About Scotland
Scotland is a land of dramatic landscapes, rich history, iconic culture, and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
When you think of Scotland, you first think of castles, whisky, and, of course, bagpipes. While all of these should be enjoyed during a trip to Scotland, there is so much more for visitors to experience. Our featured destinations will give you a taste of what to expect.
Things You Need to Know
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip to Scotland:
Weather
Scotland’s weather is unpredictable, even during the summer! It’s wise to pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy walking shoes. Scottish winters can be chilly with temperatures going below freezing in some areas, so bring warm clothing, especially if you plan on exploring the Highlands.
Best Time to Visit
This completely depends on your interests. The summer months offer long daylight hours, perfect for hiking or visiting a local festival, while Scotland is one of the most beautiful countries to see the landscape change colour during the fall. Spring is ideal for nature lovers, and winter brings festive charm with Christmas markets in the cities and snowy adventures in the countryside.
Getting Around
Scotland has excellent public transport networks with trains and buses connecting major cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness, while renting a car allows you to explore more remote areas like the Highlands and Islands. Our private driver tours offer you the chance to sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving. In Scotland, we drive on the left-hand side of the road and some of our country roads are single track, narrow, and winding so it’s important to drive carefully.
Culture and Traditions
Scotland is a country rich in history, tradition, and folklore. Expect warm hospitality from the Scots, lively ceilidh nights, and fascinating tales of myths and legends. Don’t miss trying the local delicacies like haggis, Scotch whisky, and fresh seafood.
Featured Scottish Destinations
Discover Scotland’s most iconic destinations with our carefully selected list of must-visit locations. Explore the historic streets of Edinburgh, the friendly hospitality of Glasgow, the rugged mountains of the Scottish Highlands, or the mystical landscapes of the Isle of Skye with our tailored experiences, designed to showcase the very best of Scotland.
Our Experiences
Covering vacations in Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales we can create a tailor made package accommodating client interests, travel time available and budget. Each destination below contains several sample tours to inspire you. From self-drive to private-driver, 3-star to 5-star luxury, Best of Scotland Holidays can accommodate your needs.
Personalised Itinerary
Are you a history buff, nature lover, or a big foodie? We can customise your vacation based on your interests. Our sample experiences have been created to inspire you and show that we can accommodate everyone. However, if there’s something that you’ve always dreamed of doing, let us know and we will incorporate this into your completely personalised itinerary!
Get in TouchFeatured Scotland Blogs
The Road Less Travelled: Hiking Hidden Gems in the UK
Why Community Tourism Matters
The Great British Railway
FAQs
Before packing your bags, ensure you have all the necessary travel documents in order. All visitors to the UK who do not need a visa for short stays (like holidays) will need an Electronic Travel Authrorisation (ETA) – a digital approval to travel. Without and ETA you cannot travel to or transit through the UK.
UK Government website details.
The Republic of Ireland requires a separate visa to that of the UK.
Both the UK and Ireland have their own currencies – pounds sterling (£) in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland and euros (€) for the Republic of Ireland. Familiarise yourself with the current exchange rates and consider carrying a mix of cash and cards for convenience. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your cards abroad. Although cash and cards can both generally be used, there has been a rise in the number of vendors only taking cards, so useful to have access to both methods of payment.
It is certainly customary to tip in the UK however it very much depends on the service you are tipping. The following will give some guidance:
- Food and Drink – quite often a service charge of around 12.5% is added to your bill already, so you may wish to check this. If you have enjoyed your experience you could top this up to make 15 – 20% in total. For takeaway purchases a tip is generally not expected, however if this is delivered to your accommodation you wish to give the delivery person a small tip.
- Transport – tipping a taxi driver would be the norm, around 10% or rounding up the charge. For driver transfers around £5 – £10 per person and for full-day tours around £15 – £20 per person.
- Tour Directors / Guides – as with drivers for short, guided tours £5 – £10 per person, and for longer / day tours £15 – £20.
As a rule though, tip according to service received and how much you have enjoyed the experience and the person has added to that experience. Tipping does not require to be a given!
The weather in the UK and Ireland can be unpredictable, so be prepared for the potential of four seasons in one day! Pack layers, waterproof clothing, comfortable shoes for exploring, and don’t forget an umbrella or raincoat. Regardless of the season, it’s always wise to pack an extra sweater or jacket. When the sun does shine it can be glorious, but also hot, so be prepared with sun protection also. Make sure to bring plug adapters for your electrical devices and a reminder that the UK is 230v.
The British and Irish are known for their friendliness and hospitality, so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with locals wherever you are. If you happen to find yourself on the island of Islay you will find all passing (local) vehicle drivers waving at you! When visiting religious landmarks or some historical sites, observe any rules or guidelines in place. For golfers note there may be a dress code in some of the private clubs, both for playing courses and visiting clubhouses.
For many visitors to the UK on a self-drive tour this will mean driving on the left (wrong!) side of the road, however it won’t take you long to get the hang of it. Some key items to remember:
- Speed is in mph not km/h.
- Make sure you have requested the correct car seats for any infants and children travelling with the party.
- The Drink Driving limit in the UK is very low, with Scotland having a zero-tolerance policy.
Additional information can be found here:
https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-in-great-britain
Driving on the left – Road Safety Scotland
Before travelling, ensure you have adequate travel insurance coverage that includes medical emergencies. Carry any necessary medications in hand luggage and familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers and healthcare facilities in the area. While the UK and Ireland are generally safe destinations, it’s always wise to exercise caution and stay vigilant, especially in crowded tourist areas.
