Traveling in Scotland
The enchanting country of Scotland is made of rolling hills, lush scenery, charming villages and pubs filled with think accents and strong pints.
This country is a part of Great Britain - also known as the United Kingdom - which includes England, Wales and Northern Ireland. So be careful not to refer to the Scottish as "British," and especially avoid referring to them as "English." Just being aware of the difference will make your trip much smoother.
This lively and friendly country has gained a reputation for being dreary and damp. Well, the latter might true, it doesn't stop the Scots from having a grand time. Still, prepare to experience plenty of rain on your trip.
With over 700 islands and 5 million people, you'll have no problem finding stunning scenery and delightful conversation.
Regions
The country of Scotland is officially divided into 32 different counties. However, for the purposes of your visit, you'll really only need to know the different regions. The Borders region is sits on the border of England and is known for its rolling hills and former battlefields. The South West region is home to the Isle of Arran, while the Central Belt includes the largest portion of the population with Glasgow and Edinburgh. The Highlands are a popular area to visit for its stunning mountain ranges in the northwest. The North East Scotland region is full of scenic farmland, fishing ports, dramatic castles and the cities of Aberdeen and Dundee. The islands in the north west of the country are split into the three regions of Hebrides, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands.
Related
Scotland is a large country with plenty of beautiful landscapes and wilderness to see. If you want to see everything, read this 7-day itinerary for ScotlandTraveling alone to London or Edinburgh?
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Find a Contiki tour to Europe.
I love the small towns and nature that Scotland offers. Many towns are overlooked by tourists, so they have affordable hotels with local charm.