Seek Your Trip

Travel bucket lists and other ideas for adventures of a lifetime

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Cool Caledonia – 5 Super Scottish Attractions

Planning a European vacation but not sure which fascinating nation to choose?

If you’re looking for a small yet perfectly formed country packed with culture, history, beautiful landscapes and dynamic towns and cities, Scotland could be your dream destination.

The list of hotspots here is endless and it’s tough to prioritise which you should definitely pack in your itinerary  ?  to save you the trouble, we’ve collated a list of five super Scottish attractions that showcase just how cool Caledonia really is!

1. V&A Design Museum, Dundee

Dundee’s V&A design museum is full of interesting exhibitions and artefacts on historical and contemporary design In Dundee, Scotland and beyond, but it’s also worth visiting simply to gaze in wonder at the building itself. Designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma and inspired by the rugged cliffsides of North East Scotland, its distinctive angular silhouette on the banks of the River Tea blends beautifully with the silvery waters.

Tip: Kengo Kuma explains his V&A vision in this video from design gurus Dezeen.

2. Dunfermline Abbey, Dunfermline

Dunfermline, in Fife (near Edinburgh) was Scotland’s ancient capital. Several kings and queens are buried in or near the Abbey here, the most famous of whom is Robert the Bruce. Visit the Abbey to see the final resting place of this warrior King and don’t forget to stop at the thorn tree in the graveyard outside where, legend has it, the remains of the mother of William Wallace (of ‘Braveheart’ fame) are also buried.

Tip: if you love the beautiful game, take in a Dunfermline Athletic FC football match!

3. Bannockburn Visitor Centre, Stirling

At the battle of Bannockburn in 1314, the aforementioned Robert the Bruce lead severely outnumbered Scottish forces to a famous victory against an English army and solidified Scotland’s status as an independent land. Visit the site of the battle today and you can see a beautiful memorial statue on the field as well as a stirring exhibition which recreates the gruesome action of Bannockburn in virtual reality.

Tip: rent a vehicle from car hire experts Enjoy and explore Bannockburn, Stirling and beyond.

4. People’s Palace, Glasgow

Glasgow’s greatest assets are its gregarious locals, and this might well be Scotland’s friendly city. At the People’s Palace museum on Glasgow Green you can learn all about the amazing social history of this bustling metropolis through a unique collection of prints, films, photographs and artefacts.

Tip: pause for a refreshing craft beer and tasty pub grub at West on the Green.

5. Edinburgh Castle

Perched imperiously on a volcanic plug that dominates the skyline of Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh Castle resembles something straight from the pages of a fantasy book. Take a castle tour and you can learn all about its weird and wonderful history, enjoy amazing views and, if your timing is right, you might even see and hear the one o’clock gun being fired!

Tip: take an Old Town walking tour to learn all about the castle and its environs.

Have we missed your favourite Edinburgh hotspot? Share your thoughts in the comments section!

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Tips on What to do During Your Time in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the coolest European cities to visit and it makes for the perfect long break for people within Europe, and a great stopping off point for those who are visiting. Amsterdam is a perfect hub airport with flights coming in and out from all over the world. To get the best prices on your flights to Amsterdam be sure to check out this site where you can find the lowest rates and the hottest deals.

Amsterdam is famed for being the home of tulips, open-mindedness and rich artistic history and there is so much for tourists to explore in this European capital. If you are visiting Europe then I would urge you to make Amsterdam one of your stopping off points, and I would equally recommend that for people in Europe, that they consider Amsterdam as a city for a long weekend. When you get to the ‘Dam, here are some of the awesome experiences which you can have.

Wander The Red Light District

Prostitution has been legal in Amsterdam for many years and its famed Red Light District is where sex workers ply their trade under heavily regulated circumstances. This area of Amsterdam isn’t just about prostitution however and there is a lot to enjoy from museums to trendy bars, not to mention of course the cafes where people can indulge in another legal substance in the city.

Heineken Museum

Amsterdam is where the globally famous beer Heineken is made and you can take a tour of the factory and gain a fascinating insight into both the history of the beer and the company, and how the product is made. Expect to spend around 2 hours in this museum, and you can also expect a nice cold glass of Heineken at the end of the journey.

