“It was a day I will never forget,” the country’s 'godfather of golf' recalls in his memoir. “I sat on the hill, looked across the marshlands and I had a vision of what would become the Quinta do Lago Master Plan.”

The pine woods and run-down farmhouses were soon transformed into a golfing resort that now draws thousands of British visitors every year – soaking up the sun with views overlooking man-made lakes and a lagoon that stretches 30 miles.

READ MORE: Cruise ship unveils new 'Robotron' ride where you spin in the air on top deck

Something like 90% of the resort’s visitors are from the UK and Ireland – forking out around €170 a day in the high season to put their nine irons to use in the heat.

The master plan ensured most of the land remained undeveloped, giving this resort a strong focus on nature – but it’s not short on delicious food and innovative cocktails either.

Golfing galore

Now, full disclosure – I’m not sold on golf. To me it seems a ludicrously wasteful use of space that could otherwise be party bars nestled within Mediterranean woodland. But I gave it a crack and even this cynic could see the appeal.

The views of the three courses of the Quinta do Lago resort seem to wash away all your troubles. We got around on buggies (€50 high season) and we could have driven around them all day. These courses have hosted the Portuguese Open eight times, a resounding endorsement of this Iberian golfing haven.

Of course, many of the celebs don’t come for the fairways and tee boxes.

With its array of high end restaurants and a world-class sporting complex, The Campus, the resort can offer a bit of a respite for members of the upper echelons.

With two five-star hotels, The Wyndham and The Conrad, and a Michelin-recommended fine dining restaurant in Casa Velha, you can spend a week here in total comfort and relative seclusion.

And wealthy Brits are flocking here to the 500 or so villas that have their own pools, saunas and spiral staircases. We toured two – a mega-pad going for €14.5million and another for a more modest €4.5million. It is a magnet for famous footballers and their second homes – as well as golfing fans Ant and Dec, I was told.

Magnolia ‘motel’

The Quinta-owned Magnolia Hotel gives a taste of the lifestyle here at more affordable prices.

This stylish motel-themed getaway offers good value double rooms and it’s the ideal stay for dedicated golfers, or sports fans hoping to use The Campus – the 2018 sporting mecca that was packed to the rafters with ex-tennis champs and padel enthusiasts.

My room was fairly basic – no bath and slightly lacking in terms of lighting – but since I was out and about enjoying the resort most of the time, it didn’t matter too much.

Fitness and food at The Campus

While annual passes are an eye-popping €1,800 for this athletic hub – which boasts a cracking spa, two gyms and plenty of tennis courts – day passes are a more reasonable €46, and give full access to facilities like the pool and spa. You can also grab a pint or protein shake at the comfy Dano’s bistro. People-watch there at your leisure – though you may be politely asked not to pester the sporting personalities wandering past.

Dining and drinking

It wasn’t The Campus or scenic greens that won me over. It was the joyous array of restaurants.

Get spot-on steak at Bovino (where veggies like me were impressively well-catered for). Elsewhere, eat lobster by the lake at the newly renovated Casa do Lago.

Or pause from sunbathing on the beach at the (soon-to-reopen) Gigi’s bar.

Sustainability centred Quinta goes big on local fare, with its own farm producing tons of produce every year for top-notch chefs – led by Brit Gareth Billington.

So if you’re feeling bad about the air miles, the food miles are at least close to zero.

The new and modern Asian fine-dining haunt Umami cements the resort’s image as a luxury getaway for those with cash to spare.

Lots to love

While it wouldn’t be the first choice for serial sport-avoiders like me, there’s lots to love at Quinta do Lago.

You can sample its delights without breaking the bank at the Magnolia Hotel. Just be aware that you’ll need to rely on hotel transfers or Ubers if you don’t drive – pavements are hard to come by.

André Jordan, now approaching his 90s, can look over that same hilltop he visited 50 years ago and be proud of his creation. But in a decade of growing climate awareness, it wouldn’t hurt to turn just one of those golf courses into a nature reserve.

You’ll find me birdwatching, cocktail in hand, trying not to get hit by a golf ball.

Book the holiday

Get there: Flights to Faro, Algarve, Portugal, are available from 16 airports across the UK.

