It’s here – the summer holiday.
Many of us look forward to enjoying a well-deserved break and the opportunity to ‘get away from it all’. An exciting change from the everyday routine, a well earned break is a chance to escape the stress and the rush of modern life. While some may opt for faraway shores, a current tourism trend is proving that your next holiday may not be as far away as it seems.
The staycation – a holiday in which you spend time in your home country rather than travelling abroad – is becoming increasingly popular with 52% of 25 – 34-year olds more likely to holiday in the UK than in 2018, according to the Great British Staycation Report.
And it’s not just the millennials who are getting on board with the staycation trend.
The report also notes an overall 29% increase in the number of Scots who will take a staycation this year.
Love Touring Festival has rounded up some of the best Scottish locations to explore this summer.
Best explored by motorhome, follow the North Coast 500 route to meander through the Scottish Highlands. Starting in Inverness, take in spectacular views across six of Scotland’s regions. There are plenty of opportunities to park up your motorhome overnight along the way, in some stunning locations such as the Dornoch Firth Caravan Park.
Shorter than its Highland equivalent, the North East 250 explores everything Scotland is famous for, with numerous places to pitch up along the way. This road trip takes you through the whisky distilleries of Speyside, the spectacular mountain passes of the Cairngorms National Park, Royal Deeside and its famous castles, the city of Aberdeen – famed for its silver granite – the rugged North Sea coastline to the east, and the oh-so-Instagrammable villages of the Moray Firth Coast, including Pennan and Crovie.
Scotland has been a featured location in many films and series such as Outlander and James Bond. At the Glennfinnan Viaduct, 17 miles from Fort William, filming took place for the Harry Potter films. Here, you can see the Jacobite steam train also known as the Hogwart’s Express! For an overnight stay at the foot of the Scottish mountains, head to the Glencoe Camping and Caravanning Club Site about one hour’s drive away.
With no shortage of campsites, the Isle of Skye is another popular location for motorhomes. Enjoy the great outdoors: take a dip in the Fairy Pools in the Cullin Mountain Range or find out more about the mysterious cone-shaped hills in the Fairy Glen.
Experience traditional Scottish gatherings over the summer months, with music, events and culture at the Aberdour Festival from July 26 to August 3 or get involved in the Braemar Gathering – the only Highland Games event attended annually by the Royal family. Just a stone’s throw from the Braemar Gathering is The Braemar Caravan Park, a real jewel in the crown of the Cairngorm National Park.
…With no waiting around at airports, Scotland lets you decide when you want to travel. Apart from the cost of campervan travel and site fees, discovering Scotland’s beauty costs nothing.
Considering the average cost of a holiday abroad for a UK family of four is £4,792, your wallet will thank you for choosing Scotland this summer.
For more inspiration and ideas, head along to the Love Touring Expo from October 25-27, 2019.
The show, held in Aberdeen this autumn, will feature the very latest caravans, motorhomes and campervans from all the major brands.
Tickets are on sale at the venue on the day priced at £12 for adults, including free parking at P&J Live.
