Gamification is the use of game design techniques and mechanics to solve and engage. Basically it makes things much more exciting and encourages desired behaviours through a natural predisposition to playing games; in this case, the problem is encouraging children to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle. The solution? Geocaching.

The Modern Day Treasure Hunt

In a nutshell, geocaching is the modern-day treasure hunt. It is an outdoors activity to find ‘caches’ or hidden items using GPS equipment. You receive hints, tips and clues to navigate your way around locations to find the caches. Once you have found the caches, open the boxes and sign them; you can then detail your treasure troves on a website or even use social media. Think along the lines of orienteering for the 21^st century generation and you’ve nailed it. In terms of gamification, geocaching uses game techniques that children are responsive to, to create a thoroughly enjoyable and modern outdoor activity.

The Great North Wales Borderlands Trail

One of the most recent examples of geocaching taking place is The Great North Wales Borderlands Trail, a half-term family treasure hunt organised by North Wales Borderlands. The aim of the game is to complete the treasure hunt across Flintshire, Denbighshire and Wrexham for the chance to win prizes, using smartphones, the Geocaching app, Geocache website, Facebook and Twitter to find caches.

To do this, you have to download the Geocache app, visit the Geocache website and follow the NWB Facebook and Twitter pages. Once equipped with these, browse the 10 locations NWB have chosen to hide their caches; locations include Loggerheads Country Park and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Look out for purple keyrings and the all-important log-book in caches that geocachers must sign. Disposable cameras are available to take photographic evidence of cache finds. Here’s where the gamification comes in – successful geocachers are rewarded with certificates and a prize system that includes the chance to win a weekend away or Regatta products. Additionally, successful geocachers win the all-important virtual recognition, which children are extremely positive about.

In short, geocaching is the perfect way to sweet-talk your little techies into indulging their outdoorsy side and perhaps endorsing the gamification theory that “all the world is a game”.

Can you think of a ‘funny caption’ to summarise this photo?

Australia is a huge and beautiful country to explore, and it is important that you plan out your holiday carefully as this will give you ample of time to see all the unique parts of this large nation. As a first-time traveller in this nation, there are certain aspects of travel policy which you must follow in order to ensure that you have a comfortable and safe stay in Australia.

1) It is extremely important that you purchase a comprehensive medical and travel insurance plan, before you embark on your holiday to Australia. The best idea would be to go in for a separate medical insurance policy which will offer coverage on all types of emergency medical requirements while you are on your holiday.

2) It is very important to take out a travel insurance policy when you are planning to go on vacation. Your private health cover or credit card accident cover will not be sufficient to cover for any medical emergencies which will arise during your travel. Always remember that medical emergencies while travelling abroad are extremely expensive.

3) When you are trying to purchase a travel insurance policy cover, make sure that the policy specifically includes

1. Medical coverage for any kind of sudden illness or injury
2. 24-hour assistance and emergency services
3. The provision of personal liability cover in situations when you are being sued for damages caused to the property or for causing injury to a third party.
4. Coverage on your possessions which are either lost or stolen
5. Coverage on cancellation or curtailment of your trip.
6. Miscellaneous coverage during activities which is not usually included under standard policies such as on activities like jet skiing.

4) As your travel insurance policy should provide you cover for the entire time you are away, make sure that it includes coverage on personal accident, legal expenses and financial protection during the trip.

5) Most of the travel policies do not include certain common aspects such as

1. Incidents related to the consumption of drugs or drinks.
2. Incidents caused due to terrorism.

6) Your travel insurance policy must include the aspect of personal liability insurance which arises during situations when you injure or damage the property of a third party. It is also important that your travel policy contains personal accident cover so that it can cover for accidents caused by you which have resulted in personal disability or death.

7) It is a must that your travel policy offers you cover for the cancellation of your trip or for cutting short the trip.

8) During your travel, you can choose the maximum coverage limit for any of your items that are stolen or lost during your holidays such as cameras, laptops and jewellery.

9) Your travel insurance policy must certainly include provision for refunding the entire cost of your holidays.

10) It would be certainly wise to include legal expenses cover in your travel insurance policy when you are vacationing abroad.

The unexpected may happen while you are travelling, so it’s best to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, and a comprehensive medical and travel insurance plan will help you to enjoy the most on your Australian vacation.

