Short break adventure maps & highlights

Pembrokeshire advice

Jon Kellie, kayaking instructor and guide at Preseli Venture, Pembrokeshire, Wales:
“There is a lot of faff that goes with kayaking, because there is a lot of kit. You have to load the trailer, get the boats to the water, do the capsize drill and so on. So if people are late at the beginning of the day, you do run out of time a bit. So my main tip is be on time, be ready and don’t faff.”

“It was easy to put too many layers of clothing on when doing sporting activities. Take your own balaclava or two and glove liners. You can rinse out your clothes it you get too sweaty and dry them in electric dryers that each hotel has. So you don't need to go over the top with too many winter clothes. The warm winter clothes they supply are excellent and all you need are some thermals for a couple of days.”
– Thomas White on a short break to Finland adventure vacation

“Look at flights carefully. There are many different ways to fly there. Book a flight which arrives and leaves at a reasonable time of day. I think it would be good to stay one day after trip is over -for example in villa rhapsody, as I did. Be aware of temperatures/seasons- April is best, if only later suits-be prepared for it to be hot. Remember to have Turkey visa organised before you go. Have guide’s number on Whats App.” – Niamh McGarry on a Lycian Way walking vacation, Turkey

“Thick weather suits and snow boots are provided so don't bother to buy/take your own.” – Anne Blagden on a Northern Lights short break in Norway

This trip was full of activities such as kayaking, swimming and walking so be prepared for an active vacation. The captain of the catamaran was very enthusiastic about providing as much opportunity as he could for various experiences. Also be prepared to enjoy some fabulous local cuisine.
– Joanne Albright on a sailing break in Croatia

“Travel light as you are moving around so no chance to unpack properly. Take ski clothes if possible. Then need little else. I wore my walking boots all the time & didn't really need another pair of shoes. And no need to take a skirt or dress. Just spare trousers & layers.” – Gillian Girling on an Iceland Northern Lights short break

“Be sure to keep drinking water during the day as it is easy to get dehydrated. Not everyone on our ride wore a riding hat but I was glad that I did. There were many branches that connected with my head and I was glad to have that extra protection! Consider bringing ibuprofen or muscle rub for muscle aches. Dress in layers so you can peel off/put on as required as the weather might change quickly. There were a few people on our ride who had never been on a horse before and they enjoyed the ride but I think it would be best to have a lesson/hack or two to at least be aware of what it feels like to be on a horse.” – Jane Fox, horse riding in Mercantour National Park

“The most memorable part of our vacation was sitting on a frozen lake, watching our daughters disappearing off into the distance each driving a small team of huskies – and seeing their excited faces when they returned! Also playing with the beautiful, friendly huskies, our family sledding trips, enjoying the tranquility of the environment and the amazing wood fired sauna. Not to mention the delicious home cooked food. Aki and Suvi were the perfect hosts and as we were the only family there it did not feel at all like a 'package' – it was so relaxed and friendly.” – Liz Booth on a husky safari in Finland