Travel in Scotland

Witnessing the natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. But determining where to see the northern lights is a complex matter—actually encountering the majestic and alien-ish green and purple glow of the night sky is not only about location, but also timing (December to March is ideal in many instances; August through April in other parts), positioning (typically from latitudes 65 to 72 degrees North), and plain ol’ luck (a clear, dark, and cloud-free sky).

In the much-awaited second season of The Reluctant Traveler, which premieres March 8 on Apple TV+, award-winning actor, writer, producer and comedian Eugene Levy isn’t quite as adamantly travel-averse as he used to be. In fact, last year’s filmed far-flung journeys have worked magic on Levy, who now anticipates getaways with less apprehension and more appreciation. While he still dislikes the getting there via airports part of travel, Levy loves staying at pampering hotels. Who wouldn’t? This year’s seven distinctive European hotspots, where Levy slept, are fascinatingly cool. Which one would be your fantasy destination?

Unless you've been sleeping under a rock, you probably know that people are obsessed with "The Traitors," the Peacock reality game show that pits celebrities against each other as a group of "faithfuls" tries to weed out the lying "traitors."

The cities of Scotland may be full to the brim with history and atmosphere, but it's the countryside in between that captures most visitors' hearts.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with John Martin, who previously worked in the aluminum industry, and his wife Beverly, both 60, who have been traveling the world since 2021. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

A labor union has raised its concerns with airports and airlines about the rise in unruly passengers, the BBC reported.

The milestone comes ahead of the airline opening its new UK base at Birmingham Airport next month with 16 new routes taking off.

The work, due to begin in early March, is the first phase of the multi-million-pound redevelopment project at the five-star resort, as it seeks to reposition itself as one of Scotland’s top resorts and an international destination.

Somebody Feed Phil premieres its 7th season March 1 on Netflix. Inimitable host Phil Rosenthal—whose heartfelt humor feels like a warm hug—dishes up delectable foods and destination finds. He chats and chews with chefs, restaurateurs, guides, travel experts, colorful characters, famous friends, prominent movers and exuberant shakers. And he shares with viewers uplifting insights intended to encourage kindness. This enlightening, enthusiastic series spotlights eight new episodes: Dubai, Mumbai, Kyoto, Taipei, Washington D.C., Orlando (with a twist), Scotland and Iceland. Each location’s bounty is ladled with tips and takeaways. Gorgeous sights, sounds, smiles and nourishing ventures abound. Cheers to the camera operators and editors who seamlessly weave narratives and vibrant visuals. Rosenthal’s brother, Richard, is the showrunner and executive producer, as well as his behind-the-cameras sidekick. I won’t reveal the season’s sweetest surprises, which are many—so that you can look forward to savoring unexpected morsels and moments. Here, appetizers to whet your interest.

These three destinations are currently top value picks for vacations in 2024 offering a nice climate, interesting adventures and great value for money—it's perfect timing to visit Albania, Egypt and Morocco.

Admittedly travel-averse, Eugene Levy—multiple award-winning actor, writer and comedian—has come a very long way since his debut season of Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler last year. Now premiering a second season on March 8, the seven-episode series spotlights Sweden, Scotland, France, Germany, Italy, Greece and Spain. It is gorgeously filmed, tightly edited, uplifting and funny: A luxurious travel deep-dive that soars with insight and smiles. Levy’s wry humor is on-point entertaining. For insider info about how this quirky and enchanting show was brainstormed and created, read my article Actor Eugene Levy On Going From ‘Schitt’s Creek’ To ‘The Reluctant Traveler’. Levy and I recently talked about the newfound joys he discovered not only on the road, but also within himself. Plus, how travel can best widen your horizons.

Families in Scotland were expecting to taste chocolate treats and observe “optical marvels” at a Willy Wonka-themed event in Glasgow this past weekend. Instead, they got a couple of jelly beans, a short walk around a nearly empty warehouse and a visit from police officers.

No matter your taste in beach, Europe obliges.

The central train station in Edinburgh is Waverley. It’s in the city’s center, under the shadow of the Old Town’s narrow closes, wynds, courts, the Mound, and Edinburgh Castle. Arriving by train in my teenage years, this grand welcome would leave me speechless. And after living in Edinburgh for over six years, it still does today.

The luxury hotel brand Rocco Forte Hotels recently combined its world-class hospitality with sustainable slow travel to create a modern-day “Grand Tour” of European cities by rail. The scenic vacation train package connects two of the most romantic cities in Europe: Edinburgh, Scotland, and Palermo, Sicily. It’s designed to let travelers indulge in an inter-rail experience while taking a deep dive into local cultural experiences at each stop.

Many years ago, as a young backpacker, I made plenty of mistakes when traveling around Portugal – from trying to see everything on one trip to indulging in free appetizers that weren’t really free. 

Award-winning Somebody Feed Phil—the delectably illuminating food-travel show hosted by big-hearted, energetic funnyman Phil Rosenthal on Netflix—premieres its 7th season on March 1. The series’ eight new episodes spotlight Dubai, Mumbai, Kyoto, Taipei, Washington D.C., Orlando (with a twist), Scotland and Iceland. Rosenthal’s TV career is rooted in comedy. He was the creator, writer, executive producer and showrunner of the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, starring comedian Ray Romano, which ran for nine seasons on CBS. These days, Rosenthal’s well-fed, globetrotting gallops have inspired an enormous fan following. Rosenthal and I recently sat down to dish up behind-the-scenes scoops, sentiments and surprises about the new season. (Stay tuned for my upcoming Forbes review of Somebody Feed Phil.)

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Before the pandemic, I was living in the United States, drifting through an endless stream of first dates. Either I'd ghost them, or they'd ghost me, and even if neither of us ended up ghosting, I still never felt excited enough to go on a second date.

An easyJet passenger who appeared to be drunk was restrained and later escorted off the plane by police after he became aggressive and attempted to kiss another passenger.

On the Kent coast, where the North Sea meets the English Channel, the historic town of Deal was at one time the busiest port in England. Today, though, it’s less dockyard and more seaside resort, popular with day-trippers and weekenders from London and beyond, who come for the pebble beach and pretty castle and stay for the town’s growing culinary scene.