SubscribeHi there, my name is Debbie, a new vlogger. Taking you along my travels in the USA and around the world. From land travels to cruises, buckle up, it’s going to be a fun ride!
Let me help you make a very important decision. One that will change how you take vacations again.
First and foremost, ask yourself if you would be okay with being in the middle of a wide vast ocean. Where some days only water will be visible to your eyes for miles and miles around.
Second, do you get sea sickness? Motion sickness? Afraid of water altogether? Okay the good news, sea and motion sickness is treatable with pills. Which is offered onboard for free. You can always buy and walk with your own pills. But your fear of water and the vast sea. Only you can decide if you can handle that.
Third, would you like to visit more than one country in one trip?? Cruising is a great way to see the world! To see more of the world, in one trip. It all depends on where you would like to visit. How many days you would like to travel. More importantly, how much can you afford?
I, personally love cruising. I get to see lots of countries in one trip. My lodging, my food and entertainment is all included in the price. There are extra things, like fancy dinners, cocktails, etc. that will cost extra. Therefore, make sure you read what’s included, or another terminology is “complimentary”. Whenever you see “complimentary”, it means you don’t have to shell out extra cash. So, take advantage of everything that is included. Save the extra money for excursions.
If you are a large family and will be traveling on a budget. This will come in very handy.
Do, check multiple companies that peek your interest. What’s the best bargain that will work for you and your family.
Don’t, go with the first option that looks great. Shop around.
I’ve traveled with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line. All very different companies, offering different things and different style of cruising.
(Disclaimer: I am not affiliated or receiving any monetary compensation from any of these companies. These are my honest opinion, from previous experiences.)
Christmas in New York City is a magical time of year. From all the twinkling lights on every street to Chestnuts roasting on an open fire from the street vendors selling them.
Located at 45 Rockefeller Plaza, NY, NY 10111
This well known area has been lighting a Christmas tree annually since 1931. The iconic Rockefeller Center tree was dubbed “a holiday beacon for New Yorkers and visitors alike”.
Located at 1260 6th Avenue, NY, NY 10020
This is home to the kicking Rockettes starring in their annual musical holiday show, The Christmas Spectacular. If you are visiting, or you’re a local who have not seen the show, it’s a must see. It’s a show that you must see, at least once. There’s always deals on the shows tickets, on Groupon or at the ticket master website.
Located at 47-50th train stop
This area is another famous stop. This is where you will find the very popular Christmas red balls and a set of humongous lights. But don’t think that’s all you will see. There is a lot more decorations around this area. Including this red, white and blue patriotic tree.
Located at 611 5th Avenue, NY, NY 10022
Saks Light Up Fifth Avenue is an annual light show with holiday music to accompany their light show. It is a spectacular light show to witness. I love the crescendo of the music paired with the light display.
Located at 700 5th Avenue, NY, NY 10019
This is one of my top picks for hotels with fantastic Christmas decorations. Their over-sized nutcracker and big tree is the focal point as soon as you enter the hotel. But not only is the decorations great but so is the staff, well the security guards. At the time of my visit, the guard on duty was very friendly and we chatted while I waited for a group of people to leave. So I can take this shot without anyone in it.
Located at 455 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022
This posh hotel is home to a 30-foot tree that’s set in the center of their courtyard. The tree features over 3,000 lights and other holiday decorations. There is also a gigantic Santa mail box inside, next to another huge tree.
Located at 281 3rd Avenue, NY, NY 10010
This German Restaurant is decked out year-round with Christmas decorations. There is not an inch of free space on the ceiling that is not decorated with garlands, ornaments or 18th century looking dolls. This place feels truly magical upon walking in. However, it’s jam packed inside and you will have to wait on a long line outside. My advice is to dress warm and be patient. There is also a mandatory 1 drink at the bar, with a sign outside saying as much. I’m sure with the place being so packed, you may be able to get in, snap a couple of pictures and get back out. Wink, Wink!
Located at 151 West 34th Street, NY, NY 10001
This famous department store, the largest in the world, spans a whole NYC block since 1902. Since the business opened in the mid-1800s, the store started displaying illuminated windows of Santa and other Christmas theme to draw shoppers attention. It’s worked, 162 years later, Macy’s window displays are unique and legendary.
