It’s easy to get tempted by the idea of a warm, beachy vacation this summer, especially with social media filled with stunning pictures from beautiful destinations. However, a beach vacation isn’t for everyone. Personally, I’m craving a European city break. If you’re also looking for a place with mild weather and fewer crowds than France or Spain, I’ve got the perfect spot for you: Scotland.
Scotland recently set a new tourism record, welcoming 3.9 million tourists last year, a 15% increase from pre-pandemic numbers. Many of these visitors are from the U.S. If you’re curious about what makes Scotland so special, this summer might be the ideal time to explore its fairytale-like landscapes.
Why settle for heat waves and crowded beaches when you can enjoy breathtaking sights at a comfortable 20°C (68°F)? Scotland may not be your typical summer destination, but the change can be refreshing, with plenty of nature, history, and culture to explore. To help you plan your first trip, here are some of the most popular landmarks:
– **Edinburgh**: Edinburgh Castle, the Old Town, St. Giles’ Cathedral, and the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
– **Glasgow**: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, the Glasgow Science Centre, People’s Palace, and Winter Gardens.
– **The Highlands**: The Isle of Skye, Cairngorms National Park, Urquhart Castle, Dunrobin Castle & Gardens, and Steall Waterfall.
– **Loch Ness**: The Loch Ness Lake, Urquhart Castle, and the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.
– **Stirling**: The Wallace Monument, the Battle of Bannockburn Visitor Centre, and Stirling Castle.
– **The Isle of Mull**: Tobermory, Fingal’s Cave, and the Treshnish Isles.
– **The Outer Hebrides**: Lewis and Harris, the ancient Callanish Standing Stones, Luskentyre, and Seilebost.
If you’ve already visited Scotland, you might wonder why you should make the trip again. The answer is simple: there’s always something new to discover. New hotels and restaurants are constantly popping up, adding excitement to your visit. Recent additions like the Delnashaugh, AC Hotel by Marriott Glasgow, and Eleven Stafford Street Townhouse are among Scotland’s hottest stays. New dining spots like The Spanish Butcher, Fallachan Kitchen, LOCHRIN Rooftop Bar, and Ondine St Andrews have quickly become some of the best places to eat.
This summer, Scotland is buzzing with events. From the Highland Games and the Edinburgh International Festival to the Genesis Scottish Open, the Royal Highland Show, and the Stonehaven Folk Festival, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you entertained.
For solo travelers, Scotland is a dream destination. Edinburgh, in particular, is perfect for those traveling alone. It’s safe, offers numerous accommodation options, has a welcoming community, and boasts an excellent public transportation system, ensuring you never feel lost.