Packing Ideas for Scotland

Essentials

• Passport & Visa: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your travel dates. If you are an American and need to renew your passport we recommend the local post office passport center over any other 3rd party. Check visa requirements for your nationality.

• The UK does require a visa. The visa is good for 2 years and should be done no later than 2 months prior to the travel date. The best way is to download the UK ETA App on your phone. It is the easiest and most efficient way to get your visa. Take a picture of the bar code and have it at the ready as you go through passport control. If you have a prior record of arrest in the US, fill out the UK ETA Application asap to make sure you are eligible to take the trip.

  • Cost: The application fee for the UK ETA is £16.

  • Validity: Once approved, the ETA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, allowing multiple entries into the UK during that period.

  • Application Process: The application can be completed online or through the UK ETA app. It typically takes about three days to process, and applicants will receive their decision via email.

• Travel Insurance: Essential for medical emergencies, lost luggage, and trip cancellations. We recommend a “Cancel for ANY ReasonPolicy” which is rare, but key, if a pet or family member gets ill before your trip, and you are forced to stay. Here is a link to our GolfSafe insurance partner.

• Currency: Credit cards are widely accepted. Bring a debit card with you as you can get local monies straight from the bank. Do not exchange cash at the airport.

• Credit Cards: Cards are widely accepted, please let your Credit Card company know you will be traveling. Choose a card that does not charge extra for international transactions and when you pay, we recommend choosing the local currency as the payment option.

• Phone & Charger: Ensure your phone has an international plan when you travel. Pack a portable charger.

• Travel Adapters & Converters: You will need a US to UK adapter. Check the voltage limit on electric items. Some items such as handheld steamers will burn up as they have a voltage limit. (Trust me, I’ve burned mine! :) Voltage is typically much stronger in the UK than the US.

• Medications: Avoid packing medications in your checked baggage. Instead, keep them in your personal items or carry-on. You can't predict what might happen with checked bags, and the last thing you want is to stress about not having your medication while traveling, whether abroad or on a trip away from home.

• WhatsApp: Download WhatsApp if traveling with one of our tours. This is what we will use to communicate with the group. We use this application as it works for both iPhone and Android, and is Wi-Fi based, so those who keep their phones on airplane mode, are still able to get the message when on Hotel Wi-Fi. Once you have downloaded, send us a message directly using the phone number provided for the tour. (Note: You don’t need to give all the information requested, just your first name, last initial and phone number is sufficient to send & receive text messages).

Golf Gear

• Traveling with Golf Clubs: Pack your clubs in a padded travel bag. We recommend a soft travel bag or a combination hard top with soft body with padding. Hard cases are a nightmare when traveling. Our favorite golf travel bag is the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian it tows like a dream and your shoulder will thank you. ;)

• Carry Bag with a Stand: Do yourself a favor and purchase a lighter carry bag with a stand. It is much easier all around when you have a carry bag over a cart bag when traveling. There may be times you are responsible to carry your own bag (ie: from practice areas to first tee box, etc. or from the hotel to transport etc.) as they do not have full facilities or bag attendants at many places in Scotland.

• Shipping Golf Clubs: Our recommended shipping company is Luggage Forward; however we also have a ShipSticks option. Please use our TMIGolf links so we can help assist if anything happens. Note: Shipping Clubs can be pricey, we have a week-long rental club option if needed.

• Luggage Forward: https://www.luggageforward.com

• Shipsticks: https://www.shipsticks.com/tmi-golf

• Golf Shoes: 2 pairs of golf shoes in case one pair gets wet

• Golf Attire:

  • golf pants/shorts/skirts

  • golf shirts (moisture-wicking) | Keep room for golf tops you might purchase during your trip. It is always nice to bring home new golf tops or ball markers from Scottish golf courses.

  • 2-3 sweaters/light jackets for cooler evenings

  • 1 water resistant jacket

  • Full Waterproof Raingear with waterproof golf shoes

  • Layering is the key to staying comfortable in the famously changeable Scottish weather. A reliable set of waterproofs that you can easily pull on over your trousers, shorts or skorts is essential for passing showers. For colder days, consider wearing a thermal base layer under your top. To combat the wind, a warm scarf is invaluable—and for a truly authentic touch, purchase a beautiful and functional tartan scarf once you arrive. It makes for a perfect souvenir and great to help stay warmer on windy days.

  • Golf gloves (pack extras)

  • Golf hat/visor (or just purchase at golf course)

  • Sunglasses

• Golf Accessories:

  • Golf balls (pack a variety, but don’t keep them all in your bag every day. Keep some in your hotel room to restock if necessary). All courses will have golf balls if needed for purchase.

  • Tees

  • Divot repair tool

  • Towel

  • Sunscreen and lip balm

  • Bug spray (if necessary)

  • Bring some ball markers from your Home Club for your caddies or pals you meet along the way. It is always great to have something from your Club to give to caddies or those who have been helpful during your golf trip.

Personal Items

• Toiletries: Pack travel-sized toiletries or purchase them at your destination.

• Medications:Pack any necessary prescriptions and over-the-counter medications in your carry-on luggage do not check your medications!!!

• Comfortable Walking Shoes: For exploring towns and cities.

• Casual Wear: Pack comfortable clothes for evenings and relaxation.

• Dinner Wear: Attire in Scotland for nights out is typically “smart casual.” Jeans are widely accepted in Scotland and the Scottish are typically quite trendy so you may want to have one outfit to dress it up a bit for our farewell dinner. There is no formal attire required at our events unless noted otherwise.

• Swimwear: If staying at a resort with a pool or spa

• Camera/Phone: To capture memories.

• Eye Mask: If you are traveling during the summer months, it can stay light until 11pm. Sleep masks or eye masks will help.

Optional Items

• Daypack: For day trips and hikes.

• Airplane/Compression Socks: to help reduce foot and ankle swelling.

• Books/Magazines: For entertainment during downtime.

Important Notes:

• Check the weather forecast closer to travel: Pack accordingly for the expected temperatures and wind.

• Respect local customs and dress codes: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. No denim in most golf clubs and men should wear a collared shirt. Shorts and skorts are fine to wear and easy to throw rain pants over in case of inclement weather.

• Train your Ear: We recommend watching a show called “Still Game” if you understand them, you’ll be fine when you arrive in Scotland. Also, our favorite comedian is Kevin Bridges, he comes from Glasgow, Scotland and is a great way to “train your ear.” Although it is English being spoken, the accent can be thick in some areas of Scotland (especially in the Highlands) best to hear a Scottish accent before you go.

• Make copies of important documents: Keep copies of your passport, travel insurance, and other important documents in a separate location.

• Enjoy the experience! Scotland is a magical country, make sure to enjoy every moment!

This list provides a general framework. Adjust it based on your specific itinerary, travel style, and preferences.

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance only. Always check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before your trip.