Sayta means “where time stands still” in Aymara - and it certainly does in this beautiful Argentinian ranch, nestled among tobacco fields, in Chicoana, about 40km south of Salta. Its charismatic owner, Enrique, presides over a business that is obviously his great pride and joy. We had booked a half day’s horse-riding, great for beginners like us, but there are also longer tours for more experienced riders, and accommodation in the white-washed colonial-style estancia. Rufillo, our laid-back gaucho, took us out riding on two very docile horses. You either walk or gallop. Gauchos don’t trot, he told us. Three hours later, and slightly saddle-sore, we were ready for lunch - a huge barbecue or asado with succulent meats, delicious salads and copious amounts of local red wine. We wished time could have stood still for much longer.

www.saltacabalgatas.com.ar
+54156836565
Google map: bit.ly/uhLvxx

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I did a food tour of East Los Angeles that is hosted by a group called Melting Pot Tours - it's their Latin Spice Tour. My guess is very few tourists go anywhere near this part of town so if you're looking for something different, and off the beaten path, check out this LA tour. The food was great, the guide was a hoot and I got to see a cultural side of Los Angeles (East, Latino, authentic) that most of us usually only get to drive by. It was wonderful, just loved it.

www.meltingpottours.com
8484 Wilshire Blvd, Ste. 220, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
+1 (424) 247-9666
Google map: bit.ly/tnuGmg

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Posada de la Laguna in the north east of Argentina was quite the most special place I've ever stayed. It was a four hour 4x4 drive from the city of Posadas on the Paraguayan border deep into the heart of the Iberà wetlands to the luxurious yet homely ranch where four of us stayed. On a quiet boat ride at dusk, with a guide who knew his environment and who was intuitive of his guests' level of interest, we marvelled at the caiman, the carpincho and wealth of bird life. We rode bare back with a gaucho in the pampas and ate delicious food served to us communally without the need of menu deliberations. If ever there was a place to feel at one with the world, Posada de la Laguna truly is it.

www.posadadelalaguna.com/
In the Nature Reserve village of Carlos Pellegrini, in the Province of Corrientes.
(+54) 3773-499413
Google map: bit.ly/rY91XA

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The largest village on Disko Island, off the west coast of Greenland. A population of about 1,000 inhabitants, the rest of the island is perfect for any wannabe Bear Grylls.
After five weeks of of intense trekking on glaciers during 24 hour daylight, climbing virgin peaks and wading through thigh deep snow drifts while eating ration packed foods, the village of Qeqertarsuaq is exquisite. Stunning views of the bay filled with monstrous icebergs, collapsing in front of your very eyes. Opportunities to scuba dive in the incomprehensible cold, or catch and eat the freshest, most pure cod you will have ever had the delight to put your lips around, or how about a game of football with the locals--the universal sport.
This is where adventurers become enthralled for life.

www.qaasuitsup.gl/
Google map: bit.ly/tfidFY

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In summer, absolute heaven! Wild flowers make the most of their short season, all trying to out-compete each other. Sitting by the sea at midnight, watching white tailed sea eagles and reading your book by the light of the sun you may even experience an algal bloom turning the warm sea to an unbelievably brilliant turquoise.
In winter, a wonderful place to see the Northern Lights with (relatively!) mild temperatures due to the Gulf Stream. From February to May you may find the smell of drying cod, ‘Stockfish’ somewhat overpowering.
The down side: you’ll always suffer from the urge to go back there!

www.lofoten-info.no/
From Oslo or Trondheim, take the train or drive to Bodø, and catch the ferry from Bodø to Moskenes.
Google map: bit.ly/sF9V2j

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Visit Svartisen Glacier from Holandsfjord to an arm called Engabreen, which appears to reach down and tickle the fjord with its icy fingers. The second largest in Europe covering 370 square kilometers. Researchers study the growth and retreat from their unique laboratory 200m below. Walk around the green lake, which is the prettiest route with a swinging bridge and rivers to ford or use the rock route, crossing moraine and rust coloured striated rock formations. Painted arrows direct you. The magical blue ice draws you nearer but the screeching and groaning reminds you of the hidden dangers. Ice caves and deep fissures abound so book a guide if you wish to explore further. They'll equip you with rope, ice picks and crampons for your unforgettable hike. Wear lots of layers even in the middle of Summer and don't forget your sunnies. The walk lasts about 5 hours and should be booked a few days in advance.

