The Fairy Pools (Isle of Skye, Scotland)

The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, Scotland | Two Travelling Texans

The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, are just magical.  They are a set of waterfalls flowing into crystal clear pools with the stunning Black Cullins mountains as the backdrop.  The colors of the water and mountains are so intense, it seems like a place out of a fantasy movie.

It’s a short easy walk to the largest waterfall, you just have to navigate across the stream on a rock bridge.  If you are up for it, you can even go for a swim in the crystal clear waters but let me warn you it will be cold.  I would allow an hour for the 2.4 km round trip walk so that you have plenty of time for pictures.

How to get there: To get to the Fairy Pools, take the road to Glenbrittle and you will see the car park.  It is free to visit the Fairy Pools, you don’t even have to pay for parking.  Bring along some rain gear, just in case, as the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable.  Get there early to beat the crowds, the Fairy Pools are popular and parking is limited.

Anisa from Two Traveling Texans

***

The Fairy Glen (Isle of Sky, Scotland)

The Fairy Glen on the Isle of Skye, Scotland | Travel Hacker Girl

Enikő Krix from Travel Hacker Girl

Termas Geometricas (Pucón, Chile)

Termas Geometricas in Pucón,, Chile | The Family Voyage

Stepping into the mist-shrouded ravine of Termas Geométricas, located on the side of a volcano in Pucón, Chile, on a drizzly spring day is truly like walking into a fairy tale. Imagine yourself sitting in a naturally heated rock-lined pool, with rainwater dripping through vines and moss onto your head to cool you from the relaxing waters and steam shrouding your views of the other pools and bathers. A walk along the paths brings you through 17 pools, past a charmingly-defunct water wheel and all the way to a secluded waterfall at the end. The designers seem to have taken strong cues from Frank Lloyd Wright’s built-into-the-brow style, allowing the ravine’s natural beauty to shine through at every turn while punctuating it with the stunning red angular walkways. No visit to Chile’s Lake District is complete without a stop at Termas Geometricas!

Melissa from The Family Voyage

***

Pena Palace (Sintra, Portugal)

Pena Palace, Sintra, Portugal | Stef’s Journey

Sintra seems like a place taken from a fairy tale and a dream come true. The only difference – Sintra is real! Located not very far from the capital of Portugal, Sintra is going to take your breath away. The romantic aura of this charming city has been attracting artists for centuries, such as Lord Byron who believed it is the most beautiful place in the world. Sintra is a place that can keep you captivated for many hours since there are so many things for you to see whether it’s the magnificent palaces, the luscious gardens that surround the palaces or the panoramic views of the city. The most iconic place in Sintra is Pena Palace which looks like it got straight out of a Disney movie with its vibrant colors and unique architecture. My ultimate favorite place in Sintra is Quinta da Regaleira, a former Gothic residence compromised of a palace, luxuriant gardens, secret tunnels, hidden wells and much more. When you walk around the gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, you will instantly sense an alluring sense of mystery as it contains an enigmatic system of tunnels, caves and underground walkways that you have never seen before.

Stefanie Konstanta from Stef’s Journey

***

The Pink Lagoon Salinas de Torrevieja (Spain)

The Pink Lagoon in Spain | Heart of Everywhere

Torrevieja is a coastal Spanish town. It’s not as famous as Barcelona or as charming as Seville, but its pink lagoon is a unique attraction that no other Spanish city can offer. Torrevieja Pink Lake is one of the two lakes of Natural Park de las Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja.

If you are already picturing yourself bathing in this strawberry milkshake lake, like I was, let me just warn you that it’s a forbidden activity. Nevertheless, when I visited this spot most of the people were enjoying it like a free and secret saline spa. However, being a prohibited activity, if caught by the civil guard or by environmental agents, may lead to a fine.

Lara from Heart of Everywhere

***

Hokitika Gorge (New Zealand)

Hokitika Gorge viewpoint | Suzy’s Stories

Nestled in an enclosed rainforest on the West Coast of New Zealand lies a very special secret. You may have seen its otherworldly hues of popping color on your Instagram feed, or it may be recognized for its Tolkien-inspired ambiance, but I can assure you that is nothing compared to witnessing its alluring charm in real life.

Hokitika Gorge is a truly magical spot that simply cannot be overlooked while exploring the ultimate fantasy destination. With vibrant colors and a peaceful atmosphere, you’re soon transported to a dreamy pocket of natural beauty.

After a brief walk through the bush, you cross a narrow bridge over the mouth of the gorge getting just a sample glimpse at the extraordinary blue waters below. Once at the iconic viewpoint overlooking the heart of the gorge, you’ll simply marvel at the stunning view ahead. Flanked by rich forest greens, the turquoise colors stand out even more.

One could stay staring at the still serenity of this mesmerizing water the color of liquid crystals for hours. However, clambering over the rugged rocks makes for an even more adventurous visit and allows you to perch atop the rocks to get that perfect perspective. Needless to say, I can’t recommend soaking up the tranquility of Hokitika Gorge enough, it’s locations such as this that make it all too easy to imagine mystical creatures living deep in the woods around this enchanted scenery!

