ABBEY: For our trip between the UK and Ireland, we chose Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline. The flight itself was quick and efficient—just a little over an hour, making it one of the fastest ways to travel between the two countries.
We flew on an ATR 72, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that’s commonly used for short regional routes. At first glance, I’ll admit I had my doubts—the plane looked smaller than I expected, and I wasn’t sure how it would handle the journey across the Irish Sea. But once we boarded (from the rear of the aircraft, which was a unique experience!), we quickly settled into our seats.
Since the flight was short, there were no in-flight snacks or entertainment, which was totally fine. It was a simple sit-sleep-fly-land kind of trip—straightforward and stress-free. In no time, we touched down in Ireland, ready to explore!
And just like that, Aer Lingus got us safely and smoothly from the UK to Ireland—and back again.
WILL: If you’re choosing between budget airlines in Europe, Aer Lingus often comes up as a step above Ryanair. That’s exactly why we booked it — hoping for a more stable and slightly more premium experience. The airline is operated by the same parent company as British Airways, and based on our research, delays were said to be less intense than Ryanair’s.
So, did Aer Lingus live up to the expectations? True enough — we had a delay. Just a classic budget airline kind of delay, no drama. But the real surprise? The aircraft! It was a cute little plane with 2-2 seating. Abbey immediately noticed something odd — the propeller was visible, not your typical enclosed type. He’s not a fan of that setup (understandable!), but hey, we were off to Dublin, so we just rolled with it.
Flight was short and thankfully smooth. The return flight to London Heathrow was on a bigger aircraft. We were excited — a bit more legroom, a more solid-looking plane. I even managed to sneak in a nap.
But somewhere during descent… whoa.
I woke up with a weird kind of headache. At first, I thought it was just a quick air pocket, but then came the dizziness. The kind that makes your head feel light and floaty — not in a good way. 😵💫 Sadly, it didn’t fade right away. The sensation lingered through our layover and into the long-haul flight back to Singapore.
If you’re someone who’s prone to motion sickness or vertigo, take note: descending on certain flights might stir things up a bit. It’s affordable, and if you’re flying short-haul around Europe, it does the job. Just manage expectations, bring motion sickness remedies (or your favorite peppermint oil!), and you’ll probably be just fine. Each flight is different. Sometimes smooth, sometimes… spinny. 😅 Try it yourself — and let me know if you also feel like you’re floating after landing. Haha!
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Every time we travel, we always wish for sunny skies. I get it. Nobody wants rain to ruin their plans.
But when we went to Edinburgh for 3 nights — I did the opposite.
Why Gloomy Weather Is the Secret to Falling in Love with Edinburgh
I prayed for it to be gloomy. Wet. Misty. Even a little spooky. Edinburgh is a city that wears its history like a cloak — one woven with ghost stories, witch trials, and magic. A bright, sunny day strips away the eerie charm that makes this place so special. Mist, however, wraps the city in something spellbinding.
1. Mist Unlocks the City’s Dark Past
Edinburgh is widely regarded as one of the most haunted cities in the world. — from underground vaults to the old kirkyards. The mist in the air feels like a living remnant of its chilling history. Without it, the city feels too modern, too exposed. With it? You’re walking through a Gothic novel.
2. Hello Dementors? Harry Potter Fans Will Understand
It’s the closest I’ve ever felt to being in a Harry Potter scene. The fog over the castle, the chill in the wind — it’s like Azkaban is nearby and the Dementors are flying above the rooftops. If you’re a Potterhead like me, you’ll love this.
3. Gloom is Edinburgh’s Natural Filter
Let’s be honest — the city looks better in grey. The stone buildings, dramatic skyline, and towering castle feel more cinematic when the weather leans moody. It’s aesthetic perfection.
And if you want the full gothic vibe? Visit Greyfriars Kirkyard — Edinburgh’s most famous cemetery — when the sky is heavy and the rain just lightly taps your umbrella. The headstones, some worn down by time, almost speak louder when the air is still and cold. The mist between the trees makes the stories of ghosts and poltergeists feel just a little too real.
You won’t get that magic on a hot, sunny afternoon.
So if you’re visiting Edinburgh and the sky turns dark, or it starts to drizzle — don’t be disappointed.
