What I packed for my 3 weeks road trip to Scotland
When we decided to go to Scotland for my 30th birthday, the best timing for us was to go during the fall. So we had to pack accordingly because the weather is a little colder than summertime. We had great weather for the whole trip but it was about 12-13 degrees Celsius during the day and around 10 degrees at night. So we had to consider this when we packed our bags. We also decided to use our backpacks instead of our luggage since we were renting a camper van once we got there and space was a little more limited.
So this is my Scotland packing guide to help you pack your bags. We also did some laundry twice as to not overpack. This blog post is what I personally packed in my backpack. My boyfriend did pack about the same amount of stuff but for the purpose of this blog post, I will tell you what I packed in my own bag.
Essentials
-Passport
-A copy of my passport: I have a photo on my phone and I also have them in my email. If ever my phone and my passport get stolen together, I can still access them via my email.
-Drivers license: In Scotland, you don’t need an international driver’s license.
-ID’s
-Reservations: I keep them in a separate folder in my emails now so I don’t have to print them out. If you are worrying about data or a WIFI connection, take a print screen of your reservations so you’ll still have access to them without data.
-Money: Whether you bring cash or your cards, make sure to pack them close by.
-Small backpack: I always carry a small backpack with me. I usually pack it as my carry-on and then use it if I need a daypack to go somewhere.
-Dirty laundry bag: I just like to have my clean and dirty clothes separated.
Clothing
-Pants: I packed 2 pairs of jeans and 2 pairs of warmer leggings.
-Shirts: I had 5 shirts with me.
-Sweater: I had 2 sweaters and one very warm one as well.
-Insulated shirt: I only brought one with me in case it got really cold. I ended up using it maybe one or two times.
-Socks: maybe 6 or 7 pairs.
-Underwear: probably 6 or 7 as well.
-Bra: I had 2 with me.
-Sportswear: I brought one pair of leggings and a sports bra.
-Pajama: I only brought one.
-Bathing suit: If you’ve read my previous packing guides, you know that I never leave for a trip without a bathing suit. You just never know when you might get the opportunity to wear it. On this trip, I didn’t though. But If we did need it, I would’ve had it.
-Flip flops: Since we parked the van in campgrounds at night, we mostly used the camping showers. I personally don’t like to be barefoot in public showers.
-Rain jacket: I have a very lightweight Columbia rain jacket that I love because it barely takes any space in my bag.
-Good shoes: As we walked an average of 18 kilometers a day, you absolutely need good shoes!
-Softshell jacket: I wore it every single day to keep warm but not too much.
Accessories
-Winter attire: I did bring my gloves, scarves, and hat and I’ve used them quite a bit during the trip.
-Glasses: I usually wear contacts, but if something did happen to my eyes, at least I had my glasses to see.
-Sunglasses: Even though the weather isn’t that warm, it is still very sunny.
–Adapter: As electricity isn’t the same voltage as in Canada and the plug is different as well, you will need your adapter to charge. Our camper van was great though because it had USB chargers all over the place.
-Pack towel: I bought two of them before the trip because they are compact and they dry very quickly. They were amazing and I use them for everything now! I even put them in my camper trailer!
–Flashlight: I like to bring my frontal flashlight because in the camper van it was great at night when I had to go to the bathroom and for visiting secret spots in abandoned castles as well!
–Reusable water bottle: Very important to stay hydrated!
-Swiss army knife: I do pack my small one in my checked bag. I’ve used the screwdriver multiple times on some trips!
Toiletry Bag
-Shampoo and conditioner: Since we were renting a camper van and not staying in a hotel, we had to have our own. I could’ve bought some once I got to Scotland but I preferred to use my own.
-Brush: As Scotland isn’t windy at all, I had quite messy hair at the end of the day!
-Hair spray: I usually bring a little travel-size hairspray to try and keep my hair in place.
-Face cleanser: I usually fill a little cup with some face wash so I make sure to keep my face as clean as possible morning and night.
-Face moisturizer: I also pack a small cup with moisturizer in it.
-Make-up: Before a trip, I always make sure to either have travel-size make-up or put a small amount in a cup so it doesn’t take too much space.
-Toothbrush and toothpaste: I always buy travel-size toothpaste and it lasted for three weeks.
-Deodorant: I never leave without it!
-Face cloths: As Europe doesn’t usually have face cloths, I always pack two or three of them so I can use them to wash my face.
-Detergent: Since we did some laundry a couple of times, I did bring some travel sizes, one load, detergent with me.
Medical
Even though I can buy most of this in-store at my destination, I always carry the basics anyway in case there isn’t a store nearby.
–Advil/Tylenol: What can be worse than a headache just before you leave for the day, or a small hangover from the pub the night before…
-Allergy tablets: If you have a small reaction to something, you’ll be covered.
–Polysporin: If you get a small cut, you’ll have a bit of ointment to help.
-Band-Aids: Always useful.
Entertainment
–Ipad/Laptop: On this trip, I just brought my Ipad with me mostly for Netflix on the plane.
-Phone: Well who goes somewhere without a phone nowadays!
-Chargers: Very important for your phone to stay charged to take all those amazing photos!
-Camera: We did bring our DSLR on this trip.
-Book: When you are relaxing, it’s great to have a book to read.
-Pen: Always carry a pen with you! Either for journaling or just to fill out customs forms on the plane. It is very useful.
So there you have it! My full Scotland packing guide for my three weeks trip in a camper van! Make sure to keep reading for an amazing overview of this underrated destination!
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love and use!
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