Scotland is a country that shouldn’t be missed on any European tour. This section of the UK is famous for its charming culture, iconic historical landmarks, and beautiful green spaces. If you’re planning a trip to Scotland, here are a few tips that can help make your time there more successful.

Choose the Best Time of Year

The right time of year for you to visit Scotland will depend on your personal preferences. If you want pleasant weather, going during the June through August summer season will likely be your best bet. Even though autumn in Scotland can be rather windy and chilly, the picturesque fall foliage that’s visible in many parts of the country will surely make you feel an inner warmth. The cold and gloomy days of late fall into winter can be made cheerier by visiting the Christmas markets in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen. If you don’t want to go during the high tourist season but still want to enjoy some nice weather, visiting Scotland in the spring can be a great choice.

Add the Best Places to Your Itinerary

Scotland boasts many fabulous places that every tourist should see, and adding these places to your travel itinerary will help you enjoy your time to the fullest. You may be asking yourself, “How do I make sure that all the best places to visit in Scotland are added to my itinerary as I plan my trip?” One of the best ways to go about doing this is to have a personal concierge design a customized trip for you that includes all the right places to see.

One place that you’ll definitely want to visit is Edinburgh Castle in the city of Edinburgh. While touring the enchanting Scottish Highlands, you can spend time at the famous lake known as Loch Ness and take memorable pictures of the ruins of Urquhart Castle. If you’re an avid golfer, a visit to St. Andrews will give you the chance to try playing on any of the town’s seven golf courses. Other places that you won’t want to miss in Scotland include the David Welch Winter Gardens in Aberdeen and Stirling Castle in Stirling, which was the childhood home of Mary Queen of Scots.

Learn the Local Lingo

Even though most people in Scotland have been speaking English for centuries as opposed to their native Scots, you’ll likely hear some of the locals using colloquial terms that are common throughout the country but unheard of in other parts of the world. Learning some of these terms will help you blend in better with the Scottish people and gain a deeper appreciation of the country’s culture.

As Scotsman.com explains, learning these common Scottish words can help you get ahead more in your travels:

• Gie it laldy = Give it your best
• Nae danger = No chance
• Blether = Chat incessantly
• Jings = Wow
• Tidy = Beautiful
• Blootered = Drunk
• Walloper = Idiot
• Haud yer wheesht = Be quiet
• Yer aff ye rheid = You’re off your head (daft)
• Pure dead brilliant = Very good
• Get the Right Currency

The currency known as the euro works in many parts of Europe, but Scotland, like the rest of the UK, uses the British pound sterling instead. Cashiers won’t likely accept euros if you try to use them as payment in Scotland, so you’ll want to make sure that you have enough British pounds for when you need to pay cash. Many shops, restaurants, and other places of business in Scotland accept credit and debit cards, but you should prepare to pay additional exchange rate fees on every purchase. If you want to pay lower exchange rate fees, consider getting your British pounds from a bank or a currency exchange place near where you live before you leave for your trip.

Think About What to Eat

Scotland, like most other countries in Europe, boasts a variety of fast-food and sit-down restaurants that serve all types of cuisines from around the world. Whether you want a classic American cheeseburger or some cheesy pizza, you can easily find what you’re looking for in restaurants throughout Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other major cities.

If you want to try some authentic Scottish cuisine, there are many restaurants in Scotland that serve classic dishes. Haggis, which is a pudding that contains sheep parts, onions, and other hearty ingredients, is one of the country’s main dishes. Brose is an uncooked Scottish porridge that contains oatmeal, butter, and milk. Scotch broth, Cullen skink, and partan bree are among Scotland’s best soups. Scottish dessert options include the Dundee cake, petticoat tails, and drop scones.

Planning your trip the right way can help you make the most of your experience in Scotland. Getting all the details in order before you go can help ease some of the stress of traveling and help you enjoy your time with a clearer mindset.