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Events and festivals of Scotland

Posted by Craig in May 12th 2008  

Scotland has it all, beautiful scenery, friendly people and a rich history. The festivals and events of Scotland is the embodiment of everything that is good about Scotland. Here are a few of the ones I recommend:

Wickerman (26 July)

This is a alternative music festival held over 3 days. You bring a tent and you camp out.

It tends to attract hippies, but if you can stand them, it makes for a relaxing musical getaway. The music is mostly mellow and of a high quality.

Where’s it at? East Kirkcarswell, near Dundrennan, Dumfries & Galloway.

Performance from Wickerman

Photo set from Wickerman

Stanza (March)

This is Scotland’s only poetry festival.

Now, you would have to nail me to a chair, to get me to sit through a poetry reading. But I am told they have a range of performances where music, film, dance and poetry are worked in together. Which doesn’t sound that bad.

Bergen Shetland Sailing Race (22 June)

This is a sailing race from Korsfjorden, south of Bergen, Norway to Victoria Pier at Lerwick.

I recommend that you make a weekend of it and enjoy the colourful events, in the town.

where is it at? Victoria Pier at Lerwick Harbour, Shetland.

Scotland’s Countryside Festival (6-7 September)

The last time I went to this event, it was so much fun that I felt guilty afterwards.

Activities: Highland Dancing, Greyhound and Pigeon racing, Falconry, Clay Pigeon Shoot, Cookery Demonstrations, Quadbikes, Horse and Hounds, Beer Tent, Pipe Bands, Archery Competition, Pony Rides and Fishing Competition.

Remember the food is Scottish, so if you can’t identify it, don’t eat it.

The festival is a family friendly event.

Where’s it at? It is held in the Dundee Perth area. See homepage, in source list, below for directions.

Scotish Knight

Highland Games (May-September)

A number of Highland games are held throughout Scotland, in the months from May to September. If you are in Scotland, during this period, make time to visit one. The games include dancing, pipers, traditional sports ,such as the caber toss and drinking (not an official event).

You can get a list of venues on this pdf.

Speyfest (31 July - 3 August)

This is a festival of the best in traditional and contemporary Celtic music. During the day you can browse the Celtic crafts at the Speyfest Craft Fair.

Where’s it at? Fochabers in the North East of Scotland.

Crieff and Strathearn’s Drovers’ Tryst - walking festival (11-18 October)

For people who love long walks. The festival is held in Autumn when the landscape is at it’s most beautiful.

They have a series of theme walks such as the giant tree walk, by the River Almond or the moorland walk, where the mountain hares live. The festival accesses normally private gardens and grounds.

They also have a mountain biking trail, if you enjoy cycling, you can try that.

Where’s it at? Crieff, Perthshire Scotland.

Scotish Walk


Sources:

Wickerman home
Country Festival home
StAnza home
Speyfest home
Shetland race home
Crieff Walking festival

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under: Scotland
Tags: events, festival, Scotland

Subscribe Travel Magazine

Posted by Craig in May 10th 2008  

In this article I wanted to try and answer the question: Which is the greatest travel magazine, in the world?

It, however soon became clear that crowning one magazine above the others was impossible. It really depends on the reader. Do you like adventure, does beautiful architecture catch your eye, do endless beaches make you happy. I instead looked for the best travel magazine in each niche. I hope you will find one worth subscribing to.

National Geographic Traveler Magazine Cover

National Geographic Traveler

My granny use to subscribe to National Geographic, they still publish only the very best content.

If you are looking to subscribe to a general travel magazine, you won’t find anything better than this.

Adventure Travel Mag Cover

adventure travel

If you are the type that goes for the ‘extreme experience’, this is for you.

Filled with eye candy and in depth articles about a wide array of adventure holidays. ‘adventure travel’ will satisfy any adrenaline junky.

Budget Travel Mag Cover

Budget Travel

I don’t like to be taken and there are allot of businesses out there that overcharge holidaymakers.

‘Budget Travel’ will help get you the best bang for your buck, as well as take you off the beaten track.You can have a much nicer holiday if you stay away from those tourist traps.

Britain Mag Cover

in Britain

‘in Britain’ is a regional magazine about my favourite region, Britain.

It is the British Tourist Authority’s official magazine and a great resource for planning trips to the UK.

‘in Britain’ covers a wide array of subjects including sports, literature, music, history, dining and entertainment.

Cruise Mag Cover

Cruise Travel

Cruise Travel is written for the avid boat lover.

Every issue has features on the best cruise ships, ports-of-call, itineraries, cost of cruises reviews of new and classic vessels, tips on shore excursions and shopping.

If you know of a magazine, that deserves to be mentioned here, please leave a comment and I will consider it.

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under: Magazines
Tags: magazine, subscribe, travel

Cheap Gap Year Travel Insurance UK

Posted by Craig in May 5th 2008  

This article only concerns residents of the UK and Ireland.

So what are you facing?

You are taking a gap year, you need cover for the basics, medical and baggage. The insurance needs to be cheap , as you are traveling on a budget and you want to spend that budget on seeing the world. The problem is all the insurance agencies claim their product is the best.

Clearly you need to buy the insurance online, going to some travel agency will be insanely over priced.

Please note that the quote engines will frequently refer to long term travel insurance as ‘backpacker insurance’.

Below I have compiled a price comparison of some of the trusted names in travel insurance:

Europe Australia&NZ World Wide(exc. USA&Can) World Wide(inc. USA&Can)
Travelinsurance.co.uk £108.05 £148.97 £165.71 £190.50
Insure and Go £133.54 £184.12 £204.82 £235.45
Go Travel insurance £140.00 £175.00 £199.75
Essential travel £99.99 £169.99 £169.99
Ace Travel Insurance £123 £178 £162 £203

All of these quotes include £2 mil of Medical cover,baggage of no less than £1,000 and personal liability cover of no less than £1 mil.

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under: Travel Insurance
Tags: Cheap, gap, insurance, travel, uk, year

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