Tours of Scotland, Packing List

This page of information is simply meant to be a very basic guide to help you with your packing. To enjoy Scotland fully, it's best to be prepared for large daily variations in temperature - and for rain - though it rains far less in Scotland than you might imagine. Scotland's climate is highly unpredictable. Weather patterns shift all the time, and the climate can differ widely in places only a short distance apart. As your Tour Guide, I'm highly aware of these fluctuations, and that's the main reason for keeping any itinerary flexible.

Always  pack a mixture of warm-weather and cool-weather clothes. A raincoat/parka with a hood is far better than carrying an umbrella. Good walking shoes, already broken-in, are essential. Gloves and a scarf will take up little room in your suitcase - and yet may make all the difference on a cool evening. To pack well for Scotland, you need to grasp the concept of " layering, " adding and removing layers of clothing as the climate changes throughout your Tour.

It has been my experience that group members will typically start each day wearing;  good shoes or sneakers, casual pants or jeans, a t-shirt, a sweater and a hooded jacket or coat. As the day warms up they will typically dispense with the jacket and sweater - or maybe add the gloves and the scarf if the weather takes a turn for the worst. The secret of packing for an enjoyable vacation is including the right kind of clothing which will keep you comfortable regardless of the weather.

You will have the opportunity to have clothes washed at a laundrette in Scotland, usually half-way through the Tour, thus minimizing the amount of dirty clothes you will have to carry around.

Money and Documents
passport
credit cards
ATM card
long distance calling card - your own phone provider may have cards valid from the UK to the USA.
travellers checks
airline tickets
drivers license
3x5 card of emergency numbers for back home
copies of prescriptions - with the actual medical name for the drugs
medical history list - blood type etc;
membership cards
business cards - to hand out in Scotland

Basic Packing List
security wallet
toiletry kit
tissues
nail-clippers
pocketknife
earplugs
expandable nylon bag
small towel
travel alarm
makeup
clothing care (woolite, clothesline, clips)
notebook and pen
book
plastic bags
photos of family
manila envelopes
map of where you come from - to show the locals !

Medical
2 complete sets of all prescriptions
3x5 card with doctors name, medical history
non-prescription: tylenol, antacid, anti-diarrhea, laxative, antihistamine, decongestant, vitamins reading glasses
sunglasses with neckstrap

Toiletries
hair dryer - if you pack a hair dryer, you will need a power converter.
electric razor - if you pack an electric razor you will need a power converter.
your favourite shampoo and conditioner
facial cleanser
moisturizer
soap
antipersperant/deoderant
toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss
shaving supplies
hair supplies
small towel
washcloth
moist towelettes
tampons
contraceptives

Camera and Stuff
maps of your destination country
flat plastic magnifier
travel diary
pens or pencils
camera and film - always carry the same ASA film
camera bag
dustbag to protect camera
pocket calculator
extra batteries
permanent marker

Women's Packing List - The Essentials
underwear
leggings or tights
sleepshirt
light jacket
casual pants or jeans
skirt
shirts/blouses
dress - in case we attend the Theater etc;
warm sweater
long sleeve shirt
t shirts
warm raincoat or parka or windbreaker - with hood !
dress shoes
walking shoes - very important !
socks
gloves
handbag
scarf

Men's Packing List - The Essentials
underwear
sleeping attire
dress shirt
jacket and pair of dress pants - in case we attend the Theater etc;
tie
casual pants/jeans
t shirts
long-sleeved shirts
light jacket
warm sweater
warm raincoat or parka or windbreaker
socks
walking shoes - very important
dress shoes
gloves
Scarf