My Future vacation to Scotland: January 2012

Thursday, 19 January 2012

Airline Information- Where It All Begins

I have finally done it! I have finally booked my first Vacation to Scotland. I was looking on Expedia and saw a great deal and so i did it. I bought the plane ticket. Here is how my traveling looks like.

My trip begins in Toronto where I will be taking off at 6:50 pm on July 1^st, 2012 and will be heading to Edinburgh, Scotland. I think I got a good deal on my flight, which was $1681 in Canadian dollars. My airline carrier is Air France and my flight number is 351. I will also have one flight change, which will be in Paris. I am supposed to arrive here at 8:10 am and will have a few hours to spend in Paris, which is amazing considering I also hope to one day travel here and to maybe get a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower and get some shopping in! I will then have to get on one more flight to get to Scotland, which is at 10:05 am. Then I will finally of reached my destination in Scotland. This is where my adventure begins.

Currency- Changing Dollars Into Pounds

In Scotland, they use money called pound sterling. This is similar to a British pound, but is becoming less popular in Scotland and the British Pound is becoming more popular. I could also use a Euro at some places, but to be safe, I will have British Pound and the Pound Sterling. Right now if I were to take out a $100 in Canadian, I would only get £63.94 in the British pound. Or if I used the Pound Sterling, $1.00 Canadian dollar is equal to 1.56 Pound Sterling. Another example is let’s say a bottle of water. In Canadian dollars, it is usually around $2.00, so in a British Pound, you would pay around £1.28. The British Pound is made of 100 pence. Pence is just like our penny, so 100 pennies. In the older days they use to have many names for their money. For example they used to have six pence, one shilling, half a crown and one guinea. They now use the 5 pound note, the 10 pound note, the 20 pound note and the 50 pound note. This is what i will be using while i am in Scotland.

Visa Requirements-What Do I Need To Get Into Scotland?

Sometimes when you visit a new place like Egypt, you need a special visa and there are some requirements that need to be met to get this visa. However, since I am visiting Scotland and not a place like Egypt, a special visa is not needed to get into the country. This makes my life a whole lot easier and I am not forced to pay a huge amount before I even leave the country.

Travel Warnings? Yay! Safe To Go To Scotland!

One of the most important things I learned in my grade 11 Travel and Tourism class is that before you travel anywhere you should check the following 2 government websites to see if there are any travel warnings for the country you’re visiting. So, I checked and was happy and relieved to find no travel warnings for Scotland. The other most important thing I learned in that class was that you should always know where the closest Canadian Embassy is, in the country that you’re visiting. This is in case, heaven forbid something happens and you need to contact Canada right away. The closest one in Scotland is in Edinburgh, which is great, because that is where I will be staying. If I ever needed to contact the Canadian Embassy however, I could phone 44 0 7702 359 916 or the toll-free number 00-800-2326-6831. These are the 2 websites i was just referring to above. travel.gc.ca and international.gc.ca.

Health and Safety-Preparing To Keep Me Safe

Before I go to Scotland, I need to make sure that I have all of my medications that I need for the length of my trip and a signed letter from my doctor saying what my condition is and what the medications are that I need. So I am anemic, so I need to make sure that I have enough iron pills for my stay. I do not wear glasses, but the website recommends that if I did, that I bring a spare, in case I lose my first pair. There are no needles that are recommended before I go, which is very good, because I HATE needles. They do however suggest that I have protection against diphtheria, tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella, polio and Hepatitis B. This is good, because I already have these needles!

Arrival Accommodations- Where Am I going To Be On My First Night?

Once I finally arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland, I will be exhausted and so I need to know where I will be staying for at least my first night. I need to keep in mind that I am still a budget traveller and so I can’t afford to stay at The Hilton hotel. So, I did some research, searched around and ended up finding a great place in Edinburgh for only £25.00, which is only $39.00 Canadian. It is a cute little place called Cherrytree Villa guest house. It is on 9 East Mayfield, Edinburgh. This is a cute, little hotel room that provides breakfast, a TV and even a hairdryer and of course a bed. Everything I need for my first night-stay. However, that is not all that is needed for my first night. I also need to figure out how to get to the hotel. So, I did more research and found a local cab company called city cabs. Once I arrive at the Scotland airport, I can phone 0 131 228 1211 to contact City Cabs and get them to take me to the Cherrytree Villa hotel. Or I could even phone that number ahead of time and book the taxi ahead of time, so they will be waiting as soon as I get out if the airport.

