Dreaming of a trip to Scotland? It’s tempting to dive straight into finding the cutest little inn to stay at or listing out must-see castles, but before you get lost in the details, start with these four big decisions. Making these choices first will simplify the rest of your planning and ensure your trip is built around what truly matters to you. By the end of this post, you’ll have made real progress toward a Scotland adventure that feels both intentional and aligned with what you truly want out of your time in Scotland.
Scotland, Your Way—that’s what I specialize in.
1. Decide How Many Days You Can Spend in Scotland—and How Many Stops You Want
Before you dive into itinerary planning, the first step is figuring out how long you can be away. Scotland is a place you don’t want to rush through (and is bigger than you might think), so I recommend a minimum of eight nights and nine days to make the most of your journey across the pond. Of course, eight nights and nine days only means you would have six full days to explore Scotland, so a better recommendation would be a minimum of 10 nights, and 11 days. Have even longer? Even better.
Next, consider how many different places (or “legs”) you want to include in your Scotland trip. Each new destination means packing, unpacking, and travel time, so you’ll want to find a balance between covering ground and actually enjoying each stop.
- For an 8- to 9-day trip, aim for no more than 3 to 4 legs. For a trip that is more balanced between leisure and adventure, I’d choose only 2 legs.
- For 10+ days, you can stretch to 4 or 5 legs, depending on your desired travel pace.
Keep in mind that your arrival and departure cities can dictate your first and last legs. If you know you’ll be jet-lagged upon arrival, it may be best to stay put in your entry city. And if your return flight is early in the morning (which is common for U.S.-bound flights from Scotland), you may need to plan your last night near the airport. These necessary legs of your trip will likely define your trip “bookends”, leaving you to determine how many additional locations you can fit in the middle.
2. Prioritize What Matters Most to You
Scotland has so much to offer—historic castles, rugged landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant city life. But trying to do everything can lead to a packed schedule that leaves you exhausted rather than fulfilled. So, ask yourself, why do you want to travel to Scotland in the first place?
- Are you most drawn to Scotland’s nature—its misty highlands, lochs, stunning coastlines, and wildlife?
- Are you excited to explore Scottish history, visiting castles, battlefields, and learning about famous figures?
- Or is it the culture—pub life, local traditions, and warm hospitality—that speaks to you most?
So which is it: the nature and wildlife, the history, or the culture and people? Try to choose the one that stands out the most, but if you find it hard to choose just one, rank the three in order of most important to least important. Of course, your trip can include activities that are a mix of all three, but having a sense of what’s most important will help guide your choices when planning so you don’t forget the main reason why you wanted to come to Scotland.
3. Define Your Scotland Trip Pace: Non-Stop Adventure or Leisurely Exploration?
Some travelers love the idea of covering as much ground as possible—road-tripping across the country, packing in as many experiences as they can. Others prefer a slower, more immersive approach, lingering in small villages, savoring long meals, or soaking in the scenery.
Before you start planning, define the pace you (and your travel companions) want for this trip to Scotland. Do you envision a fast-paced itinerary filled with non-stop activities and sightseeing? Or do you prefer a more relaxed approach, spending longer in fewer places and allowing time to wander? If you’re unsure, try this simple exercise:
Ask yourself (and your group), On a scale of 1 to 10, how fast-paced do you want this trip to be? A 1 means mostly relaxing, while a 10 means being on the go most of the time.
For those leaning toward a 9 or 10, a word of caution: It’s easy to be overly ambitious and accidentally sabotage your experience. If you’re constantly checking the clock and rushing from one stop to the next, you may need to scale back. Hopping to a new destination every night can leave you exhausted rather than fulfilled. Leave space for spontaneous moments—the cozy pubs, scenic roadside stops, and unplanned conversations with locals often become the most cherished memories of a Scotland trip.
4. Choose Your Preferred Mode of Transportation
Unlike other parts of Europe, Scotland’s public transportation is more limited outside of major cities. While Edinburgh has a tram system and buses, a car is typically needed to explore the countryside—or a willingness and patience to take trains and buses with more flexible timing.
Your main options for exploring Scotland outside of the main cities are:
- Renting a car: This gives you the most freedom to explore Scotland’s remote areas and scenic routes at your own pace. Just be prepared for narrow roads, single-track lanes, and driving on the left!
- Booking tours or private drivers: If you’d rather not drive but still want to reach more rural destinations, guided tours and private drivers can be a great alternative. Of course, the tradeoff with a tour group is that you are following someone else’s itinerary and schedule.
- Relying on trains and buses: Scotland’s rail network connects major cities and some smaller towns, but reaching remote locations (like the Isle of Skye or the Highlands) can be tricky without a car.
Whichever option you choose, make sure it aligns with the type of trip you want. If you love the idea of road-tripping through the Highlands, renting a car and driving yourself will be part of the adventure and give you the freedom and flexibility you want. But if the thought of renting a car stresses you out, knowing that upfront will help you choose experiences that are more accessible without a car, or know that you will need to find transportation to help you get there.
Start Planning Your Trip to Scotland
By making these four key decisions before you start planning the finer details, you’ll create a trip that’s both well-structured and aligned with what excites you most about Scotland.
