Happy Monday traveler!

This week, we’re taking you to the beautiful highlands of Scotland. Get ready for the world’s most mysterious lake and hairy coos.🐮 

🌍️ What’s Going on In the Travel World?

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• 10 best places in the US to see fireworks for summer 2025 - about a month away so make your plans

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A message from Passport Inspiration

Looking to plan an inspiring adventure right now?

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

• Visas

• Dining

• Lodging

• Passports

• Excursions

• Travel Arrangements

  If you want a head start planning, we can help you prepare for an amazing trip.

🙌🏼This Week’s Inspiration

The Scottish Highlands are an incredible region of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and expansive lochs (lakes), offering some of the most dramatic scenery in the UK. The area is also home to ancient castles and battlefields.

We were so impressed by the peaceful landscapes, wildlife, and the warm hospitality of the people we met while visiting.

You need to drive from a major city such as Glasgow or Edinburgh to fully appreciate the beauty of the Highlands. You’ll want the freedom and flexibility to pull off to the side of the road and admire the scenery along the way.

We started our journey to the Highlands from Edinburgh Airport and 30 minutes later we arrived at our first stop: The Kelpies.

The Kelpies are two towering (30m high) horse-head sculptures located in The Helix Park near Falkirk. These stunning steel giants celebrate Scotland’s rich equine heritage and mythical water spirits. This was the perfect spot for a photo op and a quick stroll.

Shortly after leaving the Kelpies, the scenery starts changing to rolling hills, shimmering lochs, and then rugged landscapes.

Fort Augustus is a village located on Caledonian Canal, which connects Loch Ness to the rest of the inland waterways in Scotland.

Loch Ness is no ordinary lake. It's 23 miles long, over 750 feet deep, and holds more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Of course, it’s best known as the legendary home of Nessie, the elusive Loch Ness Monster.

Whether you're a believer or a skeptic, a boat cruise on the loch is an unforgettable experience, offering stunning views and a touch of mystery.

You must meet the highland cows, otherwise known as hairy coos. They are not just adorable. They’re hardy, friendly, and a beloved symbol of the Highlands. You're likely to spot them in fields around Fort Augustus or on scenic drives further north.

Here’s a fun fact about them: both males and females have horns. You can tell the difference between the two because the females’ horns grow out to the sides while the males’ grow out in front of their heads.

Our favorite thing about the Highlands was how peaceful it was here. For outdoor lovers, the Highlands provide endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, stargazing, and exploring iconic places like Loch Ness, Ben Nevis, and the Isle of Skye.

*How to Get to Fort Augustus:

By Air: You can fly from Edinburgh to Inverness Airport (INV) which is the nearest airport, and then take a bus or taxi.

By Car: We highly recommend driving to Fort Augustus so you can take your time and enjoy the sites along the way. People drive on the left side of the road in Scotland, which can be nerve-wracking if you’ve never done this before. Here are our tips for driving on the left side:

• Speed limits in Scotland are in miles per hour (MPH), not kilometers.

• Roundabouts are common, yield to traffic from the right and go clockwise around roundabouts.

• Highland roads can be winding and narrow with limited visibility. Take your time, and be prepared to pull into passing lanes to allow oncoming vehicles to pass.

• Most rental cars run on petrol (unleaded) or diesel, so be sure to check before filling up. Gas stations are called petrol stations and are more frequent near cities and major roads.

Where to Stay:

We stayed at The Highland Club and loved it. The Highland Club is a former fort, monastery, and abbey that has been renovated into 24 luxurious apartments right on Loch Ness. This was our living/dining room:

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, this place definitely gave us some Hogwarts vibes.

If The Highland Club isn’t your vibe, here are a few other recommendations:

Caledonian Cabin - an entire home that sleeps up to 6 people

Airbnb - Stay in a cabin right by Loch Ness

Where to Eat:

The Loch Ness Boathouse - dine and enjoy views of Loch Ness

The Lock Inn - vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options

Beaufort House Pizza - pizza with haggis? When in Scotland…

What to Pack:

Be prepared to wear several layers of clothing. Weather can be unpredictable. Pack a waterproof jacket and umbrella, hiking boots if you’re planning for hiking. The ideal time to visit is late spring to early autumn for mild weather and long daylight.

👋 Have an Inspiring Week

Here are a few things to help you when Fort Augustus.

• Day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Ness and Glencoe

• Day trip from Edinburgh to Loch Ness, scenic walk and whiskey tour

• If you’re a Harry Potter fan, then you need to check out this Magical Highlands Tour with Hogwarts Express (visit multiple locations from the Harry Potter movies)

  *The Get Your Guide tours listed above are affiliate links of ours that do not cost any more to you. We appreciate you using our links!

• Highland cow tour -pet and feed some hairy coos

  See you next week,

Trisha & Bob