Why not choose Snowdonia this year?

Booking a holiday has now never been easier thanks to the world wide web, and people more often than not can choose accommodation, a flight if necessary, and have it booked and paid for in seconds.

But making that all important decision exactly where to go is not without its worries or a certain degree of complication.

It would seem since the onset of the credit crunch and increasing concerns about climate change, more and more people are deciding against a holiday abroad and choosing the UK instead.

But could, in all honesty, a holiday here ever favourably compare with one in the Costas, Florida or even the celebrated South of France. We'd very much like to persuade you that it can.

Snowdonia, where our holiday cottage is based is, we believe, the ultimate in holiday destinations because it is largely accessible to so many people within the British Isles.

Not only do people not have to worry about flying, airport queues and excess baggage, but any fears about holiday costs can also be assuaged, because staying at Glyn-yr-aur should work out much cheaper aswell.

And could the landscape, food, activities and attractions ever live up to more exotic locations? Again, we'd like to believe that they most certainly can.

Perhaps Snowdonia's biggest selling points are its vast proliferation of mountains, valleys and streams in addition to its peaceful tranquillity and solitude.

Our cottage in the midst of the Coed-y-Brenin has some world class views of the major Snowdonian peaks, and is also surrounded by an enchanting array of woodland, wild meadows and thundering waterfalls.

Our local area is quite is under-developed as a tourist destination, and that's perhaps where its true strength and beauty lie.

There is a generous sprinkling of historic attractions such as stately homes, and castles in addition to miles and miles of coastline which feature blue flag beaches aplenty.

Every kind of outdoor activity is catered for here such as walking, mountain-biking, white-water rafting, climbing, bird-watching - to name but a few.

And even if you just want to kick back and relax and do as much as the mood takes you, you can do that against some amazing landscape as a backdrop.

Natural food is what Snowdonia does best, and there are weekly and monthly farmers markets throughout many of the local towns. With a vast array of cosy country pubs, traditional tea rooms and some top notch restaurants, people should find something to suit their pockets, whims and tastes.

Moreover, if statistics are anything to go by, it would seem that more and more people are seeking out this region either as a main holiday destination or are using it for a secondary break.

Since 1994, figures show a massive increase of visitors to the area of over 100%. Some 7.9 million people were recorded as taking a holiday in 2006 alone. Day-trippers were then far less typical a tourist and 2.7 million visitors were logged in this category for the same year.

But don't just take our word for it. Why not book a few days' break away here, or sometime longer, and try Snowdonia for out yourself.

For more details about booking a break away, please contact either Bob or Jane Chilton on 01341 440611 or e-mail them at onygena@tiscali.co.uk.