All-Day Shoes: The first type of rock-climbing shoe the beginning climber should buy is known as an “all-day” shoe. With a thick rubber sole, a fit that keeps toes flat, and a stiffer, less-flexible midsole, all-day shoes work for a variety of climbs, but as a climber develops foot-strength and climb skill, that versatility will be less important as shoes that have more specific function.

Steep Face Shoes: Steep face shoes Have a looser toe fit, allowing a more experienced climber to use toe strength to help grip the rock surface.  Similarly, the midsole is less rigid, with increased flexibility and grip on smooth surfaces (“smearing” in the vernacular), while still remaining rigid enough to hold on narrow edges.

Bouldering Shoes: Bouldering (sometimes called gym climbing) shoes are lightweight, with a snug fit that positions the toes in a crimped or curled position. this positioning, combined with a flexible, thin sole and midsole allow for incredible precision and stability while gripping cracked rock faces.  For overhanging routes, bouldering shoes can be fitted with a downturned toe for even better grip in those perilous positions.

Crack-climbing Shoes: Shoes built for traversing routes with many cracks or pockets, Crack-climbing shoes are usually pointed, with a narrow, flat-toed profile.  Combined with a stiff midsole and rigid upper, this allows the toe to be driven into thin, narrow spaces like a spike.

Some thought should be given to materials and fit, as well.  With leather uppers, stretch is guaranteed through use (which can be lessened with a lining of other materials), while all-synthetic construction has a very consistent fit, with almost no stretch. During construction, climbing shoes are built with either upturned rockers (allowing the foot to roll) or a camber, which is a downturned toe for overhead climbs. You can also find shoes suitable for a variety of toe configurations and foot widths.  As always, you should try on whenever possible. Proper fit for the proper climb, and success is within your reach.

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Located along the Mediterranean Sea, the average temperatures along this stretch of coastline range from 25 degrees Celsius in spring up to 38 degrees Celsius in the summer months of July and August. Alongside some of the best beaches in Europe, there’s also a range of ancient sites such as the city ruins of Phaselis, Myra, Simena, Aspendos and Perge. For more information about holidaying in Turkey and the Turkish Riviera, visit this website.

Here are the highlights:

Antalya

The main resort on the Turkish Riviera, Antalya is famous for its charming harbour, turquoise-blue seas and the having the longest stretch of coastline in all of Turkey. The historic city – which dates back to 133 BC – has undergone a fair amount of regeneration in recent years, with many of the old Ottoman mansions being transformed into stunning boutique hotels. It’s also a world-famous golf destination, with Belek being its premier golf resort. Not only boasting a backdrop of golden beaches, it has also won awards for its environmentally-friendly development.

Alanya
Alanya is a real mix of old and new, making it ideal for all kinds of traveller. Apart from its array of sandy beaches, including the 2km-long Cleopatra beach, Alanya is also famed for its architecture. Its Red Tower, which protected the dockyards in Seljuk times, is still visible in the harbour and there’s also a picturesque  fortress and Byzantine church to explore. It may take a bit of huffing and puffing to get up there, but the views from the top of the tower walls are definitely worth it.

Kemer
With the increase of bargain holidays, relatively-new resorts like Kemer have spring up along the coast. One of Turkey’s first multipurpose resorts, it has been carefully planned to blend in with the surrounding scenery, to be in keeping with the landscape and traditional feel. At its heart is the pretty marina, a stopping off point for gulets on the blue cruise. Kemer has a pebble beach, but the main resort areas are on the beaches located a little further out, namely Kiziltepe, Goynuk, Beldibi, Camyuva and Tekirova.

Side
The peninsula of Side is ideal for both beach-lovers and those interested in history. Sandwiched between two golden beaches, the historic town boasts many an archeological wonder including the ancient Hellenistic theatre, the largest in the area and the stunning Temple of Apollo, which is a popular romantic spot at sunset, boasting fantastic views.

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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.

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• Houghton Mill Caravan Site. This site which sits on River Great Ouse’s bank have a splendid view and it is a paradise not only for those who love to fish but also for people who are interested in cycling and walking. Bridleways and footpaths are in abundance in the area as well as many waterways. Since the site is at the fringe of Houghton, a charming village with quaint shops, campers can purchase local traditions. Fishing on this site is best done on September when the area is quieter.

