It can really spoil your holiday… you arrive at your hotel and open your suitcase and scream with dismay when you look inside.

All your clothes are creased… the sun cream bottle has burst and your nice new jacket is still lying on the bed at home.

What a nightmare!

But, take heart, with a little bit of know-how you will never find yourself feeling like that again.

So, what to do?

Let’s start with Preparation.

Yes, even if you have the most frantic of lives you still need to make time in your busy schedule to prepare before you pack your suitcase.

Leave it to the last minute at your peril. To avoid disaster you need to spend some time thinking about what you need on your vacation.

First, you need to think about where you’re going and how long you’ll be on vacation. A long weekend visiting family or friends at Christmas in the UK will need a completely different packing list to a month in Australia at the same time.

The weather can make such a difference to what you pack in your suitcase so, the first thing to do is to check the weather forecast for the place you plan to visit and pack your suitcase accordingly.

Now you’ve done the first part of your preparation it’s time to sit down and make a list of all the things you will need on your vacation. Then the hard part… crossing of the list a few of the things you can do without. Remember, when you reach your vacation destination you can always buy things there if you need them.

If you are flying to your destination make sure you know the limit of your baggage allowance, as most budget airlines today charge substantial excess charges for overweight baggage. Make sure you weigh your baggage before leaving home if your want to avoid paying extra.

Only take the minimum amount of toiletries with you as you can always buy more locally. Always pack them in sealable plastic containers to prevent any spillage from damaging your clothing.

The Rolling Method of packing your clothes is a great way to reduce creases and wrinkles.

Photo: AnsyDuPiton.com

For example, take a shirt… lay if face down on the bed and fold the arms neatly behind it. Fold the shirt in half lengthways and lay another shirt or a tee shirt folded in the same way on top.

Then, from the bottom of the shirt roll them both together into a reasonably tight roll. The idea behind this method is that by rolling the clothes they are being wrinkled less right from the start and as the rolling creates a gentle bend in the clothes it will recover when unrolled and given a gentle shake… Try it…it works!

Photo: Molly Feltner

You can put three or four or more items together in a roll and because you are creating a gentler bend there will be less creases in your clothes.

It’s best to roll your socks and underwear and put them inside shoes or boots which can then go inside plastic bags and fit either in the bottom or sides of your suitcase.

Photo: trundstrom

You don’t need to roll all your clothes… Jeans and trousers fold in half easily and are best placed in the bottom of your suitcase.

It’s best to put jackets, sweaters and heavy items like books at the bottom of your suitcase with lighter clothing placed on top of them… and then put your clothing rolls at the very top.

The best place to put your toiletries bag is right in the center of your suitcase. Cushioning it in between your clothing rolls is a good place as it will reduce the chance of damage from squashing.

It can help to decide in advance the outfits you want to wear each day and then pack each outfit in individual re-sealable bags and then roll them up.

If you’re flying  make sure you have a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage. Unfortunately, luggage does go missing from time to time and it can take a day or two before you get it back.

If you like to buy new things when on vacation and need to make space in your suitcase to bring your new purchases home… It’s a good idea to take some old clothing with you to wear. You can throw them away before coming home.

It’s also useful to have some sort of identifying tag on your suitcase so you can recognise it… especially if you’re flying. So many suitcases look the same today it can be difficult spotting yours on the baggage belt.

And, if you’re buying a new suitcase, don’t buy a black one… There are so many black suitcases it can be really hard to spot yours… Get a bright colored one like ‘Red’ or ‘White’ and save yourself a lot of hassle.

Also, make sure you don’t pack the cat!

Photo: libraryrachel

If you have read Dan Brown’s book ‘The Da Vinci Code’ or watched the film of the same name starring Tom Hanks you will have some knowledge of Rosslyn Chapel.

If you haven’t read the book or watched the film… don’t worry because when you visit Rosslyn Chapel you will be captivated by its history and amazed by its beautiful architecture.

Rosslyn Chapel is only a 7 mile drive from the centre of Edinburgh and is a great place to visit for the day either on your own or as part of a tour party.

Photo: TFDuesing

It is a very popular tourist attraction visited by coach loads of people every day. If you want to see it at its best I would advise you to go early in the morning where you will be able to explore comfortably before most of the coach parties arrive. The chapel opens at 9.30AM on Monday – Saturday and 12.00 noon on Sunday’s.

