Be sure to hit the like button! We're so grateful for your likes, subscriptions, and shares! 👍🙏 Do you have any additional tips for visiting Scotland? Feel free to share them in a comment below!!! 😀👇
Before watching this video, I'll tell you my 5 tips: 1 - Pack layers 2 - Pack lots of layers 3 - Pack a very warm layer 4 - Pack a seriously waterproof layer 5 - Don't be fooled if you are travelling in summer.... follow tips 1-4
As a Scotsman would not recommend jeans if you are out and about if it is rainy. In Scotland we sometimes say we have 3 rules of weather. It is about to rain, it is raining, it has just been raining🏴😂🏴😂🏴
We returned from Scotland in April, and this made me want to go back today! We loved trying the food and found the people of Scotland to be wonderful! We got a free SIM card from Giffgaff well in advance and loaded it up for about $15/each. We had no issues with connectivity, even on a remote Isle (Skye). Leather gloves and warm woolen hats saved us! Runner's sleeves helped me too. I could take them off if it got too hot.
Definitely in the Highlands there's a chill factor even in summer. But we were caught out by the heat a few years ago when in Scotland during Summer. Glasgow and Edinburgh were almost unbearably hot especially at night, and my portable fan fizzled out too quickly to be enough help. . Layers are definitely the way to go with clothing, but I often buy clothing when I arrive at a destination to reduce my luggage while flying. I also pack a hiking pole for walking as there are some very steep and uneven parts on even the simplest of trails. The hiking poles are lightweight and can telescope down to fit in luggage. I have both a lighter shower proof jacket and a waterproof one. In summer the waterproof one can be too hot to wear in some of the places we went, and it was good to switch out of one lot of gear to a dryer set at times. I like a jacket with decent sized pockets that have flaps to cover the top. If you are into photography or just want to capture memories a good camera is nice to have. A gorillapod can be handy. We took a tripod but didn't get to use it much as we got tired of lugging it around. It just depends what type of photography or video you're into. My husband spent half an hour videoing at Loch Lomond but when we went to use the camera later that morning it was flat....we found he'd turned it off while he was filming and turned it on when he'd finished. We ended up with a lovely hour of footage of the inside of a camera bag! A spare battery is useful. We're looking forward to another visit in the Summer of 2023. We used Google maps offline, downloading before leaving and will probably do the same again. I am always a bit careful using Google Maps as it can direct you down inappropriate routes. I will check out the maps app you suggest.
Thanks for sharing all these tips and your experiences! So sorry about that heat wave you experienced one summer, and also about getting the wrong footage (we've all been there with cameras, ugh)! Yeah, I think the buildings in Scotland are built with the idea of retaining heat, so any time it's unseasonably hot there, it can be such a challenge! Hopefully you like testing out maps.me ! I totally agree that Google sometimes would take you on the wrong roads, so it'll be nice to have a back up to double check. Have a great trip! 😀
A little of both! We ran into issues with a lot of restaurants being closed for off season (we were there in November), so we ended up making a lot more reservations than usual.
If you’ll only be in Edinburgh for the trip then you don’t need to rent one. But you would definitely need one if you are visiting areas in the Highlands. Have so much fun!!!
Thank You Eliz and Derek for the great tips. Scotland can be so unpredictable with weather. Great Landscapes! Great People overcomes the bad weather. Sending you lots of love😍😍😍 Harriet, Jim and Yuki. Richmond, Va.
We carried Osprey backpacks when we were in Scotland with built-in waterproof rain covers. I tend to wear LLBean waterproof rain jackets because they make theirs in petite sizes, but there are tons of great brands on the market. Derek bought his waterproof jacket at Mountain Warehouse in England, which has worked well for him and was much more affordable!
I'm going to Scotland this summer and I just got Vessis there really good waterproof shoes and very breathable, thought they would be perfect for the wet weather.
Hiya. Heading there in mid October. What kinda weight for the sweaters? Canadian winter or long sleeved T's/Henley's? Rain jacket shell Or one with fleece lining?