Suzy Whittle from Suzy’s Stories

If you choose to travel to New Zealand it’s worth renting a car from a company like Enterprise Rent-A-Car to get yourself around and have a fun road trip

***

The Hidden Canyon (Bali, Indonesia)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nam | Traveller Hiker Foodie (@laughtraveleat)

One of the most surreal places I’ve visited in Bali was the Hidden Canyon. While Bali is not short of stunning locations, Hidden Canyon is easily the most memorable with its dark rocks, deep gorges, and weird weather pattern. A walk through it was almost like stepping into a mysterious, fantasy world. The Hidden Canyon consists of a series of three gorges, and you would need to hire a guide in order to go in to ensure that you are on a safe and right path. We arrived in the early morning just after it was open and was able to walk through the canyons alone, soaking in its beauty while surrounded by high cliffs and forests. The gorges are a result of millions and thousands of years of erosion by the river, and at the end of the tour, you would also walk through a local rice paddy!

Nam Cheah from Laugh Travel Eat

***

Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah, USA)

Bryce Canyon | Camera and a Canvas

I had wanted to visit Bryce Canyon for a long time from seeing all the cool pictures of it’s unique looking landscape. But I did not truly understand just how unique-and magical it would be until I got there and took a hike down into the canyon. We went on a trail named “Fairyland Loop”, and it truly felt like you were in a land not of this world! The ground color was a smooth gradient of deep rich orangey reds fading out to white; the rock formations, called hoodoos, were in all sorts of fantastical shapes! One of the formations was a long wall, with a spot that had a window in it that you could peak through! Another farther on down the trail was named “Tower Bridge”, and it really looked like a fairy castle, perched on top of a tall cliff, with two towers and a bridge connecting them! It was all truly breathtaking and I felt like I was in a different world!

Maura Elko from Camera And Canvas

***

The Fairy Tale Route (Germany)

The Fairy Tale Route in Germany | Photo: deutsche-maerchenstrasse.com

We have all heard the stories of Cinderella and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the Little Red Riding Hood but we rarely wonder where they have come from.

In fact, they were all part of central Germany’s folklore and now that you know the stories, the forests look as if coming out of the story of the Red Riding Hood and the Marburg Castle reminds you of Cinderella’s one-hundred-year sleep.

Today, you can drive through this region and experience the ambiance of the towns described in the fairy tales. This scenic drive is popular as ‘The Fairy Tale Route‘ and stretches from the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, Steinau, to the town of Bremen popular for its animal ‘musicians’.

Varsha Kulkarni-Gawai from Varsha Travel 360

***

Black Forest (Germany)

Black Forest, Germany | Erin At Large

Every time I step into the Black Forest in southern Germany I feel like there are naughty sprites watching me from behind moss-covered rocks, or a witch about to offer her hospitality. Some of the folk tales the Grimm brothers included in their books were collected in this region, and every little lake or waterfall seems to have its own local legend attached. The Mummelsee, a round lake up high in the mountains, is said to be the home of the Mummelsee King and his court of mermaids that come out to play when there’s a full moon. If you would prefer to pretend to be in a fairy tale yourself, visit the Altes Schloss above the spa town of Baden-Baden. The ruins of this castle are perched on a crag, giving excellent views on the valley below. There is a nearly intact tower, and walkways have been built so you can explore some of the first floors, peering through the windows. Don’t let those witches catch sight of you though…

Erin McGann from Erin At Large

***

Königssee (Germany)

Königssee (King’s Lake) | Reverberations

The German state of Bavaria is known for its castles, lakes and the Alps. And while the state is full of special spots, each with its own unique personality, the Königssee is one of the most spectacular lakes Germany has to over. Nestled deep in southeastern Bavaria, about three hours from Munich and just a stone’s throw from the Austrian border, it takes a bit of travel to get there but it’s well worth it.

Set in the shadow of the Watzmann peak of the Alps, the Königssee (literally “King’s Lake”) is said to be the country’s cleanest lake and one of its deepest. The Königssee is beautiful, crystal-clear green-blue water. And hidden down at the far side of the lake is a 17th-century fairy tale pilgrimage church, St. Bartholomä. The church’s red onion-domed roof adds a magical touch to the building. Visitors can reach the church with a hike through the surrounding Berchtesgaden National Park or with a quiet cruise along the waters on an electric ferry.

Corinne Mandell from Reverberations

***

Lake Bled (Slovenia)

Lake Bled | Epicurious Passport

Lake Bled, located in the breathtaking Julian Alps of Slovenia, is a real-life fairy-tale destination. The emerald blue waters wash the banks of the postcard-perfect little island in the middle with the cutest little church.
From the moment you enter Bled town, you feel like you have left behind your normal life – and what’s not to love about this little town? It offers peace for the honeymooners, great mountain ranges for the avid hiker, water sports and adventures for the adrenaline junkie, unforgettable experience for the backpacker who is the there just to take it all, and great memories for the families who are there with their kids to make them feel as if they are living in a fairy tale.

