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Winning tip: Bothies and a fogbow in the northern Highlands

After trekking in from near Oykel Bridge, our group stayed the night at Choire Mhoir and Magoo’s bothies (conjoined Mountain Bothies Association and non-MBA bothies, both free) in the northern Highlands. Emerging from the bothies come morning, a fog hovered between the mountains leading up to the summit of Seana Bhràigh, peaking out above, and Loch a’ Choire Mhóir below. As the sun rose, the fog steadily lifted, but not before creating a magical fogbow above the loch and bothies.
Rory

Stone age on two wheels in Orkney

We took our bikes on the ferry from Scrabster on the mainland to Orkney (worth the trip on its own for the views of the Old Man of Hoy) for a spin round the island to take in some of the most impressive neolithic sites in Europe. Starting in Stromness, we headed north to Skara Brae, then looped round to Kirkwall via the must-see road sign for Twatt. The next morning we spent exploring the majestic Ring of Brodgar and nearby standing stones of Stenness. The setting, where the lochs of Harray and Stenness meet, is spectacular. These neolithics clearly had an eye for the dramatic! We finished with Maeshowe burial chamber before catching the ferry back to the mainland.
Matt Lunt

Total escape on Harris

I had a child-free week last summer and for my first solo trip chose the Outer Hebrides. The adventure began on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway where I spotted minke whales and acrobatic dolphins. I stayed in one of Wigwam Holidays’ cosy shepherd’s huts on a croft in Harris, painted the colours of a Hebridean sky with rich tweed blinds and a wood-burning stove. Storm Floris hit while I was there and I had endless windy beach walks seeing otters, sea eagles, grey seals, my mind clear to write poetry and daydream. I have never struggled to return to normal life so much after a trip; a total escape.
Lynda Gairns

West coast campervan epic

We did a campervan trip along Scotland’s west coast and ended up loving the quieter spots most. Kinlochewe, a village in Wester Ross, is stunning in good weather. I climbed 981-metre Slioch from there, which has incredible views over Loch Maree (with a bit of scrambling near the top). We then stayed near Gairloch and enjoyed the huge beaches and views out to Skye and the Outer Hebrides. My favourite stretch was near Mallaig: walking along Loch Morar to tiny Tarbet, then getting the boat back, it felt so remote. Ardnamurchan was also a highlight with Sanna beach, a quick climb up Ben Hiant on the drive over, and watching an otter one evening. Campsites were £10-£33 per night.
Hannah

Exploring Scotland’s longest peninsula

Last year we opted for Kintyre for our Scottish break and found it wonderfully unspoilt. As the country’s longest peninsula it has west coast island scenery all around, without the hassle of ferries. As well as the Kintyre Way coastal path, we enjoyed fish and chips at Tarbert harbour and explored the region’s whisky capital, Campbelltown. A final highlight was a peaceful picnic on Saddell Bay (location of Paul McCartney’s Mull of Kintyre music video), where Anthony Gormley’s GRIP sculpture now looks out over Kilbrannan Sound towards Arran.
Moira B

A city break in Glasgow

Arriving in the city for the first time ever at Glasgow Central, it seemed to me that’s exactly how a station should look. Off I went in search of the handsome Kelvingrove museum, Billy Connelly’s banana boots (currently at St Enoch shopping centre) and the small and thoughtful tenement house run by the National Trust for Scotland that tells the poignant story of an independent, single woman who lived there virtually all her life. Glasgow tells the history of its people as it is, and nowhere more so than the Barras flea market. The Mackintosh tea rooms proved an excellent pit stop. It’s so sad to think that Charles Rennie Macintosh died in obscurity and relative poverty at the age of 60 but his legacy is everywhere, including the Glasgow School of Art, diminished after the fire, but it will in time rise again.
Liz Owen Hernandez

Community-owned Hebridean island

We spent an unforgettable week on the Isle of Eigg at Cleadale Bothy (£80 a night, two-night minimum). Cleadale is one of the most northern settlements on the island, surrounded by wild and windy beaches, views to the south of An Sgùrr (the island’s single peak) and the Mordor-esque hills of the island of Rùm, native bluebells everywhere, and screeches of manx shearwaters at night. The island, which is 12 miles off Mallaig on the mainland, is community owned and very welcoming – while we were there we were invited to a free film night. There’s a shop, a bar, a brewery, a tiny museum, and a watersport equipment and bike hire outlet (no cars can be brought on to the island by visitors).
Margherita

Rewilded Southern Uplands

Carrifran Wildwood in the Moffat Hills is a landscape shaped by care and determination. Volunteers have returned native trees to the once-bare glen, and the scale of what they have achieved brought a lump to my throat when I first saw the valley open out from the viewpoint. It is a hopeful place, showing how collective effort can heal the land and create something enduring for future generations to experience. At the wood, there are paths and information boards for visitors, and nearby Moffat has independent shops, a museum and a park with a fantastic kids’ play area.
Hannah Price

Castles and lidos in Aberdeenshire

Coastal Aberdeenshire might not be as popular as the Highlands and islands, but Stonehaven is a great place and one of my favourite Scottish seaside towns. A nice shingly beach, a (heated!) seawater lido and a fantastic seafront ice-cream shop called Aunty Betty’s are a few of the town’s attractions. But it’s nearby Dunnottar Castle that is the biggest draw for me. Views of the coastal medieval fortress are, for my money, some of the best and most dramatic in Scotland. Then there is Aberdeen, a 20-minute train ride away from Stonehaven, with its lovely art gallery and striking granite architecture. Some day, I hope to go up for Hogmanay to experience the Stonehaven fireball festival.
Emma R

Shelter from a storm on Tiree

Camping on the island of Tiree amid Storm Dave, I needed an indoor activity to stay warm, so I went to Screen Argyll in Crossapol. This was the truest form of tourism; feeling like you’ve accidentally stumbled into someone’s living room where everyone knows everyone, and being welcomed in. As the snow storm raged outside, I laughed with 30 locals and watched a silly movie, for the price of a pint down south (£7.50). My outdoor adventures were cut short, but it meant I had the best evening of the trip.
Calum

MOST Brits will stick to Western Europe for a summer holiday heading to the likes of France or Spain.