Nice! My advice is to pay attention to the weather forecast and averages for the time of your trip, but I'd personally bring lot's of layers. Not sure what part of Scotland you'll be visiting (since the weather can vary from place to place), but generally I'd bring a heavier rain jacket and not just a windbreaker type shell. I've found I can only wear lightweight shells comfortably there in August. Ideally you could bring a rain jacket like mine in the video with a zip-out lining along with a hat, scarf, and gloves. You probably wouldn't need a heavy parka in October like the ones used for winters unless you're from a tropical or desert climate and aren't used to cold winds. As much as you can, I'd focus on bringing things that can dry quickly. Hope you get to see some fall foliage! Have a great trip!
I'm heading there in September of this year, and am wondering if I can get away with just hiking shoes or if hiking boots (both waterproof) are needed. We are in the cities, but spending most of our time in the highlands and want to do a few short hikes around and doing things on Skye.
We spent a month in the Highlands with just waterproof Merrill hiking shoes, and they worked out great! My recommendation is just to pair them with wool socks. Also, if you see rain in the forecast closer to your travels, I'd consider making sure your whole outfit is waterproof (or at least water resistant) so you can avoid getting your trousers really wet on long hikes. Have fun! 😀
Headed to Edinburgh this weekend. I started watching this video and wondered if I should wear my university hoodie or dress as to not stand out. Then i saw him wearing his IU beanie. So I guess I will be wearing my IU hoodie as well! #GoHoosiers
Haha YES Go Hoosiers! Derek and I met as freshmen at IU. 😊 All that said, I should say that wearing sports or school branded attire can imply that you're a tourist when you're visiting other places. So, it makes you slightly more of a target for people trying to sell you things, or even for theft. But overall, it's usually fine to do, and I see people wearing university gear during most trips to Europe!
@@MeansToTravel Oh that’s so cool! I have twin daughters who are currently juniors at IU. And it looks like I’m going to have nice weather in Edinburgh this coming week. 😊
Too late for us to see this because 2 weeks ago we were staying in a BnB 2 minutes drive from where you are standing! We have returned to Canada and have already planned next September's trip back to that BnB AND the Outer Hebrides. We only had 3 days on Lewis, but plan to spend a week traveling from the south end to Port of Ness at the north end of the OH next time.
So jealous that you were able to go to Scotland this year! Did the town (I'm assuming Appin?) look pretty much the same as when we filmed? Very jealous that you're going to the Outer Heberdies next year, too! We have a LOT more Scotland vlogs to come from this long trip, but we didn't make it to the Outer Heberdies and I'd love to visit there!
A big thumbs up on Merrill shoes for Scotland!! The only shoes that I wear each time I go to Scotland! I just got back from almost a month in Scotland but so wish I could go right back, lol!
They’re so well made! Yes, perfect for Scotland! Really glad to hear you got to spend a wonderful, long trip there this summer! What was your favorite place you visited? 😀
It can vary a lot, but most likely it will be highs in the 60sF and lows in the low 50sF with some spots of rain here and there. If you'll be in the Highlands and at different elevations, I'd still bring gloves and a hat just in case. That's at least what we've experienced that time of year! Have fun!!
Unfortunately yes, the temperature can still be on the low side in August unless there's a random heat wave. You probably wouldn't need long underwear then, but definitely pack some layers! When Derek and I went in August 2018, most days I wore wool socks, waterproof shoes, a waterproof jacket (wet day) or sweater (dry day), and also I had gloves and a cap at the ready. The things that makes you feel cold are the coastal winds and on-and-off rain vs. the temperature itself. All that to say, it's beautiful that time of year when the scenery is GORGEOUS, so have a great time!!!
Wrong time of year. Short daylight hours but the midges have gone by November. Around Christmas it barely gets light. Opposite in midsummer. Best time to visit is May. Juky and August can be grim due to congested roads.
Yep, we've been to Isle of Skye twice, and for a week on this trip. We found that the service connection was usually worse in more remote places than Skye, such as when we stayed in Bettyhill during the NC500. Definitely don't want to lose your way when towns are few and far between!
Oh! And I should add. :) :) Internet connections were almost always as advertised by our hotels. The issue was mostly with cell signal, which is why we mentioned navigation in this video. Wifi hotspots that you can carry with you in Scotland such as TravelWifi and Solis function off of local cell signals. 😀
Fall good jeans ankle boots wi tear jkt from canada gloves but go to preemark cheap do you have good rain jkt s in hiking shops light water proof pay close to loo for it but sales a lot have fun pub lunches good as are food store if have flat to rent niniumbrella first in pocket shoppers has good one 20 watch coming back expensive to be over weight can pay loo pounds to get on plane
It’s called maps.me and I definitely recommend it for the highlands! Just make sure you download the maps in the app before you go or else it won’t function properly 😀 Skye is great, you’ll have so much fun!!
