self-catering villa or house. Both have good points. All-inclusive resorts are safe and secure for young teenagers, but there is the potential for boredom if they don’t have any siblings or friends to have fun with. If you choose an all-inclusive resort, it might start to feel like a five-star prison camp for teens after the first week.

A self-catering holiday, however, allows for a much greater sense of freedom for a teenager. They will have their own space and feel much closer to a country’s culture by exploring the real world instead of a holiday resort. 

Depending on your choice of destination, supervision may be required, which means that parents will need to be more active instead of leaving the teen to it for the day. This could work to your favour though, if you do things that you will all enjoy.

Secondly, location is key. If you opt for a self-catering or all-inclusive resort, don’t choose one that is miles away from anywhere so that your teen is stuck there until you want to go out. Renting a cottage in rural France means that you will need to take the car everywhere you go, so you may burden yourself with playing chauffeur for the entire holiday and your teen will feel trapped. 

If the brochure includes the words isolated, secluded or bustle-free, you could be in for a whole heap of trouble. Make sure that your teen can take a bus, the subway or can walk to somewhere of interest to them. 

Avoid teenage whining

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Staycation - travel to Latin America with Jungle Drums (August edition)

Can't afford to go to Latin America this year? Then let all of Latin America come to you by way of one of my favourite magazines - Jungle Drums.

This month, Jungle Drums bring us a Brazilian vs. England graffiti war, details of some of the best African and Latin bands taking part in The Big Chill music festival, win tickets to see Carlos Acosta, and lots more.

Don't take my word for it, take a look for yourself, I have posted their August edition below.

For more about:

• Jungle Drums visit http://jungledrumsonline.com

• I am Brazilality 3rd Anniversy visit: http://www.braziliality.org

• The Big Chill music festival visit: http://www.bigchill.net/festival

• Carlos Acosts visit http://www.carlosacosta.com