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Coach Holidays & Covid in Scotland – 2022 Update

Coach holidays & Covid in Scotland – somehow we are still talking about it in 2022 🙁 It’s shaping up to be a very busy year here in Scotland which is great, but there are still some Covid points to consider and be aware of. I’ve just been on my first trip of the year, as a guest, to learn a new tour that I will be leading to Shetland. Unfortunately, several of the group, contracted Covid19 during the trip. My recent trip made me reflect on coach holidays, health policies, Covid policies and insurance policies – all of these… Read More »Coach Holidays & Covid in Scotland – 2022 Update

highland hotel strathpeffer professional traveller review

Highland Hotel Strathpeffer Review: Great Dog Friendly Stay

Looking to stay in Strathpeffer? Well check out this review of the Highland Hotel Strathpeffer, which includes a video tour of the room. What is the Highland Hotel Strathpeffer Like? The Highland Hotel is a large hotel in a historic building. The hotel has a wood panelled lounge and dining area and some stained glass windows. The hotel is set at the top of the hill overlooking Strathpeffer village. There are trees and greenery around the hotel and it is a very easy walk into the village itself. The Highland Hotel has been used extensively as a hotel for tour… Read More »Highland Hotel Strathpeffer Review: Great Dog Friendly Stay

scottish highlands railway tour

Scottish Highlands Railway Holiday – Detailed Review With Helpful Hints & Tips

Are you interested in a Scottish Highlands Railways holiday? Well fabulous! Check out this in depth review of one of the most popular Scottish Highlands Railways holiday. This tour has run for many years so is well established. It includes; Regional flights from the UK to Edinburgh 4 nights half board accommodation in a Highland hotel Ride of the Kyle of Lochalsh railway line and return journey by boach Ride of the Fort William to Mallaig railway line, crossing the Glenfinnan viaduct and return journey by coach Ride of the Strathspey Steam Railway, visit to Aviemore and Highland Folk Museum… Read More »Scottish Highlands Railway Holiday – Detailed Review With Helpful Hints & Tips

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Southerness Self Catering Review: Video Tour of Dog Friendly Chalet

Are you planning a Southerness self catering holiday? Well check out this review based on a 1 week stay in Southerness in November 2021. 1. Southerness Self Catering – Getting To Southerness Southerness is a coastal village located south of Dumfries. It is about 25 minutes from Dumfries centre. 2. Southerness Self Catering – Southerness Village – What’s There? The village of Southerness is dominated by the caravan park. It stretches around the bay and has it’s own entertainment centre, restaurant, takeaway, swimming pool and leisure facilities. There are some residences and along the shore there are a number of… Read More »Southerness Self Catering Review: Video Tour of Dog Friendly Chalet

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Southerness Things To Do – Cute Cafes, Wonderful Wildlife & Sandy Beaches

Are you planning on visiting Southerness? Want some ideas of things to do in the area? Great then check out this list of things we did during our week long stay in November 2021. (If you want to check out the holiday cottage we stayed in have a look at Southerness Self Catering, which includes a video tour inside the property) 1. Southerness Things to Do – Streetlights Cafe, Castle Douglas Streetlights was one of the first cafes we visited during our holiday and it was fabulous. It was a dog friendly cafe, which we didn’t know at first but… Read More »Southerness Things To Do – Cute Cafes, Wonderful Wildlife & Sandy Beaches

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Threave Gardens – Great Gardens with Bat Reserve, Birds and Cute Cafe

Looking for a nice garden with plenty of interest to vist? Well check out Threave Gardens near Castle Douglas – it’s a lovely spot. It’s also got a nice cafe on site too. 1. Threave Gardens Location The first thing to mention is that there are two locations that might be easily confused. Threave Gardens is owned by the National Trust and is located separately from Threave Castle which is owned by Historic Scotland. The address is; Threave Garden & Estate Castle Douglas DG7 1RX Telephone: 01556 502575 The location is just off the A75 West of Castle Douglas and the… Read More »Threave Gardens – Great Gardens with Bat Reserve, Birds and Cute Cafe

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Sleeperz Dundee Review: Fab City Break Hotel Opp. V&A

