The Travel House

Mexico Halloween Special- The Day of the Dead

2011-10-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Sculls, alters and Cemetries.

Nine thirty at night I stood alongside my friend in a tree shrouded square in a Mexican town. The air still, a yellow haze from the street lamps pushed the darkness aside. Silence, except for foot steps of a new arrival, asking are you waiting for a guide? Our destination a tour of local cemeteries. We weren’t ghost hunting, instead observers of a night time vigil which takes place for the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations.

In our culture death evokes sorrow and loss this is not the case in Mexico, every year from October 31^st –November 2^nd, the people turn death on its head. November 1^st All Saints Day, remembers the deceased children (known as little angels), November 2nd All Souls Day remembers the departed adults.

Origins can be traced back to Aztec traditions and Catholic pageantry. Curiosity to find out more had led me to the colonial town of Patzcuaro in the state of Michoacan. Home of the Purepecha tribe, welcoming people, open about celebrating their age-old rituals.

During the festivities this beautiful small town set beside Lake Patzcuaro, swells with visitors. El Refugio a restored 18^th Century Mansion was our refuge, terraced court yards, fountains and a breakfast room vibrant with Folk Art. Every morning it’s a gathering place where guests exchanged little gems of knowledge. We were the only rookies, the others seasoned visitors, Americans and collectors of Mexican folk Art. In the Plaza Grande there is a Day of the Dead market, where artisans come from all over Michocan to sell their wares.

We stepped from behind enormous wooden doors, onto a cobbled street, hidden beneath mounds of sunset yellow marigolds and snow white lilies. Located to the side of the Basilica, the main area for flower sellers, blossoms arrive by the lorry load. Stalls open day and night, the atmosphere electrifying, a constant flow of Town’s folk arms laden with brightly scented flowers bought to decorate graves. Also family alters lovingly assembled at home, each soul represented by a candle, sometimes a photograph and a favourite drink or snack will be left for each visiting spirit as an offering.

One morning we caught a taxi to Tzintzuntzan, place of the hummingbirds, an arch of burnt orange marigolds burst into life at the entrance of the cemetery. It was a hive of activity as families tended to gravesites, young boys swished tin cans of water to scrub tombs whilst the women swept away debris and the men painted the vivid stone crossed mausoleums. Fortunately there were not many other visitors as I began to wander and watch the families as they worked together in preparation for the night time vigils to come. Children’s laughter rang out as they played or helped their parents, sharing the family rituals passed down through the generations.

We returned to Patzcuaro to soak up the atmosphere of the streets.

Colourful market stalls line the squares and side streets of the town selling pan de muerto, (bread of the dead) and confectionery. The old and young gathered to share the bittersweet pleasure of exchanging sugar and chocolate skulls bearing the names of the departed. In addition for sale are skeleton crafts to decorate homes and graves which depict people from all walks of life, policemen, teachers, barbers and musicians.

As night fell the streets became crowded, all roads led to the cemeteries. Our guide arrived and we walked through darkened streets to a bus waiting on the outskirts of town, the roads bumper to bumper with cars and vans.

We visited three cemeteries, the atmosphere was peaceful, row upon row of candles lit the graves and illuminated the mounds of orange marigolds. The vigil is kept through the night by family and friends as they await the arrival of loved ones. A basket of food is placed at the grave, covered by an embroidered cloth awaiting the spirit to return to eat and drink with the living.

People sat on the floor beside graves, others on plastic chairs, women wrapped in shawls some with babies asleep in their arms, the men head bowed beneath their Stetsons. They chanted and prayed faces bathed by candle light, the lines telling the story of years past. Peace broken only by crackling flames from the small fires they huddled around to keep out the chilly night.

Now when I smell the smoke of a camp fire or the hint of incense I am transported back to Mexico and reminded of how the Mexican people celebrate their rites of communion between the living and the dead, with beauty, caring and humour and how symbols which would seem unsettling at another time and place blend peacefully with the landscape during the festivities of Day of the Dead.

Morocco

2011-09-20T03:17:00.000-07:00

Liz Barry, Local Photographer and travel writer, is never happier than when she is travelling with a camera.

Here she visits Morocco:

Atlas Valley

Morocco is a country of contrasts, a taste of Africa against a backdrop of Islamic culture. Exotic sights, which take you on a journey, back through time as you wander the labyrinth of streets in the medinas, trek climb and ski in the mountains or venture into the desert by 4 wheel drive.

