We're going back to Scotland!

March of 2023 we had an amazing family visit to Scotland. We flew into Inverness, traveled through the highlands and met up with my parents in Edinburgh for a few days before flying back home. It was magical! I have never been so sad to go home from a vacation. Typically a part of me is always ready to get back to my own bed and familiar schedule, but being in Scotland felt like home.

We were there for eleven days and while we were able to see and do a lot, we did not scratch the surface of what Scotland had to offer. After some thought of going other places we decided that we will be going back to Scotland next March. March is a fantastic time to visit for a number of reasons. March is outside of tourist season so flights and rooms are much more affordable, plus being outside of tourist season there is not the general hubbub of activity so if you forget to make a castle reservation more than likely you can buy a ticket at the door. Also, this is a big one (to me) no midges! If you have watched Graham and Sam you've seen first had the ruckus the wee beasties can cause. I was not interested in making their acquaintance and went the entire trip without a incident. So March it is! I can not wait to return! Oh! if you are thinking about going in March take a look at your "must see" locations as there are still a few places closed for the winter months in March. The only thing we had wanted to do was ride the Jacobite steam train, it starts running again in April. However, we were able to see the Glenfinnan viaduct and had delicious bit of millionaire shortbread at the cafe there - and bought Harry Potter and the Philosopher's stone in Scots!

To me the organizing is almost as fun as the trip itself. I love the anticipation! Pouring over maps and travel blogs make my planner heart happy. I am a bit anxious naturally and knowing as much as I can helps to sooth the jitters. I like to pull up Google earth and look at how streets are mapped out, pull up our AirBNB or hotel and see what coffee shops and other fun things are near. It all goes out the window once we get to our location, but it is nice to know if there is a Tesco nearby! The first thing we will nail down is air fare. Once we have out actual dates then we will start planning out our route.

I will keep you all posted here. Where is your favorite place to visit? Have you been to Scotland? Do you want to go?