Top 10 Travel Destinations from Edinburgh

Travel expert Jimmy Martin gives his tips on the top destinations from Edinburgh.

After the travel disruptions of the last few weeks, we spoke to Jimmy Martin of Jimmy Martin Travel, based in Stockbridge, to see how the industry has been coping. He told us that many people were returning to the ‘High Street Travel Agent’ for their holidays rather than taking the risk of organising it themselves.

With all the things that can go wrong with holidays, there’s an ever-increasing risk of being left with no holiday, sometimes with no comeback and often out of pocket.

DIY holidays are not always best and dealing with an advisor face to face can be a welcome change from the stress and confusion of trying to organise everything on your own.

Cheap comes with its own risks; though you may be saving money, unless the travel agent who booked your holiday is ABTA bonded, you will not be fully protected in the event that something goes wrong.

Top Destinations from Edinburgh 2010

No 1. New York

The Big Apple is a perennial favourite with Scottish travellers. Experience all five characterful boroughs in all their moods – from the Bronx to Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens to Staten Island. Explore edgy Tribeca and Soho and take time out in the tranquillity of Central Park. New York is one of the connecting hubs for travelling to anywhere in the world.

Continental airlines fly daily from Edinburgh to NY and in the summer operate two flights a day.

No 2. Majorca

With its Mediterranean climate, its mix of old architecture and new entertainment facilities, as well as its endless list of fantastic coastal resorts catering for both families and singles, many celebrities vacation here and some even own private holiday homes for frequent visits, so do not be surprised if you come across some famous faces whilst visiting Majorca.

Flights are daily from Edinburgh throughout the summer.

No 3. Turkey

A country for all tastes. Turkey has so much to offer visitors: breathtaking natural beauty, unique historical and archeological sites, steadily improving hotel and tourist infrastructure and competitive prices. It is not surprising this country has recently become one of the world’s most popular tourism destinations.

Flights throughout the summer to Dalaman and Bodrum from Edinburgh.

No 4. Cyprus

Cyprus is an island that can please everyone! Families, couples and groups can choose between lively resorts and quieter settings with plenty of space to relax. One of the reasons behind Cyprus increasing popularity is the Cypriot weather which remains fair throughout the year.

Flights are every Wednesday from Edinburgh to Paphos, Cyprus.

No 5. Italy – Pisa

The city of Pisa is so more than just the Leaning Tower it has become famous for. There are numerous amazing and historic places to see in this beautiful city – there’s sure to be something for everyone. Visit the surrounding countryside of Tuscany and the historic city of Florence, as well as other beautiful towns like Volterra.

With direct flights from Edinburgh throughout the summer with RyanAir, try Pisa this summer.

No 6. Italy – Sardinia

The beautiful island of Sardinia has many faces. From the sleek yachts and beaches of the Costa Smeralda, to the beauty of the mountainous interior, it is a popular destination for those who love watersports and beach life as well as those looking to explore the more uncommercialised parts of the island.

Jet 2 flies from Edinburgh every Saturday through-out the summer.

Top Tips :

Make sure you book through a ‘bonded’ operator – a member of ABTA – ensuring that you are fully protected, covering you for ‘natural disasters’ like the volcanic ash cloud that halted flights over Europe earlier this month.
Check the full length of the journey. Your flight might be short, but the transfer could be just as long as the flight. Sometimes a longer flight with a 20 minute transfer is more beneficial. Your travel agent will be able to help with this decision.