Local Produce for sale

My travels began in the coastal town of Tangiers, which commands a strategic site on the Strait of Gibraltar. Tangier is a mix of Moroccan and European culture. Uphill from the port is the medina; the streets lead through to the Grand Succo, which is the centre of life and a link to the new town. The Ville Nouvelle (new town) saw its heyday in the 1930’s and is largely unchanged. A good way to experience this is to sit in one of the street cafes or patisseries along the Blvd Pasteur. And in the evening walk along the Terrasse des Paresseux (Idlers Terrace) that provides a panoramic view over the port, Gibraltar and Spain, a place where the locals come for an evening promenade.

Carpets for sale in Medina

After a day in Tangiers it was time to catch a berth on the Marrakesh Express for a ten and a half hour ride through the night. Marrakesh moves to a different beat sitting at the gateway to the desert, against a backdrop of the snow capped Atlas Mountains. The most famous landmark is the Koutabia Mosque 70m high, which can be seen for miles in any direction, attached is a paved and flower garden offering a quiet respite. The street opposite leads into the wide-open square of Djemma el-Fna.

Djemma el -Fna

During the day juice sellers and stalls of fresh figs and dates surround it. As the sun begins to set the red earth walls surrounding the medina illuminate, food stalls move in, smoke begins to rise and the aromas of fresh fish; brochettes (skewered meat) and steaming snails mingle in the air. Acrobats, jugglers, storytellers and musicians commence the street cabaret. Veiled women offer henna tattoos and the haunting melody of snake charmers carry deep into the night. If this sounds too much you can sit at one of the rooftop restaurants and watch the scene unfold.

Pottery for sale

The souqs of Marrakech offer a wide variety of crafts, leather, silverware, pottery also carpets and kilims, wall hangings made by Berber women. As you wander the streets you will be able to watch craftsmen at work usually in a narrow opening of a shop or small courtyard. At the dyers souk multi-coloured wools and fabrics hang out to dry.

Berber Children

Souqed out it was time to venture into the countryside. Hiring a 4wheel drive accompanied by Brahim, a Berber, our driver and translator, we went into the High Atlas. The mountain villages are home to the Berber tribes people, their mud brick dwellings cling precariously to the mountainsides. Like mountain goats the children race sure-footed across slopes. Some areas are more fertile; this enables the people to grow wheat, fruit trees and other crops, also grazing for a cow and some sheep.

We stayed in Imlil a small town in the Mizane Valley.

Hillside Village

This area is popular for trekking, it contains the highest peaks of the region Jebel Toubkal 4167m.The night was crisp the snow capped mountains glistened, from the rooftop of our small hotel you could hear laughter accompanied by a drum beat echoing from the villagers homes.

Tanneries Fes

It was hard to leave behind the blossoming fruit trees and crystal clear mountain streams for a city but Fes was calling. The medina of Fes el Bali, is one of the largest living medieval cities of the world with a maze of 9400 streets and alleyways. The only form of transport along the cobbled streets is the mule. By following your nose you’ll find the tanneries. From a terrace above a leather shop you catch watch the men dipping the hides into the vats of coloured dye. Bags, jackets and babouches (slippers) the most common footwear worn by both sexes are made from the leather.

Local Fisherman

In the midst of the medina is the Kairaouine Mosque and University, the mosque is said to hold 20,000 people. Staying within the walls of the medina you will be guaranteed to rise early, woken before dawn by the by muezzin (mosque official) calling the faithful to prayer.

Tin Mal Mosque

The trip had meant several early mornings to fit everything in. I left Morocco knowing one day I shall return as this trip just touched the surface of a country with a long history and so much to discover. The people are friendly, hospitable and will constantly ask you to share a mint tea. There’s tasty food such as Couscous and Tajines, (meat or vegetable stew) served in a conical earthenware dish. The souqs offer plenty of bargains you just have to get your bartering skills up to scratch before you go. And it is easy to travel around all you need are a few words of French a little Arabic if not hand gestures and a smile and you’ll have an experience to remember.

Fes Alley

City Breaks- Barcelona

2011-09-02T04:58:00.000-07:00

Liz Barry, Local Photographer and travel writer, is never happier than when she is travelling with a camera. Her articles feature in The Bay magazine, www.theswanseabay.co.uk or on her own website www.lizbarryphotos.co.uk.

Here she visits Barcelona:

Casa Batllo

Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain and capital of Catalunya. A Mediterranean city not only because of its location also through the history, tradition and culture of its people. It's a city of contrasts with medieval buildings dating back to the 14^th Century, a wave of new buildings created for the 1992 Olympics and the Modernista Architecture of one its own sons Antonio Gaudi.