Guided talks, in English, lasting for about 30 minutes are available throughout the day. They usually start on the hour every hour and you can chat to the guides before and afterwards and ask them all your questions. You will find them to be very knowledgeable and very friendly.

If you visit Rosslyn Chapel between January 2009 and July 2010 be prepared for the major conservation program currently being carried out.

Rosslyn Chapel was founded by the St Clair family in 1446 and is still owned by the family. In 1995 the Earl of Rosslyn put in place the Rosslyn Chapel Trust responsible for overseeing the Chapel conservation programme.

The Chapel is now having £13 invested into its conservation. But, this is a fascinating period in the history of the chapel and when you visit you will be able to see world-class professionals working skilfully to ensure this  magnificent building is conserved to be enjoyed by many generations of visitors to come.

Photo: landhere

If you are in Edinburgh on vacation I would recommend you visit Rosslyn Chapel especially during the conservation period as it is a real opportunity to photograph one of Scotland’s famous buildings at a special time in its history.

Note however, video or photography is not permitted inside the Chapel but, you can take as may photos as you want outside the Chapel.

However, you can buy a CD-Rom containing 70 professionally taken photographs for the Chapel or from their online shop.

It will take you about 2 to 3 hours to really see Rosslyn Chapel at your leisure. This is more than just a walk in the front door and a stroll in the churchyard. There is real history to be seen and felt in this place. So, give yourself plenty of time to really enjoy the experience.

Here are some of the things you can do on your visit:

• Learn all about the remarkable history from a knowledgeable guide on a guided tour
• Enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of the Chapel gardens and look for the gravestones of the founding family
• Spend time identifying the native and exotic plant carvings
• Examine the original architects’ drawings etched onto the wall in the Sacristy
• View Rosslyn Chapel from a distance by climbing up onto the canopy
• Use your powers of deduction to find the foundation date of the Chapel high up on the outside walls
• Seek and find the most difficult carving to find in the Chapel – the death mask of Robert the Bruce
• Take home a beautiful souvenir of your visit from the Chapel shop

In addition to the guided tour I would recommend you buy the official Rosslyn Chapel Guidebook written by the Earl of Rosslyn. At only £4.25 it is a real treasure chest full of fascinating information about the family history including many stunning color photographs of the Chapel and poetry from many of the famous poets who have visited the Chapel.

Photo: TFDuesing

Every country has a favorite song its people rally to and call their own.

Scotland is no exception.

But, Scotland does not have an official national anthem of its own as ‘God Save The Queen’ is the national anthem of the United Kingdom.

Nevertheless, Scottish people are a passionate people who are proud of their country and their heritage and so the demand for a Scotland national anthem is gathering pace.

The Scottish Parliament have the legal power to choose a national anthem for Scotland but have still to debate the matter. They need to hurry up!

An unofficial poll by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra in 2006 asking visitors to their website to vote for their favorite song to be Scotland’s national anthem came up with the following result:

10,000 votes were recorded.

1. Flower of Scotland – 41%
2. Scotland the Brave – 29%
3. Highland Cathedral – 16%
4. A Man’s A Man For A’ That – 7%
5. Scot’s Wha Hae – 6%

In this post I’m having a look at Scotland the Brave…

Scotland the Brave is a wonderful song full of the Highland traditions of Scotland.

It brings to mind images of the old times in Scotland with the bagpipes calling the people together in the hills and glens of the Scottish Highlands.

Images of passionate people proud of the beauty of their country and the friendships to be found there.

Thoughts of home for Scottish people who have traveled to distant shores and have a homesickness in their hearts for their country and a burning desire to return.

It is a stirring song with a lively rhythm bringing a spring to your step and a swirl of your kilt as you hear it played on the bagpipes…

It is a fitting contender to be chosen as Scotland’s national anthem.

Have a listen to this utube video and you will see what I mean…

The tune was written about the beginning of the 20th century.

The lyrics were written by a Scottish journalist… Cliff Hanley… round about 1950 for a popular Scottish entertainer of the time… Robert Wilson.

Have a read through the lyrics below and if you feel inclined sing them as you listen to the bagpipes playing in the video.

Scotland the Brave

Lyrics by Cliff Hanley

Hark! When the night is falling
Hark! Hear the pipes are calling,
Loudly and proudly calling, down through the glen.
There where the hills are sleeping,
Now feel the blood a-leaping,
High as the spirits of the old Highland men.

