Episode 169 15 Scotland Travel Mistakes + how to avoid them

In episode 169 of the UK Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug share fifteen of the most frequent pitfalls travellers face when exploring Scotland, from underestimating distances and misjudging the weather to focusing only on Edinburgh and Skye while missing other incredible regions.

They also highlight cultural slip-ups, such as mispronouncing place names, overlooking local traditions, or referring to Scots as “English,” as well as practical challenges like encountering midges in summer, booking accommodation too late, and trying to cram too much into a short itinerary.

With plenty of insider tips and real-world examples, Tracy and Doug explain how to avoid these mistakes and instead make the most of your Scottish adventure.

Whether you’re planning your very first visit or returning for another trip, this episode will help you prepare with confidence, slow down and savour the journey, and discover the rich culture, history and breathtaking scenery that make Scotland such a special place to explore.

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Episode 169 – What you’ll learn in this episode

🏴‍☠️ Discover the 15 most common mistakes travellers make when planning a trip to Scotland – and get practical advice to avoid each of them

🗓️ Learn how choosing the right season and understanding Scotland’s unique events (like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and Hogmanay) can make or break your trip

🦟 Find out everything you need to know about Scotland’s notorious midges: when they appear, where to expect them, and tips for staying bite-free

🌨️ Get real about Scottish weather! Doug and Tracy share their own run-ins with storms, fog, and snow and explain the importance of flexible plans, especially in winter

🚗 Don’t fall for itinerary traps: why trying to see too much, too fast (like a whirlwind North Coast 500 trip or only visiting Edinburgh & Skye) could lead to frustration

🚂 Explore alternative ways to travel around Scotland – from scenic train journeys to ferry adventures and coach links to Ireland and Northern Ireland

🏞️ Discover why Scotland is so much more than just Edinburgh, Skye, and Loch Ness, with recommendations for other magical destinations: Glasgow, the Highlands, Orkney, and the Western Isles

🏠 Essential accommodation advice: why booking ahead (especially for islands or during peak festival times) is a must, and why “winging it” may leave you stranded

👚 Packing secrets for Scotland revealed: why layers and a good waterproof jacket are non-negotiable, even in June!

💂‍♂️ Navigating Scottish culture: how to avoid faux pas (never call a Scot “English!”), understand currency quirks, and pronounce place names like a local

🥃 Whisky or whiskey? Learn about the spelling (and tasting!) differences and Doug’s take on Scotland’s national drink

🍽️ Make the most of Scottish cuisine – a full Scottish breakfast, haggis, neeps and tatties, and even the infamous deep-fried Mars bar and iconic Irn-Bru

🕰️ Why slowing down is key to enjoying Scotland: embrace atmospheric pubs, chats with locals, and savouring the breathtaking scenery

💡 Plus: Links to useful guides, itineraries, YouTube videos, and practical trip planning resources Doug and Tracy recommend for Scotland trips of all lengths and styles

UK places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

Places

Calendar – town referenced as ancestral home
Glencoe – a scenic valley in the Highlands, known for its beautiful landscapes
Isle of Skye – a popular island off Scotland’s west coast, known for its dramatic scenery
Orkney – a group of islands to the north of mainland Scotland
Mull – an island in the Inner Hebrides
Iona – a small island near Mull
Lewis and Harris – an island in the Outer Hebrides, mentioned as a future visit
Aberdeen – a city in northeast Scotland
Perth – a city in central Scotland
Stirling – a city rich in Scottish history
Inverness – a city in the Highlands
Borders/Borders region – the region bordering England, known as the Scottish Borders
Northumberland – a region in northern England close to the Scottish border
Belfast – capital of Northern Ireland
Dublin – capital of the Republic of Ireland
Cornwall – a region in southwest England
Wales – a country in the UK, referenced for comparison
Loch Ness – famous loch, home of the Loch Ness Monster
Northern Ireland – a region of the UK, mentioned for travel connections

Foods

Haggis – traditional Scottish dish made from sheep innards, onions, oats, and spices
Neeps and tatties – Scottish for turnips (swedes) and potatoes, served with haggis
Full Scottish breakfast – includes potato cake (tattie scone), haggis, black pudding, flat/lawn sausage, mushrooms, toast, etc.
Black pudding – blood sausage, commonly part of a Scottish breakfast
Potato cake/Tattie scone – part of Scottish breakfast
Lawn sausage/Flat sausage – square sausage unique to Scotland
Deep-fried Mars bar – infamous Scottish treat
Oats – served as part of breakfast in Scotland

Words / Concepts

Fringe Festival – Edinburgh’s internationally renowned performing arts festival (in August)
Tattoo – Edinburgh Military Tattoo, an annual event at Edinburgh Castle
Hogmanay – Scottish New Year’s celebration
Midges – small biting flies, common in Scotland in summer
North Coast 500 – a popular scenic driving route in northern Scotland
Caledonian Sleeper – overnight train service between London and Scotland
B&B – Bed and Breakfast, an accommodation offering breakfast
Contactless – card/tap payment method, common in the UK
Scottish banknotes – Scottish pound notes, legal tender in Scotland
Pound sterling – currency used in Scotland and the UK
Iron Brew (Irn-Bru) – iconic Scottish soft drink
Whisky (no “e”) – Scottish spelling for whisky
Whiskey (with “e”) – generally refers to Irish whiskey
English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish – referencing the four nations of the UK
Layering/layers – recommended clothing approach for unpredictable Scottish weather