Ultimate Scotland Travel Tips: Insider Advice from a Frequent Visitor
Welcome to the Around the World Interview Series on Ordinary Traveler! Every couple of weeks, we feature a guest who has lived in or spent extended time in a specific country, sharing invaluable insights and tips for destinations worldwide.
This week, Keith from Traveling Savage shares his expert Scotland travel tips!
How long have you traveled in Scotland?
I've explored Scotland six times over the last eight years, including two trips in the past four months, with more planned this year. Now dedicated full-time to Scotland travel writing, I plan three to four trips annually, each lasting three to five weeks.
Budget tips for Scotland?
Scotland and the UK can be pricey for visitors, especially Americans. Adjust your expectations: assume everything costs double in dollars (e.g., a £5 sandwich is about $10). This rule of thumb includes a buffer beyond the actual exchange rate.
Petrol and groceries may cost more outside major cities. For longer stays, consider holiday rentals over multiple B&B nights—B&Bs offer fantastic stays with hearty breakfasts, but costs add up. Allocate a big chunk of your budget for car rentals, the best way to see Scotland. On my recent four-week trip, a small automatic cost over $1,200, excluding high petrol prices (around $8/gallon).
Favorite places or experiences in Scotland?
Perthshire, especially around Dunkeld and Pitlochry, never fails to impress. This forested region at the Cairngorm Mountains' foothills showcases Scotland's stunning scenery.
Dunkeld, one of my top towns, is famous for traditional Scottish folk music. Its stone buildings, ancient cathedral by the River Tay, and signposted walks make it charming.
What is the food like in Scotland?
Everyday Scottish fare is hearty—meat, potatoes, and often greasy—with chip shops popular late-night spots. However, the scene emphasizes organic, free-range, and fair-trade ingredients, rivaling top American spots. Chefs like Tom Kitchin in Leith are elevating cuisine.
Breakfast is a highlight: filling with eggs, bangers, rashers, haggis, black pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms, beans, tea/coffee, toast, jam, cereals, fruits, smoked salmon, or kippers. Try haggis and black pudding.
Scotland excels in ethnic foods, especially Indian and Pakistani. Even in remote Lerwick, Shetland, places like Gurkha's Kitchen serve exceptional vindaloo—great options abound nationwide.
Dos and don’ts for Scottish customs?
Scottish culture mirrors North American and Western European norms—no major pitfalls. Avoid asking about under a kilt. Locals may seem reserved but warm up to friendly chats.
Favorite place to stay in Scotland?
Trochelhill B&B near Fochabers in Moray stands out. This stunning country house features pristine grounds, modern interiors, superb breakfasts, and gracious hosts Iain and Diane. Greet their three-legged cat, Toes.
Must-do activities or sites in Scotland?
Don't miss Edinburgh's Old Town and Castle for their rich history. Spend days in Moray-Speyside for diverse scenery, whisky distilleries, and outdoor adventures. Embrace Scotland: tour castles, sample whisky, hike hills, and pub-hop to fiddles and pipes.
Safety tips and warnings for Scotland?
Beyond budget strain, Scotland is very safe. For Munro hikes, be experienced and prepared—weather shifts rapidly, claiming lives yearly. Note: cars drive on the left, drivers on the right. Scottish roads are excellent; you'll adapt quickly.
