By As we’ve been grounded over the last year, it’s given us time to think about what we really want from our next getaway. And according to Booking.com, over half of us want to travel more sustainably in the future.
So, if you’re looking for a more meaningful break and want to ditch the long-haul flights, may we suggest somewhere a little closer to home? Scotland is the perfect place to slow down, reboot and connect with people and places. Once the current restrictions are lifted, we recommend lacing up your hiking boots and giving these slow and sustainable suggestions a go.
Go glamping
If you want to lose yourself in nature without giving up the little luxuries, glamping is definitely for you. You can experience Scotland’s stunning scenery, have a good night’s kip and get great Instagram content, all without the hassle of pitching a tent.
We love the luxury yurts and upcycled horse lorries at Alexander House, a new glampsite in Perthshire. With roll-top baths, sustainable wood burners and marshmallow duvets (as well as no wi-fi or TV), it’s the perfect place to embrace the great outdoors responsibly.
Ride the rails
Rail holidays are always a great way to relax and take in the passing countryside. They’re also one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel. But when there’s a spa onboard too? We’re 100% sold.
The Belmond Royal Scotsman, which travels across the Scottish Highlands, offers total luxury and beauty treatments on tap, including facials, massages and manicures, all using eco-friendly botanical ingredients. In short, if you’re in need of serious pampering while keeping it green, there’s no better place.
Join a rewilding project
‘Voluntourism’ is surging in popularity, and if you’re keen to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in, there are lots of ways to do good during your getaway – whether it’s cleaning beaches, restoring the Caledonian forest or simply lending a hand in local communities that are suffering in the aftermath of coronavirus.
Trees for Life runs conservation weeks each year where you can volunteer to help them with their work to revitalise the wild forests of the Highlands by planting trees. While they had to cancel volunteering holidays for 2020, the hope is they will be back later this year.
Follow a foodie trail
There’s no better way to get a taste of Scotland than through its local cuisine. The country is bursting with distilleries and restaurants serving home-grown, seasonal and sustainable produce that will shape your trip into a delicious foodie pilgrimage.
Try the Scottish Cheese Trail, where you’ll see cheesemakers at work in artisan dairies and get to stock up on chutneys and jams at authentic farm shops like the Isle of Mull Cheese Cafe. Or check out the exciting food and drink scene around Aberdeen, and go from sampling award-winning fish and chips in Stonehaven to mouthwatering shortbread in Huntly. Pale ale fans can also explore BrewDog's state-of-the-art HQ in Ellon.
Take a carbon-neutral island tour
If you want to really experience rural life and combat climate change while you’re at it, head to the archipelago of Orkney. While there, you can enjoy the sights with a carbon-neutral tour. Wildabout Orkney, which provides personal guided trips, gives you the opportunity to offset your CO2 footprint through its contributions to projects in Africa, including planting a tree for each day of your holiday. Small steps really can make a big difference.
Enjoy a cosy farm stay
For the ultimate rural retreat, spend a week on the farm. Hidden away in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, you’ll find Monachyle Mhor, an 18th-century farmhouse that’s been converted into a boutique hotel. Guests are invited to tour the farm and learn about the animals and produce.
Always check the latest government restrictions relating to Covid-19 before travelling. For more information go to the VisitScotland website
Find out more about a sustainable Scottish breaks at VisitScotland. Keep an eye out for businesses using the We’re Good to Go logo, plan ahead and always travel responsibly