Located at 83rd to 86th Street, between 11th to 13th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
This Brooklyn neighborhood is home to the most over-the-top Christmas lights and decorations. From life-size Santas, nutcrackers, angels, sleighs, snowmen and houses blasting Christmas carols over loud speakers.
Located at 11 Wall Street, NY, NY 10005
The NYSE has been lighting a Christmas tree since President Coolidge presided over the first tree light ceremony on December 24, 1923. The ceremony was to promote the use of electric lights, a safer alternative to candles back in those days. It has since become a yearly tradition and this year, 2020, is the 97th year of this tradition.
This is my guide to see all the best places Edinburgh. From beautiful picturesque Edinburgh to the Highland mountains and towns.
The Lighthouse is situated north of the Water of Leith. This was once a thriving fishing village and the centre for shipbuilding. Until it proved too small to build warships by King James IV.
Leith is a port area north of Edinburgh and once played a long and prominent role in Scottish history.
The area was once a shipping commercial area that was revitalized with cute cafes, restaurants and shops.
Leith is also home to The Royal Yacht Britannia, once the former royal yacht of the British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, from 1954 until 1997. She is now retired at Ocean Terminal, in Leith.
St. Bernard’s Well is a 229 years old, ten Doric columns support lead dome surrounded by a marble statue of Hygieia, Goddess of Health. The natural spring was allegedly discovered in 1760 by three members of George Heriot’s above the Water of Leith.
There is a pump room beneath the statue, which holds the spring and is designed with mosaics and painted in white, blue and gold. The room has been mainly closed to the public since 1940 because of “The odious twang of hydrogen gas”. But the Well’s door are open to the public on “doors open days”.
Dean Village is a cute little village with colorful quant houses. The buildings and houses resemble architectures found in places such as Sweden, Belgium, Germany or Switzerland. The cobbled stone streets and the little stream, are all trappings for a perfect landscape portrait.
Ross fountain, the Floral Clock and Aunt Lizzie’s cottage are all located in Princes Street Garden. One of the main entrances is across from the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.
Ross Fountain, boast a fantastic fountain with bright colorful statues from a bygone era, A common sight to the aristocracy, back in the 18th century, I imagine. Edinburgh Castle sits as a wonderful backdrop for the fountain.
The floral clock is a seasonal display with tons of real flowers, plants and succulents. The clock is a large decorative clock with flowerbeds, moving arms and a cuckoo which pops out every hour. The first floral clock was created by John McHattie, Superintendent of Parks in Edinburgh and clockmaker James Ritchie, in the spring of 1903.
Auntie Lizzie Cottage, was the main featured location in BBC Teacup Travels. This little cottage is cute and adorable and a must see!
The Scott Monument was build in 1846 in honour of the Scottish writer Sir Walter Scott. The Gothic monument towers over Princes Street in all it’s eerie blackish splendor. The spires is decorated with 64 figures representing various characters from the writer’s novels.
The Monument is 200 feet and the largest in the world dedicated to a writer. If you want to climb to the top of the tower, it’s a 287 steps climb at a cost of £8.
Circus Lane, is a street in Stockbridge. Which I believe became famous due to all the instagrammers swarming here for their pictures to be taken. Myself included!
This museum or gallery have an impressive collections of great art work and statues. This spot is definitely worth a visits when you’re in the area and it’s free!
This area is one of my absolute favorites! I love leisurely strolling around or just sitting, basked in the sunshine at Custom Lane.
Glasgow is a city in Scotland. It's famed for its Victorian and artful architecture. A rich legacy of bringing the 'water of life’ Whisky of course, to the world population in the 18th century. Today it's home to an outgoing music/party scene. It’s also famed a cultural hub to institutions like the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland and it’s museums.
The cost of a day ticket to from Edinburgh Waverley Station to Glasgow was £13.30 round trip.
This is where you will find the City Chambers and the Sir Walter Scott statue.
There is lots to see around this area. Look up, there is some fantastic architectural buildings with some great intricate designs to see.
Doulton Fountain is a decorative five-tier fountain in the French Renaissance style and is the largest terracotta fountain in the world.
It’s a mere 30 minutes walk from the train (rail) station.
On the walk to the Palace/ Doulton Fountain, you will come across a lot of pretty colorful bridges. The bridges are beautifully painted, almost as if you’re back in the 18th century.
The Lighthouse, located at 11 Mitchell Lane.
Make sure you plan a visit to this unique location. It’s free to get in and you get to experience a “lighthouse” in the middle of a very busy shopping area.
