1. Inspiration and duration
Wales is compact, scenic, and full of surprises. Whether you're traveling with family, exploring by car, or hiking your way through national parks, there's a route for every traveler.
Nature lovers: Hike in Snowdonia, paddle along the Pembrokeshire coast, or stargaze in the Brecon Beacons
Families: Enjoy Tenby’s beaches, visit castles, and explore wildlife parks
Culture and history fans: Discover ancient abbeys, Welsh language villages, and Cardiff’s urban energy
As for trip length:
7–9 days: Covers Cardiff, Snowdonia, and the coast
10–14 days: Adds Brecon Beacons or a relaxed road trip through North Wales
➔ Road trip itinerary
➔ Family vacation ideas
2. Best time to visit
The best time to visit Wales is May to September, when the weather is mild and landscapes are at their greenest.
Spring (March–May): Blooming valleys, fewer crowds — perfect for hiking
Summer (June–August): Warmest months with long days and ideal beach weather
Autumn (September–October): Colorful foliage and quiet trails
Winter (November–February): Best for city breaks and cozy countryside stays
Summer is also festival season — expect lively events across the country.
➔ Best time to travel to Wales
3. Destinations and itinerary
Wales is best explored region by region. Here's a sample pace:
2–3 days: Cardiff and the South Coast
2–3 days: Snowdonia National Park — hiking, castles, and scenic drives
2–3 days: Pembrokeshire Coast — dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches
Add-on: Brecon Beacons or the Llŷn Peninsula for slower travel
➔ Top things to see in Wales
4. Transportation
Rental car: Ideal for national parks, remote villages, and coastal drives
Public transport: Cardiff and major towns are well connected by train and bus
Road trips: A great way to experience the changing landscapes and historic sites
➔ Plan your road trip
5. Accommodation
Choose from historic inns, family-run B&Bs, or stylish countryside hotels.
Summer is peak season — book early for popular areas like Snowdonia and Tenby
For road trips, consider staying at least two nights per stop for a relaxed pace
➔ Best time to go for pricing and availability
6. Activities and attractions
Wales offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and local flavor:
Castles: Explore Conwy, Caerphilly, and Pembroke
Hiking: Climb Mount Snowdon, walk the Four Waterfalls trail
Beaches: Discover Barafundle Bay, Rhossili, or the Gower Peninsula
Culture: Visit Welsh-speaking towns, art galleries, and local markets
Food: Try cawl, Welsh rarebit, laverbread, and fresh seafood
➔ What to see in Wales
➔ Traditional Welsh cuisine
7. Budget planning
Here’s what to expect per person, per day (excluding flights):
Budget: from $90 — 3-star B&Bs, public transit, free outdoor activities
Mid-range: from $235 — 4-star hotels, car rental, guided excursions
Luxury: from $450 — upscale hotels, private tours, gourmet dining
A one-week mid-range trip for two starts around $3,300 total.
➔ Travel costs in Wales
8. Time for spontaneity
Wales rewards curious travelers. Whether it's an unexpected beach picnic or a surprise detour to a local music festival, leave space in your itinerary for the moments that can’t be planned.
➔ Start planning your Wales trip
Let our travel experts help you build a tailor-made Wales itinerary — with the right pace, places, and personal touches to make your trip unforgettable.Less
