Take trekking, for example. Nothing beats the freedom of being out in the fresh air, braced against the elements. But if asthma is a health issue, certain precautions and advice need to be followed.

The effects of altitude on asthmatics

Hiking or trekking at altitudes can be great fun, but asthma sufferers should be aware there is less oxygen in the atmosphere at such heights, and this could affect their condition. At high altitude air is drier and cooler and this change in the atmosphere could be a possible trigger for an asthma attack. For those with well-controlled asthma conditions, this may not be a problem, but it is important to be aware. Shortness of breath and wheezing, as well as feelings of light-headedness and nausea, can be caused when trekking at altitude.

Preparation and prevention

Prior to setting off on a trek, asthma sufferers should pre-treat with their asthma medication. Be prepared in case of shortness of breath or if a fully blown asthma attack should occur and buy Advair or similar products in advance of travel. As the air is a lot drier at altitude, pack plenty of water to keep hydrated. Make sure that clothing is warm enough as temperatures drop sharply at higher elevations. In cold conditions many asthma sufferers benefit from a muffler or scarf arrangement around their neck so that air can be warmed prior to inhaling. Know which triggers may cause an asthma attack. If certain environmental factors, such as pollen, cause asthma to worsen, avoid trekking at such times of the year. Reduce the load to carry – ditch everything from the backpack that isn’t essential. Take plenty of breaks and rests along the way. Trekking and hiking is fun and relaxing, it doesn’t have to be a race or to be finished at breakneck speed. Breathing through the nose is better than the mouth, as it warms the air before it reaches the lungs and coughing is less likely.

If an asthma attack occurs

Keep calm and remain positive. Move away from anything that may worsen the asthma attack, such as campfire smoke or dust clouds. Sit or stand upright, whichever is more comfortable. Take one or two puffs on an asthma inhaler. Try to relax and breathe slowly. If shortness of breath continues, take some more puffs on the medication after two minutes – do not continue trekking until breathing has returned to normal. If symptoms continue or worsen it is important to seek medical help. Call emergency services or send a fit and able member of the party to get help.

Hiking and trekking allows us to see the best and most beautiful parts of the world, close up. Being asthmatic does not mean exclusion from this fabulous pastime; it’s just good to be wise to the pitfalls so that the best time can be had by all participants.

Photo Credit: Certo Xornal

Believed to date back to the second or third century, the ruins at Cerro da Vila were once a rustic residence, surrounded by lush and fertile fields in this picturesque part of the Algarve.

Photo Credit:  Certo Xornal

Viewed from above, the lines of the ruins show the silhouettes of a reception room, bedrooms, a kitchen and even slaves and servants’ areas. In this photo, the piles of stones are what are left of pillars that supported the villa’s roof.

Photo Credit: Certo Xornal

What’s more the villa itself sprawled out over a considerable area, with numerous bathtubs and intricate mosaics uncovered during its excavation, hinting that its former residents may have held a high social standing.

Photo Credit: Certo Xornal

The layout of Cerro da Vila played an important part in piecing together the activities of Romans in the Algarve region, as it was found that water was fed from a dam located around 2km from the villa. This gave historians a clearer idea of the complex building skills of the Romans, as well as their resourcefulness in such a previously unpopulated area.

Photo Credit:  Certo Xornal

Archaeologists were also impressed by the feature of a cryptoporticum at Cerro da Vila – a covered corridor that connected the slaves’ areas, and only became common around the first century.

Photo Credit: Certo Xornal

After exploring the ruins of Cerro da Vila, you can find out more about this fascinating site at the Archaeological Museum, which also displays some of the objects that have been uncovered around the area. The diversity of these objects showed that Cerra da Vila was inhabited right up to the 11^th century, including the medieval and Moorish period, and also tells the story of the villa itself in detail.

This makes the Cerro da Vila an essential stop on holidays to the Algarve for those with a penchant for history, plus it’s easy to reach from Vilamoura hotels like the Vila Gale Marina by bus or taxi. Just don’t forget to pack your camera!

Photo Credit: Certo Xornal

The Cotswolds

I have a particular fondness for cottage breaks, as these give you the most freedom in terms of things like meals, in addition to plenty of space and a sense of cosiness. Plus, if you’re travelling with family or a group of friends, they’re also a very sociable option. Now, let’s take a look at the very best places to go for a memorable cottage getaway in the UK.

1) The Cotswolds

First on my list is the Cotswolds. This is the name given to a group of hills in south-west and west-central England, which include scenic villages like Painswick, large cities and fantastic walking routes. So, a visit to the Cotswolds gives you lots of options – for example, you could stay somewhere rural and have a quiet break, or book a cottage close to a city like Bath and Oxford to be close to urban attractions.

