future trend- Wellness Travel

 

From a travel trend report of 2022 some experts discuss what has changed in the travel industry since the Pandemic, which is highly connected to the mental and physical wellbeing. The pandemic has brought travellers to look for a vacation to heal their minds and bodies. (Angelina Villa-Clarke, 2022).

The pandemic and the lockdown have affected drastically many people, and this is why the wellness travel has become so popular now that the restrictions have eased.

There are many examples of accommodations around the world offering a wellbeing program for their guests, where the aims are to reduce stress, restore vitality, get a better sleep, and optimizing the energy levels: a proper post-pandemic health reset.

The report states “…over three-quarter of people affirming that travel helps their mental and emotional wellbeing more than other forms of rest and relaxation” (Angelina Villa-Clarke, 2022).

After quick research online, it is obvious that a wellbeing program is very important, and it is in place in many Hotels and Resorts. An example of Hotel in Edinburgh that provides these programs is The Sheraton Grand Hotel: just in the middle of Edinburgh City Centre, this Hotel and Spa offers a pool, a spa pool, a sauna, a scented aroma relaxation room, a steam room, rooftop hydro pool experience and thermal suite.

Forbes (2021) The travel trend report 2022: The experts have their say part 2 (2021) . Available at The Travel Trend Report 2022: The Experts Have Their Say, Part Two (forbes.com) (Accessed on 28th Nov 2022)

Sheraton (2022) Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa 2022. Available at  Luxury Spa Hotel in Edinburgh| Sheraton Grand Hotel (marriott.com) (accessed on 28th Nov 2022)

future trends: stayin vacations

 

With the beginning of the pandemic and the Coronavirus international travel ban, locations like Yorkshire and Cornwall experienced an abnormal high demand. Even after the eased of some of the strict international bans in 2021, a report found online showed there still was an increase of 284% for domestic holidays. (Annette Christian, 2021).

The report has shown that Cottages, Lodges and Apartments were the top three property types in 2021 staycations, and the most desired features for UK staycations were Pet Friendly, Wi-Fi, Hot tub, and nearby Beach.

Staycations are not only in demand because of the Pandemic, but due their affordability, stress-free travel and the beautiful scenarios that can be found in UK. For these reasons, even in 2022, where the international travel restrictions are mostly over, the staycation boom is continuing to rise. From a report found online, “more than a quarter of holidaymakers, 28%, polled preferred a staycation over a holiday abroad while just over half, 52%, planned to take on of each in 2022” (Juliet Dennis, 2021).

An example of a perfect accommodation in Edinburgh to describe this trend is Blue Spruce Cottage, a peaceful cottage in the heart of King Stables Golf Course. The cottage is pet friendly and perfect for a stayin vacation. It has a front garden, an open space interior, and it is around 10 miles from the beach and 6 miles from Edinburgh City Centre.

Snaptrip (2021). Staycation Statistics and Trends 2021. Available at Staycation Statistics & Trends For 2020, 2021 & 2022 (snaptrip.com) (Accessed on 28th Nov 2022)

Travel Weekly (2021). Staycation boom to continue into 2022. Available at Staycation boom ‘to continue into 2022’ | Travel Weekly (Accessed on 28th Nov 2022)

 Canine Cottages (2022) Blue Spruce Cottage 2022. Available at Blue Spruce Cottage | Blue Spruce Cottage in Edinburgh (5.5mls SE) (caninecottages.co.uk) (accessed on 02th Dec 2022)

future trend: walking and cycling strategies

 

TRANSPORT   WALKING/CYCLING

It is known that by choosing to walk and cycle a journey rather than using public transport or car, there will be a reduction of air pollution, noise pollution and it is good for physical and mental health.

From a report published in 2017 on the government website, there has been an investment for a £1.2 billion long-term plan to make cycling and walking the natural choice for shorter journeys. By 2040, they are planning to see these changes in the way we move around the city. (gov.uk, 2017).

“We are making cycling and walking more accessible to everyone because of the substantial heath and environmental benefits” (Chris Grayling, 2017).

Looking at the City of Edinburgh, there are many projects involving the increase of cycle and walking routes in the city: The West Edinburgh Link and Meadows to George Street Link, and the Leith Connections. From a report on Edinburgh.gov.uk, “…the immense benefits active travel can bring, not only to our own health but the environment, the economy and the quality of life here” (Daisy Narayanan, 2022). 