Stay there: Rooms at the Magnolia Hotel at Quinta do Lago resort, Algarve, start at around £105 a night B&B; Family Cottages from around £188. Visit themagnoliahotelqdl.com and quintadolago.com/en.

More info: Head to visitportugal.com/en.

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A study of 2,000 adults, aged 40 and over, found they are keen to try things like kayaking, wild camping, road cycling, and even zip lining, rather than relaxing on a holiday.

And of those yet to experience such activities, nearly three-quarters (73%) are seeking to be more active following the events of the pandemic.

More than half (56%) want to make more memories while they can, and 49% are keen to make holidays fun again.

The research was commissioned by Voltarol, which has also created a quiz to find out how adventurous you really are when it comes to going on holiday.

Hannah Ford, from the brand, said: “Age is but a number. It is how healthy, active, and audacious you are that can make the difference.

“The fact that nearly half of adults over the age of 40 have become more adventurous is a good sign, as pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can bring incredible health benefits – both physically and mentally.

“We’re not surprised that hiking came out as the top holiday activity for the over 40s, as, while the pursuit can seem mild rather than wild, the breath-taking views, blood-pumping cardiac exercise, and mind-clearing side effects of the hobby can’t be beaten in terms of adventure – no matter how old you are.

“Age aside, it is always important to remain as cautious as possible to avoid any unnecessary injuries while having fun.”

The study also found nearly half of those who are less adventurous tend to gradually take things a step at a time on holiday, with over a third (35%) concerned that they may injure themselves if they take it up a notch with their activities.

As a result, some prefer to stick to slower-paced activities – including visiting a nearby town, eating out, and going to the beach.

• 

  South Africa's quirkiest places to visit from its 'Big Hole' to a museum about owls

And 42% admit they need to take more time to recover from physically demanding activities on holiday.

Nearly half (45%) are fearful of injuring themselves, with a third having previously hurt something while on an adventure.

Nearly a quarter of those (23%) have broken a bone, while one in five (19%) dislocated something.

And the poll, carried out via OnePoll, found that when holidaymakers have faced injury, 45% admitted it slowed down the rest of their holiday – with four in ten put off being so adventurous in the future.

Hannah Ford added: “There is always the worry about picking up an injury as we grow older – but more importantly, when we do more physically demanding activities.

“However, this shouldn’t put people off experimenting with new ways to adventure with family and friends while making new memories on holiday, and there are many activities out there which are perfect for all ages.

“Our advice is to take things slowly, know your limits, and make sure every activity you're doing is safe and responsible.”

TOP 20 ADVENTUROUS HOLIDAYS OVER 40S HAVE EXPERIENCED:

1. Hiking
2. Riding rollercoasters
3. Horse riding
4. Snorkelling
5. Road cycling
6. Trekking
7. Skiing
8. Kayaking
9. Wild camping
10. Mountain hiking
11. Mountain climbing
12. Zip lining
13. Jet skiing
14. Rock climbing
15. Quad biking
16. Surfing
17. Canoeing in rapids
18. Wind surfing
19. Paragliding
20. Parasailing

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He was being entirely literal in his welcome, too. The lodge represents the last stop before all roads end, with only the wild terrain of Eastern Iceland sprawling beyond it.

Stepping inside the centre felt like taking a journey back in time, with an authentic ‘back to basics’ interior seemingly unchanged since the house was first built in 1940.

Over a hearty dinner of lamb meatballs, roasted potatoes and rhubarb jam, Denni explained how he painstakingly renovated the property, having grown up on a ­neighbouring farmstead.

His ambitious refurb involved adding a bathhouse and hot spring spa, where you can take a dip in the sunken pool and marvel at the night sky with a glass of wine in hand.

He also built an on-site museum, which explores the folklore and history of life in the wilderness, from the explorers who first charted the unforgiving terrain to the family of eight siblings who built the lodge house with their own hands.

The museum itself is entirely immersive and at times feels more like an art ­installation, which is perhaps unsurprising when you find out that in a past life Denni worked as a set designer on Hollywood blockbusters such as Star Wars.

