Scotland

Air travel is on the increase and an increasing number of us wish to fly with our pets. For years families have taken their family pet on camping vacations and road trips while leaving them at home when traveling internationally or when flying. As air travel becomes cheaper the thought of taking our pet with us seems an attractive option.

The first thing you need to be aware of is that there are laws about pet air travel, for example the “Safe Air Travel for Animals Act” of 2000. For smaller pets it may be most suitable to carry your pet with you but, in these days of extra security, many airlines stipulate that all animals are transported in the cargo hold. Furthermore having your pet on your lap while flying is a very great responsibility as you must keep it under control at all times, imagine if your pet becomes distressed and begins to run riot, how are you to gain control? It is far more sensible to ensure your pets comfort in cargo.

It is always best that you travel on the same flight as your pet and, if you are lucky, your airline will allow you to watch as your pet is transfered to and from the aircraft. Before you book your flight you should contact your chosen airline and request some information about their rules and regulations for flying with pets. All airlines will have procedures in place for the transport of animals and many will offer a choice of carriers. The type and size of the carrier will depend upon the type, size and weight of the animal to be transported. For shorter flights a smaller container will suffice but if you are taking a long flight you must ensure that there is sufficient room in the container for the animal to be able to move around a little or, at the very least, be able to turn around.

Your pets carrier should be clearly marked, any air travel has a risk of luggage going missing and the last thing anyone wants is a poor little creature to end up abandoned in a strange place. By labeling the pets container clearly with name, owner and both the destination address and home address (and details of a person to be contacted) together with contact numbers and even email, you can be sure that your pet will get to where you are going, (or be sent home if necessary). Remember also that direct/non-stop/continuous flights carry least risk of loss as most mistakes occur during transfers. If possible fit a close fitting collar to your pet with identification details, making sure that any tags can not get caught anywhere.

Well before you travel take your pet to be examined by a veterinarian. While there let the vet know that you plan to travel by air and also let him know the destination. Your vet will be able to advise you of any precautions you should take but also of any restrictions that may apply. If you are traveling internationally it is highly likely that you will need to take extra precautions such as injections/inoculations.

If you are traveling to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland it may be necessary for your pet to be placed into quarantine before being admitted into the UK. The UK government runs a Pet Travel Scheme with information available on the defra website at www.defra.gov.uk This site also includes further tips on traveling with pets. Another site well worth a visit is the site of the Humane Society at www.hsus.org which has a comprehensive page all about pet air travel with some tips not covered here.

By taking the care to plan your pet’s air travel you can relax and enjoy your flight rather than worry unnecessarily. Arriving in a good frame of mind to greet your pet calmly will help him/her recover quickly. Enjoy your trip.

Phil Hamilton writes extensively for travel and accommodation sites about the U. K. (United Kingdom) where he has lived for the past 35 years. Although Phil spends most of his time staying in England hotels he also travels extensively in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland but also the Channel Islands and sometimes to locations in France (mainly to Paris).

In the never ending search for interesting vacation destination tourists continue to open up new areas to tourism. However there are plenty of highly fascinating areas of the world that have always had a small degree of tourism which more and more people are now discovering to their delight. Also there are a number of vacation destination which were in decline but are now experiencing renewed interest. One of the most interesting places in the world which are seeing a marked increase in tourism are the Western Isles of Scotland.

In the very early days of tourism people went to great lengths to travel to destinations which had very different reasons for their appeal. However, in general, it could be said that these early destinations became popular for such reasons as their outstanding beauty, educational reasons, being a great place for social networking or for just being a great place to enjoy yourself. Such reasons made sense during the times of the Grand Tour of Europe.

As the working classes began to take time off to visit places they usually did so in large numbers to somewhere very local (when their factory or workplace would close for the duration of the vacation). This led to an increase in the number of vacation destinations within easy access of industrial areas. During the 1950s and 60s a number of holiday camps opened in more picturesque places aimed at the domestic market but many people began to look at more exotic destinations. Those people with more money were able to afford to travel to many more places and destinations such as St Kilda in the Western Isles of Scotland became interesting places to visit for small numbers of folk.

