Education
‘I went to one of Europe’s prettiest hidden gems – it was incredibly cheap’ | Travel News | Travel
Many of Europe’s top holiday hotspots are struggling to cope with huge numbers of tourists following the pandemic. From Barcelona to Venice, cities have been forced to think of ingenious ways to cope with the influx.
However, holidaymakers who want to avoid crowds still have a few options. This summer, I travelled to Albania and explored one of the country’s best-hidden gems. As well as being less crowded than some other European holiday hotspots, you can find some relatively good deals on holidays to Albania, including some cheap deals with easyJet and direct flights with British Airways.
Berat sits on the Osum River, in central Albania, around a two-hour drive from Albania’s capital, Tirana. A designated World Heritage Site, Berat is surrounded by mountains and hills. Better still, a trip to Berat is extremely affordable and I spent just £18 on a night’s stay in the city with breakfast included.
Known as the ‘Town of a Thousand Windows’ for its unique architecture, the city has been inhabited for thousands of years.
What to do
and, even though I only spent one full day there, I felt as though I was able to see most of its key sights.
I loved the views from , which dates back to the 13th century and looms above the town. The walk to the top was a bit of a challenge in 30-degree heat but tourists can also take a taxi if they’d rather.
Berat’s Old Town is a maze of cafes and restaurants and I loved admiring the Ottoman houses which gave the city its name. If you’re staying in Berat for more days, you could take a trip to the breathtaking Osum Gorge or go for a mountain hike.
Where to Stay
I stayed in a guesthouse room which I booked on Airbnb and it cost just £36.97 for two people for one night, which worked out to be roughly £18.48 each. The price included a simple but filling breakfast of juice, coffee, eggs, bread and jam.
I’d recommend staying in the town’s Old Town and in one of the city’s Ottoman houses.
The houses are so well preserved and many have their original heavy wood carving decor which offer a really authentic experience. As could be expected from a town famous for its windows, many offer incredible views of the river and Berat.
UK village with fairytale castle and wild garlic woodland (Image: Portia Jones)
The unmistakable aroma of wild garlic signals the arrival of spring in Wales, a season marked by the blooming of bluebells, snowdrops and ramson (commonly known as wild garlic). These vibrant green, spear-like leaves blanket the Welsh countryside during spring, adorning shady meadows, dense woodlands, and the banks of winding streams. They can also be delicately hand-picked to add a burst of flavour to your evening meal.
In bustling cities like Cardiff, these tender shoots may be harder to come by. However, just beyond the city’s hustle and bustle, near the quaint village of Taff’s Well, lies a woodland area where the forest floor is gradually coming alive with this culinary gem.
Located beside the fairytale-like Castell Coch, Fforest Fawr is an ancient woodland managed by Forestry Commission Wales (Image: Portia Jones)
Fforest Fawr
Nestled next to the enchanting Castell Coch, Fforest Fawr is an ancient woodland managed by Forestry Commission Wales and ranks among Cardiff’s top forest walks.
Stroll along its leafy paths, and you’ll soon spot the first sprouts of aromatic wild garlic growing amidst vibrant bluebells and wood anemones.
This natural haven boasts several nature conservation designations, including a Special Area of Conservation, and offers numerous walking trails for exploration.
There’s also a charming café nearby – complete with indoor and outdoor seating – accessible via a forest trail and renowned for its mouth-watering toasties!
Found in the dense woodlands surrounding Castle Coch in Wales, wild garlic already started to grow (Image: John Myers)
Foraging for wild garlic in Fforest Fawr
Forage for this aromatic seasoning when it’s fully grown; be aware the timing can vary from year to year. Bring a bag for collecting and scissors to snip the leaves.
If you’re hunting for wild garlic in Fforest Fawr, look for broad, spear-shaped green leaves carpeting the forest floor between March and May. It’s still a little early for foraging, but they should be carpeting the forest floor soon.
When foraging, stick to picking the leaves rather than the bulbs, and be mindful not to take too much. Leaving plenty behind helps the plant thrive for seasons to come.
If you’re unsure if it’s wild garlic you’ve picked, just sniff it. Its mild, garlicky aroma is unmistakable. You can turn your foraged garlic into pesto or sprinkle it liberally on dishes like roast lamb and risotto.
