Scotland Travel Guide
As someone who has been dying to visit Scotland since beginning to read (and watch) the Outlander series, this was a dream trip! I absolutely made sure to incorporate some of the iconic locations into my itinerary. Scottish history, the Highlands, whiskey tastings and big city vibes made up the rest of my time in this beautiful country.
As part of the United Kingdom, Scotland sits to the north of England. Its history is far-reaching and dates back to the Stone Age. Throughout the ages, it has seen Empires fall and survive countless battles. Many of those battles have been fought in the name of their independence. However, when the decision was finally put to a vote in 2014, the majority of Scottish people voted no.
Whether you love Scottish whiskey, hiking, fishing, immersing yourself in history, or trying to catch a glimpse of a certain sea monster, Scotland has something for you!
Know Before You Go
But, what exactly do you need to know before visiting Scotland? I never like to travel to a destination blind, so I compiled a list of helpful information I learned throughout my stay to share with you!
If you’re flying into Scotland, there are several airport options to fly into. The biggest one is, of course, Edinburgh Airport, located in the capital city of Edinburgh. There are also airports located in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness if you are beginning your journey in one of those cities.
Driving to Scotland is also very easy! However, please know, that you have to drive on the lefthand side of the road. If you’re cool with that, then this is for you! If you’re traveling from London, for example, it’s a straight shot north for about eight hours to Edinburgh. There are trains you can take from England, but, I highly recommend renting a car. Simply for the ease of getting around. If you’re interested in visiting many different parts of the country as I was, than this is your best bet for getting around. Yes, there are bus tours you can take, but those are not the same as doing it yourself!
Bonus tip: Driving between Scotland and England is very easy. Since they are both part of the United Kingdom, there are no border crossings to go through!
The Nitty Gritty
So, what else do you need to know before visiting Scotland? There are a lot of considerations to make before you decide to travel internationally. Whether it’s your first time or 100th time outside of your respective country, it is important to know what to expect as you prepare to travel to your chosen destination. Although Scotland is considered an easy country to plan for and visit, it’s always important to consider the following. Keep in mind, this list is not all inclusive, but things I thought about when planning my trip.
Language
The main language spoken in Scotland is English. However, there is a wide range of accents and dialects spoken throughout the country. The ancient Celtic language of Gaelic is still spoken as well as Scots. While Gaelic can be heard in the Highlands and the Islands, the Scots language is spoken in the Lowlands. Take a moment to stop and listen to the locals speaking; it’s so interesting to listen to the different languages and accents.
Visa Requirements
Determining whether or not you need a visa to visit Scotland depends on where you are from, how you are traveling there, and what travel documents you are carrying with you. I found this website to be very helpful.
Currency
Easily one of the most important things to know before visiting Scotland is to know about its currency. As part of the United Kingdom, it’s official currency is The Pound Sterling. The value of it is a 1-to-1.11 ratio with the U.S. dollar. I always find it beneficial to have cash or coins on me for any small purchases or emergencies, especially because I was driving throughout the country. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, so you won’t need to bring a ton of cash with you. Keep in mind too, that if you use American Express, my tip is always to have a backup credit card. There are still a few places that don’t accept it.
Where To Stay?
The most important question when planning any trip! There are countless choices depending on what type of amenities and experience you prefer. From modern hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow, to bed and breakfasts’ in Inverness or Portree, Scotland has it all. Wherever you choose to stay though, make sure to do your research! Read reviews, understand its location and proximity to attractions, and confirm availability and price.
No matter where you stay though, remember to soak everything in around you. It’s the memories that matter at the end of the day. You made it to Scotland!
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