The City Of Edinburgh Council (2022) cycling and waling projects 2022. Available at Cycling and walking projects – The City of Edinburgh Council (accessed on 28th Dec 2022)

The City of Edinburgh Council (2022) Walking, wheeling, and cycling boost to environment and economy 2022. Available at Walking, wheeling, and cycling boost to environment and economy – The City of Edinburgh Council (accessed on 28th Dec 2022)

Sustrans (2020) How does walking and cycling help to protect the environment 2020. Available at How does walking and cycling help to protect the environment? - Sustrans.org.uk (accessed on 28th Dec 2022)

GOV.UK (2019) Cycle to work scheme 2011. Available at Cycle to work scheme implementation guidance for employers - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) (accessed on 28th Dec 2022)

future trends: green energy

 

TRANSPORT        GREEN ENERGY

Transports have been following changes regarding the environmental impacts as they are strictly linked to it. First, transport has a major impact on the environment in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and local air emission and noise. Second, the transport sector industries have been pushed to make changes due to the public opinion in regards the environmental impact of vehicles, public transports and more. (OECD, 2022)

“Many countries are focusing on developing public transportation such as electric buses or metro in the cities to fight congestion and pollution” (Rakesh Patel, 2022)

An example about the transport industry making these changes is Edinburgh, where Lothian Buses has invested in low-emission solution like hybrid and fully electric buses. As part of the Bus2020 Pledge, “they are committed to having their entire fleet operating at Euro 5 or above, to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions by 98%, and meet the Scottish Government’ Target of 42% reduction in greenhouse gas emission. (Edinburgh.org, 2022)

Edinburgh.org (2022) Green Transport Options In Edinburgh 2022. Available at Green transport options in Edinburgh | Forever Edinburgh (Accessed on 28th Nov 2022)

Upperinc (2022) Green Transportation and its Significance 2022. Available at Green Transportation and its Significance (Complete Guide 2022) (upperinc.com) (Accessed on 28th Nov 2022)

OECD (2022) Green growth and transport 2022. Available at Green growth and transport - OECD (Accessed on 28th Nov 2022)

internal Transport Options In Edinburgh

                                                           Internal Transport     

Edinburgh tram  

The Edinburgh tram service runs every day from 05:32 from St Andrew Square and at 06:18 am from the Airport and between these two destinations, the service runs every 7 minutes. Last tram is at 22:48 from the airport and at 23:32 from St Andrew Square.

Passengers need to buy tickets before boarding the tram. Tickets can be purchased at every tram station by using debit/credit cards or cash using the

ticket machines available. Passengers can buy single tickets, return tickets or day/multi-day tickets and there is a cheaper option for children's tickets (between the age of 5 and 15) and family tickets (up to 2 adults and 3 children).

A single ticket from the airport to the city centre is £6.50 and a family multi-day ticket for three days is £41.

Edinburgh bus services

Edinburgh bus network is considered the most efficient way to move around the city. There are many bus services around and in the city of Edinburgh, and many bus stops with clear sign and the bus numbers and routes.

The day buses run from 6:00 am until midnight, and the Night Buses will run outside this schedule.

There are various companies that run through the city of Edinburgh, but the most common city operator is Lothian Bus service, which runs regularly and mostly 24/7.

A single-journey adult ticket costs £1.80, while a child will pay £0.90.

A Lothian adult day-ticket will allow passengers to use unlimited use of the buses and Edinburgh trams for one day, for the price of £4.50, while a child will pay £2.20. A daily ticket will allow passengers to take any bus services, apart from the services operating a little further away from the centre. The day tickets won’t be covering the night buses or the Airlink (service 100) to Edinburgh airport.

As well as using single or daily tickets, contactless payments are available on board and passengers can pay cash as long as they have the correct fare, s drivers cannot give any change.

Sea Travel Transport Links

 

Sea Travel

Departure Gateway/Port	Arrival Port	Route via road	Length of Journey	operator
Lerwick	Aberdeen	To Edinburgh Via A90, M90	14 hours, 30 minutes	Northlink ferries
Kirkwall	Aberdeen	To Edinburgh Via A90, M90	7 hours, 15 minutes	Northlink ferries
Larne	Cairnryan	To Edinburgh Via A77, M8	2 hours	P&O Ferries
Belfast	Cairnryan	To Edinburgh Via A77, M8	2 hours, 22 minutes	StenaLine

 

Car Transport Links

 