If you want to explore beyond the patches of wild garlic, you’ll find three walking trails in Fforest Faw (Image: John Myers)
Walking in Fforest Fawr
If you want to explore beyond the patches of wild garlic, you’ll find three walking trails in Fforest Fawr, including a family-friendly sculpture trail and another scenic trail that starts from the Castell Coch car park.
As you wander through the woodland, keep an eye out for the mounds and hollows-these are remnants of old iron-mining workings, with their spoil heaps now softened by nature’s reclaiming touch.
The dragon trail around Fforest Fawr behind Castell Coch is ideal for those looking for a walk in nature with some sculptures thrown into the mix.
Explore the forests and encounter an array of wood carvings, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views over Craig yr Allt and the Garth on a mile-long family-friendly walk that culminates at the enchanting Castell Coch.
After exploring the woodlands, head to Castell Coch (Image: Portia Jones)
Discover the fairytale wonder of Castell Coch
Step out of the woodlands and into the pages of a storybook at Castell Coch. This 19th-century Gothic Revival gem is tucked within the ancient beech trees, enchanting visitors with its majestic appearance.
Rising from the remnants of a medieval fortress once dubbed “castrum rubeum” or “the red castle”, Castell Coch was resurrected from ruin by the exceptional vision of the Third Marquess of Bute and his architect William Burges.
Fusing medieval remnants with Victorian innovation, historian Charles Kightly hailed this architectural masterpiece as the epitome of Britain’s Gothic Revival.
Presently, tourists are invited to traverse time within the lavishly adorned interiors of the castle.
Worked up an appetite after all that exploring? Make your way to the dog-friendly Forest Tea Rooms (Image: Portia Jones)
Replenish at the Forest Tea Rooms
After partaking in the array of activities, stop by the dog-friendly Forest Tea Rooms for a scrumptious and affordable bite.
This unique forest retreat offers a warm ambience, complete with mismatched furniture, a toasty fireplace, outdoor seating, and even some majestic resident peacocks echoing across the woodland.
Just a stone’s throw away from the entrance of Castell Coch, this quaint café offers a delightful array of hot and cold nibbles. If you happen to drop by on a Sunday, prepare yourself for a hearty roast dinner reminiscent of your grandmother’s cooking.
Choose a snug corner by the fireplace or opt for an outdoor seat amidst verdant foliage and local fauna.
The tea room is accessible via Heol-Y-Fforest, a brief walk uphill from Castell Coch, or simply follow the convenient signs scattered along the woodland paths.
As the holiday season approaches and travel plans come together, it’s a great time to invest in new luggage. Before the busy period of school holidays and annual leave, you can find great deals on family-friendly suitcases.
A fantastic option is the Set of 3 Montreal 4 Wheel Soft Suitcases from Marks and Spencer, which includes small, medium, and large cases for £150. The matching set adds a stylish, professional touch to your travels. With the smaller case meeting size restrictions for Jet2, easyJet, and British Airways, it’s no wonder the set has earned a 4.6 out of 5 rating from travellers.
The Montreal Set includes three soft-shell suitcases designed for practicality and convenience. Each case has four double wheels for smooth movement and a pull-up trolley handle for easy airport navigation.
Grab handles on the top and sides make lifting effortless, while external zipped pockets offer quick access to travel essentials.
Inside, the suitcases provide ample storage with sectioned pouches for better organization. Additionally, all three cases are expandable, offering extra packing space when needed.
The luggage set includes:
- Cabin size: Measures 54cm (H) x 34cm (W) x 25cm (D), with a 40L capacity and weighing 2.45kg.
- Medium size: Measures 66cm (H) x 39cm (W) x 29cm (D), offering a 64L capacity and weighing 3kg.
- Large size: Measures 77cm (H) x 45cm (W) x 33cm (D), providing a 103L capacity and weighing 3.65kg.
The soft sided design helps the case to feel lightweight and easy to pull even when full. If these aren’t quite what you are looking for, Amazon is selling the Showkoo 3-Piece Suitcase Set for £149. Available in choice of colours, the suitcase bundle has over 5000 reviews.
Alternatively, Antler is offering 20% off the Lightest Soft Stripe Luggage Set – an investment piece loved by frequent flyers, the set is on sale for £496.
Customers who have already purchased the three-piece suitcase set from Marks and Spencer have left glowing reviews on M&S.com. One said: “Perfect set. Good quality and size. I’m very satisfied with this purchase”
Another added: “I took my time looking for replacement cases and these fit the bill. With good sizes and having four wheels and a long guarantee this is a great buy.”
