20 TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO SCOTLAND (AND DON'T FALL IT)

I know: since you saw the Braveheart movie, you've wanted to feel like William Wallace defying the English. Or do you want to try your luck to see if the Loch Ness monster looks out of your head when you're over there? Perhaps during the entire Game of Thrones saga you went with the Starks and would like to visit the Winterfell of the United Kingdom? Whatever the reason, you will not regret it: a trip to Scotland It is always a great idea. And if you don't know where to start ... here I will give you a few tips for traveling to Scotland (and not shit).

1. Scotland is one of the four territories that form United Kingdom. This country does not belong to the Schengen area and, therefore, upon arrival you must pass the border controls corresponding. However, the United Kingdom has free transit of people within the European Union. At least until we see what happens with Brexit, so if, for example, you are Spanish, you can simply enter with your ID.

Citizens of Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Uruguay, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras ... neither do they need a visa If they are going to be less than 90 days. For other nationalities, it is best to check the immigration website.

2. The currency used in the country is the pound sterling, so unless you arrive from other areas of the United Kingdom, you will have to change money. There are several options to do so:

• You can get pounds in a Bank from your country of origin.
• Carry some of cash and change it to pounds in some exchange house (look for those that apply the best exchange rates and commissions, which are usually those in the cities, and avoid those at the airport).
• For me the best option is always pay by card and / or withdraw money at local ATMs. And the ideal is to use a card with which you do not charge commissions. I use the Bnext card, with which you can get money without commissions. And always leave another card in the bedroom in case the flies, another free with excellent conditions to travel is the N26 card.

3. As you surely know, the poor English don't have the best weather of the world. And in this area of ​​the country is where it shows most. Keep in mind the different seasons:

- The high season To visit Scotland is in the months of July and August, when temperatures are milder and there are more hours of light. On the other hand, it is not the driest season and in the Highlands the mosquitoes roam freely, so do not forget to take a good repellent with you! And yes, obviously it is also the time when the country receives more tourism.

- In low season, during the months of October to April, it is usually colder, with rainy days and there are few hours of light, reaching dusk at four in the afternoon -_- Visiting the north of Scotland at this time is only suitable for adventurers well warm.

- In May, June or September, although temperatures drop a bit compared to summer, it doesn't rain so much and the mosquitoes in the Highlands are less heavy, come on: it's the best time to visit Scotland!

4. The plugs They have three rectangular entrances, one above and two below. The adapters are sold in many grocery stores, supermarkets, etc. and are cheap. If you want to go with the adapter already from home, you can order it here.

5. In Scotland (and throughout the United Kingdom) it drive on the left, unlike in most countries. Be careful with this, especially being a pedestrian when crossing the street as it is easy to get confused and it becomes dangerous. When you are about to cross, look first to your right, you will see that in many tourist areas there is usually a sign painted on the ground that reminds you.

And if you rent a car, besides being aware of not going in the opposite direction, beware of the speed: is indicated in miles (and yes, the distances are also in miles). You can drive quietly with the license of your country. Check out restrictions on traffic restrictions in GB.

These go where they leave the pepo

6. One of the things I would have liked to know before landing in Edinburgh and for which I lost a few pounds was that… the bus is paid with the right price! And if you have no change? Well, what about, they take it as a tip! Of course, all with education, do not forget to say "thank you" when getting off the bus.

7. The Scottish accent It's not going to sound like that wonderful Oxford CD you heard at school. They have some words that only they use and a pronunciation a bit difficult for unused ears. But do not be scared, they compensate you with how nice and good-natured they are 😉 Here you can see a few typical words from Scotland that drive more than one tourist crazy!

8. It is recommended reserve the accommodation with some time in advance to find cheap and quality sites, especially in the summer months and more if you travel to Edinburgh: in August the city is up for its famous festival. Look and compare the best accommodation alternatives.

9. Regarding what clothes to wear... as soon as a radiant sun can look like the universal flood falls on you. They do not say that in Scotland you can experience the 4 seasons in a day. Wearing warm clothes is important, but above all, that in your suitcase or backpack there are waterproof garments. Also, a tiny umbrella is never too much. And how much farther north, more prepared for the cold 😉

10. If you are going to visit several castles, palaces and other historical sites, surely you will be profitable on Explorer Pass which allows you to enter more than 70 attractions in summer (and about 40 in winter) among which are Edinburgh Castle or Stirling Castle. There is a 5-day pass for £ 35.00 and can be purchased on the official site or here.