Climbing into bed in the old farmhouse, you can’t help but be struck by the sense of silence and stillness that can only truly be found in such a remote and unblemished location. Staying at the edge of such a vast expanse of wildland also offers the opportunity for adventure.

If you’re feeling particularly brave, one of Denni’s tours involves hiking to the abandoned Kleif farm where you can winch yourself across the frozen Jokulsa river in a wooden cable car.

The Wilderness Centre also offers riding tours and Super Jeep ­expeditions for those looking to make the most of Eastern Iceland’s lesser explored terrain.

Just an hour away on Finnsstadir Horse Ranch, you can take in the icy landscape on an enchanting trail ride led by Helga and Siggi, a married couple who guide visitors through the forest and across streams on their team of beautiful horses.

Alternatively, you can channel your inner Viking with a spot of competitive axe throwing at East Highlanders in Hallormsstadur.

Driving us from activity to activity was the formidable Helga from Tinna Adventure – a real-life superwoman and one of the most fascinating people you will ever meet. Mum to Iceland’s Strongest Man (seriously), Helga is a part-time mountain rescuer, keen hiker and knowledgeable tour guide who seemed most at home behind the wheel of her giant Jeep showing us the waterfalls and valleys formed by Eastern Iceland’s volcanoes.

If you want to thaw out after a day of adventuring, there are plenty of bathhouses and hot springs to choose from. And while many tourists don’t get far beyond the Blue Lagoon on a sightseeing trip to Iceland, venturing east allows you to take in an altogether different experience at the Vok Baths geothermal spa.

Opened in 2019, the baths are set within the ­breathtaking Lake Urridavatn. The site’s natural hot spring was initially discovered when locals noticed that part of the lake wasn’t freezing over when the rest of the surface turned solid with thick sheets of ice in the colder months.

Incorporated into the natural lake are two floating hot pools, where you can sit with a glass of champagne and watch out for the Northern Lights overhead – or plunge into the freezing water that lies beyond the pool edge. A sauna and swim-up bar add to the feeling of total luxury and relaxation at this hidden gem.

If you don’t have time for a trip to the Vok Baths, the Lake Hotel in Egilsstadir has a small spa with hot and cold plunge pools plus a sauna and stunning lake views.

But it is worth a visit for the food alone, with the fresh fish of the day (£23) standing out as a highlight on the menu. You won’t regret ordering a side of the crushed potatoes with crunchy wasabi and lime aioli (£5.50).

Just a 30-minute drive from here is Seydisfjordur, a magical town with a population of only 670.

Despite its tiny size, it has an impressive foodie scene, with a sushi restaurant and super-cool Skaftfell bistro that serves up pizzas in an understated and arty setting. Seydisfjordur is also home to the Rainbow Walk, where its Pride parade takes place, supporting the LGBTQ ­community. It offers the ideal backdrop for an Instagram snap and you can follow it to the town’s blue church.

Residents are keen to tell you the local lore about a major landslide that engulfed a number of homes but miraculously resulted in no loss of life.

The legend goes that the townspeople here were saved thanks to the crystal core of the mountains that tower over this charming little place.

A trip to Seydisfjordur wouldn’t be complete without a stay at the Hotel Aldan, where the simple interiors offer visitors a warm and welcome rest from the cold.

At times it can feel like we’re living in a world where there is nothing left to explore but a trip to Eastern Iceland leaves you with the distinct sense that you’ve experienced something that’s entirely unspoilt.

The wild and rugged terrain remains largely untouched from the frontiers first explored by the adventurers who have been honoured in Denni’s Wilderness Centre museum.

Whether you’re riding through the forest on horseback or submerging yourself in the natural waters of a hot spring, you can’t help but find a sense of peace in the seclusion and tranquillity that characterises this lesser explored region of Iceland.

For the sake of a 45-minute flight from Reykjavik, it’s certainly worth taking the path less travelled and venturing beyond the Blue Lagoon to find what awaits you at the end of the road.

