Travelers Advantage....

THE UNITED KINGDOM:
COME ON OVER!

The United Kingdom welcomes visitors from the U.S. with a common language, lots of history, intriguing culture, unique dining, super shopping and so much more. From interesting events to lots of sightseeing, the people of the United Kingdom say Come on over!

Of course, the shared English language in the UK makes England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland a summer vacation favorite (though the “off-season” has its own allures). From London and other major UK cities to much further afield, this is a destination that’s always been a great choice for those who enjoy the mother tongue with a European flair.

One unique idea for starting (or ending) a U.K. visit in style is to enjoy a transatlantic crossing aboard one of Cunard’s classic luxury liners (other lines occasionally offer transatlantic crossings as well). Most of Cunard’s transatlantic offerings are now aboard the elegant Queen Mary 2. However, the stately Queen Elizabeth 2 still features occasional crossings--as will the Queen Victoria, which sets sail December, 2007.

Once there, visiting Americans will find a number of exhibitions and events taking place in Britain to mark the 400th anniversary of Jamestown. These include: an historical retrospective at the British Museum and an exhibition about the Jamestown founding role of colonist George Percy at Syon House, the 400-year-old Percy family ancestral home near modern-day London Heathrow Airport.

Fortunate 2007 visitors will also benefit from the extension of the major showing of photographs by Mario Testino of Diana, Princess of Wales. This exhibition at the State Apartments at Kensington Palace, which opened in late-2005, has been extended through December. It’s the 10th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. This was the last official portrait photography of Diana.

Liverpool is the European Capital of Culture for 2008 and there are a number of reasons for Americans to head there. The possibilities among more than 70 program highlights include a wide variety of concerts, tall ship races, and many art exhibitions.

Over in Wales, cultural wonders await smart visitors willing to wander. National Museum Wales--a diverse collection of national museum sites across the whole of Wales--marks its centenary in 2007 with a series of special exhibitions and a new gallery opening. National Museum Wales is a collection of seven museums, all offering free admission: National Museum Cardiff; St. Fagans: National History Museum; Big Pit: National Coal Museum; National Wool Museum; National Roman Legion Museum; National Slate Museum; and National Waterfront Museum.

St. Fagans: National History Museum is already one of Europe’s most popular outdoor museums and is Wales’ most popular heritage visitor attraction. The museum stands in the grounds of 16th-century St. Fagans Castle, and includes more than 40 original buildings re-erected in the 100-acre parkland telling the story of Welsh life through history. A new gallery, Oriel 1, will open at St. Fagans: National History Museum this spring, with displays exploring the identity and culture of Wales. A new coffee shop--the Bwyty Bardi Café-- and retail outlet has also recently opened.

Up in Scotland, Highland 2007 provides reason enough to head north throughout the year. A celebration of arts, environment, heritage, language, science and sport set among staggering scenery of the Scottish Highlands. This year's Highland 2007 festival will feature an incredible agenda of exhibitions, competitions, themed festivals, and events to pay homage to the past, present and future of Scottish history. The year-long festival began in January 2007, but there are still plenty of activities, including: the 16th annual Skye Festival in July (an 11-day celebration of music, theater, film and workshops with Gaelic flare), the European Pipe Band Championships (also in July), and September’s Highland Feast--a showcase of Scottish culinary cuisine across various restaurants, hotels, castles, distilleries and boats.

Over on easily reached Ireland, the stunning green countryside can easily be combined with the bright lights of Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Kilkenny, and Waterford in the Republic of Ireland or Belfast, Londonderry, Newry, Lisburn, and Armagh in Northern Ireland.

From cosmopolitan cities to sprawling castles, the history, culture, people, and places of Ireland make for a very varied visit. In fact, short distances make it easy to enjoy several cities and the famed lush landscape in one visit (by rental car, train, ferry, or short flight).

Across the English Channel on the mainland--which is easy to combine with the U.K. thanks to convenient flights, trains, or drives-- European favorites like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and more all await exploration. Smart travelers know that summer crowds (and prices) can easily be avoided with proper planning.