With the advent of cheap air travel the number of vacation destinations which could be classed as “affordable” increased dramatically while those domestic holiday camps were unable to compete and fell into decline. In the United Kingdom of Great Britain this led to an incredible number of families visiting Europe where they would spend most of their time on the beaches. As some UK tourist areas fell into decline other areas became more accessible to foreign visitors and Scotland began to see an increase in the number of visitors from America, Canada and Europe (with islands such as the Western Isles steadily increasing in popularity).

Today the tourism industry is extremely diverse but, maybe due to the increased knowledge of the dangers of over exposure to the sun, there seems to be a decreased interest in typical beach vacations and an almost corresponding increase in the number of people visiting inland destinations or other destinations which offer something unique. People are visiting the UK city of Liverpool in more numbers than ever before. Although this is, in part, due to the city being the European Capital of Culture this year it is also true that the steady increase means that it is now an important part of the local economy of that city.

The Western Isles of Scotland (mentioned above) are a small group of islands just off the Scottish west coast. Although there are over two hundred Isles only thirteen are still inhabited. These islands are amongst the most unique in Europe with unique landscapes, flora and fauna and it is for their uniqueness that many visitors choose to tour the islands.

The group of islands are also known as the Outer Hebrides and this, sometimes, causes some confusion for visitors, it is even confusing for the islands’ inhabitants. The islands (such as the Isle of Harris, Isle of Lewis, North & South Uist, Barra and Benbecula) have, as their main language, Gaelic (pronounced “Galick”) which, although it has the same roots as other forms of Gaelic, is very different to the Irish Gaelic (pronounced “Gaylick”). The culture of the Outer Hebrides is a mix of Celtic and Norse with a major aspect being Gaelic and the region is regarded as the Gaelic heartland.

The Outer Hebrides have a long and fascinating history which goes back to prehistoric times. All over the islands can be seen evidence of their long gone inhabitants with the most spectacular, and most widely known, sites are the Standing Stones of Calanais. Once know as the Callanish Standing Stones they are now known in the Gaelic as are all place names. Happily the sign posts are in the Gaelic first but feature an English translation below.

Another reason why the Western Isles are becoming increasingly popular as a vacation destination is the incredible increase in interest in genealogy (tracing your family roots and ancestors). Life has always been hard in the Hebrides and for generations many young men and young families emigrated, to America, Canada and other places, in search of a better life of opportunity. During a period known as the clearances massive numbers of Scots were forcefully removed from their land and sent abroad and this means that a great many people return to the islands in search of their roots.

Most probably the main reason why so many people visit the islands of the Hebrides these days is the simple fact that they are far more accessible than they ever were before. Although the Hebrides Isles are still considered difficult to get to the fact that you can now fly to a few places there is vastly different than only a few decades ago when it could take a few days.

More and more folk are looking to spend a vacation in more unusual surroundings than the many popular beach resorts that they usually visit annually. There are a great many reasons for this change ranging from the increased awareness of the risks of skin cancer developing if we expose ourselves to too much sun, to the massive increase in popularity of genealogy and the need to visit the birthplace of our ancestors. The later is one of the reasons why more and more people are choosing to take a vacation in the Hebrides of Scotland visiting islands such as the Isle of Harris and the Isle of Lewis.

The Hebrides are a group of several hundred islands found off the west coast of Scotland, of which only a handful are still inhabited. Possibly the most famous island is the Isle of Skye which is in the group known as the Inner Hebrides. Many would argue that, since the building of a bridge linking it to the mainland, the Isle of Skye should no longer be classed as an island. However in the hearts of the majority it will always remain one of the most romantic islands within the United Kingdom of Great Britain due to it’s strong association with the escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie with the aid of Flora MacDonald in the eighteenth century.

Separated from the islands of the Inner Hebrides, by a stretch of treacherous water known as the Minch, are the group of islands known as the Outer Hebrides and on which this article is focused. The islands of the Outer Hebrides are in excess of 200 but only a very few are populated. From the Isle of Barra in the south, through South Uist, Benbecula, North Uist, South Harris, North Harris and the Isle of Lewis, the lands, flora and fauna of the Outer Hebrides varies greatly and, to a degree, so does the culture [the southern islands being Catholic and the Isle of Harris and Lewis (and parts of North Uist) being Protestant].

