The Ultimate Guide for American's Planning a Trip to Scotland

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Starting in 2025, the UK will require international travellers to have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), even for short-term tourist visits (7). Like the USA’s ESTA, an ETA is formal documentation necessary for international travellers to enter the country. The form can be filled out quickly online for a £16 fee and is valid for up to two years. You may face heavy fines if you do not prepare this before your travels. This is only valid for travel into the UK. If you plan to continue your travels to other parts of Europe, it is highly recommended that you check the immigration standards for your country of residence before travelling abroad. You cannot stay in the UK for longer than 6 months, do paid or unpaid work for a UK company or as a self-employed person, claim public funds (benefits), or live in the UK through frequent or successive visits (4).

Finances & Funding

Another critical factor in your travels will be funding. Before making your journey, it is essential to check the exchange rate (8). The exchange rate between the US dollar and the British Pound Sterling can fluctuate depending on various factors. While most credit card companies now automatically convert payments, checking with your bank before making purchases is essential, as some banks may charge international fees or block unfamiliar, foreign charges. 

Currently, the exchange rate is 1 GBP to 1.35 USD (8), but this fluctuates daily. This means for every £100, you will spend $135. When planning the amount of money you might need to travel, feed yourself, buy experiences and souvenirs, it is better to over-prepare than be underprepared when it comes to funds. 

Time & Time Zones

It is important to remember the time differences between the USA and the UK when booking, making phone calls, or planning other activities. British Summer Time is five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. For reference, 5 PM in Scotland is equivalent to noon in New York (9). 

When discussing time, it is also important to note that much of the UK and Europe use the 24-hour clock, also known as ‘military time’ (11). You may encounter this when booking restaurants or excursions, so it's helpful to have an understanding of how it works before making a booking, especially if your watch or phone is still set to a 12-hour clock. A useful tip is minus 12 from the time after noon. As an example, 13:00 PM would be 1:00 PM (10).

Please note this is not legal advice and should you have immigration questions to contact your consulate or immigration specialist directly.

What Time of Year to Visit

Every season in Scotland has its pros and cons. The most popular time of year to visit, tourist season, is from June until the end of August, and for good reason. In the summer, Scotland is full of life (15). Marine birds return to nest in the Outer Hebrides (16), flocks of people return to the major cities for festivals to celebrate film, comedy, and literature, and unfortunately, so do the midges. Midges are fruit fly-sized insects, similar to mosquitoes. They tend to swarm in the wet marshy moorlands of Scotland during the summertime, so if you plan to spend your trip surrounded by beautiful nature, it is highly recommended that you bring anti-bug spray (17). If you prefer warmer weather, then summer is your best bet as temperatures range between 55°F and 75°F.

A fan favourite season here in Scotland is autumn. The changing leaves and crisp, cool weather evoke a sense of magic in the cities and farther afield in the highlands, transforming the hills into shades of orange and red. The end of September is ideal. With the waning warmth of summer heat still fresh on your mind, the beginning of the cooler seasons is welcome. In October, the looming aesthetics of castles, tales of local ghosts, and other mythical creatures, along with the setting for magical storytelling, Scotland sets the perfect scene to get you ready for Halloween or local Samhain festivities. 

Winter in Scotland might not be your first thought, but it's an excellent time to see snow-capped peaks, festive decor, and a truly unique experience. While the weather might be brisk, it's still usually considerably warmer than winter in the northern parts of the USA and Canada. The Edinburgh Festive Market is typically set up in mid-November and runs through the first week of January the following year, drawing thousands of visitors to the city to see the lights, ride the rides, and enjoy festive food and drinks while shopping for local and handmade gifts. The Scottish Isles tend to be quiet during this time, but you can still experience the highlands, which look stunning in their dusty snow coats.

Scotland is stunning no matter the season, but to fully enjoy it, make sure you dress appropriately. (If unsure, read our What to wear in Scotland guide) 

How Long to Stay

Depending on where you are coming from, the trip across the Atlantic from the USA to the UK is a long one. If you are lucky enough to be flying from the East Coast, such as Boston or New York, the shortest direct flight times are generally around 6 hours and 30 minutes to 6 hours and 50 minutes (12).