Book the holiday

• Rooms at the Hotel Aldan in Seyðisfjörður start at around £73 a night- visit hotelaldan.is.
• Rooms at the Wilderness Centre near Valpjofsstaðir start at around £93 a night – visit wilderness.is.
• Rooms at the Icelandair Hotel Reykjavík Natura start from around £100 a night – visit icelandairhotels.com.
• Rooms at the Courtyard by Marriott Reykjavik Keflavik Airport hotel start at around £85 a night – visit marriott.com.

Get there: PLAY flies from Stansted to Keflavik, Iceland, from £30 one way. Find out more at flyplay.com.

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From the outside this tiny mobile home looks like it could barely function as a dog house, but inside designer Paul Elkins has created a fully-functional home.

Built entirely from scrap materials, the micro-shelter includes a bed, clothes storage and a kitchen with spice rack, butane stove, counter, three storage bins and a sink.

The single bed can be customised into a lounge chair by lifting the left floor hatch down and the right one up.

And a neatly-tucked-away cool box can be used as a fridge, while storage drawers house other food products.

There is even an acrylic bubble window so guests can enjoy a view of the stars while being completely protected from the elements.

However, if the thought of being closed in makes you feel a little uncomfortable, the dome wall can be opened up for ventilation.

The nifty camper even has a toilet and solar-powered water system – meaning hot showers are possible.

And if you're green fingered you'll be pleased to note there is a window box, which can be planted up with herbs or flowers.

Paul's 7st creation is so light it can be pulled along by bike, which suits the travel buff who is always on the move.

"The idea is that with a little bit of money you can put something together and travel around the country," said the American inventor.

He originally created the bicycle camper for Burningman Art Festival. The idea hatched from the theme for that year, which was "hopes and fears of the future".

"My thoughts at the time were fixated on the news warning of a potential bird flu epidemic," he said.

"This was an attempt to show how one might live in a nomadic post apocalyptic life situation."

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But unbeknown to me, he wasn’t talking about the ones that come in a flute.

I was standing, tentatively, on top of the frozen Abraham Lake, in Clearwater County, Alberta.

And the bubbles he was referring to were the strings of pearl-like ones cocooned in the ice under my feet.

Although beautiful, this amazing natural phenomenon is caused by decomposing dead plants and animals from the murky depths.

It produces a slow and steady fizz of methane gas which freezes when the temperature dips to -20C in winter, trapping it in an icy chamber until the ice thaws again.

During the summer this artificial lake is piercingly turquoise and people come here to hike and fish.

But in winter, folk flock from around the world to see the incredible sight on the North Saskatchewan River.

I’m in David Thompson Country – a rugged area between Alberta’s more touristy Banff and Jasper National Parks, known for its wild beauty and named after one of the country’s greatest explorers.

Just down the road we stop for snow-shoeing at the Cline River Canyon. The snow crunches like Styrofoam under my feet, which appear to have tennis rackets strapped to them, as we make our way through thousands of pine trees.

When we reach the bottom, frozen waterfalls drape the jagged rock walls around us.

I tell our tour guide, JP from Pursuit Adventures, that this ravine is as close to Narnia as I think I’ll ever get.

It’s so enchanting, I keep expecting Aslan the lion to pop out and say a quick hello.

I’m here for five days travelling from Jasper to Banff via the Icefields Parkway, which is officially called Highway 93.

This super-scenic road stretching 144 miles is a regular on lists of the world’s most beautiful road trips.

Gazing at endless snow-dusted mountains and mirrored lakes, craggy glaciers and soaring pines I can see why. The three-and-a-half-hour drive through the backbone of the Rockies is breathtaking, bucket-list stuff.

We had started our journey in Jasper, a charming town with just a few thousand residents and a lot of moose.

Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies – 4,250 square miles of untamed wilderness.

The town stands in the shadows of the 12,972 ft Mount Robson, the highest peak in the range spanning British Columbia and Alberta.

It’s also rumoured to be where Megan and Harry honeymooned in 2018.

A relaxing yoga session at the Jasper Wellness Centre limbered us up nicely for the next morning.

At -16C, most people would be hibernating, but in Alberta they venture into the great outdoors to make the most of winter. So, wrapped in as many layers as I could find, I headed to the Maligne Canyon, about 10 minutes’ drive away, to climb a frozen waterfall.

