Plan a trip to Scotland

1. Inspiration and duration

Think about what kind of experiences excite you most—Scotland has something for every type of traveler:

• Love the outdoors? Hike in Glencoe, kayak on Loch Lomond, or explore the Isle of Skye.

• Into history and legends? Visit castles, standing stones, and historic towns.

• Passionate about food or whisky? Distillery tours and gastro experiences await.

As for timing:

• 7 days: A compact route with Edinburgh, the Highlands, and Loch Ness

• 9–11 days: Add Glencoe, Isle of Skye, or a themed road trip

• 2+ weeks: Dive deeper or combine with England or Ireland

➔ View Scotland itineraries

➔ Best time to travel

2. Destinations and itinerary

Scotland’s highlights are surprisingly close together, but planning your route helps make the most of your time.

Sample pacing:

• 3 days: Explore Edinburgh and hike up Arthur’s Seat

• 5 days: Add Glasgow and Stirling

• 7 days: Visit Glencoe, Oban, or Loch Ness

• 9–11 days: Include Inverness, Isle of Skye, or even a whisky trail

Traveling in May or September offers fewer crowds and beautiful scenery.

➔ Scotland road trip ideas

3. Transportation

• Rental car: Best for exploring remote regions and scenic routes

• Train: A great option for iconic rail journeys—like the Jacobite steam train

• Public transport: Efficient in cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow

Driving in Scotland gives you full freedom, but in summer, trains and popular scenic routes can be just as rewarding.

➔ Travel by train

➔ Plan a road trip

4. Accommodation

Scotland offers a wide range of places to stay—from charming B&Bs to boutique hotels and historic manors.

• May to September is peak travel season—book early to secure top options

• In summer, two-night stays per location let you explore at a relaxed pace

• In quieter months, you’ll find better availability and more solitude

5. Activities and attractions

Top experiences to consider:

• Castles: Stirling, Urquhart, Dunvegan, Eilean Donan

• Nature: Hike Glencoe, visit Fairy Pools, explore Loch Lomond

• Culture: Stroll the Royal Mile, join a gastro tour in Glasgow

• Festivals: August is festival season in Edinburgh — book early

• Wildlife: Go whale watching in July or pony trekking in early fall

Spring and early autumn are great for hiking and avoiding the midges.

➔ Things to do in Scotland

➔ When to do what

6. Budget

Scotland works for a range of travel styles. Here’s what to expect per person per day (excluding flights):

• Budget: from $66/day — 2–3 star hotels, public transit, pub meals

• Mid-range: from $209/day — 4-star stays, car rental, top attractions

• Luxury: from $328/day — upscale hotels, private tours, gourmet dining

Flights from the U.S. start at $250 in winter but rise in summer—book early if you’re traveling between June and August.

➔ Trip cost breakdown

7. Time for relaxation and discovery

Even with the best plans, leave space for spontaneity. Enjoy a quiet moment by a loch, take a detour down a scenic road, or linger longer at a local pub. The magic of Scotland often happens in between the must-sees.

➔ Plan your trip to Scotland

➔ Best times for every season

Let Tourlane’s travel experts craft your tailor-made trip to Scotland—including when to go, where to stay, and what to see. You dream it, we build it.Less