Is Sleeperz Dundee Good for a City Break? Sleeperz Dundee is a great option for a city break. It’s opposite the V&A Museum, opposite HMS Dundee and it’s right over the train station. It is easy to walk to the city centre attractions, restaurants and cafes too. It’s got modern rooms and a nice bar and restaurant area too. Check out this review of Sleeperz Dundee, including a video tour of a room, to see if it’s your perfect stay. You can also find great hotel prices for the whole of the Dundee area quickly! 1. Sleeperz Dundee Address Sleeperz… Read More »Sleeperz Dundee Review: Fab City Break Hotel Opp. V&A

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Brodie Castle Review: Quirky Castle & Fabulous Play Area

Thinking of visiting Brodie Castle? You should because it really is a lovely spot. With lovely grounds to walk in, a quirky castle, cute cafe and a fabulous play area what’s not to like? Check out this guide for all you need to know 1. Brodie Castle Address and Telephone Number Brodie Castle address is; Brodie, Forres IV36 2TE Brodie Castle telephone number is; 01309 641700 2. Brodie Castle Location Brodie Castle is located just off the A96. The castle is accessed by following the signs off the A96 for Brodie Castle which is not the same place as Brodie… Read More »Brodie Castle Review: Quirky Castle & Fabulous Play Area

jurys inn aberdeen the professional traveller

Jurys Inn Aberdeen Review: Great City Break Hotel

Are you looking for a great hotel in the heart of Aberdeen? Jurys Inn Aberdeen is at the heart of all the action. Check out this review, including a video tour of a room, to see if it’s your perfect stay. 1. Jurys Inn Aberdeen Address and Telephone Number The address of Jurys Inn Aberdeen is Union Square, Guild St, Aberdeen AB11 5RG 2. Jurys Inn Aberdeen Telephone Number The telephone number of Jurys Inn Aberdeen is 01224 381200 3. Jurys Inn Aberdeen Location Jurys Inn Aberdeen is located in Union Square. It is part of the Union Square shopping… Read More »Jurys Inn Aberdeen Review: Great City Break Hotel

highland cottages with hot tubs the professional traveller

14 Dog Friendly Highland Cottages with Hot Tubs – Bubbly Bliss

Are you looking to visit the Highlands of Scotland? Looking for Highland cottages with hot tubs so you can enjoy some bubbly holiday bliss? Great – well here is a selection picked just for you with some notes from me to help you find you perfect stay! I’ve organised this list in ascending price order. All these properties take dogs too (there is generally a charge for dogs) (If you haven’t visited the Highlands before then I would recommend 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Visit the Highlands – it will help you get the most from this… Read More »14 Dog Friendly Highland Cottages with Hot Tubs – Bubbly Bliss

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Inverewe Gardens Scotland – All You Need to Know

What Are Inverewe Gardens Scotland? Inverewe Gardens are botanical gardens set on the West coast of Scotland. They are warmed by the Gulf Stream enabling them to grow a much wider variety of plants than is normally possible in Scotland. The results are stunning gardens which are packed full of interest whatever your age. Planning on visiting Inverewe Gardens Scotland? Well that’s great because they are well worth it! Read on for everything you need to plan your visit. 2022 Update! The house is now open to visit. It’s well worth a stroll through. Don’t miss the quirky light fitting… Read More »Inverewe Gardens Scotland – All You Need to Know

dog friendly cottages inverness the professional traveller

10 Dog Friendly Cottages Inverness: Happy Doggie Holidays

Looking for dog friendly cottages Inverness? Great – then this post is for you! I’ve handpicked a selection of houses, cottages and apartments around the Inverness area which are all pet friendly. They all include WIFI, linens and heating too. I’ve given a sense of the location of each property so get reading and find your perfect stay today. Dog Friendly Cottages Inverness 1. 1 Bedroomed Property in the Heart of the City Beside the River Ness 2 Dogs 🐕🐕 Douglas Row is a terraced cottage located very close to the main shopping area of Inverness. It is located beside… Read More »10 Dog Friendly Cottages Inverness: Happy Doggie Holidays

