Scotland Travel Planning

Need some help with your Scotland travel planning? No worries! I know you’ll absolutely love it here…with a little help.

This country offers something for everyone…

History lovers marvel at the layers of thousands of years of history and archaeology in Scotland.

Pop culture buffs follow the footsteps of Claire and Jamie from Outlander or they check out JK Rowling’s inspiration for Harry Potter.

Castle lovers are in pure heaven in Scotland!

While Scotland isn’t known for having great weather, its natural topography is breathtakingly beautiful.

Rolling green glens and snow-capped mountains, turquoise seas and white sand beaches, remote rocky islands and glistening lochs…

Scotland is magical.

Maybe that’s why its national animal is the unicorn, its most famous resident is a mythical water monster, and its favorite food is a furry, three-legged caricature!

To help with your Scotland travel planning, I’ve pulled together plenty of resources and advice.

I get questions all the time from readers, family, friends, and total strangers all around the world. I get it — you’re excited!

And I can’t blame you!

But I also can’t answer you all in-depth individually, so I hope this page helps.

Travel Planning Tips

First things first, know how much time you have. You Americans love to sprint around an entire country (or several) in just a few days. I understand you have super limited vacation time and I empathize with you!

But, trust me, running around like mad does not show you the true beauty of this wild country.

So, first, evaluate how much time you actually have — and give yourself some time for jet lag!

Forth rail bridge outside of Edinburgh Scotland

Second, make a list of things you already know about Scotland and what intrigues you most. Let’s look at some of the popular attractions or reasons for folks to visit Scotland:

Castles
Standing Stones
Bagpipers
Whisky
Highlands
Islands
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Golf
Harry Potter
Outlander
Loch Ness
Isle of Skye
NC500
Palaces
Highland cows
Stags
Munros/mountains
Camping
Hiking
Skiing
Hillwalking
Boat tours

What calls to you? Do you want to hike your way around the countryside? Walk through castle halls? Listen to tour guides with lovely accents?

Whatever you like to do, make a list.

Queen's view outside of Pitlochry in Scotland

Inspiration for Your Trip

Now that you have your timeframe and your wish list, I recommend you do your own research.

There are countless blogs, podcasts, videos, photos, and social media options for getting even more inspiration for your trip.

And, frankly, this is some of the most fun part of traveling! You can explore the options and feel excited to see it all in person eventually!

Need some inspiration? Start with these:

Standing stones of Scotland travel planning help from Amanda Walkins

Next, check out some fellow Scotland travel bloggers for even more inspiration:

Scotland Itinerary Planning Help

After all that research on where to go in Scotland, you probably feel overwhelmed.

That’s normal!

Here’s the thing: There is NO WAY you can figure out everything about a place you’ve never visited by reading and researching.

That’s why local experts are so helpful!

Not only do all those Scotland travel bloggers write extensively about their adventures, several of them actually offer professional itinerary planning as well.

Tap into their local expertise, contacts, and detailed insights. Trust me — you will enjoy your trip dramatically more with their help!

Get help with your itinerary planning in Scotland from these professionals:

Need More Input?

I haven’t been everywhere in Scotland, but I’m sure making a dent in that list!

I’m always happy to chat and to offer any insight I can to make your trip to Scotland that much better. Reach out any time!

I also run the Wanderful Edinburgh Chapter, which is all about helping more women travel the world. If you’re a woman who loves travel, check us out here and maybe we can meet up while you’re visiting!