I'm an American who has visited Scotland around a dozen times. Here are the 3 biggest mistakes I see tourists make.
- Helene Sula is a US travel blogger who has visited Scotland around a dozen times.
- Sula said people needed to explore beyond Edinburgh to avoid overtourism.
This is an as-told-to essay based on a conversation with Helene Sula, an American travel blogger and author of "Two O'Clock on a Tuesday at Trevi Fountain: A Search for an Unconventional Life Abroad." It has been edited for length and clarity.
My mom was the director of a study abroad program, so I had the opportunity to visit London every year while growing up.
During one of those visits, we went to Scotland. I was around 15 at the time, and I didn't appreciate it as much as I should have.
After graduating from college, my husband and I tried to travel as much as possible. Eventually, I turned my travel blog, Helene In Between, into a full-time business, and we moved to Germany from 2016 to 2019.
We tried to see all of Europe in three years, including a seven-day trip to Scotland. It was incredible, and we ended up coming back multiple times because the country is so unique.
I've now visited Scotland around a dozen times.
Not venturing outside the capital
People are often drawn to Edinburgh.
But overtourism is an issue, and I think there's a real opportunity for travelers to experience the beauty of the country beyond the capital while also supporting local economies in lesser-known areas.
From the charming coastal city of Aberdeen to the dramatic landscapes of the Highlands, Scotland offers diverse experiences that can alleviate pressure on Edinburgh and provide more authentic, uncrowded adventures.
If you don't want to drive, you can take a train. There's so much to see, and I found it very accessible.
Every time we come to Scotland, we always prioritize getting out into nature and going on hikes or taking a scenic train ride because it's so beautiful, and I don't think you can really get that feeling if you only go to Edinburgh.
For a more budget-friendly trip, consider traveling during spring or autumn.
Being unprepared for the weather
When I was growing up, I mostly visited the UK during the summer months, so I thought it didn't rain that much. But since moving to Oxford, UK, I realized I was wrong.
You can never be sure of the weather in Scotland. But in my opinion, there isn't bad weather — only bad clothing.
Being prepared will make your trip so much better, so bring a raincoat and warm socks.
It can be very chilly, which I absolutely love, coming from Texas. Last year, we visited Scotland in July, and I remember I was wearing a sweater, and I just thought, "This is just heaven because in Texas, I'd be absolutely sweating."
Not following the signs
Earlier this summer, we visited the Isle of Skye, and we were checking out a waterfall. We previously visited the same waterfall in 2019, and I can remember it being surrounded by lush, green grass.
But now most of the grass in that area is gone, seemingly because of people trampling on it.
There was a fenced-off area beside the waterfall, and a sign said, "Don't climb." I watched one girl ignore it and climb the fence to get a photo.
I love that people in Scotland have the right to roam, and there's so much freedom and flexibility. But it should be obvious to follow the signs.