Highlands of Scotland- A Holiday Hideout!
There’s a lots of things to see and do across the Highlands. Winter is here and there are a range of activities you can enjoy. Experience the numerous events taking place across the Highlands over the coming months; celebrating all that is unique and special across the region. You can expect a warm welcome as everyone enjoys the best of Highland’s rich heritage and culture including spectacular street theatre, music, storytelling, and of course the world famous ceilidhs.
When you think of Scottish Highlands, you ought to think of its scenery. Because that’s what first strikes you. Nobody could remain unmoved by the landscape – it’s that kind of a place. But another way of viewing the Highlands is as a backdrop to exactly the sort of holiday you want – from passive pampering to active exertion, or a bit of everything. Continue reading
Volcanic ash grounds plane services across Europe
A massive ash cloud from an eruption of Icelandic volcano Mount Eyjafjallajoekull has resulted in the grounding of all non-emergency flights into UK airspace. The volcano which erupted for the second time in a month has been hurling a plume of ash 6 to 11 km (4 to 7 miles) into the atmosphere. Going by the wind direction, it is expected to continue bringing clouds of ash containing rock, glass and sand particles into UK and European airspace for some more time. The ash could jam aircraft engines and the problem might extend over the weekend.
“I would think Europe was probably experiencing its greatest disruption to air travel since 9/11,” said a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Authority, Britain’s aviation regulator.
The unexpected halting of airline services has set the air traffic off track with hundreds of holiday makers stranded. About 17,000 flights were cancelled on Friday due to the dangers posed by clouds of volcanic ash from Iceland. Of the normal traffic of 28,000 daily flights that usually fly through European airspace, only a half will remain operational till the situation gets under control.
Britain’s air space remains closed although certain flights from the airports of Northern Ireland and Scotland were being allowed to take off. No flights operated from London’s Heathrow,the busiest airport in the whole of Europe, which caters to over 180,000 passengers daily. The second busiest airport of Germany’s Frankfurt airport, also suspended flights. Airlines across Asia and the Middle East have also canceled or delayed flights to most European destinations, thereby crippling the air traffic to a great extent. Though volcanic eruptions do not come under the purview of the insurance coverage some airlines have confirmed that they would be refunding fares or change flights.
The airline operational snags have largely benefited the rail companies where all its 58 Eurostar trains between Britain and Europe were operating in full capacity and if the problems persist, additional services would be introduced. Many travel operators roped in additional staff who were put on duty to handle phone calls of the anxious passengers and introduced coaches with more seating capacity to cater to holiday makers and the wedding parties.
Norfolk- a popular ‘staycation’ spot
Norfolk is emerging as a popular staycation choice for the pleasure seekers all over Scotland. Beating the recession, Norfolk registered a bright holiday season last year and the trend continues to be on even in this season as well. Bringing cheer to holiday home owners and restaurateurs,Norfolk Coast, is gearing up for another “staycation” summer amidst grim reports of plummeting pound, carbon foot prints and the BA strike impasse.
A perfect summer season well complimented by the upbeat mood and an array of outdoor activities including camping, caravaning and boating holidays is sure to bring in more tourists this year to boost the tourist economy. Norfolk has some of the best coastlines and sandy beaches in addition to widely acclaimed nature reserves and resorts topped off with rich culture and heritage and an impressive line up of leisure activities to cater to every tastes.
Norfolk is an interesting city which is easy to explore on foot. There are excellent shopping options, food and drink, beautiful villages , markets and exquisite medieval churches. Norfolk has accommodation options to suit every budget. From holiday cottages, B&Bs and guest houses, holiday parks, campsites and boutique and country house hotels to star hotels and resorts there is something for everyone here!
As the Easter weekend is fast drawing near, the tourism industry in Norfolk is optimistic of a busy year ahead. The Tourism summit, initiated by the Norfolk Norfolk Business Forum, with West Norfolk Council and North Norfolk District Council, attended by over 60 exhibitors showcased the tourist packages and attractions that Norfolk has to offer.With the general election looming it is particularly important for Norfolk to convey the message that it is open and ready for business.With the interest in the ‘staycation’ holiday theme becoming popular by the day, Norfolk is all set to be a hot spot in the domestic tourism map and the advance bookings suggest that many British tourists are once again planning holidays to Norfolk!
Scotland’s first floating ‘boatel’ in Edinburgh
For Camillia McLachlan who is 51, it is a long accomplished dream come true. In fact she made a great effort and went through nightmares to establish the first thing of it’s kind in Scotland, a floating ‘boatel’ named, 4 Sisters.
This boatel has solid oak floors, a well-stocked bar and flat screen TVs in every room, just like any other hotel at Lochrin Basin in Edinburgh. Despite its homely comforts, this floating hotel has had a £20,000 fit-out and now boasts a sparkling black and chrome kitchen, central heating and shower room.
The hotel is named after Camilla McLachalan’s grown-up daughters, who have painted a design of lilies on the roof. It can be hired by the hour for afternoon or evening parties, or by the night for holidaymakers, and has two double rooms, two bunks and a sofa bed. No meals are provided, but Ms McLachlan will be always there to lend you a helping hand.
McLachlan had planned at first to run 4 Sisters as a hire boat, but discovering the difficulties to steer it, later decided to keep it moored. However, the things didn’t work out well at first even after the boat was moored. After loads of hardships ’4 Sisters is now ready to open its doors to visitors in Lochrin Basin. She is also planning to open a second boat in Glasgow and then eventually to have a whole fleet of boatels.