Where Do The British Royals Vacation?

Everyone dreams of extravagant vacations.

Unfortunately for most, over-the-top and luxurious trips don’t come around often. They’re usually reserved for some of life’s greater moments, whether a honeymoon or a landmark birthday.

But for some, high-class vacationing is part of their lifestyle—and no one does it quite like the world’s royal families.

Though monarchies have less and less political influence by the year, they remain cultural institutions for millions of people.

The British Commonwealth is the world’s greatest example; its royals have managed to hold onto public attention and a fair amount of approval.

Outsiders love taking a fine-tooth comb to royal affairs—even when monarchs escape for a little bit of vacation. There’s simply no detail too small to make headlines, whether royals are traveling for downtime, a honeymoon, or political purposes.

Ever wondered how England’s royal family vacations and where they frequent? As one of the world’s most powerful dynasties, they aren’t short on properties, invitations, or places to stay.

Here are a few of the most high-profile places where the British royal family vacations.

Balmoral Castle

You won’t see this location listed alongside the UK’s most accessible castles. This Scottish structure is home to beautiful gardens and stately rooms, making it a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II.

Nestled in the Scottish highlands, it’s one of the most rugged locations that the royal family vacations. This is one of the most frequently visited vacation spots thanks to its proximity to London.

Gibraltar

The first stop on the highly publicized honeymoon of Princess Diana and Prince Charles was Gibraltar, a state still run by the Commonwealth.

This Mediterranean nation is largely home to military and political projects—but it’s got all the sunshine and clear coastlines that you’d expect from this part of the world.

Malta

Similar to Gibraltar, Malta is a tiny island nation in the Mediterranean—one that was part of the British Commonwealth until the 1960s.

Both are hotspots for the royals anytime they travel to the Mediterranean, alongside other islands like Mallorca (part of Spain). Back in the 1940s, Queen Elizabeth II took her honeymoon there with Prince Philip.

The Bahamas

Nassau is one of the hotspots for British royals—and it’s been one for decades. Back in the 1960s, Princess Margaret went on her honeymoon starting in Nassau.

Later on, Princess Diana would also spend time on Richard Branson’s private Necker Island. She even vacationed there for a period with her sons. (Branson is known for inviting global stars to his island—he’s even hosted the Obamas there.)

Later on, Prince William and Kate Middleton also enjoyed a hefty portion of their honeymoon in the Bahamas.

Norfolk Coast

Similar to Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands, the Norfolk Coast is a vacation hotspot that is close to home for the British royal family. The Sandringham Estate has been a popular choice for decades, especially for Queen Elizabeth II during her reign.

But the draw to Norfolk might not be the picturesque rolling hills and forests. Instead, Sandringham Estate is where the royal family celebrates Christmas and New Year annually.

Temple Weir: Private Island on the Thames Costs Less than a College Degree

Maybe not everyone actively dreams of owning a private island.

But who would pass up the chance to claim one as their own—especially an affordable private island?

I’ve been interested in private islands for a while now. Recently, I covered a few big-name islands that have gone on the market over the last year, including Pym Island in Vancouver and Black’s Island in Florida.

The former is a high-lux and jaw-dropping forested island that will set you back a humble $5.5 million ($7.5 in Canadian dollars). The latter is the former citadel of a rich Caribbean pirate, which costs a heart-stopping $50 million.

But this next story isn’t quite like the others.

First, it’s not located in the ocean or a bay—but on the famous Thames River in England.

Second, it’s actually affordable, costing less than most college educations in the United States.

Third, there’s no sordid tie to murder to piracy. (That may or may not be a plus?)

Welcome to Temple Weir, a thimble-sized island on the Thames River between the villages of Marlow and Henley in England’s Buckinghamshire.

Temple Weir: Hermitage of the Thames

Marlow and Henley are riverside towns with histories that stretch back to the 11^th century. Today, both are more known for lying on or near the Thames River (or the River Thames, whichever you prefer), which makes them popular with water enthusiasts.

Many people living on the river between these towns own boats so they can enjoy the great outdoors and the Thames. There are even a few islands nearby that are used for private residences and marinas.

