There are various theories as to why not all the countries drive on the same side of the road. But, one thing is for sure, there have to be laws that regulate which side of the road people drive on. That way, the risk of head-on collisions is significantly lower, and it’s easier to organize the road infrastructure, as well as position traffic lights and road signs. So, for practical reasons, people can’t drive on whichever side they want to, and some countries have decided to drive on the left side, while others – on the right side of the road. So far, no one has been able to offer a theory on this subject, that would be widely accepted as accurate and well-founded.

It’s a well-known fact that most people are, right-handed. Not just nowadays, but it has been so throughout the ages, as well. That’s why people in the Middle Ages preferred to walk on the left side of the road, so that their right arm can be closer to oncoming people and can pull out their swords and defend themselves easier, since there was a lot of violence those days, and you could’ve been attacked at any time, so you always had to be prepared for a fight.

A little later, during the 18^th century, people started moving on the right side of the road on their horse-drawn carriages. Back then, teamsters used to sit on the left-hand horse, so that they can lash the other horses using their right arms. Since they were sitting on the left-hand horse, they wanted to move on the right side of the road, so that they can make sure they avoid colliding with wagons coming from the opposite direction. This method was adopted by most countries in Europe, as well as by people in North America.

People in Great Britain didn’t accept this change and continued to move on the left side. Britain wanted to keep this method and stay unique, and it was transferred in all of their colonies, as well. Japan is a very interesting exception in this regard, as it has never been ruled by Britain, but has always been a left-hand-traffic country. It’s because the British helped Japan built their railway system, and trains started moving on the left side. Later, cars and other motor vehicles just followed suit and this practice still hasn’t changed.

In any case, countries that have left-hand traffic won’t change those rules, as it would be too expensive and complicated to change people’s habits and the whole road infrastructure.

Author: Jordan Perch – Follow him on Google+.

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East Kent

There are a number of places in the south-eastern corner of England which are well worth a visit, the most familiar of which is the town of Dover. The famous white cliffs are truly spectacular, and the seaside resorts of Ramsgate and Folkestone are both within easy reach. If you are a fan of historic buildings, be sure to visit Canterbury, because the cathedral is one of the most spectacular religious buildings in the whole world.

Somerset Coast

If you mention the West Country to most Britons, and indeed most tourists, they will invariably think of the counties of Devon and Cornwall, but Somerset should also be on the must-visit list. The coastline is home to some beautiful beaches, many of which are exceptionally peaceful even in the summer months. If you like to be among the crowds, head to the resorts of Weston-Super-Mare and Minehead.

Gower Peninsula

Three Cliffs Bay on the Gower peninsular of South Wales.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are some wonderful holiday destinations in Wales, but those who know the Gower Peninsula rarely go anywhere else. It’s located in the south of the principality, close to Swansea, and it offers some of the finest seascape vistas anywhere in Britain. As well as a succession of impressive beaches, there are also some spectacular castles, including Pennard and Bovehill.

Glasgow

A famous city such as Glasgow could never truly be described as hidden, of course, but it’s certainly not on the usual tourist schedule for most people. City breaks are exceptionally popular in London and Edinburgh, but Scotland’s largest and busiest city is home to a number of fascinating museums and art galleries, as well as a whole host of historic buildings.

A view over Glasgow from Queen’s Park in the city’s south side. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Norfolk Broads

The Norfolk Broads are exceptionally popular with visitors from the UK, but not too many overseas visitors make their way to this collection of attractive waterways and chocolate-box villages. There are plenty of exceptional accommodation options to be found in the area, but many people choose to hire a boat and stay on the water for a few days instead. Though busy in the summer, there is always enough room for everyone.

Author: David Showell lives in England and is a regular traveller. Follow him on Google+.

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