As far as underrated holiday destinations go, Scotland is high on the list. It's known around the world for its whisky, tartan and bagpipes but often overlooked by British travellers who opt for the sun-kissed sands of Spain or otherworldly scenery of Iceland.
Thankfully, we're here to show you just how wonderful this UK beauty spot really is by bringing you the amazing things you can only experience in Scotland...
1. Ride the Glenfinnan Viaduct like Harry Potter
Florida and Hertfordshire have the fancy studio tours and rides but Scotland has the real-life Hogwarts Express in the form of the Jacobite Steam Train, one of the greatest railway journeys in the world.
The train, which you can experience during a four-day tour this summer, runs from Fort William to Mallaig, crossing the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct and running through rugged mountains and past stunning lochs.
2. Land on the beach at Barra
The world's only scheduled beach landing is located right here on this Outer Hebrides island, where you'll get to tick an incredible flight landing off your bucket list. You'll land between tides on the beautifully white, sandy beach Traigh Mhor, a runway like no other.
When a take-off or landing isn't expected, you can stroll this unique airport runway to admire Barra's Caribbean-esque sands - but be sure to check that the airport sock isn't flying as this is when public access isn't permitted.
3. Meet Highland cows
These icons of Scotland are cute, photogenic and very hairy. Highland cows, or coos, are often seen lazing and grazing all over the country.
You'll spot them in picturesque locations like the Cairngorms National Park, Stirling Castle or during a rail trip through the Highlands.
4. Spot marine life on the UK's first whale trail
Scotland's newly launched Hebridean Whale Trail is a must for wildlife fans, with its 30 unique sites across the west coast where you can look out across the sea and watch for whales and dolphins.
The wildlife spotting trail includes lighthouses in the Isle of Lewis, Isle of Scalpay and the mainland, as well as beaches in the Highlands, the Isle of Harris and Ullapool.
5. Take off from the water with the UK's only seaplane airline
Now this is one way to see Scotland! Seaplanes might be common in the Maldives but you don't have to venture to the Indian Ocean to experience one for yourself, as there's a seaplane airline operating in Loch Lomond.
Loch Lomond Seaplanes will pick you up from the shores of the loch for a tour of the breathtaking national park as you take in the famous mountains, glens and lochs.
Ready to explore Scotland's beauty this summer? See some of the most wonderful sites on a four-day rail and loch adventure.
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The 10 best weekend bags for your next mini break
This duffle bag/backpack hybrid has been a game changer for our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, as it can easily transport days' worth of outfits and belongings. There’s also a chest buckle for better support and security – perfect for when you’re carrying heavy loads!
The design feels very high quality and we love the two end compartments for keeping everything separate. There’s plenty of storage inside too, including two mesh pockets and a laptop compartment. It also comes with laundry and shoe bags, so you’ll have everything you need to stay organised on the go.
This Helly Hansen backpack would make a thoughtful unisex gift for travellers. Thanks to the roll-top design, the main compartment is adjustable and easy to fasten. It also comes with a laptop sleeve and padded straps, making it a great pick for those who commute via public transport or bike.
It’s not the biggest backpack so is best suited to light packers or one-night stays but it’s an affordable buy.
After splashing out on a weekend away, the last thing you need is to spend a fortune on your luggage. That’s why we love this affordable, yet practical, bag from Eastpak. It’s lightweight and versatile with carry handles and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap.
It folds away easily and comes with a compact pouch for no-fuss storage when it’s not in use. Plus, it's the ideal cabin-friendly size if you want something to fly with.
Fjällräven Weekender Holdall
Popular luggage brand Fjällräven specialises in durable designs, and this weekender is no exception.
With a 30L capacity, it can be worn in three ways: crossbody, as a hold-all, or as a backpack. The handles are a little rough and they’re not the strongest, but while it may look small, it can hold a lot. Plus, there’s a 17” laptop compartment and the expandable front section is handy for keeping passports and phones within quick reach.
We love the versatility of this bag. As well as top handles, it has a detachable shoulder strap, a side handle, and a sleeve handle to attach it to your suitcase so you can breeze through the airport.
The handy shoe compartment is separate from the main bag, and there are two pockets on the front that offer a lot more extra space than you’d initially think. There’s also a laptop compartment and interior pockets for valuables. It’s not the smartest-looking bag on this list but it’s practical, durable and more affordable than most.
Part of the brand’s ‘Featherlight’ collection, this weekend bag weighs in at least than one kilogram, so even if you fill it to the brim with your favourite outfits, it shouldn’t weigh you down. However, the polyester twill material does feel cheaper than a traditional duffle bag – something to keep in mind if you typically opt for a thicker fabric.
The bag comes with a 16” laptop pocket, an interior and exterior pocket, and a shoe compartment at the bottom. We also love the adjustable crossbody strap, which feels sturdy and secure and (most importantly) comfortable!
This is more of an overnight option than a weekend bag, but it’s super affordable, can be easily adjusted from handbag size to an overnight bag, and comes with a matching cosmetic bag for storing your beauty essentials.
There’s also a sleeve for attaching it to your suitcase so you can free up your hands in the airport.
Horizn Studios SoFo Weekender M
Sleek and sophisticated, travelling with this weekend bag certainly won’t cramp your style. It’s made with a water-sealed base and waterproof lining and features padded handles, and an adjustable shoulder strap made of coated cotton.
There are also pockets on the inside and outside for storing valuables or items that need to be within easy reach, and the 32L capacity means there’s plenty of room for everything you might need for a weekend getaway.
Our tech editor, Simon Cocks, says Stubble & Co's Hybrid backpack is fantastic for a long weekend getaway. It opens like a suitcase for packing, and the 30L capacity allows you to fit a lot in.
It weighs just 1.5kg and has smart features like a dual-access top pocket, a padded laptop and tablet compartment, and water-resistant zips. It might be a little bulky if you're travelling light, but if you've got a lot to carry, it's a comfy all-in-one travel backpack.
Aspinal of London's classic Boston holdall is handcrafted from fine, full-grain leather with a gorgeous pebble finish, for a quality, durable finish that should last a lifetime.
Its soft shell and beautiful printed silk lining, paired with sturdy handles and a detachable strap, make it a both a practical and stylish choice.
How we choose the best weekend bags
Our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, looks after all the Good Housekeeping Institute’s tried and tested luggage guides, so she knows what to look for in the ultimate weekend bag.
She spent weeks trying out many of the bags featured above, including taking two of them with her to Glastonbury this year. Others have been recommended by the frequent travellers in Team GH. We were looking for practical, durable, lightweight and stylish designs that could fit everything we needed for a weekend away. We also paid close attention to standout features such as suitcase sleeves, separate shoe compartments and extra pockets for easy access.
How big should a weekend bag be?
The ideal weekend bag size depends on where you're going, how you’re travelling and the length of your trip. For example, if you're travelling by coach or train, we highly recommend something that’s lightweight with a generous capacity, such as the Helly Hansen Stockholm Backpack (15 x 30 x 45 cm).
However, for the airport, you'll want a design that fits everything and has easy-to-access pockets for holding your passport and boarding pass. We love the Kono Travel Duffel Bag with Cosmetic Bag, which also has a sleeve so you can safely attach it to the handle of your suitcase.
More GHI Approved luggage to shop
- The overall best suitcases for your next holiday
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- The best luggage brands to shop in 2025
