Choosing a place to visit in the fall season can be a daunting task when so many already stunning countries become even more so as their leaves change to fiery reds, oranges, purples, and every other color imaginable.
One country that has long been popular with travelers from all over is Scotland, occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain. England’s neighbor to the north is a great destination year-round, yet the fall is really when it comes alive.
Not only is it beautiful, but the crowds are fewer, prices can be lower, the weather is perfect for sightseeing, and it makes an easy getaway from the United States.
Scotland is clearly an ideal destination in any weather, but there are some reasons why the fall is really the best time to visit.
Here’s Why Scotland Is Best Visited In The Fall:
Stunning Views
Recently, Scotland has been named one of the best places around the world to see fall foliage, so why not come see for yourself the vibrant colors that take over the landscape of Scotland this fall?
While cities such as Edinburgh, Inverness, Glasgow, and Aberdeen all look beautiful this time of year, it’s the countryside that really shines. Head to the Scottish Highlands, explore the many Lochs, and even visit the coast to check out some fall Scottish beaches.
Fall colors aside, a visit to Scotland in the fall season might even reward you with some epic shows from the Northern Lights as well. This means you don’t have to go to Iceland or Norway to try to catch them (although you should still visit both of these countries, of course).
The northern islands making up the Outer Hebrides are the best place to see the lights, but recently, people as far south as Edinburgh have reported seeing them, so keep your fingers crossed and your eyes to the night sky.
Lower Prices
Being a part of the UK, Scotland is not a budget destination by any stretch of the imagination, yet a visit in the autumn season can save you some money here and there. This is typically the cheapest time to visit this stunning country for many reasons.
Not only can you find some cheaper flight deals, as well as accommodation, but many pubs and restaurants will start offering their holiday menus at this time, so keep an eye on deals throughout the week.
One major reason it will be cheaper to travel around Scotland this fall is thanks to a new initiative offered by ScotRail, making train fares much lower on popular routes as a way to encourage more people to ride the rails instead of driving this season.
Fewer Crowds
When a place is so beautiful, it’s bound to get loads of tourists, and Scotland is no exception. Visiting Edinburgh in the summer is a bit of a nightmare, especially if their famous Fringe festival is on.
But waiting until the fall is a great idea, as the summer crowds have gone, and winter holiday tourists are not here yet.
American tourists to Scotland are up around 70% in recent years, so it’s definitely trending with U.S. travelers, yet it seems most of them come in the summer, so you should have much more of this country to yourself at this time of year.
Don’t forget to check out this other underrated UK country if you have time as well.
Sweater Weather
The fall is a mild time of year for Scotland weather-wise, although you should plan for some rain. Cities such as Edinburgh and Inverness see their average October temperature falling somewhere between 43 and 55 degrees.
Expect moody skies, crisp mornings, and warm afternoons, and remember to pack for every weather possible (even in just one day). Think raincoats, umbrellas, boots, and layers.
Scotland’s fall weather is perfect for exploring all the beauty of the country and cozying up in a pub near a fire after a full day of sightseeing while wearing your cozy new Shetland sweater.
Prime Location
For American travelers coming from the east coast, a direct flight to Edinburgh is only 8 hours and conveniently leaves in the evening. This means you can go to sleep in NY and wake up ready to go in Scotland.
As it’s not too far away, the time difference should not interrupt your plans too much, and once you are in Scotland, reaching England via train is easy and convenient, mending you can fly into Edinburgh, explore, and then fly out of London, making it two trips in one.
And of course being Europe, getting anywhere else via low-cost airlines is easy and cheap as well, allowing you to add any other destination you like onto your trip, perhaps one of these other countries that are trending this fall.
Credit: Source link
