For those who comply with me on Instagram you should have seen that I used to be on Wales this Week final night time! It’s an ITV present that includes a unique subject every week that’s related to Wales.
You possibly can see the present right here should you’re excited by watching it!
This week is was all about holidays and who’s going overseas and who’s opting to remain native. We spoke about ideas to economize and recommendation for anybody wanting to remain in Wales.
One of many questions that was handed to me was about discovering hidden gems in Wales. I wasn’t certain what apps or manufacturers I used to be allowed to say on TV so I used to be a bit obscure and fluffy and didn’t give any strong recommendation so I assumed I’d put it right into a weblog submit.
The person I used to be with, Adrian from the Wales Tourism Alliance, had talked about the truth that some areas of Wales are over-busy whereas others are under-busy and we have to discover methods to unfold out the crowds and present guests the hidden gems.
This remark was particularly aimed toward Mount Snowdon, the best peak in Wales, which is usually so ridiculously crowded with hikers which you could barely see the mountain for the crowds of individuals! However not removed from Snowdon, inside the Snowdonia Mountain Vary, there are such a lot of different unbelievable hikes!
I perceive that many individuals need to stroll up Snowdon as a result of it’s well-known, however numerous folks merely don’t know in regards to the different choices.
I’m certain it should occur in all places, the place one seaside is loopy busy however there’ll be an analogous seaside 2 miles away that’s empty! Or one ice cream store that’s packed and one other close by that’s simply pretty much as good however vacationers don’t learn about it!
There’s undoubtedly a component of native folks wanting to maintain the hidden gems to themselves. And who can blame them!? However I additionally assume it’s essential to unfold out the crowds and ensure sure areas aren’t overcrowded!
So listed here are my tricks to discover hidden gems in Wales
Google it
In fact, you’ll be able to’t start your seek for hidden gems in Wales with no easy Google search.
I like to recommend being particular and start by trying to find a really particular space, comparable to ‘Hidden gems in Cardiff’ or ‘Hidden gems on the Llyn Peninsula’ in any other case you may get overwhelmed by choices.
Add ideas to your personal Google Map
For those who’re discovering hidden gems in Wales – whether or not it’s by way of blogs or suggestions otherwise you’ve simply stumbled throughout them on the web – then I extremely advocate plotting them right into a Google Map earlier than you overlook the place they’re!
You can also make your personal personalised Google Map only for Wales and add pins to places you’d like to go to.
This implies you gained’t overlook about hidden gems you’ve heard about and you may shortly seek for them in relation to the place you’re.
It’s also possible to add further info to sure pins comparable to ‘Tom stated do that xxxx’ or ‘We’ll want 4 x £1 cash to park’.
Learn extra: Learn how to actually use Google Maps while you journey
Take a look at Airbnb Experiences
There are such a lot of impartial companies providing experiences to showcase the hidden gems in Wales…however it may be arduous to search out these companies as their web sites may be primary they usually usually depend on social media. So that is the place Airbnb Experiences are available in.
Have a look to search out actually distinctive experiences comparable to wild swimming lessons, mountaineering with donkeys, yoga in wildflower meadows, bushcraft programs and a lot extra. I’ve performed a couple of comparable to beekeeping and a historic biking tour in Anglesey. They have been sensible and I extremely advocate utilizing the Airbnb platform to hunt out these impartial companies – even should you don’t really find yourself reserving by Airbnb!
Observe the @VisitWales Instagram account
Not solely is that this account stunningly beautiful and showcases so many hidden gems in Wales, but it surely additionally options numerous native photographers. You possibly can then click-through to see the photographer’s accounts and discover much more gems.
I like to recommend clicking the ‘save’ button and including it to a group so you’ll be able to hold all your concepts in a single place.
There are such a lot of stunning Instagram accounts that includes hidden gems in Wales however this can be a actually good one to begin with. I’m not going to counsel a load as a result of it simply turns into overwhelming.
Use AllTrails App
The AllTrails app showcases strolling trails. I actually prefer it as a result of you’ll be able to open up the app and it’ll use GPS to indicate you quite a lot of walks close by. You possibly can filter them to be ‘simple’, ‘arduous’ or ‘household pleasant’ and many others to search out the most effective one for you.
Komoot is one other good choice and options biking routes too however these apps are related for mountaineering so that you in all probability gained’t want each of them.
Wild Information Wales
Wild Information Wales is my favorite e book to search out hidden gems round Wales. It doesn’t function any apparent locations and actually does have so many suggestion that I’d by no means seen wherever else. For those who’re going to purchase any e book about Wales, make it this one!
Ask the locals
OK, this can be a easy and apparent tip however the best approach to discover hidden gems in Wales is to ask native folks.
However I additionally know this isn’t at all times simple, particularly should you’re staying in self-catering lodging the place you won’t really see many individuals to ask!?
Would it not be bizarre to stroll into the native newsagents and ask for ideas? Perhaps!?
It’s a good suggestion to ask for ideas while you’re reserving your lodging as you’ll doubtless be emailing immediately with somebody who lives regionally.
Examine Google Maps and be adventurous
That is one thing Sam does on a regular basis. He’ll simply look on Google Maps and spot there’s a seaside close by. He’ll discover the title of the seaside and Google it to see extra pictures and test particulars comparable to parking and many others.
Typically it goes properly and we discover unbelievable hidden gems. Typically it doesn’t go so properly however you’ve simply obtained to be adventurous!