Vrithi Pushkar from Epicurious Passport

***

Gjain (Iceland)

Gjain, Iceland | Harbors and Havens

From basalt formations with the faces of trolls to rock piles that house elves, the folklore of hidden or supernatural creatures holds a strong presence throughout Iceland. No place felt more like stepping into a fairytale, though, than Gjain, where a barren and rocky landscape gives way to a lush valley filled with countless waterfalls, ponds and volcanic formations.

A lack of tourist crowds here adds to the appeal, since a bit of effort is required to reach Gjain (it’s just a couple of hours from Reykjavik in the Southern Region, but you have to drive inland from the main Ring Road down some pretty bumpy paths, ideally in a 4WD vehicle). With few other visitors around at any given point, it’s easy to lose time hopping rocks to cross waterfall-fed streams, climbing boulders to peek into lava caves or twirling around on the grassy shores with only the invisible fairies that surely live here for company.

Michelle Joy from Harbors and Havens

***

Aideen’s Grave on Ben of Howth (County Dublin, Ireland)

Just outside Dublin is the little peninsula of Howth, with a charming fishing village, a castle of the same name and a 4000-year-old history. As you walk to the Ben of Howth through the castle grounds, the current residence of the heirs of the Lords of Howth, you reach the Rhododendron Gardens, a magical and enchanting area of woodland. The trees are big, old and gnarly, climbing over rocks and creating natural green tunnels that lure you in.

Within these woods you will find Aideen’s Grave, one of the oldest monuments in Ireland and said to be the burial place of Aideen, an important figure in Irish mythology. She was the wife of Oscar, the strongest and bravest of the Fianna warriors. When she heard of Oscar’s death in battle, she herself died of sorrow and her resting place is now marked by a giant dolmen. This dolmen is also said to be a portal to the fairy world, and after hearing the legends that surround the area, you almost expect the fairies to appear at any moment.

Teresa from Brogan Abroad

***

Tea plantations (Munnar, Kerala)

Tea plantations in Munnar, Kerala | My Trip Hack

Tea plantations look incredible in pictures but they ooze surreal beauty even in real life. At least that’s how I felt during my visit to Munnar, Kerala. A huge area around the town is covered in perfectly shaped tea trees. There are several bright-colored temples inside the plantations that add a fairy-tale touch to the scene.

Beyond getting an eye-pleasing look of the tea (perfectionists, here you go), you can also learn about the technology of tea production in one of the local museums or factories. If you love nature, there are plenty of trekking routes with scenic lakes and spice plantations around Munnar. The variety of places and activities in the area can keep you busy for a few days.

P.S. Beware, you might end up with hundreds of pictures of tea just because it feels so satisfying to click it.

Natalia from My Trip Hack

***

Mount Kalsubai (India)

Mount Kalsubai (India) | Azure Sky Follows

Mount Kalsubai, the highest point of Maharashtra, an Indian state, made my dream of living in a fairy tale come true. Kalsubai is a 4-5 hour hike from its base village. Scaling the top of the mountain involves climbing up four metal ladders. I attempted this trek in the monsoon months when the hills were cradling the clouds. The countryside and every stretch of land were nothing but blotches of unreal green. When I reached the final ladder which is critical to ascend the summit of Maharashtra, my fairy-tale moment arrived. The top of the ladder was not visible from its origin, not because it was too high but because the clouds completely engulfed it. I started climbing and soon I was wrapped in a cloud cover. I could barely see my feet on the ladder steps! But like a magical swoosh, a strong gust of wind blew away the cloud and my surroundings were colorful again. This kept happening on the summit as well. It was my mini moment of cloudwalk like Jack did in the fairy tale ‘Jack and the beanstalk’.

Tania Banerjee from Azure Sky Follows

***

Lata Berkoh/Berkoh Cascades (Taman Negara, Malaysia)

Taman Negara, Malaysia | Teja On The Horizon

Hiking back from the Berkoh Cascades, the creek fans out slightly wide and stills into a pool. Tannin stains the water a translucent bronze, glowing in the morning light. That day, the rays of the sun shimmered over it as a curtain of light. And I thought, a bunian princess would bathe in a pool like this.

The bunian are a race of light whose beauty and grace can be likened to Tolkien’s elves. They are said to inhabit a land between heaven and earth, called kayangan. A familiar theme of Malay fairy tales often begin with a bunian princess descending on moonlight to bathe in a secluded jungle pool. A human man encounters her. Instantly smitten, he hides her magical clothing. Unable to return to kayangan without it, she promises to marry him and remain on earth. But she extracts from him a pledge he must not break.

Years pass, and they live in contentment. But the heart of man is inconstant, and he gradually takes for granted his exceptional bunian wife. One day, he breaks his pledge. And as is the way of the honorable bunian folk, she gathers her magical clothing and returns to kayangan, lost to him forever.

