Favorite Things I Packed for Scotland Trip + Things I Wish I’d Brought | Invesloan.com

During my trip, I learned that the weather in the UK can be unpredictable and constantly changes throughout the day.

I visited Scotland in September, when the mornings were often cold, but by noon, the sun would warm things up in spots.

Plus, all the walking I was doing often made me sweat under my jacket, even on chilly days.

With all of that variation, I was glad I packed plenty of layers that I could easily add or remove. I recommend packing clothing in neutral colors so items can mix and match effortlessly.

During my trip, I encountered quite a bit of rain that came and went throughout the day.

To stay prepared, I packed rain boots — also known as “wellies” by people in Scotland — and carried my travel-sized umbrella with me everywhere.

In my experience, the American weather apps didn’t seem as accurate in the UK as the local ones, so there were days when I couldn’t tell whether it was actually going to rain or not. In the end, it was best just to be ready for everything.

When traveling abroad, it’s essential to pack the correct power adapter. The UK uses a different plug type than many other countries in Europe — three rectangular prongs instead of the round ones.

Having the right adapter allowed me to easily charge my devices and use my hair tools without any issues.

I bought a multi-pack on Amazon before my trip. Some sets even include built-in USB ports or surge protection, which are great features to look for.

No trip to Scotland felt complete without seeing Highland cows. Luckily, the farm we visited also had a few friendly horses to pet.

What the social media photos don’t show, however, are the potential allergy attacks that can come from being around these adorable animals.

On the walk back from the farm, my friends and I all started feeling some symptoms, but luckily, we had each packed some allergy medicine.

It’s definitely worth bringing your own from home, especially if you typically suffer from allergies. Having mine on hand saved me the hassle of figuring out what to buy at a local pharmacy.

For me, a portable charger is an absolute must-have item when traveling.

Whether I was returning to the Airbnb after a long travel day, navigating the streets of Edinburgh, or looking up bus routes, the last thing I wanted was for my phone to die in an unfamiliar place.

Plus, carrying a portable charger is much more convenient than the alternative — lugging around a cord and an adapter everywhere.

Having one on me let me explore, snap photos, and check directions without worrying about my battery.

Another game changer for me was packing a few pairs of big, plush socks.

Rain boots did a great job of keeping my feet dry, but not necessarily warm. And even on warmer days, my feet always seem to get chilly.

Whether I wore boots or sneakers, having cozy socks made such a difference. I found fleece-lined ones to be the most comfortable — and perfect for warming up.

When I packed for my trip, I had Instagram pictures in mind — not the terrain of Scotland.

I definitely didn’t anticipate all the hills, steep inclines, mud, and rocky paths I’d be walking on. So even though I had plenty of layers, it wasn’t the kind of clothing that would’ve made hiking and exploring more comfortable.

I found myself wandering around in trench coats, tights, and boots, while locals and other travelers breezed past me in sneakers and windbreakers. I quickly realized that comfort beats aesthetics every time.

I don’t always exchange local currency before going abroad, but on this trip, I found myself in situations where I wish I had.

For example, there were times when I wanted to tip street vendors or service workers but didn’t have any cash. Another time, at a pub, my friend had to cover me for the night because they didn’t accept my type of credit card.

Although most places I went took cards and Apple Pay, I wish I had made the extra effort to visit my local bank before the trip and travel with local currency — just enough for moments like this.

Another money mistake I made abroad was not looking into a credit card without foreign transaction fees.

I relied on my regular card for most of my spending in Scotland, and by the end of the trip, those little fees had added up to about $150.

It’s an easy thing to overlook, but doing a bit of research beforehand could’ve saved me some money.

Next time, I’ll plan in advance and apply for one that allows me to swipe without being charged for every purchase.

I thought I had packed every type of bag — a backpack, tote bag, card holder, and a shoulder bag for going out. But the one thing I really wish I’d brought was a crossbody or belt bag that sat closer to my body.

For one, I think I would’ve felt a bit less worried about pickpockets, which are on my radar when I travel to any big cities and busy tourist spots.

Instead, throughout my trip, I found myself clutching my open tote bag tightly to keep it shut. I even tucked my phone into my waistband to try to keep it safe.

Plus, a crossbody would’ve been lighter and easier for me to carry. My shoulders were starting to feel sore after a few days of carrying the brunt of the weight of my belongings.