We visited Glamis and Balmoral on back-to-back days, and we loved them both.

But if you only have time for one, they are very different visits. Glamis is the true castle with the interior tour included. Balmoral is the working royal home out on Deeside.

Here is our honest comparison, including the difference in what you pay and what you get.

Balmoral has been the royal family's Highland retreat for generations, and since 2024 you can finally step inside. We spent a day on the grounds of Queen Elizabeth II's favorite home. Here's what to see, what it costs in 2026, and whether the interior tour is worth booking.

If you enjoy royal history, come with me on my bucket list journey and dive into the story of King George VI and his time at Glamis Castle, where he fell in love with Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon and the warm family atmosphere that he experienced at Glamis.

This what it felt like to stand in the very rooms where it happened.

We planned this drive down to the last pull-off, then barely looked at the plan.

The road from Edinburgh through Glencoe is so beautiful you just stop when it moves you.

Here is how to do it well, from the rental car to the Three Sisters.

We planned one perfect day on the Isle of Skye. Then the rain came in sideways and changed everything. Here is what that wet, wild day taught us.

You also get our full route, driving times, and honest tips for the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, and the Quiraing.

We've toured a lot of castles, and this one surprised us. Here's our honest take on the new Inverness Castle Experience and whether it's worth your time.

We walk through both towers, the rooftop views over the city, and the displays that stood out. We also share who will love it and who might want a more traditional castle.

The Johnnie Walker Experience is one of Edinburgh's most popular things to do. We went as whisky beginners and walked out glad we did.

Here is our honest review of the tour, the drinks, and who it is really for, plus how it stacks up against the Scotch Whisky Experience nearby.

A firsthand guide to visiting Glamis Castle in Angus, Scotland.

We cover why the castle is worth the detour, its 650-year history and its royal connection as the childhood home of the Queen Mother and birthplace of Princess Margaret.

We walk you through the guided castle tour room by room, the Italian and Walled gardens, lunch at the Castle Kitchen Restaurant, and full info on 2026 tickets, hours, and driving directions.

We also talk about nearby stops in Stonehaven and Dundee, including the RRS Discovery.

London is one of the best cities in the world for day trips by train. Within an hour or two, you can be at Windsor Castle, the White Cliffs of Dover, the Roman Baths in Bath, and more.

We've done all of these ourselves and share exactly how to get there, what we loved, and a few things we'd do differently.

The Colosseum lives up to the hype, but getting tickets is more complicated than it should be.

John and I walk you through everything, how to buy tickets, which tour is worth it, what to bring, and what to see nearby.

London has one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world. Combine London’s underground metro and the iconic red buses with the new easy-to-use tap-to-pay system, and visitors can easily get anywhere in the city. The Elizabeth Line is a great way to get from Heathrow to central London.

London also has river boats, famous black cabs, and Uber. So with Google Maps guiding your way, you should absolutely use London’s public transportation on your next trip.

Churchill’s War Rooms is an intriguing and immersive experience that takes you right into the heart of history at Winston Churchill’s secret underground bunker from where he directed the Second World War.

Westminster Abbey is a uniquely historic site in London and a fascinating place to visit.

A royal church with over a thousand years of history, the Abbey is probably the most famous place of worship in the world, and the center of many national events and celebrations.

When visiting the Tower of London, you’ll see much of what you came to London for: soldiers marching in red uniforms, 1,000-year-old buildings rich in history, and royal jewels.

Plus, the Tower of London is located right on the banks of the River Thames, close to other iconic sites such as Tower Bridge. 

St. Dunstan-in-the-East is a picturesque oasis in the City of London.

The historic church that once stood here was mostly destroyed during the Blitz of the Second World War, and today it is a lush, photogenic public garden among the ruins.

The City of London is the oldest and most historic part of Greater London. It is the home of modern skyscrapers as well as the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Join us on a walking tour of this iconic and photogenic district.

Shoreditch is London’s funky center of nightlife and street art. During the day, Shoreditch features busy markets and famous street art.

At night, the clubs and bars come alive until dawn.

We had a great time visiting Portugal during Christmas week and for the New Year.

Visiting the big cities of Lisbon and Porto in December and January, with the mild weather and festive atmosphere, creates a special kind of liveliness during the holiday season.

A range of Christmas fairs & markets, festive lights, decorations and holiday celebrations make for a memorable visit. 

Located on the south bank of the River Thames, Greenwich is best known for its maritime history and famous attractions like the Royal Observatory, which established the Greenwich Meridian line, and the Cutty Sark. 

Planning a Brighton day trip from London? Here's what to see, where to eat, and everything you need to know before you go