There's no denying January feels like the longest month of the year.
After spending a fortune over Christmas, many of us are tightening the purse strings and trying to avoid the temptation of a night at the pub or a meal out.
But to keep our spirits up, we're looking ahead to the coming months to see if we can get a much-needed weekend away.
With travel abroad still a wee bit riskier due to covid, there's never been a better time to see what's at your own back door.
While we can't guarantee the best weather, Scotland has plenty to offer – stunning scenery, fascinating culture and history, great food and drink and a breath of fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here are some the quirkiest Airbnbs in Scotland for something a wee bit different in 2022 – from treehouses and hobbit holes to a restored air control tower.
16th Century Scottish Borders Tower
Live like royalty in a mini castle; the Tower rooms are in a refurbished historic defensive tower dating from 1574 described as "medieval and bijoux."
Enter through a huge stone entrance up an ancient and narrow staircase. You'll find a sitting area with shower room and kitchenette. Finally up again is a spiral stone staircase leading to a romantic and secluded upper chamber.
This chamber is beautiful, light with beams exposed on the ceiling, a working stove, stone floors with underfloor heating, a reading nook and a packed bookcase.
Fairytale treehouse
Within the ancient forests of Fernie, this treehouse has six living trees growing within and around it, with two floors, three balconies and a bathroom with a gorgeous free-standing bath.
The queen-size bed is hand made of oak and features a fireplace. There is a mini fridge and a microwave oven. Breakfast items are included.
There's no wifi available here, so if you're after a digital detox you'll truly be cut off from the rest of the world. With all the headlines just three weeks into 2022, it's probably for the best to get a break..
The Bridge House, Ballintuim
Here's a soothing riverside getaway: The Bridge House boasts a romantic stone spiral staircase and stone walkways that offer views down to the river below. Built in 1881, you'll get a taste of history staying in this unusual two-bed home.
You can toast away in the small sauna before relaxing in the kingsize four-poster bed and ornamental fireplace.
HMS Owl Restored Air Control Tower
Experience the airside experience at this unique renovated control tower in Tain in the Scottish Highlands.
The former World War 2 military air base-turned-guesthouse has been featured on TV and in numerous design publications and it's no wonder... Historic charm and modern design that pays tribute to its wartime past.
It's also adjacent to the North Coast 500 scenic route – why not grab a night or two here in the stunning Scottish countryside on your trip?
The Alexandra Lifeboat, Cruan Ferry
Fancy the boat life? Stay in a 110-year-old lifeboat on the shores of Cuan Sound in Argyll. It sleeps up to six people – and better suited to those with a love of the outdoors.
Hobbit Hideaway, Moray
Lord of the Rings fans, this one's for you.
This gorgeous hand-built earth house resembles the Hobbit Holes of the Shire – described as "a wee slice of Scottish paradise". Nae danger of ring wraiths chapping your door either.
The home has been crafted with locally sourced, renewable and recycled materials including straw bales, wood, stone, earth, and clay. Ideal for four people, it even comes with its own garden for picking your own veg and herbs for your tea.
You can have a gander in the garden, wander by the waterfalls and through its peaceful fairy glen.
The Airship, Drimnin
A space age home near Oban that regularly gets booked out for months on end.
The Airship 2 is an insulated aluminium pod designed by Roderick James Architects – and is the perfect futuristic getaway with a difference for a couple.
It has a private four acre site with plenty of wildlife. At night, you can count the stars in the sky over the Sound of Mull while lying in a cosy queen-sized bed.
The owners also have another "cosy curvy cabin" following the extraordinary success of this home. Behold...
Pilot House, Drimnin
The Spaceship's wee sister: a tiny home that offers 360 degree views of your surroundings with its wraparound balcony.
The bedroom and shower room are on the ground floor while the sitting room and kitchen can be found upstairs.
The unusual corrugated aluminium wall with sheet aluminium exterior walls is designed to resemble a Conning Tower on a submarine.
The owners describe it as having "a contemporary feel with a sense of fun, and the spaces are remarkable for projecting a feeling of tranquility and security."
The Bus Stop, Gifford
Hailed as a "holiday experience with a difference", this takes glamping to a whole new level. Converted buses in a working farm with views of the Lammermuir Hills in the East Lothian countryside.
Offering both luxury and rustic buses, families can enjoy 360 degree uninterrupted views of the surrounding countryside and a soak in their own hot tub.
Each bus comes with a wood-burning stove and bespoke furnishings, while a converted stable block on-site offers a small farm larder, supplying essentials like wine, beer, and even ice cream.
Nature Observatory on a Secluded Island
This self-catering cabin on Dry Island in Badachro Bay is ideal for people who need some true alone time to unwind, hough high-speed wifi is available if you hate being entirely cut off. (Leave the work laptops at home though, guys.)
"Otter Cabin" is fitted out to a high standard with a double bedroom, shower room, open plan kitchen and living room and its own hot tub and decking area. Kitchen basics and linens are provided.
Guests are free to roam about the wild paths on the island and the property owners will let you know which areas are currently inhabited.
Assich Zen Lodge
This luxury log cabin is an incredible fusion between a Zen tea house and Highland hunting lodge. Assich Zen Lodge has its own Zen garden using many of the stones of an ancient ruined byre.
It offers "truly romantic and luxurious accommodation in beautiful and tranquil surroundings", with views of mountain, sea, forest and a castle.
The open-plan space consists of a lounge with wood-burning stove, bedroom area with luxury super king size bed, dining and kitchen areas (each with its own panoramic bi-fold doors) - and a separate toilet and shower room. Beyond the bi-fold doors is a large decked area with access to sauna, fire pit, hot tub, log store and outdoor seating.
The Beekeeper's Bothy
Nestled in the Aberdeenshire coast, the Beekeeper's Bothy is a larch clad den with views over the Ythan estuary on the Aberdeenshire coast. Nature reserves, beautiful unspoilt beaches and walking trails can be found in the surrounding areas for a scenic day out.
Modern floor to ceiling windows allow you to take in the coastline. It also includes a kitchenette that provides all you need with a fridge, sink, microwave, kettle, toaster, countertop electric hob as well as all cutlery, glass and dish wear needed.
