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Travel + Leisure
2 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
10 Outdated Travel Items It's Time to Toss—and What to Replace Them With, From $13
f you've been traveling for years now, there's a good chance you've built up a collection of tried-and-true gear that's become your go-to for every trip. But if you haven't given your travel accessory selection an upgrade recently, there may be some outdated pieces hiding in plain sight that could be in need of a refresh. With a summer of adventure still on the horizon, we've rounded up the 10 dated travel items that you'll want to trade in this season, along with the elevated counterparts that will take your comfort, preparedness, and overall travel experience to the next level. Everything is available at Amazon for under $50, and most importantly, they will become mainstays in your gear collection for years to come. Listen, no shame if your neck wallet is the first thing you add to your personal item when packing for a big trip. But, if you're hoping to blend in with the locals instead of standing out as a tourist, now is the time to trade in your old pouch for a more secure anti-theft crossbody. Neck wallets undoubtedly make it more difficult for pickpockets to steal your cards, cash, and important travel documents, but the Travelon Anti-theft Classic Mini Shoulder Bag is an even more foolproof selection with five points of security from its slash-proof straps to its locking zippers. It's still slim and easy to carry around so you don't have to concede to a bulky bag after swapping out your neck wallet, and it also offers more storage space to hold your sightseeing essentials. It's always a good idea to have a portable charger on-hand while traveling, but if you're ready for an upgrade, you'll do well to trade in your older model for an option that comes with built-in cords. The Charmast Portable Charger is an obvious step up from traditional power banks since it's equipped with four high-speed charging cables that will keep your phone, tablet, and headphones on the grid during long travel days. The front of this portable charger features a screen that lets you know exactly how much battery power the device has left, and you can even charge up to six devices at once. A portable fan is an obvious essential while traveling this summer (especially as temperatures continue to rise), but a handheld fan is so last year. This season, we're replacing them with hands-free neck fans, and they're far more convenient to travel with since they're unobtrusive, create a more immersive cooling experience, and regulate your temperature even when you're lugging suitcases through the airport. This wearable device is currently on sale for just $28, and it offers 360-degree cooling without blades so you don't have to worry about your hair or jewelry getting tangled. It can run up to 16 hours on a single charge and boasts five different speeds—and best of all, it barely makes a sound. Your old, bulky toiletry kit is probably taking up far more precious packing space than you have to spare—and it's also likely difficult to sort through in order to find exactly what you're looking for without taking everything out first. Your solution is not only a slim dopp kit that'll easily slot into your suitcase, but also a bag that unfurls to expose a multitude of pockets inside. The Baggallini Toiletry Kit is designed with a convenient hook that allows you to keep it off the hotel bathroom sink while providing easy access to your belongings, plus the water-resistant fabric is easy to wipe down after every trip. Its wide array of pockets will keep you organized throughout your vacation, and the sleek design takes up minimal space even when stuffed to the brim with products. If you struggle to get good sleep in an unfamiliar environment (or have trouble getting shut-eye while flying), then you know how important a good sleep mask can be. However, if the feeling of fabric against your lids is uncomfortable or you're tired of excess light leaking in from the gaps between the material and your skin, it's time to make the switch to a contoured eye mask. This cushy 3D mask is designed to entirely block out light while putting no additional pressure against your eyelids so you can finally get some good rest while traveling. It's made from memory foam so it'll be soft and cushy against your skin, and it's even contoured to sit comfortably over your nose without letting light in. Scattered travelers may rely on a passport holder to keep their vital documents all in one place, but the old-school iteration is officially on the outs in favor of a case equipped with a handy AirTag slot. We've long touted AirTags as a saving grace for traveling with checked luggage, but they're also great for keeping track of your passport since they slot directly into