Posts Tagged ‘Island’

Harris Vacations And Some Handy Details

Are you deliberating about having a short break in the UK? Though virtually all people taking a vacation in the UK choose to stay in popular places such as London, other tourists would rather take a vacation in Scotland. In the following article I describe the Isle of Harris and the factors which make it such a great vacation destination.

Even though London might be home to some of the most fascinating galleries and museums in Great Britain  together with some of the world’s best attractions  it can not appeal to visitors of all types.

Some people have a preference for quieter vacations while other folk prefer more thrilling vacations such as sporting vacations. Interestingly the Isle of Harris, in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides (which are also know as the Western Isles), can appeal both types of tourist.

Like many others bathing on the beach for the whole of my summer vacation isn’t something I would consider. Please do not get the wrong idea, I really do enjoy relaxing on a sunny beach, and the Isle of Harris definitely features some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, however, I also like to spend time visiting other places while on vacation. I really like to spend time just soaking in the atmosphere of the place, I like to sample the local food and culture. To be honest I just like to experience something new each year and I I spend a great deal of time attempting to discover something or somewhere one hundred percent unique. This is the most likely reason why I enjoy visits to the Hebrides island known as the Isle of Harris and why I often decide to book a self catering house on the Isle of Harris.

One of the primary reasons people visit the Isle of Harris is to enjoy the the culture and landscape of the Isles. The Isle of Harris culture has, over 100’s of years been incredibly influenced by the Norse, Celtic, English and Scottish races. Nowadays the majority of people speak in the Gaelic language and though many speak English, it is commonly their 2nd language. The inhabitants of the Isle of Harris are amongst the friendliest on planet earth and their hospitality is extremely well known. The people of the Isle of Harris are very proud of the amazingly beautiful Harris countryside and go to some length to keep the island clean and tidy so it is incredibly important clean up after yourself.

Keep in mind that discarded rubbish doesn’t only make the place look unsightly it is also highly dangerous to native wildlife.

Another point to learn is that the roads on Harris are rather unique in more remote areas single track road is still common and you will have to, at times, use passing places to allow traffic to pass safely from ahead and behind. Simply come to a stop on the left. If you are faced with a large vehicle wishing to pass and the passing place is on your right you can carefully pull over into to it to let the vehicle pass more easily but at all time take care not to drive off the edge of the road too much.

I hope that the above article sufficiently interests you in taking a vacation or short break on Harris. Many tourists the Scotland’s Outer Hebrides decide to stay in two destinations. There are a number of other islands to visit including North Uist, Lewis and South Uist. Why not consider staying in a Harris self catering house for and then book a room in a hotel on North Uist or a South Uist hotel for the rest of your holiday?

Arran Vacations And Some Handy Details

The country of Scotland, in the UK, is an incredible destination to take a vacation featuring a splendid number of attractions including some of the best museums and galleries in the whole of Britain,  ideal countryside for hikers, hill-walkers, ramblers, mountain climbers and others of that ilk together with a multitude of castles, stately homes, historical buildings and fortified houses.  Below I discuss the island of Arran and explain why the island is such a great place in which to take a vacation.

The Isle of Arran is the 7th largest island in the country of Scotland and although it is frequently said to be in the Hebrides it is actually further south in the Firth of Clyde. With tourism being the island’s main industry You will not find it surprising to learn that there is a massive selection of Arran hotels. Although most people arrive at the island in order to enjoy the awesome countryside the island also features a small collection of tourist attractions including; Brodick Castle Gardens, Arran Transport Museum, Arran Heritage Museum and Kildonan Castle.

There are a number of centres of population, the largest settlement is Brodick, where you will find the ferry terminal with ferries running to Ardrossan in North Ayrshire. Lamlash, four miles south of Brodick, is the site where you can grab a boat to Holy Island.

Lochranza is largest settlement in the northerly part of the island and will find the ferry terminal with sailings to Claonaig on the Scottish mainland. It is important to note that the ferry only sails during the summer months. The village is situated in a large, and pretty, bay with the ruined Lochranza Castle being the main attraction.

Blackwaterfoot is the most populous village on the western coast of the island. The village has a small harbour, a public house and a garage with a petrol station. Different settlements to visit are; Catacol (in the north), Corrie (north of Brodick), Kilmory (south coast), Whiting Bay (south of Brodick) and finally Pirnmill where you will find the best beach on the Isle of Arran.

If you are currently planning a Scottish vacation and you are looking for Isle of Arran Hotels please take a look at our listings of bed & breakfast accommodation on Arran.

