I went to Scotland for the first time. There are 6 items I'm glad I packed and 4 I wish I had brought.

• While visiting Scotland for the first time, I learned which essentials I actually needed to pack.
• Layers, rain gear, and warm socks kept me ready for the unpredictable weather.
• However, I wish I had brought more comfortable clothing and a small crossbody bag with me.

Not bringing a credit card with no foreign transaction fee ended up costing me a decent amount of money.

I relied on my regular card for most of my spending in Scotland, and by the end of the trip, those little fees had added up to about $150.

It’s an easy thing to overlook, but doing a bit of research beforehand could’ve saved me some money.

Next time, I’ll plan in advance and apply for one that allows me to swipe without being charged for every purchase.

This story was originally published on November 14, 2025, and most recently updated on September 29, 2026.