Balcony

The city Metro is an easy transport link for visiting the various neighbourhoods that make up Barcelona. There is also Bus Turistic which operates three connecting routes across the city. A one or two day pass allows unlimited access, you can hop on and off the bus at all the major attractions and a personal set of head phones allows you to listen into the audio guide. Though the city lends itself to walkers as many of the districts are interlinked, an ideal way to glimpse the life of its inhabitants living in the apartment blocks. Shuttered windows open out onto balconies turned into miniatures gardens over flowing with greenery and bursts of blood red geraniums spilling out of window boxes.

Las Ramblas

Las Ramblas is a tree lined

Pedestrian Boulevard

that stretches from The Monument of Columbus that sits alongside Port Vell to Placa de Catalunya which links the old town with the new. Street cafes entice you to stop for coffee, sample tapas or feast on paella whilst juggling the enormous glass stem fish bowls of deep red fruit laden sangria. From the comfort of these side walk cafes you can watch the street entertainers, Flamenco Dancers and Living Statues draw the crowds.

Mecat de la Boqueria

Stalls of vivid coloured flowers stand next to newspaper kiosks and souvenir booths. The shrill songs from the bird market resonate. And you must walk through Mecat de la Boqueria to see the pyramids of fruit and vegetables, stalls brimming with sticks of bread and draped with hams and sausages.

North East of Las Ramblas is Barri Gotic a maze of interconnecting narrow streets, hidden squares and small hotels, cafes and bars. The Medieval gothic buildings date back to the 14^thand 15^th Century. Barcelona’s central place of worship Catedral stands here.

Parc Guell

L’Eixample area stretches north; east and west from Placa de Catalunya, along the straight streets are the majority of the city’s most expensive hotels and shops.

The Passeig de Gracia links Placa de Catalunya with the old village of Gracia where you will see examples of Modernista architecture. Casa Batllo built by Gaudi between 1904-1906 has a facade of green, mauve and blue tiles, a solitary chimney rises from the roof top.

La Pedera

Locals know it as casa del drac (house of the dragon) as the balconies resemble the jaws of some strange beast. Another of Gaudi’s creations is the Casa Mila, also known as La Pedera (stone quarry in Catalan) built between 1906-1910. The uneven grey facade which ripples around the street corner edged by wrought iron balconies evokes the motion of waves.

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia, whose magnificent spires imprint themselves against the deep blue sky and the stone comes to life encrusted with sculptures. When finished there will be twelve bell towers dedicated to the apostles at a height of over 100 metres, 8 have been completed.

It is a work in progress, Gaudi died in 1926 before his dream was complete, and the building continues with contributions from anonymous benefactors and the admission charges from over 1.5million visitors a year.

Parc Guell

Parc Guell also designed by Gaudi is a Unesco World Heritage Site. A surrealist island that integrates Gaudi’s work into nature, the main source of his inspiration. A mosiac tiled curved bench, sits on the rooftop of 84 stone columns intended as a market, the entrance is guarded by a mosaic dragon/lizard with scales of tiles, which glint in the strong rays of the Mediterranean sun. It was named after Gaudi’s Patron Count Eusbi Guell and was planned as a residential garden city though only one show house was built this became Gaudi’s home and today houses the museum devoted to his architecture.

Montjuixc is the hill which overlooks the city; it houses many art galleries and also the main buildings of the 1992 Olympics and Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village). A showcase of Architecture from across Spain’s regions. There are lovely restaurants, over 40 craft workshops and a sculpture garden which offers panoramic views of the city, port and beaches. The latter for relaxing after the sightseeing becomes to Gaudi.

Sri Lanka

2011-08-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

Heidi John works for the Haverfordwest branch of The Travel House. She specialises in holidays to Sri Lanka, Florida and Disneyland Paris. Returning from her travels, she tells us her holiday highlights.

Map of Sri Lanka

Travelling around 15 hours to get there we were greeted with beautiful white sand beaches and baking hot sunshine. (temperatures range between 28 degrees and 31 degrees) and the best time to travel is in our winter as their summer is monsoon season.

Buddist Temple in Sri Lanka's Capital Columbo

Sri Lanka is a bustling island with lots of culture and history. You can visit many of the Buddha temples and see the amazing shrines which are dotted all over the island. You can also climb Sigiriya rock, which is home to the remains of one of the islands former capitals, complete with water gardens. Be prepared though it is quite steep with over 2000 steps!!!