Anne Frank’s House

Anne Frank and her diaries document a young girl who was in fear of her life, hiding from the Nazis during the holocaust. During her time on the run she made a home in Amsterdam and it was then turned into a museum. The house is a hidden apartment which features artifacts from both Frank’s time in the city, as well as a deeper look at the persecution of the jews during that time.

Take a Bike Out

Amsterdam is famed for the number of bicycles here and it is a city which has aimed to shun car travel in favor of the bicycle and a tram network. Because of this it is a city which is super bike-friendly and there are hundreds of routes which you can take around the city. If you fancy getting out of the city then you’ll also find some routes which will take you to nearby towns and the outer regions of Amsterdam. The city is very flat so you can expect an easy ride when you rent a bike for the day.

Take a Canal Cruise

The canal belt in Amsterdam is not easy to miss and just about everywhere you go in the city you’ll pass a bridge or a lock which gives way to the vein-like canals which cut through the city. For the perfect day out why not take a canal cruise which will give you a  guided tour of this amazing city? You can choose evening tours which include a candle-lit meal, alternatively you can head out during the day and watch the city as it goes about its day.

Hit The Van Gogh Museum

This museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world and it attracts art lovers from every corner of the planet. Here you’ll find collections of the painter’s work from every period which he went through, and even if you are not a big fan of art there will be something here to amaze and impress you. You could spend anywhere from 3 hours to 8 hours in this vast museum and it is really worthwhile, if nothing more than to lay your eyes on a piece of work by one of the greatest artists of all time.

You will absolutely love Amsterdam and this list above is a very small portion of the huge list of things which you can enjoy during your time in the Dutch capital.

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Places to Visit While in Spain

Madrid is a city where style and culture collide. The city is renowned globally for its vibrant art scenery and a zest for life. The art scene provides the student visitors with a real flavour of traditional and modern Spanish life. It also helps them get engrossed with the local Spanish language.

Places to Visit While in Spain

A trip to Spain would never be deemed complete without making a visit to Madrid, the Spanish capital. The school trips to Spain often sees the students visiting the magnificent historic palaces spread out all over the city. In addition to the amazing architecture around the city, there are also numerous other excursions on offer.

Whether you are visiting the newest theme park in Madrid or exploring the Las Ventas bullring or its Old Town, this is one city that promises to help keep the learners stimulated.

Some of the places to visit include:

Old Town

The Old Town comprises of various packed streets comprising of a blend of Bourbon Palaces, tight streets, the Plaza Mayor, and Medieval Squares. The Plaza Mayor initially started as a fifteenth-century market before it was transformed into the city’s leading venue for carnivals and bullfights.

The statue located at its centre is that of Phillip III running a horse. It was built in 1616. If you want to soak up the unique atmosphere in the city, the Plaza Mayor is the place to visit. It also happens to feature very spectacular architecture.

Segovia

Segovia was declared a ‘Heritage of Mankind’ by UNESCO in 1985. It is the place to visit when you want to take the students away from the hustle and bustle associated with the city of Madrid.

It is not only a peaceful and safe place, but it also happens to have one of the biggest concentration of Romanesque churches all over Europe. You can also take some time off your touring schedule to visit the oldest functional Mint in the world.

The Mint officially opened its doors in 1583. The Alcazar Castle is located on the North Western part of the city.

Toledo

This can be said to be the oldest multi-cultural city across Europe. Arabs started arriving in the city in the 8th century. They found Christians and Jews already in place. Their arrival led to the city being referred to as ‘the city of 3 cultures’.

Mosques, churches, and synagogues exist side-by-side, with each showing off its varying architectural and unique artistic styles. In addition to roaming the streets, and enjoying the local atmosphere, you can also head over to the El Greco House. The house belongs to the most famous artist in the city.

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Want to Get Away? Here are Three Great Options Close to Seattle

It’s normal to get stuck in a daily routine every once in a while. Sometimes you’re so busy that time just passes you by while others seem to roll along so slowly you think they may not end. And with the amount of rain we receive in Seattle, you’re going to go a little stir crazy and start craving an adventure every once in a while, even just a short jaunt.

While a cruise through the Caribbean or sipping a Mai Tai in Maui would be a lovely escape, did you know that there are many little weekender trips right here in Washington that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime?