One M&S shopper was a little less enthusiastic, however, raising concerns about the manoeuvrability of the cases. “They feel quite awkward to pull on 4 wheels. A bit like a shopping trolley with a mind of its own,” they said.
Most shoppers loved them though, with another exclaiming: “I’m delighted with this set of suitcases. They look strong and have adequate spaces inside for shoes and clothes. A good buy!”
You can explore the Marks and Spencer luggage range here. Always check the luggage restrictions on your ticket before you fly.
A woman has taken to social media to share what she thinks is one of the worst airport habits people have while waiting for a flight. Posting to TikTok, the woman who goes by the name of nicoletravelandlife, said the most annoying thing people do is to queue to get on the plane as soon as it’s ready to board.
She said there are two types of people at an airport, those who wait until the last minute to get on and those who form a huge queue immediately even though the gate isn’t actually open yet. The woman shared her thoughts while waiting for a Ryanair flight to Romania.
There are many common airport habits which often cause issues when people are waiting for their flights.
A commenter said people often try to get on first to ensure luggage space.
The person said: “Also to your first point – people queue to get on first for luggage space nowadays as it’s so tight.”
Another said: “This is why you should always pay for your specific seat.”
One person added: “Does it matter if people queue or not, can people do what they want at an airport please, there is enough stress with flying.”
Another bug-bear for many travellers is when people try to rush to the front of the security line and push in to get through first.
Some people may not be considerate when you are seated next to them on the plane. For example, they may be loud or messy or take up too much space.
Other passengers may fail to properly prepare for security screening, holding up the line by fumbling with their bags and shoes.
And there are those who ignore overhead storage rules, taking up more space than needed and forcing others to scramble to find room for their carry-ons.
To make sure you’re not going to be an annoying passenger, you should be aware of your surroundings when flying.
Make sure to prepare your items for security in advance can help speed up the process and avoid holding up others.
Keep your conversations quiet and avoiding phone calls in shared spaces can make the flight experience more pleasant for everyone.
The woman urged people to be aware of their surroundings to ensure all passengers are happy and comfortable when flying.
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‘I went to one of Europe’s prettiest hidden gems – it was incredibly cheap’ | Travel News | Travel
Many of Europe’s top holiday hotspots are struggling to cope with huge numbers of tourists following the pandemic. From Barcelona to Venice, cities have been forced to think of ingenious ways to cope with the influx.
However, holidaymakers who want to avoid crowds still have a few options. This summer, I travelled to Albania and explored one of the country’s best-hidden gems. As well as being less crowded than some other European holiday hotspots, you can find some relatively good deals on holidays to Albania, including some cheap deals with easyJet and direct flights with British Airways.
Berat sits on the Osum River, in central Albania, around a two-hour drive from Albania’s capital, Tirana. A designated World Heritage Site, Berat is surrounded by mountains and hills. Better still, a trip to Berat is extremely affordable and I spent just £18 on a night’s stay in the city with breakfast included.
Known as the ‘Town of a Thousand Windows’ for its unique architecture, the city has been inhabited for thousands of years.
What to do
and, even though I only spent one full day there, I felt as though I was able to see most of its key sights.
I loved the views from , which dates back to the 13th century and looms above the town. The walk to the top was a bit of a challenge in 30-degree heat but tourists can also take a taxi if they’d rather.
Berat’s Old Town is a maze of cafes and restaurants and I loved admiring the Ottoman houses which gave the city its name. If you’re staying in Berat for more days, you could take a trip to the breathtaking Osum Gorge or go for a mountain hike.
Where to Stay
I stayed in a guesthouse room which I booked on Airbnb and it cost just £36.97 for two people for one night, which worked out to be roughly £18.48 each. The price included a simple but filling breakfast of juice, coffee, eggs, bread and jam.
I’d recommend staying in the town’s Old Town and in one of the city’s Ottoman houses.
The houses are so well preserved and many have their original heavy wood carving decor which offer a really authentic experience. As could be expected from a town famous for its windows, many offer incredible views of the river and Berat.
UK village with fairytale castle and wild garlic woodland (Image: Portia Jones)
The unmistakable aroma of wild garlic signals the arrival of spring in Wales, a season marked by the blooming of bluebells, snowdrops and ramson (commonly known as wild garlic). These vibrant green, spear-like leaves blanket the Welsh countryside during spring, adorning shady meadows, dense woodlands, and the banks of winding streams. They can also be delicately hand-picked to add a burst of flavour to your evening meal.