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Sri Lanka

My best trip was the elephant orphanage, where you can feed the baby elephants, and watch them bathing in the nearby river.

I would recommend Sri Lanka as there is so much to see and do.
Either go for a 14 day holiday or why not combine it with a week in the Maldives. Sri Lanka is easily accesible as no visas required.

Canada

2011-08-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

Banff and Lake Louise

Situated in Canada's first national park, the town of Banff and the resort of Lake Louise attract thousands of visitors each year. The magnificent scenery of picture perfect lakes, snow-dusted mountain peaks, soothing hot springs and historic attractions are all part of their charm.

The Park enjoys a reliable snowfall and a long winter season offering the winter visitor many experience’s in this spectacular outdoor playground.

Combined, the three resorts of Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski area and Sunshine Village offer almost 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. Ski and snowboard equipment is available to rent from outlets in the area and a resort shuttle transports visitors between the ski resorts and hotels in Banff and Lake Louise.

There are various tour operators’ which offer outdoor pursuits one of which Discover Banff Tours is located at the Sundance Mall along the main street. All the guides are so knowledgeable you will learn about the history, wildlife and habitat that you are exploring as well as taking part in an activity.

Snowshoeing is one of Banff's most traditional, authentic wilderness experiences and offers a great way to wander through the deep snow fields and countryside.

The Paint Pots is an area we visited that provided an insight into the history of the indigenous people, explorers and fur traders who lived in and travelled through the Rockies and the impact the fur trade had on Western Canada. The trail was mostly flat terrain through the Vermillion River Valley this gave us an opportunity to search for wildlife tracks such as snowshoe hare, moose and wolf which criss crossed the virgin snow, unfortunately our sighting of wildlife drew a blank. Though our spirits were not too low as we were about to experience a unique Canadian treat, our guide pulled out of his back pack a stove, saucepan and some syrup, to make hot maple taffy, which he poured into the snow to set, very sweet and yummy.

Another trip we joined was an icewalk in Johnston Canyon, slipping on ice cleats over snow boots with the support of a pole we hiked across steel walkways built into the canyon walls. The height gave a bird’s eye view of the canyon below and allowed us to marvel at the ice formations of the lower and upper falls.

Having experienced the skiing, snow shoeing and the icewalk there was one more thing on my list of must do’s, dog- sledding. It has to be one of the most thrilling ways to pass across the winter landscape. It also offers a pretty good physical workout though I have to admit I took the easy option and was cocooned into a fleecy bag as a passenger on the sled whilst my partner embarked upon the hard work of mushing. First off there was a briefing telling us the commands for controlling the dogs, their names and how to harness them. And very importantly how to brake, stop and use the metal anchor which has to be firmly stomped into the snow to prevent the dogs taking off with sled in tow. Believe me once they get into their harnesses they are ready for take off ... the atmosphere was electric, the dogs yelping to each other, their heads forwards, legs moving at great pace. Being pulled on the dog-sled, over the snow, through forest trails by these incredible animals was exhilarating and a journey of a lifetime as these huskies were born to run.

But if you are not seeking an adventure and would prefer to soak up the spectacular snow capped mountain vistas and turquoise blue frozen waters sparkling beneath the Victoria Glacier at Lake Louise you could snuggle up beneath a blanket and have a horse drawn sleigh ride.

The tinkling of sleigh bells echoes through the valleys of Banff and Lake Louise during the winter months.

If you are planning to stay in the Canadian Rockies Banff is the busier of the two resorts which offers a variety of restaurants, shopping and accommodation. If luxury is what you are seeking look no further than The Fairmont Banff Springs, styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, the construction of the hotel in 1888 marked the birthplace of tourism in the Canadian Rockies. Sitting on the edge of town, in a secluded location the furnishings are opulent and it offers a wonderful place for Après- ski, the heated outdoor pool where you can soak up the stunning scenery and views of Sulphur Mountain which rises into the clouds above it.

And just a few miles away travelling along the scenic Icefields Parkway, you can stay at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise known as Canada’s "Diamond in the Wilderness". It sits majestically on the shores of Lake Louise, as its name suggest it is built in a chateau style and is a beautiful resort with unobstructed views of the Victoria Glacier. During the winter skaters glide past ice sculptures which have been built upon the pristine frozen lake.

The Canadian Rockies boast stunning scenery and an untamed wilderness and is the backdrop of a winter wonderland that takes your breath away. Banff and Lake Louise are just under a two hour’s drive from Calgary International Airport which you can fly to direct from London.