Here are three favorite escapes from Seattle if you find yourself looking for a quick vacation this winter:

Leavenworth

For “Bavarian authenticity and Northwest hospitality” you’ll find no better spot in Washington than Leavenworth. A town that now looks like one you might flip through in a storybook, Leavenworth has transformed itself into a bustling small town that sees more than a million tourists each year, and for good reason.

You may already know that it’s a go-to Pacific Northwest spot to celebrate Oktoberfest in the fall, but it really is quite the gem year-round. In the winter, we recommend you partake in the Christmas Lighting Festival that’s held each Friday through Sunday from November 30-December 16. You can expect musical performances, sledding in Front Street Park, a traditional Gluwien tent, and even visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Then, return January 19-20 for Bavarian IceFest 2019 when you can see snow sculptures, live ice carvings, ice fishing, and much more.

Yes, as you see, Leavenworth can provide a relaxing holiday getaway as you stroll through town admiring the many sites, but it’s also an active community. Take your adventure one step further and try ice climbing or dog sledding, backcountry skiing or snowshoeing when you visit this wintery wonderland.

Visiting with kids in tow? Then don’t forget to stop by the one-of-a-kind Leavenworth Reindeer Farm where, by appointment only, your family can take a tour to remember. But don’t be shy because this is a hands-on opportunity to get up close, feeding the reindeer and petting their soft fur. Tours also include visits with pigs, chickens, horses, and you may even see geese.

The Lookout at Lake Chelan

The glacial Lake Chelan is a narrow 50.5 miles long and at the southeastern tip you will find a favorite stop off at The Lookout at Lake Chelan. This picturesque getaway is great all year, featuring a private marina and beach in the summer and campfires and snowman making and sledding in the winter. It’s also the best place to stay if you want to be in walking distance to town, where almost all the action takes place.

While it’s a fabulous destination just a few quick hours from Seattle, an ideal time to visit is during Winterfest, the best wintertime celebration in the state for nearly 30 years! Taking place this year from January 18-27, the local beverage lover won’t want to miss the wine walk, the foodie will want to make sure to attend SoupFest (January 18), and the whole family will enjoy the carriage rides, ice slide, and walking down magical Snowflake Lane.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it for the Winterfest fun though as there is always something going on around The Lookout at Lake Chelan. And with 300 days of sunshine, it’s the perfect escape from rainy Seattle. Slip on some snowshoes for a sunny, snowy stroll, strap on your skis and head off for a cross-country adventure, or take a ride between vineyards, which are open year-round to visitors.

Then, come back for a visit in spring when the wildflowers bloom, the birds begin chirping, and mountain biking season commences as there’s always a new adventure to be had when you stop by The Lookout at Lake Chelan.

Winthrop

With a population of just 439, you might be wondering why anyone would recommend visiting a place so desolate. In fact, you might be thinking places that small only existed in the past. Well, get ready to jump into a fun time machine because we’re taking you to the wild west. And, once the snow starts falling this western town turns into a winter adventurers dream location!

Are you into cross-country skiing? Then you must experience the Methow Valley. It’s great for beginners and experts alike with more than 200 kilometers of interconnected trails that are some of the best in all North America.

Is skating more your thing? Then stop by the outdoor Winthrop sports and ice rink for a day or evening session.

Do you miss mountain biking season? You must try a fat biking – literally, mountain biking in the snow along groomed trails!

While winter sports are fun, you should also make it a point to stop into the oldest legal saloon in Washington state. And, if you want to visit during a popular annual event, then the Snowshoe Softball Tournament held on February 16-17 is the one to watch. Or, sign up to participate as up to eight out-of-town teams are allowed in on this three-decade-old tradition.

Winthrop is a must-see if you live in Seattle and you want a quick getaway, but like the above, winter isn’t the only wonderful time for a visit as each season brings its own unique reason to come.

Sometimes you just need to step away from it all; put down the cell phone, remove yourself from the seemingly endless Seattle rain and go find an experience in your own backyard.

You don’t have to go far to feel like you’re in another world entirely and you’ll return home refreshed before work on Monday morning.

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About Seek Your Trip

Here at Seek Your Trip, we post twice-weekly articles that will get your travel juices flowing. The idea is to inspire you to get out there and explore far-flung places and unusual cultures.