Holidays refer to fun filled days spent either alone or in the company of friends or relatives. It is all the more fun if holidays are spent with family members who contribute wholly towards overall excitement, fun, happiness and contentment in all activities.
There are many holiday destinations on the planet, each attracting tourists form all over the world. The choice of destination varies from person to person depending on an individual’s taste, liking and expectations out of activities which one wants to undertake during holidays.
I was looking for a unique place for a family holiday- something out of the world, something not obtainable in India and which could give us tremendous knowledge and a great insight into aspects like cultures, history, religious travel, night life, outdoor activities, hiking, tours and kids enjoyment to mention a few, besides fun and excitement.
I surfed many sites but remained unsatisfied by the holiday destinations offered by them. I knew who my savior was. As always, i relied on Yatra.com- my Knight, to tide over my problem.
The Destination
A few destinations, that matched our requirements were shortlisted after weighing in the options provided by Yatra.com. But, the one that topped my list was Scotland. A country which offered plenty of fun, excitement, adventure, learning, and thrills for all age groups.
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland is one city which can be termed as a paradise as far as holidaying is concerned. It draws out millions of visitors (old and young) each year because of it’s lovely attractions and offers enjoyment par excellence, worth the money. Here, kids can remain entertained effortlessly for many days
The attractions of this lovely country were figured out of Yatra.com and will be covered later on as part of the activities.
Our Family
Our family comprises of nine members (Mother in law- 85 years- jovial, healthy and courageous, Self- 61 years- tough, adventurous and a sports lover, Son- 28 years- computer wizard, techie and loves driving, Daughter in law- 26 years- Merchandiser, singer and a great cook, Daughter- 32 years- fashion Designer, perfectionist and a talented conversationalist, Son in Law- 37 years- IT professional, fun loving and believes in creativity, Three children- one girl and two boys aged 7, 12 and 3 yrs respectively- all very cute, adorable and enthusiastic about everything they hear or see around them.
The Plan
We intend staying in Edinburgh and moving out to other cities/towns as per our itinerary. Later, on our return journey, we intend spending seven days in London
We have our family friends, a Scottish couple with two children aged 15 and 10 years in Edinburgh who have been very kind to accompany us during our holiday trip. they would be our useful guides and companions in all our enjoyments.
Dates and Timings
We shall fly out of Delhi by British Airways on 10 Oct 2013 and reach Edinburgh the same day after changing flight at Heathrow Airport. One month long holiday tour shall progress as per the following schedule:-
Departure By British Airways for Edinburgh- 10 Oct to 25 Oct 2013.
Sight Seeing Edinburgh- 11 Oct to 25 Oct 2013
Visit Adjoining Towns/Villages- 26 Oct to 01 Nov 2013.
Sight Seeing London- 02 Nov to 08 Nov 2013.
Rest- 09 Nov 2013.
Departure By British Airways for New Delhi- 10 Nov 2013
Our Preparation
A foreign holiday trip of this magnitude requires immense preparations. How can we miss out on the following aspects:-
Chalking out detailed itinerary with night halts and confirmed bookings of accommodation and requisite transport and liaison officers. Stay at Edinburgh at our friend’s palatial house.
Read sufficient reference/guide books relating to places to be visited, culture, history, local attractions.
Additional budget will be catered for unforeseen expenditures.
Prepare ourselves to accept realities because, unreasonable expectations can dampen the spirits and create unwanted stress.
Train our minds to embrace each moment whether good or bad and enjoy with an open heart.
Contact some friends who has already been to Scotland and obtain a good briefing from them.
Cameras, woolens, clothing and accessories.
A Memorable Trip- How Do We Do It?
Since, this would be the most planned and memorable trip of our lives, we would take all actions to retain this trip in our memories for lifelong. I would want my children to narrate the entire trip to my grand children so that they grow up well and work hard to undertake such a venture once again.
Depending on an individual’s preferences, the following places will be visited/ activities will be undertaken in Edinburgh, surrounding towns and London, in a group or individually or in smaller groups:-
Visit Entertainment Shows- specially for children.
Eat out in different Restaurants each day
Stroll on Beaches, Bask in the sun and swim in sea
Watch Operas
Ice Skating
Witness Kids Carnival
Visit Museums, Parks
Bike Rides
Boat Rides and Fishing
Hiking
Play Golf
Indoor Games
Bird Watching
Rock Climbing
Seafari Trip
Experience Nightlife
Picnics
Trekking.
