Home Articles Posted by Izy Berry (Page 108)
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Packing for a Beach Holiday
In about 5 weeks, I’ll be lounging on the beautiful beach that surrounds Gili T, in Indonesia, with my little sister. I can’t wait, it’s been over two years since I first visited this stunning little island. It also feels like forever since I’ve enjoyed a beach, properly. I am a summer person, through and through, so when winter creeps around I find myself feeling sulky and dreaming of sun drenched islands. I’m really excited about my beach holiday and I’ve already started planning what I’m going to take with me. Here are my essential things that I love to take with me whenever I know I’ll be hitting the beach for a few days:
Sunglasses:
Buying a great pair of sunglasses can be both a fashion accessory and a lifesaver when you’re on the beach. If I spend too long on the beach or outside without sunglasses, I get pretty serious headaches. It scares me to think what kind of long term damage that amount of sunshine is doing to my eyes, so I always pack a pair of sunglasses. It’s also impossible to read books on the beach with the sun so bright, so sunglasses are definitely essential. These days, we’re absolutely spoiled for choice in terms of styles and lens colours, making it easy to find a great pair of glasses that suit look good while providing adequate protection for your eyes.
A Sarong:
Okay, if you’re a guy you can probably skip on this one unless you’re really keen, but sarongs are a great go-to beach accessory for the ladies. Some beaches I’ve been to, especially in Asia, have been quite modest and the locals have worn entire outfits into the water. Out of respect, I like to cover up a little more as walking around in a flimsy bikini feels disrespectful in some places. Sarongs are lightweight, take up barely any space in your bag and you can use them as a makeshift blanket to lie on, or you can tie them around you to cover up a little – perfect!
Sunscreen:
In New Zealand, if you’re on the beach for too long without any sunscreen on, you will burn really badly. Sometimes it feels like you only have to be outside for five minutes before you’ll be burned to a crisp. One upside of growing up somewhere where the sun is so powerful, is that I am very good at applying sunscreen regularly enough to avoid doing long term damage to my skin. Yes, tanning looks nice and brown skin looks beautiful, but for me it is not worth the risk. Sunscreen is SO important, so make sure you take sunscreen with you that has a good SPF factor.
A Ball:
Whether you choose a rugby ball, volley ball or even just an inflatable ball, taking a ball along with you to the beach is a great way to make new friends and make the most of the gorgeous weather. I love laying down with a nice book and soaking up some vitamin D, but it’s also fun being active on the beach and socializing. If you’re traveling far away from home, then taking a volleyball or a rugby ball might not be the most practical thing, but an inflatable ball is lightweight and will take up barely any space in your backpack or suitcase.
These are my favourite things to take along with me for a beach holiday. What do you always bring along to the beach?
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Staying Still for a While
I’ve been at home in New Zealand for six months. For the past 2.5 years, travel has been my biggest priority – I have thrown myself towards that without reserve and I have enjoyed every single adventure of being on. A while ago I wrote about a guy I met who changed everything. He was in my hometown, hadn’t traveled and I found him absolutely captivating. Despite this, I decided to go on to Europe last year and spent two months being an au pair in Spain, before traveling around Morocco, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Turkey and eventually back home. After a little jaunt in Asia, we decided to give things a go and I found myself settling into a “normal life” – even going as far as buying appliances online.
Things have been very different; I’ve been finding it unusual to be in one place for so long, but it’s allowed me an opportunity to enjoy things that I couldn’t do while on the road. I’ve been going to the gym, able to see my little nephew grow from a baby to a thriving and curious one-year old and spent some quality time with friends. I’ve had an opportunity to visit Queenstown and Arrowtown, as well as an opportunity to world on my business. Things have been good, but a part of me has had very, very itchy feet.
In three weeks I’ll be back on the road again, this time with my little sister. It’s going to be both exciting and scary – I’ll be showing her my favourite places, in a hope that she’ll get to understand why travel is so important to me. This trip home is the longest I’ve been in one place in almost three years, and while it’s nice to have a nice apartment to wake up in I am looking for the magic that travel brings.
The number of unknown people you’ll meet on the road, that wouldn’t be possible to meet if you’d stayed at home. The random nights, in random places I’m yet to experience. And of course that feeling when your feet first step off the plane and the air smells different and you know a new adventure is just about to begin. Even though we’re only going for one month, I can’t help but feel giddy about spending my free time exploring everything with a fresh curiosity.
