Scotland is known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable castles. If you’re someone who enjoys exploring these aspects, you might already have a clear idea of what to do on your trip to Scotland.
But there’s more to Scotland than the usual must-see sights, and how you experience it can vary depending on your travel style.
Some of the more typical activities to do in Scotland are:
- Explore Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Greyfriar’s Kirkyard
- Visit iconic castles like Stirling Castle and Eilean Donan Castle
- Drive through Glencoe
- Visit the Isle of Skye and hike the Old Man of Storr or see the Fairy Pools
- Take a boat cruise on Loch Ness to search for Nessie
- See the Kelpies
- Enjoy whisky tastings, afternoon tea, golf, and hearty Scottish breakfasts
- Visit Outlander and Harry Potter inspired attractions like Doune Castle or Glenfinnan Viaduct
If any of these are on your list, you’re in good company. But there’s even more to Scotland than the popular spots. The key is to dive deeper into activities that are more personalized to your travel style to make the most of your trip.
Do you listen to podcasts? You can also check out Episode 236 on the Happy Women Travel More Podcast.
Understanding Your Scotland Travel Style
But first, do you know what your travel style is? I’ve developed 8 travel style avatars to help you self-identify and understand more fully what your travel tendencies and preferences are on vacation. Here’s a quick breakdown of each:
Adventurers: You’re the seeker of the wild! Your vacations are about hiking, camping, or road-tripping—anything that lets you experience jaw-dropping nature. You love summiting mountains, meandering through valleys, and spotting wildlife. You’re prepared with all the gear for rugged adventures, and when other travelers see you, they know you’ve got it all figured out.
Bucket-Listers: You’re the traveler who wants to do it all! You’re experienced and know the most efficient way to tick off as many sights and experiences as possible in a short time. Your days are packed with activities, and you’ll prefer nice accommodations with a hot shower to recharge for your next big day.
Tourists: You’re the sightseer! You travel to experience iconic landmarks and cultures from a distance, at a steady pace. You’ll follow the well-trodden tourist trail, visiting popular destinations for a reason. Tourists often prefer organized tours to handle the logistics, so they can see as much as possible in the shortest amount of time.
Escapists: You’re all about balance—fun and relaxation. You love luxury accommodations with all the amenities close by, so you can unwind without the hassle of extra travel. While you’ll have your hotel and transport sorted out in advance, you prefer to take it easy with minimal planning for daily activities.
Socialites: You travel to shop by day and dance by night! Your vacations are spent enjoying the finer things in life—restaurants, nightlife, and partying with friends. You don’t need to plan much beyond choosing a great hotel and making some dinner reservations.
Soul Searchers: You’re on a journey to discover something deeper within yourself or the world. You immerse yourself in traditional customs and cultural experiences, always eager to learn more. You prefer culturally immersive accommodations, and while you’ll plan part of your trip, you’re also open to being guided by locals.
Nomads: You’re the free spirit who travels without a set plan, going where the wind takes you. You prefer to roam on foot, hitchhiking, or taking a bus from place to place. Minimalist in nature, you’re comfortable with simple accommodations and living alongside locals as you experience their way of life.
Thrill Seekers: You’re addicted to adventure! Your vacations are spent seeking out thrilling, adrenaline-pumping activities. You’ll hop from one exciting excursion to the next, always looking for your next high. Planning isn’t your thing—once you arrive, you’ll just go with the flow.
A Deeper Dive Into Your Travel Style
These travel style avatars were designed based on my 4-part travel style framework—a concept I’ve developed to help travelers find the experiences that best suit their preferences. These styles represent the four main factors that define how we travel:
- Planning: How do you approach your itinerary? Do you plan every detail or go with the flow?
- Excursions: What activities are you drawn to? Do you prefer sightseeing, adventure, or something else?
- Confidence: How comfortable are you with unfamiliar situations? Do you prefer self-guided trips or organized tours?
- Comforts: What amenities are essential for you? Do you need luxury or are you comfortable with basic accommodations?
When it comes to activities, we’re focusing on the Excursions piece of your travel style—activities that align with your personal preferences and help guide your trip planning. Let’s break it down further!
The Excursion (i.e. “Activity”) Travel Styles
Instead of feeling pressured to tick off every item on someone else’s list, take a moment to think about what will truly light you up. What activities will create lasting memories? What experiences will make you fall in love with Scotland?
