BTW - Greendragon, I loved reading your trip report. You wrote it soon before we left and it whetted my appetite even more (if that's possible) for my return to Scotland!

Each to his own, but I prefer the road less travelled ALL the time

Interesting Sheila, since your only trips to the US have been to highly popular tourist areas!

I found the Orkneys the best of Scotland

Yes, you're right. The California one was to San Diego since my hsband had to go there for work, and then San Francisco to see friends. Admittedly Yosemite was a choice, but we chose not to stay IN the park because of the hordes.

I hope Nikki won't mind my saying this, but Cape Cod was second choice!. We were trying to go to Nova Scotia, and (Got lost? I hear you say) she offered Cape Cod as an alternative. And a lovely alternative it was, too.

But Scotland or Europe- we usually go where there's no-one. Just think about the French house. "Nowhere" (as in, "middle of&quot would be overpopulated by comparison.

Thanks twina, I'm so glad to inspire

I would second the vote for the eyewitness travel books. I probably bought 4-5 different travel books when I planned our trip to Scotland and for a 5 day trip you will find everything you need in the Eyewitness top 10 scotland book. I loved the isle of Rum which you can reach directly by ferry form the mainland and you can stay overnight in Kinloch castle. Amazing. When I go back I hope to stay here several days.

Greendragon - you're welcome! Click on my trip report if you want to see what happens when stupid things happen in Scotland such as putting unleaded fuel in a diesel car....

One of the most important things to see in Scotland is the sweater store.
You probably wont bring enough warm clothing.

I'm laughing at Stanley, but he's right - while I didn't buy a sweater (I brought a wool shawl I had bought in Ireland years ago), I did get a wool cap and gloves in Orkney

I once bought a sweater in Scotland, then came home and it was half as much in the local Nordstroms.

OK, but I also bought a beautiful plaid wool jacket that I probably couldn't have found anywhere over here.