Amitabh Sharma, Features Coordinator

Jamaicans look forward to, and plan for, at least one major vacation each year. Summer, particularly during the months of July and August, is the preferred time to travel, what with warmer climes in the north and children out of school. Most Jamaicans who travel on vacation tend to visit friends and relatives in North America and England which have largest concentrations of West Indians in the diaspora. Throw in a good bargain and this is the sum total of many vacation package over the years. This summer, we will take you to your usual destinations, provide a few tips for a hassle-free travel, while adding a little oomph to your holiday. Today, we take you to Britain.

Britain, the country that ruled much of the world and never thought the sun would set on its domination. The countrythat has given us the game of cricket, the language that we speak; the land known for its aristocracy and the lush green countryside.

In Britain, one can go searching for centuries-old history to seekers of cutting-edge modernity. With friendly people who greet visitors with a familiar language to a breathtaking landscape dotted with attractions, Britain is sure to captivate even the avid traveller searching for something new.

To help visitors uncover the hottest attractions and coolest retreats, VisitBritain, the national tourist office for England, Scotland and Wales, in association with Virgin Atlantic Airways, unveiled 'Be a Brit different', as the theme targeting travellers to uncover Britain.

'Being a Brit different'

To 'be a Brit different', travellers can choose from many unexpected experiences hidden throughout Britain. While everyone wants to see the usual suspects, there are surprising ways to enjoy these sights and others never heard of throughout the country.

The 'be a Brit different' includes options for the young at heart, couples looking for a romantic escape, avid golfers, history buffs and friends looking for fun times.

Take tea with the Twinings

Attend an afternoon tea master workshop in London with Stephen Twinings of the world-famous Twinings dynasty and learn the art of blending tea and how this beverage became the most popular drink of choice. This workshop will make afternoon tea - a truly British experience of tantalising the taste buds with unique blends of teas and mouth-watering scones topped with mounds of clotted cream and jam or marmalade, bite-size sandwiches, biscuits and cakes - much more memorable.

Become a steam train conductor for a day

Enrol in the 'guest-driver programme' and learn to drive a steam train at the Rheilffordd Ffestiniog Railway located in Porthmadog in central Wales. Aspiring steam train conductors receive private, hands-on instruction about driving a steam train from one of the footplate crew. Advanced-level drivers can challenge themselves by learning to drive the Double Fairlies, one of the iconic and world-renowned locomotives.

Sleep like a queen

Book the Queen Elizabeth I suite and sleep in the same quarters once used by the queen when travellers stay at the luxurious Fawsley Hall. Nestled on 2,000 acres of rolling parkland in Northamptonshire, in the East Midlands, this traditional British hotel has parts of the property dating to the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras.

Fly to the fairway

Take off from Glasgow's River Clyde on a Loch Lomond Seaplane and escape to The Carrick, one of Scotland's noteworthy golf courses. Diehard golfers can improve their swing and handicap on six golf trails designed by James Braid, a champion golfer and golf-course designer.

A concert in a castle

Attend a variety of musical concerts at Castle Howard, one of Britain's finest historic properties in York, England. Castle Howard has an upcoming jazz concert on July 29 and a classical music concert on August 18. In addition, the castle is an ideal escape for family-oriented activities, including a playground for kids to 1,000 acres of breathtaking flowers for garden enthusiasts.

Speaking in tongues

Learn to say Croeso i Gymru, or 'Welcome to Wales' when you enrol in the one-day or residential Welsh-for-Adults courses (beginner to advanced levels) at the Nant Gwrtheyrn Welsh Language and Heritage Centre (also known as 'the Nant'). Located in North Wales, budding linguists (children and adults) can truly study one of Europe's oldest languages, as well as learn about Wales' rich heritage and savour authentic Welsh cuisine at the centre.

Love is in the air

Pursue a fairy-tale wedding or romantic escape filled with a traditional ceilidh (a Celtic social dance), a bagpiper, a kilt rental and, of course, fine Scottish fare. A few romantic hot spots could include Dalhousie Castle & Spa (near Edinburgh), Glenapp (Ayrshire), Kildrummy Castle Hotel (Aberdeenshire), and Sherbrooke Castle Hotel (Glasgow), among others.

Toe-tal competition

Attend the annual World Toe Wrestling Championship in July in Derbyshire, England. Contestants sit opposite each other on a 'Toedium' and lock their big toes, place their feet on a small wooden frame, imaginatively termed the 'Toerack'. At the cry of 'Toedown' participants wrestle both their right and left feet, in a straight knockout competition with the winner being the one who pushes the opponent's foot to the bookend on the side of the frame.

Uncover a treasure chest like Jack Sparrow

Volunteer for an archaeological excavation at Bamburgh Castle perched near the edge on the North Sea in Northumberland, England. Aspiring archaeologists will uncover many mysterious relics hidden in the bounds of layers spanning 2,000 years of continuous occupation.

Licensed to thrill

Indulge in a James Bond-style high-speed boat cruise and ride the waves on the River Thames. This action package cruise will give thrill seekers historical intrigue surrounding well-known sites such as Big Ben, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and other well-loved landmarks.

Source: Visit Britain (www.visitbritain.com)