Just be prepared for the snow and cold, as we experienced a chilly – 30 degrees C on our coldest day... fortunately the air is drier, it was sunny and with plenty of steaming hot chocolate it wasn’t so bad.

2011-08-10T03:35:00.000-07:00

The Thousand Islands

River Boat Cruise

Until a recent visit to Ottawa in Canada I had never heard of the Thousand Islands...yes I do know about the dressing and I was about to discover its origin and a lot more. The islands rise out of the water between the Canada-U.S. border of the Saint Lawrence River as it flows from Lake Ontario. Covering a 50 mile area there are over 1864 islands, the criteria being that any island has to stay above water 365 days-a-year and support at least two living trees. No island is split by the international border; the Canadian islands are in the province of Ontario, the U.S. islands in the state of New York.

The best way to see these islands is from the water, River Boat Cruises depart from many of the towns along the shore, and I boarded my boat at the small hamlet of Rockport. It was just the day to be on the water, clear blue sky and a nice warm breeze blowing so I could sit on deck and be enthralled by the homes and boats that our passage took. Many of the Islands are privately owned and are summer residences, these come in all sizes from a humble onestorey dwelling to cottages, I use the term loosely as they come with their very own boat house, remote lighthouse’s and extraordinary castles.

Boldt Castle

One that is open to visitors is Boldt Castle on Heart Island, a 120 room mansion which is slowly being restored by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority. It is a magnigificent structure which resembles a fairy tale castle, turrets reaching skywards, surrounded by beautiful grounds, but the tale that lies behind its demise is the testament of one man’s love and loss.

Boldt Castle

George Boldt was the general manager of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, he used to summer with his family in a cottage on the island. In 1900 he began an ambitious construction campaign to build a huge masonry structure, one of the largest private homes in America, a six story castle. The architectural firm G.W. & W. D. Hewitt was appointed and over 300 workers including stonemasons, carpenters and artists were engaged, no expense was spared. The imposing structure was to be a demonstration of his love for Louise his wife. Sadly in 1904 tragedy struck and Louise died suddenly. Boldt telegraphed the island and ordered the workers to “stop all construction.” He was broken hearted and could not imagine his dream castle without Louise, he never returned to the island, the abandoned castle a memorial of his love.

Sunken Rock Lighthouse

It is also believed that it was George Boldt’s Chef that developed the popular Thousand Island Dressing. During the two hour cruise we sailed down numerous channels dividing the islands, passing other cruise boats, Paddle steamers and leisure craft. The water is crystal clear and in the shallows, shipwrecks lay ready to catch out unwary boatmen... Sunken Rock Light guards the east end of the American narrows, warning ships of a dangerous rock formation just below, if it wasn’t there the island would be hidden. Its tiny form dwarfed by the great expanse of water looked like a miniature lighthouse.

The on board commentary is very informative and points out some of the more unusual homes one of which is on Zaikon Island, as it is known to have the shortest international bridge in the world. It joins the cottage which lies in Canada to its back yard which is in the US. I wonder if you need to carry your passport each time you want to sit in the garden or go to hang out the washing.

River Boat Cruise

I was also lucky to see my first Ospreys; I actually saw a pair in one nest and a single bird in another. Both nests were on top of poles, just a huge mass of sticks. They didn’t seem bothered at all by the craft passing by.Exploring a place which is new to me to me is always exciting; the Thousand Islands were a gem of a discovery. Though my visit was only brief I was captivated by its beauty, history and friendly atmosphere.

People come here to enjoy the fresh outdoors, the cool wooded islands, and the exhilarating water pursuits. The pace of life is relaxed, towns are just a boat ride away for supplies, before returning to island living where it is possible to be alone and turn your back completely on the hundreds of other pine scented granite islands of the Saint Lawrence River.

Butlins- The original holiday destination

2011-07-12T06:16:00.000-07:00

Beach front near by to Butlins

I had never been to Butlins Minehead before but the children were nagging to go so when the opportunity came up to sample the delights of Butlins for the day I jumped at the opportunity. So on Saturday 9^th July 2011 we set off from Swansea to Minehead, myself, my husband, my youngest daughter aged 6 and her friend. The journey time was about 2 1/2 hours but can take longer as the roads after you come off the motorway can become quite congested.