2) Cornwall

Next up we have Cornwall, which I love for its combination of gorgeous beaches, delicious food and beautiful landscapes. Having lots of family-friendly attractions, the county is a particularly good option if you’re planning a break with the kids, but it has something for everyone. Among the things you shouldn’t miss include indulging in classic Cornish pasties and cream teas, heading to Blue Flag beaches and trying a spot of surfing.

3) Devon

Sitting next to Cornwall in the south-west of England is my next recommendation – Devon. Like its neighbour, this county is home to a tempting mix of delicious food and natural beauty spots, which makes it a brilliant choice for couples hoping to relax and spend some quality time together. Among the highlights of this destination is Dartmoor National Park, where you can see stunning sights like the turquoise lagoons of Lydford Gorge. There are also plenty of historical attractions in Devon, such as Watermouth Castle, where you can learn all about life in Victorian times.

4) The Isle of Wight

My next suggestion is booking a cottage on the Isle of Wight. This little island lies just off the south coast of England and is easily reachable with a short ferry ride. One of the things I like most about the Isle of Wight is its tranquil atmosphere, which I think is enhanced by the fact that more than half of the island has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I also really like its mixture of attractions, which include scenic walks and cycle rides, natural wonders (most famously The Needles) and theme parks like Blackgang Chine.

5) The Lake District

Last up is the Lake District, which is one of the UK’s most celebrated national parks. This is an unbeatable place to visit if you’re envisioning a break amid amazing scenery, since the lakes and mountains of this region are hard to top. While there’s plenty to do here (including water sports, cycling and checking out historical attractions like Castlerigg Stone Circle) I actually think simply taking some leisurely walks is one of the best options, since this gives you the best way to relax and truly appreciate your surroundings.

If you’re going it alone, you have the advantage of being able to do exactly what you want. So whether you fancy lying on the beach with a cocktail for a fortnight (though you might need more than just one) or you’re more in the mood for some volcano trekking, you are free to do whatever you like in the Aloha State.

Here are some of the best things you can do when you’re alone in Hawaii, so get out there and enjoy yourself!

Hike the Days Away

Hawaii isn’t synonymous with hiking, but with so many great trails we can’t help but feel that it should be. Go to Hawai’i (more commonly known as the Big Island) and you’ll find Kileaua, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

Set in the 300,000 acres of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, there is roughly 150 miles’ worth of hiking trails around Kileaua. There’s more than just one active volcano there, as well as a number of craters and rainforest areas. For an awe-inspiring view of the power of nature, you can often see fresh lava flowing directly into the Pacific from Kileaua.

Play 18 Holes

The island of Lanai has three golf courses available, all of which are world class and used for championship games. If you’re looking for a great game of golf with some awesome ocean views then Lanai is the perfect place, but it can be expensive, so you might want to get more reasonably-priced Hawaii flights at cheapflights.com.

For a truly unique game of golf, Lanai offers a couple of holes where you’ll need to avoid the flowing lava if you want to stand a chance at making par… Created by professionals from the PGA, the courses on Lanai are sure to offer you a challenge, but the real draw would have to be the incredible views that make up the backdrop to your game.

Surf’s Up, Dude!

Hawaii is the home of surfing, so if you don’t pick up a board and ride the waves at least once while you’re out there, you’ll be missing out. If you’ve never tried to surf before, get yourself over to Oahu – the Waikiki Beach Boys have made it their mission to teach visitors how to follow in the footsteps of the Big Kahuna himself, Duke Kahanamoku.

Waikiki Beach is a great place to start, as the waves tend to be a bit gentler than in other places, but if you’re a seasoned pro looking for some fun, head to the Bonzai Pipeline – the waves here are massive, and should be attempted only by those surfers who have years of experience under their belts.

Dunn’s River Falls & Park

Dunn’s River Falls & Park gives visitors a unique experience. It gives you the opportunity to climb up a waterfall. While this sounds dangerous, I assure you it isn’t what you’re thinking. It wouldn’t be like trying to scale the side of Niagara Falls but more like a leisurely hike walking through water and climbing rocks every now and then. The rocks are slippery though and the hike does require some physical exertion and strength. If you don’t feel like you can make it up to the top, there is a perfectly beautiful park to wander and a beach at the bottom of the falls. This adventure can take a few hours. There is food available and shops in the park where you can buy souvenirs. But be weary of the people that run the shops, they will sell at the highest possible price to try and get deeper into your pocket. Haggle with them and pay as little as you possibly can!

Go to the Blue Mountain National Park

This park is a gorgeous area on the eastern edge of the island. It has beautiful views that people will travel from all over the world to see. Hiking to the top of the mountain is no easy task. The peak is over 7,000 feet in elevation and many hikers will take up to three days to complete the trek. Its tricky because as you climb higher it will get colder and this can be a real problem if only packed beach clothes. Be prepared before going on the journey. There are many companies that will run tours of the mountain either by foot or by bike. See what fits you best and you will have the time of your life. If you are a nature lover and avid hiker then this will be the perfect paradise within paradise for you. There is nothing like being fully encompassed by nature and being able to see the world in its own undisturbed element.