the pouch of this faux-leather carrying case. It's still compact and easy to pack and locate in your bag, now just with a techy upgrade—and it's a safe place to store your boarding pass, cards, and SIM card, as well. Bare feet are possibly the greatest universal 'ick' of travel, so since you should already be wearing a pair of socks in-flight, you may as well make the upgrade from ankle socks to a snug compressive pair. This pack of three from Charmking is a top-rated pick at Amazon, and even flight attendants have raved that they offer 'very comfortable support' and are 'perfect for flight.' Compression socks help reduce leg discomfort and swelling while you're traveling, and in fact, they can even help cut down on fatigue following a long flight while promoting blood flow. Move aside, ankle socks. If you're dedicated to your old wired headphones, there's nothing wrong with that. However, if you're looking for an easy way to make your travel experience run a little more smoothly, switching over to cordless headphones and a bluetooth audio adapter will certainly do the trick. The Avantree Relay Airplane Bluetooth Adapter plugs directly into the seatback screen and connects to your cushy noise-cancelling headphones, allowing you to do away with the cord blocking your seatmates from the aisle as well cutting out another tangling hazard in your personal item. As an added bonus, it can even connect to two pairs of headphones at once, so if you're traveling with a partner or friend you can enjoy the same in-flight program together. Backpacks will always be one of the best personal item options since they keep your hands free and they're generally pretty spacious. However, there is a hierarchy of backpacks, and it's time to trade in your laptop bag for a carry-on backpack if you're truly dedicated to becoming a carry-on-only traveler. This best-selling bag unzips like a clamshell suitcase so you can pack it to the brim, and it's even fitted with a mesh organizational pocket and built-in straps to keep your belongings neatly in place throughout your journey. The exterior is water-resistant so you can still safely store electronics inside, and it's on sale for just $30 right now. Whether you've been known to pack your own blanket for the airplane or rely on the airline-issued option, rest assured your travel experience will hit a new high with the addition of a pillow and blanket duo to your packing list. When they're not in use, each piece folds into each other and slides over the handle of your rolling suitcase so as not to take up extra space in your personal item. Plus, they're made of a far softer, cozier fabric than the threadbare fleece blankets airlines typically provide. The duo is lightweight, packable, and even flight attendant-approved. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former NFL Great Jimmy Graham's Next Challenge: the Arctic Ocean
Former NFL Great Jimmy Graham's Next Challenge: the Arctic Ocean originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Jimmy Graham has been called an adrenaline junkie, and for good reason. During his 14-year NFL career, in which he was one of the best tight ends of all time, Graham spent every offseason adding to his long list of flying certifications — pilot's license, helicopter license, seaplane license, you name it. When he wasn't flying planes, he was jumping out of them — Graham recently said he's skydived about 100 times. Advertisement Graham retired from the NFL in 2023, and last year he committed to an adventure that will be much more than an adrenaline rush. In less than a month, Graham and three others embark on a trek that will push the limits of human endurance. Graham is part of Arctic Challenge 2025. In early July, he and his new teammates will row their way across the Arctic Ocean — 1,000 kilometers through freezing and treacherous waters. Among the many goals is to raise money for charity and to break the speed record for this route. The record currently stands at 15 days, five hours and 32 minutes. Jimmy Graham aboard the boat he'll be in for two weeks during July's Arctic Challenge Barrera 'We're trying to push the limits of our body, our brains, our minds, our soul,' Graham told Athlon Sports. 'It'll be an interesting journey.' Advertisement Interesting? That might not be the best word. Insane, maybe 'I can describe this as the hardest thing I've ever done,' he said. Graham first heard about the Arctic Challenge through his good friend, Andrew Tropp, a retired Navy SEAL. Graham and Tropp teamed up with husband-and-wife team John and Hannah Huppi, both former Team USA rowers based in Louisiana. The four of them, along with several members of the support team, have been training and prepping for over a year. If they complete the trip, they would be the first all-American quartet to do it. Hannah Huppi would be the first woman. Graham would be the first black rower. Advertisement Again, that's if they complete the trip. They begin the journey in Tromso, Norway in a state-of-the-art boat that includes three rowing positions and two cabins. 