Culture Shock! How Am I Going To Feel In Scotland?

Honeymoon Phase

The first phase of culture shock is the Honeymoon phase. During this phase I am expecting to feel very excited and in love with Scotland. I will enjoy everything that Scotland has to offer and I will not want to ever go home. I will find the difference in culture so amazing and enlightening. I will love their Scottish accents and some of their famous dishes to die for like the Apple Butterscotch Pie and Carrot and Orange Soup. I will love seeing all the beautiful castles and architecture and I can’t forget the breathtaking mountains and green fields. I will crave to hear the sounds of the Scottish music and I will absolutely love to hear every story of history that the locals share.

Negotiation Phase

The second phase of culture shock is the Negotiation phase. I think this phase will start around my second week of being in Scotland. I anticipate that I will now begin to get annoyed with the new things in my life that at first I thought was amazing. I will begin to long for the food that I am used to, like my wonderful pizza and fries or even amazing waffles and tons of maple syrup. All the amazing foods that I would be eating back at home. All the Scottish accents will begin to get on my nerves and become annoying and I will be longing to hear another Canadian accent. The scenery of castles and rolling, green hills will just become irritating and will start to crave my normal scenery, like open fields and forests of Canada. Life will just become too slow and like I have seen it all before and like I am living the same day over and over. The sound of bagpipes and kilts will become too much and will want to hear my Jonas Brothers or even Bruno Mars again. To prevent me from feeling this shocked when I visit Scotland, I have been researching the types of food that is very popular here and have begun learning a bit of Scottish, so I know a little bit of the language and so I am not overwhelmed with difference in languages. I am also going to buy a Scotland guide that I will read on the plane, so I can familiarize myself with some of the customs, like making sure that I do not call someone who is Scottish, English. They will get very offended. Or even some of the different religions that are popular in Scotland like, Christianity.

Climate- What To Wear?!

One of the most important things that you do before you go away is packing. Well, for me it is. In order for me to pack the important things, I will need to know how the weather will be. Will it be hot, sunny, rainy? I need to know these answers so I can figure out what I need, what clothes I should bring and what activities and attractions I will be able to visit. I ended up finding out that during the month of July, the lowest average temperature is 11 degrees Celsius and the highest average temperature is 18 degrees Celsius. This is actually pretty good, because I hate places that are too hot or too cold. The bad part about going in July is that it is the rainiest season, getting around 83mm of rain. I now know that an umbrella is an important thing to pack. Scotland is one of the wettest places in Europe, which must be why they have such green grass!

Motivators- Why I Want To Go Right Now!

· I have always wanted to one day visit Scotland for many reasons and so there are many motivators for me to want to go here. Here are some of the major motivators for me and i'm sure for a lot of other people as well!

The scenery is defiantly one of the major reasons why I am dying to get to Scotland. The highlands, the mountains, the lochs and the beautiful big, blue skies.

· The architecture is another big factor. I have always loved old castles and beautiful, old statues. There are so many castles like Edinburgh castle, Celtic crosses, old elegant churches and of course the magnificent steeples and Gothic buildings.

· The new, delicious food is even a motivator. Here, you get away from the everyday greasy hamburger and fries and exchange it with new foods like cauliflower and cheese soup or oat shortbreads. Yuuuum :)

· Language may even be a motivator. I love accents, especially Scottish ones. Being able to hear how the Scottish people talk and I also love to learn new languages. Most Scottish people speak English, but others sometimes speak Gaelic. It would be very cool to speak this language.

· I absolutely love learning about history and Scotland is filled with history, with all the landmarks and the old castles. Each one tells a story that I cannot wait to hear. There is even the story of the “loch ness monster”. I can’t wait to hear how that all started.

· For others, not so much me, but for a lot of other people, trying the Scottish whiskey would be a big motivator.

Barriers- Unfortunately, Everywhere Has Their Flaws

· One of the barriers is also a motivator for me. The language. Even though most of the Scottish people do speak English, the way they speak it is different and could be confusing.

· The weather may be a negative factor as well. Like I said before, Scotland is a very wet place and I will be there during their rainiest season. Most people want to get away from the rain and so those people may not want to come here, because of the rain.

· Right now to visit Scotland, it is a little expensive. This is because how low the British Pound is right now. So, if you want you have to pay £100, you will actually be paying $156.29. This can be a problem and expensive if you have to pay for a big family or if you are like me, a student. We can’t afford to spend too much money.

