Scotland: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

Print this page as PDF.
Scotland: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

About Scotland

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
Scotch

Packing List

Edinburgh

Weather

EDINBURGH WEATHER

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 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 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. 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.   

 

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
Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1

1% Promise

Cool-Effect-Logo-1-gray

In partnership with The Cool Effect, 1% of Trova's revenue will be donated to reduce carbon emissions through community-based initiatives around the globe.

Book With Confidence

TrovaTrip-Trova-Pledge
ethicalTourism
USTOA-Member-Logo-gray
IGLTA_Member
ATTA Member Badge vertical GreyReverse