The Two Countries Rick Steves Is Begging Travelers Not To Visit During The Same Trip
When planning a trip to Europe, it's tempting to try to take in as much as you can. After all, the continent is home to over 40 countries, many of which are small (at least by American standards), making it easy to visit more than one, sometimes even in a single day. Why not pass the morning in Belgium before crossing the border into this picturesque German resort town with cobblestone streets? Or spend 10 days cruising through Central Europe, racking up five or six countries to check off your bucket list — including the very underrated Slovakia — home to one of most fairytale-like hidden castles in all of Europe?
Travel guru Rick Steves firmly advises against this style of travel, especially when it comes to two of Europe's most alluring destinations: Scotland and Ireland. His travel company leads tours in both of these Celtic gems, but not during the same trip. "Why don't we offer a joint Rick Steves' Europe tour to both places?" Steves writes on his Facebook page. "We tried, but considering how Americans have the shortest vacations in the rich world and how much there is to see in each country, the combo itineraries were either too thin or too long. These lands — filled with seductive charms — shouldn't be rushed."
That said, both the Republic of Ireland and Scotland share land borders with countries that can easily be visited during the same trip. There is no reason you can't enrich your experience in either place by checking out what their neighbor has to offer as well. This can be a very easy task, given the convenient transportation links, cultural connections, and lack of hard borders.
Visit Scotland, and then pop down to England
Scotland is a land of beauty and contrasts, with thriving cities such as the very underrated Glasgow. While the town's past is on display in its 900-year-old Gothic cathedral, this is Scotland in its most modern form, with cultural gems such as the Riverside Museum and the Glasgow Science Centre. Edinburgh, the country's picturesque capital, is also not to be missed. Visitors can stroll the cobblestone streets of the Royal Mile — one of the best sightseeing walks in Europe according to Rick Steves — and soak up hundreds of years of history at Edinburgh Castle, which sits perched over the city like a sentinel.
However, it's the stunning scenery that makes Scotland such an irresistible destination. See it firsthand by island-hopping through the windswept Inner Hebrides. Nature lovers can check out Trossachs and Cairngorms national parks, both of which offer plenty of opportunities for trekking, boating, wildlife watching, and more. And no trip to Scotland would be complete without a visit to Loch Ness, the famed lake where — in addition to jaw-dropping scenery — you just might encounter a monster from the deep.
While you're in the area, cross over the border into northern England, which offers its own unique charms. Topping the list is Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with its iconic bridges, medieval castle, thumping nightlife, and famed Victoria Tunnel, which was used as a bomb shelter in World War II. History buffs can check out Hadrian's Wall (the stone barrier that marked the northwestern border of the Roman Empire), and Yorkshire's picture-perfect village of Haworth is not just easy on the eyes but also offers some of the best countryside walks in the U.K. Finally, there's Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and England's outdoor crown jewel that is a haven for hikers.
While you're in Ireland, check out its northern neighbor
Ireland may be one island, but it's technically two countries: the Republic of Ireland in the south and Northern Ireland, which remains part of the United Kingdom. Fortunately, the 310-mile border is open, with no official checkpoints, though American and Canadian citizens will need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for Northern Ireland.
Most visits to the Republic of Ireland begin in Dublin, the country's dynamic and intoxicating capital. Explore its storied streets via a walking tour rich in both ambiance and history, and end the night with a thick pour of Guinness in a traditional pub. Ireland's second city, Cork, is also well worth a visit, where you can stop by Blarney Castle and kiss the famed Blarney Stone before heading to the harborside town of Kinsale — which is also considered the nation's gourmet hub. Ireland's lush, beautiful landscape is best represented by Killarney National Park, known for its arresting mountain scenery and many lakes, and the country's magical west coast also boasts such gems as the Cliffs of Moher and the forlorn, windswept Aran Islands.
Despite a different geopolitical classification, Northern Ireland is still Ireland, and if you enjoy lower prices and no crowds, it's a must-visit. Its capital, Belfast, is not only rich in culture, but it's also the site of the shipyard where the Titanic was built. Make sure to also check out the walled city of Derry — which was instrumental in the Irish independence movement — and the gorgeous Antrim Coast is right around the corner, home to the geological wonder known as Giant's Causeway. From there it's just a quick jaunt to this viewpoint which offers scenic cliff-sides, sandy shores, and historic ruins.