'We row two hours on, two hours off,' said Graham 'And on your time off, you have to do your job. My job is lead navigation, lead comms, lead weather. 'So I'll be communicating with our ground teams, figuring out our route, figuring out the currents and any storms that are headed our way. And then determining what the right compass course is going to be for the next, I guess, five to 12 hours.' After that, Graham added, there's the job of personal care — calorie intake, hydration, sleep. Advertisement 'The biggest component for me is going to be the sleep,' he said. 'We'll get about 50 minutes of sleep at a time. Once you're dealing with sleep deprivation, you know, trouble can happen and mistakes can happen. And this is a journey that, you know, there's very small margins for errors.' This may be the greatest challenge Graham has undertaken, but the 38-year-old has been pushing himself since childhood. Placed in a group home at age 11, Graham was bullied often as a kid. As he grew into his 6-foot-7 frame, basketball became a way out of his troubling situation as he earned a scholarship to play hoops at the University of Miami. After four years of basketball and graduating with a double major (marketing, management), Graham stayed at Miami to take graduate classes — and that's when he joined the Hurricanes' football team for one season. He only caught 17 passes that year, but five were for touchdowns. NFL scouts noticed that his size-speed combination made him an enticing tight end prospect. The New Orleans Saints took him in Round 3 of the 2010 draft. Jimmy Graham with the Saints Lew-Imagn Images Graham took full advantage of the opportunity. In just his second season, he set career highs with 99 receptions and 1,310 yards. In 2013, he led the league with 16 TD receptions, one of four seasons with 10 or more touchdowns. After playing for the Saints, Seahawks, Packers and Bears, Graham retired with 719 receptions for 8,545 yards and 89 touchdowns. The 89 touchdowns rank fourth all-time among tight ends. The receptions and yards are both eighth. Advertisement Believe it or not, Graham said life in the NFL has prepared him for the rigorous training for the Arctic Challenge — both the hard work put in and the acquired skill of making smart decisions under pressure. 'I think it definitely helps me just staying calm, just having a clear vision and decision making at, you know, very, very dangerous moments when things have to be decided,' he said. 'And two, I think just the pallet for training … I've been working out since I was 15. The longest I've taken off from working out was probably two weeks, after I had wrist reconstructive surgery. 'There's a lot of like misconceptions of what the NFL is. I speak to a lot of kids and mentor a lot of kids and try to describe to them what being a professional athlete is. Most people, they see all the glory, right? They see the touchdowns, the Pro Bowls, they see the commercials, they see the fanfare … but the real moments and the majority of the time, it's a lot of work. It's a lot of sacrifice and it's a lot of suffering, especially after injuries.' Preparing for the cold During his six seasons with the Saints, Graham had the luxury of playing indoors. But he does think his two years each with the Packers and Bears will help him in the Arctic. Advertisement 'Definitely, Green Bay was a great preparation for this, Chicago as well,' he said, adding that his coldest experiences weren't games so much as practices. 'Forget the games,' he said. 'The games, you can always get up for that. In Green Bay, we practiced outside every day. … I remember one day it was probably zero degrees.' Graham said the average air temperature when they get to the Arctic will be around 37-45 degrees — balmy compared to winters in Green Bay. Problem is, the average water temperature for the Arctic Ocean will be 28 degrees, with 10-foot waves and wind gusting between 20-40 miles per hour. 'I think I've had a little bit of prep for it, but in the end, you know, it's just going to be suffering, keeping the digits and feet dry.' The Arctic Challenge Team (l. to r.): Andrew Tropp, Jimmy Graham, Hannah Huppi and John HuppiOmar Barrera As much as the past year has been dedicated to training, it's been equal parts learning. Graham's aviation experience is valuable in terms of navigation and understanding of weather patterns. In late May, he was preparing for a trip to the U.K. to meet with the team's 'weather router,' Simon Rowell, a weather expert who supports record challenges for sailing and rowing around the world. In Graham's role as lead navigator, he'll be in communication with Rowell every 12 hours throughout the trip to mitigate weather risks. Advertisement Back in December, the team was in Idaho for medical training and cold-weather training. He said they were put through a four-year medical course in two days. 