But Temple Weir Island stands on its own.

There’s not much to this tiny island, and that’s what makes it so magical.

Temple Weir stretches around 2,000 square feet. It’s covered in healthy trees and shrubs—with no electrical hookup, water connection, drainage system, or any formal infrastructure.

Since the last owners bought Temple Weir in 2010, its served as a mooring spot for boats. But could that change?

Mooring on the Thames for a dainty £75,000

The sale of Temple Weir Island is being headed by agent Richard Maby of Savills.

According to Maby, the sale will likely go to a buyer who wants to use the island for a similar purpose as its previous owners. But it’s not out of the question for a more elaborate construction project to take shape.

As mentioned above, many end up in towns like Marlow and Henley to be close to the river. The area is renowned for its picturesque living—there’s even a lifestyle magazine published locally.

Marlow, in particular, is known for its high-class houses that abut the water, many of which include docks. It’s also worth noting that this portion of the Thames is one of the most beautiful, covered in lush greenery and old growth.

Though there’s the potential for establishing infrastructure on Temple Weir, the planning would need to be limited to be approved by the necessary agencies. It would incur hefty costs given the island’s remote location in the center of the river, which is highly protected.

The future of Temple Weir

So, what does this mean for Temple Weir?

Will the island sell for £75,000 to a buyer who simply wants to use the island for docking and access to a tiny, private forest now and then? It’s not totally out of the question—nor is it financially irresponsible.

While Temple Weir will probably go for a lot more than that £75,000 asking price (around $94,000 USD), it’s not an unwise choice for boating enthusiasts.

Paying to moor for a year in this area can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 for a very basic setup, making Temple Weir look more attractive for long-term residents.

Princess Grace Kelly: A Look at Her Life & Legacy in Monaco

Megan Markle is one of the most famous Americans in the world.

Since her marriage to Prince Harry and transformation as the Duchess of Sussex, there’s been almost non-stop attention on the Royal couple.

It’s been a bumpy and controversial road for Markle—one that culminated with her and Harry stepping down as royals in January 2020.

But for those who remember the story of Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII, Markle and Prince Harry’s trajectory was anything but shocking.

American women & European royalty

TL;DR on Wallis Simpson: an American socialite named Wallis Simpson falls in love with King Edward VIII in the early 1930s. He tries to make Simpson his official consort, but Simpson has two ex-husbands, and the Brits don’t like that.

The marriage was viewed as too threatening to the monarchy, so King Edward VIII abdicated the throne the same year he ascended it in 1936.

Ever wondered how Queen Elizabeth II made it to the throne?

Because her uncle, King Edward VIII, fell hard for a cutie from Baltimore (Simpson). When he abdicated his position, it made Elizabeth II’s father the King of the United Kingdom. (History’s crazy, y’all.)

Clearly, American women haven’t had an overwhelmingly easy time with the British monarchy. And that might paint a misleading picture—one that depicts American women as unfit for royal worlds.

Between Simpson and Markle, it’s easy to lose sight of arguably the US’s most impactful American-turned-European-royalty: Princess Grace of Monaco, a fashion icon and beloved monarch.

Let’s explore the life and legacy of Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco and member of the House of Grimaldi through her marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

Grace goes to Cannes

If you’ve heard of Grace Kelly, it’s probably thanks to her royal affiliation.

However, she had an extensive and successful career in Hollywood prior to her marriage. One that saw her take home three Golden Globes and one Academy Award.

In 1955, Grace Kelly headed to the Cannes Film Festival. There, she caught the attention of Monaco’s Prince Rainier III. He invited her to his palace for a photoshoot (classic), and she accepted.

That kicked off a short but sweet year-long courtship that ended with a diamond-studded ring.

Kelly’s life took a sharp turn after her marriage. She swapped her acting career for the daily duties of managing a country, and quickly had two children. (She would go on to have a third in the 1960s.)

But Kelly didn’t wilt behind the scenes or succumb to the monotony of royal life.

Princess Grace rises to the charge

In fact, she immediately fit in.

Her wedding to Prince Rainier III drew in around 30 million viewers from around the world and is still regarded as the first moment of ‘media overkill’ in pop culture.