To help narrow things down, ask yourself this: What excites me most when I go on vacation? Do you prefer active adventures, sightseeing, socializing, or learning?
There are four main activity styles that will help guide your trip planning. Identifying which one resonates most with you will help you focus your time on the experiences that matter the most. Each of the eight travel style avatars shares an Excursions travel style with a “partner in crime.” See if you can figure out which one fits you best.
- Active Traveler (Adventurer & Thrill Seeker) – the traveler that wants to do.
- Sightseer (Bucket Lister & Tourist) – the traveler that wants to see.
- Social Traveler (Escapist & Socialite) – the traveler that wants to eat, drink, and have fun.
- Introspective Traveler (Soul Searcher & Nomad) – the traveler that wants to learn.
Once you’ve identified your primary Excursions travel style, let’s dive into specific activity recommendations to make the most of your trip to Scotland. It’s okay if you enjoy a mix of these styles—many people do. But by focusing on your primary excursion style, you can be sure you’re not missing out on the most important experiences for your trip.
Things To Do In Scotland By Travel Style
1. Active Traveler (Adventurer & Thrill Seeker)
The Active traveler wants to do things.They’re not going to be lounging in a cozy inn or spending their days at whisky tastings—they’re out there exploring Scotland. That means hiking in the Highlands, sitting next to a loch, or whitewater rafting on the River Tay. The Active traveler is all about experiencing Scotland through adventure.
- Hiking: Ben Nevis, Cuillin Ridge, the Old Man of Storr, the Lost Valley in Glencoe, and the West Highland Way
- Wildlife: Spot majestic red deer, sea eagles, and puffins
- Adventurous Activities: Whitewater rafting, canyoning, wild swimming, mountain biking, sea kayaking, and bungee jumping
2. Sightseer (Bucket Lister & Tourist)
The Sightseer comes to Scotland to see all the iconic places.They’re not going to skip Edinburgh Castle or miss a drive through Glencoe. The Sightseer goes on vacation to see Scotland in all its glory.
- Edinburgh: Edinburgh Castle, Holyrood Palace, The Royal Mile, St. Giles’ Cathedral, Victoria Street, Greyfriar’s Kirk
- Must-See Sights: The Kelpies, Jacobite Steam Train (Harry Potter fans, this one’s for you!), Castle Doune and Midhope Castle (for Outlander fans!)
- Scenic Drives: A82 through Glencoe, North Coast 500
- Best Castles: Stirling, Eilean Donan, Dunnottar, Urquhart on Loch Ness
- Best Viewpoints: The Quiraing (Isle of Skye), Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Quintessential Scotland: Attending the Highland Games, seeing a bagpipe performance, playing a round of golf
3. Social Traveler (Escapist & Socialite)
The Social traveler is here to eat, drink, and be merry. Distillery tours, lively pubs, and vibrant restaurants are on their agenda. Scotland’s modern side is where they thrive—meeting new people and soaking in the good times.
- Pubs & Festivals: Lively bars and pubs, participate in festivals or a Scottish ceilidh
- Food & Drink: Whisky tastings, gourmet dining, and traditional Scottish fare
- Luxurious Experiences: Indulge in a stay at a 5-star hotel or a castle retreat
4. Introspective Traveler (Soul Searcher & Nomad)
The Introspective traveler is seeking a deeper connection with Scotland’s history and culture. They’re diving into Scotland’s past and traditions and want the time to be able to linger and absorb details of where they are visiting.
- Historical Sites: Culloden Battlefield, Bannockburn Battlefield, Callanish Standing Stones, Skara Brae
- Castles With a Story To Tell: Stirling, Lochleven, Huntingtower, Crathes, Slains, Kisimul
- Cultural Immersion: Traditional Scottish music, Highland storytelling night, Gaelic language experiences in the Outer Hebrides, Walking the West Highland Way
How to Choose the Best Activities for Your Scotland Trip
As you start planning your trip to Scotland, think about how you want to spend your time. There are no right or wrong answers—just what makes you happiest. Whether you’re chasing adventure, checking off bucket-list sights, mingling in local pubs, or exploring Scotland’s rich history, knowing your excursion style will help you plan the best activities for your unique preferences.
