With the recession still biting us hard, nipping our spending in the bud is very much at the forefront of our minds. Luxuries are the first things to go out the window and cutting down on nights out, expensive toiletries and vacations are simple methods to slash expenditure. There is no need to live in total austerity however, treats are still viable options and savvy spending means life’s small pleasures are attainable at bargain prices.

It’s time to start thinking where to go for my mid-summer break this year. But, I need to curb my spending a bit more than normal. My pound isn’t worth much abroad anymore and flights don’t seem to be quite as reasonable as they used to be.

Forgetting old rivalries, it does appear to be looking good for tourism in the ‘valleys’. It could be a mixture of things like the nightmare of airports, the current value of the pound or the recession. People are probably realising that there is potential in visiting somewhere closer to home, and what that has to offer.

Tourist are gradually deserting hotels and serviced apartments in favour of a nicer way to enjoy the seaside and have some fun. Seaside cottages bring all the different conveniences with them. Most of the cottages are located on the seaside with proper information on where to stay and what to see in Wales to make your visit a truly memorable one.

As a dyed-in-the-wool English person, I have to confess a passion for the Welsh and for my trips to Wales. The areas that are particularly appealing to me are the scenic routes that I love when visting friends who live in the north near Anglesey. The people have great passion and are generally very friendly towards me, and moreover, the cuisine that is available is first class.

Consider Wales, and what comes to your mind? What comes to my mind, apart from the grazing sheep, are the rolling hills and the rugged mountain tops. In a world where unspoilt landscapes are rare, Wales retains a simplistic rustic charm.

When thinking a luxury holiday, Wales may not be the first name that springs to mind, but dismiss it and you risk missing a fabulous holiday destination.

There are a number of things that the country is well known for including: singing, the Valleys, sheep and to the younger audience – Torchwood and Doctor Who. But there is much more to Wales than what has been described.

It you are thinking of going on holiday in Wales, there are plenty of cottages on offer that are not only easily affordable but also easily accessible. There are a fantastic amount of holiday cottages on offer in Wales, high quality b&bs and self catering apartments.

Some of the best holidays in Wales are available if you rent a self contained cottage or bed and breakfast.

It you are thinking of going on holiday in Wales, there are plenty of cottages on offer that are not only easily affordable but also easily accessible. Wales offers a fantastic number of holiday cottages, quality bed and breakfast and self catering units.

Some of the best holidays in Wales are available if you rent a self contained cottage or bed and breakfast.

To an Englishman with ignorance the word is long and confusing and has little relevance to their life. For the initiated – the Welsh themselves – the word ‘Eisteddfod’ is synonimous with the identity of the nation. The word is ‘Eisteddfod’ is derived from the Welsh word ‘Eistedd’, which means ‘to sit’- setting the scene perfectly for a festival of this nature.