“The journey, not the destination matters…”

Having said that, here are a few random snapshots of castles in Europe for you to consider. We reckon they make the perfect travel antidote for that moment when you feel like giving up on normal life and becoming a Medieval princess or knight.

Old Castle – Celje, Slovenia

This 12th-century castle has always been one of the biggest and most magnificent forts in Slovenia, no matter how often its residents have changed. One of the attractions of the castle – Frederick’s Tower – reveals the intriguing legend behind an impossible love story: the romance between Frederick, son of Count Herman II, and a beautiful maiden named Veronika. Count Herman II did not approve of their love, so he threw Frederick in the tower and left him there for more than four years until he died.

Veliki Tabor – Northwest Croatia

The poor maiden from the story of the previous castle managed to run away from the angry count at first, but was eventually caught and imprisoned by his soldiers in Veliki Tabor Castle and later drowned in a large vat in the castle’s yard. Her body is believed to be built into the wall connecting the entrance of the castle and the pentagonal tower.

Centuries after these horrific events, the castle is now a museum displaying old vehicles, ethnographic items, swords and many more interesting exhibits. The building itself stands out as one of the most important historical examples of secular architecture in Croatia.

Brissac Castle – south of the city of Angers in France

The original castle here was built in the 11th century, and in the 15th century it was renovated by the Duke of Brissac. The twin towers, however, remained the same and can still be seen with their original facades. This castle is known as one of the most haunted places in the world – people claim to have seen and heard the ghost of the Lady in the Green Dress, a victim of a double murder that happened here in the 15th century.

Neuschwanstein Castle – near the town of Fussen, Bavaria, Germany

This famous castle was built by King Ludwig II, who is known as ‘The Fairytale King’. The spectacular surroundings of the castle – which sits atop a hill in the Alps of Bavaria – contribute to the fairytale ambiance it exudes. King Ludwig II is known to have admired and supported legendary composer Richard Wagner; the castle is actually built in his honor and the interior is inspired by some of his works.

Fun fact: Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to create The Magic Kingdom.

Birr Castle – Birr, County Offaly, Ireland

Birr Castle was built in the 12th century and now serves as the residence of the 7th Earl of Rosse, which is why the residential part of the castle is not open to tourists. However, you can visit the gardens, which are home to many beautiful rare plants, as well as waterfalls, rivers and lakes. As you explore the grounds you’ll find the ‘Great Telescope’, which was built in the 1840s by the Third Earl of Rosse and for 70 years remained the largest telescope in the world. It is nowadays arguably the largest historical scientific instrument still working.

Castle of Dona Chica – Braga, Portugal

The combination of architectural styles – Art Nouveau, Renaissance and Romanesque – as well as the creative mix of construction materials makes the appearance of this castle unique. The name Chica comes from the nickname of its original patroness, Francisca Peixoto Rego. Over the years the castle has changed hands many times, leading to plenty of discussion as to what should be done with it. However, none of these ideas have been turned into a reality, and the castle remains one of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in the world – a must-see for those into ruins and abandoned sites.

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Arguably one of the best all-around travel destinations for families. Visiting Ireland could be a rich experience as many things and places you’ll love about the country. Truly, no one ever walks away unhappy from Ireland.

Traveling to Ireland however comes with its difficulties, from the Irish weather to know what to pack, to other peculiar struggles. Here, we want to give some tips and advice on everything else you need to have a phenomenal experience while traveling to Ireland 

What is the currency used in Ireland?

The Republic of Ireland uses the euro (€), while Northern Ireland’s currency is the pound sterling (£). While it is best to have cash when you’re driving in the countryside, It’s relatively easy to find ATMs in big cities.

A great tip to ensure you get charged less on the exchange is to ask for it to be in Euros or Sterling when shopping. Also, go with your bank debit card, Visa, or Mastercard as American Express is not used here.

Different driving rules

You are likely not going to be driving, but you can if you’d like to get behind the wheels. Just make sure that you have travel insurance in case anything unforeseen happens. 

Although, there is no legal requirement for tourists to buy insurance in order to travel to Ireland, neither airlines nor immigration will ask you for it. But you never know what could happen abroad. If you check this post at TravelLemming.com, you will have a much better grasp of all things required for an eventful Irish trip without any hassles. The traffic in Ireland drives on the left. This might not be very difficult to get used to while driving, ensure you LOOK RIGHT when crossing the road. In big cities, most major intersections have big bold inscriptions “LOOK RIGHT” on the pavement. This is a reminder for foreigners and tourists. Although, on getting out to the country, you’re on your own.