lodges with hot tubs inverness the professional traveller

6 Lodges with Hot Tubs In Inverness For Bubbly Blissful City Stays

Looking for some super cute lodges with hot tubs Inverness? Well you are in the right place! Inverness is a great base for a stay in the Highlands, giving you great access to all the attractions that the Highlands has to offer. For now let’s get cracking finding you a great lodge with a hot tub to stay in! Lodges with Hot Tubs Inverness 1. Luxury Lodge For 2 In the Heart of the City The Treehoose is tucked into a quiet corner of Inverness. It’s very near to everything yet it’s location gives it a quiet and tranquil feel.… Read More »6 Lodges with Hot Tubs In Inverness For Bubbly Blissful City Stays

holiday cottages inverness the professional traveller

Holiday Cottages Inverness – Great Holiday Homes In & Around the City

Why Should You Choose Inverness for Your Holiday Cottage? Inverness is a great location making it wasy to travel North, South, East and West with plenty of attractions in each direction. Whilst a city Inverness is actually more like a town – with a total population of just 80,000 people. It is easy to use the trains from Inverness and enjoy lovely journeys such as the world famous Kyle line. Inverness also has a great selection of restaurants including Turkish, Vegan, Mexican and more. Nearby Loch Ness is just 20 minutes away – easy to reach on a guided tour,… Read More »Holiday Cottages Inverness – Great Holiday Homes In & Around the City

hilton aberdeen teca the professional traveller

Hilton Aberdeen TECA Review: Great For the Airport & Events

Looking for a real guest review of the Hilton Aberdeen Teca? Check out this review, including a video tour of a bedroom, from a 1 night stay in July 2021 Included in the review are details of the car parking, facilities and getting to the Hilton Aberdeen Teca. 1. Hilton Aberdeen Teca: Address The Hilton Aberdeen TECA address is; East Burn Road Aberdeen AB21 9FX The Hilton Aberdeen TECA phone number is; 01224 984111 2. Hilton Aberdeen: Location The Hilton Aberdeen is located just off the A96, right beside the P&J events arena. It is also very close to Aberdeen… Read More »Hilton Aberdeen TECA Review: Great For the Airport & Events

duncansby stacks the professional traveller

Duncansby Stacks Review: Stunning Walk Nr John O’Groats

Check out this review of my visit to Duncansby Stacks, a stunning walk located just a few miles from John O’Groats. But first an important question! What Are the Stacks of Duncansby? Duncansby Stacks are a series of dramatic sea stacks located at Duncansby Head. They are very easy to visit and crammed with seabirds including puffins (depending on time of year). They are very close to John O’Groats in Scotland. Want to know to reach them? Want to know what there is to see? Great. Then check out my review which includes my photos and videos. 1. Where Are… Read More »Duncansby Stacks Review: Stunning Walk Nr John O’Groats

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Great Wick Self Catering Property – On NC500

Looking for a Wick Self Catering Property? Looking to stay in Wick? Looking for a self catering property? Why not consider this great 2 double bedroomed apartment with free parking, fully equipped kitchen, all linen and towels, great lounge with Neflix and Freeview on the TV within a 10 minute walk of Wick High Street? It’s also right on the NC500 route! Sound interesting? It’s great value and a great place to stay – they even provide all the fabric conditioner and washing powder so it’s a good chance to get your washing done. Check out my review of this… Read More »Great Wick Self Catering Property – On NC500

forres self catering the professional traveller

Fabulous Forres Self Catering Holiday Cottage

Looking for a Forres self catering holiday cottage? Dog friendly? Rural countryside location? Easy access to Forres? Surrounded by wildlife with walks on the doorstep? Great! Then check out my review of a Wee Gem, a fabulous Forres self catering holiday cottage just 3.5 miles from Forres itself. Here is everything you need to know including a video tour of the inside of the cottage. Forres Self Catering Cottage – Booking Wee Gem I booked A Wee Gem through Cottages.com because I had previously booked a holiday cottage stay but had been unable to go due to travel restrictions in… Read More »Fabulous Forres Self Catering Holiday Cottage