In 1933 Joseph DuMond, an animal behaviorist, freed six Java monkeys into dense South Florida wild, not realizing the chain reaction he would create that would help change the attitudes in the zoological and primatological fields. His actions led to the start of the thriving Java troop that lives free at the Monkey Jungle today. From the beginning, as he began to allow guests into the park, he had no intention of caging the monkeys. Anyone who wanted to visit the park had to be okay with being caged instead.

Monkey Jungle was an innovator of a variety of the concepts presently being implemented in the model being used at zoological parks today. The jungle is home to almost 400 primates, almost all living free throughout the 30 acre reserve and it is the only protected primate habitat that the public is allowed to explore.

As guests enter the park they are greeted by the reserve’s Java monkey troop. These fun to watch monkeys seem to constantly forage the jungle for food of which there seems to be endless supply. They are skilled divers and in the wild gathered fresh shellfish and crabs in the mangrove swamps and along riverbanks. In the Monkey Jungle you’ll be able to witness their diving skills at feeding time, always an exciting experience.

One of the most exciting activities at Monkey Jungle is being able to feed the monkeys their favorite treats. You can buy dried fruit and peanuts and put them in hanging baskets and like lightening they come running over to dig into the baskets for their tasty goodies. It’s funny that such a simple act could be so much fun but it is! It’s also hard to believe that there are so many cheap hotels in Miami, so close to this wonderful reserve.

There are 30 species of primates living at Monkey Jungle including spider monkeys, gibbons and guenon. Just recently Monkey Jungle was given a make over and introduced visitors to the orangutan lifestyle. Always capricious, everyone loves watching the unexpected actions of these personality packed apes.

There are three major areas in the reserve; the Orangutans, monkey swimming pool and its own version of Amazon Rainforest. The rainforest was impressive in the 1990′s and the foliage and climate actually harnessed low flying clouds and created its own weather conditions, bringing about sufficient rainfall to turn itself into an actual rainforest. Unfortunately Hurricane Andrew damaged it but it’s making a slow comeback.

Joseph DuMonds’ son Frank still owns and operates the Monkey Jungle reserve and continues his father’s legacy of continued research and care of the monkeys he devoted his life to. You can visit his Monkey Jungle any day between 9:30am to 5:00pm.

When visiting the sunshine filled state of Florida you’ll find cheap hotels sure to fit your budget. Saving on accommodation, will definitely allow you to see more attractions around, so be sure to stop by and visit the Monkey Jungle to have a swinging good time here with its many living residents.

Their Founder and Managing Director, Rory Sexton, has compiled some top tips to ensure you and your family have a trouble-free holiday…

Stay hydrated: “If you’re driving in a hot climate, my top tip would be to carry plenty of water and snacks, such as fruit, especially if you’re going on a day trip,” says Rory. “Small children suffer in the heat, so if you want to avoid crotchety kids, make sure they’ve always got something to drink.”

Keep in the cool: “A quality windscreen sun shade is always a great idea, as cars in hot countries heat up like ovens,” Rory explains. “For anyone sitting in the back of the car, it’s a good idea to invest in some window shades, or remember to pack them in your case.”

Do your homework: The rules of the road vary from country to country, and often, the changes aren’t just which side of the road you’re driving on. “Driving in Italy is very different to driving in Gran Canaria,” Rory adds. “Before you set off, it’s best to research your destination’s lesser-known road rules. Our Guides to Driving Abroad can be very helpful.”

Know your car: “If you’re driving a car that’s very different to the one you have at home, take it easy,” says Rory. “Drive at a speed that you feel comfortable with, and get used to the feel of the car. Don’t feel self-conscious about wanting to acclimatise; your safety comes first. It’s also best to spend 5 minutes getting used to the controls before you set off, so you can find out things like where the lights are, and how to control the air con.”

Take the pressure off: Rory is keen to point out that even though you may be on holiday, it’s best to keep a level head when taking to the road. “A lot of people might drive a bit faster as they feel much freer, which is understandable,” he says. “However, it’s best to remember you’re driving in an environment you don’t know very well. Also, don’t feel pressured by kids or partners to drive faster or get somewhere on time if you’re running behind – you’re just as susceptible to speeding fines abroad as you are in the UK.”