• Lucksall Caravan and Camping Park. Nature lovers would relish the experiences offered by this woodland park which is bordered by flowerbeds, trees and shrubs. This site is just the place to catch a glimpse of curious otters and kingfishers that are flitting up and down the nearby river. With a direct access to River Wye, you can wonder through miles of lovely tracks winding into the woodland forest and back. If you also have a weak spot for canoeing, you are in for a treat because this is one of the premier spots for this sport in the country. Coarse fishing enthusiasts would also love this place as it is a great spot for anglers.

• York Rowntree Park. Located in New Yorkshire on the banks of the Ouse, you can enjoy your privacy as the area is bordered by glades and hedges. York, a pretty and historic city is within walking distance and the site is perfect for exploring the Yorkshire area. A walk within the city walls will bring you to a close encounter with medieval timber-framed homes. Aside from taking charming walks along the area, you get to go fishing, its open all year round and you can enjoy a variety of water sports.

• Wagtail Country Park. This site is set on the peaceful countryside of Lincolnshire and there are a lot of great sites near the area. The towns of Newark and Grantham are a short drive away and sites like the Cathedral of Lincoln is also close by. You can fish from the stocked lake nearby; they have tench, carp, rudd and more. Due to the shrubs and the leveled grass, the area offers greater privacy and there are areas which are only for adults. Onsite, there are short wildlife walks and long walks that will take you into the beautiful countryside.

• Berwich Seaview Caravan Club Site. Given its location on England’s northernmost site, you get to enjoy a combination of spectacular views in the country and across Scotland’s border. Overlooking the river estuary is a site which is perfect for walking your dogs. Small castles, serene beaches and ruins are sprinkled around the area and they are surely great destinations for caravan travelers. The nearby Goswick Golf Club boasts of the best link courses in the country and you can definitely catch some fish while enjoying the serene environment around you.

Whether you love the idea of going out to fish, walking your canines or simply stretching your legs for long walks in the countryside and spending the night camped out, these destinations are definitely good ones. Aside from these, there are numerous national parks where you can pitch a tent or park your car with towed caravan for a deserved rest.

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Benefits 

The modern cruise is enjoyed by all age groups and can encompass a wide variety of interests. For some cruises the passenger will have to fly to the point of embarkation, this is sometimes included in the cruise price, and for other cruises it’s as easy as just traveling down to the port and then just boarding the ship.  Anyone who chooses this type of holiday can rest assured that they will be traveling in comfort and style.  An increasing number of ships offer onboard lectures about the places that will be visited in order to inform the traveler in advance about what to expect.  Most ships offer onboard entertainment and the cabins and food are sumptuous. Imagine returning to the liner after a hard day’s sightseeing safe in the knowledge that the accommodation is reassuringly familiar and that the food on offer will reflect the local menus and that all the passenger has to do is put their feet up in anticipation of the next destination.

Countries 

It’s up to the individual’s budget, time limitations and interests where they choose to go.  The holiday can be as exotic as the traveler desires.  Current options on offer from Norwegian Cruise Line Cruises include a trip around the Eastern Mediterranean starting at Venice, This Italian city can be exhausting, there is literally so much to see so if anyone does intend to visit the Serenissima, the ancient name for the Venetian Republic, a walk around St Mark’s Square, stopping off at the Doge’s Palace will probably serve as an introduction.  This trip also includes a visit to Istanbul so the passenger will be able to see the glories of the Byzantine age in their home setting before heading off to Naples.  If anyone is looking for an introduction to a country, then a cruise is certainly a comfortable and idyllic way to sample this world.

Winter sun 

A cruise to Honolulu will introduce the traveller to the tropical delights of Hawaii and also offer a welcome break from everyday life. Anyone who plans their trip for October will be able to enjoy the Festival of Na Lima Hana, which is a celebration of regional dancing, food and local drumming and singing.  The lowest cruise prices tend to be around the autumn for those in the Northern hemisphere.  One of the benefits of a trip to Hawaii is that the sun shines throughout the year.  Alternatively if anyone wishes to view the Northern lights in Lapland or take a trip to Alaska, then they can probably put up with the cold because they know that they’ll always be returning to a warm and comfortable ship after the day’s exertions.

