HI
Fist time poster to the Rick Steves' Boards. Need help.
Starting to plan and research our trip to Scotland for 9/2010. I just did my first over seas trip to Italy last Sept 2009 and everything went GREAT.
My question today is: Is it necessary to purchase in advanced tickets to sites and museums and make reservations ahead like it was necessary to do so in Italy to avoid long ques and not to waste your day waiting in lines. Any info would greatly be appreciated.
Thanks
Bev
Bev -
For many places is isn't necessary, but there are some tours or things you want to do where it would be advisable. For example it's no worries to go to something like Edinburgh Castle (apart from size of crowds) at any time, but if you are trying to go tour Maeshowe in Orkney then you should try to arrange your tour early in the day or a day ahead as space is limited.
It might be good for you to let us know some of the specific places you would like to visit and I or one of the other (and probably more knowlegeable) posters can help you out.
In any case I'm sure you'll love your trip. Scotland is a lovely place!
Eric
Thanks Eric...I am just starting to read up on Scotland, literally just bought a book last night, so I am not sure where and what we want to see yet. Of course we want to do the musts and we like exploring and being upon the locals. We are pretty easy going and up for anything usually. I know we will be hiring a car and driving thru out not sure of our over night stops yet will probably be there for 2 wks.
Once I get the itinerary set up I would like to post and get all your opinions if you wouldn't mind.
Thanks again
Bev
Bev -
That sounds good. I took my 2 week trip last May and loved every second of it. I too took a car and explored after my initial 3 days in Edinburgh.
I will say that probably > 90% of the things I went to did not require advance reservations. Of the ones that did in my case most of them you would do the reservation the day of or the day before (mary king's close tour, Maeshowe for example). Others were typically easy to get in and get started with. Nothing like what I've heard for many places in Italy, but it's always worth checking - your guidebook may alert you to the places where you need to schedule ahead as well.
If you haven't checked it out already I'd suggest a visit to http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk If it's in Scotland it's probably on that site somewhere. Between that site, TripAdvisor, checking in on this site and some guidebooks I was not left wanting for anything.
Happy travels, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with for an itinerary. If you post it here you'll be sure to get some good advice for how workable it may be. Just be aware it takes longer to drive almost anywhere than you think it will (or longer than Google and such say it will) - and that doesn't count slowing down to enjoy the scenery!
Eric
Eric
Sounds like you had fun!!
I will post hopefully in the next few days the itinerary and hope to get yours and others thoughts on it and see how it compares to your recent visit.
Thanks again
Bev
Bev,
You dont HAVE to drive. We have been to Scotland a great many times and we always use the trains. Gas in the UK is VERY VERY VERY Expensive- parking is scarce and expensive and most roads are small and very cury. Plus you are driving on the "other" side and most cars are standard shift- not automatic. Feel free to private message me for ideas and if you have questions.
Bev, September is a great time to visit Scotland! The crowds are down and the children are back in school so you will likely not need reservations. The only time I've ever needed reservations is during the festival and then you really need them. I've never had a problem getting into any site at that time of year.
I love traveling in Scotland and I go by train and by car. Feel free to PM me with any questions.
Pam
Thanks Toni and Pamela...I will definately take you up on your offer to PM you cause I will have some questions.
Thanks again
Bev
