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Travel Guide
Your one stop shop for budget travel in Scotland - from trip plans to travel guides, local insights to stories from across our hostels and beyond.
Here you'll find everything that's happening, everything worth exploring, unbeatable travel deals or discounts, and how to make the most of your time in Scotland.
All Posts


The Best Hostel in Edinburgh for Digital Nomads Who Also Want to Meet People
Known as one of the most social backpackers hostels in the city, Castle Rock also offers the kind of flexible spaces and relaxed atmosphere that make it surprisingly workable for digital nomads. If you’re looking for a place where you can log on, get your work done, and then actually have people to hang out with afterwards, here’s what it’s really like to stay here.

Jay
2 days ago6 min read


What Are the Best Budget Hostels in Edinburgh? A Backpacker’s Guide With Prices for 2026
Looking for an affordable place to stay in Edinburgh without ending up somewhere dull, cramped, or far from the action? The good news is in Scotland's capital, you don’t have to choose between price and experience.

Jay
6 days ago7 min read


What Are the Best Hostels in Edinburgh for Couples? Why Royal Mile Backpackers Is Perfect for Two
Travelling as a couple in Edinburgh usually means choosing between pricey hotels or rolling the dice on a hostel. How can you as a backpacker couple make the most of your time in the city while still finding space for valuable time with each other? Royal Mile Backpackers sits right in the sweet spot: cosy, central, and genuinely social without being loud or overwhelming.

Jay
Apr 146 min read


What is the Most Social Hostel in the Scottish Highlands? Inside Lochside Hostel’s Events, Activities & Atmosphere
If you're wondering whether there's a social backpackers hostel that makes it easy to meet people while visiting, the short answer is yes - Lochside Hostel is located directly on Loch Ness, and is well known for its daily social events, beachside setting, and relaxed, welcoming vibe. Lochside isn't just a place to sleep, it's a place where solo travellers can hike, kayak, eat, dance and swim together.

Jay
Apr 126 min read


Where to See Highland Cows Near Edinburgh (The Best Day Trip for Backpackers)
The good news is that you don’t need to head deep into the Highlands or book an expensive tour to see these big fluffy, friendly beasts! You can travel a short distance to Swanston Farm where you can spot Highland cows, and enjoy nearby walking routes in the scenic Pentland Hills.

Jay
Apr 105 min read


Kayaking on Loch Ness: How to Rent a Kayak and Explore the Loch with Yak Shack in 2026
Kayaking on Loch Ness is one of the most exciting ways to explore the water and head out Nessie-hunting, and many backpackers ask whether you can rent a kayak without booking an expensive tour. The answer is yes you can kayak on Loch Ness, and you can now rent kayaks directly from your hostel without booking a tour. With the new Yak Shack kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental service based directly at Lochside Hostel, you can now hire a kayak on Loch Ness and get straight o

Jay
Apr 86 min read


Check Out the Social Events for This Week at the Lochside Hotel - Loch Ness (Updated Weekly 2026)
Looking for a welcoming social vibe for your trip to the Scottish Highlands? Look no further than the Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness - scenically located on the banks of the Loch with its own pebble beach, kayak hire, and situated just minutes from the world-famous Great Glen Way Hiking Route, you'll never be short of things to do.

Jay
Apr 61 min read


What Is There to Do in Inverness? A Backpackers' Budget Travel Guide
Whether you're staying for a night before heading further into the more remote parts of the Highlands or staying for a few days, you'll be charmed by this small, walkable city with a welcoming feel, and there's plenty for backpackers to pack into a trip to Inverness.

Jay
Apr 39 min read


Is Edinburgh LGBTQIA+ Friendly? A Backpacker’s Guide to Inclusive Travel, Hostels and Nightlife in Scotland's Capital
Absolutely - Edinburgh offers a diverse range of queer-inclusive social backpackers hostels, alongside an inclusive vibe as a city. With LGBTQIA+ owned bookshops, breweries, bars and walking tours, you can combine a day exploring with fantastic queer club nights and drag shows at night, all in a city with a walkable, friendly atmosphere.

Jay
Mar 319 min read


So You've Booked Your Trip to Loch Ness - What Next?
We can't wait to see you! Thanks for booking a stay at our awesome cosy, social, friendly hostel on the shores of Loch Ness.

Jay
Mar 284 min read


Travel the Scottish Highlands for Just £2 This Summer - Here's Everywhere You Can Go Direct from Loch Ness
It's now easier than ever for backpackers on a budget to explore the Scottish Highlands - you can take advantage of an incredible range of day trips and travel routes, from the dramatic mountains of the Isle of Skye to secluded castles and the starting points for picturesque hiking trails.

Jay
Mar 2611 min read


How to Get to Loch Ness for £2: The Ultimate Budget Travel Guide for Backpackers
In this guide, we'll explain how the new £2 bus fare works, which routes you can take to reach unforgettable social hostels, and how you can use it to travel between some of the best backpacker destinations including Loch Ness without breaking the bank.

Jay
Mar 236 min read


The Ultimate Backpacker Guide to Edinburgh (Where to Stay, What to Do, and Budget Tips)
Edinburgh is most backpackers' first destination when visiting Scotland, and its' easy to see why - the Scottish capital is compact, historic, walkable, and packed with things to see and do, from castles to museums, parks to hilltop hikes, bars to unmissable festivals.

Jay
Mar 2111 min read


Is There a Hostel in Edinburgh That’s Social But Not a Party Hostel?
With an entirely free social event programme offer up everything from relaxed quiz nights and pool tournaments, through to dance workshops and walking tours, you'll never be short of something to do at High Street Hostel - the perfect balance between social and chill.

Jay
Mar 195 min read


What is it Like Staying in a Large Hostel in Edinburgh?
Choosing a hostel that fits your needs best, even just for a night, can help you get the most out of your experience in any city, and especially in Edinburgh.

Jay
Mar 187 min read


Where to Stay in Edinburgh for a Relaxed, Cosy Backpacker Experience
Royal Mile Backpackers particularly suits couples, LGBTQIA+ backpackers, and solo female travellers thanks to its inclusive atmosphere.

Jay
Mar 185 min read


12 Free Things to Do in Edinburgh for Backpackers (Save Money on Your Trip in 2026)
Do not fear digging deep into your pockets - Edinburgh is a city that's accessible on all budgets!

Jay
Mar 1611 min read


So You've Booked Your Trip to Edinburgh - What Next?
We can't wait to see you! As a guest at one of our Scotland's Top Hostels in Edinburgh, you get access to exclusive discounts on some of the best experiences, bars, restaurants, cafes, tours and more during your stay.

Jay
Mar 126 min read


Where Can You Stay Directly on Loch Ness? Is There Accommodation with a Beach?
Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness is located directly on the Loch, with the door to your room only 15-30 metres away from the beach. There are very few accommodation options directly on the shoreline of the Loch, so this is a unique opportunity to sleep close enough to hear the Monster!

Jay
Mar 96 min read


What Are the Best Hostels in Edinburgh for Solo Travellers?
Quick Answer: What Are the Best Hostels in Edinburgh for Solo Travellers? Here in this article we explore why central location, social spaces, events and facilities make the best solo travel and backpacker experience. In which case, these Scotland's Top Hostels locations in Edinburgh are unbeatable: Royal Mile Backpackers , located slap-bang in the middle of the city on the historic Royal Mile, offers a friendly, cozy experience. With just 38 beds, you'll soon get to know al

Jay
Mar 36 min read
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