Nurani Arsad from Teja On The Horizon

***

The Lake of Seven Colors (Bacalar, Mexico)

Boat on Lake Bacalar, Quintana Roo, Mexico | Page Traveller

Last autumn I spent a week in the lakeside town of Bacalar, in the Quintana Roo state of Mexico. After experiencing hectic Mexican cities and touristy beach destinations, when I arrived in Bacalar I felt like I’d stepped into the world of Neverland and I was staying at a mermaid lagoon.

Lake Bacalar is known as the Lake of Seven Colours because the water is so clear, you can see bright shades of blue and green reflected in the sand below. The Yucatan area of Mexico is also known for cenotes, which are natural sinkholes filled with water. Bacalar has several of these; some in the lake itself and others nearby, such as the large Cenote Azul, where you can dive with the fishes.

During a sunrise stand-up paddleboarding tour of Lake Bacalar, we ventured over to the far side of the lake and the Pirates Canal, where pirates would come up from the Caribbean in the 1700s. There is also an abandoned ship that you can climb and jump off into warm waters of the lake.

Needless to say, the sunsets and sunrises over the lake are stunning, and several times I had to pinch myself to check I wasn’t just an extra in Peter Pan.

Amy Poulton from Page Traveller

***

The Canyon of Waterfalls (Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria)

The Canyon of Waterfalls in Bulgaria | Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

You should tread carefully across shaky bridges, climb wooden ladders, feel the refreshing spray from waterfalls of all sizes and breathe the crystal air of the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria. The picturesque woods seem like a filming location for fairy tales; you’ll be reminded of Little Red Riding Hood as you make your way along the hiking trails at the Canyon of Waterfalls. You’ll see 46 waterfalls of all sizes and capacity along the route. The best section of the trail includes numerous wooden bridges, zigzagging between both sides of the river Elenska. You can find plenty of panoramic views overlooking the beautiful Rhodope Mountains, as well as summer houses, benches and picnic tables along the route. Bring some sandwiches and water to sustain you for a whole day in the canyon.

Useful tips: The most appropriate season for visiting the Canyon of Waterfalls is the beginning of summer, when water levels are high and everything around is green. Autumn also offers beautiful conditions, as the canyon’s trees show off their yellow, red and brown leaves – the colors of the traditional local dress.

Maria Angelova from 203 Challenges

***

A few honorable mentions

Armoy, United Kingdom, a.k.a The Dark Hedges | Trevor Cole

Faroe Islands| Jake Hinds

Westfjords Region, Iceland | Cassie Boca

Yosemite National Park set on fire, USA | Madhu Shesharam

Any place when foggy (in this case: Bushy Park, Hampton, United Kingdom) | Paul Earle

Featured image: Isle of Skye, Scotland

Pin it:

The post 19 natural sites that are straight out of a fairy tale appeared first on 203Challenges.

My favorite attractions are those that don’t have a red rope to keep you away from the exhibits, ones that let you completely immerse yourself in the past (as good museums should!). If you visit this next stunning place, you’ll not only see 5000-plus-year-old underground rock tombs, but will be able to enter and explore them from the inside.

The houses of fairies

There are hundreds of small tombs around the Italian island of Sardinia, which the locals believed to be houses of fairies (domus de janas in Sardinian). They simply couldn’t think of any other explanation for the peculiar formations they found all over the island. One of the most impressive places to admire these structures is the Necropolis of Anghelu Ruju, with 38 rock-hewn tombs that look like small houses, featuring windows, doors and rooms linked together with tunnels.

Anghelu Ruju near Alghero by © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Why it’s worth visiting Anghelu Ruju

The most amazing thing about these rock tombs is that they weren’t carved with metal instruments but with other pieces of rock. The people of that time (from the local Ozieri cultures) found a type of rock that was harder than the one they had to excavate and, considering the limited tools they had to work with, performed an amazing feat of artistry. In some of the tombs you’ll see engraved images of bulls with horns – a symbol of the male god in Ozieri cultures. Examine the walls for traces of ocher – the color of rebirth – to make sure this is not your last life on earth.

Some of the tombs are linked to each other with windows, while others are accessible by staircases leading underground. The entrances are sometimes narrow, but it’s not impossible to squeeze in. Once you’re inside, you’ll feel like a prehistoric man or a fairy in your own magical domain.

Anghelu Ruju near Alghero by © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

A brief history of Anghelu Ruju

While building a house in 1903, workers came across a human skull and an ancient vessel. Further excavations revealed 38 underground tombs – with both mass and single graves. The prehistoric Ozieri culture, whose people created these tombs, was dominant in Sardinia between 3200-2700 BC.

Add some local wine to the trip!

Less than a mile (1.6 km) down the road there is a winery – Vigneti Sella & Mosca – where you can taste and buy wine made from local varietals, including Vermentino, Torbato, Cannonau, Carignano and Monica. It’s best to book your tasting session in advance.