Hebrides Isles Tours

The Western Isles/Outer Hebrides are a group of islands found not too far off the north west coast of Scotland.  The isles of the Inner & Outer Hebrides have been inhabited since the Mesolithic times and through history the language and culture has been powerfully influenced by numerous races and today the Hebridean culture is a mix of Norse, Celtic, Scottish and English influences. In general most folk speak in the Gaelic language and although many speak English, it is often their second language. Not that long ago vacations in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles were only for the adventurous and rich and those folk who had plenty of time. Today it is far, far to travel to the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles, you can travel by car and ferry or take a flight to a number of airports on the islands. Unfortunately it is impossible to get all of the way by rail but it is possible to travel coast and then catch a coach for the remainder of the trip. Often the only hiccup that can arise is making a reservation especially if  you are searching for Isle of Harris accommodation for groups which is frequently fully booked twelve months in advance.

One of the primary reasons folk visit the Western Isles is that the islands landscape and culture are interestingly unique.  On the Isle of Harris there are some of the most incredibly beautiful beaches in all of Scotland, and many people say the whole of Great Britain. Here and there you will see a standing stone on the Harris coastline however it is on the Isle of Lewis that you will find the most astounding stone circle at Callanish not far from Stornoway the principal town in the Western Isles. The standing stones at Calanais is said to be second to only England’s Stonehenge.

Deciding whether to stay on the Isles of Harris or Lewis is often difficult and increasing numbers of people are deciding to spend some time on each. Lewis bed & breakfast is frequently easier to book than Isle of Harris accommodation, so it is best to book well in advance.

Bed and breakfast in Stornoway is is far easier to book but again to be certain ensure you book early. All accommodation in the Outer Hebrides is of good quality and the hospitality is the best you are likely to witness and the local people helpful and friendly.

Besides the Isle of Lewis and the Isle of Harris there are several other inhabited islands that are relatively easy to visit. The most popular are North and South Uist, Barra and Benbecula and a ferry can be caught which runs from North Uist to the Isle of Harris at the South Harris village of Leverburgh.

Enjoy a Holiday At the Bangaram Island Resort

The Island Hideaway of Bangaram island resort is some 200 miles from Kerala to the south west of India in the Arabian Sea, and is an example of the Lakshadweep Islands. Normally it is accessed by a flight from Cochin to Agatti, then onward by boat for a ninety minute ride. Getting onto the boat at Agatti is an experience in itself, as you get onto a raft, and then they tow you out to the boat!! You immediately feel this is a real hideaway holiday, and your tropical island resort is going to be a bit different. Take good recommendation and fly Kingfisher and not Indian Airlines for reliability.

It is the ideal romantic honeymoon getaway, a lush green uninhabited island covered in coconut groves, and formed like a teardrop. It is enclosed by pristine white sand and a huge lagoon, and is part of a coral atoll with another 3 islands, all of which can easily be reached form Bangaram, by outboarding, sailing or rowing, kayaking or windsurfing if you find the necessity to be energetic.

It is perhaps the way the Maldives were before mass tourism arrived, as the coral reefs are ablaze with color and packed with fish because at the present they are relatively unexplored.

If you need a tropical vacation on an island hideaway, or a romantic honeymoon getaway, then Bangaram might be your perfect destination or as part of a package including time in the Kerala part of India.

You need to understand that this island hideaway, while ideal for a romantic honeymoon getaway, or for people who want to play at being castaways, it isn’t at all for people looking for luxury. If you want the trappings of a five star resort, just don’t go.

Bangaram itself contains thirty huts which contains a number of family huts in twin/double cottages. There are no televisions, telephones or air-conditioning, and to complete the island getaway feeling there are no papers so you’ll be fully out of effective contact with the stresses of the modern world. Each shed is tiled, on the beach, and has a palm thatched veranda, ensuite lavatory, ceiling fan and a fridge. The accommodation is simple but comfy, but please note there’s no hot water!!

The epicentre of Bangaram Island resort is the eaterie shed that has been built around a central pole and made from bamboos and palm fronds. The food at the resort for lunch and dinner is a bit Indian, and a bit Continental, and terribly much seafood based. The food is without exception outstanding.

Breakfast includes cereals, eggs, Indian dishes and a lot of fresh fruit.

At night there is a barbecue on the beach, and the opportunity to eat outside overlooking the moon shining on the lagoon Bangaram Island resort is the only place where alcohol is allowed in the Lakshadweep Islands, and the beach bar is the centre of the evening activity. It serves beer and cocktails and will remain open until the guests have had enough!!.

Where do you want to travel in the world? For an idea of where to go on your next vacation, visit famouswonders.com. While you are on the site, also take a look at Sikkim information.