Five Top Travel Spots across the Former British Empire

by Gene
(Randall)

There is much to be said about the forsaken glory of a former empire, and this especially applies to the British Empire, which was established during the period of setting up overseas colonies that took place in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Once upon a time, it was true that “the sun never set in the British Empire.” Nowadays, this no longer applies per se, since the Empire had practically collapsed by the end of the nineteenth century, as Germany and the United States rose to power.

However, traces of British culture, traditions and heritage can still be explored in some of the most exotic locations across the globe. These spots, well known either for cultural tourism or for the sheer natural beauty of their landscapes and oceanscapes, are great to travel to. If you find yourself at a loss for travel and trip ideas, consider the following spots for a rich tourist experience. You need nothing else but a good map, good travel insurance, good accommodation and a good plan for your stay. So what are you waiting for? Start exploring the former British Empire now.

1. Ireland
Since Ireland has long since been a country in its own right, few regard it still as a part of the former British Empire. However, one only need remember the bloody conflicts in northern Ireland, which are ultimately rooted in the centuries of British domination over the small island. Wars and civil unrest notwithstanding, from a tourist perspective, Ireland is a wonderfully rich culture, which presents visitors with an exceptional blend of Celtic ‘paganism,’ castles and fortresses, plus elements borrowed from British cuisine, literature, theater and other arts. When visiting Ireland, your safest bet would be to avoid discussing these influences, since the Irish are famous for their nationalist sentiment. However, it is unavoidable to note that much of its historic architecture landmarks bear the marks of the Victorian, Georgian or Queen Anne styles, for instance.

2. Jamaica
When you think Jamaica, you think sunshine, Bob Marley and reggae, not the British Empire. However, the fact remains that this small island nation in the Greater Antilles, with 2.8 million inhabitants, was annexed by England from the Spanish in 1655. Nowadays, much of Jamaican economy is supported by royalties from its tourist industry—and understandably so. The vibrant island offers a bit of something for everyone. Nature lovers can go on bird watching tours or photo ‘safaris’ of the Jamaican fauna. The wildlife on the island is very diverse and comprises boars, mongooses, crocodiles and lots of different types of reptiles. The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is great for an exploration of local flora. Additionally, those who enjoy adrenaline-filled experiences can always go rafting or rowing in Jamaica. Modern hotels are readily available, as are luxury villas for rent.

3. Australia
Australia’s history with respect to the British Empire is a long and complex one. To the day, the country is still ruled by the British monarch, yet its territory was initially colonized by the Dutch. Legend has it that Australia was for long used as a sort of gigantic prison, a “criminal colony” of sorts. However, South Australia, which is said to have served as home for many inmates in the nineteenth century was actually set up as a “free province”. Nowadays, Australia is a diverse country, with lots of modern landmarks, the most famous of which is the shell-shaped Sydney Opera House, as well as vast areas of superb natural landscapes, such as Ayers Rock, or the desert of the Australian Outback. Travel to Australia can be arranged via plane from virtually any location in the world, travel insurance will be issued by most providers, since the country is safe by any and all standards, and tourist trips can have a historic, cultural or wildlife focus.


4. India
The former “crown jewel” of the British Empire is a country which still continues to fascinate many for its fraught history and exceptionally diverse culture. It is commonplace to refer to the very wide gap between India’s very rich mughals and its very poor vast majority of the population. When visiting India, you will be mesmerized by its traditional palaces and temples, by its vibrant marketplaces, colorful fabrics and delicious traditional cuisine. However, you will also get to experience several local habits which are of clear British origin, such as the Indians’ fascination with cricket—possibly shared with no other nation in the world except for the United Kingdom. India was the focus of the British expansion during the sixteenth century and the reason behind the discovery of the Americas. Many wars between the European super-powers of the day plagued the country centuries ago, and their influences can still be witnessed nowadays.

5. Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a fascinating case in world history, since its strategic location, at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, has made this tiny strip of land with no more than 30,000 inhabitants a hotly disputed item among several nations across history. Though it is located very close to Spain, the land is a British territory to this day, ever since it was first seized by the Brits, in a conjoined effort with the Dutch that occurred in the early eighteenth century. Britain became the de facto ruler and continues to reign over the country, not without significant dissent from Spain. However, the 1967 and 2002 referendums in Gibraltar have proven that most of the population wants to continue being British. Gibraltar culture, on the other hand, is a much more complex issue, which you can explore if you choose to visit ‘the rock’. It is heavily influenced by both Spanish and British culture, yet also blends in Genoese, Maltese, Portuguese, German and other, more exotic influences.

Author Bio
Gene Randall is a blogger and Internet marketer with a deep-seated interest in history and travel. Tourism-wise, his main areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, travel insurance for Australians, villa rentals, and self-catering holidays.