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Sydney Opera House

The Sydney Opera House is the architectural and cultural focal point of the metropolis of Sydney. Offering five venues for the performance of the arts, including the Opera Theatre, the Concert Hall and the Drama Theatre, the Sydney Opera House always hosts events for the interested traveler. The Concert Hall serves as the home of several different orchestras and choirs, and offers a never-ending plethora of concerts. Designed with plays in mind, the Drama Theatre hosts a variety of performances throughout the year including those from the Sydney Theatre Company, spoken word artists and international traveling shows.

The Harbour Bridge

The Harbour Bridge of Sydney is an imposing and impressive structure, whether views during day or night. Built from steel, it allows passive of rail, cars and pedestrians, offering the tourist a ‘Bridge-Climb’ that leads visitors up the southern side of the bridge for a summit to the top of the structure, rewarding the victorious with views of the city and bay.

Daintree National Park

Consisting of magnificent beaches, cloud-covered mountains and tropical rainforests, DaintreeNational Park is a breathtaking park seventy miles North Cairns. A National Heritage Site stretching from the outback to the Great Barrier Reef , the park is home to large birds, fruit bats, green frogs and butterflies. You will also have the opportunity to see saltwater crocodiles living in the park’s many rivers, and the mysterious Northern Brown Bandicoot. Daintree Park also has spiritual significance to the Aborigines, and is a place where indigenous culture and species collide in a mesmerizing experience for tourists.

Great Ocean Road

A scenic road that cuts through southwest Victoria, the Great Ocean Road begins in Melbourne and passes by beaches, ports and groves. Stop by Apollo Bay, a sleepy village in the shadow of the Otways that offers activities from surfing to antiques. The Great Ocean Road passes through Geelong, a town that homes many historical buildings and offers the tourist an opportunity to unwind with a local wine tasting.

One of the best coastal routes all over the world, the Great Ocean Road passes by villages, lush waterfalls and forests, and serves as one of Australia’s best roadways to see experience the best this nation has to offer.

The Gallery of Victoria

This architecturally-astounding building serves upone of the best Australian art collections. Located in Melbourne, this museum marries Australian gems with international acquisitions. With works from Van Eyck, Tintoretto and Rembrandt, the Gallery of Victoria remains a little known home of some of the greatest paintings in the world. A break outside allows the museum-goer to bask in the southerly sun near the many water features or under the great stained-glass ceiling. But both the artworks and the architecture are uniquely Australian, and solidifies this nation’s constant connection with its European ancestors.

Have fun out there on Australia’s East Coast. It’s certainly worth the trip, especially when you can get flights for great price.

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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

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Holidays to to Greece with Crete, and its miles of beautiful coastline and clear, clean waters – visibility is typically 30 metres or more – has long been an attractive destination for divers and snorkellers. There are several superb diving centres on the island and snorkels can be bought or hired from any beach with general facilities. For those new to scuba, the calm bays are ideal for learning the basics, while more experienced divers can find an array of challenging and interesting sites.

Snorkelling in Crete

Snorkelling is a popular holiday activity and one that requires no previous expertise and little in the way of equipment. Once you have bought or hired your snorkel and mask – flippers are optional – all you need is a beach! Here’s where the fun really begins. The best beaches for snorkelling are those with superb visibility and warm, clean waters with no currents, and those with a range of fishes and other sea life. Beaches with a rocky seabed tend to have the best sea life, both in terms of quantity and diversity. You might come across starfish, moray eels and even octopus, as well as sponges and various marine plants.

Many beaches in Crete tick all those boxes, so how do you choose from amongst them? In general less crowded beaches are better for snorkelling, as crowds create noise and activity which can disturb sea life. Fortunately, the most crowded beaches tend to be those long sandy stretches that are not ideal for snorkelling anyway.

Many of the best beaches for snorkelling are found in the south, where there are plenty of rocky coves and inlets and sheltered bays. They include Elafonissi, a beautiful island reached via a shallow lagoon; Souda, a lovely, quiet cove; Plakias, a nearby resort with excellent facilities; and Matala, an outstandingly beautiful beach with caves and clear waters.

The northern beaches tend to be busier, but several of them are suitable for snorkelling. They include Pachia Ammos near Stavros, an excellent sand and limestone beach; Gerani, a quiet pebble beach in a beautiful natural cove setting; and Anissaras, a more populated beach with excellent facilities.

