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The more we travel, the longer our dream destination list gets and no matter how many cities, countries or regions we manage to visit each year, the list just keeps growing longer. Never shying from a challenge, we’ve got a lot of work to do and who knows when we’ll get to all our dream destinations, but lucky for us we can dream about them until we do.
Our newest dream destination is Scotland, a country we have long wished to visit but which has somehow eluded us this far. While we were lucky enough to spend time in both Ireland and London earlier this year, Scotland got away from us, much to our disappointment.
While we have stayed in many Accor brand hotels around the world, we haven’t stayed with the Ibis brand, one we’ll be looking forward to staying with in Edinburgh, as our most important goal will be to be comfortable and centrally located with all the running around we’ll be doing.
But hey, we can still dream, and thats just what we’ll do. So sit back and dream with us about visiting Scotland, our next dream destination, as we count down our top five reasons to visit this amazing country.
1. Visit Loch Ness and the Great Glen
One of the most beautiful areas in all of the United Kingdom, the product of great geological upheaval, the Loch Ness area of Scotland is as picturesque as it is beautiful and as dreamlike of a destination as you could ever imagine as a child. The luscious landscape, deep earthy greens and bright blue skies paired with the childlike wonder of the region provide endless fantasies to children and adults alike!
So pack a day bag and get the whole family in the car to explore one of the most beautiful and magical areas of Scotland, and keep your eyes peeled for Nessy, who knows what you might see!
2. Castles! Castles! Castles!
Castles have always fascinated me and Europe is home to the most beautiful castles in the whole world so it only makes sense that many of these are located in the beautiful backdrop that makes up the Scottish countryside.
While we could visit castles every day and never get bored, there are a few in Scotland we just can’t miss. Eilean Donan, Edinburgh Castle and Castle Fraser are on the top of our list. If you are feeling super adventurous, there are many ancient castles you can even spend the night in and while we try to save money while traveling, there are certain things that might just be worth the extra cost.
3. Highland Games
Started to celebrate the Scottish and Celtic culture and history in Scotland, the Highland Games, held every August, provide one of the most interesting and cultural looks at any country we have ever seen. A series of unique competitions, strong man games, dancing, food and fun, the Highland Games show off the best of Scottish culture while giving the almost 30,000 visitors a unique and fun look into what is truly means to be Scottish.
Being huge fans of experiencing festivals wherever we go around the world, we always try to make our travel plans include all the local celebrations we can, and a visit to Scotland in August to visit the Highland Games is on the top of our list.
4. Taking a Whiskey Tour
What is a trip to Scotland without at least tasting some whiskey? Long known for it’s whiskey, Scotland has five distinct whiskey producing regions which all have a collection of amazing distilleries you can visit and tour. From the beautiful Abhainn Dearg Distillery on the Isle of Lewis to the Strathisla Distillery near Keith, Moray – Scotland boasts the most amazing distilleries around, and no trip would be complete without a tour of at least one.
So find a driver, book a tour, and try some of the best whiskey in the world.
5. Hiking
While hiking might not be the first thing that pops into your head after all that whiskey tasting, no hiker in the world wouldn’t wish to meander through the Scottish highlands for at least an afternoon. As green as couple possibly be, the landscape is any outdoor enthusiasts dream and there really isn’t a bad place to hike in Scotland.
If you are looking for a bit of a challenging hike and want to climb some mountains, head to Beinn Alligin in Wester Ross and if you are looking for a more mellow walk, head to Sandwood Bay in Southerland for a more relaxed walk along the gorgeous beach – seemingly undiscovered and in the middle of nowhere.
All images provided by Flickr via Ernest Aguayo, Moyan Brenn and Daniel Peckham
.H
