Why EVERYONE Should Visit Scotland

In the minds of most, images of Scotland are limited to wild tartan-clad armies, bagpipes or dramatic mountain landscapes. But within its borders, Scotland offers potential for a wealth of travel experiences, covering everything from city to shore. As 2020 has given us all time to reflect, I have been fortunate enough to spend time rediscovering Scotland, my beautiful home country, and developing a new found appreciation for all that it holds within. To inspire more people to hopefully consider Scotland as a travel destination in the future, here are a list of things you will love about Scotland.

There's something for everyone

Love the outdoors? Go hiking through the Highlands, or skiing in the Cairngorms. Up for a road trip? Drive the epic North Coast 500 (NC500). Travelling to Scotland over the holidays? Visit the Christmas Markets, or join in a traditional Scottish Hogmanay. With everything from camping weekends and city breaks to island hopping and cultural trips, you're bound to find something you love in Scotland These are just a few examples of the variety of travel experiences you can have in Scotland. There is so much to fill your time with whether you're trip is a day or a month.

It's a photographer’s wonderland!

There's a reason why so many films & tv shows have used Scotland as inspiration for their sets. It's a beautiful country, featuring everything from breathtaking mountain landscapes to quaint coastal towns. If you're a photographer, or even just someone who loves getting some insta-worthy snaps while you travel, Scotland is the perfect place for you! A particular hot spot for photographers is Edinburgh, Scotland's culture capital with hosts of gorgeous spots that serve as the perfect background for images.

You can have a whole host of bucket-list experiences in Scotland

See a highland cow, go cliff diving or see the Northern Lights – did you know you can do all of that in Scotland? I’d definitely recommend making your own Scotland Bucket List and starting to check things off one at a time!

Although Scotland is a relatively popular destination, there is so much that is so underrated.

People travel from across the globe to visit the likes of Edinburgh and the Scottish Highlands, but there is far more to Scotland than meets the eye. For example, did you know that there are over 230 castles in Aberdeenshire alone? Most people have heard of the more famous islands, such as the Isle of Skye, but there are so many more. As well as visiting classic tourist spots such as Edinburgh and the Highlands, take some time to explore some of Scotland’s lesser known spots. There are some gorgeous coastal towns along the Moray Firth Coast, and some beautiful countryside drives along the southern boarder. These are only a couple of examples, so make sure to do plenty of research before your trip!

It's a great place for travel year round

As far as I've seen within the travel community, travel to warm, tropical destinations is definitely preferred. This is definitely not what you should expect on a trip to Scotland. In the summer (June-August), temperatures rise and daylight hours are long. This creates the perfect conditions for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. Still, though, not the tropical conditions that many travellers crave on their holiday. But if you're hesitant, or you've never visited somewhere with a temperate climate like Scotland before, I'd say go for it! You'll be surprised how much you enjoy the milder conditions, particularly if you love spending time outdoors. Or why not go for a winter vacation? There are several skiing locations around Scotland including The Lecht and Glenshee that are a great, budget-friendly alternative to more premium European ski destinations. Although you can sometimes expect some snow, this only makes the country all the more beautiful.

These are just a few quick pieces of information to hopefully get you inspired about travel in Scotland. Some may say I'm biased but I really do believe it's one of the most beautiful countries in the world!

Hi, I'm Emma! A travel writer & digital creator behindThe Hobby Traveller blog. Lately, I've had time to explore Scotland, it's been incredible finding hidden gems closer to home!