UK by Train or Rental Car: Which Is Best for Your Trip?

Should You Travel the UK by Train or Rental Car? A Guide to Choosing the Best Option One of the questions I hear most often from travelers planning a trip to the United Kingdom is: “Should we travel the UK by train or rental car?” The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The best …

Changing of the Guard London

How Far in Advance Should You Plan a Europe Trip?

One of the most common questions I receive is: “How Far in Advance Should You Plan a Europe Trip?” The answer depends on where you’re going and what type of trip you’re taking, but in general, the earlier you start planning, the more options you’ll have. Why Planning Early Matters Many travelers assume they can …

Edinburgh Castle Scotland

Scotland, England & Ireland Travel Information Night

Explore Scotland, England & Ireland: Join Me for a Free Travel Information Night Have Scotland, England, or Ireland been on your travel bucket list? If so, I’d love to invite you to join me for a free Travel Information Night at Terrell Coffee Co. on August 1, 2026. Over the past few months, I’ve had …

Glasgow Scotland.

Day 5 UK Travel Story: A Scenic Journey from Bo’ness to Glasgow by Train

Day 5: Leaving Bo’ness and Heading to Glasgow Day 5 was primarily a travel day as we moved from the small town of Bo’ness to Glasgow by train. Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city. Not every day of a trip needs to be packed with sightseeing. Sometimes the transition days end up being just as memorable …

Abbotsford - Sir Walter Scott

Day 4 UK Travel Story: Abbotsford House Scotland & The Great Tapestry of Scotland

Day 4: Scottish History, Literature & Cultural Storytelling Day 4 of the journey shifted away from film locations and into a deeper look at Scottish history, literature, and cultural storytelling. After several days focused on Outlander filming sites, this day felt like a natural change of pace. Instead of stepping into fictional worlds, we explored …

Midhope Castle - Outlander filming location

Day 3 UK Travel Story: Outlander Filming Locations in Scotland

Day 3 was focused on one of the main reasons we planned time in this part of Scotland—visiting Outlander filming locations. We started the morning with breakfast at the hotel before heading out for a private tour with Mary’s Meanders, a small group Scottish tour company that specializes in Outlander experiences. This was a full …

Changing of the Guard London

UK Travel Story: Changing of the Guard London & Train to Edinburgh

Day 2: From London to Scotland Day 2 was a mix of a classic London experience and a full travel day heading north into Scotland. We started the morning with the Changing of the Guard London, then spent the afternoon making our way from London to Edinburgh by train before continuing on to our hotel …

Harry Potter Studio Tour

UK Travel Story: Day 1 at Warner Bros Studio Tour London

Introduction: My 12 Days Traveling Through England & Scotland This trip was a combination of independent travel and guided touring through CIE Tours and Highland Experience Tours. It wasn’t a perfectly curated itinerary—it was a real trip with a mix of structured touring, transit days, and personal exploration. Some days were very full with guided …

Big Ben in London England

5 lesser-known UK Gems and how to experience them

When most people think of the United Kingdom, their minds jump straight to Big Ben, the Tower of London, and maybe Edinburgh Castle. Don’t get me wrong—those landmarks are iconic for a reason. But after years of designing custom itineraries for travelers who crave something deeper, I’ve learned that the real magic of the UK …

AmaWaterways Night River Cruise and Castle

Best Time to Book a River Cruise: What You Need to Know Before You Reserve

River cruises are not like ocean cruises — especially when it comes to timing. One of the most common questions I get is about the best time to book a river cruise, and the answer isn’t as simple as “wait for a sale.” River cruises operate differently, and understanding how pricing and availability work can …