visiting the highlands the professional traveller

10 Important Things To Know Before Visiting the Highlands

Are you planning on visiting the Highlands? If so, great, and great choice by the way. I’ve been lucky enough to live in the Highlands of Scotland for coming up on 20 years and I still absolutely love it. There is always something new to see, a new delight, a new surprise – I’ve never lived anywhere like it. If you want to find out a bit more about what the Scottish Highlands are like then check out my page which includes more about what makes up the Highlands, what there is, what there isn’t and what it is like… Read More »10 Important Things To Know Before Visiting the Highlands

loch ness tour the professional traveller

Loch Ness Tour – Fab Views, Cute Cafes & A Great Drive

Thinking of visiting Loch Ness? Why not drive the complete way round it on this circular easy one day Loch Ness tour. Most people have heard of Loch Ness. It’s one of the most visited places in the Scottish Highlands. What many people who visit the area don’t know is that the Eastern side of Loch Ness is much less visited than the Western side but the views are stunning, plus there are plenty of things to see so it is well worth a visit. Here is an itinerary for your own Loch Ness Tour – a beautiful circular drive… Read More »Loch Ness Tour – Fab Views, Cute Cafes & A Great Drive

getting to the highlands the professional traveller

Getting to The Highlands – By Plane, Train or Automobile!

In this article I am going to share the different ways of getting to the Highlands, via planes, trains and automobiles (great film if you haven’t seen it!). Of course Covid19 changes have meant reduced services, and we are all unable to travel at the minute but this is to help you plan how to visit the Highlands if it’s somewhere on your bucket list when we can all get travelling again. Getting to the Highlands – Flights At present there is much reduced capacity in relation to flights to Inverness. This is likely to change in the future as… Read More »Getting to The Highlands – By Plane, Train or Automobile!

inverness airport hotel the professional traveller

Inverness Airport Hotel Review: Right Next to the Terminal!

Looking to stay at the Inverness airport hotel? Then check out this review of a 1 night stay. It includes a video tour of the room and views from the room which were of the runway! Read on for everything you need to know and to find the best prices available online for this great hotel. This hotel is the nearest to Inverness airport. There is no need for a shuttle because the airport is a 2 minute walk from the hotel front door. In December 2020 I stayed for one night at the new Inverness airport hotel. This is… Read More »Inverness Airport Hotel Review: Right Next to the Terminal!

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Fabulous Newton Stewart Holiday Cottage Right Beside River Cree

Looking for a Newton Stewart holiday cottage? Great – it’s a gorgeous place to visit. Check out the review of a super cute holiday cottage right beside the River Cree. I’ve also covered things to do in the area and some alternative holiday accommodation available locally. Review of Week Long Stay in Newton Stewart Holiday Cottage In November 2020 I spent a lovely week in a Newton Stewart holiday cottage called Minnow Cottage, a one bedroom cottage bungalow set right beside the River Cree, so close it was almost in the River Cree actually! Newton Stewart is a lovely part… Read More »Fabulous Newton Stewart Holiday Cottage Right Beside River Cree

reelig glen the professional traveller

Reelig Glen – A Magical & Easy Circular Walk With Fab Views and a Grotto!

Reelig Glen Is An Easy Walk Near Inverness Are you looking for an interesting walk within easy reach of Inverness? This is a fantastic walk with everything you could wish for – a riverside walk, a grotto, amazing trees and a couple of waterfalls too. It’s spectacular in any season. 1. Getting to Reelig Glen Reelig Glen is easily reach from the A862. This is the road that runs between Inverness and Beauly. If you are heading from Beauly towards Inverness you head out of Beauly, cross of the river (the bridge with the traffic lights) and continue along the… Read More »Reelig Glen – A Magical & Easy Circular Walk With Fab Views and a Grotto!

the scottish highlands the professional traveller

The Scottish Highlands – A Stunning Destination Anytime of Year

If you are thinking of visiting the Scottish Highlands then fab! This article is an in depth look at the place I’ve been lucky enough to call home for 18 years. It’s a stunning destination to visit, whatever the time of year and packed with interesting things to discover. Here’s my overview on why the Scottish Highlands is a fantastic place to visit. (Just so you know the photos in this post have all been taken by me.) google maps widget html 1. Where Exactly Are the Scottish Highlands? The Scottish Highlands is at the top of the mainland of… Read More »The Scottish Highlands – A Stunning Destination Anytime of Year