Adventure Activities
See London Bridge.
Meeting Villagers.
Shopping.
Wine Distillery experience
Our Hit List
As a fall out of our planning, Edinburgh will be No 1 on our hit list. It holds plenty of entertainment and amusement for the entire family. Yatra.com provided us with all information about tourist attractions for elders, kids and middle aged in Edinburgh.
Edinburugh
Castles- Edinburgh castle is located on a volcanic rock at the top of the Royal Mile. Craigmillar castle and Lauriston castle are also worth seeing.
Bus Tour- Various Edinburgh Bus Tours depart from Waverley Bridge located at the foot of Scott Monument. This will help learn more about some of the city’s most interesting features. We can jump on and off the bus all day, making it the perfect way to get around the sights. Alternatively, we could buy an all-day ticket from Lothian buses if we want to make full use of the city’s extensive bus network.
Museums- Edinburgh and the Lothians are blessed with all the fascinating museums you would expect. T-Rex at the National Museum of Scotland, Concorde at the National Museum of Flight and Steiff Bears at the world’s only dedicated Museum of Childhood will surely attract our family.
Theaters- Edinburgh offers a fantastic variety of productions staged in amazing theaters. One can settle down in a comfy chair and enjoy work by big companies such as Scottish Opera and the National Theater of Scotland or see leading amateur performances. This opportunity is never available in India. My mother in law would love to watch many performances.
Galleries- Edinburgh has a collection of fantastic art galleries which feature fine and modern art, portraits and contemporary work. It would be amazing for the elders in our family to see pieces by Raphael, Monet, Picasso and other great artists from the early Renaissance to the modern day.
Entertainment- Edinburgh and the Lothians offers great entertainment with comedy and films shown across the region at great clubs and cinemas. From local comedians to big names, blockbusters to world films, we will be able to go somewhere every night. Children will love this new recipe of entertainment.
Parks And Gardens- Royal Botanic Garden and the Meadows will provide us with great calm and serene surroundings. My grand children will love to play in the lawns and make new friends.
Beaches- The East lothian coastline is full of beaches. We will walk along the beaches while watching waves and wildlife. Also, we shall organize picnics and stretch out for sunbathing. Beach basketball and scooter rides will keep children occupied. Belhaven is an award winning beach covered with low sand dunes, rich salt marsh and colorful grasslands. Other beaches like Yellowcraigs and Portobello will also be explored. Salt water-tinged air and light houses will be real scenic beauty.
Edinburgh Military Tattoo- Military musical spectacular filled with talented performers, pipes, drums, and visual lights and fireworks will surely impress us all. My grandson loves military uniform. He will be thrilled for sure.
The Scotch Whisky Experience- We shall take a barrel ride and actually become part of the whisky making process. It would be a wonderful experience to taste regional whiskies. As i write, my taste buds are already urging me to raid the distillery.
The Scott Monument- A 200-foot spire dedicated to Sir Walter Scott, the famous Scottish poet will be another added attraction for us to see.
Murrayfield Ice Rink- It would be a real family-friendly entertainment that won’t break our budget at all. We shall try ice skating at this rink and experience some scary moments.
Torphin Hill Golf Club- It is said that the course here is very testing. I am an avid golfer and would love to try my skills on this treacherous and difficult course. Hope my children and grandchildren watch me tee off.
Gambado- Gambado offers children the chance to play, learn, explore and party in some of the most exciting indoor play venues in the world. the children will love to play in the healthy, fun and safe environment while learning many development skills.
Dalkeith Adventure Park- It is the best woodland adventure park. Huge slides and aerial walk ways will offer plenty of excitement. Our family will have a great day out here.
Seafari trip- We would travel in sea to Inchmickery and Inchcolm to enjoy closeup view of seals basking in sun and many sea birds as well.
Biggar Puppet Theater- Children will love this show.
Carlton Hill- Walking up this hill will be full of excitement. We will be able to get a good view of Edinburgh. By looking southwards we will be able to spot Holyrood Palace. A perfect view of Arthur’s Seat and Salisbury Crags will not be missed. We could also sit on the Portugese Cannon and climb the Athenian acropolis. Some rest here would be welcome.
