We hear that Earth is beautiful this time of year. Join us as we discuss the newest three destinations on the Urchin Travel Wish List!
The Shetland Islands
This subarctic group of Scottish islands earned a place on my travel wish list two years ago when I inadvertently came into a Shetland Pony, which I suppose is just the kind of thing that happens when you’re inadvertently living in Vermont. Ever since I met my sweet Chumly, with his long, shaggy winter coat and wild spirit, I’ve dreamt of the day when I could take him with me to roam the craggy, windblown shores of the Shetland Islands. He just looks as if he belongs perched on a rocky cliff, ocean wind whipping through his white blonde mane. While I realise the chances of Chumly actually being able to accompany me to the Shetland Islands are pretty miniscule, I’d at least like to visit and send him back a postcard. Besides, with native populations of Shetland Ponies, Shetland Sheep, and Atlantic Puffins, these islands clearly have some kind of monopoly on cute animals. I’m going to start packing now.
Nova Scotia
I know next to nothing about Nova Scotia except for the fact that Ellen Page and Kate Beaton are from there. I’ve lately been drawn to cities and towns on the edge of large land masses and continents. They strike me as operating right on the edge of existence, utilising an independence in their everyday life and function that seems both spirited and humbling. The fact that Nova Scotia sits on one of the many tips of Canada is a large plus. I’ve been to Victoria Island off the western coast of Canada, and I’d imagine Nova Scotia will be equally if not more so quaint and charming, just with less sun and more reason to drink tea.
The Galapagos Islands
While I am consistently on the border about whether or not ecologically fragile environments should be tapped as tourist destinations – does the damage caused by visitors outweigh or balance the economic benefits to preserve the environment – the Galapagos Islands have been on my to-do list for quite some time. Best see it while it’s there, I suppose. Paramount to Darwin’s The Origin of Species, the Galapagos Islands are one of the most ecologically diverse regions of the world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the marine preserve of the Galapagos Islands is second largest in the world, next to the Great Barrier Reef. The introduction of non-native plants and animals over the last 100 years has decimated much of the natural flora and fauna. On top of that, warming ocean temperatures effect many of the ocean species. Visiting the Galapagos Islands as they are today is truly an experience that future generations may not have.
