 |
| Photo by Stefan Klopp |
wonder in Northern Ireland is nothing if not spectacular, and highly unusual. Giant’s Causeway is
the remnant of a volcanic explosion eons ago. The hardened lava formed basalt columns that are pressed together in interlocking arrangements. Most of the columns are hexagonal, giving the entire area a surreal experience, almost like it was designed by some mad, postmodern architect, or aliens. Perhaps more remarkably, neither of these is the case. Giant’s Causeway is a natural phenomenon, one that you have to see with your own eyes.
Giant’s Causeway is in County Antrim of Northern Ireland. It has been a national nature reserve since 1987. It has been called one of the great national wonders of the United Kingdom. And though there are international attractions bigger and taller, few have the mystique and natural elegance of Giant’s Causeway. The fact that you can walk and climb on these natural basalt formations is another mark in its favor.
From individuals traveling alone or in pairs, to parents traveling with children, Giant’s Causeway is a perfect place for a day trip. Traversing the irregular columns isn’t physically demanding, but care should be taken to avoid tripping. The columns range from a few inches tall, all the way to 28 meters in height. Different height ranges tend to be grouped together, so that you can climb gradually growing column groups like hills. It’s really remarkable to see and experience. You’ll definitely want to have your camera with you, as this is a sight that’s hard to describe and even harder to believe for people who haven’t seen it themselves.
 |
| Photo by Sean Lucas |
Giant’s Causeway became world famous in the late 17th century. Tourists have visited it nonstop since, and today is no exception. Allen’s Tours is one of the best bus tours available to and from Giant’s Causeway so take a look at that if you are looking for a more relaxed experience than driving yourself. Tourists can enjoy learning lots of information about the Causeway’s colorful history, as well as the surrounding village life. For people leaving Giant’s Causeway, there is a wonderful food and drink scene welcome to tourists and local visitors. In the end, Giant’s Causeway is a wonderful place to visit no matter what you choose to do thereafter. It’s one of those natural wonders that makes travel to a new country worth it all by itself.
For those who are unfamiliar with the concept of love lock spots, they are locations where a couple is able to lock a padlock to a bridge (in most instances, although there are other love lock spots) and throw away the key, as a symbol of their everlasting love. While some oppose it, it's still a very interesting custom and a great way to find out about romantic tourist spots.
Tips: I know some of these spots are definitely not budget destinations but you can save money in loads of unique ways. You can start by trying to make use coupons like those you can find at spots like Discountrue where you can find tons of savings on airfare and hotels. You can also try simple things such as buying your luggage when you see it on sale or packing a bit of food to offset the budget. These types of things seem small but trust me after traveling for 10 years with 5 people the little things really help!
Read on and learn more about the places where couples express their undying devotion to one another!
New York
Those who wish to start their love lock journey in the United States can head to the Big Apple and make their way to the Brooklyn Bridge, where love locks have become a prominent fixture for years. What's interesting, the Open Organization Of Lockpickers has banded against this practice and there have been performed love picking demonstrations, with the goal of carefully removing each lock and creating a public sculpture.
Moscow
While some city officials wish to put a stop to love locks, Moscow encourages the practice and has lined the Luzhkov bridge with metal trees, to make it easier for couples to attach locks without doing damage to the bridge. Since love locks are allowed here, Moscow is becoming an increasingly popular destination for newlywed couples that wish to express their love in a new and unique fashion!
Dublin
Dublin visitors that are looking for prime love lock locations have a wide range of places to choose from, including the Ha’penny bridge (where most of the love locks in Dublin are located), the Rosie Hackett bridge, Boardwalk balustrade and the Millennium bridge. At the present moment, Dublin city officials are devising new and improved methods for love lock placement, with an eye towards providing alternative spots.
Venice
Venice has developed into a common destination for couples in search of love lock locations and the three that are most commonly visited are the Ponte dell’Accademia, Ponte degli Scalzi and the Rialto bridge. Venice's city officials have launched a campaign against the placement of these locks, but love-struck couples refuse to be deterred, as the locks continue to come back over and over again, even when they have been removed.
Paris
What list of lovebird destinations would be complete without mentioning the most romantic city in the world? The city of love provides a number of locations to place your love lock, including Pont de l’Archevêché and the Pont des Arts. The locks have also spread to the majority of the bridges overlooking the Seine. While a campaign was recently started by the city that urged couples to take selfies instead of placing love locks on Parisian bridges, there is currently no end to love locks in sight.
Read on and learn more about the places where couples express their undying devotion to one another!
New York
Those who wish to start their love lock journey in the United States can head to the Big Apple and make their way to the Brooklyn Bridge, where love locks have become a prominent fixture for years. What's interesting, the Open Organization Of Lockpickers has banded against this practice and there have been performed love picking demonstrations, with the goal of carefully removing each lock and creating a public sculpture.
Moscow
While some city officials wish to put a stop to love locks, Moscow encourages the practice and has lined the Luzhkov bridge with metal trees, to make it easier for couples to attach locks without doing damage to the bridge. Since love locks are allowed here, Moscow is becoming an increasingly popular destination for newlywed couples that wish to express their love in a new and unique fashion!
Dublin
Dublin visitors that are looking for prime love lock locations have a wide range of places to choose from, including the Ha’penny bridge (where most of the love locks in Dublin are located), the Rosie Hackett bridge, Boardwalk balustrade and the Millennium bridge. At the present moment, Dublin city officials are devising new and improved methods for love lock placement, with an eye towards providing alternative spots.
Venice
Venice has developed into a common destination for couples in search of love lock locations and the three that are most commonly visited are the Ponte dell’Accademia, Ponte degli Scalzi and the Rialto bridge. Venice's city officials have launched a campaign against the placement of these locks, but love-struck couples refuse to be deterred, as the locks continue to come back over and over again, even when they have been removed.
Paris
What list of lovebird destinations would be complete without mentioning the most romantic city in the world? The city of love provides a number of locations to place your love lock, including Pont de l’Archevêché and the Pont des Arts. The locks have also spread to the majority of the bridges overlooking the Seine. While a campaign was recently started by the city that urged couples to take selfies instead of placing love locks on Parisian bridges, there is currently no end to love locks in sight.
As you can see many places where these love locks can be found are in the process of trying to stop the practice all together. Better get a move on if placing a love lock is on your bucket list!