There are unique festivals and events around the world, from the rowdy Songkran water festival in Thailand to the rather calming hot air balloon festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In fact, Buzzfeed has a list of festivals you don’t want to miss. There are some people who make an effort to get to all of […]
On my way home from the Shetland Islands back in early February, I had one night in Edinburgh. Since I was with my parents, I reached out to one of my suppliers to ask about hotels. They came back to me with the Old Town Chambers, serviced apartments in the heart of the old city […]
On our way to the Shetland Islands for Up Helly Aa, my parents met me in Edinburgh, Scotland for Burns Night. This national night celebrates Scottish poet Robert Burns, most well known for Auld Lang Syne. With only one night, we stayed at the luxurious Prestonfield House in Edinburgh and attended their gala Burns Supper. […]
Recently, while in Edinburgh, Scotland, I had the chance to visit The Balmoral, a Rocco Forte hotel. This five star property sits atop Waverley Station, Edinburgh’s main train station. It’s well known for its clock tower, which is visible from almost anywhere in Edinburgh, and its kilted doormen who also meet guests trainside. The Balmoral […]
One of things I really like doing when I travel is learning about the history of the destination. I have a Masters degree in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History, and obviously find it all fascinating. Plus, when you look at the history of the world on a broad scale, it really does link together. You’d […]
Whisky and winter go hand in hand, I often think, and no better way to kick off talking about Scotland’s Orkney Islands than by discussing Orcadian whisky! Did you know there are TWO distilleries in Orkney? They are both located on the mainland but are vastly different.
Scotland holds a special place in my heart, and Scotland’s Orkney Islands do as well. This tiny archipelago at the top of the mainland is home to Neolithic ruins, World War II historical sites, award-winning distilleries, and incredible Norse heritage. The islands are easy to get around; there’s a dedicated ferry service to all inhabited […]
By far one of my favourite solo trips with a short two and a half day trip to the Orkney Islands, a quick hop from Scotland’s north coast. Because my background lies in history and culture, I was fascinated by the extensive prehistoric sites. Like the Shetland Islands, Orkney has a very strong Norse culture.
As a lover of remote, windswept islands, I’ve long known where Scotland’s Shetland Islands are, but for many they’re just another North Atlantic island chain. However, this small archipelago is a rare bird paradise (ok, Arctic bird paradise), a hiker’s dream destination, and if you like to explore shipwrecks you will find plenty of them […]
Scotland’s Outer Hebrides are a 210 mile long series of barrier islands on the west coast of the Scottish mainland. They range in environment and geology from the rugged mountains of the isles of Lewis and Harris to the machair and low-lying marshes of the Uists and the white sandy beaches of Vatersay and Barra.