Aug   19
2009

Known as the Gateway to the Highlands, Stirling is Scotland youngest city, yet also steeped in some of the country most colourful and glorious history. Situated on the River Forth, 40 minutes from Glasgow and 50 minutes from Edinburgh, the city enjoys breathtaking views of the Highlands, Loch Katrine, the inspiration for William Blake, The Lady of the Lake, Campsie Fells, and the Highlands large loch, Loch Lomond. Stirling offers a wide range of places of historical interest, activities, quality hotel reservation and great shopping and dining, which attracts over one million visitors a year.

Places of interest:

Stirling is home to the magnificent Stirling Castle, where ruling Scottish monarchs resided for over three centuries. King Kenneth McAlpine battled and conquered the tribe of the Picts in 843 to form the Kingdom of Scotland within sight of the Castle, and over one thousand years later, William Wallace triumphed over King Edward army at Stirling Bridge in order to gain freedom from the tyrannous English for the Kingdom. The battlefield of Bannockburn, where Robert the Bruce defeated the English in 1314 to be crowned King of Scotland is nearby, and the creative, optimistic, and possibly occasionally foolhardy, nature of the Scottish people is captured in John Damian attempt to fly from the battlements of Stirling Castle, with wings made from hen feathers!

Open year round, the National Wallace Monument stands 220 feet above Abbey Craig, as testament to and in honour of the life and achievements of one of Scotland greatest heros, William Wallace. The monument offers a living history introduction to Wallace’s life, bloody and glorious campaign for Scottish freedom, betrayal, trial, and gory death.

Things to do:

There are loads of things to do while in Stirling. From fantastic shopping centres to fun amusement parks, Sterling provides entertainment for everyone.

The Thistle Centre is one of Scotland’s premier shopping centres, home to a plethora of high street names, including Marks & Spencer, Monsoon, Next and the Virgin Mega store.
There are a number of popular bike rentals, mapped cycle routes and guide led cycle tours for all ages and abilities, taking in the historic town and beautiful surrounding areas.
The Safari and Adventure Park in Blair Drummond, near Stirling, is great for kids, entertainment and home to elephants, rhinos, giraffes, tigers, bears, camels to name a few species of wild fauna, and with an Adventure Park, Pets Farm and performing sea lions indicates on offer for all round amusement.
For some fantastical and supernatural entertainment, the Doon Hill Fairy Walk is a must for a guide led walk exploring local legends of Fae folk, or for the brave, the Ghostwalk with Jock Rankine’s Spirit Guide meets at the Stirling Town Hall.

Food & Drink:

Dining in Stirling is an unforgettable experience. No matter what pleases the palate, Stirling’s fine dining sites can satiate anyone’s appetite.

With traditional, home cooked food on offer, local mother and daughter run Victoria Coffee Shop is a great bet for lunch on the go and casual family dining.
Recommended by EatScotland.com, The Birds and the Bees offers a lively atmosphere, national and international dining in an authentic farm steading conversion.

For a refined dining experience, the four star Jekyll Restaurant at the Queen Hotel is recommended for traditional dishes for beach hotels luxury Hermann Brasserie is recommended as a staple of Stirling’s dining experience. Featuring a unique fusion of Scottish and Austrian cuisine, it is also famed for its warm and hospitable atmosphere.
Reservations are recommended to experience the sophistication and world class cuisine of The Heritage in the sophisticated Park Lodge Hotel.

Stirling Hotels & Accommodation:

There is a wide range of last minute cheap hotels and Accommodation available to suit all requirements and budgets in Stirling, from traditional, family run bed and breakfasts to dependable national chains to lavish high end hotels.

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Trackback  •  Posted in travel tips  


Aug   12
2009

Whether planning a trip to Europe or a cruise to the Caribbean, there are few things you should understand before booking your vacation. Global travel and vacations are somewhat different than the average three-hour drive from your home. If you don’t plan in advance, you might discover yourself stuck in an undesirable hotel with no money left for fun! Here’s a quick guide to manufacture your vacation planning experience easier and more enjoyable.

Choose a Travel Destination

Don’t settle for the norm! Choose a global travel destination that will make a lasting impression. Consider the following before making your decision.

1. What leisure activities do you enjoy while on vacation? Golf, amusement parks, nightlife, fun on the beach, skiing, hiking, biking, or some other activity?

2. Climate of the destination. Will it be cold, hot, or mild for the time of year you will travel?

3. Do you want seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the city or do you want to stay where the action is?

4. What is your travel budget and available vacation time frame?

These four things should be carefully considered before booking a trip. Choose a destination that features the activities you and your family will enjoy. If it’s a beautiful beach resort you want, try an Asian beach in Indonesia, Thailand, or Singapore. If it is art and culture you enjoy, try a destination in Europe such as Rome, Venice or France. If you’re an avid shopper while on vacation, choose Hong Kong, where open-air markets, shops, boutiques and malls are at every turn!

Research Your Destination

Once you select a destination, narrow it down to a city and airport hotel accommodation or resort within that city. Use online resources to research the area and realize the best deals. But, be sure a “good deal” doesn’t mean sacrificing service or quality of the discount hotel luxury. With global travel and vacations, you should research in detail so you’ll realize what you’re getting beforehand.

If you want huge savings on luxury resorts, consider joining a travel group that offers membership discounts for booking. This will save you both time and money. They will research and book your vacation for you. Some travel groups will even allow you to sell memberships or travel packages to others as a “work at home” business. You can save money and produce money at the same time, all while traveling to the places you love!

Plan for Legalities

Give yourself plenty of time to get your passport and other important documents you may require while traveling internationally. Different countries require different things, so check with the country’s government offices to found out what is crave ed. If you don’t accept where to begin, ask a travel agent for help in this area, or use the Internet for research. Be sure to ask about car rentals or car hire, driver’s license compatibility, airport luggage regulations, and travel insurance.

Plan Activities before You Travel

Once you realize your destination, use the Internet to discover activities you’d like to do while there. This will save you time when you arrive and will give you a ordinally idea of what’s available in the area. Find out where the best spot at the ocean shore is for swimming or sunbathing. Get directions to local golf courses. Find holiday coupons online for amusement parks, museums, aquariums, and other sites.

Planning ahead has many advantages for luxury hotel reservations or cruises, and you can enjoy your vacation without worry when you arrive at your destination. Start planning for your global travel and vacations today!

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