@@MeansToTravel Perfect, thank you. We are doing a few nights each in Portree, Glencoe & Inverness, any suggestions for dinners near or around there? Or places not to miss?
Yes I do! Especially if you are going during the summer and early fall when there can be a lot of midges. If she's really allergic, I recommend bringing antihistamines and anti-itch whenever she travels, plus bringing repellent if she's going to a place that's known for bugs. Derek and I filmed this video in November, so there weren't many flying bugs at that time.
Be sure to hit the like button! We're so grateful for your likes, subscriptions, and shares! 👍🙏
Do you have any additional tips for visiting Scotland? Feel free to share them in a comment below!!! 😀👇
Before watching this video, I'll tell you my 5 tips:
1 - Pack layers
2 - Pack lots of layers
3 - Pack a very warm layer
4 - Pack a seriously waterproof layer
5 - Don't be fooled if you are travelling in summer.... follow tips 1-4
Haha I think you covered most of it! 😂
Sio true living in Scotland most of my life and I have had snow in June and lovely clear sunny days in February.
As a Scotsman would not recommend jeans if you are out and about if it is rainy.
In Scotland we sometimes say we have 3 rules of weather. It is about to rain, it is raining, it has just been raining🏴😂🏴😂🏴
You’re so right! Jeans take forever to dry once they get wet. And those rules are SO TRUE! 😆
@@MeansToTravel Eliz where do you get the trousers/leggings you are wearing, they look lovely and thick and comfy.
Or on the west coast... if you can see the islands, it means rain soon. If you can't, it is raining.
We returned from Scotland in April, and this made me want to go back today! We loved trying the food and found the people of Scotland to be wonderful! We got a free SIM card from Giffgaff well in advance and loaded it up for about $15/each. We had no issues with connectivity, even on a remote Isle (Skye). Leather gloves and warm woolen hats saved us! Runner's sleeves helped me too. I could take them off if it got too hot.
Great tips, thanks Allison! Yes the wool hats and leather gloves can be a lifesaver! Never tried runner’s sleeves but that’s a good idea!
My favourite Scottish food is the tattie scones. I need more of those ;-) I also adore Scottish berries and Scottish salmon!
I agree! I had Scottish salmon last night for dinner and it was as delightful as always!
Definitely in the Highlands there's a chill factor even in summer. But we were caught out by the heat a few years ago when in Scotland during Summer. Glasgow and Edinburgh were almost unbearably hot especially at night, and my portable fan fizzled out too quickly to be enough help. . Layers are definitely the way to go with clothing, but I often buy clothing when I arrive at a destination to reduce my luggage while flying. I also pack a hiking pole for walking as there are some very steep and uneven parts on even the simplest of trails. The hiking poles are lightweight and can telescope down to fit in luggage. I have both a lighter shower proof jacket and a waterproof one. In summer the waterproof one can be too hot to wear in some of the places we went, and it was good to switch out of one lot of gear to a dryer set at times. I like a jacket with decent sized pockets that have flaps to cover the top.
If you are into photography or just want to capture memories a good camera is nice to have. A gorillapod can be handy. We took a tripod but didn't get to use it much as we got tired of lugging it around. It just depends what type of photography or video you're into. My husband spent half an hour videoing at Loch Lomond but when we went to use the camera later that morning it was flat....we found he'd turned it off while he was filming and turned it on when he'd finished. We ended up with a lovely hour of footage of the inside of a camera bag! A spare battery is useful.
We're looking forward to another visit in the Summer of 2023. We used Google maps offline, downloading before leaving and will probably do the same again. I am always a bit careful using Google Maps as it can direct you down inappropriate routes. I will check out the maps app you suggest.
Thanks for sharing all these tips and your experiences! So sorry about that heat wave you experienced one summer, and also about getting the wrong footage (we've all been there with cameras, ugh)! Yeah, I think the buildings in Scotland are built with the idea of retaining heat, so any time it's unseasonably hot there, it can be such a challenge!
Hopefully you like testing out maps.me ! I totally agree that Google sometimes would take you on the wrong roads, so it'll be nice to have a back up to double check. Have a great trip! 😀
Thanks for the tips, plan to be in Scotland in exactly one year.