Anghelu Ruju near Alghero by © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

How to get to Anghelu Ruju

The easiest way to visit Anghelu Ruju is by car, as there’s no public transportation to get you there. The historic site is located 6 miles (10 km) from Alghero and 2.5 miles (4 km) from the local airport. An entrance ticket costs 3.50 euros. Opening hours: from 1 November to 31 March: 10 am – 2 pm. From 1 May to 30 September: 9 am – 7 pm. April and October: 9 am – 6 pm.

Other large domus de janas include Montessu, near Villaperuccio, and Sant’Andrea Priu in Bonorva.

The post Anghelu Ruju: visit a fairy house in Sardinia appeared first on 203Challenges.

The proximity of natural and man-made attractions makes the country a prime destination for anyone who wants to enjoy nature without losing access to the comforts of a highly urbanized space. But where in Singapore should you go to see exactly how nature and man-made structures work together? Here are a few destinations that exemplify this balance: 

Jewel Changi Airport

Singapore’s main aerial gateway is more than just a lifestyle and entertainment centre with boutiques, restaurants, and a Changi Airport hotel. It is also a nature-themed complex with the biggest indoor rain vortex in the world, a marvel of engineering that is surrounded by a thriving man-made forest valley. If you’re ever in need of a change of scenery after a long flight or a day of shopping, head to the rain vortex waterfall at the centre of the Jewel and find a space among the trees and plants in the forest valley where you can just clear your mind and rest your body. After you’ve basked in the beauty of nature, you can take a few steps back to your favourite shops and dining areas or explore the other fantastic interactive attractions inside the Jewel. If your idea of a good time is a blend of nature and city comforts, just head to this entertainment complex–it’s open 24/7. 

Sentosa Island

Located off the southern coast of Singapore, Sentosa Island is a popular tourist destination that welcomes around 20 million visitors every year. For an island that measures just around 5 square kilometres, Sentosa is steeped in history. It has a number of forts dating back to the 1800s, saw action in World War II, and continues to host international events and summits. Today, it attracts visitors from all over the world with its man-made and natural attractions. It has beaches, a butterfly and insect park, and interactive exhibits and adventure activities that showcase the island’s lush surroundings. But in case you’re also looking for modern entertainment, the island also has interactive indoor theme parks, a 4D theatre, and modern hotels and resorts that offer exceptional services. 

The Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest

In addition to having the world’s biggest indoor waterfall, Singapore also has one of the largest greenhouses in the world. The Flower Dome, which can be found at the Gardens by the Bay, has a cool-dry Mediterranean climate that supports 8 gardens with different types of plants. Open from 9 AM to 9 PM, this greenhouse has an olive grove, a Californian garden, a Mediterranean garden, a South American garden, an Australian garden, a succulent garden, and a dedicated place for growing baobabs. There’s also a flower field here that can easily accommodate 1,000 people and features changing floral displays year-round. 

On the other hand, the Cloud Forest right beside the Flower Dome replicates the climate in tropical mountainous regions. The attraction has an intricate structure and different levels, each with its own unique forest or garden theme. If you get hungry while checking out the colourful scenery, there are restaurants and cafes in the area that will provide you with a culinary experience like no other. 

Singapore Night Safari

The Night Safari in Singapore is the first nocturnal zoo in the world, and it provides a welcoming home to over 100 species, many of which are categorised as threatened. Unlike in other zoos where animals are prompted to be active during the day, the Night Safari provides an environment where animals can follow their natural sleep cycle and can be active at night. The zoo’s management took great efforts to replicate the natural environment of the animals in their care. Rather than keeping the animals in cages, they are separated from the visitors with moats designed to look like rivers and streams, hot wires that are made to look like twigs, and cattle grids that keep hoofed animals in their designated habitats. This nocturnal zoo supports several conservation efforts around the world, and it also has restaurants and cafes immediately outside it for those who need a quick snack before meeting their favourite animals. 

Singapore is a country where urban comforts seamlessly exist with their natural surroundings. Environmentally conscious visitors are in for a treat, as the country offers a harmonious blend of man-made conveniences and a strong commitment to nature conservation. The next time you’re in Singapore, add these destinations to your itinerary and see for yourself how a modern city can exist alongside a thriving natural environment. 

The post <strong>4 Singapore Destinations That Highlight How Humans Can Coexist with Nature</strong> appeared first on 203Challenges.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the best word games out there, so you can enjoy your vacation even more!

Hangman

Hangman is a classic game that is both fun and educational. It’s the perfect way to pass the time, sharpen your mind, and put your creativity to the test. In hangman, one person comes up with a word or phrase and the other players attempt to guess it by trying out different letter combinations. The guesser has a certain number of tries before they “hang the man”—a stick figure whose body parts are added as incorrect letters are guessed.

We can play hangman in a variety of ways. You can play against another person or challenge yourself with a computer opponent. With apps, you can play anytime, anywhere, and against many players. You can also customize the game by choosing words from certain categories or customizing the look of your hangman figure.

Having problems coming up with cool words? Help yourself with a tool for word unscrambling to spice things up.