· Food is not just a motivator, but also a barrier. The food in Scotland is a bit different and does not appeal to some people. A big dish in Scotland is Haggis. This is sheep intestine. Not something everyone would like to eat.

· The red light district is not only big in Amsterdam, but also in Glasgow, Scotland. This may make some people feel uncomfortable and so it may make some people not want to go to Scotland at all, but it doesn't mean you have to come here.

Attractions- I Will Never Be Bored In Scotland!

· Beaches-Biophysical

In Scotland, there are so many beautiful beaches to see and visit. Many people are not aware of these amazing beaches and that is a shame, because they are beautiful sight to see. The beaches consist of breath taking white sands with a beautiful view. There are so many activities, like surfing, wind surfing and even kite surfing. Some of the beaches even have volcanoes, making it an exotic place to go. You can even go sailing and see Scotland in a new way.

· Edinburgh Zoo-Cultural

The Edinburgh zoo is filled with tons of amazing animals, like the Giant Pandas. This is the biggest wildlife attraction in Scotland. Here, you can meet over 1000 animals in just one day!! Some of the most amazing attractions in the Scotland Zoo are the Penguin Parades, Budongo Trail, where you see the Chimpanzies, hilltop Safari and even the Edinburgh Zoo Gardens.

· Edinburgh castle-Cultural

This is a beautiful castle and one of the biggest attractions in Scotland. Here is a great way to learn all about the history of Scotland and take some amazing pictures. The castle sits on top of an non-active volcano and is a symbol of old and new Scotland. It is also said to be the Defender of the Nation.

· Dawyck Gardens-Biophysical

This is a breathtaking attraction that shows beautiful flowers for the different seasons. Azalea Terrace is the most popular thing to see while visiting the garden. This provides the visitor with an amazing colourful display. The Swiss Bridge, Dynamo Pond and the Italian stone work, is just a few of the features that draw in the tourists. Another thing is the Beach walk, which turns from a green to a very deep brown. At the end of the tour, you get to see the Dawyck house.

· The palace of Holyroodhouse-Cultural

This the official Scotland house of her Majesty, the Queen. Along with Edinburgh castle, this palace also shows much of Scotland’s history. It is best known as the home of the “queen of scots”, Mary. Everyone also knows about the story that goes along with the castle, about the queens secretary being murdered by her second ex-husband.

· Titan crane –Cultural

This is a 46 m high crane that was built in 1907. It was first used to lift very heavy machinery, but was later turned into an attraction. It is now 150 m high and weighs 800 tons. It is a new way to see Scotland, Glasgow and Edinburgh. It provides you with a bird’s eye-view.

· Isle of sky-Biophysical

Isle of Sky is just to the west of main land of Scotland. This magnificent piece of land is known for its natural beauty, history and wildlife. The island is filled with birds like the Golden Eagle and mammals like the red deer. The island is also known for its Otters, so if you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of this crazy mammal.

· The highlands-Biophysical

Here you can see the true beauty of Scotland, filled with empty beaches, wildlife and plants that are very rare. There is much adventure here and so much history. Its rich green hills and amazing mountains will keep you coming back.

Access- How Will I Get Around?

Well now that I have purchased my flight to Scotland, there is so much I want to see and do. However, it is impossible to walk everywhere. So, I need to figure out what the best ways are to get around.

·        The first way is by car. Car is a great way to get around, because it provides you with so much flexibility and allows you to go wherever you wish to go. This also would cut back on transportation costs, but is not an option for me, since I am a budget traveler.

·   Bus or coach. This is also a great way to get around, because then the tour guides or even just the bus driver will be able to provide you with local stories and can tell you where the best stops are in Scotland.

·        Tour Companys. You can sometimes get good deals with a tour company for some of the big attractions, like Edinburgh Castle. The guides are usually local or at least know a lot about the country and they could also provide you with tips of where to go and maybe even places where not to go.

·        Train. By traveling by train, it is a great way to see the Scottish Highlands and Scotland in general. Here you can relax and enjoy Scotland without even leaving your seat.

·        Ferry. Sometimes if you want to travel to a different part of Scotland, there is water in the way and so you need to take a ferry. The view from the boat is also amazing and you may even see a few water animals.

·        Cycling or walking. If I ever wanted to just have a relaxing day, I could go for a nice walk or bike ride through the highlands and get the fresh air and witness first hand, just how amazing Scotland is.

·        Cabs. I will be taking a cab from the airport to my hotel. However, I will be using this the one time, because it is a little expensive. This will be my last resort for my transportation.

