North of England on the island of Great Britain, Scotland boasts world-renowned traditions that beckon travelers who want to experience them firsthand during a Scotland vacation. Where else can you play golf in the place where it was invented, listen to bagpipe music in the instrument’s homeland, and sip Scotch whisky in a traditional Scottish pub?
A vacation in Scotland usually includes its capital and its most beautiful city: Edinburgh. With the majestic Edinburgh Castle perched on a hill for all to behold, the city’s historic treasures include the medieval Royal Mile, running through the center of town from the castle to the Palace of Holyrood House; the Old Town, with its steep, narrow streets, and the New Town, with its stately Georgian townhomes, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Edinburgh’s biggest event is the Edinburgh International Festival in August, with long days packed with arts and cultural activities. A vacation in Scotland often includes a visit to the romantic Highlands, where visitors can hike in the mountains, go trout-fishing in a pristine stream, relax by crystal-clear lochs and venture to the area’s many islands. A golfer’s Scotland travel itinerary must include a pilgrimage to the Old Course at St. Andrew’s, the birthplace of golf.
U.S. citizens traveling to Scotland require a valid passport and can stay up to six months, providing they have a return ticket and funds to cover their stay. Several major U.S. gateways offer direct flights into Glasgow, and nonstop flights into Edinburgh are available from New York. Many connecting flights to Scotland are available through London. An international driver’s license is required to rent a car, and driving is on the left. Summer temperatures range from about 55°F to 65°F, with the temperature rarely exceeding 80°F, while winter temperatures range from about 30°F to 45°F. Language is English. Currency is the pound sterling. For more information on a vacation to Scotland, log on to www.cometoscotland.com, the official site of the Scottish Tourist Board.