The British Isles

          Well, I did it again!  Just got back from another fabulous three week journey to one of the most beautiful and interesting parts of the world, all without spending a lot.  This time I traveled through England, Wales and Scotland by train, crossed the Irish Sea by ferry and then toured Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland by bus.  The weather could not have been nicer and I met friendly folks everywhere I went.  It was my first visit to Wales and Ireland, which made the trip particularly special, and I was able to squeeze in even more than I had anticipated.  Believe me…everything you have heard about the beautiful countryside and the friendly people who inhabit this area is true!

A Trek Through England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland 

          From York to Cork, Derry to Kerry, Conwy to Galway, and Killarney to Blarney…I saw it all and everything in between!  In the next few posts on this travel blog I will be describing some of the highlights of the trip, including photos of the castles I explored, my visit to the ancestral homes of my Grandparents in Edinburgh, Scotland, a picturesque train ride through the heart of Wales, and the stunningly beautiful scenery of the Emerald Isle.  Every trip has its share of adventures and this one was no exception.  You won’t want to miss the upcoming articles where I recount my experiences kissing the Loch Ness Monster and searching for the Blarney Stone.  Or was it searching for the Loch Ness Monster and kissing the Blarney Stone?  Be sure to check back later to find out!

Lots of Travel Tips

          If you are contemplating a trip to the British Isles, I will have lots of information, suggestions and tips on transportation, points of interest, itineraries and lodging.  With a little bit of advance planning, you will be surprised at the reasonable rates available for ground transportation throughout this region.  I had extremely good luck finding high quality lodging everywhere I went, often staying in Bed and Breakfasts along the way.  Many of them were truly outstanding and I will be providing detailed information and links to the establishments that I can recommend to my readers.  One of the most fun parts of my journey was meeting and getting to know the proprietors of some the B and Bs where I stayed.

Let’s Go!

          So, hang on tight and prepare yourself for an interesting overview of the British Isles that will give you lots of good ideas for planning your own vacation.  Remember, you, too, can have a wonderful, fun filled trip, packed with adventure, history, beautiful scenery and friendly people, all without spending a lot.