After a while on the road, it’s easy to become jaded. For a temple to just be another temple and museums just start to feel the same, no matter how different they are from the rest you’ve seen. Going with my sister, someone who’s never traveled before, will afford me the luxury of seeing everything through her eyes – for the first time again.
And I can’t wait!
Have you ever stayed still after a long trip, or moved home after living overseas? What did you feel like afterwards?
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Dealing with Money Overseas
When traveling, dealing with money overseas can be one of the most challenging things. If you walk around with large amounts of foreign currency, you can make yourself a target for being robbed. You can also run the risk of simply losing it yourself. However, using your credit card or EFTPOS card from home can be really expensive, with bank fees adding up quickly. Finding a method of overseas payment that works best for you can be a hassle, but there are lots of options available to you. Here are the most popular ways of dealing with money overseas.
Getting a Travel Money Card:
Travel Money Cards have popped up in recent years, becoming the electronic version of traveler’s checks. There are a number of banks and companies that offer them, with a variety of great rates and deals making this an appealing option for those who travel regularly. You can choose to exchange foreign currency in advance and preload it onto your card, which allows you to get a better exchange rate. Often Travel Money Cards do not have large fees for international withdrawals, meaning that you can take smaller amounts of money at a time, which is safer.
Using your Credit Card:
Depending on your relationship with your bank, you can sometimes find good value credit cards that are great for using overseas. This depends heavily on the company and some credit cards might not be accepted overseas, so it pays to book in a meeting with your bank to check. Also, often credit cards do not have as good exchange rates as Travel Money Cards, so this is something you should compare to ensure you are getting a good deal. While might seem like a marginal difference in currency conversion rates can make a considerable difference over the course of your trip, so do your research.
Taking Cash:
Some people like to withdraw all the money for the trip in the foreign currency and take it along with them. Sometimes, banks at home can give you a pretty good rate, especially if you order in advance, which will save you money down the line. Personally, I don’t trust myself with large amounts of cash. I think this option would suit someone who was just going away for a short trip or had exceptional money handling skills.
Withdrawing from International ATMS:
This is the method I’ve used along my travels, just because I haven’t taken the time to look into a Travel Money Card. Over the past two years of travel I probably could have saved a few hundred dollars in ATM fees if I’d opted for a Travel Money Card instead. I love the convenience of using my bank card and I’m lucky enough to have two linked to the same account, so if I was to lose one overseas then I have an easy backup.
How do you deal with money when you are overseas? Do you carry cash, use your bank card or have a specialised Travel Money Card? Let me know in the comments below.
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My Travel Essentials
After so many trips overseas, I’ve got my travel essentials down to the bare essentials and a few creature comforts. As my sister and I are off to Asia in just over three weeks, I’m going through the motions of mentally making sure I have everything I really need. I like to travel light and that means taking only the things that I’ll really use. On my first trip I boarded the plane with lots of useless things that I never bothered to use, leaving things along the way or gifting them to others. Here are my favourite travel essentials:
My iPhone:
I was against buying an iPhone for ages because they’re quite expensive and everyone who owned them seemed to fall immediately in love with them and become almost obsessed. But my camera was stolen when I was in America and I needed an affordable replacement so I bought an iPhone. I find it so useful for using with maps, taking photos, checking emails on the run and so on. I literally could not travel as comfortably without it and suggest that a smartphone is a great idea for anyone who is retarded with maps, like I am. There are heaps of great iphone deals available to help reduce the cost of buying a smartphone, ensuring they are a good investment even for a budget traveler.
Zip Lock Bags:
Whatever brand you choose, buying some clear plastic bags that you can zip closed will make your life a lot easier. This allows you to keep your dirty and clean clothes separate and also allows you to cram more stuff into your bag while you’re away. I have found that the roll and zip method works best, roll your clothes into a cylinder shape and then place them in your ziplock bag to keep them nice and tidy in your suitcase or bag. I always worry that my bags are going to be searched at the airport and I’ll have underwear being flung around, so this method of packing keeps my worries at bay, too!
Carry some PawPaw:
PawPaw is quite a trendy product in New Zealand and Australia, but I haven’t seen it in too many other places around the world. You can use it to do everything – it’s great for chapped lips, any sores or burns, cracked heals, baby rash or any rash in general and the list goes on. Vaseline is a great substitute if you can’t find PawPaw in your country.