Just like Princess Diana of Wales, Kelly seemed to genuinely connect with her new constituents—and that sense of doting seemed to radiate from her. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, she headed new programs for Monaco and beyond.

Princess Grace, as she became known, got to work managing the Red Cross of Monaco, the Patron of Rainbow Coalition for Children, and the Garden Club of Monaco.

She even founded AMADE Mondiale, which focuses on providing resources to at-risk children, and the Princess Grace Foundation, which supports local Monegasque artists.

Unfortunately, Princess Grace suffered from a cerebral hemorrhage in 1982 at the age of 52. Following her death, Prince Rainier III never remarried.

How to experience Princess Grace’s legacy in Monaco

Though Princess Grace has been dead for almost half a century, her legacy thrives in Monaco and beyond. If you’re heading to hotspots like the Monte Carlo or are taking a more general tour through Monaco, you’ll be close by dozens of places that carry Princess Grace’s influence.

Here are the spots I recommend checking out:

Avenue Princess Grace (one of the highest-class shopping districts in the world)
Fontvieille Park Rose Garden
Princess Grace Irish Library
Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo

The Oregon Trail: Yes, You Can Still Go on It

Spain has the Camino. China has the Silk Road.

The United States has the Oregon Trail.

Despite the fact that this perilous trail was only used by pioneers for a short period of time (between 40-60 years), it remains prominent in the American imagination. That’s largely thanks to haunting tales like that of the Donner Party and early PC games like Oregon Trail.

In 1993, the US National Parks Service decided to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Oregon Trail by posting road signs across the country. These now mark the roads and parks where the trail’s original migrants would have passed through.

In fact, you can follow these all the way from Independence Missouri to the coasts of Oregon.

That’s right—people are still traveling the Oregon Trail. And the National Park Service is working overtime to make that easier than ever before. Here’s how you can get involved.

Pioneer vibes for the modern traveler

The National Park Service has done a stellar job of mapping out the historical Oregon Trail. This 2,000-mile trail snakes through Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, and Washington.

Along the way, you can see some of the US’s most beautiful and remote landscapes. (Don’t believe the hype—the Great Plains of Kansas and Nebraska are absolutely stunning.)

Want to map out your route along the Oregon Trail? You can do so using these helpful maps from the National Park Service.

The Interactive Map lets you zero in on the parks and landmarks that you’ll want to see when road-tripping on the old Oregon Trail.
The Things To Do page connects you to sites, landmarks, and other areas that were referenced by actual Oregon Trail survivors. You can even check out wagon ruts sunken into the dirt.
The Auto Tour Route Interpretive Guide gives you even more information on how to see the most relevant sites while driving. It’s designed as a booklet that travelers can print out. (Nerd alert: these PDFs are surprisingly well done—I just wasted an hour reading through them for fun.)
The GIS Interactive Map highlights the resources that pioneer travelers would have been concerned with during their journey back in the 1800s. This is a great angle for those who like really like history.

Which Oregon trail sites are worth seeing?

There are dozens of ways to get from Missouri to Oregon. I’ll let you decide how faithful you want to be to the NPS’s guide.

Using the Interactive Map linked above, you can check out the trail sites listed below.

The easiest way to explore what’s on offer is to read through the interactive map on a state-by-state basis.

I skimmed Missouri’s list. It includes locations like the official courthouse in Independence where travelers set off from, small caves tucked away in forests where travelers rested at midday, and the Bingham-Waggoner Estate where you can see ruts from the covered wagons.

I recommend looking into what interests you the most, whether that’s modern museums that cover the Oregon Trail, National Parks where it once passed through, or historical sites. There’s truly something for everyone.