'We learned how to do finger blocks, digit blocks, learned how to do dental blocks … You know, learned basically wartime triage medicine.' Mitigating risk As intense as that sounds, Graham is quick to point out that all of this is just a natural progression from everything else he's done that others might consider too dangerous. Whether flying or skydiving, he was always learning from the best and working with the best. And mitigating risk was always top of mind. Advertisement 'I love my life,' he said. 'I want to keep living my life happy and healthy.' The team has already had a couple of sea trials. The most recent was from Miami to Islamorada, midway down the Florida Keys, and back. Of course, the weather was much nicer than it will be in the Arctic, and the trip was a about one-third of how far they'll go in July. Next up for Graham, he's planning to pull an all-nighter about two weeks before the trip. 'I'm going to spend about 24 hours, just to prepare my back and my sit bones and everything,' he said. 'I'll just sacrifice the day … I'll row two hours on, two hours off for 24 hours nonstop.' Advertisement If they can complete the Arctic Challenge in 15 days, that means Graham's 24-hour exercise would be less than 7% of the overall time he'll be rowing two hours on/two hours off in the Arctic. Still, Graham says — perhaps joking? — this could be less grueling than a seven-month NFL season. 'But yeah, it's going to be the hardest thing I've ever done in my entire life. Definitely interesting to see where the mind goes.' Another key aspect of the training and preparation has been nutrition. Graham said he expects to burn 9,000-1,000 calories per day, so he's got to prepare the body for that. Fortunately for Graham, he's been very particular about food and being healthy since he got to the NFL. Advertisement 'I've been eating a certain way for about 16, 17 years now,' he said. 'So nothing has really changed. 'I would say during my trainings, I'm intaking more carbs than I ever had before. You know, with football, I didn't eat a lot of carbs … I limited them.' Don't get him wrong, Graham does enjoy pizza — he just hasn't had a slice in about a decade. It was suggested to him that maybe a slice of pizza would be a nice way to celebrate when he completes the Arctic Challenge. 'Oh, yeah,' he said. 'Well, I'm going to eat everything. I think it'll be about five days of literally eating all the things I haven't eaten in the last probably 20 years.' The team preparing for a sea trial in Barrera For the kids Graham won't just be celebrating his completion of this massive undertaking; he'll also be celebrating the money they expect to raise for several youth charities, including Covenant House in New Orleans. Advertisement Graham's been working with at-risk kids through his foundation for years. Helping raise money for these groups is gratifying, but not as important to him as inspiring kids to be their best. 'Providing them with great opportunities, giving them hope,' he said. 'Giving them somebody who's been exactly where they are, who spent times as a child very alone, very unwanted. For them to realize that when you turn 18, you have complete control over what happens to you. It ain't gonna be easy. But if you put your head down and just work and focus on each and every day, focus on just getting better, focus on getting smarter… 'I just want to encourage any kid that feels alone, feels unwanted, just understand that you have a bright future, you're a bright human being, and if you're willing to work, and put in the time and limit distractions, you can create any life for yourself that you want.' So what's next for Graham after he conquers the Arctic Ocean? He's got an idea. It's something that would check all the boxes: one, inspire kids; two, provide the adrenaline rush he craves; and three, entertain a crowd. Advertisement 'I've spent the majority of my adulthood entertaining crowds,' he said. 'One of the biggest joys I've had, besides the camaraderie with my boys in the locker room, was scoring touchdowns. There is nothing that compares to that. How do you replace scoring a game-winning touchdown in front of 60,000 or 70,000 fans, 12 million people watching on TV? It's a hard hole to fill.' Hmm… Loves to fly, loves to entertain… 'I'm gonna go into air shows at some point,' he said. 'Doing front-flips in a plane with people watching seems like the best way to fill that hole.' Given Graham's track record, don't bet against him. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
South China Morning Post
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Top 10: What are you looking forward to this summer?