Take the train from Oslo, fly in from Trondheim or Bodø or take a boat up to the head of Holandsfjord and walk from there.
North of the Arctic Circle 66°42.4’N 13° 42.5’E
www.visitnorway.com/en/Product/?pid=128588
Google map: bit.ly/uF3Blw

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Visit Svartisen Glacier from Holandsfjord to an arm called Engabreen, which appears to reach down and tickle the fjord with its icy fingers. The second largest in Europe covering 370 square kilometers. Researchers study the growth and retreat from their unique laboratory 200m below. Walk around the green lake, which is the prettiest route with a swinging bridge and rivers to ford or use the rock route, crossing moraine and rust coloured striated rock formations. Painted arrows direct you. The magical blue ice draws you nearer but the screeching and groaning reminds you of the hidden dangers. Ice caves and deep fissures abound so book a guide if you wish to explore further. They'll equip you with rope, ice picks and crampons for your unforgettable hike. Wear lots of layers even in the middle of summer and don't forget your sunnies. The walk lasts about five hours and should be booked a few days in advance.

Take the train from Oslo, fly in from Trondheim or Bodø or take a boat up to the head of Holandsfjord and walk from there.
North of the Arctic Circle 66°42.4’N 13° 42.5’E
www.visitnorway.com/en/Product/?pid=128588
Google map: bit.ly/uF3Blw

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Try a skiing experience with a difference on Baffin Island in the Canadian High Arctic. Wrap up warm and ski straight out of the door of your beachside cabin and head out onto the sea ice. Ski passed the fishing boats moored up for the winter on the frozen ocean waters and Glide up river through the mountains where, if you're lucky, you might come across one of the locals fishing at their ice-hole for a few Arctic Char for dinner!

www.visitcanada.com
Google map: bit.ly/vFM1lx

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An amazing place, a real gem just across the border from Finland North of the Arctic Circle - the owner Sven is a real pro, 11 time winner of Europe's longest sled dog race, and he built and designed all the wood huts himself, with lovely attention to detail. The dog sled trips with Sven and the huskies are legendary and truly challenging - every trip is a great adventure! On one of our trips my glasses froze and I had to steer blind - Sven jumped onto my sled and managed to stop the dogs. Unbelievable!

There is also a great hot tub and the food is a real treat.

www.engholm.no/
Engholm Husky
Gnr 11 Bnr 24, 9730 Karasjok, Norway
(+47)91586625
Google map: bit.ly/uhtBhg

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All I can say is just go there. You may be cold but will not be disappointed. Yllas, in Finnish Lapland, far into the Arctic Circle, is the place I love.
Temperatures plummet to minus 25 degrees C – and that’s in the day, but don’t be put off by this. Dress for the weather and you will fall in love with the place. The lack of daylight hours in winter, with daytime sunrise and sunset, just adds to the beauty.
If its fun you are after, you have a choice. Downhill ski, cross country ski, husky dog sledding, ice fishing, reindeer sleighs, snowmobiles – you need a week here to do it all. Meet the local Sami people, who will invite you into their huts and make tea over an open fire in a blackened kettle.You cannot possibly get bored.
The choice of pristine snow and the silence that comes with it is another option, with miles of walking trails that cannot be beaten for peace and solitude.
There is of course the option to be a big kid and travel to Santa’s post office in Rovaniemi, Santa’s official home, where you can meet him any day of the year. Here you can arrange for the ‘real’ Santa’s letters to be delivered to the kids!
Add to this the wide range of first class hotels, romantic log cabins, blazing log fires and you have it all – well nearly. I stayed at the Hotel Akas, a very friendly and atmospheric hotel in the traditional unspoilt Lappish community of Akaslompolo, near Yllas.
The Aurora Borealis (or Northern Lights) are a spectacle not to be missed. Normally appearing in the night, my hotel agreed to give me a wakeup call when they appeared. Believe me; it’s worth missing some sleep for.
To me Lapland conjures up many memories – the beauty of the sky, the sparkle of the snow, and the magic of the silence. I will return.

www.yllas.fi/
Google map: bit.ly/u6KxEC

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A great example of a city farm, Gorgie Farm has been open since 1982 and is just a bus ride out of the city centre. Take the family - it really is the perfect way to spend an hour or two away from the hustle and bustle of Edinburgh. There are a number of animals to see in fields, stables and sheep houses and smaller animals and reptiles can be found in 'The Pet Lodge'.
The Farm operates solely on donations, so although admission is free, see if you can spare a few pounds to keep this great community project going.

www.gorgiecityfarm.org.uk/home/
51 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2LA
+44(0)131 337 4202
Google map: bit.ly/njy7eS

* Rachel is our Been there local for Edinburgh. You can view her profile here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/edinburgh-local-rachel-brown.jsp and follow her tips here: www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/travellers/RachelBrown

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Excellent food, great service, ice cold Efes beer and sunsets over the Aegean to die for.

