Wales Vacations

Overview

The United Kingdom is made up of four "home nations" and Wales is one of them; the others are England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Located on the western side of the UK, Wales has a distinct culture embedded into it that makes it stand apart from the rest of the region. It also has an interesting connection with the Royal Family. Traditionally, the title "Prince of Wales" is bestowed on the heir apparent of the United Kingdom.

Wales is divided geographically into three regions by mountain ranges that run down the center of the country. North Wales is mainly a rural area but has some destinations along its coastal area that will be of interest to vacationers. Mid Wales is a mountainous region with little population and a coastal area along the Irish Sea. South Wales is the main inhabited area and also has its own coastal area.

Early on, Wales was an agriculture-based economy and sparsely populated. During the period of the industrial revolution, coal reserves in the South Wales valley helped spur dramatic growth. Ports rose in prominence as centers of commerce and fun-filled resorts were established on the northern coast. Wales also has a unique Celtic cultural heritage and language that is still used today in order to preserve their proud traditions for generations to come.

Activities& Attractions

While coal mining is history and the industrial economy has dwindled, the natural scenery and rich culture have given rise to a flourishing tourism sector. The landscape of the country, with wide-open areas of extensive national parks, coupled with the local history and culture attracts hordes of visitors to the region.

Wales also provides tourists with a bundle of activities they can indulge in. Some of the most popular tourist attractions and outdoor activities include canal boating, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, golfing, diving, rafting and fishing. Some other notable places of interest are the National Botanic Garden, the Isle of Anglesey, and Cardigan Bay.

Lodging

Wales offers visitors a wide-range of accommodation options to choose from. There is everything from beds and breakfasts, resorts, guest houses and hotels. By checking out a few Web sites related to lodging in Wales, you can save a lot of money by finding great deals. Check out the links in the resources section below to get you started on your trip.

Transportation

There are numerous options available to trave around the country. There are several bus routes to take and you can spot Cardiff single and double-decker buses operating at regular intervals. Luckily for travelers, transport fares in Wales are quite affordable.

There are also sea and cork ferries for those who would like to travel from Wales to various other parts of the United Kingdom. Ferries come equipped with all modern amenities. For air travel both domestic and international, the country has five airports, the largest being Cardiff International Airport.