How to Make the Most out of Your Scotland Trip
Are you considering heading to Scotland for your holiday getaway?
For a lot of our visitors, it’s a long way to travel and not cheap either. You want to make the most out of the time you have in Scotland and relax into the adventure while your here. I get it, as one of a team of guides for Scotland, we meet people every day looking for travel advice and well… guidance.
So in this article, I’ll cobble together what I believe will help prepare you for your trip to Scotland and make it the best possible experience it can be!
Now, everyone is different and has different travel styles and tastes but I’d invite you to keep an open mind about what Scotland has to offer you, you may even find yourself loving an aspect of this great country that surprises you.
And, hey, there we go, we’ve got our first point…
Keep an open mind
Some people come to Scotland for the history, others for the views, some people love hiking and others love the sound of bagpipes and the call of our culture.
But why limit yourself?
There is so much to experience here and part of a great adventure holiday is trying new things. Those new things are a bridge to culture, connection and a deepening of appreciation that comes along with it.
Cities are great but the countryside makes Scotland
There are many things to see and do in the capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh. I’m not saying stay away from the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle or the many shops full of whisky tastings and Scottish treats. What I am saying is that Scotland is far more than what is found in the cities.
In fact, I would say the magic is to be found in the glens and on the munros (in the valleys and on the mountains). It’s out on the lochs or in the various castles and ruins around the country - Urquhart Castle, found alongside Loch Ness (pictured) is a prime example of the best of both!
Whatever you do, make sure you visit the highlands and if you can; the islands, lowlands, borders and peninsulas too!
Prepare for the weather
A quick mention of the unpredictable climate we enjoy in Scotland. It’s exactly like people say, it rains a lot - that’s why it’s so lush and green here. All 4 seasons in one day is a common expression we like to use.
As long as you are prepared, with rain gear and warm clothes, you’ll discover the weather can actually add to the drama of the dynamic landscapes. Imagine walking along the coast and seeing a ruined coastal castle peak out of the gloom, broken turrets slicing through the mist, towering above you as you approach.
Imagine the ocean spray as you sail on a ferry over to the Isle of Skye, wind and salt water blowing into your face, as you barely make out the land mass coming into view.
It can be incredible to experience the wild weather of Scotland, but make sure you are prepared for it. Even on summer days, the sun is not guaranteed.
Have a plan
You really could spend a lifetime exploring Scotland and find new things to see and do. It’s more vast than you might imagine and so you have to plan to be able to see what you want.
Decide what you NEED to see and be open to what you MIGHT also see.
There are certain places that I think of as MUST-SEES (ex. Glen Coe, Pictured) in Scotland, but you may have other ideas.
This is somewhere we might be able to help. We plan thousands of trips around Scotland and, for private tours, work closely with the client to curate their ideal Scotland trip during the time they’re here. We also have many Scotland day tours from Edinburgh and Glasgow to choose from, as well as multi-day tours that will take you onto a choice of islands. So whatever your travel style, we have something for you!
Step out of your comfort zone
I know a lot of what I’ve been saying is geared around this idea of adventure and exploration - it’s probably because that’s my own preference and the way we style our tours at Scotland’s Wild.
But I do believe everyone can benefit from having an adventurist mindset. Be open to speaking to the people you meet in the cities or out on hikes in the countryside.
Try the culinary delight that is haggis, no matter how disturbing it looks. Get out there and see the raw power of Nature for yourself and share those experiences with your travel companions - whether you know them or not.
Alongside these 5 points, I would also recommend getting a guide of some kind, especially for your first visit. Having someone to answer your history questions, or guide you to the hidden gems of this incredible country, take you to the best view points or even just to be a knowledgeable companion will enhance your trip tenfold.
We have a great team of expert Scotland guides that will be more than happy to guide you on your journey but it also might be that you have a friend in Scotland, a connection who can show you around or even a travel companion you meet along the way.
So I’ll leave you with that last piece of advice and with it wish you the best possible experience in Scotland and a very warm welcome when you’re here!