Take a good book:
Even though I travel with both a laptop and iPhone, there are times where I’m not near a charging port and everything’s gone flat. There’s nothing quite like peering out the window of a train, plane or even bus while in the middle of a great book. I also love taking books to swap with people or in book exchanges in hostels during my travels. If you’re traveling with friends and you each take a book, then you can swap when you’re both finished, doubling your reading library on the road.
Everyone has different travel essentials. What items do you have to carry with you whenever you travel? Leave your top picks in the comments below.
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Tips for Enjoying the Canary Islands
The Canary islands are a perfect island escape if you’re looking for some sun, water sports, museums or beaches. Many people flock here each year, whether in winter or summer, to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the relaxing lifestyle while lounging in gorgeous Villas in Spain. British people made their way to the Canary Islands over 100 years ago and haven’t stopped coming since – it is really a great place to enjoy your holiday, jam packed with lots of history and some irresistible beaches. To make the most of your visit to the Canary islands, check out these tips:
1) Book a Villa
Choosing to book Villas in Spain as your accommodation is a great way to bring the whole family along as you’ll have everything you need to make the most of your holiday, including enough space for everyone to have their own privacy. Villas tend to be a lot more spacious than hotel suites or motels, and feature kitchens so you can cook your own food and save money. You can even choose to go away with some extended family members or friends and split the rental cost of the villa, to make your holiday more affordable. It pays to book in advance, so if you’re planning a trip to the Canary Islands or Spain in general, book your villas in Spain with Villas4You now to secure a better deal.
2) Check out the nightlife
While Ibiza is often thought of as the main party island in Spain, the truth is that Spaniards love to party – so you’ll find a number of great hotspots for partying in the Canary Islands. Lanzarote, for one, has a great nightlife that is centred around the main resorts: Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Arrecife. Tenerife also boasts some great nightlife if you’re looking to party right into the early hours of the morning.
3) Head to the beach
The beaches in the Canary Islands are some of the best in the world. Costa Blanca boosts beautiful white sand and bright turquoise waters, while Puerto de la Cruz has fine black sand, due to the volcanic nature of Tenerife. There’s a great variety across the beaches, and the popularity of the Canary Islands has also driven some man made beaches to be created. This means that you can lounge on bright, golden sands and enjoy the forever summer environment of the Canary Islands all year around.
4) Boat Trips
Which ever island you choose as your base, the other islands are just a short boat or ferry trip away, allowing you to easily visit the other islands. Because of the considerably varied landscape, traveling across the islands provides a really unique holiday. Boat trips don’t have to be just a means of transport, either, you can turn them into full on day trips in themselves, with guided fishing tours available across most of the islands.
5) Check out some of the attractions
Despite being well known for the beaches they have, the Canary Islands has a lot more to offer than just warm temperatures and pretty beaches. You can enjoy a variety of attractions, from museums and historic cathedrals – through to even an interesting parrot park that is littered in parrots. There’s also a great aquarium, which is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Tenerife is home to one of the most stunning buildings on the island, the Tenerife Auditorium that was designed by Santiago Calatrava and showcases traditional Spanish architecture.
These are my top tips for making the most of the Canary Islands. Have you ever visited? Is there anything special I’ve left off my list? Share in the comments below.
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Top 4 Beaches in Spain
Picture this; you’re staying in traditional Spain Villas, nestled close to the beach. There’s beautiful food at your doorstep, whether you want to indulge in paella, pintxos, or even a glass of tinto de verano. You can spend your vacation enjoying some of the finest beaches in the world, while breaking your day up with a siesta and later enjoying a fiesta. That’s Spain in summer in a nutshell (and even parts of Spain in winter). If this sounds like your kind of holiday, then you might want to check out the following top 4 beaches in Spain. Once you’ve booked your Spain Villas for your trip, you can then make the most of the golden sand, delicious food and the relaxing lifestyle the Spanish are well known for.
1) San Sebastian
San Sebastian is one of my favourite beaches in all of the world, let alone Spain. It’s a great holiday destination, even if you ignore the beach – which is pretty hard because the city is spread around it. Here you’ll find some of the best food in the world – and in all of Spain, called Pintxos. Pintxos are small portions of delicately designed dishes that will woo your taste buds. You move from restaurant to restaurant, seeking out restaurant specialties before moving on to try something else. It’s a very social and fun way of enjoying new things. The beach in San Sebastian is literally a few meters from the city centre and is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It’s easy to spend a few lazy days here, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the Basque region.
