O Scotland, My Scotland

If you had asked me ten years ago about my dream destinations, I guarantee Scotland wouldn’t have even made the top ten. Even five years ago, it wasn’t on my radar. But five years ago, the world was in upheaval, and travel wasn’t exactly top of mind. Funny how time—and a little adventure—can change everything.

My love affair with Scotland began on a whim while planning my wedding. For my fellow Angelenos, we know the cost of living is high, but wedding costs? Almost unthinkable. So, we turned to Airbnb, hoping to find a millionaire’s backyard for our nuptials. Instead, I stumbled upon the “Castles” tab. Castles, you say? One click later, and what began as wedding research turned into a lifelong love for a breathtaking country. But let’s save the wedding talk for another time—right now, I want to dive into my love for Scotland and all things Scottish.

Why Scotland?

Scotland, England’s rugged neighbor to the north, is bursting with cultural attractions, stunning landscapes, rich history, and—let’s be honest—temperamental weather. But no matter your travel style, there’s something here for everyone:

• For the nature lover: Head to the Highlands. Hike through jaw-dropping scenery, wander across endless green landscapes, and soak in views on the Isle of Skye that can rival any tropical paradise (seriously, just check the photos).
• For the history buff: Start in Edinburgh at the castle, then lose yourself in the charm of cobbled streets where the past and present coexist seamlessly. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, a visit to Victoria Street—a rumored inspiration for Diagon Alley—is a must.
• For the golf enthusiast: St. Andrews. That’s all I got. Golf isn’t my lane, but if it’s yours, Scotland is your playground.
• For the foodies (yes, I said food in Scotland!): Prepare to be pleasantly surprised. I indulged in some of the best bites of my life—flaky, melt-in-your-mouth smoked salmon, comforting stews, and, of course, whisky that deserves a chef’s kiss.

Budgeting for Your Scottish Adventure

Now that I’ve convinced you to add Scotland to your bucket list, let’s talk logistics—specifically, money.

Scotland uses the pound sterling, which means conversion rates won’t always be your friend. However, there are plenty of ways to keep your trip affordable:

1. Plan ahead. Booking.com became my best friend, allowing me to secure accommodations without prepayment while monitoring price drops.
2. Use public transport. Scotland’s train system, ScotRail, is easy to navigate (download their app for convenience). Trains and buses can get you nearly anywhere, and Uber works well in cities.
3. Consider renting a car. On our first trip, we relied on public transport and had no issues. On our second, we rented a car to explore the Highlands and the British countryside. Yes, driving on the other side of the road was an adjustment, but it was worth it—both for the experience and the savings.
4. Food and drinks are surprisingly affordable. A fancy coffee that costs $7 in LA might be around £4 in Scotland. Dining out is comparable to, if not cheaper than, eating in major U.S. cities.

Bottom line? Scotland can be a moderately priced vacation with options to save or splurge.

Traveling While Black in Scotland

As a Black woman traveling with my Filipino husband, I can’t speak for his experience, but I can say that Scotland felt exceptionally welcoming. In some places, when you’re one of the few brown faces in the crowd, you feel it. But in Edinburgh and Glasgow, diversity was prevalent. Even in the Highlands, where it was less so, we never felt like outsiders. If anything, we stood out more as Americans than for our ethnicities.

Final Thoughts

I LOVE Scotland—no, seriously, I love it. And I hope you get the chance to explore it, fall in love with it, and create unforgettable memories of your own.

Check out the links below for more on Scotland’s food scene, where to stay, how to get around, hidden gems, budget-friendly tours, and yes—getting married abroad. 😉