For the majority of their history the islands have always been a rather difficult area in which to live and the way of life has always been hard but, during certain periods, life became almost impossible. Sometimes it was the effects of nature (such as periods of famine) and at other times through the action of man (such as during the period known as the “Clearances”) but for whatever reason masses of Hebridean folk (including whole families) found themselves relocated in various parts of the Globe. Most commonly the folk of the Hebrides settled in areas such as Canada where they could have their own land on which to farm and sustain their family. This has led to incredible numbers of folk, from all over the globe, having their family roots in these very remote islands.

Of course it is not only those tracing their family roots that visit the Hebrides Isles, no, there is a multitude of other reasons why this remote area is becoming increasingly popular as a tourist destination. Most popular is the incredible scenery. The islands are truly unique and they often get a hold of people in a most unusual way making them want to return time and time again. Yes turning a corner to be faced by the most breathtaking beaches washed by crystal clear waters can be almost shocking and indeed it catches many drivers by surprise, causing many to reduce speed drastically or even brake, much to the annoyance of the locals often behind them but some of the scenery has a more subtle appeal that grows on you the longer you stay.

One of the most beautiful scenes to witness in the Hebrides is one of the glorious sunsets on the machair. Machair is a type of ground unique to the west of Scotland and Ireland which is extremely fertile and often covered in a rich and varied carpet of beautiful wild flowers. Unfortunately such areas are rare, with most machair found in the Outer Hebrides it is not surprising that many travel just to witness and study it.

If you have an interest in archaeology then the Hebrides have a multitude of important sites such as the standing stones at Calanais on the Isle of Lewis and the nearby broch. In fact there are numerous stone circles and single standing stones here there and everywhere on the islands as well as iron age wheelhouses, beaker settlements, burial cairns and many, many more such sites of interest.

However the islands are not only appealing to those who would enjoy the aspects mentioned above. Over the last decade there has been a massive increase in the numbers of people visiting the islands to enjoy sports. Cycling has always proved extremely popular but sports such as surfing, running, canoeing and many more are becoming so popular that the islands now host a number of important sporting events that are attended by sports men and women from all over the World.

The above article only touches upon some of the reasons why the Hebrides of Scotland are becoming a popular vacation destination. There are a great many more reasons why you should visit soon. Information is extremely easy to find online and there are a multitude of superb travel publications about the islands and Scotland. So, when you are planning your next vacation consider the Hebrides as a possible destination and I am sure you will not be disappointed.

One of the most popular islands in the Hebrides is the Isle of Lewis and we have superb Lewis bed and breakfast listed which includes hotels in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis as well as other types of accommodation for the various islands in the Inner and Outer Hebrides.

2008 has been a wonderful year for some accommodation providers in the Western Isles and for others it has been the worst. For some time now Enjoy Hebrides has been researching this in great detail and our initial findings were alarming. We discovered that those businesses which spent time and money promoting their businesses online and offline were reaping great benefits whereas those who were still relying upon the Tourist Board, Visit Hebrides and Visit Scotland, were suffering. With this in mind we decided to research the search engines in more detail as the Internet is, by general consensus, becoming increasingly important to all business especially tourism.

Today we completed our initial research on the search engine Google and we were astonished to discover that we are being seriously let down by those who get paid large amounts of OUR money to promote the islands. I would go so far as to say this matter should be brought to the attention of our MP, MSP, Council and everybody concerned with tourism in the Western Isles of Scotland. With this in mind it is up to all those who get this email to forward it to everybody they know who may be interested or who may be able to apply pressure to those bodies failing us to get to work FAST. We can only sort this by working together.

Here are the cold, cold, very cold, FACTS:

1. The Internet continues to grow at a ridiculous rate.

2. More people rely upon the Internet for information.

3. The amount of Internet sales increases every year

4. Tourism, hotel and accommodation bookings are one of the areas which has seen a dramatic increase in sales.

HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS:

5. 50% fewer searches are made in relation to our islands than were made in 2004.
So what does this actually mean?

Well it is clear that the number of Internet searches made on Google had halved in the last 4 years and this can only be as a result of “lack of awareness”. It is especially alarming when we have seen renewed interest in the islands through exposure on TV (Grand Designs, Castaway Revisted etc.). However there has been a distinctive lack of action on the parts of the Tourist Board, Visit Hebrides & Visit Scotland.