2) Costa Blanca
Literally translated as “White coast” this part of Spain is prized for it’s bright turquoise waters, the irresistibly white sandy beaches and exciting nightlife – it is a perfect mix of everything you would want for a great holiday escape away. This is a great place for younger travellers who might want to party a little – or families who are keen to soak up some serious sunshine and relax, making it a very versatile place to visit. This is also a great part of Spain to do water sports… if you’re so daring.
3) The Canary Islands
As if Spain wasn’t tempting enough as a holiday destination, the Canary Islands boast beautiful sunshine year-round. So while others are suffering a dismal winter, you can plan a quick escape to the Canary Islands and enjoy their everlasting sunshine. These islands are regarded as the perfect family escape, proving to be a nice relaxing break from the day to day hustle and bustle of modern life.
4) Ibiza
If you’re young and want to party, there’s really no where else in the world that tops Ibiza. You can literally crawl from the beach into a nightclub at any hour of the night – or day, and you’ll find yourself thoroughly entertained. Top DJs headline the clubs in Ibiza throughout the year and there are a number of different beaches around the island depending on whether you want to party hardcore or are here to enjoy a bit of a mix between relaxing and partying. Book into one of the many luxurious Spain Villas so that you can get adequate sleep in between dancing the night away.
Spain is a great place to plan a holiday, especially if you’re a beach bum like me. Regardless of whether you’re traveling as a couple, with a family, as a group of friends or solo, there’s somewhere in Spain to suit every style of traveler and every budget.
Have you been to any Spanish beaches? Which were your favourites?
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Top Toronto Picks
Visiting the largest city in Canada can be an expensive trip. There are so many things to see and do, but most of them come with a hefty price. If you can save on your flight with cheap companies like Air Transat and find an affordable accommodation, you’ll be able to indulge guilt-free in all the activities you want. Here are my top picks of things to do in Toronto.
Niagara Falls
It’s an obvious, but unavoidable sight to see. Swarmed with tourists, getting splashed by the Niagara Falls is a breathtaking moment that you won’t soon forget. Watching more than six million cubic feet of water fall over the crest line every minute in high flow is spectacular. With a variety of packages and viewpoints, you can choose the one that is most convenient for your situation. From a journey behind the falls to a boat ride or observing them from afar, they are a must-see!
Canada’s Wonderland
To satisfy the little kid in your heart, you can go visit Canada’s Wonderland, the first and largest theme park in Canada. With over 60 rides to enjoy, you are guaranteed a great day filled with fun at this amusement park. You can even ride Canada’s largest roller coaster, the Leviathan. Here is a video of what it feels like to be in the first row on this adventurous ride.
There are also special events and live entertainment depending on when you plan your visit.
CN Tower
Another popular attraction that is not to be missed is the CN Tower. It is Toronto’s trademark and main place to visit. Riding in the glass elevators to the top is going to offer a whole different view of Toronto. Enjoying a decadent meal at the revolving 360° restaurant could make for a fantastic dinner and a memorable night. If you’re the adventurous kind, they offer edgewalking. EdgeWalk is basically walking hands free around the top of the tower while attached to an overhead safety rail via a trolley and harness system. Leaning back will give you an incredible rush and remarkable view of the city.
Distillery District
Once you are done hitting up the major sights to see, it’s time for a break. One of the areas that is in downtown Toronto and that could give you a rest from the typical tourist activities is the Distillery District. It is a pedestrian only zone and consists of a variety of unique boutiques, galleries, cafes, shops and renowned restaurants. The District describes itself as an area with a relaxing European atmosphere with a cool New York City vibe. It is a great place to relax, shop, eat and take in some history about Toronto.
Toronto is a fun and vibrant city, with events happening year-round. Make sure that you do as much as you can and take in all that it has to offer. Also, Canadians are some of the friendliest people that you will meet and it will help make your visit that much more memorable. Happy visiting!
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Revisiting Places
During my travels I’ve been to a lot of places I’ve really loved – and a few places I really didn’t like, such as Paris and Laos.
When I find somewhere I love, I seem to revisit the place, hoping to capture the same experiences and feelings I had the first time I visited.
I’ve learned that most of the time it’s not possible.
On my upcoming trip with my sister, I decided not to go anywhere new. This is for a few reasons: I’ll have to keep “working” while I’m away, earning an income to pay for my travels and my bills back here in New Zealand. If I was venturing to new places, I’d want to spend each second out exploring and I know I’d get absolutely nothing done in terms of work. Secondly, I’m traveling with my little sister. She’s very independent, but she’s still 7 years younger than me and I am a little protective, so I want to go to places I feel comfortable and that I feel comfortable with her exploring by herself.
