I visited Scotland for the first time. My trip was great, but it would’ve been better if I’d known these 5 things beforehand.

• My trip to Scotland was a dream, but there were a few things I wish I knew before visiting.
• For example, it’s important to pack the right clothes based on the weather and your itinerary.
• Researching the region’s history beforehand can make the experience even better.

Misty mornings, green hills, Highland cows, and blood pudding were a few of the many things I was excited to experience on my trip to Scotland. Luckily, the country delivered this and so much more.

Even though the trip met all of my magical expectations, I still managed to make some mistakes.

Here are five things I wish I had known before my trip to Scotland.

It’s important to pack the right clothes

I’m notorious for not knowing what to pack for vacation, and this trip was no different.

I traveled to Scotland in the spring, when the weather was still pretty chilly, and I wasn’t ready for the wind, rain, and damp air. I brought a puffy jacket, but I didn’t pack enough layers to stay comfortable during my outdoor excursions.

Next time, I’d definitely bring a windbreaker and plenty of warm base layers.

It’s good etiquette to learn how to pronounce the names of the places you’re visiting

Mispronouncing the names of places is practically a tourist rite of passage. However, I wish I did a little research online ahead of time.

For example, Edinburgh is pronounced “Eh-din-bur-uh” and Glasgow is pronounced “Glas-go.”

I also stayed in Fochabers during my trip, which is pronounced “Fock-a-bers.” I mispronounced it when I first arrived, and my taxi driver didn’t even try to hide his sigh.

Looking back, it would have been polite to familiarize myself with these things before landing in the country.

The best recovery after a flight isn’t a drink, it’s proper rest

I landed in Scotland after an overnight flight with zero sleep, and my solution was to start sipping. However, this probably wasn’t a smart idea.

My high-tail to the high-proof likely extended my jetlag, and looking back, I should’ve taken the first night for hydration, rest, lower-back stretching, and recovery.

I spent my entire second day in a jet-lagged daze, and I felt like I missed a good portion of my trip because of it. My advice? Save the alcohol for night two — it’s not going anywhere.

Learning about the area beforehand can make for a better experience

I like to immerse myself in a country’s history while I’m actually there, experiencing it firsthand. However, when it comes to Scotland, I wish I had done more research ahead of time.

I learned bits and pieces about the country during my trip, but on my flight home, I finally read all about the rivalries, battles, royal disagreements, and more.

If I had spent a few minutes reading up on the history and famous landmarks beforehand, it would have changed how I experienced the trip.

Scotland has a fascinating history, and in my opinion, travel is much more meaningful when you know what you’re looking at.

I should’ve left space in the schedule for free time

My packed itinerary was filled with things like salmon fishing, hiking, walled-garden tours, hearty meals, and Highland Games. However, I left no room to simply wander.

I was so focused on fitting in everything I wanted to see that I feel like I didn’t have time to soak in the atmosphere.

Next time, I’m staying longer, exploring more of the country, and wandering without an agenda.

Read the original article on Business Insider

The post I visited Scotland for the first time. My trip was great, but it would’ve been better if I’d known these 5 things beforehand. appeared first on Business Insider.