When you travel overseas do you look for places that – hopefully – really are different, and that offer you sights, sounds and things to see and do, that are extra special? As a traveler to 51 countries around the world, I’m always on the lookout for new destinations that meet that criteria, so when I recently got the invite from the folks at Visit Wales and British Airways to see the narrow gauge trains of North Wales I was, as a steam train buff, very excited. Little did I expect that into the bargain I’d also get to realize some of the above “wishes” when I visited that lovely and surprising country called North Wales.

I say “surprising” because it is a destination that I’m sure a lot of travelers have never considered, and often don’t know that much about. In fact, on the trip I also met a Canadian tour operator called Sherry Fraser who told me that one of her biggest challenges in marketing Wales, is to let people know that it IS a different country from England; that much of the scenery is like Switzerland; that it has its own, still in use language; and offers a whole range of attractions that are, in her words, "totally unique.”

Because I shot over 250 photos, and because we saw such a huge array of tantalizing, mesmerizing sites, we do not have room to include all of them. What follows is just a small sampling, or “teaser” if you will, on some of the – at least to me – really outstanding places I stayed in, and the things I did and enjoyed so much along the way.

It Looks Almost Like The Mediterranean!

This is the forecourt of the Imperial Hotel in Llandudno, and it reminded me of the Cote D’Azur in France. Situated on the promenade of this charming resort town, the hotel is elegant and has commanding views of the gorgeous bay, and surrounding scenery. It’s classy luxury with a constant dash of warm Welsh hospitality. www.theimperial.co.uk

Yes, This “Castle” Is A Nifty Hotel!

It looks very historical, but the Castell Deudraeth actually opened in 2001. However, its founding goes back to the 1920s, when Sir Clough Williams Ellis purchased the land and made it part of the nearby unique village of Port Meirion. Movie and TV buffs will know that it was also depicted as “The Hospital” in the British cult classic TV show, “The Prisoner.” My room, one of eleven, was luxuriously comfortable, and because the selection was so large, and full of fresh fruit and other “goodies,” I loved their delicious breakfasts. www.portmeirion-village.com

Princess Margaret and “Tony” Armstrong Jones Lived Here!

If you’re one of those voyagers who, when they travel to the British Isles, seek out any sort of connection to the British Royal Family, the unusually named Plas Dinas Country House is a must stay hotel in North Wales. Built in the 17^th century (but now with all modern and luxurious conveniences) it’s famous because it used to be the Welsh residence of the Armstrong Jones family. Their son, “Tony,” married Princess Margaret in 1961 and they spent a lot of time here. All evidenced with almost every wall or corner of the house showing a profusion of photos of “Tony and Margaret” -- many personally signed by both of them. This shows the Drawing Room and the entire hotel is luxurious, cozy, warm and friendly. www.plasdinas.co.uk

Now Then, Can YOU Pronounce THIS Welsh Word?

If you saw this word on your arrival in Wales, you’d probably wonder how on earth it’s said or even pronounced, and yet it’s one of the most famous names in the United Kingdom. THIS word – “Llanfairpwllgwyngyll-gogerychwyrndrobwll-llantysilio-gogogoch,” is the world’s longest station name. Legend says it was a clever publicity stunt in the 1800s concocted by one of the town’s citizens, who wanted to get more tourists. Obviously it worked, as thousands of folks visit every year, not only to shoot the required pictures, but also to visit the rather large gift shop that sells just about everything related to that name, which translates into “"The church of St. Mary in the hollow of white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool by St. Tysilio's of the red cave".

A Fascinating Look Back Into Welsh History

In the late 1800s and up to around 1950, Wales was THE location for much of the world’s slate. Now most of that industry has virtually disappeared, but a few sites still remain. None is more riveting than the National Slate Museum in the Victorian workshops of Dinorwig Quarry by Llanberis. The most intriguing part of one’s visit (and I urge you to do this), is a lively, entertaining and really interesting display of slate cutting by the engaging, and longtime employee, Carwyn Price – shown demonstrating his unique skills. www.museumwales.ac.uk

Is This The World’s Most Unusual Village?

Port Meirion, located on the coast of Snowdonia in North Wales, and perched just above the River Dwyryd, is at once mysterious, compelling and strange. And a photographer’s delight. When you see it, you might remember it from a classic UK TV series of many years ago, called The Prisoner, starring Patrick McGoohan. Some thought the designer of the village, Sir Clough Williams Ellis, was an eccentric, but his offbeat designs, dazzling colors of odd shaped buildings, and the crazy quilt of its overall design (three of which, are shown here) make this one of Europe’s biggest tourist attractions. If you’re looking to do something really special, stay in one of the very comfortable one-of-a-kind rooms in the village. Gift shops abound, and many sell T-shirts emblazoned with the key words used in the TV show – as you see in the accompanying photo. Down by the estuary, is a wonderful hotel and superb restaurant (also shown here) that adds to the charm of the entire location. Note how “empty” the estuary is at low tide. If North Wales is on your itinerary, Port Meirion epitomizes the word unique. www.portmeirion-village.com

How Special!

One of the “things” that’s “incredibly British,” is that in every room in which you chose to stay in almost every hotel and other such places, there is always the ubiquitous set of cups and saucers, various tea bags, sometimes biscuits (cookies) and a teapot. It is a wonderful touch I’ve always loved – the one shown is from my room in Port Meirion.

A Wonderful “Flying Touch”

Because I flew in British Airways Business Class – or Club World as they call it – one of the aspects that I found charming – and again – very British, is that they have a special sort of Kitchen or “Mini Larder” which you can visit and enjoy the wide variety of goodies always in stock. Very nice, very enjoyable!

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