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Michael Lawless
Michael Lawless, a science teacher from East Sussex, recommends camping in Wales if you're looking for something active. Photograph: /Michael Lawless Photograph: Michael Lawless
Michael Lawless, a science teacher from East Sussex, recommends camping in Wales if you're looking for something active. Photograph: /Michael Lawless Photograph: Michael Lawless

Travel tips for teachers: destination and activity advice

This article is more than 9 years old

How will you be enjoying the school holidays? We asked our Twitter followers for their advice on how to make the most of the summer – here's what they said

While teachers barely get time to grab a sandwich during term time, summer is a chance to reclaim your work-life balance. This weekend we took to Twitter to ask you how you'll be spending your time off.

Here's a selection of the tips that you all shared. If you would like to add any travel advice or suggestions, the comments thread is open or you can tweet us @GuardianTeach.

Take time to relax: Lake Bled, Slovenia

Aussie Girl (@MissCranky) shares her wisdom with us:

A good place to escape to, according to Hannah (@FJStarfish),
is Lake Bled in Slovenia. She says: "Spent 10 days last August in Lake Bled, Slovenia. Incredible country, beautiful, relaxing... and cheap." She adds that the glacier lake in the north west of the country is not touristy with lots of local shops. You can also rent an apartment without breaking the bank.

Hannah (@FJStarfish) sent us a picture of her kayaking on Lake Bohinj. "Crystal clear smooth waters," she said. Photograph: Hannah. Photograph: Hannah

The best way to get there is flying to Brnik airport in Ljubljana (flights are around £200) and then get a bus to the resort. Spend time soaking up the scenery at the Julian Alps or visit the town of Piran on the coast and take a walk through its narrow streets. A beer in Slovenia will set you back around €2.

Go on an adventure: Bedgelert campsite, Wales

Michael Lawless (@Mike_Lawless) says those looking for something active should head to Dorset with its "amazing coastline" for some kayaking or head to Wales for a walk. Lawless stayed at Bedgelert campsite where you can pitch a tent for two adults for £22.50 a night in the high season. The Bedgelert circular walk is around 5.9 miles and will take you 3.75 hours.

Walking in Wales
Mike Lawless sent over a picture of him walking in Wales. Photograph: /Mike Lawless Photograph: Mike Lawless

If you want to try something new ... why not learn to surf?

Eat well: Milan and Granada

It may be pricey, but if you can find cheap fights last minute then you could head to Milan, Italy. When you're there, take Lorna Gray's (@lornagray4) advice at nip to Sibilla for pizza. "Pizza is traditional Naples-style," says Gray, adding that you can't book ahead. For a reasonably priced hotel, check out Hotel Amendola Fiera which is 300 meters away from Amendola Fiera tube and eight stops from the duomo and Fiera di Rho.

Another good spot for eating is Granada in southern Spain where most restaurants serve drinks with free tapas. The closest international airport to Granada is Málaga. You can get a bus from the airport for €9 and it takes about 1½ hours direct (there are 16 buses leaving daily). Megan Macqueen (@MeganMacqueen) says go to Bar Poe for food. Tapas won't set you back a lot and the food on offer ranges from Brazilian to Thai.

Enjoy something closer to home: St David's in Pembrokeshire, UK

You don't need to go far away to have a good summer. @Year2lowerplace recommends going to St David's in Pembrokeshire. It's the smallest British city with a 1,600 population. The nearest rail station is Fishguard or Haverfordwest, with buses running to St David several times a day. It's a great spot for kayaking, surfing or chilling out by the coast. Year2! suggests staying at the Druidstone.

Learn something new: French Language schools

Doctoral candidate Lori Lee Oates (@LoriLeeOates) recommends researching and learning French at a French language school. She is learning in Accord French Language School in Paris and researching at Bibliotheque Nationale. This is a pricey way to spend the summer, though. A three week course will cost you €990.

Sacre-Coeur and Eiffel Tower above Paris.
Why not visit Paris this summer?. Photograph: Alamy Photograph: Alamy

Expand your mind: The Invention of Exile by Vanessa Manko

Catch up on reading for pleasure this summer – nothing beats a good book. Rachel Jones (@rlj1981) recommends The Invention of Exile by Vanessa Manko, the story is of a man who is separated from his family because of the Russian Revolution.

Manglish by Lisa Jane Ashes was another pick from Jones, although it's more of a work-related read, exploring how Maths and English can come together across the curriculum. Give it a whirl towards the end of the summer?

Have we missed anything off this list or do you want to share your summer resolutions with us? Get in touch via @Guardianteach or email sarah.marsh@theguardian.com.

Follow us on Twitter via @GuardianTeach. Join the Guardian Teacher Network for lesson resources, comment and job opportunities, direct to your inbox.

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