Map it out: “If you don’t know where you’re going, plan your route carefully, and allow plenty of time to get to your destination,” Rory adds. “Don’t be worried about asking people if you get lost, either – an attempt to speak the language will normally go down quite well. If you’re really dire at map reading, perhaps you could take your sat nav away with you, or you could hire one from the car hire supplier. Also, don’t forget to ask your travel rep or locals about certain areas that tourists should avoid, whether just at night or totally. It also goes without saying that you should never, ever leave anything valuable in your car.”

This strange looking capsule resembling alien aircraft is actually a hotel in Dombai, Russia.  Dombai in Russia is a mountainous region home to ski resorts and strange looking hotels.

The natural wonders below have been chosen not just for unique geography or geology, but for the appeal of the surrounding area as well, because if you’re going to plan a trip, then why not stay for a night or two and explore? So pack some outdoor clothing, (this is the UK we’re talking about, don’t forget the waterproof jacket) book a room, grab the overnight bag and hit the road.

Loch Lomond

A one hour car ride North from Glasgow brings you to Loch Lomond, Britain’s largest lake. It’s 24 miles long and up to 5 miles wide in places, so walking round the whole thing might be more than a day trip, but there are lots of villages and activity centres along the way that are worth a visit. Boat trips take to you to the many little islands that can be found in the lake, and there are very few places that are as serene and picturesque as this idyllic stretch of water.

Dan-yr-Ogof Show  Caves

Although not as well-known as the white cliffs of Dover and the Giant’s causeway, this underground phenomenon was voted Britain’s top natural beauty spot in a Radio Times poll. Nestled in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, the network of winding passages and huge caves stretches for more than 10 miles, making it the largest in Europe, and walking through the one mile or so open to the public is an unforgettable experience. When the tour is over you’ll find yourself back in one of the most charming areas of British countryside around, with lots of great walks, little villages and rugged natural beauty spots to explore.

Fingals Cave

Located on Staffa Island, an uninhabited remote little spot in the Southern Hebrides, Fingal’s cave has been inspiring awe in visitors for centuries. Born from the same geology as the Giant’s Causeway in neighbouring Ireland, Basalt columns rise out of the sea to form a spectacular cliff front that make this volcanic island a wonder to behold. Take the opportunity to explore some of the other Hebridean islands while you’re there, which despite their remoteness are bursting with local colour and natural beauty.

Cheddar Gorge

Britain’s biggest limestone gorge can be found in the Mendip Hills in Somerset, and plenty has already been written about this breath taking attraction, reflected by high levels of visitors during holiday seasons. But if you haven’t seen it yet, then it’s well worth a visit. The surrounding National Park is the UK’s main hub for caving and diving, which might inspire the more adventurous visitor, and for those looking to save their adrenalin there are plenty of relaxing walks across rolling countryside to be found nearby.

The Jurassic Coast

Spanning over 100 miles from Bournemouth to Exeter this natural wonder was the first site in the UK to make it on Unesco’s World Heritage List. The cliffs and rocks that form the coast contain the secrets to 185 million years of the Earth’s history, and due to heavy erosion from wind and sea the rock formations are spectacular.  Dotted along the coast you will find a number of ‘gateway towns’ well worth visiting. One example is Branscombe, a quiet village steeped in history that contains several historic buildings protected by the National Trust.

Magic Kingdom

Most people assume any Florida vacation will be expensive, particularly Orlando but that simply doesn’t have to be the case. Even the high end hotels offer last minute deals that will guarantee you a great selection of discount hotels to choose from for a weekend getaway. You can have all the fun of being at Disney world, and other parks, without having to break the bank by staying at one of the many fantastic, affordable accommodations here. Even if you go with a lesser known place, in most cases you’ll still have all the amenities like internet connectivity, room service, and even a swimming pool and lounge.

Once you arrive in Orlando, Disney World is always a top choice to experience because it is actually made up of several theme parks including Epcot center, MGM studios, the Magic Kingdom, and the Animal Kingdom. Nearby you’ll also find many more water parks, multiple golf courses, attractions and venues. There are even live shows often being presented for free on the park grounds for all to enjoy.

Discovery Cove is a place you simply must experience. It gives you the chance to interact with the wild life. Unlike most wild life habitats, you can actually play with these, and you have the option to swim with dolphins, relax on beaches, get up close to the beautiful coral, and even feed some of the wild life yourself.

