---
title: "Scotland: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Scotland? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Scotland-Highlands.jpg
---

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# Scotland: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Scotland: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Scotland-Highlands.jpg)

### About Scotland

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/scotland#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/scotland#packing)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/scotland#weather)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/scotland#funfacts)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/scotland#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/scotland#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/scotland#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/scotland#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

From the highlands to the islands, ancient castles to modern cities, Scotland is a rich tapestry just waiting to be explored. Wander through Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and narrow passageways, where ancient architecture and the imposing Edinburgh Castle will take you back more than 1000 years. Mingle with the ghosts of Celtic warriors on the Isle of Skye, hike over hills blanketed by mist rolling in from the lochs and taste the peaty goodness of authentic Scotch whisky. Welcome to Scotland.

 

Disclaimer: Space is a precious commodity in Europe, especially in its most dense cities, be prepared for smaller hotel rooms. The same goes for bathrooms and elevators, don’t be surprised if they feel cozier than those in the US.

 

**Established:**  9th century

**Area:** 192,576 acres (30,090 sq mi)

**Elevation:** 0 ft (low) & 4,413 ft (high)

**Time Zone:** Greenwich Mean Time (UTC)

**Emergency Number:** 999

**Outlet: **Type G

![Highland-Cow](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Highland-Cow.jpg)

![Scotch](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Scotch.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active Shoes** - Comfy footwear with grips is the way to go at any time of the year.

**Layers** - Bring something cozy, something waterproof and a warm layer to go underneath.

**Umbrella or Rain Jacket** - Rain will be your companion in Scotland year-round, keep yourself dry and happy.

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad sunburn. Remember to pack sunblock with SPF to protect your skin while outside.

**Day Pack** - For carrying cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, etc.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more?

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you know you're prone to motion sickness.

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay.

**Travel Adaptor** - Bring a UK converter or universal travel adaptor for your electronics.

**Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

![Edinburgh](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Edinburgh.jpg)

#### Weather

[EDINBURGH WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/55d95n3d19/edinburgh/?unit=us)

#### Fun Facts

- Scotland is known for its Scotch Whiskey, but The word “whisky” in fact comes from the Old Irish *uisce beatha*, which translates to “the water of life.”
- In order for whisky to be “Scotch,” it has to have been distilled in Scotland from water and malted barley and aged for a minimum of 3 years in an oak barrel. 
- Scotland has more than 900 offshore islands! Scotland's islands are divided up into the Inner Hebrides, Outer Hebrides, Orkney Islands, and the Shetland Islands.
- Scotland has one of the highest proportions of red-haired people in the world. Worldwide, less than 2% of people have red hair. In Scotland, though, that percentage is somewhere between 6% and 13%
- Scotland is the home of golf. The modern game of golf was developed in Scotland, and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is the world governing body of the game. The game has been played in Scotland since the Middle Ages, and the Old Course at St. Andrews itself dates back to at least the mid-1500s.

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | USD $7-10 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $1-2 per person/per day |
| **Restaurants(full service)**  |  | 10-20% of the total bill |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety? **Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/UnitedKingdom.html) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

To minimize the risk of pickpocketing it is recommended to be discreet: don’t flash anything of value, keep a firm hand on your camera, and carry shoulder bags slung across your body. Overall it’s a good idea to avoid badly lit areas completely at night and deserted inner-city areas by day.

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance?** While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner) or from a provider of your choice.

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **Yes, the water throughout Scotland is safe to drink.

 

**Do I need a Visa? **For Visa information, click [here. ](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/UnitedKingdom.html)Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here.](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/united-kingdom?s_cid=ncezid-dgmq-travel-single-001)   

 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

**What does public transportation look like?  **The UK has a very developed bus and rail system.

**Is Uber or Lyft available? **Uber is available, as are taxis.

 

**What about Wifi?** You should have very good access while in cities and towns. In parks or rural areas, reception can be spotty.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

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