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Plodda Falls – A Beautiful Circular Walk With Dramatic Falls

Looking to visit Plodda Falls? Check out all you need to know about this fantastic circular walk. It’s got huge trees, dramatic falls and cakes. Plodda Falls – Drama, History and a Cake Shed! Despite having lived in the Scottish Highlands for around 15 years and being a real fan of waterfalls I had never realised Plodda Falls was so nearby. Of course I had explored the lovely Glen Affric area before, and had poked around of the Loch Ness area. I am also well acquainted with the Forestry Commission Scotland website which gives places to visits – but somehow… Read More »Plodda Falls – A Beautiful Circular Walk With Dramatic Falls

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Inverness Hotel Deals – 20 Hotels In & Around the City

Are you looking great Inverness hotel deals? Looking for a locals guide to help you find the best hotel for your stay? Want to find the best price quickly and easily? Then yippee you are in the right place. I’ve been in the Highlands for 17 years and I’ve stayed at most of the hotels in this article. So let’s get cracking. 1. Inverness Hotel Deals – Intro Video 2. Inverness Hotel Deals – Hotels Beside the River Ness Inverness Hotel Deals 3. Premier Inn Inverness Centre (River Ness) 19-21 Huntly Street, Inverness, IV3 5PR The Premier Inn Inverness Centre is located… Read More »Inverness Hotel Deals – 20 Hotels In & Around the City

scottish highlands road trip the professional traveller

Easy 1 or 2 Day Scottish Highlands Road Trip With Stunning Scenery

Looking for a Scottish Highlands Road Trip? Having lived in the Highlands for 18 years I never tire of a Scottish Highlands road trip. This itinerary can be done in 1 or 2 days from Inverness, Dingwall or Strathpeffer. It takes in part of the NC500 route but also includes a much less visited, but no less stunning part of the Highlands. This Scottish Highlands road trip is a circular tour taking in Gairloch on the West Coast. Scottish Highlands Road Trip – The Route If you are travelling from Inverness you’ll need to head North on the A9. At… Read More »Easy 1 or 2 Day Scottish Highlands Road Trip With Stunning Scenery

inverness activities the professional traveller

16 Inverness Activities – Fun Things To Do & Places to Visit

Are you looking for ideas for Inverness activities? Well I’ve got 16 of my favourite Inverness activities and places to visit right here to help you. Let’s get started! (At the time of writing Covid19 is still impacting travel so it’s always best to double check the current rules in advance) PS – This list of Inverness activities contains some places to eat as well, because in my family we consider eating an activity 🙂 Inverness Activities – 1 River Ness Circular River Walk Bonny bridges and an easy route. The lovely River Ness has two footbridges that cross it.… Read More »16 Inverness Activities – Fun Things To Do & Places to Visit

village hotel aberdeen the professional traveller

Village Hotel Aberdeen – Resort Hotel in Aberdeen Outskirts

Are you looking for a nice hotel located out of Aberdeen city centre? Somewhere with plenty of free parking and easy access? The Village Hotel Aberdeen is ideal for you if this is the case. Check out this one night review. (Please note that our stay was in the very early days of Covid19 restrictions being lifted, just enough to allow domestic travel. As such most of the hotel services were reduced.) Village Hotel Aberdeen – Pre Arrival After having a booking cancelled by another Aberdeen hotel on the day of arrival I was able to find a reasonable rate… Read More »Village Hotel Aberdeen – Resort Hotel in Aberdeen Outskirts

inverness airport lounge the professional traveller

Inverness Airport Lounge Review: Super Friendly and Fab To Use

Looking to use Inverness airport lounge? It’s a regular stop for me and a great way to start a flight. Check out this guide to the facilities available at Inverness Airport lounge. 1. Inverness Airport Lounge Location Inverness airport lounge, operated by Aspire, is located through security. It is closest to Gate Number 3 and opposite the Stag and Thistle bar. You access the lounge through a set of double doors. There is a small desk in the entrance where you sign into the lounge. If no one is at the desk they will not be very far away at… Read More »Inverness Airport Lounge Review: Super Friendly and Fab To Use