Name: Best of Scotland
Brand: Great European Travel
Rating: 4.1 (171 reviews)

Question 1

Destination Quick Facts

Accepted Answer

Official Language in Scotland: English
Currency used in Scotland:  British Pound Sterling (£)
Capital of Scotland:  Edinburgh /li>
Time Zone(s) in Scotland:  Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and Greenwich Mean Time +1 (GMT+1)

Question 2

Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements

Accepted Answer

Scotland passport, visa, and entry requirement information for US citizens.

Passport Requirements: Your U.S. passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of your trip and have at least two blank pages available for entry and exit stamps.
Visa & Entry Requirements: All U.S. passport holders are required to obtain a valid Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before entering or transiting through the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The ETA must be secured prior to travel. For more information and to apply, visit the official UK ETA website.
Entry requirements are subject to change. Guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all passport, visa, and travel authorization requirements before departure. For the latest information on entry requirements for the destination(s) included in your itinerary. You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to our Travel Requirements and Restrictions page.

Question 3

Hotel Rooming

Accepted Answer

Twin Room All listed pricing in the brochure and website is per person based on two people sharing a twin room (a room with 2 twin size beds). A double bed can be requested at time of booking if preferred.
Solo Supplement If you are traveling alone and require a single room, there will be an additional Solo Room Supplement added to your price.
Triple Room Rooms that sleep 3 people are available on some itineraries. The third bed is typically a pull out or cot.

Question 4

Climate & Weather

Accepted Answer

Scotland has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild and wet winters, and cool summers. The country's weather is highly changeable and can vary from region to region. The western coastal areas tend to be wetter and milder due to the influence of the Gulf Stream, while the eastern regions are drier and slightly cooler. Scotland experiences frequent rainfall throughout the year, with the western Highlands receiving the highest precipitation. Winter temperatures average around 0°C to 6°C (32 to 43 degrees Fahrenheit), while summer temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).

Question 5

Luggage & Packing for a Tour

Accepted Answer

On-Tour Luggage & Carry-On Bag Size Limits
Luggage: Each guest traveling may bring one suitcase no larger than 30” x 18” x 10" and weighing no more than 50 lb
Carry-On Bag: *Restricted to one piece per person, not to exceed 12” x 11” x 6”

*Please note: A "carry-on bag" on a tour coach is not the same as a "carry-on" for a flight. Because our coaches have large windows to enjoy the view, there is minimal space to store large items securely overhead or under the seats. A "carry-on bag" may be a soft-sided daypack, purse, backpack, tote bag, or the like. Because we value our guests' safety, small rolling suitcases or bags with telescopic handles are not permitted. In order to guarantee a smooth trip, guests are not permitted to store an additional "carry-on" bag beneath the coach with the luggage.

So your driver and any hotel porters can safely lift and transport your suitcase throughout your vacation, we strongly recommend that you test the weight of your baggage prior to travel. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances. 
Baggage allowances vary from airline to airline, and you should check with your chosen carrier for details prior to travel.
Packing Tips for Your Tour
Packing for a guided tour will vary depending on the duration of the trip, the time of year, and the activities planned. Here is a general packing list to help you get started:
Passport and Travel Documents: Ensure you have your passport, travel insurance, and any necessary travel documents.
Clothing:

Comfortable walking shoes: Cobblestone streets and uneven terrain require comfortable footwear.
Lightweight, breathable clothing: Pack clothes suitable for the season. Bring a mix of short-sleeved tops, lightweight pants or skirts, and a few long-sleeved options for cooler evenings for the summer months, and long-sleeved and heavier layers for early Spring, Fall, and Winter.
Layers: It's advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater and a scarf for layering, especially in Spring or Fall.
Nice evening wear: You may wish to wear a dressier outfit if you plan on dining in an elegant restaurant, for example. Smart-casual clothes are usually acceptable for all included daytime and evening activities throughout your tour.
Rain Gear: Depending on the season and the countries you're visiting, it's a good idea to pack a compact rain jacket or umbrella.

Sun Protection:

Hat, sunglasses, UV-protective clothing.
Sunscreen with high SPF. If you're visiting any coastal areas, bring reef-safe sunscreen formulated without harmful chemicals known to be damaging to coral reefs and marine life. Traditional sunscreens often contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to contribute to coral bleaching and negatively impact marine ecosystems. Look for sunscreens with certifications such as "Reef Safe," "Coral Safe," or "Ocean-Friendly" to ensure they are environmentally friendly.

Medications and First Aid:

Any prescription medications you need. (See more below under Health & Wellness)
Basic first aid kit with adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, etc.

Toiletries:

Travel-sized toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, soap, and toothpaste.
Travel towel (quick-drying and compact).
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
A washcloth and carry bag (often not available in hotels abroad).

Electronics:

A camera: You’re traveling to see extraordinary scenery and sites. So that you don't miss a single moment, bring a trustworthy camera. Check out our travel photography tips for capturing the best photos of your trips. If you feel comfortable, you can also try the camera on your phone. However, if you want to zoom in or capture moving objects, a camera might be your best bet.
Mobile phone.
Chargers for each electronic you bring.
Travel adapter and/or voltage converter
Portable power bank for charging devices on the go.
Small travel hair dryer (make sure you have the correct converter and adapter).

Miscellaneous:

A travel-friendly daypack or bag to carry your essentials during excursions.
Insect repellent.
Reusable water bottle. At Great European Travel, we’re all about caring for our planet, and with that in mind, we always recommend that you pack a reusable water bottle for your trip. Bringing your own reusable water bottle or asking for tap water at restaurants means you can make a difference by reducing your vacation plastic waste.
A small travel alarm.
A travel iron if you like your clothes to be pressed.
A travel pillow.

