Ali's blog posts

Canyoning – playing in a natural water park!

Canyoning is not something that too many people have heard of before their holiday but by the end of each summer it always comes at the top of the list of our clients’ favourite activities; receiving rave reviews from all of the destinations where we feature this activity!

Effectively canyoning is about enjoying the natural water parks provided by Mother Nature. You descend waterfalls, jump into deep pools, slide, leap and swim as you descend a canyon or gorge. Travelling down as a group there is always a real sense of camaraderie as you encourage each other over the next obstacle. The sound track to this activity is generally a great amount of delighted whoops, shouts, cheers and giggles from the full group.

Canyoning can be really rewarding as there is a huge sense of exhilaration and achievement when you all reach the bottom. Not only that, but you get to experience some dazzling natural scenery too in the form of gorges, rock pools and waterfalls.

Most canyons have a range of features which means that everyone can participate at their own level. If there is a jump that you find too high, then there is typically a smaller one available to enjoy (or a bypass). The elements of each canyon do vary and some can involve more abseiling, whilst others are more about jumps and slides – all are exhilarating and fun, and our expert guides will be always on hand throughout the activity lead you safely through each of the obstacles and ensure that you get the most from your day.

This activity provides a shared family experience and individual challenges which we think active adventures are all about. Canyoning serves up a big helping of fun and a sense of achievement as you actively explore a stunning landscape. You won’t find anything similar sitting on a beach that’s for sure.

Surf’s up!

In 1767 the crew of HMS Dolphin under the command of Captain James Wallis arrived in Tahiti and may as a result claim to be the first Europeans to witness ‘Surfing’ which had been a traditional Polynesian pastime for many centuries. Nowadays it is not only a much enjoyed activity but also a widespread competitive sport and beloved hobby!

Surfing can be done on various types of equipment, including surfboards, longboards, Stand-Up Paddle boards (SUP's) and body boards, and we feature a variety of options during our family experiences.

Typical surfing instruction is best performed one-on-one, but can also be done in a group setting.

The most popular surf locations offer perfect surfing conditions for beginners, as well as challenging breaks for advanced students. For families this is perfect as members will likely have varying abilities and experiences and you will get the chance to each have a go at your own pace (and no doubt giggle when one of you wipes out!).

Surfing is not something that you can experience everywhere – a fact that can make it that little bit extra special for families.

The beauty of rafting

In 1842 Lieutenant John Fremont of the U.S. Army was the first person to truly document white water rafting after his expedition on the Platte River in Nebraska.  Then rafts were constructed from four independent rubber cloth tubes and wrap-around flooring. Thankfully rafting technology has evolved considerably making this one of the most exhilarating activities you can now do and, wherever it is featured, is nearly always listed as the favourite activity by kids and adults alike.

Rafting is a wonderful group experience, normally with around eight people sharing a raft with a fully trained guide steering, whilst you enjoy a true rollercoaster experience. Armed with your paddle you almost feel like a true pioneer of the wild frontier except you are wearing a neoprene wetsuit, helmet and life jacket.

You are the engine room – and the guide tells you when to paddle forwards, backwards, sideways and sometimes all three in one rapid.  It is simply a fantastic way to get wet and get the adrenaline going. 

The beauty of rafting is that it is never the same experience.  No two rivers are the same, all rapids vary and each has their own unique and beautiful surrounding scenery.

Hot climates have always been my first choice of holiday destination. The very thought of visiting a cold country would get my teeth chattering uncontrollably, which prompted an avalanche of strange looks.

Since joining the Activities Abroad team, I’ve found a good deal of snow-based fun to change my mind.

Here are five activities which I definitely want to try, all of which you can experience for yourselves on our family holidays to winter destinations!

Husky safari

While my list isn’t in any particular order, this has to be right at the top. Dogsledding has long been central to the culture of the Nordic countries, and it’s easy to see why: the energy of the pack driving you over sparkling white lands must be amazing (correction: ‘is amazing’, as resoundingly confirmed by the whole office!).

When work asked me if I would like to take my family to Gozo for the week and try out all the activities I had no idea that I was about to experience a destination that would remain in my heart forever.

The little island of Gozo (approx. size: 9 x 5 miles) is packed with culture, cuisine and colourful characters. The locals are welcoming, warm-hearted and generous. I had heard that if you ask a ‘Gozitan’ for a glass of water they will give you a bottle - and this was very true.

The island has a good public transport system although you do need to settle into ‘Gozo-time’ as no one here seems to be in a hurry.

We hired a car for the week and found travelling around very easy. They drive on the left-hand-side although we were told by our guide that this does not really happen in the hotter summer months as everyone simply drives on whichever side has the shade! All roads pass through Victoria and you are surrounded by the sea – you can’t go far wrong!

Day One: After arriving in Father Christmas’s airport (Rovaniemi) in April, oddly I instantly felt festive.

With reindeer Christmas decorations and a snow covered landscape; this could only be mistaken for Lapland.

The guide collected me from the airport and then drove me to Ranua Wildlife Park, which was situated around 1 hour away.  On route the scenery was stunning with brightly painted Scandinavian wooden houses covered in snow, never-ending forests, frozen lakes and clear blue skies.

Growing up was great. My mum, born and raised in Peru spoke Spanish and my dad spoke Croatian. After graduating from the University of Economy I started working as a guide seven years ago.

Thanks to my parents I am fluent in English, German and Spanish which is great for what I do. 

A big love of nature, travel and sports brought me where I am today. Travelling and trekking through the Croatian mountains, Slovenian and Austrian Alps took me all the way to Argentina, Chile, Patagonia and the Nepal trekking routes. But there is no place like home; my love towards Croatia is borderless.

If you were lucky enough to enjoy a family holiday to Jeris or Harriniva in Finnish Lapland over the winter you will be familiar with our Activities Abroad Rep Katrina.Spending the winter season in Lapland, Katrina was on hand to make sure all of our families had a fantastic time.We caught up with Katrina at the end of her first season to find out how it went and here’s what she had to say.

Borneo, just a mention of the name conjured up thoughts of Sunday night in front of ‘Wildlife on One’ watching Sir David Attenborough explore the wonders of the natural world in the rain-forest. This was a destination which I had longed to visit for many years and having finally found the right partners to work with I was on my way!

The place is wonderful, I have travelled in South East Asia before and Borneo is certainly different. There was no hassle, no overpowering cities, no maniacal driving that you encounter in some places, just a friendly and relaxed atmosphere from the moment I stepped off the plane.

Borneo did not disappoint me on any level. The accommodation was fabulous with the best breakfast I have ever encountered anywhere in the world at the Shangri La and the flora and fauna surpassed my expectations.

The scuba diving off Kota Kinabalu is wonderful and the perfect place for novices like me to learn as well as satisfying those with experience. The other activities do not disappoint either, jungle mountain biking was a huge thrill.

Andy grew up in Northumberland and developed a love of the outdoors and adventure at a young age. After studying in Sheffield, Andy returned to his native North East, spending many years combining his love of travel and sport, working as a travel expert for a small company organising golf holidays around the world.