One of the focal features is the spiral staircase. There is 134 steps to the top of the lighthouse. But when you get to the top, the doors open to a tower that goes all the way around for a 360 degrees unobstructed view of Glasgow.
Do you like shopping? Then Buchanan Street is where you’ll want to be. It is one of the main shopping areas in Glasgow and known for high upmarket shops.
The Royal Exchange Square is another shopping area.
The People's Palace and Winter Gardens is a museum with a glasshouse in the back.
The museum shows the social history of the city of Glasgow, and tells the story of the people from 1750 to the present day. The featured collections reflects the changing faces of Glaswegians at home, work and leisure.
The city is scattered with colorful and creative Murals. They are very popular with Instagrammers and photographers alike.
My favorite is “The Honey I Shrunk The Kids” mural. Which can be found in a side street around the Central Station.
The Gallery Of Modern Art, as the name suggests, is the main gallery for modern and contemporary art in Glasgow.
The Duke of Wellington Statue is located in front of the gallery and have become very famous on Instagram for having a cone on his head. A mere ploy to be featured in the local newspaper.
On this tour, I’m going to some of the top places to see in the highlands. These are the more popular tours destinations. We’ll pass the Kelpies statues, Stirling Castle and stop briefly to see some highland coos.
I booked a 2-Days Eilean Donan, Loch Ness and the North West Highlands tour with Timberbush Tours.
Plus the below top sites:
The Kelpies statues represents the Scottish mythological creatures.
I have not visited them up close. This is a view from the highway, which is pretty good.
The back of Stirling Castle
Eilean Donan, or simply “island of Donnán”, is named after Donnán of Eigg, a Celtic saint martyred in 617. This picturesque Castle is one of the most recognized and photographed castles in Scotland. It’s located on a small island where three sea lochs meet, Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh, in the western Highlands of Scotland.
This is a tour stop favorite, the stunning Glencoe and the “Three Sisters of Glencoe”.
The Three Sisters gets their name because of the three lush green mountains stacked together. It makes for a beautiful scenic landscape picture and is quite the romantic spot as well.
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a popular filming location, both in films and television series. The Viaduct was made more famous by the Harry Potter films, which featured the bridge in four of the movies.
The monument was a tribute to the Jacobite clansmen who fought and died in the cause of Prince Charles Edward Stuart.
A picturesque town with views that were simply breathtaking.
The monument commemorates Sir William Wallace, a 13th-century Scottish hero. Sir William Wallace was a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the First War for Scottish Independence.
The price to visit and tour the monument is £10. Which include access to a van that will take you up the winding uphill roads or you can simply walk up. We took the van up and walked down.
It just so happened, on the day (September 11, 2019) we visited, it was the monument 150th anniversary. We got a nice souvenir tote bag and a glossy book on the history of the monument for free.
This was where I got to see some Highland Coos (cows) up close and personal.
The Highland Coos is reported to be the oldest registered breed in the world. They have a distinctive look, from their long hair (sometimes reaching about 13 inches). To their long and distinctive horns, which actually help them forage for food. The Coos are known to be a hardy breed. They can withstand the intemperate conditions in the Highlands, hence their name.
Fort Augustus is home to the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness. The canal was constructed in the early nineteenth century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford and runs about 60 miles. Only one third of the canal is entirely man-made. The rest of the canal was formed by three Lochs, Dochfour, Loch Ness, Loch Oich and Loch Lochy. Lochs are known as Lakes in Scotland.
Loch Ness is synonymous with the Nessie, the “Loch Ness Monster”.
The monument is dedicated to the men of the original British Commando Forces raised during World War II. The monument overlooks the training areas of the Commando Training Depot. There’s also breathtaking views of Ben Nevis and Aonach Mòr.
The falls became popular as a tourist attraction at the end of the 18th century. The water had flowed through treeless barren landscape and were said to be somewhat disappointing. Especially for those forced to make their way over the slippery rocks and steep banks to view them. Poet Robert Burns were taken with the falls but were unimpressed by the lack of vegetation. Burns entreated the Duke of Atholl to plant some tree to enhance the landscape.
After Burn’s death in 1796, ten years later, the Duke began the planting of petitioned trees. This included 120,000 Larch and Scots Pine, the Duke thought the planting should be “both pleasing to the eye and profitable”. The Duke became known as “Planter John”, planting over 15 million trees throughout his estates during his lifetime.
