I’m an American who has visited Scotland around a dozen times. Here are the 3 biggest mistakes I see tourists make.

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.