Visit the Home of Bob Marley

No conversation about Jamaica is complete without mentioning the musical genius and legend that is Bob Marley. He was more than just a musical legend as his views and philosophies on life and the world are embraced by people all over the world even today. Bob Marley grew up in the small village of Nine Mile. You can tour the house he was born in which is decorated with reds, greens, and yellows. On the inside walls of the house are messages to Marley from dedicated fans. Also on the grounds you can see where he was buried and a mausoleum that was erected in his honor. This is something that can’t go unvisited. The sounds of Marley will be in your head for the rest of the day, and there is nothing wrong with that! Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright…

PAIGE MEADOWS
This may be more of a walk than a hike in Lake Tahoe, which might be just what you need to start off your morning or end your day in the area. These mountain meadows are tranquil and beautiful and beaming with wildflowers from June to August. Dogs and kids are more than welcome on this stroll, and there’s no need for any hiking gear: tennis shoes and scrunchies will suffice for your equipment needs on this Lake Tahoe hike.
Level: Pretty darn easy.

CASCADE FALLS
One of the best hikes in South Lake Tahoe! This trail gets very crowded on summer weekends, which does prove it’s a great hike, but also means it’s a great hike for the morning time to avoid all the other wannabe athletes. Start at the Bayview Trail and you’ll see a wooden sign pointing to the Falls. Once you get to the Falls, you can hike up the stream for even more privacy. Make sure you bring your camera for all the nature vista photo ops, and if you want to be in them, maybe do put that make up-on, or at least wash the sleepies out of your eyes pre-hike. Either way, you’ll want some photos to take home with you from this one.
Level: Some parts of this trail are tough, but hey, that’s life, and those parts don’t last long on this trail!

MEISS MEADOWS OVERLOOK
One of the less popular hikes because most hikers are trekking to Echo Lakes in this area, Meiss Meadows heads South from Echo Summit and is still mild enough to make the perfect start to a vacation morning. All the colors and scenery are especially nice in when the leaves are changing, and always nice if you want a hike abundant with wildlife. You’ll start off slow, but after you cross a footbridge you trek an uphill incline to the Overlook. Starting off slow and gradually upping the difficulty is a great way to get into the groove of things in the morning.
Level: Mild for the most part, but eat your wheaties first.
HORSETAIL FALLS
Waterfall hike, anyone? Make sure you take your morning bathroom break before you set out on this one of course, and then get ready for more than just a mild hike, but one that is well worth it. Horsetail Falls is one of the easiest waterfalls in Lake Tahoe to get to. The trail is only 3 miles round trip, but there are some steep parts going both ways. The waterfall is well worth a small potential slide down the mountain or two. Be careful near all the wet rocks!
Level: We wouldn’t recommend this with a hangover, or for your overly-prissy girlfriend.
ROCK CLIMBING
If hikes aren’t really your thing, there is also some great rock climbing in Lake Tahoe perfect for summer mornings. The cliffs at Wrights Lake, Luther Rock and Luther Spires, and Eagle Creek Canyon are all perfect for early morning climbs, because the blazing sun doesn’t hit the rocks until early afternoon. We especially recommend Eagle Creek Canyon for vacationers, because there are climbs for every level of expertise.

There’s no better way to start, spend or end a day in Lake Tahoe than with some fresh air and friends. Take a buddy or put the dog on the leash, or your kids on the leash if you’re one of those parents, and take a hike in Lake Tahoe. Be sure to ask the people working at your Lake Tahoe hotel where their favorite hiking spot is, because depending on where you’re staying, you might not always get the same recommendations! The scenery itself is worth setting your alarm an hour early for, and you’ll beat the crowds and the heat that are inevitable in the summer months on these hikes.

This article was written by Lizz Riggs, editor of TahoesBest.com.

1)       Get fit

How fit you need to be for your walking expedition will, of course, depend on what type of trekking holiday you embark on – but with all hiking breaks, you will need to have a certain level of fitness. I would talk to your doctor and see what they say about your general state of health. They might advise you to take up some more exercise before you leave the country or change your diet and lifestyle.

In general, it is a good idea to exercise regularly in the lead-up to the trip; in particular, get used to walking long distances, sometimes at speed (you don’t want to be the one that forces the rest of the team to slow down) and try to practise hiking up slopes if you’re planning to climb some mountains during your time away.

2)       Pick a trip that’s right for you

Once you have spoken to a medical practitioner and gone for a few long walks, you’ll have a better idea of what sort of condition you are in and what you’d be prepared to do. If you’re at the peak of your physical fitness, you might decide this is the ideal time to go on a walking holiday in Canada, the USA or any other part of the world.