Chorus
Towering in gallant fame,
Scotland my mountain hame,
High may your proud standards gloriously wave,
Land of my high endeavour,
Land of the shining river,
Land of my heart for ever, Scotland the brave.

High in the misty Highlands,
Out by the purple islands,
Brave are the hearts that beat beneath Scottish skies.
Wild are the winds to meet you,
Staunch are the friends that greet you,
Kind as the love that shines from fair maidens’ eyes.

Chorus

Far off in sunlit places,
Sad are the Scottish faces,
Yearning to feel the kiss of sweet Scottish rain.
Where tropic skies are beaming,
Love sets the heart a-dreaming,
Longing and dreaming for the homeland again.

Chorus

There are loads of Scotland travel tours you can take when you are on vacation in Scotland and some of the best can be found in Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is a great place for you to take tours as most of the good things to see and do are in the city center or within a few minutes using local transport.

1. Taking A Tour On A Bus

One of the best ways of seeing Edinburgh for the first time is to take a trip on a local bus. There are city trips you can take on open-top buses where you buy a ticket and you can hop on and off as you wish. Or you can travel by a regular ‘Lothian Bus’ to see places of interest all over the city.

Photo: lambda_X

Tours by bus leave from Edinburgh to all parts of Scotland. You can also take luxury coaches for day tours or package tours lasting for a number of days from Edinburgh.

For example, here are a few of the tours offered by Scotline Tours, Edinburgh

1. Scottish Border Abbeys Tour
2. Highland Spirit, Castle & Whisky Tour
3. Day Tour to The West Highlands, Loch Ness & The Isle of Skye

Photo: nagillum

2. Tours To Take In Edinburgh Using A Travel Pass

A really great way to see Edinburgh is to buy a travel pass. It is a very cost effective way of doing your sightseeing as it includes ‘free’ entry into 30 top attractions in Edinburgh.

There is a travel pass for adults and children available for 1, 2 or 3 days.

You can buy the travel pass at tourist information centers and other local venues.

A few of the attractions included in the pass having free entry are:

• The 3D Loch Ness Experience
• Auld Reekie Tours-The Haunted Underground Tour
• Camera Obscura and World of Illusions
• Edinburgh Literary Pub Tour
• John Knox House
• Mercat Tours – The Historic Vaults Tour
• Mercat Tours – Secrets of the Royal Mile
• National Galleries of Scotland
• Glenkinchie Distillery
• and many more…

Photo: harshilshah100

3. Should You Take An Organised Tour?

Most people agree that the best advantage to taking an organised tour in Edinburgh is having a guide… that is someone… a person who will tell you all the insider bits you can’t find in a guide book.

There is nothing better than being in the company of a local person who knows his subject inside out… who can tell you really interesting stories only local people know and who will answer your questions accurately and completely.

But, if you don’t like being tied to a group and a guide then maybe taking an organised tour is not for you. It may be you prefer to buy a good local guide book and set of exploring the city using local buses, trains and soon the tram, to find out for yourself the magic and splendour that is Edinburgh.

If you like to get back to basics when you go on vacation then there is no better Scotland travel tour than chatting to the local Scots in a pub. You will be made to feel very welcome.

Photo: VerseVend

When you decide to go on vacation part of the downside of it all is getting yourself organised to do something that is way out of your normal routine and most likely way out of your comfort zone.

So, I have put together for you in these Scottish travel tips ….ways to make your vacation easier, safer and more enjoyable for you.

Tip #1 Make Sure You Confirm your Reservations

There is no bigger nightmare than turning up at an airport expecting to take a flight to discover the airline has never heard of you.

So, always confirm your flight details at least the day before you are due to fly out.

Do the same with you hotel accommodation.

If you have booked you vacation with a travel agent check all the details with them  a day or two before you are due to leave.

Tip #2 Always Leave Your Itinerary With Family Or A Friend

It is always important and also courteous to leave a copy of your itinerary with a member of your family or a friend so if something happens back home they will know where you are and can get in contact with you in a reasonable time.

It helps to have a chat with your family or friend and decide between you how often you should be in contact with them when you are away.

Keeping in regular contact prevents your family from worrying about you if they do not hear from you for a while.

There are lots of places where you can access the internet when you are on vacation so it is really easy to send emails regularly.

Tip #3 Don’t Travel With Too Much Luggage!

