#Eurotrip - Scotland Tips & Tricks

Overlooking Old Town from New Town Edinburgh.

Since a few days ago I wrapped up the grand tour of Scotland, I wanted to share some of my favorite tips and tricks for the vacation.

1. Get a car. 

It's really the only way to see some of the most beautiful parts of the country, but avoid having it in Edinburgh. It's not a driving city. We rented a diesel automatic and I could not have been happier. We got great gas mileage and were able to cover almost the entire country.

The view from the cannons at Edinburgh Castle.

2. Get an automatic.

Even the most seasoned of drivers who drive standard back home, may be thrown by operating a vehicle on the opposite side of the road. If you have never driven stick on the left side of the road, take my advice and go with an automatic. One major change to driving style is jarring enough.

Our view of Edinburgh Castle from our hostel

3. Pack at least two pairs of comfy shoes. 

I love Nike Frees for travel because they are super light weight and add almost no weight to your carry on. We did a lot of walking and for those who really want a hiking challenge, you may want your second pair to be sturdy walking boots. 

Dan hiking on the Orkney Islands

4. Pack for active days. 

You want comfortable stuff as much of your day is spent walking, hiking and climbing. Be ready to get dirty and sweaty.

Me at the top of Arthur's Seat.

5. Pack layers. 

Weather changes rapidly even in the summer. I always pack my North Face rain jacket since it doubles as a windbreaker and takes almost zero space up. 

I always made sure I had a scarf for quick weather changes.
Persifor dress, Sperry Top Siders, Gap Scarf, Kate Spade Crossbody

6. Order a chip credit card from your credit card company.

Everything in Scotland uses chip technology.

Sightseeing at the Isle of Skye

7. Carry cash.

For the more rural areas of Scotland, cash is still often king. Especially if you don't have a chip credit card, then your best bet is cash. Often the swipe doesn't read for American cards. Also a lot of B&Bs and hotels will give you discounts if you pay in cash.

Crest from the Order of the Thistle Chapel in Edinburgh

8. Drink your fill. Every pub and restaurant seemed to have a new brew on tap that we didn't see in other areas. I am a big cider drinker and I was able to taste multiple different local ciders throughout the trip. Bottoms up!

Get your drink on.

9. Bring a GPS. 

If you are traveling by car, it is worth it to bring your own GPS or rent one. We brought one along with us and it made a huge difference. For most of us, we are already figuring out driving on the other side of the road, don't complicate it with tricky navigation as well.

The wall where French Taunting was filmed for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

10. Try the Haggis. 

I really enjoyed the haggis. I know it throws a lot of people off as it is intestine, but its ground up and seasoned very well. In fact it is probably the most seasoned item I had on my whole trip. Also if you find a place with fried haggis balls go for it. They are deep fried nuggets of goodness.

Sheep roaming on the Isle of Skye.

11. Embrace your inner dork.
Whether it is your love of Monty Python, roaming sheep, Viking history, or monster hunting, embrace it. Scotland lets you be your nerd, and embraces it as well. Case in point, Lochness. Totally nerdy and at the same time awesome. Check it out.

A Shrubbery! At Castle Doune, embracing my inner Monty Python geekiness.

12. Eat early!
Scotland, with the exception of Edinburgh, closes realtively early. Even if the pub is still open, its likely not serving food anytime after 8:30pm. Unlike the rest of Europe, the Scots eat their meals early and on time. Make sure you stop at appropriate times for lunch and dinner! Or pack snacks!