Don’t be dismayed if you think your adventurous mountain climbing days are behind you, though, as there are plenty of walking trails you can embark on – and the locations don’t have to be any less glamorous. In my opinion, hiking through the Grand Canyon or walking through Yosemite National Park is right up there with some of the coolest things you can do!

3)       Choose a good tour operator

Now, it’s time to pick the right tour operator. After you have decided what walking demands you want from your trip, which country you would like to visit and what expeditions you are interested in, just search for travel companies that offer what you’re looking for.

It is important to research the organisation thoroughly, as you’ll want a company that has qualified guides that can ensure your safety on the hikes and inform you of the nature and history of the location as you walk. You also need one that will offer you support throughout the holiday as you won’t have your friends or loved ones there to help should something go wrong. Pick a company that has excellent reviews and you consider to be reliable, so you can be confident that going away alone is a safe and enjoyable option for you.

4)       Give loved ones details

Before you set off on the plane, it is a good idea to give your family details of the trip. I don’t just mean your flight information and what time you arrive back (although, these are, of course, useful things!), but also details about the tour operator and the itinerary. Let them know where you’ll be staying when and what dates you will begin and end your walking expedition.

This way, they can contact you if they need to and they won’t worry if they don’t hear from you for a few days if they know you’re away hiking in beautiful landscapes.

5)       Pack for emergencies

When packing, don’t forget to bring everything you need. I often rely on my friends and other half to have things that I might have forgotten (sun cream, insect repellent or headache pills, for instance) but you can’t do that if you’re going on a singles holiday.

The best way to get around this is make a thorough list of everything you need and tick the item off when you’ve packed it, so you know for sure it’s (somewhere) in your bag. Failing this, make sure you buy all the essentials you’ve forgotten at the airport – just before you board the plane is better than not at all!

Botswana

Botswana provides some of the continent’s top-notch safari holidays. Arguably there is no better gameviewing in Africa than Okavango, its wetlands teaming with a phenomenal amount of game. A close second is Linyanti, whose dry season between April through October, has elephants flocking to the waterfront. With visitor numbers strictly limited in both these areas, fighting for a prime viewing spot is not an issue. Between December to April, huge herds of zebras come with the rain in the Makgadikgadi salt pans.

Tanzania

There is a hearty range of safari and trekking opportunities. During the migration season, the popular Serengeti has the highest density of lions and cheetahs in Africa. Out of the several fly-in safari opportunities, head to the remote Mahale for unique interactions with primates in the lush, forested mountains. After a thrilling few days spotting game, unwind under a mangrove tree looking out at warm turquoise waters on the tropical islands of Zanzibar.

Uganda

Uganda is underrated in the African safari scene. Which means your gain.  The rare wild mountain gorillas are the country’s main attraction and the Bwindi Forest has claim on half of them in existence. Alternatively, head into the Kibale rainforest for chimpanzee tracking or into the savanna reserve, Queen Elizabeth, where one can spot lions prowling among the expansive plains.

South Africa

Self-driving is encouraged, meandering along the Whale Coast and passing through the lovely Cape Winelands. The massive Kruger is the most visited park in the country, with over 1 million guests annually. To avoid the crowds, head to the private reserves—they have the added benefit of higher game density. Another prime area is the Elephant Coast, where one can spot rhinoceroses curiously mingling among the sub-tropical forests and afterwards dive into the cobalt lagoons.

Zambia

Step into the wild and go on a walking safari. Zambia offers a rustic, less polished vibe. South Luangwa is the best park in the country, with a prodigious and diverse amount of game congregating along the river during the dry season between June and November. The Lower Zambezi has a pleasing assortment of activities, with motorboat and canoe safaris in the mix. Livingstone is a secluded riverfront retreat where one can spot hippos cavorting in the water.

Bungee Jumping
Bungee Jumping is totally for adrenaline junkies. There are two spots in the UK, where you can do the highest jumps. It is located in Bray Lake and Tatton Park near Knutsford, Cheshire. A 300ft bungee jump awaits you there without a doubt. This event is perfect if you plan to surprise your loved one or a family member that loves to get their adrenalines pumped while traveling. Make sure to book in advance because this event only happens on selected dates through the year. This will always be the highlight of your trip while traveling the UK.

Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is becoming a popular sport in the UK. There are now numerous wakeboarding parks found in the country. The Billabong Water Sports located in the East Yorkshire is a primary destination for a wakeboarding lesson. If you are up for the thrill, instructors are available for teaching you the basics and will bring you out with a Master craft boat in this 11- acre lake. This massive lake can accommodate you and your buddies any time of the day. Booking in advance can be a huge advantage, if you prefer to have your own speed boat and use the facilities without any hassles.

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