The House of Bruar is one of Scotland’s premier retailer, sort of an upscale department store with clothing, gifts and a food hall.
Once again, we have booked this tour with Timberbush Tours. It’s going to be a day tour to the fishing village of Fife and St. Andrews. So since we’ve only had great experiences so far with this company, we gave it another try.
The first stop was the village in South Queensferry, with an amazing view of the Forth Bridge. The red iconic bridge is a railway bridge across the Firth of Forth in the east of Scotland. Designed by the English engineers Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Bakeris.
The bridge is considered to be a symbol of Scotland and was voted Scotland greatest man-made wonder. The bridge is often referred to as the Forth Rail Bridge and gets confused with the adjacent Forth Road Bridge.
Anstruther is a small pretty seaside village with lovely views. The town is famous for it's award-winning fish and chips. But if you’re eating it outside to enjoy the beautiful harbor views, beware of seabirds, who will pluck it right out of your hands!
This is a town on the east coast of Fife with a recorded population of 16,800, making it Fife’s fourth largest settlement and 45th most populous settlement in Scotland.
One of the town famous landmarks is St. Andrews Cathedral. The famous cathedral is recorded as the largest in Scotland but now lies in ruins.
The castle was very close by the cathedral. The entry cost to the castle is £9. The castle is in ruins and only certain walls remain. The remaining structure is very well maintained and preserved. What I loved the most was the views of the North Sea and the beach, Castle Sands. It is really beautiful to stand on top of one of the “tower” and look over that majestic beauty.
Falkland Palace is considered to be a Royal Palace for Scottish Kings. It was built as a hunting lodge in the 12th century. The lodge was expanded and became a castle in the 13th century. Which was owned by the Earls of Fife, from the famous Clan MacDuff. The surrounding land later became the Palace beautiful gardens.
This is my page on the Best Castles to Visit in Scotland. These are the castles I’ve seen on my 2018 and 2019 trips to Scotland. But I will be updating and adding more in the near future.
Edinburgh Castle is one of the best and most popular castles to visit in Scotland. The castle is located at the end of the Royal Mile and sits on top of Castle Rock.
Since the 12 century, the castle was home to royals. Up until 1633, the castle remained a royal resident. After 1633, the castle was primarily used as a military barracks with a large garrison. It is one of the most important castles in the Scottish history. It is known as being involved in many historical conflicts with a recorded 26 sieges in its 1100-year-old history. The castle have the distinction of being called “the most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world”.
Stirling Castle, known as a palace, a fortress and one of the largest in Scotland. The castle is historically and architecturally important to Scotland and was one of the most used as a Scottish royal residences. It was the crowning home to several Scottish Kings and Queens, among those royalties was Mary, Queens of Scots.
Eilean Donan Castle was founded in the thirteenth century and is located on a small island where three sea lochs (lakes) meet. This picturesque castle dominates Instagram and frequently appears in photographs, film and television. It became a stronghold of the Clan Mackenzie and their allies the Clan MacRae.
Craigmillar Castle is a ruin castle with most of it’s walls intact. The castle is in great conditions for a ruin castle. The castle is known for it’s association with Mary, Queen of Scots. Who went to the castle to convalesce after the birth of her son, the future James VI. It’s also the place that a pact known as the “Craigmillar Bond” was made. The pack was to dispose of her husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. It is not recorded in history if the pack was reportedly known with or without her knowledge.
This may be one of my absolute favorite and best castle to visit in Scotland, in my opinion. The castle offers a very detailed tour of the interior of the castle and the former owners. My guide was a local lady, who volunteered at the castle once a week. She was very knowledgeable about the history of the home, Mr. and Mrs. Reid and Mrs. Reid’s brother. The residence had an understanding amongst themselves, that after the last survivor, the home and all its belongings would go to the people of Scotland.
This tour is to Iron Islands, Giant’s Causeway & Rope Bridge.
The bridge was made by salmon fisherman over 350 years ago and links the mainland to a tiny island. The current bridge is made of wire and Douglas Fir and stands at 66 feet long and is 98 feet above the rocks below.
The Giant’s Causeway, this is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Which is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption.