This is the deepest canyon in the Rockies, and if climbing up a waterfall sounds hard, first we have to get to it.

For that we need crampons, terrifying-looking devices covered in steel pins that slip over your walking shoes for traction. And I thought walking in heels was hard.

They take some getting used to, but thankfully the rest of the group is too distracted by the fantastically fresh air and stunning scenery to notice my Bambi-on-spikes-on-ice impression.

Maligne Canyon is a Mecca for ice climbers and luckily the team at Rockaboo Mountain Adventures show us how it’s done.

It’s hard work and nerve-racking, but the perfect tonic was soaking our aching limbs in the hot tub at the Mount Robson Inn afterwards, and looking up at the illuminated night sky.

Jasper isn’t just a natural beauty during the day, it’s also a Dark Sky Preserve, the second largest in the world, making it ideal for stargazing.After a whirlwind of activity, I’m ready for some relaxation at our next stop – the four-star Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, a three-hour drive away in Banff National Park.

It’s a classic picture postcard, a frozen lake back-dropped by the chateau-style hotel and the Victoria Glacier.

From my bedroom window I watch tiny figures glide on skates, while across the lake I can hear the clash of hockey sticks.

I decide I’ve earned my ice in a glass so head to the outdoor bar carved from more of the cold stuff for cocktails.

The hotel was originally built as a base for outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists more than 100 years ago.

During the summer you can hike or canoe on the enticing emerald waters and in winter it offers world-class skiing. Marilyn Monroe was a regular guest in the 1950s.

It’s easy to see why, with a luxury spa and the fabulous Fairview restaurant, where we feasted on mouthwatering elk ribeye steaks.

Our next and final stop was Banff town, a 45-minute drive away, home to hot springs and some of the world’s best ski runs. There are three ski resorts in the region. We picked Lake Louise’s 4,200 skiable acres, one of the largest in North America.

The majestic slopes are suitable for all levels, whether you’re braving black runs or shuffling about the baby hills.

Luckily, all it took was a few ‘Burt Reynolds’ – shots of spiced rum and butter schnapps – in the après bar to get me feeling like Izzy the Eagle.

Banff is great to explore, with boutiques, restaurants, bars and the beautiful Bow River. At Park Distillery they make their own whisky using water from surrounding glaciers.

One night we dined in the sky after taking the Banff Gondola up to the Sky Bistro at the summit of Sulphur Mountain, 7,000ft above sea level.

Afterwards we sang along to live music at the Rose & Crown pub before collapsing into our beds at the delightful Mount Royal Hotel.

The temperatures here might be freezing, but the beauty of the Canadian Rockies and the warmth of the people will melt your heart.

BOOK IT

Bon Voyage offer an 11-night fly-drive holiday to the Canadian Rockies from £2,395pp. Valid for travel in February, the package includes 10 nights’ room-only (1nt Alt Hotel, Calgary; 3nts JW Marriott, Edmonton; 2nts Mount Robson, Jasper; 2nts Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, 2nts Mount Royal, Banff), return economy flights from Heathrow to Calgary, and 4×4 car hire.

A selection of winter activities
are also included: ice climbing day trip with Rockaboo Mountain Adventures to Maligne Canyon (Jasper NP), snowshoeing at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and tubing at Mt Norquay (Banff NP). bon-voyage.co.uk

MORE INFO

travelalberta.com

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Researchers polled 2,000 adults to create a "formula for fun" – the ingredients for the ultimate day out, and a relaxing nature-filled walk came top (47 percent).

Four in ten would enjoy a delicious ice cream at the beach during their ideal day of fun, while 25 percent would head to the zoo to meet the meerkats.

And seeing an iconic landmark like the Tower of London would be an "essential" activity for 36 percent of those polled.

Other ingredients for the perfect day out include visiting an art exhibition (20 percent), seeing sharks at the aquarium (19 percent), and a castle visit (33 percent).

The research was commissioned by the National Lottery, which is offering £25 off days out to help the nation cut the cost of fun this autumn.

Dr Zoe Williams has teamed up with the lottery to provide some tips on how to truly enjoy a day out – and has backed the benefits of laughter.