Yes they have tried, yes they have produced some very expensive video which reminds me of their superb “nude surfers” gaff. Unfortunately all of their marketing has failed so badly that they are actually going backwards! Yes a MASSIVE 50% reduction within ONLY 4 years.

Enjoy Hebrides has been aware of the failings of those who get paid large amounts of YOUR cash to promote these islands and that is why we set up. We were alarmed by the ease at which we are dominating the search engines but this should not be so. If the official bodies were doing their jobs properly there should have been an INCREASE in searches at a similar rate to elsewhere. We should not have found it easy to dominate the search engines because they should have done it YEARS AGO.

Please pass this information around to as many people as possible as soon as possible.

The only way the tourism industry in the Western Isles can move forward is if we DO IT OURSELVES and get rid of the idiots destroying one of our most important industries.

Many thanks

Enjoy Hebrides
(Proudly unofficial promoters of the Hebrides)

Jersey City, New Jersey is a wonderful tourist attraction for those passing through or looking to stay. With almost a quarter million people running the streets on a daily basis, there is a lot to interact with and do in this hustling and bustling city.

Transportation is something travelers need to keep in mind when going to places they aren’t familiar with. Whether or not they get a rental car, bring their own, or even if they decide to take an RV- they’ll need wheels to get around. But if travelers are fine with public transportation, Jersey City won’t disappoint with its many bus routes, train routes, and airports.

The “sights” in Jersey City are plentiful. One of the biggest attractions is Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Both items are largely associated with New York, but they are indeed jointly shared between the two lands. The Statue of Liberty is just a short distance away from Jersey City, whereas it stands two miles away from the New York shores.

Tourists should hurry and get their cameras ready for the Colgate Clock, which is expected to only survive a short amount of time longer. The Colgate clock is deemed as the world’s largest clock, yet has been occupying a lot that could be used for better things. It is expected that the Colgate Clock is going to be moved, although it is unsure as to whether or not it will be traveling a long distance. Regardless, tourists should keep this limited attraction in mind.

Jersey City is especially friendly to females, who just love to shop. There are a total of ten different shopping districts to visit in Jersey City- each with their own style and different shops and goods. Jersey City commonly brags that their sales tax is only 3.5%, compared to the 8% or more that other states and locations abide by. As such, Jersey City is considered a hot shopping location for tourists.

There are also a few parks that will enable tourists to relax and take in the sights. Liberty State park, Leonard Gordon park, and Hudson River Waterfront Walkway each have their own distinct styles in relaxation and entertainment. Those who are familiar with the Statue of Liberty probably already know about Liberty State Park- which is situated near the landmark in question. All three are considered to be a must-see for any tourists in the area who might be passing through.

Closing Comments

It’s hard to go wrong with Jersey City- one of the most beautiful cities in the state of New Jersey. Get the most benefit of your visit by talking to a travel agent or looking for more information online to see what would best interest one’s own tastes.

While it may sound almost impossible to try to get an airline ticket for less than a hundred bucks, there are tips you can use that will make you wonder in amazement how easy it is to create a substantial amount of savings when getting a ticket for your next flight.

Low cost airfares can be found online but some can be purchase through your travel agency as well. If any changes in your plans should occur, they do provide some very flexible and friendly policies for those as well. It is time to learn from the experts and discover how you too can find a cheap airline ticket for less than a hundred bucks legally, effectively and efficiently!

This would be the number one priority. If you wish, you may opt into their mailing list and receive weekly notification regarding the available discounts via emails. The direct access to the airline company will enable you to convert your trip to air miles instantly and probably get a cheap airline ticket in the process.

But do not overlook some enticing offers from third parties as well. There are certain offers from travel companies that provide accommodation and transportation at a very low price that you should take into consideration.

We will share some very well-kept secret of the savviest of shoppers and how they get their hands on the best deals around for flight tickets. To be able to gain substantial savings for the flight ticket, this is the number one rule – plan early!

It will be difficult to get a discount if you are booking at the last minute. Even if you are stuck in a last minute deal, do not despair, there are companies that offer great deals even for last minute bookings so brace yourself up and start looking!

