Scotland has been voted as the dream value destination for UK backpackers.
Bought by Many conducted a survey of more than 200 experienced backpackers and travellers from around the UK to identify their dream destinations.
Backpacking was identified as any travel over two weeks, with 22% of respondents saying a 5-8 week trip was their ideal length of time.
If money were no object, then New Zealand is the majority destination of choice, with over 21% saying this is place they most wanted to travel to in the world. Other favourite destinations were the USA (16%), Australia (12%) and South America (13%).
For budget destinations, however, the more typical backpacker destinations such as Thailand (17%) and India (16%) were pipped to the post by Scotland, with nearly a quarter (24%) identifying Scotland as their choice of anywhere in the world on a budget.
For those that have travelled to Scotland, the most popular destination is Edinburgh, with 45% visiting the historic capital. Though Glasgow is also a popular tourist hotspot with 20% of respondents having visited.
Though it’s not just Scotland’s cities that are a draw for tourism. The stunning scenery of Skye, Aviemore, Loch Lomand and Arran all proved popular destinations and when asked why Scotland was a destination of choice, 23% of respondents described the country as “very beautiful”.
Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: “Backpacking is one of many exciting ways to explore Scotland, from its vibrant and historic cities to its great outdoors. It is no surprise that our beautiful country has proved so popular with backpackers in this poll. It is, after all, not only our scenery which attracts visitors, but also the warmth of its people – a quality which is at the forefront of our Spirit of Scotland campaign.”
Sam Gilbert, CMO at Bought By Many, said: “One of Scotland’s many advantages as a destination is that you won’t need backpacker travel insurance to cover medical expenses. However, buying travel insurance for a trip to Scotland could still cover cancellation costs – for example, if heavy snowfall delayed you hiking the West Highland Way and you missed the Caledonian Sleeper.”