The Giant’s Causeway was named the fourth greatest natural wonder in the United Kingdom. There is a legend that an Irish giant built the causeway because a Scottish giant challenged him. Or would you believe that it was built for love? Another legend said that the Irish giant built the causeway in order to see a Scottish maiden he fell in love with. Which legend do you believe?
The Gobbins is a cliff-face path at Islandmagee, Northern Ireland. The cliff paths runs across bridges, past caves and through tunnels. In 2011, 15 new bridges and 6 gallery structures (which hug the side of the cliff) was added. There’s also a path that includes an iconic new Tubular Bridge. The path is very steep but worth it for the magnificent views. It’s a must do if you’re in this part of Northern Ireland.
As with most of the excursions I take, my friend and I travel mostly by trains, bus or simply by walking to our destination. This excursion was by train and a whole lot of walking.
The price of the ticket was not bad at all, 10.50, roundtrip. The ride took about 1 hour, in those UK comfy train seats and with a very friendly porter too.
The instructor gather everyone, no more than 20 people, that was going on the hike, for a safely talk.
The Gobbins Cliff Path website will tell you to make sure you have hiking boots or boots with a grip, if not, you can rent a pair. You also have to wear a hard helmet on the entire time you’re on the mountain cliffs, for protect of course. You are not allowed to carry any food, only water, your camera and phone, everything else gets locked up in a locker.
Here’s some amazing pictures from the hike.
This tour was around $65 dollars, including ticket entry to the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge and the Giant’s Causeway. Please check their website for updated prices, this tour was in 2019. Make sure you walk with tips for the guide, who was an extra on the show, great character, and the driver, who was a really nice man too.
The first stop on the tour was a town name Ballymena, it’s the Eighth largest county in Northern Ireland.
The first location is the Carnlough Harbour, Braavos Canal, this is where Arya came out of the harbour and crawled up the steps. A lot of my bus mates tried to re-create the scene, it was very amusing.
Next, we headed to the Cushendun Caves, where the Red Lady had her “baby”. Our tour guide had his trusty iPad handy, in order to explain what scenes were filmed at the caves. I was intrigued even though I had not seen even one episode of the show.
The area was green, lush and very pretty walking up to the cave. This is one of the more interesting Games of Thrones Filming Locations.
I took a lot of pictures on this tour.
We headed to the beach for our sword fight lesson. That’s right, the beach, for a sword fight. The swords was real with blunted edges and there was costumes as well. The whole experience was really fun.
Here is two quotes I really like about waterfalls; “There’s no better place to find yourself than sitting by a waterfall and listening to it’s music”. The other one is to “run wild and free like a waterfall”. These two quotes are very freeing and brings a peace to oneself and of being centered with the world around you.
Hawk Falls is a 25 foot waterfall in Hickory Run State Park. It is an easy hike down to the falls and there is lots of cute areas along the way. From tiny creeks, to a bridge and a sort of archway of interlocking rhododendrons trees. Which leads you right into the fall.
Bushkill Falls is known as the “Niagara Falls of Pennsylvania” and is one of the most popular falls in the Pocono Mountains. Consisting of eight waterfalls that can be reached by a series of bridges or hiking trails. It depends on what mood you’re in. But don’t think the bridges are easier to maneuver. There is a lot of stairs that connects the bridges and falls.
Raymondskill Falls is a three-tiered waterfall in Milford and is proclaimed to be the tallest one is Pennsylvania. The falls have a combined height of 150 feet and is compared to the famous Niagara Falls at 167 feet.
Austin T. Blakeslee Natural Area is a 2.2 mile, 130 acres of protected land, near Tobyhanna Creek, close to the Pocono Raceway (home to NASCAR racing).
Ricketts Glen State Park, offers some of the most scenic areas and waterfalls. It’s located in Luzerne county and is over 13,000 acres.
There are twenty-one (21) natural free-flowing waterfalls to explore. To see all the falls, it’s a 7 miles long hike. Some are easy to get to, others can be steep to access.
Hi, I’m Debbie and welcome to my travel blogs and vlogs! In my blogs, I’ll share amazing travel tips and useful day itinerary. I will show you the best places to visit from my travels, from Scotland to Ireland to visiting Castles in the United Kingdom.
In my vlogs, we’ll travel around the States, my hometown of New York City and explore cruising in different parts of the country.
Buckle up and come along with me. Let’s see the world together!
OH HEY, FOR BEST VIEWING, YOU'LL NEED TO TURN YOUR PHONE