She said: "If something makes you smile, or even better laugh – then it’s likely to have a positive impact on your health.

"When we smile and laugh we instantly feel better – laughter releases feel-good brain chemicals, which also relieve pain."

TV star Scarlett Moffatt and partner Scott Dobinson were pictured putting this and other aspects of the "formula for fun" to the test as they launched the days out campaign.

In the images they can be seen saying "hello" to the penguins at the ZSL London Zoo and enjoying an ice cream with the Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London.

The study also identified a trip to a heritage site like a country house or gardens (37 percent) and learning something new at a museum (27 percent) as activities they’d do on their day of fun.

• 

  Brit holidaymakers put trip to Northern Lights at top of their travel bucket list

Visiting an adventure park (20 percent), riding a rollercoaster (18 percent), and eating chips (35 percent) also feature.

But there is more to a fun day out than just the activities – 52 percent agreed plenty of giggles along the way are vital.

And all of this would ideally be enjoyed with family (50 percent).

The study also found around three-quarters of those polled (73 percent) consider themselves to be "fun-loving".

And as such a quarter are planning to enjoy "more" fun days out this autumn – and 69 percent added that the UK’s unpredictable weather won’t put them off.

It also emerged more than half think stepping outside their comfort zone and having fun would benefit their mental health.

While 55 percent believe doing something different would help them learn something about themselves.

Carried out through OnePoll for National Lottery Days Out the study also determined what those polled consider to be the UK’s best attractions – "guaranteed" for a fun day out.

Cornwall’s Eden Project topped the list, followed by the Tower of London and Kew Gardens – all of which have been supported with National Lottery funding.

London and Edinburgh zoos also appeared in the top five, alongside a historical river cruise around England’s capital.

To get £25 off fun days out with The National Lottery this autumn, National Lottery players can visit here to receive one of hundreds of thousands of vouchers available.

The promotion, in collaboration with VisitBritain is open to players with Lotto tickets bought on or after 1st October 2021, subject to availability.

DR ZOE WILLIAMS' TOP TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM A FUN DAY OUT:

1. LAUGH OUT LOUD. If something makes you smile, or even better laugh – then it’s likely to have a positive impact on your health. When we smile and laugh we instantly feel better. Laughter releases feel-good brain chemicals, which also relieve pain.
2. LEARN A NEW SKILL. Learning a new art or skill has been shown, in research, to have a positive effect on mental wellbeing. It can help boost self-confidence, raise self-esteem and give a sense of purpose. It can also help you to connect with others.
3. MEETING NEW PEOPLE AND BUILDING CONNECTIONS. Good relationships are crucial for mental wellbeing, so spending some quality time with loved ones or doing activities which help you build new connections are a great idea.
4. BE ACTIVE. The physical, mental and social health benefits of being active are immense and remember that it does not need to be a gym or running on pavements, anything that gets your body moving counts.
5. BE MINDFUL. We spend so much time reminiscing about the past and anticipating the future that we sometimes forget to be fully present in the here and now. The act of mindfulness is described as "a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment". A good day out can be a great way of taking a break from the usual pressures of daily life and being fully present in the moment.
6. NATURE. The evidence is there and building that immersing ourselves in nature can reduce the circulating levels of stress hormone – cortisol, it can help us to feel calm and even improve concentration and make us more productive. So, whether it’s a forest, a walk around a historical castle or being on a beach a good day out to some of Britain’s beauty spots could have you feeling fantastic.

TOP 10 FUN UK DAYS OUT – ACCORDING TO BRITS:

1. Eden Project, Cornwall
2. Tower of London
3. Kew Gardens, London
4. London River Cruise
5. ZSL London Zoo
6. London Eye
7. Edinburgh Zoo
8. Alton Towers, Staffordshire
9. Titanic, Belfast
10. Madame Tussauds, London

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A survey of 2,000 UK holidaymakers revealed six in ten regarded "getting away" as their passion, with a trip to see the Northern Lights at the top of the most wanted holiday experiences.

As a result, more than half (52%) have saved up more for their next holiday than they normally would because of the pandemic.

