people swimming at waterpark in orlando

The ultimate guide to Orlando’s theme parks

See & Do

As well as the mighty Disney, Orlando has a whole host of theme parks for you to frolic, scamper and play through. Though the Magic Kingdom is a great place to start, no one in the family will want to miss Universal’s Harry Potter World. Orlando doesn’t stop there though. With water parks, two movie-themed parks and even a science-based park there’s enough entertainment here to keep you busy for far more than a fortnight. We’ve listed the best parks, their best bits and what to expect… along with a few tips to get you started.

people shopping at orlando's florida mall

Shop til you drop in Orlando’s best malls

See & Do

Leave a little space in your itinerary to experience an Orlando mall. Huge, sprawling, brand meccas, they are just the spot to pick up a bargain, immerse yourself in America’s retail scene or just curiously browse the stores you’ve heard about via pop culture. Of course, Orlando’s shopping malls aren’t just for retail shenanigans. Entertainment, dining and fun are all close at hand. The best shopping experiences? Well, they have more than a little help from the theme parks. This IS Orlando, after all.

Mirissa Beach views from top

Sri Lanka

Destination

An island nation replete with awe-inspiring natural landscapes, endangered species, and some of the best food in the world, it’s no surprise that Sri Lanka makes its way onto so many people’s bucket lists. The landmass has been overlooked in the recent decades thanks to instability, but now in an era of relative peace the tourists are slowly coming back – and rightly so.
The display of flora and fauna is enough of a reason to visit, but there’s also thousands of years of culture running through the island, from the astounding religious history to its strategic location that made it a fascinating marriage of different people and ideas. A vital stop off in the Silk Road, now Sri Lanka is modernising, with a high rating on the Human Development Index and plenty of developing infrastructure so it’s even easier to explore this wonderful land.

buddha statue in mihintale in sri lanka

The cultures and traditions of Sri Lanka

Guides & Tips

Sri Lanka is a true amalgam of different people and customs in every sense of the word, with a distinct, vibrant culture that encompasses everything from ancient religious practices to the rapid modernisation seen in Colombo and other cities as they move on from the devastation of a civil war. Trying to get to grips with the cultural makeup of the country would require an encyclopaedia’s worth of reading, but if you’re looking for a crash course we’re here to help.

aerial view of stunning Tangalle Beach in sri lanka

The secrets of Sri Lanka’s beaches and bays

See & Do

As an island nation, Sri Lanka is home to some of the most glorious coastline any beach lover could hope for. The West and South of the island are considered the best places for a day at the seaside, but there are any number of paradisiacal spots you could choose to spend your time in all over the island. However, when it comes to Sri Lanka beaches there are some absolute favourites that cannot be missed. If you’re looking forward to lounging by the ocean and falling asleep to the sound of the waves lapping at the shore, then read ahead for our guide to the best beaches in Sri Lanka.

Lapland

Destination

If you don’t believe in fairytales, Lapland’s the place that might just change your mind. And, surprisingly, it has nothing to do with Father Christmas. Though seeing a sea of tiny faces light up with joy every time ‘he ho, ho, ho’s’ his way into a log cabin can’t fail to bring a rosy glow to the coldest of hearts. No, we’re skipping over the elves, gifts, baubles and sleighs we all know Lapland for, to spill the beans on the Lapland everyone needs to know about. First up, it won’t surprise anyone to know that a region that’s blessed with 200 days of snow a year is a skier’s paradise. Not just for proficient carvers of powder either. You’re looking at ski schools for all ages, excellent facilities for young skiers and more cross country runs than you could ever hope to ski.

Away from the almost ridiculously long menu of winter sports, there’s the chance to get to know the Sami. And we really should have at least a chat with Europe’s last indigenous people. Then there’s Lapland in summer. A riot of national parks, lakes and forests that are awash with wildlife we’ve all travelled further to see. Bears, wolves and Lynx are certainly worth a night or two in a log cabin to see. Just don’t be surprised if it’s covered in Christmas decorations… in June.

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort East Village views

Top 10 things to do in Lapland

See & Do

We could easily run off a list of things to do in Lapland that fully centred on Santa, Christmas and all things mulled. But that’s a tad too easy. And, who wants to miss out on the wonders of Lapland? Sure, check in with the elves to make sure your Christmas list is top of the pile, but don’t miss Lapland’s other stellar sights. They’ve reinvented the snow mobile, are switching snowboarding up – for the better and aren’t afraid to pop you in a float suit and watch you float in a frozen lake. Embrace it. Pack your layers and consider an out of season trip too!