Knowing the romantic history of Scotland makes the landscape even more appealing. Shakespeare caught the mystic appeal of the highlands in his story of MacBeth and Sir Walter Scott chronicled the continuous conflicts and heroism of Scotland’s kilt wearing warriors in his Waverly Novels. In passing through this country’s hills and valleys, one can almost imagine William Wallace fighting the British regiments to once again establish Scotland as a free nation.

American’s can especially appreciate the roots of Scotland as nine of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence were from Scotland, as were Admiral John Paul Jones and flag maker Betsy Ross.  A great many of the Founding Fathers either descended from Scotland or borrowed heavily upon her ideas of independence in establishing the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.

The passion of the Scots for independence was only tempered by their love for education and the arts. Some of the most important educators, authors and poets hail from Scotland, including John Knox, Robert Burns, Alexander Graham Bell, Sir Arthur Doyle, Robert Louis Stevenson, and the father of American economics, Adam Smith.

Perhaps it is the isolation or the clan folklore that has made so many gifted minds, or perhaps it was the rugged way of life and fight for survival, but in all cases, whatever it is, Scotland and her children have changed the world for the better.

In planning a trip to Scotland, consider that you first must find a way over the “pond” (Atlantic Ocean). Many will make Scotland a side trip as part of a London vacation. This is probably a mistake and should not be considered unless you will never have the occasion of returning to Great Britain. Both London and Scotland are entitled to separate vacations, as one will likely rob from the full experience of the other.

Though there are many connecting flights from the LA, Las Vegas or Salt Lake City airports, you should consider your flight choice carefully. The trip will take between 13 to 17 hours depending upon lay-overs and schedules. Though there are many flights to London and Manchester from the Utah and Nevada, that long haul of 10 to 11 hours straight on an airplane is hardly recommended. Most of these flights have extended lay-overs that push the trip to 16 hours. That means you will be in a cramped airplane for 10 hours and then a barren airport lobby for another 3 to 6 hours.  That is not a fun way to travel.

Consider instead, breaking up the flight half way.  For instance, if you choose to take Continental Airlines out of Las Vegas or Salt Lake City, you will find that there are several options that will have you on the ground for dinner on the east coast or in Houston and then up in the air again for a good night’s rest. You will then arrive in the morning in Scotland – either Glasgow or Edinburough. These flights have you in the air no longer than six to seven hours at the longest in each segment of the trip and put you on the ground for a real dinner around dinner time at an airport restaurant. You will find this a very nice way to break of a trip from the West Coast to any European country. If you are tired when you arrive, you will lose at least a full day in touring just trying to catch up.

Obviously, you will be somewhat tired when you arrive because of the time difference. Try to schedule a flight that puts you in Scotland mid-day.  That will allow you to check-in to your hotel and do some mild sightseeing before an early dinner and bedtime. Amusingly, you will wake up at about three o’clock in the morning ready for your new day. The best advice that can be given is to simply fight the urge to get up and “sleep in.” Some have found that taking a sleep aid on the first night such as Melatonin, can help quicken the transition and reduce jet lag.

For accommodations, Scotland is famous for its Bed and Breakfast locations.  Consider spending some time on travel sites like www.tripadviser.com and find some B&B’s that suite your needs and have a good rating from other travelers.

The following day is your best, first day.  You can get up early and enjoy the sunrise. You should start your travels through Scotland in either Glasgow or Edinburgh. The old town of Edinburgh is a favorite and Glasgow is more industrial and less romantic. As such, consider strongly starting and ending your venture in Edinburgh.

There are hundreds of tourist sites in Edinburgh, but other than the zoo, most of the sites are on the Royal Mile that leads from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. From Tripadviser.com, the most popular suggested sites include the Castle, Real Mary King’s Close, Museum of Scotland, National Gallery of Scotland, Holyrood Palace, St. Giles Cathedral and John Knox Museum.

It will take several days for you to see all of the sights at Edinburgh, so plan on at least two to three days in town. After your stay in Edinburgh, your next destination will depend upon how much time you have to spend. Seven to ten days is the best plan, but you can still get a taste of Scotland in a shorter time. If you are on a short trip, then consider going west to the Trossachs and Loch Lomond.  On the way, head a little north and go to see Stirling Castle and the William Wallace Monument. This westerly trip will take you into the heart of Scottish history and you will have a small taste of this country’s beauty.

If you are fortunate enough to have an extended stay, then head north to Blair Castle and then on to Inverness.  Just to the East of Inverness at the Culloden Battlefield Monument is a tribute called the Grave of the Clans, which is a tribute to those who fought the English and lost the fight to restore Scotland’s rightful king to the throne. To the west, of Culloden, the mystery of the Loch Ness Monster can be uncovered. Continuing on to the west is the Isle of Sky, a far away island with incredible and majestic views. A bridge connects the mainland to the Isle of Sky.

Heading south, you may want to pass by Fort William, which is becoming more and more a tourist trap, as you venture down to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs.  The latter is a scenic wonderland that cannot be missed. It is the heart of Scotland and the wildlife preserve in the area keeps the land pristine and in its original state.  Going west, you will find Glasgow and a substantial number of sites such as the Glasgow Cathedral, the Kelingrove Art Gallery – which contains Britains Finest Art, and the Tall Ship at Glasgow Harbor.  In contrast to Edinburgh, Glasgow’s principal sites can be seen in only two days.

Scotland’s tourist season starts in May and goes through until late October. The weather is fickle and you will need to prepare for rain and sun. August, the hottest month is also the best time to go to Scotland as the Art Festival takes place in Edinburgh as well as the Military Tattoo, which is a celebration performance of all things Scottish – especially bagpipes and marching regiments. If you want to attend the Tattoo, however, buy your tickets immediately because the demand is very high.

If you are wondering whether Scotland is worth the focus of an extended vacation, consider the fact that the Queens and Kings of England have permanent residences for extended vacations in Scotland – and they can go anywhere they want in the world to relax. For more information on Scotland vacations or opinions on good attractions and accommodations, go to www.visitscotland.com.