The result is a whopping £2,543 put aside for their next holiday.

And while the nation has undergone a DIY-frenzy, 36% of those who have been saving for their next holiday have been putting off other things like home improvements to save for a huge post-pandemic trip away instead.

• 

  Extra-large holidays set to boom as Brits invite family and friends away with them

The research was carried out by Eurofins, which offers PCR testing for people wanting to go abroad.

It also emerged that the pandemic has encouraged people to live life to the full, with a third of respondents creating a bucket list of travel experiences they want to tick off.

And they have completed an average of five of the locations so far.

A trip to the Northern Lights was the most wanted travel experience, followed travelling on the Orient Express and driving Route 66 in the USA.

Making up the top five travel experiences for British holiday fans were going on safari in Africa and cruising around the Caribbean.

The study also found that to look after their health when travelling abroad, 55% wanted the introduction of vaccination passports.

• 

  Airline launches system to help travellers avoid crying children on planes

Almost half (48%) want more space on flights, while 47% want good ventilation in airports.

A similar figure (45%) want masks to be worn at all times when inside an airport, while 41% want passengers to take PCR tests before going away.

With more than a third of respondents having a trip abroad cancelled due to the pandemic, it is no surprise to see so many are looking forward to their next holiday.

Nick Phillips, Eurofins Covid Testing Services managing director, said: “The past 18 months has totally disrupted travel plans, and now all Brits want are safe and hassle-free travel experiences.

"To support those who dream of travelling again, Eurofins has introduced an extensive network of 150 COVID-19 testing sites in the UK, with twice-daily sample collections to ensure swift and reliable delivery to laboratories.”

TOP 10 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES HOLIDAYMAKERS WANT TO HAVE:

1. Northern Lights
2. Orient Express
3. Drive Route 66
4. Safari in Africa
5. Cruise on the Caribbean
6. Climb Machu Picchu
7. Island-hopping in Greece
8. See Mount Fuji in Japan

9. Stay at an over-water bungalow in the Maldives

10. Visit the Seven Wonders of the World

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Waterslides are great fun, but this stomach-flipping feat would have your knees knocking.

Surely even the most daring daredevil would struggle to throw themselves from this terrifying height? The giant slide over the Dubai skyline was posted on Twitter six days ago by nois7 and it's sent the interent into meltdown.

*** Top 10 scariest water slides in the world ***

It sees a man perched at the top of a blue slide overlooking the city and pool below. But if you were gearing yourself up for the daring feat, you will be disappointed to hear it's actually a fake image.

The Instagram account where the photo appeared belongs to Digital Artist Robert Jahns, who has a whopping 837,000 followers.

His brilliant Photoshop skills actually got him nominated for Instagrammer of the Year. And his magical snaps of the world have been liked by thousands.

However, this waterslide snap certainly had a few of his fans baffled and some were even saying the new attraction was now the top of their bucket lists.

User keatonharaga@ozhttrl said: "This slide looks insane… Don't know how we didn't see this? Lol."

But not everyone was fooled. [email protected] said: "Soooo FAKE! Haha, they've literally photoshopped that slide right into where the Burj Khalifa is."

However, if you do want to scare yourself sill here are the top 10 scariest water slides in the world.

• Dubai

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Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy announced in May that any state resident who has at least one shot by July 4 can get a free state parks pass, which would cost $50 for residents this year.

The 100,000 signups is up from nearly 50,000 earlier this month, weeks after the program was announced, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees New Jersey’s parks. It dwarfs the roughly 5,000 annual passes typically purchased in a year.

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Some of them are hard to reach, like National Park of American Samoa or Alaska’s Gates of the Arctic, the least-visited national park last year, with 2,872 recreational visits. Visitors have to take a boat or seaplane to get to Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico and Isle Royale on Lake Superior. 

Other untapped gems are easy to access, like Congaree just outside South Carolina’s capital, Columbia, or Pinnacles, two hours south of San Francisco. And they’re perfect for travelers who want to experience the great outdoors without crowds this summer. 

►America’s most-visited national parks: Great Smoky Mountains, Grand Canyon and more

►Pro tips from park rangers: Pack your patience and make reservations

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