The temptation is always there when going on vacation to pack as much as possible into your luggage to cater for every type of weather.

Try to resist the temptation… not easy I know. I struggle with this every time I go on vacation.

If you are flying, make sure you know what your luggage weight allowance is before you go… And make sure you weigh your luggage to be sure you are within the luggage allowance. Many budget airlines charge a hefty premium for overweight luggage.

Tip #4 Put Your Personal Papers Into Your Hand Luggage

It is a sad fact, but so much luggage goes astray at airports today so you must be prepared for it to happen to you.

Make sure you put all of your important papers in your hand luggage and carry it onto the plane. This will include your itinerary and any tickets you have for pre-booked tours you will take on your vacation.

If you are taking medication make sure you pack this in your hand luggage also.

It can be very useful if you include a few items of essential clothing in your hand luggage. They will help you out while you are waiting to be re-united with your luggage.

Tip #5 Arrive At The Airport With Time To Spare

Find out from your travel agent or online booking when the check-in time for your flight begins.

Just as important is to find out the time when the check-in for your flight closes. Many budget airlines are turning passengers away because they arrive at the check-in desk late. The plane may still be at the airport, but if you arrive after the check-in desk closes you may miss your flight.

So, include enough time into your schedule to allow for delays in your journey to the airport.

If you do arrive at the airport at the last minute find an agent straight away, explain your situation to them and ask for their help to get you through the check-in process.

Do not just join the line expecting someone to contact you. They won’t.

The important thing for you to remember when you read these Scotland travel tips is you are going on vacation so relax, don’t panic and most of all… enjoy the trip!

More information from around the web on Scotland travel tips…

Travel Tips To Visit Scotland

Scotland is one of the best islands for travel and tourism. Due to natural beauty, Scotland is regarded as “Heaven on Earth”. This wonderful island of Great Britain has numbers of tourist destinations and places to see. Here we are offering travel tips to visit Scotland using that you can make your travel to Scotland trip more incredible and memorable. Click here to read more…

Visiting The Isle of Harris in the Western Isles of Scotland

Bathing on the beach for most of my vacation has never been my idea of fun. Please don’t misunderstand me, at times I really do enjoy relaxing on a beach, but, I also like to explore a little inland too. I really like to spend time just soaking in the atmosphere of the place, I also like to experience the local culture and especially enjoy sampling the food. If the truth is to be known I simply enjoy visiting new places each year and I go to great lengths attempting to discover somewhere or something totally unique. Click here to read more…

Scotland is a small country of 30,418 square miles located at the top of the British Isles. It is a beautiful blue / green country containing snow capped mountains, deep lochs, picturesque glens and over 790 islands including the Hebrides, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands.

 The population of Scotland is in the region of 5.1 million people.

Because it is such a beautiful country loads of people visit it every year. If you have never been to Scotland before I would urge you to seriously consider putting it up at the top of the places you must visit…

What Is Scotland Like?

As it is a small country travel in Scotland is very easy and as it has a long history there are so many things to do and see.

For example:

To name a few.

• Magnificient cities to discover
• Towering castles to explore
• Whisky distilleries to sample
• Exquisite gardens to take you time in
• Play golf in the land of its birth
• Climb mountains reaching to the sky
• Spot salmon in sparkling rivers
• Ski on snow capped mountain slopes

When you travel in Scotland you will find there is something for everyone in your family of whatever age.

The language of the people in Scotland is English with quite a variety of regional accents making it sometimes difficult for tourists to fully understand what is being said. But, with a little bit of practice it does not take long for visitors to warm to the charm of the locals and quickly begin to feel at home.

Gaelic, once the language spoken in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is now making a comeback and you will notice it on street and shop signs, at railway stations and at many other attractions. It is a reminder to the Scots of their heritage and separate identity.

Edinburgh is the capital city and is so full of wonderful things to do and see it needs lots of time to explore its palace, castle, art galleries, museums, golf courses and shopping malls. So, make sure you include lots of time in your itinerary.

Glasgow is a larger city than Edinburgh situated about an hour’s drive away and is considered to be the industrial capital of Scotland. It lies along the banks of the River Clyde and contains lots of lovely Victorian buildings and architecture by Charles Renee Mackintosh for you to visit and enjoy.

My Scotland travel blog will show you the many places of natural beauty within Scotland formed over time by the work of the people as they put down roots and left a history and rich heritage for visitors to explore and enjoy today.