In bustling cities like Cardiff, these tender shoots may be harder to come by. However, just beyond the city’s hustle and bustle, near the quaint village of Taff’s Well, lies a woodland area where the forest floor is gradually coming alive with this culinary gem.
Located beside the fairytale-like Castell Coch, Fforest Fawr is an ancient woodland managed by Forestry Commission Wales (Image: Portia Jones)
Fforest Fawr
Nestled next to the enchanting Castell Coch, Fforest Fawr is an ancient woodland managed by Forestry Commission Wales and ranks among Cardiff’s top forest walks.
Stroll along its leafy paths, and you’ll soon spot the first sprouts of aromatic wild garlic growing amidst vibrant bluebells and wood anemones.
This natural haven boasts several nature conservation designations, including a Special Area of Conservation, and offers numerous walking trails for exploration.
There’s also a charming café nearby – complete with indoor and outdoor seating – accessible via a forest trail and renowned for its mouth-watering toasties!
Found in the dense woodlands surrounding Castle Coch in Wales, wild garlic already started to grow (Image: John Myers)
Foraging for wild garlic in Fforest Fawr
Forage for this aromatic seasoning when it’s fully grown; be aware the timing can vary from year to year. Bring a bag for collecting and scissors to snip the leaves.
If you’re hunting for wild garlic in Fforest Fawr, look for broad, spear-shaped green leaves carpeting the forest floor between March and May. It’s still a little early for foraging, but they should be carpeting the forest floor soon.
When foraging, stick to picking the leaves rather than the bulbs, and be mindful not to take too much. Leaving plenty behind helps the plant thrive for seasons to come.
If you’re unsure if it’s wild garlic you’ve picked, just sniff it. Its mild, garlicky aroma is unmistakable. You can turn your foraged garlic into pesto or sprinkle it liberally on dishes like roast lamb and risotto.
If you want to explore beyond the patches of wild garlic, you’ll find three walking trails in Fforest Faw (Image: John Myers)
Walking in Fforest Fawr
If you want to explore beyond the patches of wild garlic, you’ll find three walking trails in Fforest Fawr, including a family-friendly sculpture trail and another scenic trail that starts from the Castell Coch car park.
As you wander through the woodland, keep an eye out for the mounds and hollows-these are remnants of old iron-mining workings, with their spoil heaps now softened by nature’s reclaiming touch.
The dragon trail around Fforest Fawr behind Castell Coch is ideal for those looking for a walk in nature with some sculptures thrown into the mix.
Explore the forests and encounter an array of wood carvings, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking views over Craig yr Allt and the Garth on a mile-long family-friendly walk that culminates at the enchanting Castell Coch.
After exploring the woodlands, head to Castell Coch (Image: Portia Jones)
Discover the fairytale wonder of Castell Coch
Step out of the woodlands and into the pages of a storybook at Castell Coch. This 19th-century Gothic Revival gem is tucked within the ancient beech trees, enchanting visitors with its majestic appearance.
Rising from the remnants of a medieval fortress once dubbed “castrum rubeum” or “the red castle”, Castell Coch was resurrected from ruin by the exceptional vision of the Third Marquess of Bute and his architect William Burges.
Fusing medieval remnants with Victorian innovation, historian Charles Kightly hailed this architectural masterpiece as the epitome of Britain’s Gothic Revival.
Presently, tourists are invited to traverse time within the lavishly adorned interiors of the castle.
Worked up an appetite after all that exploring? Make your way to the dog-friendly Forest Tea Rooms (Image: Portia Jones)
Replenish at the Forest Tea Rooms
After partaking in the array of activities, stop by the dog-friendly Forest Tea Rooms for a scrumptious and affordable bite.
This unique forest retreat offers a warm ambience, complete with mismatched furniture, a toasty fireplace, outdoor seating, and even some majestic resident peacocks echoing across the woodland.
Just a stone’s throw away from the entrance of Castell Coch, this quaint café offers a delightful array of hot and cold nibbles. If you happen to drop by on a Sunday, prepare yourself for a hearty roast dinner reminiscent of your grandmother’s cooking.
