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INFOMATION ON: Scotland travel tips, Scotland Travel Facts best hotels in Scotland, Culture, Scottish Trivia, Escorted Tours to Scotland, Facts for Visitors, Family Travel in Scoland, Special Interest , Scotland vacation offers.We offer recommendations on Vacation packages to Scotland, Scottish Vacations, Scotland travel, Scottish tours. Independent and group travel to Scotland, bed and breakfast in Scotland, escorted tours, drive tours Scotland, customized travel arrangements to Scotland, family travel, self drive tours, walking and biking.
Scotland Travel Facts
Scotland travel tips
Genealogy: Don't wait until you get to Britain to find your ancestors, or you may spend hours or days poking around the wrong church or graveyard. As rewarding as researching your Scottish ancestors can be, it's nothing compared to experiencing first hand the places they lived and worked. Come walk in the footsteps of your ancestors and make ancestralscotland.com the first step in your ancestral journey
Passports and Visas: Only passports are required of U.S. citizens. A visa is NOT required. Citizens of other countries should check with their Consulate for entry requirements.
Weather: British summers are mild, with some rain. Winter weather is rarely severe, but travelers should expect rain. Average Temperature: (F) Jan. Mar. May July Sep. Nov. Feb. Apr. June Aug. Oct. Dec. Day 44 49 61 71 65 50 Rainfall 3.3" 2.2" 2.6" 2.8" 3.2" 3.8" Scotland's position on the edge of the European continent with sea on three sides means that the weather is very varied. Records show that May and June are usually drier than July and August. Edinburgh's annual rainfall is only slightly greater than London's and many of the east coast towns have less annual rainfall than Rome. Generally speaking, the east coast tends to be cool and dry, the west coast milder and wetter. July and August are normally the warmest months, average temperature of 15-19oC/60-68oF.
What Clothing to bring: Casual clothing, including jeans is most suitable, except in major cities where dressier clothing should be worn. From May through September, women may find lightweight wools, pantsuits, slacks and comfortable shoes most useful for daytime. Heavier clothing is appropriate in wintertime. For dinner, dressy clothing is not necessary. Men will be most comfortable in a sports jacket or sweater during the day, and a suit or jacket and tie for the evening. Dressier clothes are required for dinner at deluxe hotels and castles. A light raincoat and umbrella are also recommended.
Currency: The Pound Sterling (£) is divided into 100 pence (p). Due to floating exchange rates, you are advised to check the current rate at the time of your arrival. For your own convenience, it is advisable to obtain some pounds sterling upon arrival at the airport. Please be aware that pound notes (bills) issued by banks in Scotland or Northern Ireland may not be accepted in England. However, English notes are usually accepted everywhere! We suggest to exchange currency prior to arrival at hotels on a weekend. Some hotels do not have anyone there to provide this service on a weekend.
What's A Euro? The Euro is the new unit of currency in some EU countries. Britain is not one of them. You cannot use Euro here.
Health Insurance: Please check with your Health Insurance carrier to see if you are covered by your health policy while you are abroad.. If you aren't, arrange health insurance coverage for you while you are traveling, if available. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Visitors who become ill while in Scotland are eligible for free emergency treatment at National Health Service Accident and Emergency hospital departments. If however, you are admitted to hospital as a patient, or referred to an outpatient clinic, you will be asked to pay unless you are a citizen of a European country or a resident of a country, which has a reciprocal health-care agreement with the UK. You are therefore strongly advised to take out adequate insurance cover before travelling - although it is unlikely that anything will happen, one it is best to be covered.
Electricity: Standard current is 240V AC. Hotels usually have 220/110 sockets. In addition to a converter, you may need an adaptor (a three rectangular pronged one, the same as used for Ireland.) You should bring your own converter from the U. S. Not all hotels have enough for all travelers. In Britain Time: Britain follows Greenwich Mean Time from October to March. From the last Sunday in March to the 4th Saturday in October, time is one hour ahead of G.M.T. When it is 1:00 pm in New York or Toronto, the time in London is 6:00 pm.
Getting married in Scotland Historically, Scotland has always been a popular destination for those seeking a truly romantic setting in which to make their wedding vows and several recent high profile weddings have served to highlight the reputation of Scotland as a great place to tie the knot. As a country, Scotland is famous for its beautiful and unspoilt scenery, its distinctive culture and its dramatic history. In addition it is renowned for the high standard of its cuisine and the quality of its accommodation which ranges from bed and breakfasts to magnificent castles. Perhaps most importantly though, Scotland is famed for its hospitality and the genuine warmth of its people. So, whether you are planning to 'run away' to Gretna Green for a small intimate wedding or to do something on a much larger scale, be it in a hotel or castle or even on a canal boat, Scotland offers endless possibilities to make that special day truly memorable.