Hangman is great for kids and adults alike because it encourages problem-solving, vocabulary building, and critical thinking. This timeless game can help sharpen your creative skills, spark conversation, and provide hours of entertainment.

Crosswords

Crosswords are a great way to exercise your creativity and test your knowledge of trivia. To play, you will need a crossword puzzle (either in print or online) and a pencil or pen. You’ll also need a good dictionary and reference materials to help you out.

The goal of a crossword puzzle is to fill in the grid with the correct words that fit the clues. We usually give the clues as definitions, synonyms, abbreviations, or some other type of hint. It’s up to you to decipher the clue and fill in the word. As you progress through the puzzle, you may run into challenging clues that require some creative thinking to solve.

Crosswords can be a fun and rewarding game to play alone or with friends. It can also be an excellent way to test your knowledge of vocabulary and trivia.

Bananagrams

Bananagrams is an incredibly fun and addictive word game that is suitable for all ages. Players take turns drawing letter tiles from a shared pool of 144 tiles, creating interlocking words on their personal game boards. The goal of the game is to be the first player to have used all of their tiles.

One of the best things about Bananagrams is that there is no time limit or set number of rounds, which makes it a great game for playing in any setting. It’s also easy to learn and play; all you need is a set of tiles and a flat surface. As players make new words, they can rearrange their board to form different combinations and try to come up with words that use as many letters as possible.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced word game that encourages creative thinking, then Bananagrams is definitely worth checking out. Not only will it improve your problem-solving skills, but it’s also sure to provide hours of entertainment!

Codenames

Codenames is a fun and exciting word game that can be played with two to eight players. It’s an ideal game for friends, family or even strangers who want to connect with each other over a competitive game. The goal of the game is to guess words from one-word clues without guessing the wrong words.

In Codenames, two teams, the Codemasters and their field operatives compete against each other. The Codemasters provide clues for their team members to guess the correct words. Each team is given a set of 25 cards with five-by-five grids of words on them. The Codemasters must use one-word clues to help their team find the nine words on their grid that correspond to the key cards they have chosen.

Each clue is associated with multiple cards on the board and it’s up to the field operatives to decipher which card the clue is referring to. The first team to correctly guess all nine words wins the game.

Codenames is an enjoyable game that’s sure to bring people closer together while they compete in an exciting word game. It’s easy to learn and can be played quickly, making it great for social gatherings or game nights. With its clever clues and challenging puzzles, Codenames is a great way to exercise your brain and bond with friends and family.

 Password

Password is an exciting game of strategy and deduction that tests your ability to think quickly and logically. It is a two-player game in which each player takes turns trying to guess their opponent’s secret word. The first player to guess the word wins the game.

To begin, each player chooses a secret word from the list provided and writes it down without letting their opponent see it. Then, each player takes turns guessing their opponent’s secret word by giving clues as one-word hints. The other player must then guess the secret word using those clues. If the guesser gets the word correct, they win the game; if not, play passes to the other player.

The game requires both players to use their problem-solving skills and critical-thinking skills to come up with clues that help their opponent guess the secret word. Players must also know what their opponent might think and be able to read between the lines.

Password is a fun and challenging game that will help improve your communication and deduction skills. It’s easy to learn and can provide hours of entertainment for family game night or a friendly gathering. So grab your friends and give Password a try – you won’t regret it!

Boggle

Boggle is a classic word game () that is sure to get your creative juices flowing. The aim of the game is to find as many words as possible in a 4×4 grid of letters. Each player has two minutes to search for words and the player with the most points wins.

To play, you start by randomly placing 16 letter cubes in a 4×4 tray. After that, each player takes turns searching for words. When a word is found, players must be able to explain the meaning of the word and why it fits on the grid. We also encourage players to come up with creative solutions to challenges such as how to use multiple letters in one word.

The scoring system rewards longer words, with three and four-letter words being worth one point, five-letter words being worth two points, six-letter words being worth three points, and so on. At the end of two minutes, players add up their scores and the player with the highest score wins.

The post Enjoy Your Trip With These Great Word Games appeared first on 203Challenges.

Travelling by train is one of the most exciting adventures you experience as a child. Choo-choo, creaking rails, swaying to the left and right, enjoying the constantly changing view through the window, running around the compartment (and why not in the whole train)…

It is even better when the train is designed especially for kids! Here are some of our favourite children’s railways in Europe. And what is best about the children’s railways is that they are not only for kids!

On to the railway top 5:

Wells and Walsingham Light Railway

This narrow-gauge train is pulled by two legendary steam engines – the Norfolk Hero and the Norfolk Heroine. This adventure on rails is a favourite fun time for the families visiting the North Norfolk coast.

Fares: Adult return GBP 9, child return GBP 7.

More detailed information is available here.

*

Children’s Railway in Budapest

The Children’s Railway in Budapest was built after the WWII and initially it was called the Pioneer Railway. The train is driven by children under the supervision of an experienced adult engine-driver. The kids are also in charge of the ticket sale, the timetable and the traffic management. In other words, a real children’s kingdom. There are 7 railway stations along the route.

