If Scotland is on your bucket list for 2026, you’re in the planning process; you’re in for a treat. We don’t think there’s anyone who’s visited Scotland and hasn’t fallen in love. From the scenery to the cities and everything else in between, it’s hard not to want to come back for more.
That said, you want to make the most of it. Not that it should ever be a once-in-a-lifetime trip; you definitely should return, but you do want to make sure that everything about your stay goes smoothly and you get the most out of it.
Below, we’ll give you 4 things you need to know before you go to Scotland.
Always Try to See More Than One Place (And Always Book in Advance)
Scotland is more than just Edinburgh and Glasgow. Not that we have anything against either; our base is in Edinburgh, but we would always encourage people to explore renting a motorhome and travel around what each area has to offer.
Ideally, the perfect number of days to visit Scotland is one week. If you are travelling around, there’s so much to see, with some of the key stop-offs being the following:
- The Highlands
- Isle of Skye
- Loch Lomond
- Cairngorms
But realistically, that list could have kept going, and how many areas you see depends on how long you’re staying for. We will say that you should be wary of the distances. What looks close on a map can take several hours, so always plan if you’re visiting more than one location.
It’s also worth noting that summer is obviously the height of the tourist season, so factor that into your travel. If you’re taking ferries, always book your ticket in advance.
The Best Ways to Get Around
We’re not being biased, but one of the best ways to get around is definitely by motorhome. As we just mentioned, summer is peak tourist season, and not only do hotels and Airbnbs book up fast, but they’re so expensive.
At least with a motorhome, you have your luxury hotel on wheels, you can take it wherever you want (within reason), and you don’t have to worry about booking accommodation or costs adding up by booking multiple accommodations.
If you need to go somewhere like the Isle of Skye, check that you can take a motorhome on the ferry. Sometimes you can’t.
And, if you don’t want to drive anything, the public transport system in Scotland is amazing. Trains and buses are so easy to catch, and you can always book your tickets online in advance.
Driving Outside of The Main Cities Can Be Difficult
This one is definitely true if you’re taking a motorhome, but it’s also true no matter what you’re driving.
Many rural roads are so narrow and winding, and if you’re driving in bad weather like rain, it can definitely feel overwhelming if you’re not confident. A lot of the country roads are also single-track with passing places, so you have to be confident with reversing and giving way.
Adding to the danger is the fact that rural roads have limited street lighting, so driving at night and in bad weather can be challenging.
Always plan your route and, if you can, avoid driving in bad weather at night, even if you consider yourself a confident driver.
Despite that, don’t let it put you off entirely. Driving down the country roads does bring you to some of Scotland’s hidden gems that you won’t find down the Royal Mile of Edinburgh.
Pack for Every Season in One Day
Scottish weather is famously unpredictable, often described as “our seasons in one day”, and that doesn’t change just because it’s summer. Temperatures can range from around 10°C to 20°C or more, and rain is always a possibility, so a waterproof jacket is essential.
Layering is your best option. Think t-shirts with jumpers or fleeces and a light waterproof outer layer you can throw on when needed. Comfortable, waterproof footwear is also essential if you’re planning to get out and explore.
You’ll still need sun protection on clear days, as UV levels can be surprisingly high, and don’t forget insect repellent for midges, especially in the Highlands and the west coast. It’s also worth remembering that the weather can vary a lot depending on where you are, with the east coast generally drier and the west seeing more rain.
Planning a trip to Scotland in 2026 will be the best thing you’ll ever do. It’s the type of holiday that changes your opinion about needing to go to the Mediterranean or the Maldives to feel like you’ve actually had a holiday. Just make sure you follow our tips and plan in advance for the best experience.