Top 10 will also be taking a break during the summer, but we'll be back in September! Cleo Tam, 10, St Rose of Lima's School: This summer, I'm looking forward to writing book reviews. I love reading books at different levels so that I can learn harder words. I would like to write about interesting plots, mysteries and discoveries. I am also excited to prepare for Primary Five because I want to know how much I have improved from Primary Four. Sana Zaman Wong Sum-wai, 14, PLK Mrs Ma Kam Ming - Cheung Fook Sien College: I'm excited about starting Form Three next year! I am curious about the new subjects I'll be studying and eager to meet my new teachers. I look forward to joining activities designed for Form Three students because these will help me learn and grow in new ways. It's going to be an adventure. Top 10: Gen Z asks Hong Kong's fossilised tree what it's seen over the years Micah Wong, 13, Sha Tin College: With the recent release of the Nintendo Switch 2, I am looking forward to playing some games this summer. As this is Nintendo's first console since 2017, everyone is excited, even with the high price tag. Playing Mario Kart World on the Nintendo Switch 2 has been awesome so far, and I am expecting Donkey Kong Bananza, which will be released in July, to be just as good. Chan Yan-tin, 13, St Paul's Co-educational College: I am looking forward to exploring different places by having a boat trip in the Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark and hiking Lion Rock. The former is a place with geological wonders, while the latter is Hong Kong's signature mountain that I have never been to. These activities help me to not only step away from the stress of studying, but also enjoy the vibrancy of summer. The rocky coastline of Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark with the iconic Mok Min Cave. Athena Chan Lai-wan, 16, Pui Kiu College: I am excited to shadow a doctor, who will provide me with insight into the medical field. Observing a physician will help me understand their daily responsibilities and patient interactions. I'm particularly eager to learn how medical professionals communicate and make decisions. This experience will shape my aspirations in healthcare and confirm if it's the right path for me. Hylia Chan, 12, St Paul's Co-educational College Primary School: I'm looking forward to all the me-time I'll be getting. Freed from the stress of tests, homework and tiring social interactions, I can finally unwind by doing things I enjoy. I imagine myself holding a book or spilling my thoughts into my trusty journal while a playlist echoes from my smartphone. It'll be one and a half months of heaven. Top 10: The book characters we'd love to swap lives with Ida Ho, 13, St Paul's Convent School: Summer holidays haven't started yet, but my mind is already filled with excitement and delight. My family and I are going to the beach, which is a fantastic place to feel the warmth of sunshine and the coolness of the sea breeze. Most importantly, I can spend time with my family and create memories. I can't wait to see the ocean glittering beneath the sun. Chau Tsz-ching, 15, Stewards Pooi Kei College: I'm looking forward to a school trip in July. I'm going to Mongolia for seven days. I've never been anywhere like that before. I heard that we will be able to learn and try new things like riding a camel, gazing at stars and sleeping in Mongolian tent homes. It would be such a precious experience for me as Mongolia feels so different from Hong Kong. A man in a traditional Mongolian costume stands outside a Mongolian tent. Photo: AFP Winnie Wing Yin-cai, 13, Pui Kiu College: This summer, I hope I can learn an important skill: swimming. I have always wanted to learn to swim and soar freely in the pool. Cheung Nga-suet, 13, St Paul's Co-educational College: I am looking forward to hiking with my family. These activities can bring us happiness, relaxation and fun, strengthening our family's unity. Coping with obstacles while we take on steep slopes like those on Sunset Peak can help us be more perseverant. I can also appreciate beautiful seascapes such as Cape D'Aguilar. I can't wait to enjoy these unforgettable climbing experiences!
