7 PACKING ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR TRIP TO SCOTLAND
Scotland is a country full of fascinating history and beautiful scenery, and it’s time to pack your bags!
Scotland may be small in size, but it’s big on day trips. Packing for your trip can be a very stressful task.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of 7 essentials for your adventure in Scotland. Read on for more information about what you will need for your trip.
A GOOD PAIR OF WALKING SHOES
The first thing you should bring is a good pair of walking shoes. You will be getting up early and hiking a lot, so make sure you have great footwear that can comfortably handle the terrain.
You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Pick your choice of footwear according to the season you’re visiting Scotland, and make sure they’re sturdy enough to protect your feet while you tackle the steep hills of Edinburgh. For warmer months, sandals are a great option.
Don’t forget to pack some socks, too! They’re not just for keeping your feet warm; they’ll also help prevent blisters from forming on your heels or the balls of your feet.
A RAIN JACKET OR WARM COAT (DEPENDING ON THE SEASON)
Bring a rain jacket as well just in case it rains while you’re there. Having an umbrella or rain jacket is also important because sometimes it rains in Scotland even when it’s not expected! Pack some warmer clothes mixed in for cooler evenings and days.
SUNGLASSES AND SUNSCREEN
You’ll also want to bring sunglasses and sunscreen so that you can enjoy the views of the country without getting burned. Scotland has its rainy days but you’ll want these when the sun comes out.
A WATER BOTTLE
You will probably be walking a lot and it is important to stay hydrated.
SMART CASUAL CLOTHING SUITABLE FOR DAYTIME ACTIVITIES
You might be hiking around ancient ruins in the morning and be at a nice restaurant in the evening. Smart, multi-purpose clothing will come in handy.
YOUR SMARTPHONE AND/OR A GOOD CAMERA
If you’re going to be taking pictures, uploading them to social media, using your phone for navigation, or any other reason that requires a cell phone, then make sure you bring these with you on your trip.
You’ll want a spare quick charge device just in case your phone runs out of battery from taking so many pictures.
DOCUMENTS AND MONEY
You will need a passport to enter Scotland. Thankfully, you can apply for one in advance of your trip if you don’t have one already.
It’s also recommended that you bring your driver’s license or other form of ID with you on the trip. This is especially true if you’re renting a car or doing any type of driving while in Scotland.
It’s always good to keep copies of important documents like your passport and driver’s license in case you lose your wallet for some reason. (Scotland is very safe. This is just a best practice for any destination.)
Keep an eye on the exchange rates so you don’t get overcharged. Many people forget that their money loses value when they travel abroad, but it’s easy to get hit with high exchange rates at the airport ATM if you don’t plan ahead!
Make sure to check out current rates before departing so that this doesn’t happen to you.