Iceland and the U.K. from Western Canada
 

Hello, everyone

My fiancee and I would like to travel to the U.K. via Iceland for our honeymoon, preferably mid to late August.

We've never been outside of North America, but we'd like to explore our options. I'll be 30, and she'll be 28. We live in the Canadian province of Alberta.

We don't expect the fanciest or finest surroundings or accommodations, but safety would be a concern of my fiancee. I'd like to know if there's a consensus opinion on what people consider a reasonable length of time to spend on a trip like this. I'd like to see all of the constituent countries of the U.K, the Isle of Man, and Ireland. Is there a good itinerary? Does anyone have a ballpark estimate of costs for modest hotels, restaurants, transportation (flights, trains, ferries), etc? Is it best to look at booking through a travel agent?

We've explored a lot of Canada by road, but I'm not sure what our comfort level would be driving on the opposite side.

We love history, nature, and breweries!

I'm not sure if I'm being specific enough, but I'm just getting started.

Thank you for any tips or advice you may have.

"<i>I'd like to see all of the constituent countries of the U.K, the Isle of Man, and Ireland.</i>"

That would take a LOT of time. How many weeks do you have? you'd need at least 6 to 8 weeks to do even a cursory visit to Ireland, N. Ireland, the IoM, Wales, Scotland and England.

There is no way anyone can work out your costs or anything else w/ such a nebulous plan. Get a guide book or two and start working what bits look most interesting to you.

Oh - and tacking on Iceland would add about another 5-8 days

Hey, janisj

Thank you for the reply. As I mentioned, we are totally inexperienced with travel outside of Canada. I knew it was a huge stretch to get anything specific. This is the kind of conversation I'd like to generate.

I don't think we're going to opt for an 8 week vacation to do the whole thing this time around. I will do some more research online, but if you (or anyone reading) had to make some recommendations on what to focus on, what would you recommend? My 4th great grandfather immigrated to Canada from Scotland in the early 1800s. I might consider zeroing in on Scotland this time around.

Thank you!

>>I don't think we're going to opt for an 8 week vacation <<

you tell us what you won't be doing but not what you <i>will</i>. So, you aren't going for 8 weeks -- how long WILL you have?

Say 2 weeks?? That is enough for a pretty brief overview of Scotland. Where in Scotland did he emigrate from? It is a big country (not 'Canada big' ;) ) but big enough w/ slow travel in most scenic areas (like 35 mph slow)

Well, right after I read your initial post, I went and looked at proposed itineraries and there are some that last for around 12-14 days in Scotland. Two weeks or so would be good. I think that's probably a little more reasonable given that her time off will be unpaid. To be honest with you, I didn't really think it through. The only research I ever did was glance at a map briefly. I thought talking it over with experienced travelers would be a start, and look what we've accomplished!

From what I know, my 4th great grandfather was born in the Edinburgh area. I know the family tree widens the further back you go, but I specifically mention him, because we carry his family name.

One thing to contemplate is that August is peak season as it is the school summer holidays, and also the Edinburgh Festival. If you could delay for a mont, and do early September, you may find it easier to get much better deals.

Realising you are not going to get an in depth experience of anything, I cannot see the problem with splitting your trip between two centres, particularly if you were to fly into e.g. Scotland and out of London (I'm not sure if there are dirrect flights Alberta to Scotland)

Does Iceland Air or Norwegian Air fly from Canada? If so, that's where you're likely to find the best fares. And Iceland Air allows you up to a week stopover before continuing. Maybe Norwegian Air does, too.

As noted, there is now way you could really do more than one country, plus a bit of Iceland, in 2 weeks. Time to get out the guidebooks. And I agree that August is not the best time to go (well, maybe for Iceland).

Scotland is my favorite place on earth (well other than Yosemite). But there is a problem w/ Scotland, and especially Edinburgh, in August.

There festival (there are several including the humongous Fringe) and Tattoo all run concurrently and quite literally double the population of Edinburgh. And triples it on weekends. Room rates are double+ what you would pay in September . . . IF you can even find a room. The sites are really crowded.

Other parts of the country are not nearly as impacted, but August is the busiest time of the year most places. IF you could travel up through mid July or in September, your time in Scotland would be much easier and quite a bit cheaper.

Now, IF a main reason for visiting Edinburgh is to attend the festivals/Tattoo, then of course that is when you want to be there. But otherwise -- just to enjoy Edinburgh, and explore some other parts of Scotland, don't go in August.

Try to fly Iceland Air as they allow you a 7 day layover. We did that a few years ago. We only spent two full days in Iceland but it was well worth it. You could spend your entire honeymoon there. It is amazing. From there you could fly directly to Scotland and do some exploring. I would stay away from Edinburgh but there are other beautiful places you could go.

We are going last week of August and first of September this year. Skye and Mull look gorgeous! If you go that route book places to stay quickly. They are booking up fast. I booked a few months ago and even then some places were full.

No matter where you go you will love it! Don't be afraid to drive anywhere as that is half the adventure! You see so much more when you have a car. Driving in Iceland is very easy. Happy planning.

If you are completely flummoxed about an itinerary in Scotland, have a look at the ideas on the Secret Scotland website as it will give you some ideas as to what is possible.
https://www.secret-scotland.com/