Tag Archives: britain

6 Countries to Visit Now (While They’re Still Here)

When the United Kingdom abruptly elected to Brexit its way out of the European Union last month, it showed us just how quickly our world and the lines that divide it up can shift and heave.

In recent years we’ve seen everything from melting permafrost in Alaska to pulverized world heritage sites in Aleppo reshaping the face of our planet. When physical geography and political borders change, so do the countries they delineate: Shifting borders can signal shifting laws and even shifting attitudes toward foreign visitors.

Forces like conflict, secession, and climate change don’t make special exemptions for tourist favorites, which means your dream itinerary can’t wait for “one day.” Here are six places to book a trip to today, because they might not be there tomorrow.

 

#1: The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: Not So United?

Although the Brexit vote isn’t likely to topple the rocks at Stonehenge or wash away the stunning seaside of Cornwall, it’s prompted a series of reactions that could lead to a much less united kingdom and a series of new hurdles and headaches for travelers.

Old Harry Rocks, located at Handfast Point, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, southern England, United Kingdom; the downlands of Ballard Down were formed approximately 66 million years ago
Isle of Purbeck in Dorset, southern England, United Kingdom. The downlands of Ballard Down were formed approximately 66 million years ago.

As soon as the UK’s plans to divorce Europe became clear, leaders in the Scottish and Northern Irish governments announced their intentions to investigate leaving the United Kingdom and remaining EU members. That would mean heavy revisions to the destinations listed on the official Visit Britain tourism site.

Cranfield Beach, Northern Ireland
Cranfield Beach, Northern Ireland

The dissolution of the United Kingdom won’t make the countries that currently comprise it dangerous or any less attractive tourist destinations, but it could shuffle up visa requirements and even flight prices, leaving travel to and between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland more complicated. In a couple of years Hadrian’s Wall, the historic line separating England from Scotland, could renew its status as official border, joining the likes of Niagara Falls and other border-straddling attractions whose exploration require a trip or two through customs.

hadrians_wall
Hadrian’s Wall | Photo via Pixabay under CC0

 

#2: Jordan: Hospitality in the Heart of the Middle East

When travelers are confronted with generalizations about the dangerous Middle East, Morocco and its many hidden gems may be the standard counterexample; but there’s another peaceful and historically rich country right in the heart of the region many avoid out of misguided fear. Jordan is a pillar of stability in a region that usually makes headlines for the wrong reasons, and today it’s your best opportunity for exploring the cradle of civilization.

jordan petra
Petra, Jordan | Photo via Pixabay under CC0 (public domain).

Some say that we’re living through a rebirth of the Arab World, and others argue for a more pessimistic interpretation; but everyone agrees that it’s the world’s most unpredictable region today, and the Syrian Civil War is proof enough that neither cosmopolitan cities nor world heritage sites are immune to the fallout of social struggles. Seize the day with a trip to backpacker favorites like Petra and the Dead Sea, or take a camel-back tour of the Valley of the Moon.

Jordanian desert in Wadi Rum, Jordan viewed from Lawrence's Spring. Wadi Rum is known as The Valley of the Moon and has led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wadi Rum in Jordan is known as The Valley of the Moon and has led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dead Sea
Dead Sea

#3: Hong Kong: Counting Down the End of “One Country, Two Systems”

Unlike most of the others on this list, the Chinese Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong is virtually guaranteed to disappear in 21 years with the expiration of the “one country, two systems” policy in 2047 and its reabsorption into China.

hong kong
A temple in Hong Kong | Photo via Pixabay under CC0

Hong Kong currently maintains its own immigration system, independent of the notoriously difficult-to-navigate visa laws of mainland China, allowing most residents of North America and Europe up to 90 days of visa-free travel. But it’s not just the formalities of coming and going that separate Hong Kong from the mainland: Everything from the language to press freedom and censorship contribute to Hong Kong’s distinct identity and unofficial status as “Asia’s World City.”

Hong Kong harbor
Hong Kong harbor

There’s no telling how much of traditional Hong Kong culture will survive its looming reunification with the mainland, but the kind of budget shopping tours Hong Kong is famous for seem unlikely to stay after Beijing jumps back into the driver’s seat.

Pedestrians and traffic in Kowloon District at night on December 21, 2013 in Hong Kong, China.
Pedestrians and traffic in Kowloon District at night on December 21, 2013 in Hong Kong, China. Andrey Bayda / Shutterstock.com

 

#4 Bosnia and Herzegovina: The Country That Was Never Supposed to Be a Country

Of all the countries that emerged from the former Yugoslavia in the late ’90s and early 2000s, Bosnia and Herzegovina is probably the one with the least staying power. The Dayton Accords that brought peace to the region left the country divided into three autonomous federal entities governed somewhat chaotically by three presidents, leading to frequent and unsurprising separatist movements that may one day lead to further fragmentation in the Balkans.

bosnia starimost
The Stari Most bridge in Mostar, Bosnia | Photo via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Stari Most bridge in Mostar is both one of the country’s most popular tourist sites and a symbol of the tenuous unity between its disparate groups, spanning the river that marks the boundary between the Catholic Croat-majority western side and Bosniak Muslim-majority eastern side of the multicultural city. The bridge was destroyed in 1993 during the Yugoslav Wars, but reconstructed in 2004, and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site the following year.