So I’ve chosen a great mix of countries: Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore and Australia. Quite a lot for our month’s trip.
After so much solo travel (which I love), I’m ready to share some of my favourite places with one of my favourite people.
I’m looking forward to sharing the magic of volunteering overseas with her. The vibrant green rice paddy fields of Ubud.
The never ending malls of Singapore.
The view of the Petone towers at night while sipping on cocktails in Skybar.
Whether you are traveling to Australia or from Singapore to Malaysia, there is always a new adventure just around the corner. Staying all over the globe has helped me to narrow down some of the best places I have visited. Staying in unique Kuala Lumpur hotels was a great experience and taught me a lot about Asian architecture. The buildings in Malaysia are tall and creatively designed, adding a modern feel to the city. Visiting Singapore changed my whole outlook on Asian cuisine while Australia made me realize how much I love being outside and enjoying the weather.
I’ll get to share with her, little by little, the places that have shaped me and my perceptions of the world.
For some of these places it is my second time visiting, others my third, fourth – even fifth time.
I seem to keep revisiting the places I love, rather than venturing out and exploring new ones. One thing I’ve learned, however, is that a place is never really the same the second time you visit it. The weather’s not as great, the party scene isn’t the same, or it’s gone out of control – it was probably a lot less touristy the last time you were here, you must have visited just before it got too over ridden with tourists…
It’s never the same. And I think that’s partially because you rarely get to revisit the same places with the same people you originally met or visited there.
After years of travel I’ve come to learn that the people are often more important than the specific place you are in. That’s why I randomly decided to follow two crazy Europeans on a whirlwind tour of Asia, even though we were re-visiting places I’d already been and their fast-pace movement was expensive, in terms of extra flights. Because the people are more important than the places.
How lucky am I to be taking one of my favourite people, to some of my favourite places? As we start filling in the connecting flights and budgeting in how our days will most be likely spent, I can’t help feel really excited for what’s to come.
Have you ever found yourself in places you’ve revisited, feeling disappointed or surprised because it’s changed so much or just doesn’t seem as great because your favourite travel buddies aren’t there?
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Going out for tapas in La Latina
One of the most noticeable aspects of life in Spain is the sheer variety of rich and remarkably diverse cultures which together make up the nation’s identity. Each region has its own distinct traditions and ways of life, which reflect on everything from industry and agriculture to music, leisure activities, and eating habits. From the arid plains of inland La Mancha to the coastal south of Andalusia, or to the northernmost reaches of the Basque country, there is no single experience which can fully encapsulate the Spanish way of life.
This celebration of diversity is reflected best in Spanish food. Because, for all of its variety, there is a food which brings Spanish culture together more than any other: and that is tapas.
Tapas has become synonymous with Spain, and it is this unique dining experience which visitors remember fondly, long after their time in Spain has come to an end. Whilst each region has created its own speciality dishes and ingredients, the tradition of tapas is largely the same across the whole of the country. So, when you visit Madrid, you will find not only the foods of the surrounding region, but also the most popular dishes from every part of the nation.
Visiting the capital is perhaps one of the best ways to experience Spain’s wide range of traditions anyway, and this is for a number of reasons. Being in the geographical centre of the country, the capital allows for quick and easy access by road or rail to every other of Spain’s autonomous communities. Train travel is very affordable in Spain and services such as Avis car hire in Madrid are readily available. However, as Spain’s largest city, Madrid can also boast residents and businesses from every other part of the country, meaning that tourists will not have far to travel in order to experience a taste of the vibrant diversity of the nation’s cuisine.
One of the most memorable locations within the city is the historic Barrio de La Latina neighbourhood. La Latina is situated in the oldest part of Madrid, and is characterised by its lively bazaars, its Muslim architecture, and its many open plazas and squares, which are connected by narrow streets and alleyways. For this reason, navigating La Latina is perhaps best conducted on foot. But walking through the historic streets will also give visitors the best opportunity to soak in the local atmosphere. On the street and in amongst the activity, tourists will find some of Madrid’s premier tapas bars and restaurants at every turn.
