here are certain cities for which you can say there is an ideal time to visit and for those planning a trip to Edinburgh hostels, next week is the time to go.
If it's New York you want to see, go in December for your Christmas shopping; for Dublin it's got to be March so you can catch St Patrick's Day. For anywhere in Scotland, however, you want to be there for Burns Night.
Taking place every January 25th - but with a host of events and celebrations surrounding that date - the occasion marks the birthday of the famed Scottish bard Robert Burns. This year is the 251st anniversary of his birth, so you've just missed the big one, but the Scots rival the Irish for their parties each and every time.
One man who knows the traditions very well is Stewart Daniels, general manager of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association. And he explained that while Ayrshire (birthplace of Burns) is probably the best place to be, visitors can enjoy celebrations all over Scotland.
However, if you happen to miss out on the festivities, that's not to say there isn't plenty for you to do. Indeed, Sinead Feltoe of VisitScotland has highlighted the vast range of sights, sounds and experiences on offer in Edinburgh.
"Our world-renowned festivals are a must or explore the many museums and art galleries in the New and Old Towns or find the perfect spot on Arthur's seat to take in the city with its stunning views across the Forth," she advised travellers.
If it's New York you want to see, go in December for your Christmas shopping; for Dublin it's got to be March so you can catch St Patrick's Day. For anywhere in Scotland, however, you want to be there for Burns Night.
Taking place every January 25th - but with a host of events and celebrations surrounding that date - the occasion marks the birthday of the famed Scottish bard Robert Burns. This year is the 251st anniversary of his birth, so you've just missed the big one, but the Scots rival the Irish for their parties each and every time.
One man who knows the traditions very well is Stewart Daniels, general manager of the Scottish Tourist Guides Association. And he explained that while Ayrshire (birthplace of Burns) is probably the best place to be, visitors can enjoy celebrations all over Scotland.
However, if you happen to miss out on the festivities, that's not to say there isn't plenty for you to do. Indeed, Sinead Feltoe of VisitScotland has highlighted the vast range of sights, sounds and experiences on offer in Edinburgh.
"Our world-renowned festivals are a must or explore the many museums and art galleries in the New and Old Towns or find the perfect spot on Arthur's seat to take in the city with its stunning views across the Forth," she advised travellers.