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
I visited one of the world's cheapest countries that feels like going back hundreds of years – you can find beers for £1
THE sun warmed my face as we soared through the emerald waters on a traditional junk boat, its large sails steering the way. Drifting closer to Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, the landscape unfolded like something out of a dream. 6 6 6 In front of me, nearly 2,000 limestone karsts and islets soared from the jade-green waters, their rugged silhouettes softened by tropical vegetation. This was paradise. If Vietnam isn't already on your bucket list, it sure should be. Ha Long Bay was just the beginning for me. A kayaking excursion was also on the horizon and an evening of cold beers in a local bar — along with the promise of adventure, shared with 12 other keen explorers and crammed into a jam-packed ten-day itinerary. This is the unique and brilliant thing about a G Adventures holiday: after just a few days a set of total strangers, from all age ranges and with a love for travel, leave as pals. We were led by a local guide who went above and beyond in recommending the best sights and their expertise made navigating such a vibrant and complex country feel effortless. From the moment I touched down in Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, I knew my trip would be unforgettable. The city doesn't just welcome you — it wraps you in its embrace with the hum of motorbikes, the aroma of street food, and a culture so vibrant you can't help but fall in love. One of the most powerful places to visit in this region is Hoa Lò Prison, also called the 'Hanoi Hilton.' Built by the French to hold Vietnamese revolutionaries, the building later became known for imprisoning American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Abandoned Ho Thuy Tien water park in Vietnam And don't miss the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum — a grand memorial and the resting place for Vietnam's beloved former leader, Ho Chi Minh, after whom the city is named, his body preserved inside a Soviet-style building. My favourite memories of Hanoi, however, were on Train Street. This narrow alley is famed for its railway, which runs straight through the centre, so close to the tiny cafés flanking the street that you can feel the rush of air when the carriages whoosh past. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. I sat on a small stool with a Hanoi Beer, waiting for the magic moment. Then, as the train roared towards me, the whole street sprung into action — people moved aside, cameras clicked, and for a few thrilling seconds, it was pure excitement. The next stop on my epic adventure was the coastal city of Hue, a place where history comes alive. I'm not usually a fan of overnight trains and the idea of spending 13 hours onboard had me feeling a little anxious. Emperors and dynasties But, much to my surprise, the experience was a lot of fun. My cosy compartment, which I shared with tour group members, came with four flat beds and I slept like a baby after a few beers in the buffet car. Arriving in Hue was nothing short of magical. Strolling through the Imperial Citadel felt like stepping back in time to the days of emperors and dynasties. Exploring the Royal Tombs and the tranquil Thien Mu Pagoda gave me a sense of the city's rich history. For thrill-seekers like myself, an optional motorbike excursion is an absolute must. I zoomed through the lush countryside, taking in stunning views of the Perfume River. Along the way, I had the chance to try my hand at making incense sticks and learn first-hand how the locals sow their rice fields using traditional methods. The adventure ended on a high note with a refreshing Huda beer, crispy fried spring rolls, and a mouth-watering stir-fried rice noodle dish — all for less than £8. In fact, you'd be hard-pressed to find a place that charges more than £1 for a beer. The same goes for the city of Hoi An — except it's the food that captivated me most here. After a scenic private coach ride through the breathtaking mountain pass of Hai Van, arriving in Hoi An felt like a love letter, thanks to its lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture and riverside charm. If you're craving a break from spring rolls, noodles, and rice, a visit to Madam Khanh's – The Bánh Mì Queen is a must. Bánh mì is a national sandwich, now known across the world, that blends French and Vietnamese flavours. The much-loved dish is made from a crispy baguette filled with savoury meats such as pork, chicken, or pâté, along with pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber, and a tangy sauce — an irresistible fusion of textures and tastes. The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Several hearty mouthfuls were enough to fuel us on a bike ride through lush rice paddies, relaxing on the golden sands of An Bang Beach, before witnessing the incredible skill of local tailors, who crafted two custom suits for me in just a few hours, all for only $250 USD. It was hard to tear ourselves away, but the electrifying energy of Ho Chi Minh City was calling — a sharp contrast to the peaceful calm of Hoi An. A tour in a Cyclo (a bit like a rickshaw, but with riders sitting at the front) is the perfect way to experience this vibrant city's pulse and rich history. We passed the Reunification Palace, where the Vietnam War came to a dramatic end in 1975. Next, we saw the Landing Zone, the apartment building where US government workers were evacuated by helicopter during the Fall of Saigon. 6 6 6 The stunning Saigon Central Post Office came after, with its intricate design making it a photographer's dream. Then came my highlight: House 287/70 on Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, home to a secret bunker that once hid nearly two tonnes of Viet Cong weapons during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Of course, none of this quite compared to the harrowing Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network of supply routes once used by Viet Cong soldiers. The experience gave a sobering look at the resilience of the Vietnamese people during the war. If you're claustrophobic, though, you might want to skip crawling along the restored tunnels. It'll only cost you £1, after all.