There is an art to eating the tapas of Madrid. With so many eating establishments, and each serving a wide selection of dishes, finding the best that the city has to offer has become something of a cultural pass-time for the locals. It is not an uncommon sight to see the residents of Madrid moving from bar to restaurant within a single mealtime, in order to experience the most celebrated morsels from each establishment. The tapas experience contributes to the relaxed way of life, and lunchtimes can comfortably extend from 2pm into the early evening, and diners may visit upwards of five or six different eateries in that time.
For this reason, local knowledge is invaluable when it comes to finding the highlights in a small space of time. When visiting one of La Latina’s many restaurants, feel free to ask for recommendations from the owners or – better yet – from a fellow diner. Locals love to pass on their personal favourites, and the lively, friendly atmosphere of La Latina is instantly welcoming for new visitors. Whether yours is a long stay, or a brief stopover, a meal of tapas in La Latina is the true taste of Spain.
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The best Water Parks to visit in Orlando
If there’s one thing that Orlando is synonymous with, it’s water parks. This city in Florida, a hub for tourists, partygoers and fun-seekers, simply can’t get enough of them. Not that you can cast blame – as the mercury rises in the summer, water parks are a great way to stay cool and invigorated. They’re also one of the best ways to have fun, whether you’re with your family or friends, and the combination of water and themed attractions is the perfect recipe for summer time success.
Water parks are not just for summer of course. One of the beautiful things about Orlando is that it is a year round destination. Temperatures in the winter months are a little cooler, but they’re still pleasant, and the winter tends to have less rain too. Orlando’s water parks have a great series of fun-packed events throughout the year, especially at key times like Christmas, so what are you waiting for?
Wet’n Wild, opened in 1977, is Orlando’s original water park and it continues to be voted the best, appealing to all age groups from young kids to adults and open year-round with seasonally heated pools. With a fantastic range of tube rides, flumes, rafts, cascading waterfalls and kids’ rides, Wet’n Wild has a crazy mix of themed adventures. Top rides for thrill-seekers include Brain Wash, an extreme tube ride with a 16 metre vertical drop; The Blast, an exhilarating ride down a ruptured pipeline; The Storm, which spins you in dizzying circles; and speed slide Der Stuka, with its heart-stopping 76 metre free fall. Then there are the amazing flumes of Mach 5, the twisting multi-passenger tube ride The Surge, disco-themed Disco H2O and space-themed Black Hole. Kids will love the Kids’ Park and the bouncy Bubble Up. For more sedate rides, head to the Lazy River, with its nostalgic Florida docks and fading billboards.
SeaWorld, of course, is a major attraction for its fantastic animal shows, experiences and exhibits. Visitors can get up close to penguins, marvel at sea lions, dolphins, beluga whales and manatees, learn about animal care and conservation issues, and be enthralled by sharks in one of the largest underwater tunnels in the world. SeaWorld has ten aquariums and more than 3000 marine animals. Shows include A’Lure, with incredible siren aerialists, and One Show, featuring majestic killer whales. There are plenty of rides at SeaWorld, from the spinning and gliding Manta and monstrous Kraken to the Journey to Atlantis, where you can explore the watery depths of this sunken mythical city. Shamu’s Happy Harbor has some great rides for kids, including jellyfish-themed Jazzy Jellies, the Sea Carousel and teacup ride Swishy Fishies.
At Walt Disney World there are thrills and spills galore. Blizzard Beach is a frosty ski resort, formed –so the story goes – after a freak snowstorm in Orlando. Slalom, toboggan or sled down the face of Mt. Gushmore and experience the dizzying rush of free-falling 36 metres down the Summit Plummet slide. Other rides include the white water raft ride Teamboat Springs, the flume ride Snow Stormers and the Chair Lift, ferrying visitors to the top of Mt. Gushmore. There’s also a wave pool and kids’ play area.
Also at Walt Disney World is Typhoon Lagoon, a ship-wrecked island with a saltwater pool, lazy river and plenty of tropical rides, such as the slides of Humunga Kowabunga and Storm Slides and the meandering Castaway Creek. At Shark Reef you can snorkel amongst exotic sea life including nurse sharks.
Aquatica, a SeaWorld park, has a South Seas theme, with colourful birds and fish, together with lagoons, waterfalls and wave pools. Rides include the fantastic Dolphin Plunge, leisurely Loggerhead Lane, thrilling Omaka Rocka and racing Roa’s Rapids.
With car hire Orlando, all the region’s water parks are easily accessible and you can plan your own itinerary to ensure you make the most of your holiday.