You will love Scotland in the summertime!!!
The food is surprisingly good in Scotland! Did you depend on word of mouth when choosing a restaurant, or did you do your homework ahead of time?
A little of both! We ran into issues with a lot of restaurants being closed for off season (we were there in November), so we ended up making a lot more reservations than usual.
I am from Namibia, Africa. I am traveling to Scotland beginning of October for the first time and I can't wait. Thank you for the info.
So happy to help! Wow, that will be a great journey! I hope you love your time in Scotland! 😀
Hey I’ll be traveling to Edinburgh at the end of this year. Is it better to rent a vehicle or will the bus/taxi be ok enough for travel?
If you’ll only be in Edinburgh for the trip then you don’t need to rent one. But you would definitely need one if you are visiting areas in the Highlands. Have so much fun!!!
Thank You Eliz and Derek for the great tips. Scotland can be so unpredictable with weather. Great Landscapes! Great People overcomes the bad weather. Sending you lots of love😍😍😍
Harriet, Jim and Yuki. Richmond, Va.
Absolutely agree! Thanks so much guys for watching! Cheers from my hotel room right now in London!
What type of a light backpack do you recommend? ALSO what is a good brand for waterproof rain jackets? Thanks
We carried Osprey backpacks when we were in Scotland with built-in waterproof rain covers. I tend to wear LLBean waterproof rain jackets because they make theirs in petite sizes, but there are tons of great brands on the market. Derek bought his waterproof jacket at Mountain Warehouse in England, which has worked well for him and was much more affordable!
I'm going to Scotland this summer and I just got Vessis there really good waterproof shoes and very breathable, thought they would be perfect for the wet weather.
That’ll be perfect!
Hiya. Heading there in mid October. What kinda weight for the sweaters? Canadian winter or long sleeved T's/Henley's? Rain jacket shell Or one with fleece lining?
Nice! My advice is to pay attention to the weather forecast and averages for the time of your trip, but I'd personally bring lot's of layers. Not sure what part of Scotland you'll be visiting (since the weather can vary from place to place), but generally I'd bring a heavier rain jacket and not just a windbreaker type shell. I've found I can only wear lightweight shells comfortably there in August.
Ideally you could bring a rain jacket like mine in the video with a zip-out lining along with a hat, scarf, and gloves. You probably wouldn't need a heavy parka in October like the ones used for winters unless you're from a tropical or desert climate and aren't used to cold winds. As much as you can, I'd focus on bringing things that can dry quickly. Hope you get to see some fall foliage! Have a great trip!
I'm heading there in September of this year, and am wondering if I can get away with just hiking shoes or if hiking boots (both waterproof) are needed. We are in the cities, but spending most of our time in the highlands and want to do a few short hikes around and doing things on Skye.
We spent a month in the Highlands with just waterproof Merrill hiking shoes, and they worked out great! My recommendation is just to pair them with wool socks. Also, if you see rain in the forecast closer to your travels, I'd consider making sure your whole outfit is waterproof (or at least water resistant) so you can avoid getting your trousers really wet on long hikes. Have fun! 😀
We’re going Aug 25 Edinburgh 3 days then all hiking isle of Sky and Lewis.
You will love it! The Isle of Skye is our favorite - especially the fairy glen!
Great video! I live in the Philippines 🇵🇭 and am going to 🏴 in December. I'll be ready!
Yes, definitely get ready for some wet and cold weather in December! I'm sure you will have a great trip! 😀
Headed to Edinburgh this weekend. I started watching this video and wondered if I should wear my university hoodie or dress as to not stand out. Then i saw him wearing his IU beanie. So I guess I will be wearing my IU hoodie as well! #GoHoosiers
Haha YES Go Hoosiers! Derek and I met as freshmen at IU. 😊 All that said, I should say that wearing sports or school branded attire can imply that you're a tourist when you're visiting other places. So, it makes you slightly more of a target for people trying to sell you things, or even for theft. But overall, it's usually fine to do, and I see people wearing university gear during most trips to Europe!