Proper timing is important to get the best deals around. Friday is a good time to check the airlines website as it is the day any kind of feature sales offers will be posted. Saturday morning would be great to check them as well. By being flexible, you will find that your options are many.

Certainly, there are some serious decisions to be made. It really helps to start looking around than to passively wait for whatever life hands you, even when it is only a cheap airline ticket.

Motorhomes – A word of financial caution. Desribe it? There is nothing quite as perfect for vacationing as motorhomes.They can quickly be considered one of the best additions to your collection of assets. Your reasons for wanting one and your financial situation should be examined carefully before making a large deal.Motorhomes are not a small purchase and shouldn’t be taken lightly.There is no limit to where you can go with motorhomes.

What would happen if you were out on the road in your RV and had an RV emergency situation? It is important to let someone know where you are going and where you will be for each day of your trip. This should be someone that you trust with information about things like your insurance, your medical concerns, etc. Cell phones have made it easy for people on the road to stay in contact.

Will one RV lender offer better interest rates than another RV lender? What is RV Emergency Card? Interest rates change frequently. If the prime rate goes up RV finance rates will go up too. RV lenders send updated rate sheets to RV dealers whenever their finance rates change. The RV emergency card should say something like “we are RV owners and our RV should be parked with in 50 miles of our current location. Here is our emergency contact information if you suspect that this vehicle has been unintentionally abandoned.

What are the RV Rental Requirements? Rental of an RV is a popular option for many people. The RV rental insurance requirements vary from State to State.In some cases, your own private automobile insurance policy can be extended to cover RV rentals.It is necessary to check with your agent to see exactly how much coverage can be added and what the cost would be to include the RV on your basic policy for the duration of the rental period.

Is diesel engine is much louder than a gas engine, is this true? If you asked me that several years ago the answer would have been yes, but newer diesel engines are actually very quiet.

Do I need to have insurance on the RV to get a loan? Can I finance an RV with below average credit? Yes, insurance is required when you close on the loan. The bank will not loan the money until they have proof of insurance. RV’s are basically considered a luxury item, so the criteria to finance an RV are more stringent than it is to finance an automobile. There are lenders that will finance below average credit but interest rates will be higher.

How to rent easy at motorhome? Experienced motor home travelers know how to make their RV as comfortable as staying at home. They have learned not only all of the driving, storage, and maintenance tips, they also know what to pack and how to sleep comfortably.The bed in a motor home is different than the one in your home-the mattress size and thickness, and also the construction of it.

How exciting becomes when driving a motorhome? Why motorhome hire is become heart of traveller? Motorhomes hire for your trip. And now you want to experience it yourselfMotorhome hire has gained immense popularity in short time span. Motorhomes define luxury in a brand new way. It is a home from home and it has got all the luxuries you have in home.The days of the caravanners are gone. Now more and more people are going for motorhome hire.

Are RV’s dangerous to own and operate? In most cases it’s not the RV that is dangerous, but the individual that is operating the RV that is dangerous.

How to find profit with motorhome? What are the advantages of motorhome? The motor home is definitely more money because you are paying for the driving mechanism and chassis. Trailers and motorhomes can be equipped with the same options. So the question seems to be do I want to travel in a truck pulling a large fifth wheel or ride in a motorhome pulling a tow car. Possessing a motorhome or fifth wheel is an achievement of a lifetime.It can be similar to sojourning with your residence as you search the various sites of our great land, America.Towable RVs are the travel trailers and the fifth wheel. The RV travel trailer or fifth wheel has the attraction of getting towed by a pickup or a car, thus giving the adaptability of possessing transportation for you when you are parked at your campsite.

Should new age travellers compromise on confort? The new age travellers do not want to compromise on comfort. And the plush motorhomes are just ideal for such travellers.Right from comfortable berths to well equipped bathrooms – you can have all that you need to turn your vehicle into your home.

How long is the Great British Heritage Pass valid for? Is the Great British Heritage Pass available to everyone? If I buy online, how will I get my Great British Heritage Pass? Choose the duration that suits you from a selection of 4-days, 7-days, 15-days or 30-days. You can choose whether you want your pass sent to your home before you travel or to pick the pass up once arriving in Britain. For details on the available options, visit our Shipping page. No – the Great British Heritage Pass is available exclusively to international visitors to Britain.