Romance in Wales

Posted on Sunday, June 26, 2011

Wales, bordered by England on the east, is a small country with a colourful history and spectacular landscapes, including 3 National Parks and 5 Ares of Outstanding Natural Beauty. At only 170 miles from north to south and 60 miles east to west, it's no surprise that you're never far from a mountain or the sea. But Wales is also home to vibrant cities, traditional villages and great tourist attractions. Welsh - the native language - is spoken by many people in Wales, and is one of the oldest languages in the world.

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Romance in London

Posted on Sunday, May 15, 2011

There's nowhere in the world quite like London. The capital of England and Britain, and the biggest city in Europe, London is a vibrant, multicultural, 24-hour city. The stimulating blends of old and new, the buzz of the city and the tranquility of its many open spaces make London unique for both tourists and locals alike. Bask in the regal awe of Britain's monarchy and witness the truly spectacular event of Prince William and Kate Middleton's royal wedding this April 2011.

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Romance in England

Posted on Monday, April 25, 2011

England is the biggest country in Britain, and is home to the largest city in Europe. It's also home to over 600 miles of beautiful coastline and some of the world's top tourist attractions. England is divided into 9 distinct regions, each with its own unique personality, history and culture - from the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and charming Cornish villages to the bustling city life of London and the dramatic coastlines of the North East. There are simply too many romantic sights in England to enjoy.

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Scotland Travel Overview

Posted on Thursday, July 30, 2009

Scotland’s terrain is varied and breathtaking. With mountain peaks to coastlines with white sandy beaches, it has lush pastures and extensive woodlands.

The capital of Scotland is Edinburgh. The currency in Scotland, as in England, is the British Pound (Pound Sterling)

Climate and Clothing:

Scotland’s climate is generally oceanic, with no extreme variations. It is generally cool and wet, so even  in mid-summer we advise you take some warm clothes and rainwear. Scotland is generally colder than the rest of the UK, especially in the more northerly regions. The west tends to be wetter and warmer than the cool, dry east. In upland areas, snow is common in winter, along with fog and mist.

Manners and Customs:

Scotland is a forthright and friendly place with a long tradition of hospitality which has not faded. Residents of countryside hamlets and the western islands may overwhelm you with their warm and enthusiastic welcome. Tipping is part of the way of life and is expected by most who provide a service e.g. taxi drivers, hotel doormen, and airport and railway porters. As a general guide a 10-15% of the cost of the service should be considered. In hotels and restaurants it’s worth checking whether a service charge has been added to the bill.

Food and Drink:

Haggis is probably the best known Scottish delicacy. It is rich in flavour, however some people are put off as it is made from sheep’s offal. Fresh salmon, trout, herring, game and potato are also commonly featured on menus. Scottish Whisky or Scotch is world famous and is sold around the globe. It has been distilled in Scotland for centuries and was originally referred to as the water of life – uisge beatha.

Best Buys:

Scotland makes some of the world’s best clothing and you’ll find a very good selection of tartans, woolens and tweeds. Edinburgh crystal, shortbread, Edinburgh rock (candy), bagpipes, sheepskin clothing, china, silver jewellery, crystal and whisky are also good buys.

Famous for: Bagpipes, Kilts, Tartain, Military Tattoo

England Travel Tips and Information

Posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009

The currency in England is the Pound Sterling (British Pound). Credit cards are widely accepted & ATMs are everywhere.

England is linked to France by the underwater Channel Tunnel.

England has a temperate climate, with plenty of rainfall all year round. Always a good idea to take an umbrella.

Tipping is expected by most people providing a service, i.e. taxi drivers, hotel doormen & porters. If you are traveling on a tour, keep in mind these gratuities are included in the cost of the tour.

Food & Drink: 

The most traditional meal is roast beef (served with Yorkshire puddings), pork or lamb, served with roast potatoes. For hearty flavour, order succulent English pork chops, or ham, baked or roasted. Gammon, a cut of ham is boiled or fried. Main courses are normally garnished with a selection of vegetables – green beans, brussel sprouts, cauliflower or peas and potatoes. Most pubs serve good hearty meals including fish and chips and you may wish to sample traditional English beer (bitter). The water throughout the United Kingdom is safe to drink.

Best Buys: 

Shopping in London will more than satisfy the appetite of any shopper. London’s department stores are legendary, the most famous being Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and for old world architecture and high end fashion, Liberty. Good buys include antiques, clothing (designer and high street), china and glass (Royal Doulton, Spode, and Minton). Most shops close at 5 or 6 p.m. In London, late night shopping is until 7 or 8 p.m. on Oxford Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Kensington High Street.

Public Transportation: 

The London Underground or tube, is the fastest and easiest way to get around town. In central London you are never more than a few minutes’ walk from a station. Each line has a name but you’ll probably find the colours easier to remember. What you pay generally depends on how many zones (1 - 6 zones) you travel through. You must buy a ticket before you travel and put it in the automatic entry/exit gates. The best way to see the sights is from the upper decks of a famous red London bus (Hop on, Hope off tours.) They pass almost all the capital’s landmarks and famous shops. You’ll find it much easier and cheaper to buy a day or weekend travel card, which give you unlimited travel on almost all London's red buses and the Underground.

Taxis in London:

If travelling around London a black cab/minicab is your safest option. You can stop a black cab anywhere provided the yellow ‘for hire’ sign is illuminated. Minicabs are a cheaper option for longer journeys and have to be ordered by telephone. Make sure you ask the price prior to booking. Consult the ‘Yellow Pages’ telephone directory under the heading ‘minicabs’.

Famous for: The Royal Family, Harrods, tea, fish & chips