If you want a little more adventure, why not try out a snorkelling tour? Many hotels organise day-long snorkelling trips to some of the finest spots around the island. This gives you the opportunity to further escape the crowds and take advantage of local knowledge to find the clearest waters and best diversity of sea life. Snorkel (and scuba) sites include Dia Island, a small island off Heraklion; Chrissi, an island south of Ierapetra; and Thedorou, near Platanias.

Dive centres, offering equipment hire, lessons and day trips, can be found at many of the busier resorts, including Rethymno, Gouves, Agia Pelagia, Malia, Plakias and Vai. Beginners may want to take a PADI course, starting from two day courses with theory, pool dives and open water dives. Junior courses are available for those aged 10 to 14. Various advanced and speciality courses are also on offer.

Some of the finest beaches for snorkelling are a little out of the way and few have accommodation options. Unless you happen to be staying at one of the above beaches and are happy to spend your entire holiday there, searching out the best snorkel sites and getting to the dive centres is often easier with your own transport. With car hire the island of Crete becomes very easy to navigate and drive around, making the service very reasonable. Having your own transport also means that you get to experience some of the spectacular scenery to be found along the coastal and inland roads – you may even be tempted to spend more time on land! But whichever beaches you choose, the clear turquoise waters of Crete are sure not to disappoint – it is the perfect destination for a diving or snorkelling holiday.

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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.

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–        Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling was on to something when he said that it was hard to leave San Francisco – it happens to be one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, with plenty to see and do.  It is a city that can be fun in any season, but the best time to visit will undoubtedly depend on one’s preferences when it comes to trekking.

The basics 

So, when is the best time to plan a trekking trip to San Francisco?  Though much of the time will be spent on the hike, many visitors like to take in the fantastic attractions the city has to offer.  One will find the city to be the most crowded in the summer, with spring and fall also fairly busy, but not nearly as crazy.  The least crowded – and most affordable for that matter – time of year is the winter.  Why not book a night at the Fairmont San Francisco for a cozy evening before the trekking adventure?

The weather is consistent and pleasant, but it isn’t filled with sunny skies and warm weather 365 days a year.  In fact, San Francisco is often foggy and temperatures warmer than 80°F are often considered a serious heat wave.  Though it does rain in the winter, it is fairly dry throughout the rest of the year.  Most individuals get the most out of trekking adventures in San Francisco during the spring, fall, and summer months, but don’t forget to pack warm clothes, as the evenings are still quite chilly.

The trails

Although most people might think of Silicon Valley and technology when San Francisco comes to mind, the San Francisco Bay Area actually offers a number of excellent hiking trails for all skill levels.  Some of the best treks on the west coast are actually in this region.

The hike from Stinson Beach to Mt. Tamalpais (or Mt. Tam as it is known locally) is a must for anyone interested in seeing the best of the area.  It is a rewarding hike with many hidden treasures along the way.  Starting at sea level at Stinson Beach, head up through the trees along the rolling hills with San Francisco as the backdrop.  Upon reaching the top, the fantastic panoramic view of the Bay Area is simply breathtaking.  Plan on a day for this hike and don’t forget the water and protection from the wind.

Another popular trek, which is also an excellent adventure for novice hikers, is the Muir Woods.  Thanks to preservation laws, the Muir Woods are filled with groves of ancient California redwoods up to 250 feet tall and 14 feet wide.  The trail, which boasts scenery most visitors to San Francisco never see, is usually not crowded.  A good way to begin is downhill at the north end of the park and head south.  The Ocean View Trail is particularly breathtaking and winds its way down the hillside through plenty of groves and over babbling brooks.

Being so close to Napa Valley and Sonoma, two of California’s most well-loved and famous wine regions, wine lovers can also enjoy an excellent trekking adventure.  To hike through wine country in California is to experience the region in a way unlike any other.  Catching a glimpse of vineyards, rolling hills, and mountains, hikers walk from inn to inn through quaint towns and charming villages only to finish each day with a luxurious meal and some of the best wine in the world.  Though it is possible to embark on a self-guided hike, there are several wineries and trekking tour companies that can plan out a bespoke itinerary.

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