Stay for a week to scratch the surface of what Scotland has to offer. We must warn you that you will discover something during your trip that will make you want to return. If you can stay longer than a week, consider staying for 10 to 12 days to create the ultimate Scottish trip. This will help account for any travelling you might be doing and give some breathing room to plan your itinerary or make changes should you need to. 

One common mistake American visitors make is not allowing enough time outside the major cities. Scotland has so much more to do and see than many people realise. Although it may seem small compared to the vast landscape of the USA, travelling from one place to another can take a considerable amount of time due to the landscape, traffic, or remote locations of popular tourist destinations. 

Flights

The earlier you book your flights, the lower the price will be. This is because the systems that airlines use to price their flights are based on demand, and generally, there is less known demand farther in advance of a date, unless it is around a holiday. Prices will fluctuate depending on factors such as fuel prices, sales, aircraft availability, and other relevant indicators (13).

Cities from the USA with direct flights to Edinburgh, Scotland include (12, 19):

• New York (JFK & EWR)

• Chicago (ORD)

• Orlando (MCO)

• Boston (BOS)

• Washington D.C. (IAD)

• Atlanta (ATL)

The most common airlines that fly into Edinburgh from the USA are American, Virgin, Delta, and United Airlines, as well as their affiliates (12). 

Hotels & Accommodation

After a long day of outdoor adventures, relaxing spa getaways, or perhaps historical explorations, finding the proper accommodation to enhance your trip is necessary. Booking accommodation is usually one of the most significant expenses you will make on your excursion, so it is important that you choose where to stay based on your interests, transportation preferences, and location preferences. 

Enjoy authentic experiences and memorable stays at hotels and inns with charm, tradition, and luxury. Crerar Hotels (18) offers a selection of bespoke 4 & 5-star accommodations across Scotland with warm and welcoming atmospheres. These relaxed luxury hotels serve as ideal retreats for explorers seeking rejuvenation and adventure. 

Visit locations in:

Ballater   Dunkeld    Glencoe    Isle of Mull    Inveraray   Inverurie    Nairn    Oban    Pitlochry

Explore all of our properties here (18).

Getting Around

Once you arrive in Scotland, it's important to plan how you are going to explore. If you want to experience more of the country in a limited time, it's a good idea to rent a car, if you can. Most large cities you fly into will have a selection of providers at the airports and throughout the city limits with various options (19). Remember to specify an automatic when selecting a provider, as many UK and European cars still utilise manual transmission vehicles. 

Scotland has an incredible system of public transport, and it's worth taking advantage of. Trains, buses, and ferries are commonly used nationwide.If you will be exploring without a car, make sure you are educated on the locations you're visiting and the type of transport available. It is rare to find Uber outside of larger cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh. Some smaller cities may offer taxis, but they can be limited and expensive. 

Before committing to a trip without a car, make sure to do your research. Buying train, ferry, and bus tickets in advance is also a good idea as these can go quickly, especially in the summer months. 

As an example, join us for a week-long trip from Edinburgh to Scotland’s west coast, without a car: https://www.crerarhotels.com/blog/archive/scotland-without-a-car-the-west-coast/ 

Frequently used public transport links:

Train providers:

• ScotRail: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/ 

• Caledonia Sleeper Train: https://www.sleeper.scot/ 

Bus Providers:

• CityLink: https://www.citylink.co.uk/ 

• West Coast Motors: https://www.westcoastmotors.co.uk/ 

Ferry Providers:

• Caledonian MacBryde (CalMac): https://www.calmac.co.uk/

What to Bring

There are two essential items that all travellers should bring for their trip to Scotland: a waterproof rain jacket and waterproof shoes (14). Although Scotland is not all rain and wind, it is rare not to see a shower or two in any given week. Especially if you want to embrace the fresh country air, having a solid pair of insulated or waterproof hiking or walking boots is a good idea. Even if it's not raining, the ground might be damp. If in doubt what to pack, we have curated a complete packing list for what to wear according to the seasons (14).