But in doing so are missing out on beautiful and not to mention cheaper alternatives in the east, like Lithuania.

Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.

Lithuania hasn’t typically been a holiday location for Brits, but it’s seeing a rise in tourists.

Last year, Lithuania was Europe‘s fastest-growing destination with international arrivals up 21 per cent – and it’s emerging as a compelling alternative for 2026.

Having visited Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, late last year, I can vouch that it makes for a great city break.

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And it will be even more pleasant in spring and summer when temperatures can reach highs of 30C.

While it was a little colder (and even snowed) when I visited in December 2025, I still got a feel for the city where I found bargain drinks and cute markets.

In the heart of the capital city is its beautiful Old Town which has cobbled streets, hidden courtyards and plenty of bars.

If you look up, beautiful churches dominate the skyline – the Old Town has around 40 alone.

Meanwhile, the streets are winding and with shops, cafes and restaurants. I discovered one bar called Vynomanai, which was selling coffee for €2 (£1.74) and beer for €3 (£2.62).

One snack you have to try as it’s a local delicacy called ‘kepta duona’ – and once you have a taste, you won’t be able to stop.

Essentially it’s fried bread in garlic – which is like the UK’s version of pork scratchings. But, if you want something slightly fancier, Vilnius has four Michelin-star restaurants with tasting menus.

In huge contrast is the modern city of Vilnius which is filled with green parks, museums, art galleries and shopping centres.

For something more quirky, head to Lukiskiu Kalejimas prison to take a tour around the cells – unbelievably it was used up until 2019.

After its closure, the site was used for filming prison scenes in Season 4 of Stranger Things.

Now it’s used as a cultural centre and is open to the public for tours.

I’d say, to get a feel of the city, head out into the Old Town early on Sunday morning, you can hear the church bells chime and the streets were practically deserted when I went for a wander.

If you’re booking your next getaway – here are some of our favourite family holidays…

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Selenium Hotel, Antalya, Turkey

This hotel is a top pick for families who want to do a bit of everything. If you love the water, the nearby beach is packed with fun activities like banana boats, jet-skiing, and diving, while the hotel’s pool is perfect for a more relaxing dip. For a change of pace, the hotel can help you organise horse riding or bike rides along the pretty coastal paths, and there’s even a golf course just 20 minutes away for the grown-ups.

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Blue Sea Interpalace, Tenerife

With a massive outdoor pool, mini-golf, and a dedicated kids club, there’s plenty here to keep kids of all ages entertained. Each of the 234 rooms comes with the essentials like air-con and a minibar, and the all-inclusive buffet means everyone stays fueled for a day on the beach or battling on the sports courts. When you’re ready to explore, Puerto de la Cruz is right on your doorstep, where you can wander past an 18th-century fort, explore the pretty harbour, or play on the island’s famous volcanic black-sand beaches.

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Rodos Star, Rhodes, Greece

Rodos Star is perched on a hilltop with stunning views over the Aegean Sea. It’s a great choice for a relaxed Greek getaway, featuring a main pool for the grown-ups and a dedicated splash pool for the kids. With evening entertainment like Greek dancing and live music three times a week, there’s plenty of fun for everyone. You’re just a five-minute stroll from Afandou, a traditional village packed with shops and authentic tavernas. Plus the generous all-inclusive package will keep everybody fed and happy.

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Archipel Monastir, Tunisia

This glamorous Tunisian retreat sits directly on a golden beach, putting the Mediterranean Sea right at your doorstep. Families will love the spacious rooms that sleep up to four, along with a fun-filled sports schedule featuring tennis, volleyball, and archery. While the kids are busy, you can slip away to the hotel’s luxurious spa and traditional hammam for some serious relaxation. When you’re ready to explore, the city of Monastir is packed with local history including ancient fortresses.

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For those who like to relax, Lithuania is a great place to do so as it has a high density of spas.

Last year, Lithuania was even crowned the best spot in the world for health and wellness by ITB Health Tourism.

In dedicated wellness towns like Druskininkai, you’ll find lots more, here is home to Dineika Wellness Park.

The small resort has an open-air gym, public sauna by the river, lots of parklands to explore.

Entry to the park is actually free and treatments start from as little €12 (£10.43).

Guests can take mud baths, bubble baths and opt for massages which start from €20 (£17.39).

Lithuania has a relatively short coastline which stretches around 57 miles, but it does have some beaches.

Popular spots with white sands include Neringa, Palanga, and Smiltynė.

Or with the coastline being short, lots opt to swim in its freshwater lakes instead, like Green Lakes and Balžis.

Flights to Vilnius are cheap too, in April you can get one-way flights from London Luton from as little as £16 with Ryanair and be there in under three hours.

For more on holidays, one of Europe’s cheapest city break destinations with £2 beers and massive waterpark has new UK flights.

And this spot in ‘Eastern European Riviera’ with white sand beaches that you can fly to for £13 from the UK.