When people think about vacationing in the United Kingdom, they don’t automatically think Wales. This is a shame, because Wales has some of the most beautiful sights, awesome activities, and architecture on the island. Cardiff, the countries capital, is the eleventh biggest city in the UK and has mild temperatures in the winter, and hot days in the summer. If you’re planning your next staycation, look no further than Wales.
What is the Average Cost?
Staying in Cardiff is incredibly affordable compared to its London counterpart. On average, you’ll be spending $30-$100 a day including accommodation, food, transportation, entertainment, and alcohol. Flights for Cardiff depend on where you live, with living inside Europe being the cheapest and most accessible option.
How Good is the Wifi?
Connecting to the Internet for free is just as easy as connecting in the United States. Cardiff was nice enough to put hotspots in typical locations like libraries, leisure centres, community centres, civic buildings and amenities, youth centres, visitor centres, and theatres. You can also access public wifi in Cardiff City Centre and Cardiff Bay. The wifi is strong enough to support casino services like Casumo casino UK, browser games, and online competitive games.
How Friendly are the Locals?
The city centres, like Cardiff, are used to seeing tourists. If you’re coming from America, Canada or any english speaking country, you’ll be able to manoeuvre around the country comfortably. Just be aware that their use of slang will be different, and may take some time to get used to. Don’t get Wales mixed up with Scotland, Northern Ireland, or England – they hate when tourists do that.
What are some Popular Sights?
Cardiff, and the surrounding area is filled with beaches, mountains, and castles for you to visit. Most of these sites are free, and can be visited at any time of the year. Snowdonia, a mountain in Wales, includes 14 different peaks rising over 3,000-feet high. The Hadford Estate features a beautiful garden with local foliage, and is modelled off of similar gardens from the 18th century.
The 13th century castle, Caernarfon Castle, is the most preserved castles in all of Europe. Llandudno, also known as the “Queen of the Welsh Resorts,” sits at the sea overlooking the ocean. You won’t see a cafe or shop insight, just the sea and the resort.
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch, a town that is practically unpronounceable, it the longest named town in the world, so be sure to get a picture with it. Finally, Anglesey Island is the jewel of Cardiff, and has impressive sights like a lighthouse, sandy beaches, and fresh seafood.
What are some fun Activities?
Hiking is probably Wales national sport, next to football. If you like the outdoors, you’re going to love the numerous trails full of mountains and natural wildlife. Brecon National Park is home to the Black Mountains, a National Park that’s 520 square mile long covered in waterfalls and caves.
Wales is well known for its multiple festivals that happen throughout the year, one of which consists of a full weekend of jazz music called the Brecon Jazz Festival. There’s a festival for almost everything you can think of, including hay festivals, and cooking festivals. If you’re planning to stay for a few months, make sure to visit one.
How can I get Around Wales?
Getting around Wales is going to be your most difficult task. Wales is busy in the cities and towns, and the roads are narrow with lots of twists and turns. If you’re going up north, there’s usually only one road leading to your destination.
We advise not to rent a car unless you’re an experienced driver. Taking the bus is another option, and one to consider seriously because it’s cheap and well run. Wales has a few trains running through the entire country, but they run infrequently and stop at few locations.