Tipping is not required

Strong tipping culture is lacking in Ireland, not because of great wages or anything like that, it just doesn’t exist. Giving tips to bartenders, taxi drivers, or fast food/counter service are unnecessary. Even though as a friendly gesture, you might use your discretion to tip those you feel have provided an excellent service. It’s always going to be appreciated, even if not expected.

Border crossing from Ireland to Northern Ireland

For those that don’t know or get confused by this, The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are on one island but are two entirely separate countries.

There are no formal borders separating Ireland and Northern Ireland. One of the easiest ways to know this is you will notice that in Ireland they use kilometers per hour, while Northern Ireland uses miles per hour. It is important you know the difference so you don’t get a speeding ticket.

Also if you plan to rent a car, ensure you tell the car rental company you plan to cross the borders. 

What to pack:

• Pack for Any Weather 

The weather in Ireland is unpredictable. Some days might be hot and then quickly followed by a cold spell. Pack clothes for every type of weather. Light waterproof jackets, umbrellas are essentials and also get shoes that will not get soaked when packing for Ireland. And oh, it might be sunny so don’t forget the sunglasses!

• Bring with you an adapter that works for all your devices. 

For Ireland, the associated plug type is G, which is the plug that has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern. Bring an adapter, plugs in Ireland are three-pronged and the electricity supply is 230v/50hz.

Places you can’t afford to miss

1. Northern Ireland

Is this your first trip to Ireland? You’ll likely consider the decision to either visit Northern Ireland or spend more time in Ireland. The answer is simple. You should go to Northern Ireland.

You can stop at Portrush, a cute coastal town with a vintage amusement park and miles of beaches, we highly recommended this for families.

2. Belfast

Several people had a negative impression of Belfast before visiting. But be rest assured, you’ll be wrong. You should include Belfast in your Ireland road trip itinerary, it has a lot to offer.

The Titanic Belfast is mighty impressive. A museum to Belfast’s maritime heritage, on the site where the RMS Titanic was built. It’s a fun tourist attraction.

Other places worth visiting in Ireland include Blarney Castle, Cobh, Cliffs of Moher, the Wild Atlantic Way, Giant’s Causeway, and Dublin. 

Believe the hype. Ireland is the perfect family travel destination. If Ireland is not already on your travel list, include it.

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1. Iceland

Escape from reality on a majestical Iceland cruise. Iceland is known for its glaciers, waterfalls, hot springs, and views of the Northern Lights.  Bathing in hot springs is believed to promote relaxation, restoration and healing. 

Studies have even called it the secret to happiness. Choose from natural or artificial, large or small, quiet or busy.

Aside from hot springs, the capital city Reykjavik draws many tourists. You can easily walk around to explore the restaurants, museums and shops. Another sight to see is Vatnajökull, the largest glacier in Europe. The Northern Lights are best seen between September and March, making this a popular time to travel to Iceland.

Pack your swimsuit and camera for this trip of a lifetime. Photograph the glaciers, the hot springs, the wild roaming Icelandic horses and the Northern Lights! The breathtaking views in Iceland will be ones you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

2. Turks and Caicos

Choose to dive in the turquoise waters or sunbathe on the white sands of Turks and Caicos on a relaxing vacation. This tropical island boasts fantastic beaches, superb scuba diving and sportfishing. You can stay in great all-inclusive resorts or opt for quiet villas.

You can spend your days soaking up the sun and the breathtaking scenic views from a beach chair with your favorite tropical drink. Watersports, golfing and exploring the islands are all options for those who want to do more than relax oceanside.

3. Italy

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, look no further. Take an evening gondola ride through the canals of Venice snuggled up with your significant other. Taste wines and eat delicious meals along the Tuscan wine trail. Put a lock on the Ponte Vecchio and throw away the key to signify your love. Dip in the Blue Grotto along the Amalfi Coast.

Sightseeing could quickly fill your days if you desire a more active vacation. The Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Vatican City, the ruins of Pompeii, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and the Sistine Chapel are just a few examples of desired destinations.