Here are the locations I would keep on my radar:

Missouri
- Barnes Enclosure and Cave Spring Interpretive Center
- Independence Courthouse Square
Kansas
- Alcove Spring Campsite
- Oregon Trail Park at Scott Springs
- Oregon Trail Park Grave Site
Nebraska
- The Archway-Pioneer Sod House
- Homestead National Historical Park
- Rock Creek Station State Historical Park
Wyoming
- Independence Rock State Historic Site
- Split Rock Interpretive Site
Idaho
- Bonneville Point
- Oregon Trail Park & Marina
- Three Island Crossing State Park
Oregon
- Pioneer Woman’s Grave & Trail
- National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
- Birch Creek Trail Site
Washington
- Fort Vancouver National Historical Site

Spain’s Camino de Santiago: Popular Since the 9th Century

Ever heard of the Camino de Santiago?

If you have a background in travel, European history, or Catholicism, you’ve probably heard of it once or twice.

The Camino de Santiago is a thousand-year-old pilgrimage route that leads to a church in Galicia where the remains of Jesus’s Apostle James are (allegedly) buried.

The most well-known Camino de Santiago cuts through Northern Spain toward its western Galician coast. That’s where the church is located in a city called Santiago de Compostela

In reality, however, the modern ‘caminos’ are the result of medieval routes. Back in the 800s when pilgrims first set out to see the remains of Saint James, they would simply pack their bags and head off.

Over the course of centuries, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims tread impromptu trails. These are remembered today as the ‘Camino Frances’, ‘Camino Portugues’, and other specific trails that are clumped under the ‘Camino de Santiago’.

And while the Camino might sound like a long-lost relic of medieval Catholicism, it’s spiking in popularity.

Back in the summer of 2022, around 1,000 pilgrims were arriving daily to receive official certificates that they’d completed the route. That’s the highest number on record in recent years.

What’s going on with the sudden interest in the Camino? Are its travelers mostly pilgrims or are they taking the Camino for historical intrigue? Let’s explore.

Rise of the Camino

I hate to burst anyone’s religious bubble, but most of the Camino de Santiago is based on existing Roman trade routes that cut through the continent.

Catholicism also spread along these trade routes. By the 800s, most of Western Europe was staunchly under the influence of the Pope. Word began to spread that the relics of Saint James, an actual apostle of Jesus Christ, were being stored at a church in the city of Santiago de Compostela.

It didn’t take long for pilgrims to set off.

And given Europe’s rather tight focus on Catholicism throughout the Middle Ages, the Camino steadily gained notoriety.

By the 1200s, the Pope was funding hospitals, lodgings, and other resources for pilgrims who were traveling from as far as Poland and Romania.

In fact, a handful of towns along the route still contain the word ‘hospital’ because they were created around medical facilities built for pilgrims. (Looking at you, Hospital de Orbigo.)

There were even souvenir shops on the Camino—some of the very first prototypes of the modern gift shop. In fact, medieval Europeans flocked to the cathedral in such numbers that, in modern Spanish, the Milky Way is known as the Santiago de Compostela.

This came about because the galaxy was rumored to be formed by the dust kicked up by feverish pilgrims heading on the Camino.

Expanding beyond spirituality

By the time most medieval pilgrims reached the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, they were a little worse for wear. Over the decades, new paths started to pop up, offering pilgrims alternative routes.

More relaxing and safe routes, specifically.

But by the 1800s, it had fallen out of favor. Few remembered the Camino aside from those still living along the route. Not even the Catholics.

Until the mid-1900s.

In 1957, a traveler penned the book The Road to Santiago, which helped put the Camino back in the public eye. The work helped generate new interest in the Camino.

Unfortunately, so did Spain’s former dictator Francisco Franco. His far-right agenda placed a hefty emphasis on the country’s Catholic history and legacy.

By the 1980s, the Camino had taken on a reputation as a travel route just as much as a pilgrimage. Though Catholics today still head on the Camino in search of penance, modern interests are more focused on the trail’s legacy, site-seeing, and historical landmarks.

So, if you’re interested but don’t have your sacraments, you’re still more than welcome.

What can you expect?

As mentioned throughout, you’ll have choices about which ‘Camino’ to take.

The most popular is the Camino Francés, which starts in southern France, cuts through the Pyrenees, and then heads west to Galicia.

Though it’s not the oldest route, it was also the most popular during the Medieval era, as most pilgrims came from France. This route is around 500 miles long.