Attractions In Scottland
After having seen most of Edinburgh, we would head for attractions around the city. Once again, We had to rely on trusted and tested Yatra.com to help us narrow down our choice of famous places to be seen.
Loch Lomond- It is the largest expanse of inland fresh water in Britain. It makes an ideal base for holidays because it is superbly situated for the City of Glasgow and explores the beautiful rustic countryside. A perfect location for people of all ages and i am sure this will be very refreshing for all of us.
The City of Glasgow- The city boasts of world famous art collections, the best shopping in the UK outside London and the most vibrant and exciting nightlife in the country. My family members are already excited about shopping in Glasgow- the shopping list is endless. My son and daughter love dancing. This could be a perfect night for a freaking out.
City Of Iverness- With a full program of events like the Highland Show, Highland Dancing, Pipe Bands, and the Inverness Highland Games, we are bound to enjoy what we will see. It is said that the nightlife scene is absolutely buzzing. Hmm, let us wait and watch.
The Scottish highlands- We have read and heard a lot about these highlands. Some very famous sights which are not to be missed in the Highlands are- Glencoe, The Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Ben Nevis. Lots of fabulous outdoor activities like golf, hiking and fishing will be real attractions for our family members. My son is crazy for angling. My god, he will love to try out his hand at angling after a long time.
Dumfries and Galloway- This part of the country is steeped in history and legend, with lots of interest for students of history and folklore. I have been a keen history student since school days and am looking forward to being there. Plenty of attractions, with beautiful countryside await us all.
Isle Of Skype- Well written about in both music and poetry, Skye could possibly be our ideal place to see. I have already read about this place. Probably the best of Scotland trips for hiking, with fantastic scenery, and something for everyone. I will fall in love with it.
Break Break Break
With Scottland leg over, our focus will shift to London, from where we will finally depart for India. Our stay here would be from 02 Nov to 08 Nov. No one in the world, once in London, wishes to miss out on the following amazing sight seeing places:-
London National History Museum- This will be a great hit with the kids. They will be fascinated by Dinosaurs Gallery housing life size models and skeletons. A moving Tyrannosaurus will surprise all.
London Bridge- Opening and closing of the bridge when steamers/ ships pass under it, will leave a lasting impression on our minds.
HMS Belfast- It is a former Royal navy warship which has a military museum site. Kids will learn a lot about navy.
Picnic in Parks- Besides numerous other sprawling parks, Hyde and Kensington parks stand out for their soothing surroundings. A family get together here would be a real treat for us all.
Buckingham Palace- The Official residence of Queen Elizabeth will give us an hair raising experience of the much talked about and famous royal family. The guard changing is an event which we would never like to miss.
Thames River Tour- A cruise down the river will provide us with a distant view of most of London. The residence of William Shakespeare and many famous buildings will be seen.
Guy Fawkes- Every 5th Nov, the Gun powder plot of 1605 is commemorated during Guy Fawkes Night. The holiday is often celebrated with fireworks held in the evenings as well as bonfires all over the city. Wouldn’t this remind us of our Deepawali celebrations? We would love to take part in the festivities as a grand finale of our fabulous trip
Our Gains
This family trip is bound to leave a lasting impression on our minds.. We would be gainers on following accounts:-
Enhancement of Children’s knowledge about village life, Seafari, indoor games, ice skating, fishing.
Learning about cultures and traditions of Scottish and British people.
Fathom progress, development and achievements of UK.
Opportunity to meet friends and relatives in United kingdom.
Provide opportunity to make new friends.
Learn about sea creatures and beaches.
Differentiate between countryside in India and abroad.
Draw out comparisons in living standards of our society and that of UK.
My family would have got a first hand experience of how to enjoy life.
The children will get motivated to do well in life and undertake the same trip after their marriage.
Conclusion
A very popular saying “A Thing Of Beauty Is A Joy Forever” holds good for beautiful Scotland and London. I have no doubts that all of us will be mesmerized by what we shall witness during this family holiday trip.
We seldom get an opportunity to move out holidaying with the family. This outing will bring in more cohesiveness in the family and bind us all in a better manner for future times.
Related posts:
Beautiful Leh- A Perfect Road Trip
Michael Jackson Says London Concerts To Be ‘Final Curtain Call’
Andy Murray- New Wimbledon Men’s Champion- Creates History