Choose a snug corner by the fireplace or opt for an outdoor seat amidst verdant foliage and local fauna.
The tea room is accessible via Heol-Y-Fforest, a brief walk uphill from Castell Coch, or simply follow the convenient signs scattered along the woodland paths.
As the holiday season approaches and travel plans come together, it’s a great time to invest in new luggage. Before the busy period of school holidays and annual leave, you can find great deals on family-friendly suitcases.
A fantastic option is the Set of 3 Montreal 4 Wheel Soft Suitcases from Marks and Spencer, which includes small, medium, and large cases for £150. The matching set adds a stylish, professional touch to your travels. With the smaller case meeting size restrictions for Jet2, easyJet, and British Airways, it’s no wonder the set has earned a 4.6 out of 5 rating from travellers.
The Montreal Set includes three soft-shell suitcases designed for practicality and convenience. Each case has four double wheels for smooth movement and a pull-up trolley handle for easy airport navigation.
Grab handles on the top and sides make lifting effortless, while external zipped pockets offer quick access to travel essentials.
Inside, the suitcases provide ample storage with sectioned pouches for better organization. Additionally, all three cases are expandable, offering extra packing space when needed.
The luggage set includes:
- Cabin size: Measures 54cm (H) x 34cm (W) x 25cm (D), with a 40L capacity and weighing 2.45kg.
- Medium size: Measures 66cm (H) x 39cm (W) x 29cm (D), offering a 64L capacity and weighing 3kg.
- Large size: Measures 77cm (H) x 45cm (W) x 33cm (D), providing a 103L capacity and weighing 3.65kg.
The soft sided design helps the case to feel lightweight and easy to pull even when full. If these aren’t quite what you are looking for, Amazon is selling the Showkoo 3-Piece Suitcase Set for £149. Available in choice of colours, the suitcase bundle has over 5000 reviews.
Alternatively, Antler is offering 20% off the Lightest Soft Stripe Luggage Set – an investment piece loved by frequent flyers, the set is on sale for £496.
Customers who have already purchased the three-piece suitcase set from Marks and Spencer have left glowing reviews on M&S.com. One said: “Perfect set. Good quality and size. I’m very satisfied with this purchase”
Another added: “I took my time looking for replacement cases and these fit the bill. With good sizes and having four wheels and a long guarantee this is a great buy.”
One M&S shopper was a little less enthusiastic, however, raising concerns about the manoeuvrability of the cases. “They feel quite awkward to pull on 4 wheels. A bit like a shopping trolley with a mind of its own,” they said.
Most shoppers loved them though, with another exclaiming: “I’m delighted with this set of suitcases. They look strong and have adequate spaces inside for shoes and clothes. A good buy!”
You can explore the Marks and Spencer luggage range here. Always check the luggage restrictions on your ticket before you fly.
A woman has taken to social media to share what she thinks is one of the worst airport habits people have while waiting for a flight. Posting to TikTok, the woman who goes by the name of nicoletravelandlife, said the most annoying thing people do is to queue to get on the plane as soon as it’s ready to board.
She said there are two types of people at an airport, those who wait until the last minute to get on and those who form a huge queue immediately even though the gate isn’t actually open yet. The woman shared her thoughts while waiting for a Ryanair flight to Romania.
There are many common airport habits which often cause issues when people are waiting for their flights.
A commenter said people often try to get on first to ensure luggage space.
The person said: “Also to your first point – people queue to get on first for luggage space nowadays as it’s so tight.”
Another said: “This is why you should always pay for your specific seat.”
One person added: “Does it matter if people queue or not, can people do what they want at an airport please, there is enough stress with flying.”
Another bug-bear for many travellers is when people try to rush to the front of the security line and push in to get through first.
Some people may not be considerate when you are seated next to them on the plane. For example, they may be loud or messy or take up too much space.
Other passengers may fail to properly prepare for security screening, holding up the line by fumbling with their bags and shoes.
And there are those who ignore overhead storage rules, taking up more space than needed and forcing others to scramble to find room for their carry-ons.
To make sure you’re not going to be an annoying passenger, you should be aware of your surroundings when flying.
Make sure to prepare your items for security in advance can help speed up the process and avoid holding up others.
Keep your conversations quiet and avoiding phone calls in shared spaces can make the flight experience more pleasant for everyone.
The woman urged people to be aware of their surroundings to ensure all passengers are happy and comfortable when flying.
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