Creating An Itinerary

A well thought out and researched itinerary is key to creating your perfect Scottish vacation.  Scotland has something for everybody, whether you are looking to expand your historical knowledge, experience whisky straight from the barrel, summit your first Munro, or do a plethora of other things. Explore different locations of the country for different experiences. Here are some suggestions:

Hiking in the Highlands

If you are looking for outdoor action, Scotland is the perfect escape. Take to the mountains of the highlands with stunning views overlooking glens, valleys, lochs, and the sea beyond. For the experienced hiker, Glencoe is a dream. It includes the stunning and classic Three Sisters (20) and a collection of other Munros to summit and ridges to traverse in the nearby area. 

If you are interested in something a little lighter, there are plenty of walks in the area to keep you busy, such as the Glencoe Lochan Trail. Many of the best walking trails in Glencoe have just as stunning of views as those you would find on Munro summits (20). 

For more trails, we recommend using WalkHighlands, a website full of curated walks and hikes all across Scotland.

See more of our suggestions for Hill walking & hiking lovers: 

Munro Climbing in Perthshire  | Munros Near Aberdeen | 10 Fairytale Walks in Scotland | Trails In and Around Ballater

Historic Castles

With well over 200 castles in Aberdeenshire, the East Coast of Scotland is the place to visit for anyone looking for castles. Whether walking In the Footsteps of Royals or wandering through ancient ruins, Scotland has an incredible history (21). 

The castles in Scotland are real-life relics telling a part of the story. Whether the castle was burnt down during a siege hundreds of years ago, it is only just standing with crumbling stone walls and tumbling turrets, or has been lovingly maintained and restored for all to enter, you can find every kind of Scottish castle in Aberdeenshire.

For more historical experiences, try these articles:

The Balmoral Pyramids | Visiting Inverarary Castle | Aberdeenshire Stone Circles

Whisky Tours

Whisky, Scotch, or the “water of life”, according to the Scotch Whisky Association, is a world-famous Scottish export. No trip to Scotland is complete without a tour of a Scottish whisky distillery or at least a taster, or ‘dram’.

The Scottish west coast and surrounding isles are home to some of Scotland's oldest distilleries. Starting in Oban, this coastal town is your mainland base for exploration of the isles beyond, complete with a ferry terminal and its own local distillery to begin. Oban Distillery has a selection of tasting and tour options for whisky lovers of all levels. Later, head to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull for a taste of the islands (22). 

For more Whisky Distilleries:

Aberdeen Distilleries | Inverness & Nairn Distilleries 

Waters of Scotland

If you are searching for some salty sea air and coastal escapes, you might be surprised to hear that Scotland has something for you. Less than 30 minutes from Inverness, the seaside town of Nairn has sandy beaches on the coast of the Moray Firth, overlooking the Black Isle. 

Plenty of water activities are hosted in the area, from paddle boarding & surfing lessons to sea safaris & boat rentals. This small town has plenty to offer the adventurous water fairer and also has plenty of activities for people who prefer to keep their legs on firm ground. Plus, it is less than 30 minutes from Scotland's most famous waterway - Loch Ness (3).

While the beaches of Scotland are beautiful, some of our most unique coastlines are inland. There are over 30,000 lochs in Scotland. Some are small, and others are big enough to fit more water than all the lakes in England combined. Many of the best lochs to visit in Scotland are in stunning areas with rich histories and magical lore (2).  

Inveraray sits on the banks of Loch Fyne (1), the longest sea loch in Scotland. There is plenty in the area to keep visitors entertained. Explore the home of the Duke & Duchess of Argyll at Inveraray Castle, or experience the life of 19th-century inmates at Inveraray Jail. Loch Fyne is also the perfect place to try your hand at Wild Swimming or perhaps rent a Kayak. 

Explore more:

Scottish Lochs | Coastal Getaways | Explore Nairn

Other interesting information about Scottish culture:

Traditions & Customs | Traditional Dishes to Try