Jetting off to exotic locations holds a special appeal, but our travel ethos is about gathering experiences and memories, not things. We take just as much pleasure in day trips and adventures on our own doorstep.
For Pork Belly, that usually means a thrill ride, or some other vertigo-inducing activity.
Me? I’m on the quieter side, but still willing to try new things.
From supercars to skydiving, spas to sporting events, cocktails and cookies, these are the things we have on our ‘to do’ lists.
Driving experience days
For one memorable birthday, I treated Pork Belly to a rally driving day at Brands Hatch.
He poured himself into the bucket seat and, with an instructor at his side, took on the rough circuits. He didn’t actually hit any trees, but gathered a fair amount of greenery on the front grill, spinning off the track several times.
There’s plenty of choice when it comes to driving experiences, you don’t have to rough it like Pork Belly did!
Why not try a super smooth racing car, either driving or as passenger? Or go on a confidence-building course.
There are also supercars, classic cars, off-road 4×4 and quad biking experiences or a ride in a car made famous in the movies.
Flying experiences
Another birthday, another unique gift. This time Pork Belly was up and away with our local gliding club.
No squealing brakes and spinning tyres, this was calm, quiet but equally exhilarating.
A winch launch or a tow will get you high enough for a good view on a clear day and a chance to take the controls if you want. If you’re really lucky, your instructor might be licensed to perform acrobatics, in which case, hold tight for looping the loop or the marvellously named Humpty-Bump.
Experiences for beer lovers
If you want to keep your feet on the ground, how about a brewing session?
A cut above the usual beer or wine tasting event, this is your chance to get hands on and brew some real ale.
Pork Belly was very keen and spent a happy few hours at a Brewhouse and Kitchen pub, learning about the process, cleaning out the vats, breathing in the smell of hot mash and hops and, naturally, tasting the end product.
Segway adventure
I’d like to state for the record that I didn’t fall off on our Segway trail.
Pork Belly did – twice!
But then, while I was pottering around, admiring the scenery, manoeuvring around trees and dodging the occasional over-enthusiastic dog, he was roaring round woodland paths, tackling roots, stumps and hairpin bends.
Our Segway event in Kent’s Mote Park was just the right balance (balance being the operative word) of activity and relaxation.
Spa breaks
Now this is much more my style!
It’s so relaxing to spend a few hours in hot tubs, saunas and pools or having a relaxing massage or facial.
Or try a Turkish Hammam spa or Moroccan bath experience at a luxury hotel.
Combine it with a night’s stay, and you’ve got something really special.
And finally …
Afternoon tea
You don’t have to spend a fortune to feel special.
Afternoon tea is very British, very luxurious and something you have to experience at least once in your life.