Taking a Trip to Scotland

Scotland is a land that offers almost every type of vacation experience imaginable. It is the place that gave birth to the game of golf, it is a country that has a vast wealth of history which include many castles and historic sites, a land that holds much romance with the history of the clans and an area of vast wilderness since the Scottish Highlands are one of the last uninhabited areas left in Europe.

Scotland, known in ancient times as Caledonia, was inhabited by Romans during the early centuries after their arrival in 79 AD. The land of Scotland joined the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707 and remained an independent state until then. Since joining the nation of Great Britain, the land of Scotland does not enjoy European status or membership in the United Nations, but is a jewel in the crown of the UK.

Scotland is a land like no other. It is a rich land of contrasts, from the big cities to the Scottish Highlands to the coasts of the sea. It is a country that consists of over 700 islands which feature both wondrous flora and fauna. The climate of Scotland is mild with warmer winters than its neighbors (Oslo or Moscow), but in certain areas has cooler and damper summers. Compared to the rest of the UK, the weather is very different. When packing for your trip, it is best to plan for cooler and wetter weather. Even if the day looks sunny, carry an umbrella since rain can begin unexpectedly.

Scotland has many motels, hotels and even castles in which to spend a night. Plan ahead before your trip by doing some research; realize where your interests lie and what you would like to see while in Scotland. Look on the Internet or at a guide book for events and destinations throughout Scotland that will be enjoyable for you.

Scotland has four major airports that you can use for your trip. These are Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Prestwick. Most European and North American air travel companies will allow you to fly directly to one of these for your holiday to Scotland. Once you get there, traveling around Scotland is easy by train or perhaps for a more leisurely pace, you might rent a car. This will ensure you are able to see the sights.

There is much to see and do while visiting Scotland. Visit the cities of Edinburgh and especially make time to visit the Edinburgh Castle. It is perhaps Scotland's greatest treasure and the most well known tourist attraction. Take time out to visit the royal yacht 'Britannia'. Now that it is decommissioned, it is open to the public. There are many museums in both Edinburgh and Glasgow that should be looked into such as the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre and the Glasgow Cathedral. And don't forget golf! Take this opportunity to play a round on the world's oldest golf course, Musselburgh Old Links. Scotland is also well known for both its Lochs (almost everyone has heard of the Loch Ness monster!) and the Highland games (which are often duplicated in other countries). Here is your chance to experience it all!

Scotland is a land that needs to experienced first hand. With so many activities to take part and with so much amazing scenery to see, you will want to plan for a long visit to this majestic land!