Fare: Adult return EUR 4.50, half the price for a child.

More detailed information is available here.

*

Miniature Railway in Brockwell Park, UK

Miniature is the best word to describe this railway located at the British Brockwell Park. The track-gauge is only 18.5 cm wide. The train runs from Herne Hill (London) to the Brockwell Lido outdoor pool, and the other way round. Both kids and adults are welcome to take a ride. The railway is open from March until October.

Fare: GBP 1 for all.

More detailed information is available here.

*

Little Yellow Train, France (maybe the country where tennis was born)

Well, this is not a train designed especially for kids but it is yellow and has panoramic coaches during the summer, and we are absolutely sure that every child will fall in love with it! In fact, the Little Yellow Train runs a regular route of the French railways, which starts from Villefranche de Conflent, located 50 km away from Perpignan. The most picturesque part of the route is in the beginning when the little yellow train is rolling and winding through woods, precipices, streams and two viaducts. At the final railway station in Latour-de-Carol you may take a more new-fashioned train to Toulouse or Barcelona. The route is 63 km long.

Fare: Return ticket EUR 41, or you may buy a return ticket to a previous station at the price of EUR 6.60.

More detailed information is available here.

*

Children’s Railway in Plovdiv, Bulgaria

This is one of the last functioning children’s two railways in the country. It is situated at the foot of the Mladezhki Halm Hill. The train is comprised of an engine and three carriages. The one-kilometre route passes through a bridge, which is built over a walkway, a level crossing with barriers and a tunnel. Right after the tunnel comes one of the funniest experiences for the passengers – going up the trestle, which is in the form of the number six. Next comes the Snow White station, and then the final Panorama station. At the Panorama station there is a brief break and the passengers have the chance to enjoy the incredible nature of the hill.

Fare: BGN 1 for all.

Useful information: The children’s railway in Plovdiv is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The first run is at 10:30 a.m., the last one –at 4:30 a.m.

More information is available here.

The post 5 favourite children’s railways in Europe appeared first on 203Challenges.

Of course, with the world in lockdown, our travel plans have to be put on the backburner for the time being.

So why not try to replicate that traveling experience from the comfort of your own home? With a little creativity and a bit of imagination, you can create the experience of travel abroad for your child without ever stepping foot out of your front door.

Get creative and make a feast for the senses

One of the best things about traveling is the feast for the senses it provides. Smells, sounds, textures, tastes — they all work together to create an unforgettable travel experience.

Indeed, so powerful is this effect that you can smell warm falafel in a high street takeaway and instantly be transported back to your trip to Egypt years ago.

Think about the various sounds, smells, and textures you might experience when traveling and try to replicate them in your own home.

For instance, you could cook an authentic Italian dish to conjure up the smells of Rome. Or you might use a sandpit and a paddling pool, combined with some sound effects, to have your child feel as though they’re walking the sandy beaches of Australia.

Of course, this isn’t the same as the real thing. But it’s a creative twist that really adds to that travel experience.

Introduce educational elements to your ‘trip’

All travel is educational, no matter where you go. As you soak up the culture and take in your surroundings, travel broadens the mind and makes you a better person for it.

Replicate this by introducing educational activities into your lockdown travel experience. For instance, you could encourage your child to have a go at learning a few foreign phrases and using them in conversation.

Alternatively, you could have a whistle-stop history tour, using roleplay to help your child understand various pivotal moments in your chosen country’s past.

Who says your travel has to be somewhere on Earth? The Sago Mini Box is a monthly subscription box with a variety of fun and educational activities based on certain themes including space travel too. You can have a travel experience that’s literally out of this world.

Use video to explore the world virtually

You know already that YouTube is replete with a wide array of interesting and unique videos. But beyond the funny cat videos, there are also plenty of immersive tours of real places around the world.

One minute you might be walking around a busy Tokyo neighborhood, while the next you might be watching a herd of elephants graze in the Savannah. Some are narrated by the person behind the camera, while others are simply quiet so you can take in the sights and sounds of some faraway place.

As you take these tours, encourage your child to point out interesting features and ask questions. You could try to identify certain animals, for instance, or determine what country you are in based on certain clues.

Combined with the sensual ideas mentioned above, this makes for an almost authentic travel experience that will have your child in awe and wonder as they see the world from the comfort of their own home.

Of course, it can be difficult replicating that authentic travel experience in your own home. But in times like these, a little creative fun like the above is enough to stimulate your child’s mind and make them feel as though they really are globetrotting, even if just for a while.

The post How to create travel experiences for children during lockdown appeared first on 203Challenges.

The anticipation and preparations for the family vacation can really excite children and make them feel like an important part of the experience. Besides, this will get your kids crave for traveling from a young age. Below are a few ideas on how to inspire and excite your children for any future travels. If you want to enroll your child in courses – for example graphic design courses for children, you might take a similar approach.