Paradise Beach, Kusadasi
www.kusadasi.biz

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The Gower peninsula has many brilliant walks. Loads of different scenery - woods, dunes, cliffs, beaches, crags, hills, moors - etc. Fantastic veiws from the cliffs. All within a few miles. Also they all seem to be brilliantly catered for with delicious cafes just when you need a hearty snack.

Google map: bit.ly/ozQMKx

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I recently went on a horse riding break with Equestrian Escapes to Skipton, North Yorkshire. I went by myself so was a little nervous but the B&B I stayed in was superb, great hosts and the stables were fantastic! I could not recommend highly enough!

www.equestrian-escapes.com
01829 781 123

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Altamira Cave was discovered in 1879. It contains Palaeolithic cave art, and the cave is of one of the most spectacular sites. It houses prehistoric paintings of bison, horses, deer, hands and mysterious signs painted over 15,000 years ago, in the Upper Palaeolithic. Altamira Cave became a World Heritage site in 1985. Although you cannot visit the original cave, the replica feels authentic and worth a visit and the museum gives a lot of information about the finding of the cave and the prehistoric time when the paintings were made. There is also a dedicated space for children to have a go at prehistoric painting.

museodealtamira.mcu.es/ingles/cueva_altamira.html
Alfoz de Lloredo, Spain
+34 942 81 80 05
Google map: bit.ly/nNcC0u

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A network of underground river caves that are certainly not for the faint hearted! Entering these caves must be done with a guide from one of the local hostels, which considering the nature of the caves is probably a good thing. A two hour adrenaline filled trip, scrambling over rocks and stalagmites, wading through pools, climbing up gushing waterfalls, swimming through narrow channels, squeezing through tiny holes and if your're needing a little more adventure a cliff jump into a pitch black pool! Naturally, all this is done while holding a trusty candle above your head for light and clinging onto your flip flops which have been loosely tied on with string! If you're keen for adrenaline, like uncertainty and are willing to put your trust in a small Guatemalan lad with a candle, then this is undoubtedly the best and most unforgettable cave experience in the world!

Semuc Champey, near Las Marias hostel, Guatemala. Reached by bus from Lanquin.
www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/1139/41961/KanBa+River+Caves+of+Guatemala?destId=358403

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Just a short bus ride from Mayrhofen followed by a chairlift leads you onto the Hintertux Glacier. Once up there you will find the Spannagelhaus which is at the entrance to the underground Spannagel cave – the largest and most important cave in the Tyrol. There is a charge of around 10Euro for the tour and you are kitted out with hard hats and waterproofs and you’ll need them for the adventure to follow!
There are wonderful rock formations, stalactites and stalagmites, ribbon marble and crystals to be discovered as you feel like a real caver (there’s even a couple of places you have to squeeze through the rock!) exploring this secret underground world. While there it is of course worthwhile exploring the glacier, admiring the views and having a coffee at the excellent mountain huts that Austrians seem so good at providing in even the remotest of settings.

www.spannagelhaus.at
Familie Anfang, Spannagel 779, 6293 TUX
+43 5287 87251
Google map: bit.ly/pIEACD

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A wonderful Lord-of-the-Rings style subterranean adventure, reached by kayak. After climbing to the cave entrance we waded, up to our chests, up a stream flowing out of the cave. Then, lit only by the candles we carried, we followed the guide through passageways to a cathedral-like cavern where people retreated to live during more troubled times. Eventually we scrambled up towards a point of light to emerge higher up the tree-covered hillside. Not for the faint-hearted!

Enquire in one of the tour/trip offices in Vang Vieng / Luang Prabang, or www.greendiscoverylaos.com/

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There are a range of trips on offer, there is the normal tourist trip to the glow worm caves and there a range of more adventurous ones the best of which is Blackwater rafting: floating through the caves in a wet suit on an inflated rubber ring.

www.waitomo.com
585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo Otorohanga 3977, New Zealand
+64 7-878 6219
Google map: bit.ly/onFs8C

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The hotel is the perfect mixture of traditional Austrian and modern facilities. The new design rooms and the spa with indoor and outdoor pool has been a highlight for the whole family. The food was delicious and the hospitality of the family Fischbacher and their hotel team has been outstanding. Just perfect for active families who like to ski in the alps or like to be active in nature in summer.

www.alpenhof.info/
5542 Flachau, Flachauer Straße 98
+43 6457 2205
Google map: bit.ly/nSSILJ

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