4. Grand Canyon

Prepare to be amazed by the magnificent enormity of the Grand Canyon. Most visitors choose to visit the South Rim for sightseeing and trail hiking. This is probably due to Grand Canyon Village and the highly touted views from Yavapai Point, home to the Grand Canyon’s best view. The Bright Angel Trail is a fantastic path with extraordinary views. The North Rim is quieter and the perfect place for camping in the words or some serious hikes.

5. Costa Rica

Visit this Central American gem for an action-packed, memorable adventure. From beaches to rainforests, Costa Rica has it all. You can relax on beaches, but you’ll also want to allow time to explore all this country has to offer.

Thrill-seekers must be sure to book an afternoon of ziplining, where you will surely get a rush of adrenaline as you soar through the rainforest. Mountain biking, horseback riding, hiking, surfing and catamaran tours are popular outdoor activities.

6. Ireland

The capital, Dublin, is filled with pubs, shops and delicious food. It’s the perfect spot for those looking for great nightlife. Grab a pint at a notorious pub, like Temple Bar or The Brazen Head. Ireland is home to the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery, both of which offer lovely guided tours.

Major tourist attractions include the Blarney Castle (be sure to kiss the Blarney Stone!), Powerscourt Estate, Trinity College and Giant’s Causeway. The Wild Atlantic Way is a winding, scenic tour filled with beautiful landscapes for photography enthusiasts. Renting a car enhances the experience. Along the way, you’ll want to stop to see the famous Cliffs of Moher.

There are so many amazing vacation destinations in the world. The hardest part is choosing where to go! 

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Here are just 3 great options for British students looking for the perfect destination to inspire their writing!

Barcelona 

One of the most exciting places in Europe, Barcelona is one of the best cities for students in the world. Barcelona is a city that has it all – food, art, architecture, and history! The city is famous for its diversity, being home to some of the finest examples from architectural styles ranging from gothic to Modernist. What’s more, the coastal city is surrounded by beautiful mountains that serve as the perfect backdrop for an inspiring city trip. 

Being home to the stunning Sagrada Familia, colourful park Guell, and some of the finest Mediterranean dining the world has to offer – Barcelona is so vibrant that many students may even have a hard time picking just one thing to be inspired by! Using an essay service with top writers can act as a useful service for students who need online help in UK to condense their experiences into a solid piece of writing. It can be even used as a sort of paraphrase tool whenever one needs to avoid plagiarism in their writing. Students looking for research topics for their essay writing can combine the exploration of beautiful Barcelona with an essay writing service UK, to guarantee custom essays that are sure to impress. 

Crete

The stunning island of Crete is one of Greece’s most beloved destinations, and one of the best options for a student travel Europe has to offer. The island is another European location that has it all. In terms of nature, Crete is home to a host of beautiful beaches, scenic mountains, and awe-inspiring wilderness. 

Crete is also famous for the wealth of historical sites that it can boast. With a history spanning back thousands of years, visitors can check Bronze Age sites like Knossos Palace or what was the last active leper colony on the island of Spinalonga. Students visiting Crete can search for inspiration for their next paper, all while enjoying the rich culinary tradition that Crete offers its visitors. Little taverns serve food that uses the freshest Mediterranean ingredients to create dishes that are simple in preparation, yet rich in flavour!

Connemara

Far away from the turquoise shores of the Mediterranean, is Connemara. A rural region along the west coast of Ireland, Connemara is famous for its stunning natural landscapes and quaint towns. Being a coastal area, Connemara is home to many scenic beaches, fishing villages, and peaceful islands that will fill students with inspiration. Visitors can enjoy the fresh sea air while going on a variety of scenic walks through areas such as the Clifden Sky Road, Connemara National Park, and Ballyconneely.

Among walks and nature, travelling to Connemara should include a stop to check out the beautiful estate of Kylemore Abbey. Built as a castle in 1867 and sitting at the bottom of Druchruach Mountain, the grounds of the stunning building are also home to romantic Victorian walled gardens that will leave a lasting impression on any visitor. A craft shop and pottery studio can be enjoyed by those with a creative streak! 

Connemara is so renowned for its untouched beauty and solitude that it has become a favourite spot for many writers and artists looking to escape the bustle of city life and find quiet inspiration for their work.

These are just three destinations that students can add to their travel bucket list in order to find inspiration for their writing, but as travel in Europe continues to reopen, the world continues to become your treasure chestr!

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