Road Transport Links

Car

Route	Route indicating major roads	Length of Journey
Glasgow - Edinburgh	M8 towards Edinburgh, exit onto The City of Edinburgh Bypass/A720 towards Airport/A8/City Centre, A8 to city centre.	48.4 miles 1 hours, 9 minutes
Inverness - Edinburgh	A9 to Stirling/Glasgow/Edinburgh/Dundee, M90 to Edinburgh/Dundee/Aberdeen/Coupar Angus/Blairgowrie/Braemar, A90 to Edinburgh	156.0 miles 3 hours, 3 minutes
Newcastle - Edinburgh	A167 to Morpeth, A1 to Edinburgh/Berwick,	120.5 miles 2 hours 25 minutes
Londong – Edinburgh	A406 to Watford/M1/N.Circular/Wood Grn/Brent Cross, M1 to Watford, M18, A1 to Edinburgh	402.9 miles 7 hours 22 minutes

Air Travel Transport Links

 

Air Travel

 

Departure Gateway	Arrival Gateway	Airline	Journey Time
Domestic Routes
Stornoway airport	Edinburgh airport	Loganair	1 hour, 5 minutes
Stansted, London	Edinburgh airport	Ryanair	1 hour, 20 minutes
Sumburgh airport	Edinburgh airport	Loganair	1 hour, 25 minutes
Exeter airport	Edinburgh airport	British Airways	1 hour, 20 minutes
European Routes
Ciampino airport, rome	Edinburgh airport	Ryanair	3 hours,15 minutes
Charles de Gualles, paris	Edinburgh airport	Airfrance	1 hour, 45 minutes
Barcellona airport (BCN)	Edinburgh airport	Ryanair	2 hours, 55 minutes

Copenhagen	Edinburgh airport	Ryanair	2 hours
Long-haul
New York John F Kennedy	Edinburgh airport	Virgin Atlantic	6 hours, 50 minutes
CGK Soekarno-Hatta (Jakarta)	+1 stop DOH Hamad International Edinburgh Airport	British Airways	17 hours, 50 minutes
Bangkok Suvarnabhuni	+1 stop Charles De Gaulle Edinburgh Airport	Thai Airways Air France	17 hours, 25 minutes
Ho Chi Minh City	+1 stop Paris Charles De Gaulle Edinburgh Airport	Air France	18 hours, 40 minutes

 

Rail Travel Transport Link

 

Rail Travel

Route	Departure Gateway	Arrival Gateway	Length of Journey	Operator
Glasgow - Edinburgh	Glasgow central	Edinburgh Waverley station	1 hour, 8 minutes	Scotrail
Aberdeen - Edinburgh	Aberdeen railway station	Edinburgh Waverley station	2 hours, 32 minutes	LNER
Inverness – Edinburgh	Inverness railway station	Edinburgh Waverley station	4 hours, 16 minutes	Scotrail
London - Edinburgh	Euston station	Edinburgh Waverley station	5 hours, 40 minutes	AVANTI westcoast InterCity-express
Newcastle - Edinburgh	Newcastle railway station	Edinburgh Waverley station	1 hour, 26 minutes	Lumo

bus and coaches transport

 

Bus/Coach

Route	Departure Gateway	Arrival Gateway	Length of Journey	Operator
Glasgow - Edinburgh	Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station	Edinburgh Bus station	1 hour, 24 minutes	Megabus
Aberdeen - Edinburgh	Aberdeen, Littlejohn Street	Edinburgh Bus Station	5 hours, 25 minutes	FlixBus
Inverness – Edinburgh	Inverness bus station	Edinburgh Bus station	3 hours, 50 minutes	CityLink
London - Edinburgh	London Victoria Coach Station	1 stop in Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station, Edinburgh Bus station	10 hours, 9 minutes	Megabus
Newcastle - Edinburgh	Newcastle (upon Tyne), John Dobson Street	Edinburgh bus station	2 hours, 40 minutes	Megabus

catering options in Edinburgh- Loch Fyne Restaurant

                                        Loch Fyne restaurant Seafood and Grill   

Loch Fyne Seafood and Grill Restaurant is located in 25 Pier Place, Newhaven Harbour, EH6 4LP. It is open everyday from 1200 until 2200.

The restaurant has been newly refurbished, bright and spacious with stunning view of the harbour. The building dates back to the 1890s where it used to be a fish market, but even nowadays the area is still an active fishing community.

Loch Fyne restaurant offers fresh seafood, as well as some vegetarian and vegan options.

As well as around 150 seating indoor, the restaurant offers a beautiful terrace with around 40 tables facing the harbour, and there is a parking space available a few minutes from the restaurant.

The price range vary from £20 to £60 per person.

Lochfyneseafoodandgrill (2022) Loch Fyne Restaurant and Bar 2022. Available at Edinburgh | Loch Fyne Restaurant & Bar  (lochfyneseafoodandgrill.co.uk) (accessed on 28th Nov 2022)