Optional:

Scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites or to cover up in conservative areas.
Light sleepwear.
A new, blank journal to document your trip. Don't know your travel journal style? Find out here!
Ziplock bags (storing snacks, toiletries, and keeping things organized).

Remember to pack light and versatile items that can be mixed and matched for different outfits. Laundry facilities are often available, or you can have your clothes laundered at hotels during your trip. It's also a good idea to pack a small bag or backpack to bring on the coach for day trips and excursions, leaving your larger luggage at the hotel.

Question 6

Electricity, Adapters, Hair Dryers & Air Conditioning

Accepted Answer

Electricity

American appliances run on 110-120 volts at 60 Hz, while the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland run on 220-230 volts at 50 Hz.
Type G outlets are used throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland.Adapters are used to change the plug style from American-style plugs with two flat prongs to fit into these outlets, which take three rectangular prongs.
You will need a plug adapter and voltage converter to use your appliances in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
We recommend purchasing an adapter with a voltage converter so you can pack less. Also, pick up any necessary adapters or converters for your electronic devices before departing on your guided tour and bringing them.

Hair Dryers in Your Hotel
Hair dryers are standard accessories in hotels. Should you want to bring your own, though, you will need to bring an adapter and voltage converter or make sure it is dual voltage by checking the label for INPUT AC 120V - 240V or a switch that can be set to 125V or 250V. Many devices have this feature, so it's worth checking before you travel. If you need a hair dryer during your trip but can't find one in your hotel room, you can inquire with the hotel staff. Many hotels will be able to provide a hair dryer upon request, either at the front desk or through housekeeping.
Air Conditioning

Air conditioning is commonly available in European and United Kingdom hotels, restaurants, and public spaces, especially in major cities and tourist areas, but it is worth noting that the settings will differ from what you are used to in the USA.
However, it's important to note that not all accommodations or historic buildings may have air conditioning, particularly in more traditional or rural settings.
Most hotels in Europe or the UK can provide a portable fan for additional room cooling if requested. Your Travel Director will be on hand to assist you throughout your trip.

Question 7

Transportation & Transfers

Accepted Answer

Traveling by coach
Our modern air-conditioned coaches have been selected with your comfort in mind. Your Travel Director will familiarize you with all the onboard features, including a washroom fitted for your convenience and comfort. Regular stops are made to stretch your legs, take refreshments, fill up your water bottles, and use the facilities.
Airport transfers
Airport Transfers for Europe flights not arriving to or departing from LondonAirport transfers to and from the airport on the first and last days of your tour are complimentary only if:

You are traveling on a tour operated by Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, or Luxury Gold 
Your flight times coincide with the shuttle-coach transfer timings

Airport Transfers for Europe flights arriving to or departing from LondonAirport transfers to and from the airport on the first and last days are complimentary only if:

You are traveling on a tour operated by Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, or Luxury Gold
You booked your land tour and flights as a land/air package through Great European Travel. If you book your flights independently via London Heathrow, you can *purchase a transfer through us.

Question 8

Optional Experiences

Accepted Answer

To enable you to personalize your tour experience, you will find a number of Optional Experiences designed to complement the itinerary. These are designed to offer a deeper insight into the culture and character of the areas to be visited and provide some wonderful highlights to your travels. The optional program is designed to let you experience more of what interests you and to get the most from your vacation without replacing or overlapping with anything included in an itinerary.
The majority of Optional Experiences will be offered to you by your Travel Director at the beginning of your trip. Some may be subject to change, depending on the time you are traveling or local circumstances, including weather and days of the week. Your Travel Director will provide further information.
Usually, most Optional Experiences will be priced in the local currency, but please read through the details of individual optional experiences for specific information. Exact payment options will be advised locally by your Travel Director/Local Representative for each Optional Experience, but in many cases, cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are all accepted.

Question 9

Health & Wellbeing

Accepted Answer

It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses while abroad.
In order to ensure a healthy and enjoyable trip, we strongly suggest that you pack a plentiful supply of any medication you may need while on vacation. Here’s what you need to know about traveling with medications.
Prior to traveling, please notify Great European Travel of any disability requiring special assistance or any specific dietary needs that you may have, and we will strive to accommodate these.
It's essential to ensure that your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before traveling to any destination. Routine vaccinations may include vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and influenza.

Question 10

Tipping on Tour

Accepted Answer

When traveling with Great European Travel, baggage handling at hotels, service charges, and tips for hotel wait staff (for included meals) will all be taken care of by your Travel Director. There are, however, a few instances where individual tipping is welcome.
Local Specialists
It is customary to show appreciation for the insights, stories, and know-how shared with you by the Local Specialists, and we suggest a gratuity equivalent to $1.00-$2.00 USD per person per half day.
Your Coach Driver and Travel Director
The trip cost does not include gratuities for your Travel Director and Driver. At the end of your trip, you may express appreciation to your Travel Director and Driver for their excellent service and the personal attention you received. Gratuities are given at the discretion of each guest, and a suggested amount per person/per day is listed in your travel documents.
For your convenience and ease, there is an option to pre-pay gratuities for the Travel Director and Driver at the time of booking.
Hotel services
It is customary to tip hotel staff for room service delivery if the charge has not already been added to the bill. Where ice machines are not available, and you receive ice from the bar, a small tip to the bartender is always appreciated.

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