Kravica waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Kravica waterfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina

When you visit Bosnia and Herzegovina, give yourself plenty of time to explore the starkly contrasting yet peacefully harmonious west and east sides of the city, each offering different but stunning views of the Stari Most.

People walking through the Old Town with many shops and cafes on July 20, 2014 in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is situated on the Neretva River.
The Old Town with many shops and cafes in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mostar is situated on the Neretva River. Nightman1965 / Shutterstock.com

 

#5 Turkey: Anatolia’s Complicated Conundrum

The crossroads of East and West is a favorite among travelers worldwide, probably because Turkey’s unique geographic situation assures its landscapes and the people who inhabit them are different than those of anywhere else in the world. With pressure from conflicts in neighboring Syria and Iraq, tensions inside Turkey may in the future lead to a violent civil war and the possible separation of long-marginalized Turkish Kurdistan, yielding a messy situation for travelers.

Mardin, Turkey
Mardin, Turkey

Be sure to visit the rugged landscapes of Eastern Anatolia, enjoy rich Mediterranean cuisine, and explore the area around Lake Van, the region of the country most vulnerable to being cut off to travelers in the coming years.

turkey lake van
Akhtamar Island in Lake Van in Eastern Turkey | Photo via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY 3.0
Remains of Christian frescoes in the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island (Akdamar) in Lake Van, Turkey
Remains of Christian frescoes in the Armenian Church of the Holy Cross on Akhtamar Island (Akdamar) in Lake Van, Turkey steve estvanik / Shutterstock.com

#6 The Maldives: The Country that’s Literally Sinking

An island vacation in the Indian Ocean sounds like a dream come true for many, but in a matter of years your choices of islands may be drastically narrowed.

The capital of the Maldives from above
The capital of the Maldives from above
Aerial view on Maldives island, Raa atoll
Aerial view on Maldives island, Raa atoll

Of the many island nations whose very existence is threatened by climate change and rising sea levels, Maldives stands high on the list. Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has stated that “If carbon emissions continue at the rate they are climbing today, my country will be underwater in seven years”, a humanitarian disaster for the archipelago nation’s nearly half million citizens.

Water villas in the Maldives
Water villas in the Maldives
maldives sunset
Sunset in the Maldives | Photo via Pixabay under CC0 (public domain)

To enjoy Indian Ocean sunsets without contributing to the Maldives’ climate struggles, consider soaking up the sun at one of the country’s growing number of eco-friendly resorts.

 

At the same time as other countries and regions teeter on the brink and close their doors to tourists, others like Cuba and Myanmar are opening up and pitching woo to international travelers.

Part of travel is getting to see and live the world as it is right now, because the world of yesterday will never be the same as the world of tomorrow.

Don’t let the possibility of social unrest or seismic events in the near future scare you out of your dream itinerary. If you’re unsure about security conditions but still inspired to carpe diem, you can check the US State Department’s country-specific travel advisories, or consult with other experienced travelers via communities of travelers like Couchsurfing or the Lonely Planet forums.

Cornwall: A Guide To Britain’s Stunning Seasides and Beaches

When you picture British seasides, you likely conjure “Kiss me quick” hats and looming 50s ferris wheels, yet there’s so much more to the UK’s coasts.

Tacked neatly onto the bottom of the island, you’ll stumble upon Britain’s most underrated county. Cornwall is a place of authentic natural beauty, quiet country walks, and historic architecture. When planning a visit to the UK, you’re certain to be engulfed by main tourist traps; they are utterly inescapable. Once you’ve had enough of the London Eye and Buckingham Palace, though, I strongly urge you to venture just a little further south. The celtic region is most definitely worth exploring should you be able to spare a few days or so.

An iconic Cornish Engine House perched on cliffs at Rinsey Head on the Cornwall coast
An iconic Cornish Engine House perched on cliffs at Rinsey Head on the Cornwall coast

Before we begin, let’s delve into just a little history. To look at the area now, all is serene, but Cornwall was once one of the most significant industrial hubs in Europe. Back in the 19th century, the region was infamous for both its copper and tin mines. Although the area is a mere dot on the surface of the planet, there was a period in which most of the world’s copper was sourced exclusively from Cornwall. What’s more, for a short time, the region was home to the “richest square mile” in the world thanks to its booming industrial trade.

Dawn at the harbour in Padstow an historic fishing town on the north Cornwall coast
Dawn at the harbour in Padstow an historic fishing town on the north Cornwall coast

These days, there is undoubtedly less mining in the area than there once was. Like many places in the UK, the region has succumbed to a steady decline in traditional industry. What’s left is a region steeped in traditional values, celtic festivities and some of the most awe-inspiring country you will see here in Britain.