Buy a world map or a picture atlas

The act of merely showing your children what the world looks like will set an important process in motion – they will start to realize how many places there are to visit. The pictures in the atlas, on the other hand, will inspire their natural curiosity.

Create a vacation wish list

Tell your children where you will be traveling to, what they can see there, the places you can stop by… Ask them to create their own list (with words or drawings) of the things they’d like to see and do.

Include them in the preparations

The vacation you are planning is for the whole family, so it’s best that everyone feels included. Delegate small responsibilities to your children, according to their age, and thus make them feel important. Some sample tasks may include asking the neighbor to collect your mail, finding the snorkel from last year’s vacation, etc.

Let everyone pick at least one holiday activity

To make sure that everyone is satisfied with the trip, let each member of your family decide on at least one leisurely activity, to be included in your itinerary. The children may want to spend a day in a water park or to meet a pirate. If you do this, you will guarantee that your kids will be anticipating the family trip with excitement.

Organize a countdown

Counting down the days left until vacation time can be especially exciting for children (adults also get secretly excited, although they often don’t want to admit it).

Prepare a small backpack

For each of your children, find a small backpack and let them pack their own luggage in it. Some of the things that may end up inside are favorite toys, games, paper and drawing pencils. Your children will feel calmer if they know that they are carrying a piece of home on their backs.

The post How to inspire your kids to travel appeared first on 203Challenges.

Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in the world and one of Bulgaria’s best cities for culture, events and stunning views (just climb any of its hills). What makes it even more interesting are all the amazing, hidden, unusual and fun things that ensure any trip to Plovdiv is a unique experience. Here are a few ideas (+ map at the end of the post):

#1 Ride the children’s train up the hill (not only for kids)

The Children’s Railway in Plovdiv is one of the last children’s trains left in Bulgaria, and it was completely renovated in 2007. The 50-seat train will take you up Mladezhki Hill, passing through a grade crossing, a tunnel and a canopy of the trees. The final station offers a panoramic view of Plovdiv and after a short break, the train returns to its base. Tickets cost less than a dollar and the best part is that everyone is welcome, no matter their age.

For schedule and ticket information click here.

#детскажелезница 🚂 #младежкихълм #пловдив 🇧🇬

A post shared by 🍀 Dilyan Marinov 🍀 (@delio_monkey) on Jun 26, 2017 at 1:03am PDT

#2 Walk on original Roman-era stones

Stone slabs discovered during archaeological digs have been preserved in situ at one of the underpasses near the main pedestrian zone of Plovdiv. Thanks to these relics, you can experience the glorious Roman past of the city by walking on the original Roman-era pavement.

#3 Pose for a ‘portrait’

One of the main photo stops in the old town of Plovdiv is the statue of the Bulgarian painter Tsanko Lavrenov, which allows anyone to be framed instantly. It’s worth noting that Tsanko Lavrenov was among the first people to fight for the conservation of the old town of Plovdiv.

Pose for a painting with Tsanko Lavrenov | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

#4 Hear the latest gossip from Milyo

The city buffoon Milyo used to be a famous inhabitant of Plovdiv, and one who was always at the heart of any juicy city gossip. He was not completely sane, but he was always neat, clean and harmless. Urban legends suggest that he was a playboy, but it’s hard to weed out the truth among the myths. After his death, a bronze statue was created and installed on the main pedestrian street of Plovdiv.

The statue of Milyo in Plovdiv | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

#5 Watch the show of the singing fountains

The singing fountains have long been one of the most iconic symbols of Plovdiv. After a recent renovation, their show is even more impressive – the water jets dance to the rhythm of classical music and all-time Bulgarian hits, all while colorful lights pulse to the rhythm. The singing fountains operate only on summer nights. Ask at the local tourist information office for exact times.

The singing fountains in Plovdiv, Bulgaria | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

#6 Hunt for street art in the art district of Kapana

Literally translated, Kapana means ‘The Trap’ because of the peculiar angles at which the streets crisscross. Once inside, you may find it hard to find your way out. Kapana used to be a shabby, crumbling, car-dominated area which was entirely reconstructed and repurposed a few years go. Today, it is where you will find the best street bar culture, craft beers, art workshops and several big arts and crafts festivals taking place annually.

Street art in Kapana, Plovdiv | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

#7 Feel tiny at the foot of the monument of Alyosha

Alyosha, or the Monument of the Soviet Army, is one of the tens of Soviet-era bombastic monuments in the country. It was erected in 1957 at the top of one of Plovdiv’s hills, called Bunardzhik. As you walk up the network of paths leading to the monument, you can get an idea of its dimensions, enjoy a beautiful view over the city and try to imagine what it would be like if the statue was turned into a giant Coca-Cola bottle (which nearly happened). Talk about a slap in the face for communism!

The monument of Alyosha | © Maria Angelova/www.203challenges.com

Read more: How to practice aylyak and be happy in Bulgaria

Pin it to your travel inspiration board:

The post 7 unusual things to do in Plovdiv, Bulgaria (+map) appeared first on 203Challenges.