The Other Side of the Road - A Brief History Lesson

In honor of travel to a few of our favorite places - England, Scotland and Ireland - we thought we'd take a moment out of the day to discuss the whole "other side of the road thing." It's always something that makes a foreigner nervous - driving on the other side of the road. And, on the other side of the car. But because most of us don't travel across the Atlantic everyday, we don't really ever take a lot of time to think about why it is that Americans and 3/4 of the world drives on the right side of the road while the other quarter sticks to the left. So what happened? Why the difference and where did it originate from?

The most common theory about all this, and probably the most realistic, is one that involves power struggles and colonialism. Early history shows that the British have always driven on the left side of the road. Back in Roman times, carts kept to the left. In the Middle Ages it was used because an attack on the road was best taken from the right as the driver would be better able to quickly pull out his sword. This practice continued throughout Europe, until the French got their hands on it. During the French Revolution it was said that everything was changed to the opposite in an act of rebellion. Napoleon saw it as a display of absolute power. During the American Revolution, the same act of rebellion happened. Throughout the centuries as the main forces of power held colonies in other parts of the world, those colonies followed suit and adopted the driving practices of their motherlands.

In the beginning of the 20th century, actual standardized law of road directions took place with the popularization of Ford cars. Since the cars were made with controls on the left side of the vehicle, the car was suitable for right-handed driving and the right-handed standard thus became the norm for much of the world.

Quite interesting how a struggle over power and independence has shaped something so trivial as the side of the road we drive on. Well, our hats are off to Great Britain to sticking to your roots. If you are interested in driving the other side of the road, check out our Britain vacation packages!

Charming Tuscan Splendor in Lucca

At Sceptre Tours we have a few great travel packages that take you right into the heart of Tuscany. What a beautiful and dreamy place. On many of our Tuscany vacation packages, we put you up in an elegant estate in the hills of Tuscany - La Fattoria degli Usignoli. Situated right in the middle of the region, you have easy access to explore many of the quaint towns in the surrounding areas. One of these towns that you absolutely cannot miss is Lucca. Cute, happy Lucca - where life is good.

Lucca's scenery is out of a storybook. From the orange-red tiled rooftops, to the earth-toned buildings, to the landscape of green cypress trees and mountains - this place is sure to put your mind in a creative and peaceful mood. In the springtime, the town has got to be the most romantic place in Italy. The surrounding meadows are full of wildflowers, the town is bustling with quaint, village-like activity, the skies are bluer than you've ever seen them before. And in the spring, remember there are less people there than during the summer so it's not as crowded nor as expensive.

While you're there, make sure to take a moment to observe to city walls. They span two and a half miles so you can't miss them. From the top of them, you can take in some of the most beautiful vantage points. Also, make sure to visit the Parco Villa Reale. Once a home to Napoleon's sister, Villa Reale is closed to the public, but you can visit it's 17th century gardens which are amazing.

A trip to Lucca is not to be missed.

$3,039 - French River Cruise!!

Setting sail up the Rhone and Saone Rivers? What a phenomenal way to see France! This European river cruise package we have for you starts at $3,039 and takes you right through the heart of beautiful Burgundy and Provence. You'll start the trip off staying in Nice at the gorgeous Fairmont Monte Carlo. Next you're off to Arles in Provence to board your ship and sail north, up through Avignon, charming Viviers, medieval Tournon, Vienne, France's gastronomic capital of Lyon, as well as many other small and charming towns along the way. On this 7 night deluxe river cruise you will enjoy prestigious accommodations in an outside viewing stateroom. Your vacation ends in Paris where you will spend two nights at Le Meridien Montparnesse.

Other perks of this package include:
• 23 meals (10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners)
• Complimentary champagne with breakfast
• Unlimited wine & beer with dinners
• Evening entertainment
• Shore excursions per itinerary
• Services of a cruise director throughout
• Guaranteed departures

This is a great deal. Check it out on Sceptre Tours' website today!