http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19633
I now have a bit of an idea of what wines to choose next time I hit the supermarket and I'm off to seek out those amazing French cheeses. Well worth the £52 and a few hours away from the shops and sights of Paris.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19633 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19531 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19531 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19411
The aminals are super-friendly, and come right up to you. They offer free pony cart rides, and you can help bottle feed their younger animals. It's a cute, small, personal kind of place, with magnificent views of snow-topped Mt Fyffe.

We ended up there when our Whale Watch trip was cancelled and, to be honest, our kids are still talking about it, and have long forgotten the whale trip which they didn't appreciate at all (amazing when you consider the whale trip was about ten times the price!). It's not as 'flash' as another park we visited in the UK, but the hands on experience was truly memorable, and became one of the highlights of our NZ holiday. They've also got a small beautiful self-catering rental cottage - we loved the place so much, we stayed an extra night in their cottage and benefited from free access to early morning feeding and free farm park entry. The kids loved it - shame we didn't know about it before we arrived.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19411 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19404
We also went kayaking last summer with them and had such a good time. We discovered massive sea caves which were amazing and also got a glimpse of two basking sharks (from a safe distance)! Definitely going out again this summer.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19404 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19355 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19355 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19272
At just eight to ten metres’ depth, we swam with the resident turtles and hovered over rays, cuttlefish and octopus, in sheltered bay El Puertito, where the team has been working to restore the ecosystem. Close to the south’s plush resorts, but a million miles away in every other sense, this is a really special experience, thanks to the firm’s enthusiastic boss and his team.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19272 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19074
Recent events in the north of the province mean those areas are out of bounds for leisure, but contact them for recommendations for other areas.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19074 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19044 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19044 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18927
Don't watch TV in your hotel, meet the locals (Barcelonians and expats). Socialise and get all the insiders' info you could never get from a guide book. Every person is a walking, talking, up-to-date guide book. Ask and we shall answer!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18927 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18749
Reliable winds, safe anchorages, and stunning viewpoints mean that any sailing trip is going to be amazing. There's quite a few old seadogs living in their boats in the Bay, taking people out for a day or a few days - the best way to see the islands.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18749 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18639
A hotel which has a great view of Mount Olympus is the Semeli Resort. It's small but cosy and is beside the forests. Great walking opportunities, birdwatching, mountain biking, skiing - when there's snow.

In 20 minutes' drive you can visit Dion, Vergina in one-hour drive, Thessaloniki with a vast collection of Byzantine churches and ruins, museums and the beach is 20 minutes' drive. I love this area - beautiful mountains, small villages with simple but genuine life. It is worth visiting.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18639 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18567
Accommodation is in a beautifully restored French farmhouse that exudes tranquillity and relaxation. The meals are delicious and superbly prepared using local produce. This is a great opportunity to relax, re-energise and unwind. I can't wait to return!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18567 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18526 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18526 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18330 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18330 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18322
For parents, the attraction is that Horizon look after their children 24/7 from once they are picked up at the special pick-up points around the country - parents don't have to worry at all.

Horizon camps include multi-activity holidays where children can throw themselves into a wide range of activities such as kayaking, climbing, dragon-boating, horse-riding, quad-biking, and many other activities.

Or, if they wish, they can concentrate on a specialist camp such as the multi-media programme, or horse-riding for the week. Many teenagers opt for the "surf camp", for example, because the coastline adjacent to Westport offers some of the best surfing in Europe.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18322 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17620
Here are some of the activities to do and things the island has to offer: hiking, mountain biking, sailing, scuba diving, museums, historical sites, gambling (casinos), natural parks, botanic gardens, snorkeling, beach parties, nightlife, very good restaurants with excellent food, beaches, hidden beaches, renting a buggy, helicopter sightseeing, colonial buildings, colonial plantation houses, cultural and historical centre, historical floating bridge, island trip to Klein Curacao, fishing trips, jetski renting, shoping, dancing, windsurfing, etc.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17620 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17604
At first I was a bit apprehensive, but as you're flying high through the sky overlooking the coastline, it becomes very apparent why this is an activity that is sought by many tourists from all over the world. Plus, its easy to schedule and the price is affordable.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17604 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17464 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17464 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17028
A series of near misses is celebrated with a dance, and the chance to shoot back at the opposition target, again shrouded in archers. As a spectator it takes time before you can even see the arrows approach, let alone have the eagle eye and agility to leap to safety.

Elsewhere, in isolated monasteries in the hills, young monks improvise the same game with hefty steel tipped wooden darts, likewise defending the target with dancing and heckling.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/17028 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16517 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16517