Phoning home: Hotels frequently charge excessive fees for making phone calls from your room. We would therefore suggest that you use a public phone and call your long distance carrier back home, who will charge the call to your home account. The phone number to call for holders of: AT&T card: 0800 89 0011 MCI (BT): 0800 89 0222 on Mercury 0500 89 0222 US Sprint: 0800 89 0877 Upon dialing these numbers you will be connected to an operator back home. Please check with your local long distance carrier prior to leaving home for other carriers' phone numbers. International operator dial 155.
Emergencies: Please Note: The Emergency number is NOT 911. Please dial 999 for emergencies
American Embassy American Consulate 24 Grosvenor Crescent 3 Regent Terrace London W1A 1AE Edinburgh Phone: (0171) 499 9000 (0131) 332 2433
Postage: While traveling in Britain, mail to North America requires the following postage: 37p(pence) for postcards and 43p (pence) for letters. Mail may take 7-10 days to reach home. Stamps may be obtained from your hotel desk or Post Offices. Post Offices are open Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm and Saturday 9am-1pm.
Public Holidays: 1 Jan New Year's Day 2 Jan New Year's Day Holiday 6Apr Good Friday 8 Apr Easter Sunday 9 Apr Easter Monday 7 May Early May Bank Holiday 28 May Spring Bank Holiday 28 Aug Summer Bank Holiday 31 Oct Halloween 5 Nov Guy Fawkes Day 25 Dec Christmas Day 26 Dec Boxing Day
Public Transportation: Traveline Provides information on public transport in Scotland.
Pubs and Licensing Hours: Pubs are open Monday- Saturday from 11:00am to 11:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm-3:00pm and 7:00pm-10:30pm. http://www.sirc.org/publik/ptpintro.html http://www.pubs.com/features_search.cfm
Dining: On the Menu Fries=Chips Chips=Crisps Baked Potato=Jacket Potato Eggplant=Aubergine Zuncchini=Courgette PUBS AND RESTAURANTS - WHAT TO PAY The price of food and drink varies considerably depending on the type of establishment you choose. As a general guideline, eating out in a pub at lunchtime will cost from around £6.00, while it is usually that bit more expensive in a restaurant. Dining in the evening obviously varies greatly but one can expect to pay from £15.00 to £25.00 per person for a good meal. Pubs are generally cheaper than hotel lounges when purchasing alcoholic drinks. A measure or "nip" of whisky costs approximately £1.50, while a pint of beer costs around £2.00 or more. One should note that Scottish draught beers are usually ordered by the pint or half-pint, while some of the recommended local brews include Tennants and McEwans.
Shopping: Shops are normally open between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Monday through Saturday. London shops in the Knightsbridge (Harrods) area are open until 7pm on Wednesday, and in the Oxford Street area until 7pm on Thursday only. Edinburgh until 5.30pm
Tipping: Service charges have been included on all hotel and farmhouse accommodation (where applicable). Tip porters 50p-£1.00 per bag, maids £1.00 per day. At restaurants where service has not been added to the bill, 10-15%; taxis 10-15% of the fare. Tipping is not necessary at pubs.
Travelers checks, checks and credit cards: We recommend that you use your ATM card at banks in Britain (See below), or carry travelers checks in American dollars. These can be exchanged at your hotel or at a bank. Banking hours are 9:30AM-3:30PM Mon.-Fri. Banks and stores in England do not accept Scottish pounds. All leading credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Carte Blanche, Diners Club and Mastercard are acceptable. These are not acceptable at most farmhouses or pubs. More detailed information on the use of your credit card may be obtained through your local credit card company. ATM cards may be used in Britain. If your card is on the CIRRUS or PLUS network and your PIN number is longer than four digits, you will need to get a new number before traveling. If your PIN has letters in it, check for the corresponding numbers before departure as foreign ATMs usually only display digits on their keypads. For further information about CIRRUS call 1 800 424 7787 and PLUS call 1 800 843 7587. Other card holders please check with your bank to determine if your ATM card may be used in Britain. Personal checks, even when presented with your passport will not be accepted unless you have made prior arrangements.
