A Few Questions You May Have

When should I arrive in Edinburgh?

Please plan to arrive in Edinburgh no later than 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 2, 2027, allowing enough time to check into the hostel before we gather for our Welcome Dinner that evening. 

You will need to fly out on Friday, October 1, 2027 for an overnight to arrive earlier on Saturday. Plan for a 12-13 hour flight in your travel timeline.

When should I fly home?

Our guided Scotland journey officially concludes Friday, October 8 at approximately 6:30 PM when we return to Edinburgh.

From there, you have two great options:

Option 1: Be dropped directly at Edinburgh Airport by our private coach for an evening flight (allow for 2 hours at the airport before departing).

Option 2 (Recommended): Enjoy the included final night's stay in Edinburgh, spend Saturday exploring the city at your own pace, and book an evening flight home on Saturday, October 9 to make the most of your time in Scotland.

How do I get between the airport and our hostel?

Getting to and from our Edinburgh hostel is easy.

• Taxi: approximately 20 minutes

• Bus: approximately 30 minutes (get the tour started early with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour at https://edinburghtour.com/)

Complete arrival instructions, maps, and recommendations will be provided well before departure.

What's the ferry crossing like?

One of the highlights of the journey!

Our luxury coach drives directly onto the ferry with us as we cross between mainland Scotland and the Outer Hebrides.

During the crossing you're free to explore the ship, grab lunch or coffee, browse the gift shop, relax on deck, or simply enjoy watching Scotland's coastline drift by. The ferries also feature comfortable seating, restrooms, food service, and plenty of space to stretch your legs.

It's transportation—but it feels like part of the adventure.

Do I need to come with someone?

Not at all.

Many guests join us solo, while others travel with a spouse, family member, or friend(s).

If you'd like to book Double Occupancy but don't have a roommate, we'll gladly pair you with another traveler of the same gender whenever possible. This has worked especially well over the years with our many solo female travelers.

If you prefer your own room throughout the journey, our Single Occupancy option is also available.

Who is this trip designed for?

This journey is designed for adults (18+) who enjoy authentic travel, beautiful scenery, history, local culture, and the ease of exploring Scotland with a small group. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, with friends, or with a family member, you'll be welcomed into the experience.

Do I need a passport or visa?

Yes, you'll need a valid passport for travel to Scotland.

Most U.S. travelers do not need a traditional tourist visa for short visits. However, the United Kingdom currently requires many visitors—including U.S. citizens—to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. Entry requirements can change, so we'll provide current guidance before departure, but obtaining the necessary travel documents remains each traveler's responsibility.

How much walking should I expect?

Expect light to moderate walking throughout the week.

Many of Scotland's most beautiful places include cobblestone streets, uneven paths, beaches, castle grounds, and scenic overlooks. Guests should feel comfortable walking a few miles throughout the day at a relaxed pace, with plenty of stops along the way.

What's the weather like in October?

Scotland is famous for experiencing several seasons in a single day. (And have up to 188 words to describe rain!)

October typically brings cool temperatures (50-60's average), crisp mornings, occasional rain showers, and beautiful autumn colors. We recommend dressing in layers and bringing a waterproof jacket along with comfortable walking shoes.

We'll provide a complete packing guide before departure.

How much spending money should I budget?

While many major trip expenses are included, you'll want some spending money for meals, shopping, and personal treats.

As a general guide:

• Breakfast: $15–25 USD

• Lunch: $20–30 USD

• Dinner: $35–60 USD

• Coffee: $4–7 USD

• Whisky: $8–15 USD per dram

• Gratuities: restaurants a voluntary 10%-15% unless service charge included, taxis up to 10%, voluntary $1 daily housekeeping, $25+ tour guide for the week

Of course, your actual spending will depend on your travel style and budget.