Whether you're heading to the Highlands on one of our multi-day tours or embarking on a 1-day city escape, being prepared is the key to making the most of your trip. To ensure you’re ready for all that Scotland has to offer, we’ve compiled a complete explorer checklist to help you pack, plan your activities, and make your tour as smooth as possible.
Documents & Essentials
Before setting off on tour, it’s essential to have all your travel documents and important items ready. Here’s what you should include:
- Passport/ID:
Ensure you have your passport if you're travelling from outside the UK. For domestic travellers, a valid ID such as a driver’s license will suffice. - Tour Confirmation & Tickets:
Keep your tour confirmation handy, whether it’s on your phone or printed out. You can conveniently access your booking information on your Highland Explorer Tours E-Ticket sent to you when you booked. - Travel Insurance:
Please note that travel insurance is not included in your tour and is mandatory for all passengers. For further details, please refer to section 6 of our Terms & Conditions. - Money & Cards:
Scotland widely accepts credit and debit cards, but it’s generally a good idea to carry some cash (pounds sterling) for smaller shops or rural areas.
Clothing & Weather Gear
Scotland's weather is famously unpredictable. Between rays of sunshine, rainbows, and rain, it’s crucial to pack clothing that will keep you comfortable no matter what the day brings.
- Waterproof Jacket:
A good-quality waterproof jacket is a must-have, as rain showers are common, especially in the Highlands. - Layers:
Bring a mix of lightweight base layers, mid-layers such as fleece or sweaters, and outer layers to adapt to changing temperatures. - Footwear:
While comfortable walking shoes are suitable for most Highland Explorer Tours, we recommend bringing sturdy footwear as well, given Scotland's rugged terrain. - Accessories:
Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and a scarf if you travel in winter. While lowland areas like Edinburgh and Glasgow range from 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F), the Highlands can drop to -5°C or lower (23°F or below).
Health & Accessibility
We’re here to help make your trip to Scotland easy and enjoyable. Here are a few tips to keep everything running smoothly:
- Accessibility Requirements:
If you have special needs or accessibility requirements, don't forget to contact us before your tour for support and guidance. - Audio Guides:
All our 1-day tours provide free audio guides and transcripts in German, Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Mandarin. You can download them onto your device at check-in or request a physical unit to take with you on the tour. - Prescriptions:
Make sure to bring any necessary prescription medications with you, and carry enough for the duration of your trip.
Planning Your Itinerary
Be it a day trip to Loch Ness or a multi-day tour of the Isle of Skye, having a plan is key to making the most of your time in Scotland. Here's what to consider:
- Book Dinner in Advance:
If you’re on a multi-day tour, it’s generally best reserve your dining spot before your tour, as popular places can fill up fast. - Pre/Post-Tour Accommodation:
It’s important to arrange accommodation before and after your tour well in advance. Make sure the place you stay at is well connected to the departure point of your tour. - Timings & Departure Point:
Double-check that you know how to get to the departure point. Keep in mind that check-in closes 15 minutes before departure time, and we are unable to hold the bus for any later arrivals. - Onward Travel & Activities:
Allow plenty of time for onward travel plans. We recommend booking travel for the day after your tour to avoid any unexpected delays. If you need to travel the same day, make sure to leave at least 3 hours after the scheduled return time for connections or other activities. - Time for Spontaneity:
While it’s great to have a plan, leave some time for spontaneity. Our guides are locals who can often suggest hidden gems that aren’t on the itinerary but are well worth a visit.
Handy Extras
It's worth considering bringing a few useful items with you:
- Reusable Water Bottle:
Most tap water in Scotland is safe to drink, and you’ll be able to fill up your reusable bottle during stops. Check the Top Up Map from Scottish Water to find your nearest refill station. - Binoculars:
If you’re joining an outdoor-focused tour such as the Isle of Skye Volunteer Adventure, you might want to bring a pair of binoculars, especially when trying to spot Golden Eagles. - Practical Apps and Websites:
There are plenty of apps and sites that will add to your experience. Some of them include:- Online Scottish Gaelic Course (Duolingo App)
- ScotRail App for pubic transport via train
- Midges Forecast (Smidges)
- Lothian Buses & Trams App (Public Transport in Edinburgh)
We hope that with this complete explorer checklist in hand, you’ll be well-prepared for your Scotland tour. Now, all you need to focus on is enjoying your adventure!