All,Alton,Towers,Trip,Screams, travel,insurance All in an Alton Towers Trip: Screams, Splashes and Sonic the

Torres del Paine is among the biggest of Chile’s national parks, occupying almost 600,000 acres (242,000 ha) of land in the south on the border with Argentina. It is also among the most important, receiving a significant proportion of domes Like any American, traveling occasionally is just what I love doing and I bet you share the same stuff with me. But traveling does not mean that you would be safe. Escaping from our job and other stressful activities is just something that w

When you go down to the woods today you’re sure of a big surprise – Alton Towers! As you approach through the rolling Staffordshire countryside, taking in cows to your left and sheep to your right, then pass through the sleepy village of Alton, it seems impossible that the UK’s largest theme park is just around the corner.Yet from the minute you pass through the gates, following the call of the Alton Towers theme music, you know you’ve left the peace and quiet of the countryside behind and entered a magical land where the only thing on the agenda is fun.Having three young boys it’s safe to say that I’ve visited most of the UK’s best (and some not so good) theme parks and funfairs, and Alton Towers is a strong contender for the favourite.In particular I like how strongly themed Alton Towers is. From the minute you enter the park the sounds, sights and smells seem to be carefully co-ordinated to give you the ultimate ‘Alton Towers experience’. Even the monorail that takes you to the park is themed to suit the time of year/attractions (and made such an impression on my two year old that he declared it his ‘best ride.’)The park is also set out in such a way that it’s easy to navigate and plan your day. As a theme park for all ages, Alton Towers organises its areas with this in mind. For example, when I visit with my children I bypass the X-Sector completely as this is where you’ll find the real nail biters such as Oblivion (don’t look down!) and Submission. Of course, this area is a magnet for thrill seekers daring each other to take on the freefall vertical drop, for whom Storybook Land, Old MacDonald’s Farmyard, Cloud Cuckoo Land and Pirates Cove will be surplus to requirements. That’s part of the magic of Alton Towers – you can build your own perfect day without it turning into a fun-sapping military style mission. Other ‘big’ rides designed to twist you, tip you and terrify you are Rita (which takes you from 0 – 100km/ph in 2.5 seconds – aaargh!), Air (fly through the air like superman), Nemesis (a leg-dangler with loop after loop) and brand spanking new thriller Thirteen.Up until this year, Nemesis has been my own personal favourite. I’m not great with those suspense building huge drop rides (Oblivion – eek) and Nemesis, like Rita, is full speed ahead from the off, leaving little time for you to regret your decision to board.However, the introduction of Thirteen, a unique mix of rollercoaster and ghost train which adds up to a real thriller of a ride, has turned my head. Anyone who hasn’t visited Alton Towers since Thirteen should return to experience this amazing new ride in the Dark Forest area.On my little one’s hit list every visit is the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ride (complete with chocolate river), spooky Hex, and the deceptively cute but actually terrifying Sonic Spinball ride.With a wide range of rides, attractions and shows to suit every age and thrill threshold, Alton Towers Tickets are great value for money. You can make sure that you find tickets for the best possible price by looking on money saving website 5hop5.ie for Alton Towers Voucher Codes.As well as being a great daytrip, Alton Towers is also a fantastic place for a fun weekend getaway. Featuring two themed hotels, the Alton Towers Hotel and the Splash Landings Hotel, couples, families and groups can enjoy a whole weekend of Alton Towers’ special brand of hospitality.I recently spent a weekend with my family at the Alton Towers Hotel and was impressed with the facilities and level of service that continued on seamlessly from the theme park. From the moment we were greeted by a super smiley porter of advancing years we were treated like a King, Queen and little Princes.The Alton Towers Hotel has an explorers theme which made the stay fun for the kids; and us adults appreciated the spacious, comfortable room, gorgeous grounds (with lake) and evening entertainment.We found the hotel’s restaurant The Secret Garden to be good value and, again, children are made to feel like very special mini-guests rather than tolerable tag-alongs. Especially good was the all you can eat breakfast buffet that fortified us for a second day of family fun and adventure.The hotels are joined by a walkway, so you have easy access to the facilities of both. The Alton Towers Hotel has a fantastic spa for those who need some help relaxing after such an exciting day, and the Caribbean themed Splash Landings Hotel has an amazing waterpark where mermaids, merman and little fish alike can spend a happy, wet afternoon.As if that wasn’t enough to keep you and your tribe happy for a weekend, Alton Towers also offers themed golf, an aquarium, archery and bicycle rides through the surrounding countryside. Young (or not so young) gamers also have the opportunity to meet iconic Sega hero Sonic the Hedgehog – a highlight for my console obsessed seven year old.Whatever it is that gets your heart beating that little bit faster, you’ll find it at the Alton Towers Resort. Let the reining Lord of the theme parks excite you, scare you, soak you and relax you, and enjoy a magical day, weekend or more in the midst of the quiet Staffordshire hills and valleys.