Scotland

 
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Fierce battles of long ago are easily imagined in staggering stone fortresses. Scenic lakes (you decide if the Loch Ness monster exists), forests and coastlines, world-class cities and picture-book villages, and the legendary Highland Games just might inspire you to don a kilt during your visit.

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Overview

If you love castles, this is the place. Scotland has everything from atmospheric medieval ruins to magnificent Georgian piles. Prefer a theatrical street party? The Edinburgh International Festival in late August is huge, but arguably bigger is Fringe, EIF's unruly offshoot; it spills out of theaters onto Edinburgh's streets. When you're ready to eat, know that Scotland is more than just haggis. Try fresh seafood, excellent red meats, and traditional ingredients such as oatmeal and wild berries used in new ways. Where there's food, there's drinks; the British government closely monitors the process of producing whisky—spelled without the "e" here. A typical distillery visit includes a presentation, a tour, and a tasting. Walk it off with a hike through a glens or a round of golf where the sport was born.

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Before You Go

Airport Check-In: It is recommended that you reconfirm your flight information and check in for your flights at the airline’s website 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure. Please bring all your final documents with you. It is important to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes prior to departure for all domestic flights, and three hours prior to departure for international flights. For domestic flights within Europe, you are required to check in two hours prior to departure.

Required Documents: U.S. citizens must travel with a valid passport and a ticket for return or onward travel. There may be additional requirements for international travel, such as inoculations or visas, and some countries require that passports be valid for six months or longer beyond your stay in the country. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens might be different, and visitors are encouraged to verify the documentation/visa requirements with the nearest consulate or embassy. Rules are subject to change at any time, without notice. For the most current information, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.

Newlywed Information: Tickets and other travel documents must exactly match your current passport and other identification. If not, you could be denied boarding and no refund will be forthcoming. For requirements and information regarding marriages performed in a foreign country, please visit the consulate of the particular country.

Honeymoon Packages: Some hotels require you to present a marriage certificate or license for you to receive the honeymoon package. Please bring your marriage documentation with you if you are traveling on a honeymoon package.

Minors: If a minor (under 18) is traveling, please provide the appropriate travel documents for the trip. Review required documents here, https://www.dhs.gov/travel-overseas.

Luggage: Baggage allowances and fees vary by airline. For airline baggage fees and policies please visit https://www.costcotravel.com/Info/Airline-Baggage. If baggage fees do apply, this cost will be additional and must be paid directly to the airline.

Arriving: Starting in 2024, travelers to most European Union (EU) countries and the United Kingdom (UK) from visa-exempt countries (including the USA and Canada) will be required to register to enter. The EU's European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) and the UK's Electronic Travel Authorization are not yet in operation and are not yet collecting applications. Once open, applications will be made online via the official websites: ETIAS https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en and ETA https://www.gov.uk/guidance/electronic-travel-authorisation-eta) The approximate fee per application will be EUR 7 for ETIAS and GBP 10 for ETA. These travel authorizations are electronically linked with your passport. ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, is for short-term stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period, and is applicable for the EU Countries requiring ETIAS. ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires and is for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or study in the UK. ETA may also be required if you are connecting through the UK to another destination.

Duty Free/Customs: When returning to the U.S., the duty-free allowance may vary by country. Please visit http://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens for information regarding U.S. Customs and more.

Travel Health Information: For the most current worldwide health information, consult your family physician or the official website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/travel or by phone at 1-800-232-4636. You’ll find information on recent outbreaks, required vaccinations, insect protection, illness and injury abroad, and more.

General Safety Tips: By taking a few simple security precautions before and during your vacation, you can help ensure that you, your traveling companions, and your valuables are as safe and secure as possible.
  • To make it easier to replace your passport if it’s lost or stolen, in addition to your passport, take a photocopy of your passport information page (keeping it separate from your actual passport).
  • Carry only a limited amount of cash, just enough for gratuities and incidental purchases. Major credit cards are widely accepted and can be replaced if lost or stolen.
  • Always lock your hotel room door (including patio and balcony door on any level of the building) and use the peephole before opening the door.
  • Store your valuables (such as cash, credit cards and airline tickets) in the hotel’s in-room safe or front desk safety deposit box.
  • If you must carry valuables on your person, do so in a pouch or money belt concealed under your clothing. Purses and backpacks can be easy targets for thieves.
  • For complete and current safety and security information, including travelers' tips, public announcements, travel advisories and more, please visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov.

Climate:
Average Fahrenheit Temperature:
  • December through February: 45° to 45° (Winter)
  • March through May: 49° to 63° (Spring)
  • June through August: 68° to 71° (Summer)
  • September through November: 66° to 49° (Autumn)

Water Safety: Tap water is safe to drink.

Local Currency: British Pounds

Electricity: 230 volts, 50 mHz. An adapter is required for small U.S. appliances.

Time Zone: Western European Time

Local Language: English