Scotland is a fairly easy place to pack for. The weather is consistently mild all year round, though it can be rainy and windy. When it comes to packing for a trip to Scotland, there are two essentials you’ll want to pack: rain gear and layers.
A note about my packing style — I’m a (sometimes overly) light packer — I packed for Scotland using only a carry-on. Though I like to travel light, I still like to look presentable. I wear a lot of black because it doesn’t stain and looks good with everything. And I have a weakness for red lipstick, as you’ll see in the photos.
Scotland Packing List
Packing gear
- 1 carry-on suitcase
- 1 backpack — for valuables and electronics
- 1 small crossbody purse — I love this one from Cuyana
- Packing cubes — the Eagle Creek ones are my favorite
Clothes
- 1 lightweight rain jacket
- 1 packable down jacket
- 1 hoodie — for cold days and flying
- 2 t-shirts
- 1 long-sleeved black shirt
- 1 nice blouse
- 1 plaid wool skirt –- it felt very fitting in Scotland.
- 1 dress — for if you’re planning on going to a nice restaurant.
- 1 hoodie — for cold days and flying.
- 1 pair of jeans
- 1 pair of black jeans – versatile, and can be dressed up or down.
- 2 bras – one nude and one black.
- 5 pairs of underwear – For travel, I love ExOfficio underwear because you can wash it in the sink if necessary, and it dries super-fast.
- 1 pair of leggings – for flying or travel days.
- 1 pair of pajamas (optional) – Pajamas are a nice luxury to have after a long travel day.
Footwear
- Comfortable boots — You’ll most likely be walking a lot, so bring comfortable, close-toed walking shoes. I brought a pair of black leather Chelsea boots from Clarks similar to these ones — they’re so comfortable!
- Compact rain boots – I also recommend packing rain boots in case it rains (likely!)
- 5 pairs of socks
- Flip flops (optional) – if you’re staying in a hostel, you may want to pack flip flops to use in the showers.
- Waterproof trail runners (optional) — if you want to do some hiking, bring lightweight hiking shoes.
Toiletries
Tip – don’t overpack your toiletries – you can always buy more once you arrive. Additionally, I recommend packing your toiletries in Ziploc bag, in case they explode mid-flight.
- Shampoo/conditioner/body wash – You can fill these eco-friendly three-ounce containers with your preferred products.
- Travel-size dry shampoo – Dry shampoo is a must for me. Batiste’s Divine Dark shade is a godsend for brunettes.
- The Wet Brush – it makes detangling so fast and easy
Travel-size detangling spray (optional) - Neutrogena face wipes – so handy for makeup-removal and long travel days.
- Moisturizer
- Toothbrush/toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Prescriptions/birth control
- Razor
- Lip balm
- Hair ties
- Curling iron (optional)
- Makeup (optional) – I brought a pared-down version of my normal makeup, as well as a red lip pencil. This one’s my favorite!
Tech
- Kindle – Especially useful if you’ll be taking a lot of trains.
- Universal adapter – you can either bring a universal adapter or a UK-specific adapter.
- 1 pair of headphones
- 1 portable battery – in case your phone dies.
- Camera (optional)
Miscellaneous
- 1 wool beanie
- 1 collapsible travel umbrella
- Reusable water bottle
- Eye mask and earplugs
- Costume jewelry – I wouldn’t recommend bringing valuable jewelry, but it can be nice to have a few accent pieces to accessorize an outfit.
- 1 pair of sunglasses
Other things you might need
Have you ever been to Scotland? What was on your packing list?
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