Skyscanner: Scotland has Canadians flocking to Edinburgh in May, a travel hot spot

Before we hit the peak summer travel season, Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, has been particularly popular for Canadians. Information provided to Yahoo Canada by Skyscanner revealed that there has been a 29 per cent increase in flight searches to Edinburgh in May, from Canadian airports, in the last month.

With the city proving to be one of the fasting-rising destinations for Canadian travellers, interest in travel to Edinburgh is expected to continue. Look out for this city to be a key destination for summer vacations.

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Why is Edinburgh, Scotland a popular destination for Canadian travellers?

We know that many Canadians are planning summer vacations, and that’s a particularly great time to visit Edinburgh.

“Edinburgh comes alive in the summer,” Laura Lindsay, Skyscanner’s travel trends and destinations expert advised.

“With vibrant festivals, historic charm, and stunning views, [and] don’t skip enjoying a cold pint at a beer garden.”

Whether you’re planning to splurge on your next trip, or you want a vacation that can be more budget-friendly, both are possible for a trip to the Scotland capital.

Additionally, the city is a great “jumping-off point” for travel to other European destinations, with many short-haul trip options, and budget airline flights, to travel around. You can also use the Skyscanner search “everywhere” option to find the cheapest flights from Edinburgh, including return flights under $100 for places like Denmark, Belgium, Germany and France.

How much does it cost to go to Edinburgh, Scotland in May from Canadian cities?

Using Skyscanner search data for flights to Edinburgh, from Canadian airports, roundtrip flights from Toronto for the month of May are currently as low as $609, departing May 26 and returning June 1.

Travelling from Vancouver to Edinburgh, roundtrip flights are as low as $790, and from Montreal flights are about $960 roundtrip in May right now.

Don’t forget to check the Skyscanner site for live pricing.

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3 expert tips on what to do in Edinburgh, Scotland

To take in the destination’s historic charm, visit Edinburgh Castle during your trip to the city.

“As interest in travel amongst Canadians increasingly grows, a majority of destinations are chosen based on a variety of characteristics, with attractions accounting for 61 per cent,” Lindsay stated.

“One of the oldest fortified places in Europe, Edinburgh Castle has a long rich history as a royal residence, military garrison, prison and fortress.”

With the Scotland capital being among Europe’s most walkable cities, that includes some unique city parks, like Holyrood Park.

“Atop Holyrood Park as the park’s highest point, Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano, and sits 251 metres above sea level giving excellent view of the city; it is also the site of a large and well preserved fort, one of four hill forts dating from around 2,000 years ago,” Lindsay advised.

If you really want to immerse yourself in Scottish culture, don’t miss out on trying local cuisine, including haggis.

“The national dish of Scotland, haggis is a type of pudding composed of the majority of sheep or calf offal and has been recognized as a Scottish delicacy since the mid-18th century,” Lindsay highlighted. “Fit right in with the Scots and enjoy haggis with turnips (called ‘swedes’ or ‘neeps’) and mashed potatoes (‘tatties’), as well as Scotch whisky.”

Where to stay in Edinburgh, Scotland

The Balmoral is a five-star landmark, identifiable by its clock tower, in a prime Princes Street location. The hotel also feature The Balmoral Spa with an indoor pool and multiple dining options.

The Roseate Edinburgh is an intimate option for your stay in Edinburgh, that dates back to 1851. The Dunstane Restaurant & Bar at the hotel boasts the use of seasonal Scottish produce.

Market Street Hotel brings contemporary design to your stay in Edinburgh. It also has a rooftop champagne lounge with views across the city.

Tips for finding the cheapest flights

If flight costs are getting you down, there are a few things Canadian travellers can do to ensure they’re getting the best deal possible for their next vacation, both on the Skyscanner platform specifically and when looking for flights more generally.

• Beat the crowds: For flights that are filling up fast, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking at the monthly view on travel search sites like Skyscanner to see the best possible option available for flight dates.

• Set up alerts: Prices are always changing, so if you’re hoping to travel to a specific destination, or on specific dates, set up a price alert so you can be quick if a deal comes up. Skyscanner specifically has a price alerts system for any cost changes.

• Consider “Everywhere”: If you’re hoping for a new adventure, or a little rest and relaxation, but you don’t have a specific destination in mind, the “Everywhere” search on Skyscanner may be your new best friend to discover the most affordable vacation destination possible.

• Flexible dates: There may be certain times where you need to travel for specific dates, but the best deals are really revealed when you open yourself up to some flexibility. Even changing your travel dates by a day, or a week, can result in significant savings.