CAR RENTAL PASSENGERS What you'll need: You will need your driver's license and a major credit card. You do NOT need an International Driver's license. If you are under 21, or an unemployed student, you must make special arrangements with us before you leave from the U.S. There is no upper age limit for renting a car in the UK. If you wish to use your credit card for "free" insurance, you must have the receipt which states that you paid for the package by credit card. MASTERCARD IS GENERALLY NOT ACCEPTED FOR THIS PURPOSE. You may also cover the deductible on the car by purchasing additional insurance when picking up the car. This is called Super CDW and is optional. P.A.I. (Personal Accident Insurance) may be covered
Taking a car to Ireland: Car rentals may be taken out of the country if arrangements were made prior to departure from North America. The car must be returned to England, Scotland or Wales. Clients who have pre-paid for a car to be taken out of the country and returned by ferry need to pay for insurance to cover a breakdown out of the country ("Get you home" or AA 5 star insurance or green card), and the basic insurance shown above. You are still liable for the L.D.W. and P.A.I. when you pick up the car.
Driving Licence issued overseas must be clearly identifiable as a driving license; otherwise an International Driving Licence and passport will be required.
Young drivers 21-24 yrs, can only rent restricted car groups. A young drivers surcharge applies
Refueling Vehicles are provided with a full tank of fuel and provided the vehicle is refueling on termination of the rental, no refueling cahrge is payable. Most of the cars take Unleaded, some may be Diesel. Please check before filling the tank. Petrol: 1 US gallon=3.79 liters, 1 liter=.26 US gal. 6 US gallons=5 imperial gallons
Handicap Permits In most towns and cities, if you use your parking permit from home it will be sufficient. Special parking applies-see below Parking Restrictions apply, these are shown by different painted lines on the road by the sidewalk. A single yellow line Time restrictions apply, look for a sign indicating when you are allowed to park. People with Handicap permits may park there at any time When parking the car pay the relevant parking meter or you may need to buy a parking pass from a news stand or a candy store. Double yellow lines No parking allowed at any time Where there are no lines or signs you are able to park with no restrictions
Festivals Wwe would specifically recommend that you avoid these cities during festivals, or make your reservations far in advance: 22-26 MAY London Chelsea Flower Show 20th JUNE London Royal Ascot Races 25 JUNE-8 JULY London Wimbledon 2-5 AUG St. Andrews British Open 3-25 AUG Edinburgh Royal Military Tattoo 10 AUG - 2 SEP Edinburgh International Festival Please check with local tourist offices for other festivals. Link
Highland Games:http://www.visitscotland.com/aboutscotland/UniquelyScottish/highlandgamescalendar06
Smoking: Smoking It is against the law to smoke in the majority of Scotland's indoor public places, including pubs, restaurants and cafes, most public buildings in Scotland, within airports and on most forms of public transport. The new regulations came into force on 26th March 2006 and are intended to create a healthier and fresher environment for residents and visitors to our beautiful country. The law also affects accommodation establishments. All enclosed public areas of hotels, boarding houses, guest houses, inns and hostels such as bars, lounges, restaurants, reception and lobby areas, etc. are included in the smoke-free ruling and smoking is not permitted in these public areas. However, some establishments have designated dedicated bedrooms where smoking is allowed, and if these are required, you should contact the property directly to check if they offer this facility.
RETURNING HOME Immigration: You will clear customs upon arrival in the U.S.A. Passengers still need to clear their luggage through Customs upon arrival. Goods To Take Home: V.A.T. (Value-Added-Tax) is imposed on some items (17.5%) when purchased. A refund of V.A.T. on certain purchases may be obtained by completing a form at each store, and applying for a refund upon exiting from the country. The form must be presented to Customs for purchases over a certain amount. The form and the goods must be presented to Customs. Refunds are made when the retailer receives the form back, properly executed by Customs. U.S. U.S. citizens may return with goods valued at $600 U.S. duty-free, including one bottle of liquor. Goods purchased above the $600 limit are taxed at a flat 10% rate.. Gifts not exceeding $50.00 may be sent to the U.S. duty-free provided that the same person does not receive more than $50.00 in gift shipments in one day. This is not included in the $600 exemption.
Some Translations: Two great nations divided by a common language Here are some translations that may help you:
| US | British |
| with private bathroom | en suite |
| facecloths/washcloths | face flannel |
| ground floor | first floor |
| busy | engaged |
| one way | single journey |
| round trip | return journey |
| elevator | lift |
| pants | trousers |
| underwear | pants |
| car trunk | boot |
| hoo | bonnet |
| gasoline | petrol |
To convert kilometers into miles, multiply by 0.6.
Edinburgh Tattoo
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Scottish Tourist Board - Visit Scotlandhttp://www.visitScotland.com