The Universal Orlando resort has Universal Studios which is a thrill for any one lucky enough to visit, filled with rides and an endless variety of entertainment. If you’re ready for some night life entertainment, CityWalk is the place to go. CityWalk is like a theme park for adults offering up more fun, dancing and drinks than any other place in Orlando and is a great way to spend your evenings.

With so many cheap hotels in Orlando for you to pick from you can save your money and spend it on the fun stuff and make some terrific memories. To find more holiday break ideas, visit our travel destinations section.

The planning that went into this trip was meticulous because we are perfectionists. We made list after list and double checked everything to make sure we would have all that we needed on our trip to South America. We packed light, but with clothing and supplies that would get us through anything we encountered; from warm weather to cold, from sunshine to rain and from fog to clear blue skies. We were prepared for this trip long before we ever left.

Finally, after months of researching and planning it was time for us to head to the airport and take off on our two week excursion to remote South America, where we would swim in the most beautiful of ocean waters, frolic on the beautiful beaches and make our way through rainforests. On the way to the airport, I was plagued by the feeling that we’d forgotten something. However, we had list after list and we had checked and doubled checked everything so I put aside my fears and decided to enjoy myself. We arrived at the airport with plenty of additional time to make it through security, to check our bags and to sit down for a cocktail or two. We talked about the trip, what our expectations were and how we were going to enjoy being one with nature for the next two weeks.

We paid for our drinks using one of the credit cards we packed for our trip and made our way to our gate to board our flight. The flight was smooth and perfect and once we landed at our South American destination we decided to gather our luggage and make our way to a cab to take us to our first destination; a small hotel several hours away from the airport.

This ride was not so smooth, but we didn’t care. Once we arrived, the cabbie unloaded our luggage and there we were. We walked inside to check in and that’s when the problems began. When we handed over our credit card to pay for our room we were informed that our card was not accepted there. Feeling a moment of panic, I realized that we brought several credit cards with us and we would simply use another one. Unfortunately, we realized that our mistake was in bringing several of the same brand of credit card and the hotel would not accept any of them.

We spent the rest of the day attempting to find a location that would accept our credit cards to no avail. We had little cash on us, and what we did have we forgot to exchange for the local currency at the airport. Our perfect trip was off to a very, very bad start. We spent the next few days attempting to make our way back to the airport so we could go home. Unfortunately, our perfect trip was ruined. Next time, we will bring a variety of credit cards to ensure we have enough money to see us through.

In a competitive field, with London, Edinburgh and other cities in the running, respondents to the survey ranked York as best for a family day out, historical sites to visit and for rest and relaxation. Such is the appeal of the city that visitors find that one trip is not enough and they return time and again to York to experience all that it has to offer. I voted for the city myself and I always have a fabulous time every trip I make there to take in the tourist friendly locations.

One of the reasons people find York so fascinating is its long and remarkable history, stretching back to the Roman and Viking periods. Unlike many cities, the past is still present in the streets and buildings of York, with many well-preserved historical sights for visitors to see.

One of the most interesting historical attractions is the Jorvik Centre, where York’s Viking history is brought back to life in a breathtaking exhibition. The centre contains an amazing and historically accurate recreation of a Viking city that existed on that very site over a thousand years ago. After discovering and unearthing the remains of the ancient city, archaeologists rebuilt it so that modern-day visitors could experience the sights, sounds and even the smells of life, as it was when the Vikings lived there. No trip to York is complete without a visit to the Jorvik Centre, which is open seven days a week all year round.

Another ‘unmissable’ attraction for visitors to this captivating city comes from a later historical period. York Minster was built in medieval times and is one of the largest and most spectacular examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Constructed on the foundations of Roman buildings, this cathedral dominates the skyline of York and visitors can climb its central tower for a view of the medieval streets of the city.

There are many other examples of York’s rich past for you to enjoy, with numerous sites from all periods that are open to the public. But the city is not just a place for those with an interest in the past. Shoppers, for example, are lavishly catered for, with shops of all kinds offering great bargains. Whether it’s antiques, designer labels or more standard high-street names, you will find what you are looking for in York.

The large number of bars, cafes and restaurants in York also mean that all manner of delights are on offer for those who love a good night out and some great food. There is a huge range of places with all kinds of food and at every price range, from informal bistros to fine dining.

It’s no wonder that people keep coming back to York. It is a marvellous place for visitors, especially for families looking for an enjoyable, relaxed and fun-filled time away from home on a holiday that they won’t forget.