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The festival season of 2022 is predicted to be a bumper one, so make sure you do not miss out

This year looks like being an incredibly busy one for holidays at home. All events – and the services supporting them – are going to be in huge demand.

Post pandemic spikes, soaring fuel costs and uncertainties in Europe are all pointing to this, so you need to make sure that you aren’t left out.

It does play havoc with that free-spirited festival vibe of spontaneity, of just packing your rucksack and taking off to the Highlands to chill and listen to great music, but it is a fact of life.

The most popular timings for ferries get snapped up early; as do the hotels and B&Bs be they traditional or online Airbnb. Holiday cottage owners and caravan and chalet parks are also reporting that business is brisk.

On islands the accommodation can be limited, even on campsites and remember that some smaller islands limit access for caravans and motor homes; it’s not that they are meanspirited it is just that they do not have the infrastructure to cope.

As soon as you have confirmed your tickets for an event, do not delay. It is time to hit the internet and start booking.

Do not forget that ferries do not just get you to the islands; they make mainland journeys shorter by linking the many peninsulas of Argyll and Lochaber.

The smaller ferries are often non-booking, just turn up and queue so build in some extra journey time if necessary.

Scotrail and West Coast Motors also expect high demand this summer so a quick online booking will save you all kinds of hassle.

Once all this necessary booking is done you can get down to the fun stuff – where you are going to eat, places you are going to visit on your way to or from the festivals and what other things you are going to do during your trip.