Accommodations - Where can i relax and recharge for the next day?

While in Scotland, I will be staying at a local guesthouse hotel. It is only £25.00 per night, which is $38.96 Canadian. It is in Edinburgh, which is good, because that is where most the attractions I want to see are. If I ever needed to stay somewhere else, there are many bed and breakfasts and a few other cheap places to stay, like other hostils. The place where I am staying has everything I need for a very cheap price. Like a bed, breakfast and a bathroom. It is a win-win situation. It is hard to find cheap places in scotland, which can be a problem for a budget traveler. So, when I found the Cherrytree Villa guest house for only £25.00, I was very happy.

Activities- Tons of things to do!

There is so much to see and do! Of course the attractions are always fun, but i love doing things, i cannot just sit inside all day. Here are some things to keep me busy for a while.

· Rock climbing on isle of sky. On this beautiful island, one of the most popular activities to do is climbing the big rock formations.

· Searching for ghosts at the different castles is a very popular activity. Scotland is a historic place, so there is no wonder why ghost hunting is a big activity.

· Walking taking in the scenery. Scotland is known for its natural beauty with the highlands and the old castles. So just walking around can in my opinion, be the best activity to do here.

· Biking. This is not just a great way to get around, but is also a great way to see Scotland. It’s a great way to relive stress and is a great family or alone activity.

· Golfing. Due to the beautiful green grass and rolling hills, it is no surprise that many people come here to golf. You can do what you love and take in the scenery and fresh air all at the same time.

· Photography. I love scrapbooking and so traveling to places like Scotland with lots of opportunities for pictures, is what I live for. From the castles to the lakes to the highlands. Picture taking is defiantly another major activity for me.

Another activity that is big in Scotland is drinking. Lots of people come to visit the pubs and try the Scottish Whiskey. This is not may favorite activity, but for others it most defiantly is.

Amenities-Things i cannot live without!

When I visit different countries or even just go to a new place, there are a few amenities that I need to have. One thing that I most defiantly need to have is a clean bed. In Scotland, this shouldn't be a problem, because I have looked at many bed and breakfasts and even cheap hotels and so far they have all had a bed and a pillow. This is another thing that I cannot sleep without. I have tried to sleep without one, and it does not go well. I need a good night sleep so I can have all the energy I need to explore all of Scotland. Another amenity is that I need a bathroom with a shower and a toilet in my room, or at least somewhere in the building where I am staying. I like having a shower every night before I go to bed and so a bathroom is needed. I also need to have electricity and power outlets in the bedroom as well. I would be able to bring my own hairdryer and straightener, but in order for me to use it, I need the power outlets to do so. One more thing that I would like to have is a washing machine. I am going to be in Scotland for a few weeks, so I need to be able to wear my clothes more than once. This can be a problem, because I am clumsy and messy. I need a washing machine to be able to clean my clothes, so I am able to save room in my suitcase for souvenirs and so it's not filled with clothes from home.

Daily Budget! Let's see how far my wallet can stretch!

Since I am a budget traveller, I need to budget the use of my money. I love to shop, so I need to budget so I am able to do so. Scotland is a bit of an expensive place to go, so my daily budget may seem like a lot, but sadly it’s not a lot of British Pounds. I also want to plan to spend more and if I don’t spend it all, I can spend that money on something else. It’s better to have more than less. Here is my daily budget for the time I am in Scotland.

Like I said before, I love shopping, so I need to put the majority of my money towards my shopping. So, every day I plan on spending around $150.00 Canadian. This is £95.90 in British Pounds.

Eating is obviously an important thing to budget for, but it’s not like I am going to be eating big 5 course meals and there is always the option of street meat, so my daily budget for food is $50.00 Canadian, which is £32.07 in British Pounds.

Accommodations are another important thing to budget for. I have managed to find a place for £25.00 in British Pounds. This is £38.96 in British Pounds.

Entertainment/Attractions. There is so much to see and do in Scotland, but the good thing is, is that some things are free. This will help with the budget. I will be in Scotland for over 2 weeks, so I have a lot of time to see everything. Therefore, my daily budget for my entertainment and attractions is $50.00 in Canadian, which is £32.07 in British Pounds.

Transportation. I want to try to walk or at least bike to as many places as i can, but i know that is not very realistic, so my daily budget for getting around from place to place, is $20.00 Canadian, so £12.83. Keeping in mind, that i am going to space out the number of places that i go to per day.