The Sun
10 hours ago
- The Sun
I went on a UK adventure holiday with my entire family for adrenaline pumping activities and Elizabethan manor stays
'WILL the ropes manage my 20-stone bulk?', I laughed nervously, directing my question towards the instructor who would be guiding me down the sheer drop. I had attempted to pass it off as a joke, but even the kids sensed my anxiety as we prepared to walk ourselves over the edge of the tall tower. 5 5 5 The abseiling wall was just one of many adrenaline-fuelled activities the children and I had attempted on an action-packed break in Shropshire. And best of all, it was cheaper than any theme park day out. School-trip provider JCA Adventure shows energy-exerting fun isn't just for the kids. And my mini break in peak holiday season, with all meals included, cost me less than the price of a train ticket up north. On top of school getaways, the UK holiday company offers short trips for families, where you can try out all manner of spine-tingling activities without spending thousands. In fact, holidays here start from just £149. We were staying at Condover Hall in Shrewsbury, an Elizabethan manor house once used as a World War Two hospital and a school for blind children, before being converted into a hub for thrill-seeking youngsters. The accommodation and food is fairly basic — think bunk beds, plastic mattresses and school dinner-style food. But given the time spent outdoors, we all slept soundly at night. Sundown Aventureland is a family-friendly staycation Myself, my daughter Lily, 12, and my nine-year-old son Clark got stuck into the action straight away on arrival at the rural escape. No sooner had we dropped our bags than we were strapping a harness around our midriffs and heading up a wooden tower to tackle the aerial trek adventure. My son was the only one of us who had done something similar before. He struggled with nerves at the time, navigating wobbly obstacles while dangling 50ft in the air, but this seemed to be a breeze for him. And soon my daughter was whizzing alongside him at lightning speed, tackling the obstacles as if no distance lay between them and the forest floor. It was one of many magical moments on the trip, watching as they grew in confidence. If your little ones can tackle that, they'll be keen to get on the climbing wall. It was here my daughter proved she's made of stronger stuff than me by making her way to the top with ease. 5 5 My son and I preferred to stay closer to solid ground. Luckily, there's plenty of adrenaline-pumping fun for those who are less comfortable with heights. In the sports hall, we darted around an inflatable maze virtually-shooting each other in laser battles, while outside, among the trees, we whooshed along a zipwire. There's also den building, canoeing, circus skills and fencing. But it wasn't until axe throwing, a new activity at Condover Hall this year, that I was restored any dignity with a knockout performance. By dinner time each day, we were ready to gobble big portions of pasta bolognese, sweet and sticky chicken drumsticks, burgers and stir-fry. The morning meals were just as hearty — giant fry-ups to fuel us for an adventurous day ahead. Evenings are a more mellow affair. Guests can relax with a dip in the swimming pool or head to the sports hall to play more wacky games. There's even a bar for adults to knock back a few pints after a hectic day. Our final day saw us tackle the activity we'd been waiting for — the Gladiator Wall, which can only be described as a climbing wall on steroids, with obstacles to navigate as you make your way to the top. Seeing Lily eventually reach the peak on her last go and beam down at us from 70ft above ground was enough to make my chest swell. And the best part is, the kids didn't look at their devices once.