Stirling Castle

Are we 10 already?There are still a few tips to travel to Scotland and not shit

11. It is always good to remember that health is also part of the trip. If you are a member of the EU, you can request the European sanitary card and they will attend you in any medical center without problem. If you are from outside the EU, you must have insurance that covers your way through any hospital.

Eye: It is important to know that the European health card does not work as medical insurance. Obviously this does not cover any theft, flight delays, lost luggage or things like that. If you want to be calm, it is best to take out good travel insurance.

12. But we touch wood, the most probable thing is that everything goes like silk and that, at best, the most we need is some remedy that we carry in a small medicine cabinet, with something for the throat, the cold or ... the headache of the hangover after a good tasting of Scotch Whiskey XD.

13. If it's cool to see animals in freedom you should know that Scotland is a privileged place for it, so some binoculars They cannot be missing in your luggage. There are lots of species of birds, whales, dolphins or deer that can be enjoyed in the middle of nature. Not to mention the ever-present sheep and the hairy cows so typical of Scotland.

• The best place to see seabirds They are the Shetland Islands, where in summer you can see puffins.
• On the west coast there are excursions to see whales and dolphins.

14. As much as you are more field than poppies, I recommend spending at least two or three days discovering the city of Edinburgh. The beautiful capital of the north is well worth its time. Here we tell you everything to see and do in Edinburgh.

15. Rent a car and go around Highlands It is a very good plan and one of the most common to visit Scotland in one week. After Edinburgh you can go towards Stirling where to visit his castle, the monument to William Wallace and the land on which this national hero defeated the English invaders! Then continue towards Fort william, up to Inverness going through the Lake Ness. And then go to the beautiful Isle of Skye (which is crossed by a bridge) to enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

Isle of Skye

16. For those who dare to travel Scotland on wheels, it should be borne in mind that back roads They are the least traveled and the ones that usually have the best views. Some scenic roads most spectacular are:

• From Edinburgh to Glen Coe, almost 3 hours from Edinburgh and just over 2 hours from Glasgow. It is one of the most famous in Scotland and in the visitor center of Glen Coe they will give you maps of the area.
• From Glasgow to Inveraray, through the "Rest and Be Thankful Pass" stopping at the viewpoint of the same name to have a picnic and enjoy the visas.

Of course, keep in mind that driving on less traveled roads also implies a problem if you need help. Make sure you bring the mobile always with battery. Both when traveling by car and trekking. By the way, for Scotland it is also eliminated roaming, so you can use your rate in Spain without extra costs (use data, receive calls and call Spanish numbers, but DO NOT call Scottish numbers!).

17. And speaking of trekkingIf your thing is to hit your legs and lose yourself in nature, you are in the right place. Scotland has lots of well signposted routes and for all levels, with landscapes that will leave you breathless (and with unevenness that maybe too). On this website you have a lot of info about all the routes. It is in English but it is very complete =)

18. If you also dare to multi-day route, you have to consider a number of important things:

• It can to camp practically anywhere you don't bother anyone and if you do it with respect and preserving the environment.
• For this you have to be Better prepared: Take a more complete medicine cabinet with you, food, water, appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes, all waterproof. Also get official maps, have the most up-to-date information possible and pay particular attention to the weather. It also doesn't hurt to let someone know of your plans.
• If you get to do the mythical "West highland way”, 154 kilometers, 6 or 8 days between mountains and spectacular lakes… tell me your experience! It's been in my plans for a long time 😉

19. If you finally pass the plan of driving on the left and walking on a mountain where a shower can soak you from one moment to another, do not worry! So yours is the train. The main cities are connected by train and you can see rates, schedules, routes here.

If you want to travel a really cool stretch, my advice is not to miss the West highland line, which goes from Glasgow to Oban / Fort William / Mallaig. In the end you will pass through the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which if you are a Harry Potter fan, it will sound a lot. The only bad thing is that it doesn't reach Hogwarts.

20. If you prefer, you can sign up for Spanish tours that will take you to know, in group, the main tourist enclaves of Scotland. Take a look here.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

I hope you liked these recommendations and that they help you enjoy an epic adventure. Have more tips for traveling to Scotland? Tell us in the comments.

* Photocredit: Shutterstock