Another popular route is the Camino Portugués, which starts in either Lisbon or Porto. Once again, many pilgrims from the Middle Ages came from Portugal. However, there aren’t nearly as many historical sites compared to the Camino Francés.

Along the way, subsidized hostels and lodgings offer pilgrims shelter. Many monasteries along the way also provide free accommodation and meals to pilgrims.

Those who plan on doing this should purchase a ‘credencial’ or pilgrim passport, which allows you to document the journey and the landmarks you see.

It’s also necessary proof to get the Compostela—a certificate from the Catholic Church that states that you completed the pilgrimage.

Enter the Pantanal: Exploring South America’s Most Exotic Wetlands

I’m shifting slightly away from my obsession with swamps to focus on the world’s largest wetlands: South America’s Pantanal region.

It’s way vaster than Louisiana’s Bayous and Florida’s Everglades put together, stretching across Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. In fact, the wetlands cover a distance larger than the UK.

Each year, its floodplains rise and fall between six to sixteen feet. The waters inundate the region’s plant life, creating necessary food, shelter, and nutrients for the thousands of bird, fish, and mammal species that call the Pantanal home.

You may have heard of this region thanks to the famous Pantanal Jaguar. While the wetlands have stayed off the radar for most tourists, those who venture to Brazil’s southwestern border can find wildlife that’s on par with the Amazon’s jungles and the Cerrado’s grasslands.

If you’re a diehard adventurer who is always on the hunt for another wild frontier, then the Pantanal is for you. But this region isn’t necessarily open for visitors—most reserves are closed off, while there’s little infrastructure in the region.

In other words, if you’re going to go, you need to plan far ahead. Despite the hassle, you should consider a visit to the Pantanal. But make sure to book with a tour company that protects and showcases this awesome region. Recommendations are at the bottom of the article.

Photo by Desert Morocco Adventure on Unsplash

A haven for flora & fauna

Most rugged tourists head to Pantanal in search of wildlife.

Along with the highly sought-after Pantanal Jaguar, visitors can glimpse creatures like the giant river otter (god bless, I had no idea otters came in XXL), the tapir, a funky little guy called the tamandua, plus exotic beauties like ocelots, capybaras, and giant anteaters.

Birdwatchers will have plenty to do, as well. Remember—swamps, bayous, and wetlands always attract the coolest birds.

The Pantanal is home to toucans, egrets, ibises, kingfishers, falcons, macaws, and many more. The crowned solitary eagle is particularly beautiful—but as the name suggests, they’re hard to spot.

A new path for tourists

Obviously, the Pantanal is a must-see for outdoors adventurers—but it will take a certain type of tourist to enjoy the experience.

First and foremost, this region is a veritable frontier. Dozens of grassroots organizations are working on the ground constantly to preserve the Pantanal and support those that live there.

A long list of dangers threatens this hugely important ecosystem. That includes run-off from other industries, like cattle farming and goldmining, along with poaching and smuggling of endangered species. Infrastructure development is yet another creeping and ever-present threat.

So, what does this mean for tourists hell-bent on seeing the Pantanal?

It means you need to sign up with a tour group—ideally, after doing some research to compare different companies. Uncontrolled tourism is another major threat the Pantanal faces, but tourism done correctly can actually help support locals who are fighting to protect the Pantanal.

It’s a fine line to tread.

If you’ve read my other travel pieces before, you know I’m hyper-focused on sustainability, mindfulness, and meaningful cultural exchanges. These three factors have driven my research into tour companies that offer multi-day trips into the wetlands. Now onto the fun stuff!

The best tour companies in the Pantanal

If you want to venture into the Pantanal, do so with one of the companies below. I’ve thoroughly vetted each based on reviews, reputation, their partnerships with NGOs, and deference to local indigenous groups.

(Drumroll, please!)

Oncafari actively donates to conservation causes and helps document breaking news, new projects, and ongoing work

Pantanal Nature is part of Brazil’s official tourism board, which means it must meet pretty rigorous standards. The company also works with locals and biologists to create unique tours.

If you’d prefer a more casual tour using TripAdvisor, these experiences have been highly rated by others:

Projeto Salobra Ecologia e Turismo

Pantanal Nature