Edinburgh Europe Expat Life Musings Scotland

My Next Adventure: A One-Way Flight to Edinburgh

Apr 20

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Am I the only one who gets borderline-maniacally excited when booking a one-way flight? There’s something so exhilarating and liberating in knowing that I’m headed to a country for an undetermined period of time. I can’t help but associate a one-way flight with endless possibilities and exciting uncertainty, and not having the faintest idea of what might happen next is my favourite kind of thrill.

I booked a one-way flight without a specific end date in mind when I visited Australia a few years ago, and now I’m heading off to the UK in a similar fashion. Edinburgh captured my heart from the moment I arrived for a quick visit in 2012, and I’ve been aching to get back ever since. I knew another short visit just wouldn’t suffice, so I’ve been saving my pennies and patiently waiting for the right moment to move to the UK for a while. That moment has finally arrived; I’ve applied for a work visa, I’ve booked my flight, and I could not be more excited!

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At the end of the month I’ll be heading back to one of my favourite cities in the entire world, with a quick stopover in another one of my favourite cities: London. This will be my second visit to London, so I plan to focus less on the famous attractions and more on other important aspects of the city (read: the food). Then I’m off to my beloved Edinburgh, where I intend to spend as much time as possible wandering around the city while taking an obnoxious amount of photos. And, you know, I might also start to look for a job, or open a bank account, or do something else productive. (Have I mentioned how atrocious the Canadian Dollar to British Pound exchange rate is at the current moment? Ugh.)

Apart from the aforementioned exchange rate, I’m thrilled to call Edinburgh home for the indefinite future, and I can’t wait to experience the Fringe Festival, Hogmanay, and everything else this incredible city has to offer.

Have you been to Edinburgh? Do you have any tips for moving to (or living in) Edinburgh? What are you favourite dishes from London’s food markets?

23 Comments

  • Reply Kelly | The Wandering Blonde Apr 20 at 1:55 pm

    That is SUPER exciting! Congrats, I’m sure you’ll have an incredible experience!

  • Reply veraisworking Apr 20 at 3:58 pm

    I have never been to Edinbhurg but I am sincerely wishing you the best of lucks on your new adventure there, you will surely love it! Have a nice day,
    Vera

    The Flash Window | Bloglovin

  • Reply Kate Apr 20 at 6:19 pm

    Hey Ashley, I’ve been a fan your blog for a while and seeing your post about moving to Edinburgh inspired me to finally comment! Edinburgh is a fantastic city, I’m sure you’ll love living there.
    I’m a Londoner, now living in Newcastle in the North East, and have to tell you to get exploring in Northumberland whilst it’s an easy drive or train ride away! It’s very underrated but it’s got the most beautiful countryside and beaches, lots of castles, great country pubs, Hadriens Wall, the dark skies reserve at Kielder Water… (Do I sound like the tourist board yet?!) And of course if you ever come down to Newcastle and want someone to show you round..!

    • Reply ashleywanders Apr 20 at 9:37 pm

      Hey Kate, I’m so glad you decided to comment! Maybe you should be working for the tourism board because you’ve convinced me to visit Northumberland! I literally just looked at train prices from Edinburgh to Newcastle, ha. And thanks for offering to show me around- I might have to take you up on that offer 😉

      • Reply Kate Apr 21 at 6:34 am

        I’m so glad! As much as I love London, I think it’s such a shame that many visitors don’t see much more of the UK than what’s inside the M25!

  • Reply unfinishedtravel Apr 21 at 12:54 pm

    That sounds super exciting! Good luck and I hope it turns out to be a fantastic adventure!

  • Reply Justine of The Travel Lush Apr 21 at 11:06 pm

    That’s so exciting Ashley! I haven’t been to Edinburgh but my sister fell in love with it when she visited and I’ve always wanted to go. There is something incredibly thrilling about buying a one-way ticket. I’ve only done it once but it’s pretty freeing knowing that anything is possible 🙂 I can’t wait to see where this trip takes you!

    • Reply ashleywanders Apr 22 at 1:40 pm

      Thanks so much, Justine! 🙂 Glad I’m not the only one who gets such a thrill from booking a one-way flight! Hopefully you have the chance to visit Edinburgh- it’s a beautiful city!

  • Reply Wandering with Wine Apr 22 at 2:58 am

    I’ve never bought a one-way ticket before but it sounds like a thrill! I’m sure it’s pretty liberating to just go wherever the vibes take you. Have so much fun!

    • Reply ashleywanders Apr 22 at 1:49 pm

      Thank you, Katy! I’m so excited to just go with the flow!

  • Reply priya rao May 20 at 3:27 am

    i hope you have an incredible experience in Edinburgh (ASHLEYWANDERS)
    All the best for your Trip

  • Reply lessonplansandlayovers May 26 at 4:50 pm

    That’s so exciting! I’m hoping to head to Scotland this summer! Looking forward to future posts & maybe some tips/advice on touring Edinburgh 🙂

    • Reply ashleywanders May 27 at 9:33 am

      I will be writing some posts about touring Edinburgh soon 🙂 Hopefully you make it to Scotland in the summer – it’s an amazing place!

  • Reply Edna Jun 01 at 9:47 pm

    I’m planning on being in Edinburgh for Hogmanay! I visited over Christmas in 2013 and loved it, and as a huge New Year’s fan, Hogmanay is the last stop on my NYE Bucket List! Maybe see you there 🙂

    • Reply ashleywanders Jun 02 at 5:04 am

      Yay so exciting! I’ve also been wanting to celebrate NYE in Edinburgh for so long – I can’t wait! And yes, maybe see you there 🙂

  • Reply Marni Aug 14 at 12:16 am

    I have to say I’m super jealous! Scotland is where I want to go most, and even though I am FINALLY getting that chance, it’s not until next year. Congratulations on getting to move there! I’ve never bought a one-way ticket without an end date in mind, but it definitely sounds exciting.

    • Reply ashleywanders Aug 17 at 6:36 pm

      Thanks, Marni! That’s so exciting that you’re finally getting to visit next year – you’ll love it! Where in Scotland are you heading?

      • Reply Marni Aug 24 at 1:40 am

        My two friends are getting married just outside London, so we’ll be in England for a few days. Then we’re thinking of basing ourselves in Stirling with a day in Glasgow, two or three days in Edinburgh, and another several days touring around nearby, and hopefully reaching as far north as Inverness.

        • Reply ashleywanders Aug 24 at 8:48 pm

          That sounds great, especially since you’ll be able to see quite a few different spots! You’ll love it 🙂

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