After lots of are we there yet we finally arrived and checked in at the Day Visitor Entrance. With map of the resort in hand we set off for the water park – Splash Water world. The pool was busy but not too overcrowded; the children enjoyed the wave machine and the lazy river that takes you around the water park. The girls finally drummed up enough courage to have a go on one of the rides, we opted for the Master Blaster, as two people can ride in the small dingy. At the top they were very excited but also nervous; the queue was quite long but didn’t take too long. Eventually it was our turn, there was lots of screams on the ride which was great fun, at the end they just wanted to go on again!! We had a quick swim and then it was time to get changed and explore Butlins further.

The next stop was the bouncy castle, you had to pay for this £3 for 15 minutes (you buy your tickets at the Leisure hub and you have to wear socks), then a quick donkey ride (£3 per person). A lot of the activities in Butlins are free including the Water world, Amusements, outdoor and indoor play areas, entertainment shows but do expect to pay for some activities such as the aerial adventures, mini golf, laser quest, but you can buy a day pass for a number of activities to reduce the cost.

We then went to watch a show at the Centre Stage in the Skyline Pavilion; this venue is massive with a capacity of 2,800. Time for a quick bite to eat in the Sun and Moon Pub, great for the children as this is right next to the Adventure Play Area. Food was lovely and not too expensive with a good choice for the children. On site there are plenty of places to eat plus a couple of supermarkets if you want to cook yourself.

After food we went to the Funfair where there were some extreme rides, we opted for the Carousel!! This area is ideal for older teenagers. There were limited rides for the younger ones but they did enjoy the trampolines. Time now for an ice cream in the Skyline pavilion and just in time for a photo with Billy Bear. During the day there are a few photos opportunities with children’s characters such as Lazytown. The facilities inside the Skyline Pavilion are fantastic there is a 10 lane bowling alley, American Pool tables, Snooker tables, amusements, indoor play area and numerous outlets for food and drink plus the main Pavilion stage which holds various activities throughout the day.

Finally it was time to go home, it took a bit of persuasion to get the girls back in the car but a promise of one final play and that we will be back again and we were on our way home with two very tired girls in the back. I can definitely say that for a family Butlins has it covered for all ages of children, we will be going back – can’t break a promise!!

A taste of Jamaica

2011-07-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

Returning from her trip to Jamaica, Liz, Manager of the Mumbles branch in Swansea, recalls her 5 day stay on the Island.

Jamaica is a beautiful friendly Caribbean island. The laid back attitude the Jamaican’s are known for shows, and is a much needed addition to a relaxing holiday.

Sandals Royal Caribbean

The Sandals properties have the most amazing oceanfront locations, and I was lucky enough to board there for the entire trip. I particularly loved the Sandals Royal Caribbean which has something for everyone. It has an incredible private island where you can take a boat across anytime in the day to chill out, or for a romantic meal in the evening. It’s also close to the airport at Montego Bay, so no long transfers!

I also loved Sandals Plantation, Ocho Rios, which is smaller and intimate and ideal for travellers who prefer privacy with second to none attention and customer service.

For families, you can't beat Beaches at Boscobel which has a large water park on site and children’s entertainment in the evening, and still plenty of facilities for the adults.

Taking excursions are great as it allows you to get out from the resort and experience Jamaica, seeing the wildlife, pelicans and hummingbirds, and all the exotic flowers and trees with mangoes, bananas and avocados.

Dunns River Falls

For those not content with lounging around a pool, Jamaica has an abundance of attractions, including the beautiful cascading waterfalls of Dunn's River Falls. A truly outstanding treasure, it boasts 600 feet of climbing pleasure for thousands of visitors and locals every year; it is arguably Jamaica's most popular and famous attraction.

For a taste of something different, the iconic Appleton estate Distillery in the beautiful Nassau Valley is also a trip not to be missed. The day of the tour to Appleton Estate Distillery began early with a short visit into Kingston to meet the hosts of the trip.
After a short stop in Kingston, it was time to head out to the Appleton Distillery, approximately two and a half to three hours away by car. On the way up to the Nassau Valley the route took us through beautiful valleys. Before we arrived at the distillery we saw "The Source" of the water used at the distillery, one of the unique elements that make Appleton rums very distinctive.

Appleton Estate Distillery

For all information on Caribbean holidays contact our Mumbles branch on 01792 366636 or alternatively visit our website www.travelhouse.co.uk

The Travel House Welcome

2011-06-24T03:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the official blog of The Travel House.

With 26 shops from West Wales to Bristol, The Travel House is Wales' largest independent travel agent. As a South Wales & South West England based travel agent, The Travel House specialise in holidays flying from Cardiff Airport and Bristol Airport and can offer departures from anywhere in the UK.
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