@@MeansToTravel Oh that’s so cool! I have twin daughters who are currently juniors at IU. And it looks like I’m going to have nice weather in Edinburgh this coming week. 😊
Too late for us to see this because 2 weeks ago we were staying in a BnB 2 minutes drive from where you are standing! We have returned to Canada and have already planned next September's trip back to that BnB AND the Outer Hebrides. We only had 3 days on Lewis, but plan to spend a week traveling from the south end to Port of Ness at the north end of the OH next time.
So jealous that you were able to go to Scotland this year! Did the town (I'm assuming Appin?) look pretty much the same as when we filmed? Very jealous that you're going to the Outer Heberdies next year, too! We have a LOT more Scotland vlogs to come from this long trip, but we didn't make it to the Outer Heberdies and I'd love to visit there!
A big thumbs up on Merrill shoes for Scotland!! The only shoes that I wear each time I go to Scotland! I just got back from almost a month in Scotland but so wish I could go right back, lol!
They’re so well made! Yes, perfect for Scotland! Really glad to hear you got to spend a wonderful, long trip there this summer! What was your favorite place you visited? 😀
hows the weather in scotland in late august early september like going the end of this month
It can vary a lot, but most likely it will be highs in the 60sF and lows in the low 50sF with some spots of rain here and there. If you'll be in the Highlands and at different elevations, I'd still bring gloves and a hat just in case. That's at least what we've experienced that time of year! Have fun!!
Is this the same in August? Do I still need layers?
Unfortunately yes, the temperature can still be on the low side in August unless there's a random heat wave. You probably wouldn't need long underwear then, but definitely pack some layers! When Derek and I went in August 2018, most days I wore wool socks, waterproof shoes, a waterproof jacket (wet day) or sweater (dry day), and also I had gloves and a cap at the ready. The things that makes you feel cold are the coastal winds and on-and-off rain vs. the temperature itself. All that to say, it's beautiful that time of year when the scenery is GORGEOUS, so have a great time!!!
Love the IU hat, brining mine this summer
Go Hoosiers!! Derek and I met at IU 😀
Wrong time of year. Short daylight hours but the midges have gone by November. Around Christmas it barely gets light. Opposite in midsummer. Best time to visit is May. Juky and August can be grim due to congested roads.
Each time of year has its pro's and con's, for sure!
Thanks for sharing guys, but internet connection is not too bad in Scotland. Even in the aisle of Skye there is still internet signal.
Internet can be great, but we’ve found that cell phone service can be spotty at times, especially on parts of the NC 500 we did.
Yep, we've been to Isle of Skye twice, and for a week on this trip. We found that the service connection was usually worse in more remote places than Skye, such as when we stayed in Bettyhill during the NC500. Definitely don't want to lose your way when towns are few and far between!
Oh! And I should add. :) :) Internet connections were almost always as advertised by our hotels. The issue was mostly with cell signal, which is why we mentioned navigation in this video. Wifi hotspots that you can carry with you in Scotland such as TravelWifi and Solis function off of local cell signals. 😀
Fall good jeans ankle boots wi tear jkt from canada gloves but go to preemark cheap do you have good rain jkt s in hiking shops light water proof pay close to loo for it but sales a lot have fun pub lunches good as are food store if have flat to rent niniumbrella first in pocket shoppers has good one 20 watch coming back expensive to be over weight can pay loo pounds to get on plane
Thanks for the tips for Scotland!
what about may
You’ll pretty much need all of the things we mentioned still, even in May! 🏴
What is the map app you downloaded? We will be driving around Skye in September and don't want to lose our way.
It’s called maps.me and I definitely recommend it for the highlands! Just make sure you download the maps in the app before you go or else it won’t function properly 😀 Skye is great, you’ll have so much fun!!
@@MeansToTravel Perfect, thank you. We are doing a few nights each in Portree, Glencoe & Inverness, any suggestions for dinners near or around there? Or places not to miss?
Rainbow 🌈 nice!!
I love how common rainbows in Scotland are!
Great advice 😊
So glad to help!
My daughter is extremely allergic to bug bites. Do you recommend bringing any bug spray or bug repellant type bracelets?
Yes I do! Especially if you are going during the summer and early fall when there can be a lot of midges. If she's really allergic, I recommend bringing antihistamines and anti-itch whenever she travels, plus bringing repellent if she's going to a place that's known for bugs. Derek and I filmed this video in November, so there weren't many flying bugs at that time.
1 Adventurous Spirit here! 👋🏼
"Adventure....is a wonderful thing!" 🎵🎵🎵