uk

Inspiration: Outdoors in Edinburgh, Scotland

by kelly on 05/14/2009

Today's guest post provides inspiration on how to spend an afternoon outdoors in Edinburgh, the homebase of travel writer and photographer, Andy Hayes.

Image: Andy Hayes.

”The most beautiful of all the capitals of Europe.”
--Sir John Betjeman, First and Last Loves, 1952

Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh has for centuries been a prized gem, fought over by warring nations and awed by writers and artists. The city’s charms continue to be the muse of many and provide inspiration to millions of tourists every year. Edinburgh’s compact size makes it a great city to walk; here are three suggestions for walks where you might find your own muse and inspiration.

Inspiration: A Hike in the Hills

by kelly on 12/02/2008

Do you have a travel photo you want to show off? Join our Flickr Group and we'll post our favorites here.

Image: tricky.

A beautiful day, a good hike, and great views....sounds pretty wonderful doesn't it? This photo was shot in the hills of the Lake District in England. After hikes like this, you'll need to refuel and the Lakes offer no shortage of dining opportunities.

Navigate London With TubeJP

by austin on 11/30/2008

Image: fabbio.

London. It's one of the most wonderful cities in the world, filled to the brim with things to do, see, eat and buy. It also has a world-class transit system, with many options to get you wherever you want to go. However, this incredible flexibility can also pose problems for travelers. How do you figure out what line should you take? What's the DLR? What direction do you need to go? Luckily, travelers, green and seasoned alike, can use a tool called TubeJP (Journey Planner) to get a handle on trekking around London.

Cheap Sleeps: London

by kelly on 11/11/2008

Image: Kazze.

In big cities, hotel rooms come at a price - both in space and price. London's hotel rooms are notoriously small, so why waste your money on a hole in the wall? We've dug up some ideas for alternative accommodations.

Cheap Moves: London

by kelly on 11/03/2008

Image: Dimitry B.

While everything in London is notoriously expensive, getting from place to place can eat up a particularly large chunk of your budget. After all, London is a large city, with lots to do, and a week's worth of cab rides, tube trips, and jaunts on the bus will leave you with little more than pocket change by the end. Check out our tips below that will help you keep your transportation budget in check.

Cheap Eats: London

by austin on 10/27/2008

Image: Daveybot.

Fish and chips, bangers and mash...that's what most travelers think of when they're heading to the UK. But, when you're in London, those "inexpensive" pub meals can quickly add up, not to mention test your affinity for greasy food. Here are some ideas for the best ways to eat cheaply in London.

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Art Outside the Box: Sir John Soane's Museum

by kelly on 08/27/2008

Museums aren't the only place where you can check out the masterpieces. Here's our series guide to seeing the arts...for free.

Image: OZinOH.

One of my favorite ways to view art is in a house museum, a collection of art that is in the home of it's original owner instead of a museum. The home itself can often be a treat with original furnishings and period decor. More importantly, you get the privilege of seeing art on a real scale, as it was meant to be displayed. Instead of seeing art in a sterile white box, you get a unique and highly personal display of a collector's treasures. The next time you're heading to a new city, don't overlook a house museum.

This week's freebie...the Sir John Soane's Museum in London.

London's Oyster Card

by austin on 06/06/2008

Image: Mirka23.

An Oyster Card? No this is not the secret ticket to an all-you-can-eat buffet, but your ticket onto London's immense transit system. In reality, it is one of the most useful pieces of plastic in London...after your credit card.