Experience Wild Woodland Walks

Exploring this region is best done on foot, but you ought to be wearing sturdy shoes. The woodland walks in Cornwall are simply enchanting. They look like something out of an old German fairytale, decorated with bluebells, shrubbery and the odd hidden away cottage. From deep country valleys to disused railway tracks, walking along these paths is like taking a step back in history. You won’t get phone reception while rambling, and that’s just how it ought to be. For just an hour or two, you can immerse yourself thoroughly in the natural world.

The historic Treffry Viaduct and aqueduct across the Luxulyan valley in Cornwall
The historic Treffry Viaduct and aqueduct across the Luxulyan valley in Cornwall

While the region is rife with walks of this nature, there are a couple that I’d certainly recommend. In the north of the region, Luxulyan Valley is rich with entwining branches, trickling streams and signs of the ever-forgotten industry here. It’s not unusual to find an abandoned factory or rusting wheels. A little further south, you’ll find my personal favorite walk in Cornwall, which brings you out in the formidable sounding Deadman’s Cove near Camborne. This circular walk offers the best of both worlds; you start in a wooded, overgrown area, yet along the way find yourself discovering a hidden and isolated beach. Should you find yourself near either of these paths, I’m certain that they won’t disappoint.

Luxulyan Valley
Luxulyan Valley | Photo: Charlotte Grainger

Taste Some Authentic Cornish Staples

The popular food in the area is derived from its industrial history too. The humble yet moorish Cornish pasty was initially created as a transportable meal for workers, specifically miners. The D-shaped pastry has a hard outer-crust, which was used as the handle and not eaten, while the inside was traditionally filled with cheap and readily available vegetables, such as turnip, onion and potato. Over the years, though, the recipe developed; and as meat became less of a luxury, the bakers began to include it in their pasties.

Pasties
Pasties | Photo: Charlotte Grainger

These days, you can barely walk a village street in Cornwall without finding that the air is thick with the smell of these indulgent baked treats. This affordable street food makes for the ideal snack whilst sightseeing. Of course, all the modern bakeries offer the authentic recipe, but most have branched out to make new varieties of the staple. From peppered steak bakes to cheese and bacon, the stores here have put an ultra modern twist on the classic recipe.

The Summer Festival Season

When the rare British summer sun raises its sleepy head, so does the festival season in Cornwall. There’s a handful of modern music festivals in the area, such as Tunes in the Dunes in Perranporth and BBC Music Day in St. Austell.

While these events are bound to be enjoyable, they offer little more than any other music event in Britain. You’d hardly know where in the country you were. That’s why I’d suggest passing these up in favor of a longer established festival in the area.  

In mid-June, the Golowan Festival, down in Penzance, is the highlight of the Cornish calendar. The festivities date back to the 1800s, when the locals would celebrate the coming of midsummer. Intriguingly, this is one of the only remaining events of its genre in the area, which is why it’s simply unmissable. For many years, after some unmentionable fire trouble, the event lay dormant but was resurrected in 1991, and is an annual fixture once again. Mixing celtic traditions with contemporary theatre, art and music installations, this is a unique and bizarre spectacle. The festival culminates on Mazey Day, when there are fireworks in the street, and a parade led by a man wearing a horse’s skull marches on. Needless to say, it must be seen to be believed.

Visit Breathtaking Beaches

Finally, you simply cannot talk about the Great British seaside without mentioning the expansive beaches here. Which you choose to grace solely depends on what you’re hoping to gain. If you’re looking for sheer beauty, there’s a wide array of choices. Porthcurno Beach is a secluded cove where you can relax in peace, without fearing the endless chatter of excitable tourists or screams of unattended babies.

CORNWALL, ENGLAND: Busy Porthcurno Beach in the lovely summer day, minutes walk from Minack Theater
CORNWALL, ENGLAND: Busy Porthcurno Beach in the lovely summer day, minutes walk from Minack Theater lulu2626 / Shutterstock.com

You’ll have to take a clifftop walk to reach this cove, though that is more a pleasure than a chore. Other notably attractive beaches include the ever-popular Porthmeor Beach in St. Ives and Marazion Beach, just near Penzance. These are the places in which you can spend an afternoon walking or maybe pitch yourself a seat and begin reading a novel.

Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, UK
Kynance Cove, Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall, UK
Newquay
Newquay | Photo: Charlotte Grainger

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for excitement and maybe aiming to try some watersports, there’s only one place you need go. Newquay is the surfing capital of the country, since the waves there can often be ideal for the sport. If you’ve never surfed before, there’s also a surf school in the area, where you can book week-long lessons and individual lessons too.

Surfing on Fistral Beach, Newquay
Surfing on Fistral Beach, Newquay

The coast of Newquay is scattered with bars, restaurants and arcades; and so, it offers a stark contrast to other areas of Cornwall. If you have the chance, it’s worthwhile visiting both this tourist-centric side of Cornwall and the more secluded areas. They are not to be pitted against one another, since both have a wealth to offer travelers.

Newquay
Newquay | Photo: Charlotte Grainger