That’s exactly the weather you should hope for.
It’s not a flaw — it’s part of the experience.
And if you’re into the full vibe, I really recommend joining one of the ghost, witch, or Harry Potter walking tours. They’re even better when the city is wrapped in fog.
Have you ever fallen in love with a gloomy destination? Would you pray for rain like I did in Edinburgh?
SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!
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ABBEY: Our adventure began bright and early at 7 AM, as we joined the much-anticipated Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour. The crisp morning air greeted us as we made our way to the meeting point at St. Andrew Square in Edinburgh. Shortly after our tickets were checked, our cozy tour bus pulled in—and just like that, the journey began.
From the start, our tour guides made the trip unforgettable. Far from being dull, they filled our ride with interesting facts, local legends, and witty stories that kept everyone laughing, clapping, and thoroughly entertained.
Our first stop was a charming little town, the perfect place to warm up with a hot cup of coffee. While some of us grabbed caffeine, others took the chance to enjoy a quick breakfast bite. Then, we had a brief but breathtaking stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct—the iconic bridge made famous by the Harry Potter films. Standing there, watching the sweeping curves of the viaduct against the rugged Highland backdrop, felt like stepping into the wizarding world.
As we continued our journey, the Scottish landscape unfolded around us in all its glory—majestic mountains, serene lochs, and cinematic vistas. One of the highlights was catching a glimpse of the film location used as Dumbledore’s grave, nestled quietly in the distance.
Then came the moment we were all waiting for—boarding the Jacobite Steam Train, famously known as the Hogwarts Express. As the steam curled into the sky and the whistle blew, it felt like we were truly heading to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Although we didn’t get window seats, the magical atmosphere more than made up for it.
Our cheerful and enthusiastic train conductor made the ride even more enjoyable, sharing stories and pointing out sights like Neptune’s Staircase, a remarkable series of canal locks near Fort William, where our steam train journey ended.
Back on the bus with our Highland guides, we had one more surprise waiting—meeting the adorable Highland Cattle, often affectionately called “emo cows” for their shaggy hair. We even got to feed them before making our way back to Edinburgh.
WILL:If you’re a true Harry Potter fan, the Jacobite Steam Train ride is likely on your UK bucket list. Even for non-fans, this is the exact steam train featured in the first Harry Potter movie — and that alone makes it worth looking into.
So how can you ride the real Hogwarts Express?
Option 1: Do-It-Yourself (DIY Route)
You can travel independently to Fort William or Mallaig, which are the departure and arrival points for the Jacobite Train.
However, there are some drawbacks:
•The journey from London takes about 9 hours by train
•Limited accommodation options in both towns
•The towns themselves are quiet, and not ideal for extended stays
This option can be complicated and requires a lot of planning.
Option 2: Join a Guided Tour from Edinburgh
We chose the Highland Tours experience via GetYourGuide, and it turned out to be the smarter option.
Compared to booking directly, this tour saved us over SGD100 and included convenient transportation from Edinburgh, scenic stops, and entertaining guides.
From the start, guides/bus drivers — Rich and Mat — were both informative and engaging. They kept the mood light and fun throughout the long day trip. It felt like a field trip, complete with stories, music, and a few Harry Potter trivia moments.
Please note:
•The Jacobite Steam Train does not run year-round. It closes during winter and usually resumes service around April.
•We paid SGD641 for two people, not including meals.
•Bus do not have built-in toilet so plan your drinks.
Is It Worth the Price? ➡️Yes, if: •You’re a Harry Potter fan looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience •You enjoy scenic rides through the Highlands •You want to be surrounded by fellow Potter fans and share the excitement
➡️Maybe not, if: •You expect a luxurious experience or dramatic reenactments •You’re not familiar with the Harry Potter series and may not connect with the nostalgia
Alternative Option
If the full experience is out of your budget, GetYourGuide also offers tours that stop at the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the iconic bridge featured in the films. You won’t ride the train, but you’ll still capture that postcard-perfect moment.
If you’re still undecided, think of it this way: if you grew up watching Harry Potter, this isn’t just a ride — it’s a small piece of your childhood coming to life.
***
From Edinburgh: Hogwarts Express and Scottish Highlands Tour
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